The world has always looked for formulas to order their lives, but there are no formulas.  There is only the Will of GOD and the will of man.  Many will tell us that there has to be certain things that Must happen before the LORD’S Return, but is that so? 

The verse quoted above talks about the second coming when Jesus will return to earth and Rule.  They fail to see that there will be a time when Jesus will come for HIS Church.  This is not the end, but the beginning of the time of Tribulation, a time when the lawlessness of man will prevail over the earth.  A time so terrible that Jesus told us that it is a time like no other.  But Jesus is not constrained by a formula and of events that have to take place before HE can take HIS Church out.

Since the first Advent of Christ those things, which HE talked about in Matthew 24, have been with us, the wars and rumors of wars, famine, pestilence, and earthquakes, ect.  Christians have continually suffered for their faith at the hands of the deniers of the same.  Christians have repeatedly had to stand in defense of their faith in the face of death, from unbelievers and even from those who claimed they also where Christians.  For instance, the Salem witch trials, the Inquisition and others.  Nero was not alone in the persecution of the Church and we can look at the world today and see that he was a piker compared to many who persecute it still.

Are you looking for the falling away of the Church, Apostasy, and maybe the HOLY SPIRIT being taken out of the way?  I would point to the fact that the Church has already fallen away and that the HOLY SPIRIT has also been taken.  Does that mean that the Spirit of GOD is not here?  By no means, but the influence of the HOLY SPIRIT, is certainly diminished in that all of Europe, that used to be largely influenced by the Church is now influenced by man’s ideas of the way things should be.  For instance, look at the rise of Islam and what is going on all over Europe as riots and discontent soar.

The Church has no influence in this country as well, for we have thrown GOD out of the equation and now teach our children that there is no god.  While this is a fact, the HOLY SPIRIT still guides many of us to live a life for Christ, but as we have just seen in the recent elections, when the people had a chance to speak, they accepted the policies of the World instead of Righteousness and the Word of GOD.

If you were to look at how Jesus conducted HIMSELF while HE was here you will find no formulas for healing, but would see that HE used many different ways to heal the sick.  Knowing man, and how he thinks, we would get hung up on some incantation or formula and do as the pagans do.  We would stand and recite some incantation and then we would exalt ourselves and believe that it was our power that did the trick.  The healing and all the gifts are for GOD’S Glory and for the building up of the Saints, not for us to parade around thinking that We Were something when in and of ourselves we can do nothing to heal anyone.

When a pastor says that the LORD can come at any time he is saying correctly, for Jesus can come for HIS Church at any moment and is not restricted by what any man thinks has to be the Chronologically correct timeline or event line.  Jesus, Paul, and Peter told us that HIS return would come as a Thief in the Night.  A thief does not herald his coming, but sneaks in to rob.  Jesus told us that this is how HE would come, but HE in not a thief to Us, so Paul says that we are not appointed to wrath and that we are sons of the light.  Jesus told us to watch and to be ready. (the ten virgins)   Those who are not looking for HIS return will be taken unawares for they are blinded by the lie that there is no GOD.  Jesus called HIS disciples friends and said that a friend knows what his friend is doing.  We are friends of GOD and therefore HE has told us of things that will happen so that we can watch, HE also talked about not giving into beating our servants, because we think HE is tarrying, for we know not the hour or the day.

What has Jesus told us to do?  Trust in HIM, be conformed to HIS Image, Love the LORD with all our hearts, mind and souls, and to Love our neighbors as ourselves.  This we can do while we patiently wait for our Redemption.  We can relax in the fact that GOD is in Control and that we are not appointed to wrath.  We can share our faith knowing that even if it costs us our lives we will not be condemned to hell.  We can treat our neighbors like we want to be treated and even if it is not appreciated, GOD knows our hearts and HE is Pleased with us doing so.

There are no formulas or rituals that are to be performed to conjure up GOD, these are for witches and pagans and is what their belief is.  We, on the other hand, have the Living GOD living within us and HE has given us Authority, in Jesus Name, to do the things of Christ and more, because HE went to sit at the Right Hand of The Father.  Our job is to pray and listen and follow the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT so that we can be transformed into the Image of the Lamb.  GOD’S job is to help us to grow in our faith, a faith HE already knows we have.  We have to be willing to go along, for a broken and contrite heart the LORD will not despise.

Are you searching for all the answers?  Well let me know how that works out for you.  Maybe it would be better to just do what has been given us to do, as in treating others with the Love that Jesus has for us, and trusting and Loving GOD.  After all, Jesus told us that these were the two greatest commands.  If we do these then we shall see great things in our lives.

Adam and Eve could not keep One command, and mankind cannot keep just the two mentioned above.  I would say relax in the fact that GOD has your back.  Better than talking to GOD and telling him all about our troubles is to Listen for the Still Small Voice that will direct us, if we listen and obey.

Don’t know the LORD?  None of this will be of any use to you, because you have not done the first step.  All journeys begin with the first step and the step in this case is to accept what Christ did on the Cross for you.  Ring, Ring, Pick up, I know that you are there; I have great news for you, if you will only Pick up.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries.

Shall we then make bricks and build a city and make a name for ourselves?  It would seem so as the leaders of the world have decided to do things alike.  They stand in the face of GOD and say that, “We can do all things without you.”  Do you think that we can?  Paul told us that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.  This seems completely different from what the world is saying.  They like those of the time in Genesis are saying the exact opposite in thinking that they can do it alone.  Where is the call from our leaders unto repentance, and intervention by the LORD into our individual hearts, and corporately also?

There was a call before the recent election to fast and pray, and I would say that probably millions prayed and fasted.  GOD heard our prayers and said No, because the hearts of the people, majority, were not with HIM and HIS plan.  Instead the people voted and said, “We want more stuff, and we want what this president wants.”  The hearts of the people went with the abominations of the world instead of truly seeking the face of GOD and seeking HIS solution.  Many who voted would tell you that they weren’t really voting for the policies of this administration, but they are fooling only themselves. You can’t vote for the man and separate him from his policies.  So we still have the debt, we still turn our face away from GOD, and Murder our children.  Is GOD pleased with our decision and has HE changed HIS mind on these abominations? 

If we believe that GOD never changes, or whether we don’t, it makes no difference because the truth is still the truth whether we believe or not, then the LORD cannot be pleased with our decision.  Of course, not everyone made the decision to go the way we are going, but we will all pay for it.  I will send them a Calamity that they shall not escape, then they shall cry out to GOD, but I will not hear them. (Jeremiah 11:11)  We love money more than GOD and so economic collapse is on the agenda, for the LORD will smite our god as HE did in Egypt when HE brought Israel out.  HE confounded their gods so that they would know that there is Only One True GOD.  Better fasten your seatbelts, because it is going to be a bumpy ride, as we suffer for the “will of the people.”

I would not make a blanket statement that the leaders of the Church are blinded and not proclaiming what is on the horizon, but would say that they are busy with the job the LORD has given them.  They are trying to do the works that are by nature born out of their Christian Faith.  They feed the poor, and cloth them, they help those affected by disaster, and these are noble causes, they also preach the Gospel, at least some do.  Others preach the social gospel and deny the LORD.  Some who are in the political arena have now turned to say, let us not speak of the hard things, like abortion, but let us tune down our rhetoric and try to fix, politically, what only GOD can fix.

Am I the only one who has this burden?  I think not, for the LORD told Elijah that 7000 had not bent the knee to Baal, so I suspect that there are many others out there that are burdened in the same way I am.  We keep saying what the LORD is telling us and trying to warn the world of the impending disaster.  We keep saying to those who are perishing, to turn to Jesus, before it is too late, but the world does not want to hear.  Instead they say, “There is no GOD, and if there is then we choose not to serve HIM.”  As in Revelation they keep saying, “We see the danger, so let the rocks cover us and keep us from HIS judgment.”  In essence, strong delusion is in place and the people believe a lie. (Thessalonians)  The HOLY SPIRIT has been removed from a place of influence, by a court decision made 50 years ago.  We, if we look, can see what the consequences of that action has produced, and yet we keep Running down the road to destruction, as if we had not a care in the world.  Rightly so, for those who are perishing cannot distinguish between the world’s ways and the Way of the LORD, for they are Spiritually discerned.  Without the Spirit of GOD we are Blinded by the prince of the power of the air, or Satan.  He has blinded, not only this country, but the Majority of the world as well.  Europe is an example of what we can look forward to.  The motto of the last election was Forward, and forward we shall go into destruction, for they would not listen and cannot escape the Calamity.

When will this Calamity come to fruition?  I have no idea, but I suspect that it will be soon for the LORD impressed upon me that there would be No Other President.  I would think that if the LORD only meant that this president would be reelected then HE would have impressed that, but that there would be No Other, means something entirely different.  Look around and open your eyes. Can you not see what is going on with Israel surrounded by their enemies, with the world in turmoil like never before?  I know that many will disagree with me and that is their prerogative, but I say, that they should consider what I am saying and pray about it, for as Paul told some, “I too am a Christian, and have the HOLY SPIRIT living within me.”

I don’t believe that we can stop the events that will take place, but I do believe that, Individually, we can avoid the ultimate judgment of being sent to hell.  If you name the name of Christ as your savior, then I would encourage you to seek HIM with your whole heart, and not just with your lips, as many did in the recent election.  It may be that the LORD will hide us in the day of HIS wrath. (Zephaniah 2)

This is a time of year when we Celebrate the Birth of Jesus.  We give gifts to others and wish them well.  This is my gift to the Church, Trust in Jesus, the Lamb of GOD who took away the Sin of the World.  GOD is not dead, nor is HE sick.  We still have today to turn to HIM, and Grace is still available.  For how long I know not, but why wait?  What will it take to bring us to our knees and confess that Jesus is LORD?  It is going to happen as it is said in Romans 14.  It is much better to bow the knee now then when at the judgment seat of Christ, when it will be mandatory.  Don’t like mandatory?  Well maybe the rocks will hide you, but I would not count on it.  This country is lost in greed, not only by the rich but also by those who want what others have at any cost. 

Until next time, thanks for looking, and keep looking up for the sign of HIS appearing   al

JTB Ministries 

While the world may be in turmoil and things seemingly are coming apart there is Peace in Christ.  HE told us that HE gives us HIS peace, not as the world does, but that there is Peace in HIM.  Many today are without Peace, even in the Christian world, and to me that is a real shame for the opportunity for peace is there in the person of Jesus, who, at least, the Christians say is their GOD. 

