But You, House of Bread…T-14 Days |Christmas 2019 Series

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

At the time of this prophecy, Bethlehem’s population was about 200 or so. When Jesus was born, there was no room at an inn. The town of under 500 would not expect so many people visiting all at once. This overpopulation was due to Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1) demanding a decree for all his subjects to be numbered in a Roman census.

The decree forced people to go to their ancestral towns to get counted. Not because the emperor was concerned about his subjects, but because he wanted to ensure the empire was taxing its subjects correctly.  

So right around 4-6 B.C., a future family of three traveled about 80-90 miles from Nazareth (Luke 2:4). They were tired, and poor Mary had been putting up with the bumps and bruises of sitting on a donkey through steep mountainsides to get to their ancestral town. 

So the “no room at the inn” scenario is highly possible.

Now imagine all of them tired and dirty from travel. Baby starts moving more, and Mary is feeling all of it. Men, we don’t have a clue about this, but the women who have gone through the process of giving birth definitely know what comes next!

Typical Jewish House during time of Jesus—Courtesy of Jesusstory.net

Joseph! I don’t care if there’s no room at the inn! This baby is coming out whether we have reservations or not!

Joseph, trying his best to protect and care for his family, does the next best thing to a reserved room at the inn—He saves money, and the little family gets comfortable in a manger (Luke 2:7). 

Courtesy of Psephizo

Now you may be thinking that these mangers are filthy. Yes, they were. Anywhere animals are kept will be dirty, but remember that most animals’ living spaces were at the bottom of the dwelling where their owners lived. They had to bring them in for safety reasons—one was to keep them warm, and the other was to keep them from being stolen. 

All this to get to the House of Bread or Beyth-lechem, where Jesus’ lineage was. Both Mary and Jesus’ step-dad were from the same tribe or clan or house. Except each came from different ancestors before ending with David.

The same David who slew the great Giant Goliath and the same one whom God promised one of his descendants would be the Messiah of Israel and the world.

The incredible prophetic utterance of Micah is astounding. The odds of two people from the same ancestor (David), getting together and having to travel just under a 100 miles through steep mountainous terrain, and Mary being with child. Then as soon as they get to their destination, she delivers, while extraterrestrial things are happening right outside of the little town, with a moving star leading Magi to the very spot where a baby king was being born, would be astronomical! Thats for a future post!

For now, just think of you and your spouse meeting and then getting married. Only to have to go to your ancestral cities for a world-wide census. What would be the odds of both of you coming from the same city or town? Let alone having a male baby being born in that town at the exact time you had to be there for the census?…

This was what Jesus did, fulfilling an 700-800 year old prophecy or prediction of the coming Prince of Peace whom the Jews called their Messiah…

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

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God with us — T-15 days |Christmas 2019

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace


Isaiah 9:6

To think that the Creator of the universe humbled Himself and became a Baby to fulfill His promise thousands of years back. This prophecy in Isaiah chapter 9, was about 700-750 years old. One of many predictions or prophecies which came true!

More to come….

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

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Preaching In The Pulpit Is… |Sermons & Studies Series

Teaching the Word of God is one of the most honorable things one can do. But when we are preparing the study or sermon, we must be very cautious as to what will be said and taught.

We must be prayed up, studied up and most importantly, be serious of who we are representing.

Sometimes, I hear of pastors who are constantly trashing the people. Or some others constantly joking in the pulpit. Others, using language that is far from the Holiness of the pulpit. What we must be extremely conscious of:

Picture Courtesy of ridgefieldbaptist.org

The pulpit is to preach:

The Father’s Love, Interjection & Correction

About Christ’s power of Redemption 

& Transformation

About the Spirit’s constant 

Sanctification & Instruction

The pulpit is about:

Sin’s Seriousness & Grievousness

Damnation to Salvation

Man’s Fall & Separation

God’s Forgiveness & Eternal Plan

Of Action

About Christ’s Obedience

About man’s Connection Correction

Picture Courtesy of ridgefieldbaptist.org

It’s about God’s:

Holiness

Praise-worthiness

Awesomeness

Righteousness

Fearfulness

Greatness

FOR Praying for God’s: 

Intervention, Edification

Supplication, Acclamation

Intercession, Cessation

& Confession

Picture Courtesy of ridgefieldbaptist.org

The Pulpit is not for self:

Edification, Elation, 

Inflation, Narration

Reputation, or 

Accolades

The Pulpit is definitely not for:

Being funny all the time,

Crowd-Pleasing 

Vulgarity, 

or crowd Elating

Not for self Agendas,

Or Selling yourself

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The Quiet, Unsung Heroes |Real Christlike Service

|” “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.” —Colossians 3:23(ISV)|

There are people who you’ll never hear from and will never be famous’ Christians. They won’t be household names, and that’s how they want to be remembered. We had one of the best babysitters in the world. She was older and a devout Christian woman who loved our kids as her own.

As soon as I finally go home at the end of this journey, she will be one of the first ones I will look for to thank.

I also know two women, not sure if they are both home with the LORD. I know he of them is. They, too, will be on y list of living examples to thank. These two ladies were selfless and incredibly faithful to Christ.
Their long term after school Bible study program for kids in the inner city of Long Beach has planted more seeds of the Love and grace of Christ, then all the best sermons by pastor’s in the pulpits around Los Angeles ever will. I include myself in that pulpit sermon example.
You see, Christ calls very few to teach, and very few do it well. But Christ calls all of us to make disciples of all nations. This includes our country. We don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to find disciples — especially the little ones who love hearing about Jesus and all the stories in His Bible.
These unsung heroes of Christianity doing their service without any special recognition from any leadership or church. Their crowns are waiting for them in heaven, where they will be escorted like royalty throughout the halls of the Great Throne room, where Christ himself will crown them in front of all to see! At least that is how I imagine it will take place.

happy cleaning GIF
Happy Cleaning GIF

So here’s to all the unsung heroes who serve day in and day out, throughout their lives. There are Sunday school teachers who are never noticed by anyone for a job well done. Or servants who clean the toilets at home and church. You are doing what God is asking of you. To the housewives out there, who decided to stay home to homeschool your kids, and to those wives that have to work to make ends meet; know that you are highly appreciated where it counts, in heaven.

bored spongebob squarepants GIF
How it is teaching kids
Courtesy of #spongebob squarepants

To the single moms or dads out there who can’t serve in their church, but help your children and their friends with the ultimate Christ-like manner and love at home.To the unsung heroes who are out there feeding the homeless, widows, and orphans.

Whether you are doing it here or in faraway lands, and you may be struggling to make ends meet. Remember, there is a reward in heaven with your name in it. Your compensation will be given to you by Christ.

To all those who don’t get the coffee served or pastries given for your service, don’t look at what others are getting for serving Christ. Their reward has already been given here on earth.
Yours is accumulating and expanding in heavenly tokens, which will be melted down into the biggest crown you’ll ever see! It will be so heavy that a neck brace will come with your crowns!
Lastly, to the servants who never complain or want accolades—keep doing what God has intended for you. Keep fighting the good fight.

Keep running the race that is set before you, without looking to the left or right.

There are people like yourselves who are quietly praying for you and your loved ones. That in itself is the highest form of love shown….and the greatest weapon for you to be able to go out into the Great Harvest Field, continuing your service to the One who loves and cherishes you…Thank you for doing your thing quietly and faithfully….