The verse above says that we have been blessed with all the Spiritual Blessings in Heavenly places.  So what do you think?  Did GOD Bless us with a promise that One Day we will have those Blessings, or is it possible to have those blessings while we wait for the redemption?  I say that we have them now, but that the big reason they don’t seem to be evident is because folks don’t receive them or they have not gotten the Word of GOD into their spirits.  They walk around confessing their problems, speaking into existence strife, death, sickness, and unforgiveness.  There is a proverb that says that, “life and death are in the power of the tongue.”  If we speak life then we can have life, if death then it also is ours.  We say that we are failures and that GOD can’t love me, but that is a lie, for the whole of the Word of GOD is filled with the Love of GOD for us.  Another proverb, basically says, it is better to keep our mouths shut and to be thought a fool, than to open it up and prove it.  That being said, what are we saying about ourselves and our situation?  Are we saying I don’t know what to do, or what will I have to sustain me?  These are taken care of by GOD who is very interested in what our needs are.

GOD has provided all Spiritual Blessings for us and they are ours if we will reach out and grab them.  Is GOD’S arm too short, or HIS ear dull of hearing?  I believe not, for the GOD who created all things has, from before the foundations of the world, chosen us to be HIS.  That being true, how can we say I don’t know if I can make it to the end?  It is a done deal, and the LORD has already judged us and found us Not guilty.  When we pray we are to believe that we have received, that means if the LORD has said I give you peace, we need to agree with the LORD and we will have it.  If GOD has said that HE is for us, then we need to Agree with HIM.  So many seek peace and rest, and it is already there.  For rest comes in being in agreement with the LORD, and saying what HE says.  One day we will look and see the caging up of the devil and will say, “Is this the one who we feared, the one who held the world in fear?”  We can rest right now in the knowledge that GOD is in Control of All things, including Us.  HE knows our circumstance and where we are in our walk with HIM.  HE knows the amount of faith we have and will not push us beyond what we can endure, but will provide a way of escape.  We Can Rest in GOD, who watches over us at all times, for the Angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear HIM.  Has HE not said that HE would give HIS angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways, and that they will bear us up in their hands lest we dash our foot against a stone?  There are so many promises that we, as Christians, can own as we walk along.  The LORD is My Shepherd, I shall not want.  These two should help us immensely as we go from day to day, as HIS angels encamp around us and bear us up and knowing that HE is our Shepherd, he watched over us and takes care of HIS sheep and their needs.

I would encourage those who are concerned about all the things of this world to reach out and receive the Blessings of GOD.  The Blessing of Rest in HIM and HIS ability to control all things, and Rest in the knowledge that HE is able to keep that which belongs to HIM, Rest that HE will hang onto what is HIS until the day of Salvation.  In this Rest we also have peace, for we are at peace with HIM who created us through the Cross.  We have the comforter, or HOLY SPIRIT, that lives in us to help us.  HE has come along side us as our helper to give us courage and peace, for there is peace in no other than Jesus, and the HOLY SPIRIT, testifies to this in our Spirits and witnesses to us that we are Children of the Living GOD.

No matter what is going on, Trust in Jesus, for there is Peace beyond what we can understand.  Philippians 4 tells us to Rejoice and to be anxious for nothing, but by Prayer and Supplication, with Thanksgiving, we are to make our requests known to GOD, and the Peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding will Guard our Hearts and Minds in Christ Jesus.  We have Peace because we know that our LORD knows what we have need of and that HE hears our prayers of concern and will give what we have need of.  We can Rest in the Knowledge that HE Knows what is best for us and will answer our prayers according to HIS Will.  So we pray and ask GOD for a need, and we understand that HE answers with, Yes, No, or Later.  Our job is to Trust and Wait on the LORD, and what do we do while we are waiting on the LORD?  We keep on trusting and seeking, we look for the move of GOD in our lives and we Thank HIM for what HE is doing, even when we cannot see it.  We keep on doing the last thing that we understood HIM to tell us and when the time is right, HIS time, we can be assured that we will have what we have need of.  In the armed services a person is responsible for the last command given, unless it is countermanded by someone of Higher Authority.  GOD is our Highest Authority and HIS last command is always what we do, until HE tells us to do something else.  And we can have Peace, because HE WILL NEVER, tell us to do something that is against HIS Word. 

As you can see we need to grasp this and Rest in HIM and in that Rest there is peace, not as the world gives but as the Loving Creator gives.  It doesn’t get any better than that!  Just Believe and Receive for GOD LOVES You, and there is no Greater Love than this, that the GOD, YAHWEH, has come to earth and fellowshipped with mankind and then provided the Reconciliation that HE needed for us to have that fellowship, when HE went to the Cross to take all our sin from us and made us clean.  HE did this and HE will finish all that pertains to us, in this we have Rest and Peace.  HE always said Fear Not, for it is I.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and Lean not unto your own understanding.  Proverbs 3.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries

For all of us that have accepted Christ and HIS Finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin, we have already been judged and found, not only, not guilty, but it is As If We Had Never Sinned.  We have given up the righteousness of our own works and have been Declared Righteous by GOD, who is the only Righteousness there is.  Also we have been given a Seal and Guarantee as a down payment against the day of Redemption, namely the HOLY SPIRIT, who resides in us, teaches us, and leads us into all truth.

Isaiah 54 tells us that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and those who rise up against us, we shall condemn, and that is the heritage of the Righteous, and that Righteousness is from the LORD, Says, the LORD.  What do we do with that?  Do we walk around in pride as if we did it?  No! it should make us humble that this great gift is from GOD.  I know that I am Righteous in GOD’S sight, because Jesus took my Sin upon HIMSELF and replaced it with HIS Righteousness.  I was Nakedly in Sin and GOD could not look upon me, but Now, looking through the Blood of the Lamb that took away the Sin of the World, HE, GOD, sees me as one of HIS own and without Sin.  Come on class, we need to get this and start looking at ourselves like GOD does.  HE takes a broken and perishing soul and transforms it into the Image of HIS Son.  HE takes us on HIS faith and Foreknowledge and Creates a New Person. HE gives us the Seal of the HOLY SPIRIT, to say one day you will be redeemed and the whole of Creation will stop groaning in anticipation of the revelation of the son’s of GOD.

All through our lives HE sanctifies us or shows us what HE wants changed in our lives, and helps us to do so, for HE knows that we are weak and cannot do it alone.  It is all GOD!  HE provides the way of Salvation, the Guarantee, the help in the Journey, and the Redemption in the end.  So what part do we play?  We are Willing participants in the Plan of GOD for our lives, for GOD will not violate our will to make HIS will be done.  If we are not willing then we will not progress in our walk with HIM.

Not only has HE given us a guarantee but also HE has given all the gifts in the Heavenlies, which are available to us Today, If, we will receive them by Faith.  We move in this walk from faith to faith, or trial and faith, to victory, to another test of our faith.  Do not discount the work of GOD in your life as you go through a trial, for they are GOD’S work in us that produces faith to persevere.  It provides an avenue in which we learn to really trust GOD.  Then we can say with certainty, “If GOD is for us, who can be against us? And there is nothing that can separate us from the Love of GOD.  And one more, GOD, YOU are my rock and how shall I fear what man can do to me?”

My calling is to the Church, but I do speak to those who have not yet trusted Christ.  Those who have not are also dead, but not in Christ, but to Christ.  Not only are they dead but they are already doomed to torment.  My word to them is, It is Not Too Late!  If you are breathing there is opportunity available to you to turn your life over to the Only One Who Can Save You from the lake of fire.  Nothing I said earlier will work for you until you Receive Christ as an act of faith.  Your prayers for jobs, or companionship, or marriage, or whatever else are NOT HEARD, because, for one thing, you don’t really believe, and you have not accepted the Work that Christ did for you.  You are still Working your way to Heaven, which, without Christ is Impossible.  There is, of course, an answer, and that is to pray for GOD to save you, for HE DOES HEAR the prayer of Faith, asking for Forgiveness for your sin.  GOD wants to forgive you and clean you up, and HE is the only one who can.  We cannot make ourselves clean enough to even enter into prayer with HIM.  We can only enter into HIS presence by the Blood of the Lamb, who took away the Sin of the World.  When we do that HE sees us as Clean enough.  When we do that we speak in a new tongue, one of Praise for the ONLY LIVING GOD.  We are all at once transformed from one who is an enemy to one who is a Son or Daughter.  We are then in the Everlasting arms of the Loving Father, who gives us gifts and is with us in time of trouble.  After all, we all have trouble, but it is much easier when someone is there for us and we are no longer alone.

I’ve used this saying before.  “You have a phone call, It’s the LORD, HE says, Pick Up I Know that You are There, I have great News for you!”  Don’t wait, Pick Up.

I know that the time is short and the return of the LORD is imminent, much closer than we can imagine.  Those who are in Christ are not appointed to Wrath and will be given a way out, while the world is plunged into darkness and judgment.  GOD’S call to all of us is to Seek HIM, whether saved or unsaved.  Those who are saved are assured of the Goodness and Mercy of GOD, those who refuse GOD’S Grace today are not so fortunate, and will suffer.  I implore each of us, TODAY, to reach out to the LORD and to put away any Religious Spirit and replace it with the Freedom that Comes with Christ.  The Church and mankind are missing so much; for we do not even, nor can we, comprehend the depths of GOD’S Love.  We suffer, because we do not seek HIM, and the World suffers because of our Failures.  It is the Simple Gospel that worked for the Apostles, the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ.

Don’t Delay!!!!!

Until next time, thanks for looking.    al

JTB Ministries

The LORD gave me a great understanding today in that HE brought to mind the honeybee and the beekeeper.

Ever notice the bees, how they are ever buzzing around, nearly oblivious to their surroundings?  They have a job to do and so they perform it.  They collect the pollen and deposit it into the hive, somehow, the honey is produced, I do not know how, but it is.  Then after all of their hard work one much stronger than them comes along and takes what they have made and uses it for his own purposes.  The world is something like the beehive and man is the bee, he buzzes around ever working to gather together what he thinks he needs, oblivious to his surroundings, storing up for himself his goods, and then one day another comes along and takes it for himself to use for his own purposes.

The LORD told us not to store up goods that will rust and that the moths will eat and thieves steal.  We are told to store up treasures in heaven where these things can’t happen, for who can steal out of the hands of GOD what is HIS?  I find no mention of decay or deterioration in heaven, because those things are of this world where all things decay and die, eventually.  In heaven that which is there is incorruptible for in order to get there the corruptible must put on incorruption.