O.Roca

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS | THANKSGIVING 2019

The origins of this sacred Holyday

by Oscar Roca
First Thanksgiving

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.…

Psalm 100:4 & 5

LORD, thank You for always providing for us. Like the first Pilgrims who came looking for a better life away from tyrannical despots that wanted to control these Godly people’s freedom to worship whatever and however they wanted. I also want to worship You freely without having controlling government or individuals pushing their agendas on me. I ask that You keep all those who appreciate this hallowed day safe and continue guiding this land in Your ways. May those that think this is an evil day, look to the original Thanksgiving Day’s events when the native and European peoples came together to celebrate and thank the God who provided His bountiful harvest. In Your Most Holy Name, Amen. 

Thanksgiving has been villainized for one purpose– to make America immoral and without its people informed on the actual roots of its origins. Without these incredibly profound roots, we are just another democracy that will not last in history. 

You see, the way an enemy will wage war against a more powerful nation or force, is by infiltrating its education, governmental, and social systems and working the rot from within the central nervous system of that nation or power. 

This is what has been done slowly and steadily in the United States. My country is in crisis because it has lost its identity.

The original identity of this country was of religious freedom NOT separating faith and government but separating government from religion. The Founding Fathers and the original Pilgrims came to this beautiful land to be free from the tyranny that occurred because of the government being too overpowering and centralized. 

Nowhere in the constitution does it say that we the citizens can’t mix religion with government and vice-versa. This is a lie from entities who want to do away with religious freedom in order to control people more and more. 

That is why I celebrate Thanksgiving every year, to commemorate the First Thanksgiving in this land of the free. I also honor this most solemn of Holydays because it brings humility, acknowledging that God is The One who is in control of this country’s welfare.

Please don’t take my word for it, but research the origins of Thanksgiving:

Origins of Thanksgiving

Original Thanksgiving post

Edward Winslow, “Mourt’s Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, 1622, Part IV,”

George Washington, “Thanksgiving Proclamation,”

What is Thanksgiving?

Accountability, Ask God to help you, Away for the Holy Day Season, Be Still & Heal, Be Transformed and Renewed Daily, Before we pigout, Being Thankful, Blessings of our nation, Christ alone, Christian Leaders College, Christian Leaders Institute, Christian love, Christian Walk, Christians exploding through the world, Christians Take Action, CLI, Disciple and be Discipled, Encouragement, Eyes on God, Eyes on Others, First Responders, Freedom, God Keeps His Promises, God never leaves us!, God’s Grace, How to know God, Love Conquers All, Men & Women of God, Men and women in Military, Men of God, Military Men & Women away for the Holy Days, On Prayer & Meditation, oscarrocawriter.com, Parents are the Main Teachers, People of God, Powerful Prayer, Pray for your Children, Their Children and Children’s Children, Pray for your spouse, Pray Powerfully, Powerfully Pray, Psalmist Heart, Pure, Lovely and Good thoughts, Repent & Receive, Son & Holy Spirit, Thank Him First, Thanksgiving 2019, The Cross of Christ, The Dark Deception by Oscar Roca, The Gospel’s Simplicity, The Power of Actions, The power of words, The tomb is empty, True FreedomTagged Active Duty, All who serve on Christmas, All who serve on Thanksgiving, Before You Pigout on Turkey, First Responders, Giving of thanks to God, Giving thanks T-2 Days, Giving Thanks to God, I Invite you to know Jesus, Know God intimately and have God use you, Know Jesus, Know Jesus know peace, Make a commitment to God this Holy Day Season, Military duty, Month of Giving Thanks to God, T-2 Days, Thank you to all, Thanks=gratitude, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2019

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8 Days of Giving Thanks T-1 Days | Thanksgiving 2019

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. —Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

I’m thankful for the free gift of eternal life. It can’t be earned. It’s only thru His grace and free for the taking.

If you haven’t done so, today would be a perfect day to thank God and ask Him into your life thru His Son Jesus. He paid for our free gift of salvation.

8 Porque por gracia ustedes han sido salvados por medio de la fe, y esto no procede de ustedes, sino que es don de Dios; 9 no por obras, para que nadie se gloríe. — Efesios 2 Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana

Estoy increíblemente agradecido por el regalo gratuito de la vida eterna. No se puede ganar. Es solo a través de Su gracia y gratis para tomar.

Si no lo has hecho, hoy sería un día perfecto para agradecer a Dios y pedirle que entre en tú vida a través de Su Hijo Jesús. Él pagó por nuestro regalo gratuito de salvación

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

Accountability, Ask God to help you, Away for the Holy Day Season, Be Still & Heal, Be Transformed and Renewed Daily, Before we pigout, Being Thankful, Blessings of our nation, Christ alone, Christian Leaders College, Christian Leaders Institute, Christian love, Christian Walk, Christians exploding through the world, Christians Take Action, CLI, Disciple and be Discipled, Encouragement, Eyes on God, Eyes on Others, First Responders, Freedom, God Keeps His Promises, God never leaves us!, God’s Grace, How to know God, Love Conquers All, Men & Women of God, Men and women in Military, Men of God, Military Men & Women away for the Holy Days, On Prayer & Meditation, oscarrocawriter.com, Parents are the Main Teachers, People of God, Powerful Prayer, Pray for your Children, Their Children and Children’s Children, Pray for your spouse, Pray Powerfully, Powerfully Pray, Psalmist Heart, Pure, Lovely and Good thoughts, Repent & Receive, Son & Holy Spirit, Thank Him First, Thanksgiving 2019, The Cross of Christ, The Dark Deception by Oscar Roca, The Gospel’s Simplicity, The Power of Actions, The power of words, The tomb is empty, True FreedomTagged Active Duty, All who serve on Christmas, All who serve on Thanksgiving, Before You Pigout on Turkey, First Responders, Giving of thanks to God, Giving thanks T-2 Days, Giving Thanks to God, I Invite you to know Jesus, Know God intimately and have God use you, Know Jesus, Know Jesus know peace, Make a commitment to God this Holy Day Season, Military duty, Month of Giving Thanks to God, T-2 Days, Thank you to all, Thanks=gratitude, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2019

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-2 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Thank You LORD for those who serve us

by Oscar Roca
Soldier Coming Home
Bible verse John 15:13

Today I want to thank all those who serve people in any capacity. From the waiters and waitresses at restaurants, or the store employees who work hard to keep the aisles and checkouts clear, to the first responders who selflessly give up their family time to keep all of us safe and in good health.
I especially would like to thank the men and women in the armed forces who will not be with their families this upcoming Holy Day Season.
I pray that all of You make it back home safely and that you are blessed by the LORD tremendously. Your selfless service to this country and the world is noticed and appreciated by all in this family.
LORD, I thank You for all those that will be working to stock the aisles and clear the busy holiday checkouts. I also thank you for the local public servants who are out there keeping our streets safe and doing extraordinary things in emergency services. I ask that You keep them all safe as they take care of this community.
Father, I ask that You bring those that are far away from their families, peace of this season, where Your Son came down from His throne and became a humble infant, only to accomplish Your will—to save humanity from their sins which separated us from You.
May all those serving in the military find Your peace, joy, and love while they are out there putting their lives on the line for all of us. May they also know Father, that we are praying for their safety and the safety of their families left behind without a dad, mom, uncle, aunt, brother or sister. I pray that they will feel the love of their families, communities, and especially the love of Your son Jesus. I pray this in Your name Lord…

______________________________________________________________________________

“Nadie tiene un amor mayor que éste: que uno dé su vida por sus amigos.

Juan 15:13 Spanish: La Nueva Biblia de los Hispanos

Hoy quiero agradecer a todos los que sirven a las personas en cualquier capacidad. Desde los meseros y meseras en los restaurantes, o los empleados de la tienda que trabajan duro para mantener los pasillos y las cajas abiertas, hasta los primeros en responder que descuidan el tiempo de su familia para mantenernos a todos seguros y en buen estado de salud.

Me gustaría agradecer especialmente a los hombres y mujeres de las fuerzas armadas que no estarán con sus familias esta próxima temporada de días santos Navideños. Oro para que todos ustedes regresen a casa sanos y salvos. Que el Señor los bendiga tremendamente. Su servicio altruista a este país y al mundo es notado y apreciado por todos en esta familia. SEÑOR, te agradezco por todos los que trabajarán para abastecer los pasillos y despejar las cajas de compras. También te agradezco por los servidores públicos locales que están manteniendo nuestras calles seguras y haciendo cosas extraordinarias en los servicios de emergencia.

Te pido que los mantengas a salvo mientras cuidan de esta comunidad. Padre, te pido que le des a los que están lejos de sus familias, la paz de esta temporada, donde Tu Hijo bajó de Su trono y se convirtió en un Niño humilde, solo para cumplir Tu voluntad, para salvar a la humanidad de los pecados que nos separaron de Ti.

Que todos los que sirven en el ejército encuentren Tu paz, alegría y amor mientras estén lejos de su seres queridos, arriesgando sus vidas por todos nosotros. Que ellos también sepan Padre, que estamos orando por su seguridad.  Además oro por la seguridad de sus familias que se quedaron sin un padre, madre, tío, tía, hermano o hermana en estas temporadas. Oro para que sientan el amor de sus familias, comunidades y especialmente el amor de Tu hijo Jesús. Amen…

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-3 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Isaiah 1:18

Thankful for a God who reinvents us!

by Oscar Roca

I just got a sent a picture of a blind farmer who was passing through his land, looking for his turkeys. The funny part was that he was walking right in front of them, and they were making cow sounds. 

I laughed so hard because this time of year, turkeys are the main course on the plate in my country! 

But then, I started pondering on the fact that those turkeys in that cartoon are so incredibly wise! Yes, I know it’ s just a funny cartoon mem, but think about it, when was the last time you reinvented yourself? 

We all must take this journey called life. I invite you to reinvent yourself today; don’t wait until New Year’s Day to write a list of things you want to reinvent in your life. Start today. 

—What is your physical goal?

—What is your mental goal?

—What is your job goal?

—Most importantly, what is your spiritual purpose?

I don’t have a clue on the first three since I most likely don’t know you personally. But, I do have an answer to the last one. Get to know God personally before this Thanksgiving holiday. I promise you with God’s help; you will be able to accomplish anything in life. I also know that God will reinvent you. 

Wherever you are in life, whatever your past mistakes or regrets, stop holding on to them.

Start fresh on this special Holiday Season. Finish Christmas with the Peace of The Christ Child, who can take all your past away and make you a new person.

I thank God for fresh starts. I know, because He gave me one when I asked Jesus into my life and committed myself to Him. 

Here are some links if you want to reinvent yourself spiritually… 

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-4 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

animation space GIF
Via Giphy.com

Dysfunctional Symphony

by Oscar Roca
Isaiah 61:3a

LORD, I’m thankful for making this time of year one of my favorites by changing dysfunction to order.
It wasn’t like this when my family was broken up into chaos, and people were calling our family disfunction. You don’t believe in labels, and neither do I.
I had to see this season how You saw it in order for me to be the first one in my family who would take disfunction and turn it into harmony through You.

This is the reason why over the years, Mary and I have made Thanksgiving & Christmas joyful & functional to all who enter our lives.
LORD, this joyful order is all You, and I thank you for making it a perfect synchronization in You!

Isaiah 61:3b

For those who are stuck in your pasts, it’s time to move in and enter into God’s peaceful functioning order.

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

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8 Days of Giving Thanks T-5 Days |Thanksgiving 2019

From TMP.org

Today I want to thank God for the children and grandchildren I’ve been blessed with. They make my life joyful. Without them, my wife and I’s lives would be different.

Even more so today, since I’m getting ready to go to a USC-UCLA with one of my daughters who got me the tickets for Father’s Day… and those moments are priceless & extremely thankful memories.

Thank You LORD for this gift.

P.S. Fight On!

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8 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS T-6 DAYS |THANKSGIVING 2019

Proverbs 18:22

Today, I’d like to thank God for the wife of my youth. She has been with me through thick and thin, in darkness and light. She has seen my worst and has been the reason for my best. 

During this time of reflection, I thank God for this priceless gift, which was wrapped before the foundations of the world. God knew exactly what kind of wife I needed, so He breathed life into this precious baby who would later on, marry a cocky and mischievous nineteen-year-old. Most people who know us whether Christian or not, will look at her and ask me, “how does she put up with the hurricane that is you!”

I smile and think to myself:

She has learned to stand still and move with the hurricane! Always keeping herself inside in the eye of the storm!…

______________________________________________________________________________

Proverbios 18:22

Hoy quisiera agradecer a Dios por la esposa de mi juventud. Ella ha estado conmigo contra viento y marea, en la oscuridad y la luz. Ella ha visto lo peor y ha sido la razón de lo mejor de mi vida.

Durante este tiempo de reflexión, doy gracias a Dios por este regalo invaluable que fue envuelto antes de los cimientos del mundo. Dios sabía exactamente qué tipo de esposa necesitaba, así que dio vida a este precioso bebé que más tarde se casaría con un engreído y travieso de solamente diecinueve años de edad. La mayoría de las personas que nos conocen sean cristianos o no, la miran y me preguntarán,”¡¿cómo soporta ella, el huracán que eres tú?”!

Solo sonrío y pienso: ¡ella ha aprendido a quedarse quieta y moverse con el huracán! ¡Siempre manteniéndose adentro en el ojo de la tormenta!

Y por este regalo, siempre te estaré agradecido Señor …

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8 Days of Giving Thanks T-7 |Thanksgiving 2019

1 Chronicles 16:8

My mom and Dad pointed me to my faith but God’s love cemented it. 

Without Christ reaching in and touching my heart, I would not be the man I am today. His grace gave me hope that I would otherwise not have.

|Without His mercy, my punishment would be intense.

That is the most important Giving of Thanks I could give to my LORD & Savior.

______________________________________________________________________________

1 Crónicas 16:8-9 NBLA

Mi mamá y mi papá me señalaron hacia mi fe, pero el amor de Dios lo consolidó.

Sin Cristo llegando y tocando mi corazón, no sería el hombre que soy hoy. Su gracia me dio la esperanza que de otro modo no tendría.

Sin su misericordia, mi castigo sería intenso.

Esa es la acción de gracias más importante que podría dar a mi Señor y Salvador.

If you don’t know the love of God and want to get the gift of His Love, Grace, & Mercy, I invite you to get to know Him today. Don’t wait!