We see a picture of the bees on this earth as people are continually buzzing around amassing for themselves goods, that later governments take away, being the stronger, to use for the purposes of a few, for government is there, no longer, for the people but for what they can accomplish and gain some kind of glory for themselves.  They say that they want to help the poor and the needy, but really they line their own pockets, for their treasure is in power and mammon.  I’m not saying that we should be against the government, for it is Ordained of GOD for our protection.  I am also not saying that we should not save nor be wise with the use of whatever the LORD provides.  But in this lies the key, What the LORD has provided.  All that we have is from the LORD, whether health, wealth, the car we drive or the house we occupy, flesh or sticks, or the clothes we have and the food we eat, and even the breath we take is from the LORD for our good.

Jesus also told us to seek first the Kingdom of GOD and HIS Righteousness and these things that we are worried about will be added unto us, for GOD Knows what we have need of.  In this we find peace, knowing that as the LORD cares for the sparrows, we are worth many sparrows, and therefore he Watches over us and we have no need to fret about those things.  GOD has our backs so that we can be about our Father’s Business.  If we spend all our time concerned about those things that are established as our needs, that the LORD takes care of, we will not be concerned with the works of the LORD. 

What do we have that the LORD has not provided?  “You may say well I worked for what I have.”  Without the LORD you would not be able to, nor have the very breath you breath.  The LORD told us that all the Law was summed up in two commands, to Love GOD and to Love our brothers as ourselves.  There are those, to be sure, who do not know the LORD and will steal and connive to get what they Think is important, but we are not so, for the important Thing is not in this world nor is it temporal, or for today, but it is Eternal.  While those treasures are stored up in heaven, GOD is not without mercy to provide what we have need of today, heck, HE even provides for wants.  Every good thing comes from GOD and nowhere else.  I know that many deny that but what can I say? They are lost and only by receiving the LORD can they see, for the eyes of their understanding are closed to the things of GOD.

GOD gives us what we have need of and in most cases HE actually gives more than we need or maybe enough to share.  Has your child asked for a nickel and you, being generous, give that child a dime or quarter?  If we, who are evil, give to ours good things; How much more will Our Father in Heaven give us good things?  A word of Caution is in order, GOD will not give us Everything we Want, because HE Knows what is good and what is bad, unlike us who thinks whatever we want must be good.

My point in all this is to say, Relax and Rest in the LORD and HIS provision, Pray for what you have need of or want and be content with that which GOD provides.  If it is HIS will HE will answer our prayers, with that which we pray for.  On the other hand, if HE knows that it is bad for us HE Will say No.  our job is to be content with what the LORD is doing, because HE is a lot smarter than we.  If we are always disappointed with how the LORD answers prayer then it is not the LORD who is at fault, but us, for trying to contain GOD is some kind of cage that says; “You must do it the way I want or I will not believe you anymore.”  It is awesome to see how the LORD will answer our prayers for HE does things so unexpectedly and in HIS own way.  I mean HE answers anyway, whether we acknowledge it or not.  Wouldn’t’ it be much better to Pray, Watch, and give thanks for how our Awesome GOD responds to the cries of HIS people?  Stand by and See the Salvation of the LORD.

Are you seeking rest for your weary soul?  It is in Jesus that you will find the rest you need.

Selah, (pause and think about this)

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries.

I keep up with a Website that is called Townhall and the question was asked the other day, “what do we have to be thankful for?”  From the world’s perspective, I guess they have nothing to look forward to except the coming of the anti-Christ, who will put them all under his subjection.  But, of course they will do this willingly, because he says he has the answers to all of the problems they face.  He will say, that those who suddenly disappeared were against GOD and so the LORD destroyed them, and he will say that he is a true Christian.  Later he will proclaim that he is GOD, and those on the earth will worship him as GOD, as he takes the seat in the temple of GOD. 

We, on the other hand, if we are believers and justified by GOD have much to be thankful for.  The LORD, through HIS Apostle Paul, told us to be thankful in all things.  You may say, well I’m sick or I am poor, or I have nowhere to live, should I be thankful for this?  Not necessarily thankful for, but In.  We can also be thankful for, because whatever we are going through, the LORD is right there with us, helping us Through the trial, building the faith, we say we have, but having no idea of the length and breadth of it.  GOD knows All things and HE really does know the amount of faith we have, unlike us.

In Philippians 4 Paul tells us the be anxious for nothing, but to make our requests known to GOD.  So, as Joyce Meyer would say; “Go to the Throne and not the phone.”  You say; “Well GOD knows what I have need of, so why pray?”  The problem is that we really don’t know what we have need of, and HE does.  What looks to be the problem confronting us may not be it at all, and if that is the case then GOD will help us to get what we Really need.

When we pray, we are saying to GOD, who is the provider of all things good, that we need HIM, the owner of cattle on a thousand hills, to sell some of those cattle to help us out.  Now cattle come in all different kinds and it may be the cow of Grace that we really need, or the cow blessing, or mercy, or healing.  So while we are asking the LORD for HIM to help us, we should also be asking HIM to help our faith and unbelief.  GOD is able to meet all our needs, whether they are physical or spiritual.  With GOD All things are possible.  We pray the LORD’S prayer and we ask that GOD’S will be done on earth as it is in heaven, we say, give us this day, lead us not into temptation, deliver us from the evil one.  That just about covers it all, but prayer is a conversation with the Creator of the universe and all that consists of.  We can give thanks, because, through the Blood of Christ we have unlimited Access to the Only Living GOD, who is All Powerful, All Knowing, and is Everywhere.  How awesome is that?  We who are nothing have an Audience with HIM, and not only an audience, but HE, unlike those on the phone, really wants to hear what we have to say.

We can give thanks because, from before the beginnings of the world GOD knew us.  Before we ever sinned and repented he knew us and loved us anyway.  You may say, “Well I’m a pretty good person, so why wouldn’t HE love me?”  Really?  Paul says that we All have sinned and Fall Short of the Glory of GOD.  Our standards of goodness are way too low, and HIS standards are unattainable without HIS help.  Like the cavalry that showed up just in the nick of time to save the settlers, GOD became a Man and provided the way to please HIM.  All I can say is WOW!!!  So we can be Thankful that HE LOVES Us Warts and All.  HE sees our Nakedness and has said, “Here is a covering for your shame, and I have provided it because you can’t do it for yourself.”

We can be thankful for all that we are in HIM, for HE has taken the handwriting of our offence away and given us a real cure for the sin that separates us.  HE has provided the way of reconciliation and wants to have fellowship with us.  Can you believe that, the Creator of all things actually wants to talk to us?  Mind boggling isn’t it?  But that is the way it is, and all we have to do is accept.

The question is not; “What do I have to be thankful for?”  But really is, what Don’t I have to be thankful for?  GOD is on the Phone and it’s for You!  You have a special call from the Throne of GOD, Person to Person and HE has even Paid for the Call.

As we enter this season of Thankfulness and later into the Christmas season it is my hope and the hope of countless Christians that those who haven’t accepted the call, will at least pick up the Phone and not just take a message.  Getting back to HIM later may not be an option.  The LORD says; “I know You’re there, Pick up, Pick up!!  I have something wonderful to talk with you about.”

Don’t know what to say?  How about, Reveal yourself to me.  Show me that you are real, so that I can believe.  GOD will Always answer that prayer, and the good thing is that the Call is free, to you, for it is a reverse the charges kind of call some of us get when another is in trouble and doesn’t know where to turn.  We were All in trouble and didn’t have a solution, when Christ came to save us.

Pick Up and you will have much to be thankful for, more than you could ever imagine.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

See I have something else to be thankful for, You Looking.

JTB  Ministries

There are those who will say, what I am about to write is a lie and that GOD will neither do good or evil.  This out of the book of Zephaniah.  They too believed that GOD would not judge the nation of Israel, but as it turns out, they were Wrong.

Is Barack Obama GOD’S man?  The answer is Yes, but it also begs the question; To what end?  I am reminded that Nebuchadnezzar was also GOD’S man for the hour, and with him GOD rained destruction on Jerusalem.  I am also reminded that Noah, Only, was found to be righteous in the entire world before the flood and only 8 souls were saved through the flood.  Also there was Lot, who alone is mentioned in the book of Hebrews as a man who soul was vexed because of the wickedness of his surroundings.  This netted only 3 who actually survived the downfall of Sodom.  When Jerusalem was destroyed only a remnant was saved and in the end only a remnant of the Jews will go forth.

If any think that those who told the folks of their time that Jerusalem would be destroyed found any pleasure in the telling then they should read Jeremiah and Lamentations.  These men found No pleasure in what they had to say, but they obeyed the LORD and went ahead and spoke what was given.  In each of the Old Testament prophesies there was the warning and then there was also a Word of Encouragement to the nation. 

So what was the purpose of the warnings?  Was it not to turn the hearts of men towards GOD and Repent of their abominations?  It is evident, to me, that GOD was not pleased to have to deal out judgment on HIS Chosen, but because of the hardness of their hearts, HE had no choice.  You say that GOD will neither do good nor evil, and some would say that we are destroying ourselves.  But I am reminded of the story of Ahab, whom GOD wanted dead, and was sent a lying spirit to get him to the battlefield.

I also take no pleasure in being one whom GOD has given a Word to, and far be it from me to claim the office of a prophet, for that is GOD’S call and not mine, HE is the judge and HE will judge me if I would stand and tell lies to those to whom I am writing and speaking.

I believe that I speak the truth and pray that GOD would not allow me to speak anything else.  So what is my purpose?  It is to wake up the Church and to say, “Get yourself right with GOD, for the time is short.”  I don’t worry about whether any would listen, for as Ezekiel, GOD has given me a forehead that is harder than flint, because HE has sent me to a people who are stiff-necked and believe that GOD will neither do good or evil.  If the Church listens that is good, for the individual and possibly for nations, if not then they bear their own blood for I am just a Watchman on the wall.  It is not my business what another will do, I must do and say what the LORD gives me and let HIM be the judge.

I would caution those who scoff, as they scoffed at Noah, again only 8 souls survived.  Does that mean that only 8 will survive today or that those who do not head warning will lose their Salvation?  I don’t believe so for the scripture does not portray that.  But I am reminded of an old tale about a man who was in the midst of a great storm.  Warnings went out and a person came with a 4-wheel drive when the floodwaters were low, then a man came with a boat, then when he was on the roof and helicopter.  All the while that man claimed that he was Good and that GOD would not allow him to perish.  Finally the man was swept away and when he got to Heaven, he told the LORD how he was angry and disappointed with GOD.  How so? Asked the LORD, for I sent you a truck, a boat and a helicopter, but you chose not to take advantage of all that I did for you.