Si no conoces el amor de Dios y deseas obtener el regalo de Su Amor, Gracia y Misericordia, te invito a conocerlo hoy. ¡No Esperes!

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

Paz Con Dios

Pasos para la Salvación PDF

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8 Days of Giving Thanks! |Thanksgiving 2019

Via The Gospel Heral Life

We shift gears today to be thankful:

This month is a reminder for me about how precious life is. With my mom passing on about this time (a week ago) in 1993. To say that I have sweet and sour memories in November is an understatement. But as my brother in the LORD Michael Nuñez very thankfully explains about his mom, I have the same memory of my mom. She was the most faithful person I have ever met. Her debilitating rheumatoid Arthritis never kept her from trusting in God or grumbling to God, at least not in front of her children.

Even more of perfect timing, Michael did not know my mom passed on around this time, and when I asked him to write something he was thankful for, he sent this. In God’s perfect timing, I picked my brother in Christ because of what he has written in past years, always starting on the first day of November.

Michael is one of the few who has been doing this and I want to celebrate it!

Take a look at what he wrote for today’s Thanksgiving Month:

Day 20 of Thankfulness… Yesterday I made mention that I was thankful because I get to instruct my son in the way of the Lord. Today I am thankful for my mother, who did just that, teach me about Jesus. To cry out to him, to seek his forgiveness and guidance, and so much more. (My Dad played a significant role as well, but this is about my mom, not Dad.. she was not perfect (neither am I), but she was perfect for me (as I am to her) Missing you today. Proverbs22:6

#happybirthdaymom

Michael Nuñez November 20, 2019

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Did He Really Say That You Couldn’t Do?…. |The Spiritual War On God Pt. 2

Philippians 1:27

|The following post was just as tough for me to write as the previous one. This division in the Church is something that has, for my generation, been a battle between Christians. Apparently, we don’t have enough battles waging against us, so we’ve come up with one against ourselves….yay us...

——The war against God in society continues and will only get worse. We, The Church, need to know that the enemy is laughing and kicking back(idiom for sitting in a comfortable plush chair, drinking demon juice and watching us do all their dark work).
Notice I did not say the war on men; because the war that is being waged on the Church and its morals, history, and standards; is ultimately against God, with men being the scapegoats.

Why the Spiritual tug of war?

|…but hold off on excusing the men, because we are part of the problem, and have been for a long time. I’ll get to this next post.

——I am not here to add to the division. I am here to give scriptural reference to the insanity that this issue has become. I am not one to insult a woman and tell her to, “Go home,” like a famous pastor recently said… I believe that is insulting and unbecoming of someone who has so many ears listening to him, but that is for another post.

…But I am also not one that will give somebody a Free Pass if they are scripturally in error, no matter if it’s a famous pastor, or a fellow Christian friend… That is not who I am, and people that know me, know that I only stand for these things spiritually:

Only Christ, Only Scripture, Only Faith, and Only Grace.
So when the popular culture comes knocking at my door, I ask myself:
——Is this scriptural?
—— Will this glorify God?
—— Will this unite the Church?
——Is this issue showing love or hate?
—— Is this based on our faith in Christ?
—— Does this follow the original Spirit filled Acts Church?

Zechariah 8:16

—— When I am counseling someone, the above questions are always on my mind. Now getting back to the subject…

——In the previous post, I asked a straightforward question—To show me anywhere in the Bible where women had roles of Priest or High Priest, in either the Hebrew (OT) or Greek (NT) scriptures. I gave examples of women being used by God as Prophetesses and Deacons but never as Tabernacle/Temple Priests or Teachers. 

What I am about to say is not meant to be sexist, arrogant or proud. I would not be here if were not for my mom, wife, daughters, & other women who have given me valuable life lessons through our interactions and relationships…

——Now, if, after you answer these next questions, and still can dispute the word of God, then go ahead and call me whatever you like. But, I hope that at the end of the questions, you see that God has an order for the family. This order extends out into society. And society without men and women in unity, can’t exist. There are many things that men can’t do.On the other hand, there are things you women can’t do that a man can.

|Here are a few more points to look at and ponder:

—Before I get to them, I would like to mention Deborah, the Prophetess, and Judge of Israel. Again, she was neither a Levite or High Priest(ess). Deborah never worked inside the Tabernacle. It is never recorded that Deborah was able to go in to sacrifice at the Altar or go into the Holy of Holies. This is a huge deal, since God had qualifications for serving in the Tabernacle/Temple:

Exodus 2:8-9

One, was that you were a son of Aaron. Yes, a male, I want to be clear about this. It is not me saying this, it is coming straight from the LORD. Two, a priest had to come fromt the line of Aaron.

Yes Oscar, but that was then and now, we are all free in Christ…

1 Timothy 3:

Let’s take a look at the qualifications of an elder (Pastor— senior or on staff):

—The list of qualifications of an elder is given in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. You can read these yourself. I’ve underlined the main point above…So an elder or overseer or pastor has to be a man, having only one wife, kind and respected, able to lead, etc. This man must oversee his family well, in order to oversee the church family second. Most pastors flip the roles of overseeing, making the church a priority over their families… I will get to this in my next post.

1 Timothy 3

—Now, here is the interesting part, a deacon’s (or waiters’, helpers’, administrators’) qualifications are given with an extra addition:

—Notice that God inspired Paul to add verse 11, and give women the right to be deaconesses; adding requirements for them.

—My question to you is this: Why would God insert qualifications for women Deaconesses, but not insert one for women elders or pastors?

—Well wait a minute Oscar, you’re just seeing things, it means that Paul was inspired by God to add this for both elders and deacons!

No, that would be reading into God’s word and instructions…

—You see, God’s order is always perfect. God is intentional in everything He has ever done or will do. He placed the qualifications in perfect order, so there would be no— he said we said, shenanigans!

—God is telling All readers of this letter the requirements to be elders, deacons, and deaconesses. That’s it: no additions or subtractions. He does not add requirements for women elders, but only for deaconesses.

Had God wanted female elders (meaning pastors), He would have added a verse 11 qualification right after verse 7! You can also check out Titus chapter 1 to confirm these requirements for men.

So my questions to the female readers are:

—Based on the Bible’s authority and the qualifications of being a pastor-overseer-teacher:

— Can women be senior and/or staff pastors just because culture and society say it’s time?

— Or is it because the enemy has said— Did God really say you couldn’t be a senior pastor? 

This last polemic question will be addressed next post…

If you are reading this and don’t know doctrine, or were just visiting this website, and you want to get to know God, here are a few links to having a Personal Relationship with Him:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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Did He Really Say That You Couldn’t Do?…. |The Spiritual War on God Pt 1

WARNING: TO MEN & WOMEN OF GOD—EXTREMELY TRUTHFUL & ABRASIVELY CONTROVERSIAL TO THIS CULTURE’S INCLUSIVE SOCIETY.

Courtesy of GIPHY

If you know me, you know that I have always told my wife and daughters that they can do all things through Christ. That nothing is impossible for them if God’s will is present.

Oscar Roca

This is why I’ve waited about a month or so to post this. I have revised revisions, and edit after edit. I’ve written it a few times, prayed about it extensively, and waited patiently.

(But being in God’s will is one of the most critical aspects of our walk. And it is as essential to me for them to succeed in life and be whatever God calls them to be.)