What is GOD’S purpose in allowing Obama to be our president?  Do you think that all of a sudden that GOD has changed HIS mind and murder is now good, or that gay marriage is good?  If you do then I feel sorry for you, for you have truly lost your way.  GOD is the same and has not changed. 

It used to be, years ago, that the king was the absolute ruler and his goodness or wickedness was the deciding factor, but we have a different set of circumstances in America.  Today we are the decider as, for the first time in history, we have the right to choose our leaders.  What was once the judgment against a king and his people, is now a judgment against the people and their choices.  We didn’t all vote for the policies of this president, but we will all pay the consequences.  That is why, as Jeremiah, I have stopped praying for this nation, as he was told to do, but my prayers are with the Church, for GOD is the Only answer, whether HE chooses to relent or not. 

I would rather that the LORD strike me dead before this is finished and posted than to speak a Word which is a lie and not what GOD is giving me.  I take no pleasure in what is in the future, except that one day I will be with the LORD and all will be well, for there will be no sorrow there.  All I’m saying is to take a close look at where we are and what is going on in the world in the light of the Given Word of GOD and prepare.  Even the Boy Scouts will tell you to be prepared.  Isn’t this the message of the 10 Virgins?  Some had enough oil and some did not.  Renew your commitment to the LORD now while you have time, for we know not what me may have to endure, while waiting for the Bridegroom.

I know that GOD Loves all of mankind and is not pleased to see the wicked perish, and that HE is not slack as some would count slackness, but is not willing that Any should perish, especially those who claim Christ as LORD.  I am just the messenger, and what is done with what I have to say is not my business, nor will I be held accountable for those who choose to reject what I have to say.  If it is your belief that there is a political solution then you do what you have to do, as for me and my house, we will trust in the LORD and do what HE commands.  To Love HIM with all that is within me and to Love my neighbor as myself.  By this the world will know MY people, that they Love one another.

So how does this work for the lost?  It doesn’t!  Nothing in the Word of GOD works for the lost, except HE will hear the prayer of a person who understands that they are bankrupt in spirit and in need of a Savior.  For those who come to Jesus HE will in no way refuse.  If we believe in our hearts and confess that Jesus was raised from the dead then we are saved.  That’s the beginning of the journey of faith, as GOD sets about not to leave us where HE found us, but to conform us to the image of HIS Son.  GOD is LOVE and HE Loves all of Mankind.  Trust in HIM today, while it is still possible to find HIM.

If you are reading this I hope you will PRAY about what you have read.  If you are already saved then my hope is that you will draw nearer to GOD, if not saved that you will ask Jesus into your heart and be saved that I may see you in my Father’s heaven.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries

So how big is your god and is he god all the time or only on Sunday when we go the House of GOD and worship?  I’m reminded of a time when Israel was fighting another kingdom and this other kingdom believed that GOD was only the god of high country and how the LORD showed them that HE was also the LORD of the plains and lowlands.

Untold thousands, maybe millions, go to church on Sunday and stand in the pews and proclaim their allegiance to Jesus, and then retire to their homes and promptly forget the one they just praised and worshiped.  We saw this just a short time ago when those same people who identified with Christ on Sunday went on Tuesday and used a right given by the LORD to stand against HIM.  I guess they only know the LORD on Sunday and at any other time they only know what they want, and have no recognition of GOD’S Word or HIS ways.

I say if you only have a god you can worship on Sunday then maybe he is no god at all.  Before I even got saved, I remember saying that if I ever became a Christian then I wanted to be one 24/7.  In other words, I did not want to be one who said, “I surrender all,” on Sunday and lived like the rest of the world the other six days of the week. 

My walk with the LORD has been messy as I struggled to keep control of the things that I did not want to lose control of.  I suspect that it is this way with all those who claim to know the LORD.  That being said it was always my prayer that GOD would lead me every day and not just on Sunday.  I wanted, and want, to know the LORD at all times, and though I balk at things, because they involve change, ultimately it is the LORD who wins and I eventually come to the conclusion that HE Is Always Right, and it is me who needs to change and Not HIM.

Isaiah said that they paid GOD lip service but their hearts were far from HIM.  We are the same today, as we joyfully worship in the worship service and then revert to a child of the world on Sunday afternoon, and for the rest of the week.  Isn’t GOD still GOD after the service and on Monday or Tuesday?  Do we not want to know how the LORD thinks on Wednesday or Friday?  GOD does not change; HE can do on Thursday what can be accomplished on Sunday.  We can have the same worship and praise for GOD on Friday as we have on Sunday morning, if we choose to.  If we will be willing to take a time for the LORD each day we will find that HE is able to help us through those days when all hell seems to be breaking loose.

Our pastor shared a survey of how we, as Christians, voted last week and I have to tell you that I was totally appalled at what I saw.  Overwhelmingly groups, who say they are Christian, abandoned the LORD for the policies of a failed world in favor of all the abominations that so grieve the heart of GOD.  Personally I wish that these who claim to be Christians with their mouths would stop their claiming and stop trying to fool themselves and GOD with empty words of praise.  The praises of the wicked are not acceptable to GOD.  For if the heart is anywhere but with the LORD then the speech is a lie, and the truth is not in them.

Only the prayers of the Righteous are acceptable to the LORD, and our Righteousness is from the LORD.  It is not our righteousness that counts, but the Righteousness of GOD, given to those who have received Christ as their savior.  A Sunday god is a small god, and is good for nothing.  Small gods only work when We carry them along to wherever we are going, for they have no movement of their own.  They cannot save us nor can they answer our prayer for they are not gods at all, but simply some Idol that we cling to when we want them.  They are like the Crucifixes that are worn around the neck, showing blaspheming GOD by the acts we commit while showing the Crucified Christ.

Unless GOD builds the house, those who build do so in Vain.  GOD builds the house that we inhabit, but the habitation is empty unless we actually submit to the Only Living GOD.  If the world is such a wonderful place, then why are some many seeking escape with drugs and alcohol, or sex or whatever else they need to get them through another day?  I submit that GOD is the answer to their lack of peace and only HE is able to satisfy their cravings for peace.  There is no Peace without the LORD, even though we try to find it in many Things.  What will it take to keep You saved today?  Will you need a touch from GOD, or a healing, or a new car?  I could name many other things that we seem to need for GOD to show us that HE loves us, when HE already did, at Calvary.

Put away the things of this world, and I don’t mean that you should stand on the street corner and hand out all that you are in control of, but that you understand that GOD Knows what you have need of and will supply those needs.  HE is in control of all things and deals out things as HE wills.  HE knows what is good for us and what is not.  We suffer disappointment when we Demand that GOD do it our way, instead of HIS Perfect way.  why not stop Demanding of GOD and Ask HIM what His way is?  And don’t just resign yourself with the attitude that, “Well HE’LL get HIS way anyway.” 

A real Christian wants what GOD wants, in their lives and in the lives of others.  Either your god knows all or he is no better than you are, and has no power at all.  That’s the trouble with idols, they have to be carried around, and we supply the power for them, instead of GOD carrying us around with the power to sustain us.  I’ll rely on the one Who Carries Me, for without Christ I can do nothing, but with Christ I can do all things that HE has for me to do.  Take a moment and ask yourself, “Just how Big is My GOD?  If your god is only seen in what you can do or see, then maybe you need to rethink your position as a “Christian” and start to follow the ONE who created all things.  The closer we stand to Christ, the Bigger HE is.  When seen through the fog of worldly desires HE is small in our eyes and has no power, and if we only want our way HE has no power at all, neither to save nor to guide.

How Big is Your god?

Remember that Jesus Loves you and wants the best for you.  HE proved it by taking your Sin and carrying it even when it meant that HIS FATHER would turn away and not be able to look upon HIM.  Even when the very people HE came to save, drove Nails into HIS hands and feet and stuck a spear in HIS side, then saying, “Forgive them FATHER for they know not what they do.”

If HE could endure the suffering HE did for us, can we not also endure, with HIS help?  Can we not, at the very least, read HIS word, and seek HIM on another day? If your god is only there on Sunday Morning, I feel so sorry for you.  My GOD is the GOD of the High country and the plains, HE owns the cattle on a thousand hills, HE knows the beginning and the end, HE is the Alpha and the Omega, and HE is the Lamb Slain from before the beginning of the world.  HE is the only One worthy to Open the Scrolls and seals of Judgment, and HE will Reign IN POWER, as the KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS.  My GOD can do All things simply by a Word from HIS mouth and HE has Raised the Dead, for once I was dead and now I live, I was once blind but now I see.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries

Oh where have all the righteous gone?  Where has wisdom fled to?  Where are the judges that judge righteously?  Where are the mighty men who stand for the truth and for justice?  When will those who trust in GOD stand for HIM? 

I was watching Pat Robertson this morning and he takes questions from folks who write in.  The question asked was:  If a person is Born Again and dies suddenly from an overdose of drugs will they lose their salvation?  And can we judge this person?  It seems to me they just should have asked:  How close to the devil can I get and still be saved?  Is this the kind of question that a person who knows the LORD and HIS mercy and grace should be asking?  Or maybe we should be contemplating how close we can walk with the LORD and still be able to see that there is room for improvement. 

What does wisdom say?  “You neglected MY counsel, You did not want by reproof, I will even laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your dread comes, when dread comes like a storm and your calamity like a whirlwind.” Proverbs 1:25-27 

I am always amazed at those who claim that the Old Testament has no relevance for today, and yet the LORD Jesus quoted and used it as an illustration many times.  Wisdom is having knowledge and knowing what to do with it.  If you do not pay attention to the rebukes of life you will suffer and that without remedy.  So here we are with a vast amount of history to look at and still they stand against the LORD and HIS Word.  We chose not to follow what the LORD says, just like ancient Israel did.  They followed their own hearts and rejected the wisdom of GOD.  They exchanged worship of the LORD for the worship of 4 footed animals and creeping things. (Romans 1)  Do we think there will be no consequences for this foolishness?

Today a New York based human rights group asked the president to stand against some practices in Cambodia.  We should stand against human rights violations when we allow pedophiles to molest our children, when we allow whoremongers to ravish our women, when we beat our wives and bully those who don’t agree with us.  I say, take the plank out of our own eye before we tell someone else how to live.  How can a president who upholds abortion and gay marriage, who stands in the way of justice, by invoking “Executive Privilege,” tell anyone that they are doing wrong?