So what I’m about to say is a hard thing. But it’s something that must be addressed, to speak truth because God will never contradict His word. We know that the Word of God is true (Psalm 18:30).

—As much as it pains me to say this, it is in keeping with God’s word; and it is coming at a time where the church has divided itself on things that are as clear as night and day in the Bible.

—The Bible has a history of God using women in a wide variety of capacities.

—A well-known prophetess Myriam was a Prophetess (Exodus 15:20), Noadiah and Hulda were also prophetesses (Nehemiah 6:14, 2 Kings 22:15).

Deborah was used by God because Barak was too weak mentally and spiritually to lead a nation that was immoral and spiritually bankrupt. Barak did not want to lead and gave up his leadership. Deborah was not only a Justice but also a Prophetess. She led a nation back to God (Judges 4).

—God used Ruth to show us how God would bring a Redeemer for Israel and what a virtuous Bride of Christ should exemplify (Ruth 2:1-4:22 , Matthew 1:5).

—God used Esther to save her people from tribulation (Esther 4:14) .

—Mary, a teenage girl, was used by God because she was also virtuous and faithful (Isaiah 7:14 , Luke 1:28).
—Elizabeth was so devoted that she was past her child-bearing age, yet God used her to bring forth, per Jesus, the greatest man born of women, ever to live, John the Baptist (Luke 1:5, Luke 7:28).

—There are other prophetesses in the NT— Anna in Luke 2:36 who never left the Temple, yet, it never states that she went into the actual Temple or the Holy of Holies. An evangelist named Philip, who had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9).

—Jesus surrounded Himself with female disciples. These same women were the first to see the Resurrected Savior. Not the Apostles. And just like the story of the Justice- Prophetess Deborah, men were too weak, so God used women in there place (Matthew 26:56,Matthew 28:1, Matthew 27:55, Mark 16:1).

—I believe that women can be presidents; I agree that women can be CEOs of major companies.
— I believe that women could be the best of doctors or astronauts, and they will excel in everything they fix their minds on…
— I believe that women bring a different dynamic to every aspect of society.
— Here’s where I stop throwing caution to the wind and break with the trending women’s empowerment movement.

—What I don’t agree with is women who are teaching both men and women.
— What women who are trying to teach both men and women may not realize is this—They are hurting the word of God, and I take that very seriously because you cannot mess with God’s word.

— Some may say that the Bible is not clear on women teaching men and that in today’s modern society, the all male centric way of worship is antiquated and out of touch. That women have all the rights of men in every aspect of society, and that whether men like it or not, women will do whatever they want.

James 4:7

—When I hear this, I realize two things, that those women who are intensely adamant of leading their families and churches, usually have a problem submitting to the LORD. I say usually because this is what I see in both men and women who have problems with serving others in life and ministry. (More on this next post.)

I have a few questions, but I’ll ask just one. The most important one:

Show me anywhere in the Bible where there were women Priests, or High priests chosen to serve inside the Temple or were allowed to walk into the holy of Holies?

Now for what the Bible says about women senior or lead pastors:

Next Post…. Where the war on men came from & why women want it all, including in the spiritual realm . Why it is the ultimate war on God and not men.

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Don’t Give Up —Don’t Give In! Press On! |Tuesday Reset!

I was up late night praying for the final classes I’m taking. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have been on a roller coaster ride these last four years. I have gained some very valuable insights while getting my Pastoral & Divinty Diplomas, as well as my Bachelor’s. This, for me is not a pause, since I will be studying to get my Master’s.

What should have been me working on my Master’s a while back, turned into another future blog story. But, now, I can see the finish line…

Oscar Rcoca
Baby frantically reading

I am not saying this to pat myself on the back or let everyone know how wonderful I am. On the contrary, as I was praying for patience and thankfulness, a thought came to mind. I saw many a student who was struggling with keeping up with the demands of so much in life. I must admit, it gets overwhleming but bearable.
I envisoned the different class members with their families and lives. Each student was going about their business.
Some did not look joyful because of the present worries and struggles in their lives.
Some were young, some middle-aged. Some had lots of family members walking alongside them on their journey. Others had few friends and family, and still, others were alone, walking towards their graduation. All of them had caps and gowns on.

I found myself empathizing with each of the students I came across as I imagined walking around the small American town.

Oscar Roca

I continued imagining…a few graduating students were turning back, disheartened, and sorrowful.
Those are the people that I would hurry and try to encourage. I had what looked like a plethora of gold bar graduating pins with me.
I wasn’t supposed to be putting it on them. That was for the faculty to do, yet, I was being led strongly to do this.
A faculty member saw what I was doing. She gave me a nod to continue as if she knew that I was trying to encourage the students who were so close to graduating, but were thinking about quitting.
Some came from violent areas where it was so hard to live, let alone go to college.
Some came from broken homes where single parents could not afford to help them.
Some were the single parents, who were struggling to make ends meet, and having second thoughts about staying in school.
Others were going through a family crisis, not knowing whether to move forward or stay put.
Those were the ones I would shake hands with, hug, high five, or fist bump. And those are the ones I would cheer on while placing a graduation pin on them.

Their faces… that’s what I most remember.

Oscar Roca

You see, their countenance went from sorrowful to joyful and peaceful.
They would look at me and make an about-face from their car, or direction they had started. They had been encouraged by the small gesture to continue towards their prize.

My urgency was to empathize, encourage, & educate them to achieve what they had started, it felt right, just, & pleasing to God.

Oscar Roca

If you are reading this and are going through any health issues or addictions. You may be going through financial hardships, family struggles, or whatever it is that is making you want to turn back on your walk with Christ. Or, are having setbacks educationally, or spousal or family problems, I want to tell you that God loves you. He is waiting for you to cast all your fears, concerns, and heavy burdens on Him. God wants you to keep moving forward by shedding or casting all your burdens on Him. Don’t give up!

Because in life, we are all either students—Of Christ —or, Students of this world…

Oscar Roca

If you are a student of this world, it means that you are burdened by the heaviness of the busyness of this world. Where you can’t see past your next paycheck, let alone graduation time, or an end to marriage counseling or the next hospital or prison visit. I invite and encourage you to give those issues to Christ and not to give up. To move forward.

Getting back up!

If you have fallen and are panic stricken, unable to make your next move, close your eyes, breathe in and get back up! Dust off, look around and take a mental picture of your situation. Because one thing I know, life moments, some joyful, some harsh, will come and go. Take a mental picture of it all. For the moments that make you stronger, are the moments where you don’t want to move forward in life. Those are the moments that God reaches down from His throneroom in the heavens, and grabs a hold of your spirit.

It is in those times when you look up & cry out, that God touches you! You have the strength to jump to your feet & start running! You feel encouraged, you have that extra spring to your step & set your eyes back on the final prize!

Oscar Roca

This is what God can, and has done for many of His children. God can do this for you right here, right now. Just ask Jesus to help you keep your eyes on the goals in your life. Then also ask Him to bring you to a state of peace and stillness where you can take a moment to:

Refresh— Only the way that God can refresh your spirit. Ask God to strengthen you spiritually, mentally and physically.

Regroup—Take a step back and see where your goal is. Take a set of mental pictures of where you were when you started, are now, and will be in the future. Do not look back on the negatives, but look back at all your triumphs.