How close can we get to the devil and his ways and still see the Only Living GOD?  The closer we are to Lucifer, the harder it is to see what is right.  We are blinded by the veil of Sin and cannot see the right way to go.  I grieve for those who say they believe and then run to commit any and all Sin because their belief is Secret.  They believe in GOD as do the demons, who by the way tremble before HIM.  Yet we do not tremble, because GOD does not judge us all at one time.  We will reap what we sow, more than we sow, later than we sow.  It would be a lot easier to know the right way if we got judged right away, but that is not GOD’S way, and it is not what we really want.  We want a god of love, who is ok with whatever we do, and that is not GOD either.

What has HE got to do to get our attention?  Do we have to be destroyed as a nation before we turn to HIM, or will we, like those in Revelation, cry out for the rocks to hide us from HIS wrath?  Will we be so far gone that, in our rebellion, there is not return?  Looks like that is where we are headed.  We made our choice and we are stuck with it.  We said our bellies are more important than righteousness, it is more important to get stuff than to do the right thing.  We accepted the policies of one who stands for the murder of our children and every Abomination imaginable, saying we need to be tolerant.  Yes we need to tolerant of those who molest and abuse children, we need to be tolerant of those who steal our women off the streets and kidnap our young girls to serve as whores for a bunch of perverts who only care about their sexual need at the moment.  Where are the women who say they are for equality?  Fools who stand with the wicked to murder their own children in the womb, blinded by their lust and want of someone to love them.  Used by those who only want them for a moment and selling out their bodies to the one who will show them a minutes “love.”  They neither know what love is nor do they show love, but foolishness is chasing after those who abuse and beat them.  This is love?

Romans 1 covers this love that many have, and calls it an Abomination.  GOD gave them over to a reprobate mind because they would not see the LOVE that HE has for them.  I’m concerned that the LORD is turning America over to a reprobate mind and that there is No chance of Recovery for this condition, there is, after all, Sin unto death, as John told us.  In other words, there are consequences for our actions and they are forthcoming.

I stand with the LORD and am warning America that it needs to turn back to it’s roots of GOD and Country.  If we put GOD first our country will be better off.  If we continue on the road we are on, then we will pay the price.  HE has already warned us, but we paid no heed to HIS clear warnings.

This all sounds so apocalyptic, and I’m sorry about that, but I believe we stand of the brink of disaster and it would not take much of a nudge to tip us over and crush us.  You can take what I say and pray or you can continue down the road you are on, but I will encourage you to turn to the LORD, for when that destruction comes, your money or your god will not be able to save you and GOD will have turned his back and Will Not Hear you, but will mock you and laugh at your calamity.  The rapture has not occurred and Jesus has not returned as yet, so there is still time to go to HIM.  HE stands at the door of your heart and knocks.  Open up to HIM and HE will not refuse you.  Wait until the one who restrains is taken out and it will be much harder.  Will you be alive in the next week to put it off?  Where will you spend eternity?  If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?  These are The Most Important questions of your life.

GOD Loves You and if you cry out to HIM HE will save you.  All you have to do is ask.

Until next time, thanks for looking.    al

JTB Ministries

“Are you dead? The world ends when your dead. Until then you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man and give some back.”

This quote says to me that sometimes you have to give a hope for awhile and just get on with business.

Here is a similar, older quote; also in colloquial English, from Thomas Hughes “Tom Brown’s School Days”:

“From cradle to grave, fighting, rightly understood is the business, the real, highest, honestest, business of every son of man. Everyone who is worth his salt has his enemies who must be beaten be they evil thoughts and habits in himself or spiritual wickedness in high places, or Russians, or border ruffians, or Bill, Tom, or Harry, who will not let him live his life in quiet until he has thrashed them.”

The SPIRIT of GOD is grieved for the lack in the Church to inquire of the LORD. 

My Spirit has been grieved for the LORD as I see what HE sees, a Church that continues to teach the doctrines of men, without consulting the LORD.  How it grieves GOD to see us continue to allow doctrine to trump the leading of the SPIRIT and cloud what GOD is trying to tell HIS Church.  Some say that those who worship on Sunday are children of the devil, and others say, You cannot be saved if you aren’t baptized or if you do not speak in tongues.  Some seek a Political solution to all our problems for they believe that money will solve our problems, or that some celebrity has the answers. 

Jehoshaphat was a wise king in Judah who knew that only GOD had the answers for his day and his trouble.  Ahab, on the other hand thought, as many do today, that a prophet of Baal was the answer.  I stand with Jehoshaphat and say that the whole counsel of GOD is the answer, and not the doctrines that divide GOD’S people.  The LORD sent Ezekiel to a nation of Stiff-necked people who would not listen to him, and cold as it sounds, it was not Ezekiel’s problem, for his way was clear, Tell Them, was his command from GOD, whether they listen or not.  Those of us who, believe that we are sent to tell the truth, cannot be concerned with how others will receive it.  We have to only obedient to do as the LORD directs, much like when Jesus told Peter his mission and Peter wanted to know about John’s business.  The LORD told him that it was none of his business, but to do as he was directed. 

It is time for the Church to Wake up and understand that the most important thing is to get the Gospel out to a World that is perishing.  Is there teaching that needs to be done, for sure there is, but not at the expense of the Gospel.  When teaching or the teacher interferes with Salvation and Christ then the teaching is in error or the teacher.  This Gospel is to be preached throughout the world, for the Salvation of Souls is the most important job at hand.  Those who hear, and respond with an affirmation of their need for the LORD can then be taught how to live the by faith.  Until a person has the Spirit of GOD they cannot receive the way of GOD.  They must first confess Christ as Savior and be indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT, before they can have any understanding of what GOD is trying to teach them. 

We, as Christians, need to stop asking this one and that one what is going on, for, Only the LORD knows.  When Jehoshaphat wanted to inquire of the LORD, he wanted one who was Really a Prophet, and not a worldly prophet who was only in touch with what he felt or dreamed or was just giving wishful thinking.  Jehoshaphat wanted one that spoke the truth, while Ahab wanted to hear what he wanted to hear.  Ahab wanted his ears tickled instead of hearing what GOD was saying, hence he didn’t like what Micaiah would tell him, because Micaiah told him GOD’S Word.

We are the same way, we want to hear that which tickles our ears and make us feel good about ourselves and there is a place for that, but what good is our religion if we have only a form of it but deny the power of it?  The devil wants us to have our ears tickled also for he knows that if the Church really got a hold on the full counsel of GOD then he would be in trouble.  He is content with a Church that is only interested in self and riches, in health and Oh we could throw in tongues, because that too lifts up self.  He is okay with a fragmented Church, at odds with one another, because they have no understanding that we are all parts of the same body, but have different jobs.  He is more then happy when we think that government is the answer and therefore we have no need to pray and seek GOD, for those in the government will make everything ok.

Is there no Prophet in America that we should turn to for an answer from GOD, or are we content go about our merry way thinking that GOD is satisfied with us.  GOD loves us too much to leave us in the same condition HE found us.  HE is ever trying to make us into the image of HIS SON.  Many cried out for a time of fasting and prayer, but only sought the solution they wanted, much like those who came to Jeremiah, wanting a solution to their dilemma about whether they should go to Egypt.  They already had their minds made up to go.  So why ask if you don’t really want the answer?  Many who prayed wanted a political solution instead of GOD’S, which was Revival and Repentance.  It always easier for someone else to do the work instead of us.  I am one, who likes things to go smoothly, but Salvation is messy, we rise, we fall, we have victory and defeat, all the while GOD is training us and conforming us to the Only Real example that counts, namely Jesus.

There are many doctrines that are not only wrong, when taken by themselves without the Full counsel of GOD, but keep people away from following Christ, the One we are supposed to put our trust in.  If we want to hang on to our doctrines and dilute the message of Salvation then the Church will stay fragmented and weak, but if we would step back and find the place of common agreement, then we can go forth with a message of hope.  If not then we will drive folks away from the Only hope of Salvation they have.  So what will it be our way or GOD’S, I choose GOD’S for HE Knows the Way much better than I do.

I’m still calling for prayer as we move forward in this world, and while we are praying, we need to stop talking and telling and start to listen for the Voice of GOD, whether, when we read our Bibles or when we are in prayer.  We need to ask the LORD to help us to understand HIS Word and how to apply it.  We need to be subjected to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT, and step out in faith to fulfill what the SPIRIT is saying to us.  If we get it wrong, more listening and seeking is in order, and GOD will answer us with wisdom and understanding if we really want it.  We need to go outside the camp and commune with Jesus. Communication is a two way street, it involves speaking a listening, or else it is just dialog.  You may say well GOD doesn’t talk to me, really or are you just not listening, but wearing GOD out with what it will take to keep you saved for another day? 

The time is short, so maybe now would be a good time to check where your faith is, and what you Truly believe.  You don’t want to get caught with your pants down when you are called.  If you don’t know what you believe, then you will wallow around in defeat and misery, instead of Victory and Joy.  The Joy of the LORD is our strength, and that is an unwavering conviction and assurance that GOD is in control and the if HE is for you, who can be against you.  With these tools we can go forth unafraid of whatever may be thrown against us.  We can relax and be ourselves and know that we are unique and the LORD really does know what he is doing.  We can also rest in the knowledge that even if Death should overtake us we will not see death, but life everlasting with the LORD, in heaven.  We can detach ourselves from self and this world and allow the LORD TO prepare us and others for the next.  This is not our home, we are just passing through on our way to glory, and our passage is from faith to faith, from glory to glory.  What have you that GOD has not provided?  Seek First the Kingdom of GOD and HIS Righteousness and that which you have Need of you will receive.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries.

And the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free men, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, and they said to the mountains and to the rocks; “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of HIM who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the LAMB, for the great day of their wrath has come and who is able to stand?” Revelation, 6:15-17

He sent our enemies against us in 2001 and for a time we rejoiced to enter the house of GOD and seek HIM.  This lasted about a week and then we got defiant and boasted that we would come back stronger, we would rebuild and replant.  Fools who trust in their own strength when the LORD is trying to get our attention. 

Then our economy collapsed but we still rebelled, we elected a man for destruction, who would not try to repair the obvious but had his own agenda.  Then an earthquake at the point of our beginnings as a nation, then a hurricane, and winter storm, some say a perfect storm.  Then another winter storm to add insult to injury and still they cry out to their god, the government. 