Reinforce—Reinforce the goal you have and ask God to give you the strength to move forward. No matter who is telling you that you can’t or that it’s too hard. Don’t listen to people, sometimes, they are mirroring their own doubts and fears. This includes your parents, siblings and anyone else who discourages you from attaining what God has commanded you to do.

Replan— Take a look at your plans. If you have not written your goal down and have planned on how to finish it, do it now.

Most people fail to plan, so their plans fail. Don’t become one of those statistics

Oscar Roca

Remove—Remove all doubt. The world will tell you it can’t be done. God says, “Follow Me and I will show you!”

Resume— You can take a break from everything, but don’t wait too long because your break may be permanent! Start as soon as you have gained your spirtual and mental strength!

For those that need to hear this— I am cheering you on! Keep running towards your prize. Stay focused on your goal! Whatever goal it is in life that you are running to.

If you need God’s help, ask Him! If you don’t know how, just ask Jesus to help you with the words. Ask Him to remove any negative things in your life that are casuing you to keep pausing on your goals, or marriage, or health issues. Ask Him into your life. He will bring you peace through all your life struggles. Accept Him as your LORD and Savior. You will see that He cares and loves you beyond any obstacles you may have.

Recommit your will through Christ to finsih the race! This is extremely important. You must be committed to finishing what you have started in order to do it with gusto!

There are no I’ll Try’s, only I’ll Do’s & Won’t Do’s!

So go & reach for the stars, because Heaven is rooting for you!

Oscar Roca

Click on any of these links if you want a personal relationship and commitment to God:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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Only Road to Salvation |How To Know God

I recently spoke to someone who I have been getting to know better. This person has a good heart and is sincerely seeking God.
This person asked me why I always encourage folks even when I don’t know them that well.
This young person is working at a restaurant, and I encouraged them(will use they, and them from this point on, so as not to keep repeating myself) to go to college and work on what they like. They, like kids and sports. So every time I see them now, they will tell me their plans. They have also asked about my relationship with God.

By Oscar Roca

I explain to them that all people who are born, come into this world with sin in their hearts.

By Oscar Roca

That all people fall short of connecting with God on their own. Because we have all been separated by the wrongs we have done to others. Our sinful hearts lead us in the wrong direction at times.

And that only through Jesus we are connected back to God’s righteousness, without having to do anything ourselves,

By Oscar Roca

That if they faithfully agree with everything that I’ve said, to ask Jesus to come into their lives & they are committing to allow Christ to do the work of changing them from the inside out.

If you decide to trust God to connect back with Him, all you have to do is confess it to someone aloud. I let them know that I could take them through the life-changing process.

—Do you know why Jesus came to die for you?
—Have you decided to know God intimately?
— Are you ready to give all your worries and problems to the only One that can help you through them?
— Are you ready to commit yourself as you are to Jesus?
—Do you want me to help you with any question or concern about committing yourself to Christ?

Short Version—This has to be from your heart to God’s:

—You have to ask for forgiveness.
—You also have to thank Jesus for His work on the cross.
— Lastly, you have to ask God to help you have the will power to stop you from doing the same wrongs or sins in your life. He will be faithful to lead you every minute of every day from this point on.

Longer Version:

—LORD, I know You sent Your Son Jesus into this world so that He would put an end to the separation everyone has with You. I ask You to take all my wrongdoings away entirely.
— I ask You to take my sinful heart and mind and replace it with a new spiritual one.
— I know that I come to you with all my problems, hang-ups, and past mistakes. I know I don’t need to do anything to take them all away because You will change me by Your power.
— Help me to change the things that I am doing wrong. I can’t do it by myself. Fill me with Your presence in my life. I know that You will guide me from this point on.
— Thank you, Father, for bringing Jesus to pay the price for my sins instead of me. I will stop doing the things that separate me from you. It will not be by my power but from Yours.
—I ask you this in Jesus’ Name.

by Oscar Roca

Lastly—God also promises us that His peace will be your peace. That’s a peace that we can’t fully fathom. But it’s yours if you ask Him.

If you want to reconnect with God, I ask you to go through the above process, or ask Him right here, right now, to come into your life and bring you peace. Ask Him to forgive you, and God will. Thank Jesus for dying for your sins. He will reconnect His relationship with you.

By Oscar Roca

Any questions, leave a comment.
More information below:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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You Fall, You Get Up — You Fall, You Keep Getting Up! |Christian Short Drills Series

7 But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.”—2 Chronicles 15:7

I had a few stories done for my blog and then I saw this and immediately started writing!:

This is a speech given Deshauna Barber. I must admit, I did not know who this young lady was, nor did I know whether she is a Christian or not. What I found interesting is the story which defined her as a person.

A story in which her inner character came out, with the help of a stranger who cared deeply enough to encourage and to bring her the— I can do all things through Christ attitude (Philippians 4:13).

Yes, I know, contradiction …I just said I did not know her spiritual faith. But, as christians, we are to never give up on the goals that are set for us.

Oscar Roca

You see, I often set my thinking of sports to my Christian walk. I know the goals I have, I know what God wants in my life, most of the time, I continue on my journey with the ultimate goal in my life—To be in God’s will.

How do I know that I am in God’s will?

This question is muilti fold—Is what I am doing :

—Bringing people to Christ’s saving grace(1 Timothy 2:4 )?

— Is what I am doing just, right, and will glorify the LORD( Micah 6:8, Proverbs 21:3, Isaiah 56:1)?

—Am I being an example of what what a Christian is (Deuteronomy 10:12, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Isaiah 66:2, Hosea 12:6)?

Last but not least:

—Am I in constant communication with the One that holds my life together by reaching out to Him first thing in the morning (Matthew 14:13, Matthew 14:23, Luke 5:16 )?

—Do I have peace in the thing that I am doing (Psalm 29:11, Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:7)?

Light at end of tunnel

—All this to say, God has your back! Don’t look at past failures or mistakes. Always look forward, striving to be on the right road of your journey. Never doubt that God wants the best for you. Never, ever give up when things look dark and tough. Becasue if you keep going, God will make a way for you (Isaiah 43:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17) and will gve you the strength to see you through.

—And just like Deshauna, failures brought her closer to her prize!

—Don’t give up on and in life, you are too precious a commodity for failure. God has everything in your life under His control.

—If you don’t have a personal relationship or constant communication with God, ask yourself this:

—Do I want Jesus in my life?

Yes or No —If yes, click on the links below, they will help answer some commanly asked questions about a personal relationship with God:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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Blessed…Happy…To Be Envied

Trials & Persecutions

Blessed are the…Blessed…Blessings… Bless you… God bless you….

If you are going through some tough times, or if you are ready to give up on life, or if you’ve just about had it with people, be of good cheer; Jesus has some specific and encouraging words for you. You are not alone, you are blessed. Even in times of deep and low valleys, we are to recognize that we are blessed, happy, to be envied. You see, that is what blessed means…

I have heard many great pastors explain the Sermon on the Mount, I have also taught on this, and until recently, this word hit me like a sweet aroma of the finest of buttermilk southern biscuits! If you’ve never had the deliciousness of southern buttermilk biscuits with gravy, I invite you to go to a place where they serve them, or get the recipe and make them yourselves.
Now back to what I was saying. This word has been one I have taken for granted most of my Christian life. Sure, I read and reread the scriptures, and most of the Bible has this word here and there until you get to the Psalms and to the Sermon on the Mount, where this word is used to signify something important.
Christians use the word ‘blessed‘ to explain the incredibly joyous and meaningful description when someone places their trust, knowledge, and faith in Jesus, the Savior of the world.