It is useless to cry out to one who cannot help when the LORD has decreed destruction.  Oh they will reach compromise soon but it will not be of any lasting help, for the LORD has decreed Calamity that cannot be avoided, then they will cry out to GOD but HE will not listen. (Jeremiah 11:11)

Such tragedy that has happened exactly where our nation started some 400 years ago, and more recently when George Washington and others gathered to dedicate this nation, once again, to the LORD.  This is the beginning of a great many woes for us as a nation.  Will we not hear what the LORD is saying?

You say, GOD is a god of Love and would not do this, I say fool, if HE did not spare Jerusalem from the Babylonians, and do you think HE will spare us?  A careful reading of scripture will tell a different story than the one that the pundants and others are saying.  I’m reminded of the time when the LORD wanted to kill Ahab and asked for ideas.  An angel stepped forward to speak about sending a lying spirit and the LORD said Yes.  We are plagued with lying spirits who tell us that all will be well, when destruction is all around us.  We prayed and sought GOD before the election, but the decree stood, and a majority voted for the policies of our president.  They voted for abortion and gay marriage, they voted for drugs to be made legal.  Many who voted for these things claim they are Christians, and yet they refused to heed GOD’S warnings and judgment.  If we can’t get it right then who can?  Even those who called for fasting and prayer, were not in tune with what was happening.  While I was asking the LORD for what I wanted to see, I was led to pray for GOD’S Will and not my own.

I stand against those who claim that there is a bright future for America, because of what is going on.  Thessalonians says that when they claim peace, sudden destruction will come upon them.  The die is cast and the handwriting is on the wall, we have been weighed and found wanting.  Instead of Righteousness we want the things of this world.  We seek not the reward of GOD, but the temporary rewards that we think the government can give us, when it is the Eternal that we should be seeking.

In my prayers I was stopped cold in praying for America, and instead was led to pray for those who are the Church, for we NEED IT.  We are supposed to be the light to the world and yet there is division and hate and unforgiveness.  Some will say that their brothers and sisters in the LORD are actually children of the devil.  This should not be!  My prayer is that the abhorrent teachings of those who claim they know the truth, but speak lies will be found out and silenced, that the Truth may be told.  Many believe that they are better than Christ, who suffered and died, but not them, they say GOD has to heal me and make me rich, but what about all those heroes of the Faith who suffered and never received the promise?  Are we better than those whom GOD has honored?  I, for one, believe not.  I don’t think we are even worthy to carry their water.  We cry and curse when someone cuts us off on the freeway, and then demand from the LORD that HE bless us. 

There is great suffering on the east coast, but nowhere do I hear that they are seeking the LORD, and while we pray for them, there is a bigger event going on, if we would step back to see it.  There will be no manmade solution, so I suggest that we turn, truly turn, to the LORD and seek HIM, for our protection.  HE is our refuge, and our Portion among the living.

Seek first, the kingdom of GOD and HIS Righteousness and that which you have need of will be added.  Matthew 6:33  If your reward is here then you have it, but if it is in GOD’S Kingdom then you shall have what you need and more, because the real reward is in heaven.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries 

“There is a man again, accused for sexual misbehavior, written with a giant headline in a foremost news paper. Sure, there is no woman, could ever violate, rape a man,” said opa Johan to his wife, “Why did he/she say, write, blame it’s a man, a male, instead of a scoundrel? Who is the person who is so prejudiced towards men and exposed all his sins towards the fair sex?”

“So must I bear unwillingly, involuntarily the atrocities committed by those scoundrels. I am ashamed being a man towards you and all women. If the goodness, generosity of a man is praised am I proud without having done anything good or being generous. What do you think if some one says, ‘there again a woman, a wife is caught in infidelity’? How would you feel as a wife?”

“But this is what I really meant to tell you. There’s a very large writing on a billboard in front of the Department Of Health, you know?

(translated from the Indonesian) The cow’s milk is for her baby cow. The mother’s milk is for her baby.

It’s as though saying: Too bad, how cruel, a baby drinking a cow’s milk intended for her baby cow, instead of drinking her own mother’s milk. And I think of myself, how impudent, I myself, a man, every morning drink cow’s coffee-milk. And I thought, picture a father cow, drinking a baby’s mother milk.

Every time since reading that billboard, when I drink my coffee-milk I’m feeling bad as I think of the baby cow. Every time I eat rice, meat, fruits, gratefully, I remember, honor the grain, the lamb, the chicken, fruit tree, but I intentionally forget the little fool who is preparing a dish for me. Ha, ha, ha.”

So opa Johan teased his wife as he pinched her nose.

August 2000

November 2012

click on the tag “Opa Johan” and there he is, his wife, his grandchildren, his travels, his adventures, his memories, his thoughts, his philosophy, …

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No doubt those on the left will say, “We have swallowed them up, Surely this is the day for which we waited, we have reached it, we have seen it.” Lamentations 2:16 What a Tragedy has occurred in America yesterday, when the People again thrust their fists in the Face of GOD and said, “We will have our way!”  “We will have Abortion on demand, we will have Gay marriage, we will because we know what is best and We Reject the Wisdom of GOD in our lives.”

I hope those who will read this will take a step back and seek the LORD who has given America what she wanted.  Almost 50 years ago we threw GOD under the bus and decided that we could solve our own problems and that HE should keep HIS nose out of our business.  Yesterday that thought was culminated in the election of a president, who stands for the values of a world without Jesus.  Just think about what has been done, while GOD’S people were praying and seeking forgiveness, others were seeking their own way and not the LORD’S.  I’m reminded of what the LORD said in the Psalms about giving them what they wanted but putting leanness in their souls.  The left has what it wants but they are left wanting, as was Belshazzar the king of Babylon.  The writing is on the wall and the die is cast.  “I will send Calamity on them which they will not be able to escape, though they cry to me I will not listen to them.” (Jeremiah 11:11)  Doubtless many, who claim Christianity are among those who voted for rebellion.  They will rejoice with the rabble as did many in the camp while Moses was on the mountain getting the Commandments of GOD.

This nation has sealed it’s fate by Absolutely rejecting the Wisdom of GOD, for man’s wisdom.  There are those who will say, “We will fight on and the war is not over.”  I got that call this morning from a Republican group.  My word to them is and was, Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in Vain who build it.”  I counseled the man on the phone to turn to GOD before it was too late, and seek HIM with all his heart.  This is my counsel to all who may read this, that you put away your religious toys, your crosses that you carry and know nothing about.  Your tee shirts you wear, all the while not really loving your neighbor as yourself.  Stop saying, “I surrender all,” and holding onto attitudes and unforgiveness.  I say Seek the LORD with All Your Hearts, and follow the Spirit of GOD instead of your own feelings.

You may say that I am crazy, and that has been said before, by many.  I would caution you to take a second look at what happened to Israel before, during, and after they were taken into captivity.  Many came in the Name of the LORD to warn them, but they refused to heed the Call to Repentance and to Turn with the Whole Hearts to the LORD.  And yet GOD saved a remnant or a portion of HIS people to go on and rebuild Jerusalem.  I don’t believe we can say that today, the remnant saved are those who truly trust in the LORD and they will be taken up.  I want to be in that number who are taken up and not left here to suffer the fate of those who while there was time rejected what the LORD was saying.

The LORD told me some time back that there would be no other president, HE did not say that this one would be reelected, but that there would be no other.  Do you understand what HE is saying, that this will be the last president?  What do you think that means?  Pray and Seek the LORD for HE has said to ask and that HE would tell us great and wonderful things that we do not know.  This also in Jeremiah.

My soul weeps for the decision that was made yesterday, but I do not join with those who believe that America is the only Hope for the world.  We are in error if we believe this, for JESUS IS THE HOPE OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!  There is Hope in no other, not in man or government, no in some false prophet who stands to say all will be well, Israel had those and we can read what happened to them.  The fool looks at history and as soon as he looks at it he forgets the lessons to be learned.

When you read this you are responsible for what you do with it.  My suggestion would be to Pray and Seek the LORD.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries

Recently I have given what I believe the LORD wanted to tell HIS Church, words about Revival and Repentance.  Words to encourage HIS people to draw closer to the LORD and seek HIS will, not only in our personal lives but to intercede for America, the land GOD has placed us all in.

This A.M. the LORD reminded me of Enoch, who walked with GOD and the LORD was so pleased with him that HE took him up without seeing natural death.  I believe that the LORD wants me to encourage HIS people with this message of the Glorious Hope that we all have, namely Salvation and Redemption.  When we trust in Christ as our Savior HE seals our lives with the seal of the HOLY SPIRIT, this is a down payment on our redemption which will be at a later date, to be determined or having been determined by GOD alone.

There are many words of encouragement given in GOD’S Word, to give us hope, and assurance, words that will go deep within us to show us that we have nothing to fear in this world, or in the next.  We, as Christians, often wonder if, like Enoch, we are pleasing to GOD, if so, are we eligible for a taking up.  Let me ask a question.  Do you love and accept your children, and are they pleasing to you?  If your answer is yes then you have your answer, for We are GOD’S children and HE is pleased with us, much more than we could ever be with our own children.  HE broods over us, much like HE did over the earth when it was void of distinction.  HE said that all HE created was Good, and since we are Joint Heirs with Christ then HE is pleased with HIS creation, for we are HIS creation.  HE was and is pleased to show us HIS love, in that, while we were still sinners Christ died for us.  HE loved us enough to go to the Cross, before we were ever born, knowing that we would turn to HIM and be saved.  HE also gave us HIS HOLY SPIRIT to help us along our road of life, ever speaking to our spirits to Conform us to HIS Son.  We are being changed into the Pillars of the Solomon’s Temple, the bronze pillars that reflected the Risen Sun.

In Thessalonians, Paul told us to comfort one another with the words that, one, we are not appointed to wrath, for we have already died and are judged Justified.  In Hebrews we are told that it is Appointed unto man once to die and then comes the judgment.  That being said we have died with Christ and our judgment is Not Guilty!  The Father could not look upon HIS Son as HE was being crucified, because of the Sin of the World that was upon, taken freely by Jesus.  HE does look upon us and HE sees us Through the Blood of Christ and because HE sees us as Not Guilty, HE has even more compassion on us as any Father would have on a Child who was pleasing in his sight.