The Beatitudes of Jesus

You see, when you hear this word as much as we do in the English speaking world, it tends to take the importance away.

I sneeze; somebody says, “Bless you.” Someone buys a car, and someone else says, “What a blessing!” Another person says that their baby was born, and someone else will say,” Congratulations! Kids are such a blessing!”
When we study this word, we realize the true meaning has been lost, particularly in the US, which is blessed materially.

The Greek word Makarios (Strong’s H3107) is our English word blessed. Makarios means to be happy, to be envied.
Jesus uses this word extensively in His Sermon on the Mount, and He also inspired most of the writers of the Hebrew Scriptures to use this word, primarily King David and the rest of the Psalmists.

When Jesus was speaking about those who were blessed, Israel was under the dominion of the Roman Empire. The people of Israel had been waiting hundreds of years for their Messiah or Future Anointed King of Israel to come and set things straight.
Jesus came as a Humble-Sacrificial-Lamb of God-King. This poor Carpenter knew what being without meant. He also knew what meekness was.

— You see, Jesus could have at anytime, called legions of Heavenly Beings who were ready at His command(Matthew 26:53). Just one of those Angelic Beings slew 185,000 Assyrians in one night. Just a few of these powerful, heavenly host, would have taken care of all the Roman Legions! So, Jesus would not have to have lifted a finger to make the Roman Empire disappear off the face of the Earth!

—Yet, Jesus remained calm and gentle for the sake of the world, in order to come to a saving knowledge of who He was, is, and will be!

Oscar Roca

“Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God’s strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness”.—Help Ministries

—Jesus also knew what mourning for a loved one meant. The bible is silent on Joseph’s passing into eternity. But if Jesus’ mourning for his friend Lazarus is any indication, Jesus mourned for His adopted earthly dad with great agony.

—Jesus also knew what hungering and thirsting for righteousness meant. He, later on in the Gospels, would be overthrowing the tables in the courtyard of the Gentiles at the Temple Mount. Why? Becasue most of the Leadership of Israel during His time would become corrupt and unworthy of leading God’s people.

— Jesus knew what being merciful and showing heart for people meant. He came to set the seperation from God back to what it was in the beginning, when Adam and Eve were in the Garden, communing with God. Jesus would have Grace and Mercy for people by going obediently to the cross. His heart would be so sad for His people Israel, that He would literally die of a broken heart.

Blessed or brokenhearted?

—Jesus would also know what being a Peacemaker, and being persecuted meant. Since He was All God and All man, He knew exactly what He was talking about. He on many occasions told His unbelieving disciples that He would be given up and put to death for the sake of mankind (Matthew 26:2,14,15,45; Mark 14:41,42; Luke 22:53).

—Think of this, as Jesus’ ministry began, He knew everything that would happen to Him and yet, kept His meekness about Him. Tell me if this is not demonstrating power under gentleness! Knowing exactly what laid in store for Him three and a half years into the future!

—Now if we put ourselves in Jesus’ sandals, would we be able to say Blessed are those who are persecuted, or the reviled? Or the deathly sick, or the poor?

—Jesus was able to see into His future, and yet remain calm and gentle under pressure.

Oscar Roca

If He did this for Himself, imagine how much more He will do for us when we are going through some heavy trials? He tells us to place all our problems on Him. He doesn’t say that we will stop having these problems, but He promises us that He will make them lighter. So light, that they will be bearable.

—How about you, what do you have that is so unbearable that it keeps you up at night? Give that heavy load to Jesus. Trust in Him. Ask Him to come into your life and flip that problem upside down. We are in the court of the Gentiles, His court. Come into His Temple and be set free of all your burdens; becasue in giving Jesus all of you, with all your problems and complications, He promises you to carry those things that are weighing on your heart. Be blessed, happy to be envied once you cast your cares upon Jesus, the Perfector of our lives….

Click on any of these links if you want a personal relationship and commitment to God:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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Church Is Where You Take It! |Boundless Church

Barbershop

I was speaking to my Barber as he was cutting my hair. I’ve gotten to know him well. It’s been almost a decade.
There are barbers closer to me. I had one before that is about a 5-minute drive who cuts hair just as well, but his bedside manner is atrocious. The current Barber is a little bit longer ride.
The reason I go to him is that he is one of the most Christ-like people I know.
In the years I’ve been going there, he regularly shows me an example of what a Christian should be.
People come in to see him and wait, sometimes hours to ask him questions. He is one of the best counselors I’ve heard. He gives scripture in every answer, and Christ’s love is always apparent.
Sometimes, I wish that I could have his patience. Homeless people come in asking to use the restroom. He lets them use it, and after they leave, excuses himself to clean it, so that his paying customers will not complain.
He wanted to be a Catholic priest early in his life and decided that marriage was more important. I agree with my Barber’s statement. Adam was lonely, even when walking with God. Men and women are never to be isolated, except to fast from each other.

Matthew 28:19

All this to say, my Barber encourages me incredibly; and for that, I am eternally grateful. Why? Because he knows I am a pastor, and I know he loves God being a Catholic. Yet, we both are working in the LORD’s Harvest until the day He sounds the Trumpets for His workers to stop the work and go and celebrate. I am delighted and rejoice when it’s time to see my Barber because we can chat about Christ and point all who hear us to Him!

If you own a business or if you are a coach, or stay at home mom, or if you are a jet setter traveling all over the place, church is everywhere and anywhere. Go out and make disciples. Point evryone to Jesus! There is no boundery or limit or lack of people!

P.S. i didn’t name him because I will not take his crown away!

Click on any of these links if you want a personal relationship and commitment to God:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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Sweet Smelling or Downright Putrid Sacrifice?

DISCLAIMER:
I am as competitive as anyone who has played sports during the first third of their lives. I get upset as well or better than anyone. So this is also for me…

“1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.…”— Galatians 6:1-2 Berean Study Bible

A few days ago, the Dodgers let themselves be taken out of the playoffs.
I was extremely disappointed with them, but what are you gonna do!?

Oscar Roca
“My old torn Dodgers shirt- waiting for them to win World Series to get another!”

But, I have learned one thing, sports, whatever sport it is… is just this— a bunch of athletes trying to either hit, kick or move a ball from one direction to the next. That’s it! No more, no less!
These athletes get paid for doing what we all did at recess and after school!
But for those reading this who are Christians, we don’t put baseball or football or American Football in the same sentence as life and death moments!
There were comments all over social media about the Dodgers after their playoff debacle. These comments were not so Christ-like. I’m not talking about those who are not Christians. That would be a regular thing. The comments came from Believers.
Again, the moment my team lost, A thousand thoughts, both good and evil, came to mind.
Then something happened, as it always does— God sent me a flash-like video
Of a couple whom we love, and what’s happening on their journey this moment.
You see, one of their little ones is going through a ferocious ordeal. Such as most Christians would not be able to handle. Yet, I know that the LORD has sent this to them because they are proving and showing their Spiritual Growth. They have been right in the middle of the storm, riding it through with God’s Providence.
From an outsider’s point of view, the situation would have brought people to their knees, cursing and crying like some of those fans on social media did when their team lost.
But this couple’s precious walk has shown both of them:
— That God is in full control through the storm, they are going through.
—That their faith has made them trust the LORD more than ever.
— That their walk is not wavering but is stronger in both of them.
— That each has stepped up and held on tightly to God and each other.
— That they are well deserving for their kids to call them mommy and daddy!
— That their child is in perfect hands—God’s and their’s.