Paul also told us in Thessalonians that not all would die but that some of us would be caught up as the dead in Christ are raised.  Now No-one knows when that will occur but many of us think that it will be soon.  Let me assure you that if you know the LORD and have trusted in the FINISHED Work of Christ then, those who are alive at HIS coming will not see death, but shall be raised up in Incorruption.  There will be two in the field and one will be taken and the other left, these are Jesus’ words, not mine.

How do we know that we are pleasing to GOD?  In order to please HIM, first we must believe that HE exists, then that HE is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM.  Having done that we can be assured that we are Well pleasing to HIM.  We have the HOLY SPIRIT that testifies of our Salvation, and Leads us into All Truth.  Just because the LORD shows us something HE wants us to change aught to tell us that HE LOVES Us.  HE loved us enough to die for us and HE died while we were still in our Sin, but HE also loves us enough to not leave us in the condition that HE found us.  HE is constantly working with us to change us into the Image of HIS Son, gently showing us where we err.  Don’t be alarmed at this or believe that HE is ashamed of you, for a Father who does not chastise his son is No Father at all.  For the Father who loves chastises, or else we are illegitimate. Hebrews 12, my favorite chapter in Hebrews, by the way.

So, is GOD pleased with you and me?  The answer is a resounding YES.  One day we will be told those words every Christian wants to hear, “Good and Faithful Servant.”  We all have gifts and talents, let us use them for the Glory of GOD and to lift up the Church that GOD Loves without condemnation and unconditionally.

Please be assured that GOD Loves You and that HE also loves HIS Church, but HE also loves the World, for HE told us so in John 3:16, “For GOD SO loved the World that HE Gave HIS Only begotten Son, that Whosoever, would believe would Not Perish but would Have Everlasting life.  We have Everlasting life Now, for all those who Believe, if we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts.

We will say, “Is this the man we feared?”  Satan will be locked up and he is defeated Now, for the fear of death has no sway over us, this defeated foe is without teeth and therefore we can go forward in Christ to reach a world that desperately needs a Savior.  GOD has not given us the spirit of fear, but of Love, Power and a Sound Mind.

Rejoice that GOD Loves You and Fear Only the LORD, for after HE has taken our breath, HE Alone, can condemn us.  Our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and the LORD doesn’t own an eraser.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries

A very popular wristband that has been seen and worn by many has the above letters, meaning, What Would Jesus DO?

It is not what HE would do but more to the point, What Did Jesus Do?  What if Christ had refused to go to the Cross?  What would the world look like Now?

Recently a very prominent person called for his followers to seek revenge, this person, Calls himself a “Christian.”  I find nowhere in what Jesus had to say about seeking revenge, nor do I find the LORD asking us to hate anyone, nor have prejudice against another, in the Church or outside the Church.  In fact, Jesus cried from the Cross, where HE bore the Sin of The World, to forgive those who were Crucifying HIM.   This being said it seems to me that there is no place for a person, who claims to be a Christian, to hold onto unforgiveness, hate, prejudice or anything else that we could name that is against, “Love your Neighbor as yourself.”  I would say that those, who claim Christianity and, hate either they are lying about their faith in Christ or they are in direct disobedience to the one they claim is their Savior.

Within America there is prejudice and hatred amongst those who say they are Christians.  The Whites are prejudice against the blacks and vice versa.  But that can’t be because Paul told us that we are all one in Christ. (Galatians)  Instead we clamor for rights and say that we deserve better.  Better than what?  There is only one right in the Church and that is to Obey the Word of GOD.  When we become Believers we are to put away our rights and follow, we become Slaves to Christ, who died for our Sins.  We are not to be like the unjust steward, who after being forgive a vast some, then attacked another and had him thrown in prison for a paltry sum.

I would encourage anyone who may read this to Repent of your Sin of Hatred and Prejudice.

There are those, who call themselves Reverand, who preach hate and division, and I believe they should be driven out of the ministry by the Righteous, for they Do Not Speak for Christ, but for their father the devil.  We are not called to hate but to love, and we are called to Spread the Gospel of Christ.  There is no hate in Christ, in fact, HE died even for the Crucifiers and for Us, and over 2000 years later that HE knew would need HIS forgiveness.  So what right do you have to curse a brother or sister in Christ?  What right do you have to hate your brother or sister, whether they are of another nationality or color?  I say you have No right because you gave up your rights of offence when you said, “Jesus, You are My Savior.”

The time is coming when once again those who will kill a Christian will believe that they are doing GOD a Service.  If a policeman came to your door and accused you of being a Christian,  would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Selah, Pause and calmly think about this.  If you hold these things in your heart, you can be delivered from them.  The Psalmist says; “If I hold iniquity in my heart GOD will not hear me,” 66.  Maybe the reason your prayers go unanswered is because of this unforgiveness for things not even done to you personally or maybe they have.  In either case Jesus says, Father forgive them for they Know Not what They do.

Until next time, thanks for looking.  al

JTB Ministries.

I read, this morning, a blurb from a man who was touting his works of goodness and trying to beat up another, who didn’t agree with his stance on the politics of the day.  I was reminded of the passage in Luke and one in Proverbs that talks about false giving is like clouds with no rain.  It occurred to me that many who give, give out of a pride that says when you see what I’ve done you will see that I am Righteous.  But the parable says that the one who was bankrupt of righteousness pleaded for mercy and had no thoughts of how good he might be.

Of course I had to respond to the blurb with the thoughts mentioned above.  Hope I didn’t offend anyone, but it really gets my goat when people talk about how good they are and what they are doing.  Not that good deeds should go unappreciated, but these good works, first should be because of what has been done for us by Jesus.  Second they should be recognized by others and praised by others, for the Word says to let another praise us and not ourselves, and not as a hammer to bludgeon others. 

Isaiah told us that all our Righteousness is as filthy rags, (menstrual rags); his point is that if our Righteousness is done to show our Righteousness then they are like nothing but filth.  Jesus told us to give in secret, to pray in secret, to fast in secret, because our Father who sees in secret, will reward us openly.  Where does the reward come from?  It comes from GOD, unless all we are seeking is the praise of men, who, as Jesus said some in HIS visitation we seeking, instead of seeking true praise from the Father.

So let me ask a question.  Are you, when you give, or help, or pray, or fast, doing it for your glory or for the Glory of GOD?  Are you seeking the praise of your neighbor or are you seeking the Praise of GOD?  If you seek praise from your neighbor then you have received your reward, as you go along trying to break your own arm in patting yourself on the back.  If on the other hand you seek to attain Praise from the LORD then you will see it in ways that you cannot even imagine.  I am not saying that all our works should be done in secret and I do not believe that this is what Jesus was talking about.  If we read the scriptures, it is very apparent that the Heart is what is at stake here.  GOD is interested in motives instead of the deeds.  If our motives are for self-righteousness then we have our reward, but we suffer because we seek our own righteousness and not the Real Righteousness that only GOD can provide.  Better to say, as the taxman, that we are sinners and beg for the mercy that GOD provides.

I am also reminded of the verse in Psalms that says, HE gave them what they wanted, but HE put leanness in their souls.  When we strive for our own glory and righteousness we get what we are looking for, but the sad part is that this is all we receive when there is so much more to be had.  We reward ourselves and GOD plays no part in it, for we are not looking for HIS approval, but telling HIM that we don’t need HIS Righteousness, because we are Righteous.  We have no need of a Savior, because we are our own Savior.  If this is what you are doing I would urge you to rethink your position, for you are in danger of letting your self-righteousness lead you to destruction.  No other approval will be accepted but that which the LORD provides.  It is not our works that approves us but it is the Finished work that Christ did on the Cross that will justify.  No amount of fig leaves will cover our nakedness or our shame.  They are just a temporary and false fix for what is only done away with, by Christ and HIS Blood.  One may that almost say, all things are cleansed by the shedding of blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9)  But if the blood of many sacrifices was only a prelude to the Blood of a more perfect sacrifice, then we should fall on our knees and beg GOD to use that more perfect Sacrifice to save us.  Only the Blood of Christ is sufficient to cover our shame and nakedness.

I do not go along with prolonged analyzation of what may be wrong with us and endless questioning of our motives, the devil will do that for us, by accusing us, but short time of self examination is not a bad thing.  It is a time to evaluate our position and what our true motives are.  Whether we are doing things for the Glory of GOD or ourselves.  Hopefully we are doing the former and not the latter, for if we seek GOD’S Glory then HE will reward us with rewards unspeakable.  If it is the latter then we get a reward but there is a leanness and longing in our souls for something more and there is no Peace.

Take a moment of quiet time and ask the LORD to show you where you are in the scheme of things.  HE will show you if you are willing to listen to HIM.  If you are inclined to Blow your Own Horn, GOD will listen and when you are finished HE will show you where you ere, but only if you want to know.  David said that he wanted GOD to try him and see if there was any iniquity in him and to lead him in the way everlasting, Psalm 139.  So what will it be the way everlasting with peace of striving to exalt yourself with no peace?

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries

We have suffered over and over again with storms that always carry the term,” Never in history,” or “First time in 100 years.”

Many are unaware that America has officially placed the city of Jerusalem into the hands of the international community as a bargaining chip to force Israel back to the negotiating table.  By that I mean “East Jerusalem,” and this is the reason for most of the strained relations we have  between our two Heads of State.

Sandy will deliver the perfect storm on the last week before elections and will most certainly have an impact them.

We can not presume upon a sovereign nation that has such biblical history that declares over and over that the God of all creation has chosen Jerusalem to be His resting place forever.

Remember, Hurricane Katrina came on the heels of American pressure upon Israel to force Jewish West bank residents out of their homes. On the same week, one storm forced the evacuation of our coastal homelands in New Orleans.   Even as they were not allowed to ever live in these homes again due to the leveling of them, so residents of New Orleans were never to again live in large swaths of the city!

When Condaleeza Rice went to Egypt and demanded Israel to give up homes in Gaza, Galveston Texas was decimated beyond recognition and we still don’t know how many were washed out to sea!

Jerusalem, the capital of Israel was surrendered by America to the enemies of Israel in the spring of 2011 and our capital, D.C., recieved an earthquake that rattled the Washington Monument to the point of indefinite closure to visiters.

Please vote for candidates who will fully support Israel’s right to control their own homeland so that we stop losing precious parts of our own.

” Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,”  not ” Peace to those who prey upon Jerusalem,”

You can order my book from this website for 9.99 and be able to judge for yourself how we got ourselves into this mess.

R.A. Cuevas

We have suffered over and over again with storms that always carry the term,” Never in history,” or “First time in 100 years.”

Many are unaware that America has officially placed the city of Jerusalem into the hands of the international community as a bargaining chip to force Israel back to the negotiating table.  By that I mean “East Jerusalem,” and this is the reason for most of the strained relations we here of between our two Heads of State.

Sandy will deliver the perfect storm on the week-end before elections and will most certainly have an impact upon the same.

We can not presume upon a sovereign nation that has such biblical history that declares over and over that the God of all creation has chosen Jerusalem to be His resting place forever.

Please vote for candidates who will fully support Israel’s right to control their own homeland so that we stop losing precious parts of our own.

” Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,”  not ” Peace to those who prey upon Jerusalem,”

You can order my book from this website for 9.99 and be able to judge for yourself how we got ourselves into this mess.

R.A. Cuevas

Matthew 15:7-9

Let me ask You a question.  Would you say that you are more like Cain, who worshipped in His own way, or more like Able who worshipped the way that was acceptable to GOD?  Would you say that you are more like Saul who obeyed GOD His way, or more like David who listened to GOD and obeyed GOD’S way?  Would you say that you are more like Martha who could not worship because of the responsibility she felt, or more like Mary who sat at Jesus’ feet to hear what HE would say?

These are valid questions that we, as those who say we are Christians, need to ask ourselves from time to time.  There are many who Claim they are Christians and there are those who Are Christians.  Not all who Claim, Are.  They Claim they are believers and yet they rob, steal, murder, hate, vilify, curse, and a host of other sins, hence they proclaim their allegiance to Jesus and yet it is only with their mouths and not with their hearts.  GOD is interested in the hearts of man and a Show is still a Show and not necessarily Real.  Shouldn’t our confession of faith be authenticated by our actions?  If a man says I am a follower of Christ then shouldn’t what he Does reflect that proclamation?  Now certainly we cannot see what is in a man’s heart, only GOD can, but we can judge or evaluate a statement, by the actions of the one who makes the statement.

The Old Testament is a wealth of illustrations of obedience and disobedience.  Time and time again Israel said they would follow the LORD and, as seen in Judges, time and time again they did just the opposite.  When they failed GOD would send judgment and they would cry out for relief and the LORD would send someone to help them.  How many times GOD sent prophets among them to say to them Repent and Turn back to GOD.  They not only pronounced the judgment to come but also the blessings that would, someday, be theirs. 

Let me give you and illustration of what I am saying.  After Babylon had taken the city of Jerusalem, a governor was appointed and later murdered.  The remnant went to the prophet Jeremiah and said to him that they wanted him to inquire of GOD what they should do.  They also proclaimed that whatever Jeremiah told them they would do.  10 days later the Word of GOD came to Jeremiah, but by that time the Jews had made up their minds not to listen to what the LORD had to say through Jeremiah.  We talk about instant this and that today, but what the Jews wanted was an instant answer and this about 2500 years ago.

Why would we ask the question if we already have said in our hearts that, I’m going to do it my way?  Was the hearts of those folks really for GOD or was if only Lip Service?  You be the judge.

I believe that this, and many other illustrations, tells us a great deal about where we are today, for My way has not changed since the Garden.  Mankind wants to do it their way like Cain who refused to Sacrifice the way that GOD wanted, and the exception is Able who gave a more perfect sacrifice.  Why?  Because he gave what GOD said was Acceptable.

Today we do the same as Cain, we say that we will do it our way and GOD will understand, you are right, HE does understand.  HE understands that our hearts are Way Away from HIM, for we justify ourselves and say, “GOD loves us and would not send us to hell.”  Wrong!!!!!!!  If we will not follow what HE has told us in HIS Word, then we are committing Sin.  If HE says HE hates divorce, and that every life is precious and we find ways to murder and separate, then what is HE to do?  HE allows us to go our own way and also allows us to Suffer the Consequences.  What are the consequences?  A diminished idea of the preciousness of life, and sexual perversion, there is no peace in life because we Choose to violate what GOD has told us is better for us.  We go our own way and sow corruption, we go our own way and we reap destruction.  For we reap what we sow, later than we sow and more than we sow. (Charles Stanley) 

So what is the answer?  There are approximately 90% of the people in this land, America, who claim to be Christians.  There are the tares among the wheat and these tares are not to be pulled up just yet because the wheat may also be torn out.  If you claim Christianity and you discount what GOD says, then you should repent and seek GOD.  If you are seeking GOD then we can never get enough of the LORD.  If you want to know GOD then you should read the letter HE gave to us and find out whom HE is.  We should not rely on someone else to feed us a line about how GOD is Love and would not send anyone to hell, for that is a lie straight out of the pit of hell, perpetrated by the devil to make them believe that they are not in need of a savior.  Of course, it is Most important to Trust in the Real Jesus.  HE is not a Created being, HE has Always existed, without beginning and without end.  HE is not A God, but HE is GOD.  Men make gods for themselves and, if we look we can see the results of making our own gods.  In the beginning GOD.  The LORD does not explain HIMSELF, HE DECLARES HIMSELF.  HE does not owe us an explanation, but Merely says, I AM. 

Do not do what Israel did but truly seek the LORD while there is time, and the time is Now.  Please take time to ponder what I have written for GOD Loves You, but HE is also a Judge.  It is better to judge now than to be Judged.  For it is appointed unto man Once to die and then comes the Judgment. Hebrews.  Better to die to self and live in Christ than to burn in hell where the worm never dies and there is everlasting torment.

Don’t know what to say to GOD?  Just Say, SAVE ME, and mean it.  GOD will give you what you have need of and will help you to make a confession of your Sin.  Just the fact that you would turn to HIM is a great step of Faith.  HE does not want to judge you, but, mark my words, HE will.  Today is the Day of Salvation, do not miss this opportunity, it may be your last.

Seek the LORD with your heart and stop paying Lip Service when your heart is far from HIM.

Until next time, thanks for looking.   al

JTB Ministries 

Matthew 5:3, 9:21 & 11:22

Today the LORD is calling HIS people to Revival and Repentance.  If you say that you have no need of this then you don’t, at least, not in your own thinking, but what is GOD saying?  Do you know the LORD and do you seek HIM with All your heart?  Are you cleansed from the Secret Faults?  Do you hold Resentment, Unforgiveness, Prejudice, and Hatred?  Are you engaged in a practice that causes you separation from GOD?

Jesus told us that the Poor in Spirit have the Kingdom of Heaven.  So what does it mean to be poor in Spirit?  It is those who are bankrupt or totally devoid of any way to save themselves, and acknowledge that fact.  In the acceptance of this they turn to one who can save them, namely Jesus, for there is Salvation in no other.  Ask yourself if you have need of this Savior and if so seek HIM.

Along with that bankruptcy is the thought that if only we can get to Jesus we can be made well from our poverty, hence in desperation we seek out the only one who can make us well.  So in order to find the one who can save we have to be morally and spiritually bankrupt and understand that we are.  Secondly we need to realize that there is One who can save us, and in desperation seek the hem of HIS garment for wellness from that bankruptcy.

Jesus also told us that Heaven suffers violence and the violent take Heaven by force.  The theme seems to be that through our bankruptcy and desperation we violently seek a Savior who is able to do what we need.  What we need is More of GOD, More of His Will and Less of our own.  Being violent is not in the form of killing, or hitting, but rather in the sense of not giving up until we get what we are asking for, namely Salvation and a Close walk with Jesus.

In the Old Testament Jacob (Israel) fought with the Angel of the LORD.  It is in this same sense that we struggle with and get the Salvation that we seek.  We struggle with those sins that so easy beset us and we seek relief from those sins and attitudes, we find relief when we understand that it is GOD who can heal us and that we are powerless to handle this on our own.  GOD then steps in, and sometimes, HE totally delivers us, and other times HE says, “You also have some responsibility and need to do what you can and I will do what you can’t.”  GOD knows when we are desperate, for we may come many times thinking we are, but HE knows when it is Genuine.  HE will not allow us More than we can handle and will provide a way out.

If we believe we are perfect then we are deceived and the LORD is not in us, as John put it, “If you say you have not sin then you call GOD a liar and the LORD is not in you.”  I would strongly suggest to you to repent if this is your belief.  Even those who have turned to Jesus and have been washed in the Blood are still subject to sin, because we still carry around the flesh.  Yes we are Justified and GOD sees us through the Blood and declares us Righteous, but that is not the end, it is the Beginning of Sanctification or our walk with GOD where HE brings to mind those things that displease HIM.  When HE brings them to mind they are of the Utmost Importance and we should be sensitive to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT to work on it.  Those who heed the call to repentance and desperately and violently will not give up until Victory will receive wellness of the soul.  In this victory we are not to think it will never rear it’s ugly head, for Paul says that we should beware when we stand lest we fall.  The victory can produce a pride and a thought that, I stand.

If GOD is calling for Revival and Repentance, do we think that we have no sin?  Do we think we are already perfect and have not secret faults?  Is GOD calling You to Revival and Repentance?  If you are a Born Again, Blood Bought child of the Living GOD you are still not perfect.  Paul tells us that he was not perfect and had not Apprehended Christ as he was Apprehended by Christ, but one thing he did, he put away all the things that he thought made him righteous, according to the Law, and he strove for the righteousness that was of GOD through Christ.  He also put behind him the sin that GOD forgave and pressed on to the High Calling of GOD through Christ.   That is our job to learn from past mistakes and push on, understanding that GOD has forgiven us and if we don’t forgive us the Salvation of forgiveness holds no meaning for us.  We also make ourselves the judge, when there is only One Judge and that is GOD ALMIGHTY.  There are consequences to our sin that has been forgiven but not judgment form GOD for HE has forgotten what those sins were.

What am I trying in this rambling to say?  If My people, who are called by MY name.  GOD is calling HIS people to seek HIM fully and Repent of their sin; for that is what we can do, repent of Our sin.  HE is not calling the Spiritually dead to come to life but the Dead in Christ to Turn from the ways of the World and Walk in the Spirit.  I don’t believe that we are promised that GOD will stay HIS hand in This hour, but if that happens we can rejoice.  If HE chooses to not stay HIS hand we can rejoice, knowing that HE has a better plan and that through our Repentance and Revival we are closer to GOD.  In either way we have victory over the devil and sin.

Stop today and examine yourself, and ask GOD to show you where you ere, Ask the LORD to cleanse you from Secret Faults.  Don’t Give Up, and keep seeking an answer.

Selah, (Pause and Calmly think about this)

Until next time, thanks for looking.  al

JTB Ministries