I pondered a bit in this after seeing the comments. I wanted to write something, anything, for my team to fix their problems. But I didn’t. Why?
Because in life, when a spouse or child or friend has fallen down, we pick them up. We don’t yell at them or curse them or leave them in the mud Galatians chapter 6 tell us to bear one another’s burdens.

I feel for all the Dodgers and Kersahw. I don’t wish them anything bad. I will lift them up in prayer, because, that’s the right thing to do. Sepecially, when a fellow brother in the LORD is hurting!

Oscar Roca


That young couple I’m speaking about has cast their burdens on Jesus. They have trusted in Him and want their children to do the same.
This couple has made an investment in faith, trust in God, each other, and the doctors involved.
Their children are watching their sweet smelling living sacrifices for the LORD, making their little walk with God real and captivating!

I don’t know if those who wrote all those derogatory comments towards their team, individual players, and organization can say the same thing.
What will the spouses, kids, family, and friends see in their testimony?…

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Atonement You can’t Atone Yourself |Feasts of The LORD 2019

Yom Kippur-Day of Atonement

Today is a solemn day for a significant percentage of Israeli and Jews throughout the world. This is the day where they come before the LORD in Repentance. This is one of the holiest of Holy Days for the observing Jews. This is the day that every Jewish believer lives for. For on this day, the sins of Israel are said to be atoned by God. 

Leviticus 23 tell us:

Leviticus 23:27-29 Berean Study Bible

Atonement: Per Noah Webster Dictionary of 1828: 3. In theology, the expiation of sin made by the obedience and personal sufferings of Christ. Expiation means a redeeming, reparation, restitution; in this case, the erasing or redeeming, purchasing of a person’s sins for the year, pardoned by God through the sacrificial blood of the bull and goat in Levitiucs 16.

Each man representing his household would come into the Tabernacle, and later the Temple of God, and offer up their sacrifice. This sacrifice would atone or placate God’s righteous judgment on them for one year until the following Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.

Kippur comes from the word KPR or כָּפַר— From Strong’s H3722. kaphar— Which means to cover over, pacify, make propitiation. In other words, to give a person grace or pardon for another year without God’s wrath being poured out on them…

Oscar Roca
Leviticus 16:6-10

There is story in both Talmuds, which tells of the scapegoats who were released as a symbol of God’s grace to the nation of Israel from 30-70 A.D. Each year, during the Day of Atonement, one goat was sacrificed, and another was sent out into the wilderness as a symbol of the nation’s sins. The High priest would tie a crimson or red string on the scapegoat, then send it away from the encampment. This scapegoat would be a symbol for the nation of Israel taking all of their sins away from them and into the wilderness. If the scapegoat came back, they would check the color of the string wrapped around it’s horn. If the string turned white in color, it meant that God had forgiven the nation of their sins. If it stayed red, that mean God had not. Another fascinating thing happened throughout the same years, the priest would cast lots with a type of token or coin. To make a long story short, the priest would cast lots from an urn (like water pitcher). If he picked L’HaShem on his right hand, that meant that God had forgiven Israel for that year. If the lot ended up on his left hand, that determined God had rejected the whole nation...

From 30 A.D. to 70 A.D., the string tied around the scapegoat’s horn came back red & the lot the priest would pick always ended up on his left hand! Meaning that God had rejected His people’s sacrifices for that year!

Talmud – Yoma 39a – 39b

What happened between that incredible period? Jesus was crucified, and a generation later, the Temple of Herod was destroyed in 70 A.D. 

So for those forty years, God was telling a generation of Jews, His people, to come back to Him by believing in His Son Jesus, Messiah. YHWH’s incredible love and mercy for His people was evident. Because God is not willing that any should be punished eternally. (Isaiah 30:18, 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 3:15 )

I was wondering how I would be explaining the application to this incredibly High Holy Day. As I was taking a break, I received a text from a young man in the LORD. He explained his anxiousness and also his regret of a couple of things he was struggling with. As I was praying before answering him, it hit me! Here is what I replied:

THE APPLICATION FOR THIS DAY OF ATONEMENT:

That is why you are antsy. It is the eternal conflict of the flesh warring with your spirit. Your spirit is hungry and malnourished. You will not stop being uneasy until you start fellowshipping with other like-minded souls. You have nothing to do with this world (Ephesians 5:11—2 Corinthians 6:14)

Let your spirit draw deep from the waters of Jesus’ life. Start today, do not wait, you’ll save your work by Prayer, Devos, and fellowship…then serving. Better yet, go and do something for your family. Write 10 things you can do today to serve others at work and family. They don’t have to be something “churchy” but something that will draw them to Christ.

Oscar Roca

Keep your eyes focused on God. This is where I believe some Christians fall short in teaching and discipling and explain what serving is.

Serving doesn’t just take place in church walls or church buildings. Serving others is getting up and focusing on others instead of ourselves. When we serve others, we stop focusing on our selfish, sinful self and focus on others the way Christ would help others.

First, by praying with God and sitting and listening; second by praying intensely for others’ needs. Praying is serving God first. Having communication with Him and Him alone before anything else. The other side of serving is sitting and listening to what God wants you to do each day (Matthew 14:13, Matthew 14:23, Luke 4:42, Luke 5:16).
Serving is getting up and making breakfast for somebody. Serving is listening to others when they are down and in a deep valley. Serving is praying for those people that need it most.
How do you serve as you go throughout the day? Become a servant to all at work, out in the world, and at home(Matthew 20:26, Matthew 20:28).

And don’t beat yourself up. We all fall short.
1 John 1:9— always seek His mercy. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.
Just don’t allow the enemy to claim you as a pathetic weakling who can’t forgive himself for past mistakes and sins. Because that’s where the enemy wants you, in a dark cave, crawling and not moving for Christ. Start at work. Serve someone.
Especially in this exceptional day—The Day when Christ will come back and touch ground and Redeem His people Israel (Matthew 26:64 , Mark 13:26 , Luke 22:69 , Revelation 1:7). This is a solemn day where one can start over.
Start today. I know God will honor your petition if you come humbly before His throne and Cross. Just ask Him for a start in your spiritual walk in life ( Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 66:2, Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:3, Luke 18:13, Luke 18:14)

If you feel like you need to know more about God so that you can get deeper with your relationship with Him, or need to ask Jesus for forgiveness, here are a few weblinks to read through. They will answer your questions. You can also leave me a question if you can’t find what you are looking for. Start today, don;t wait. This special day is the day that Christ can pay an eternal ransom for your life:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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God’s Defining Moment for You!—Grace Unmerited |The Attributes of God Series

Definition of Grace

Grace. This word could be used for naming your baby girl.

It could be used for someone who is found guilty to plead for mercy.

It could be used for someone who flows effortlessly in sports. 

There are many different ways to use this word. Yet, the most important one is found in the Bible. 

Oscar Roca

—Grace is unmerited. 

—You can’t earn it. 

—You can’t buy it.

—You can’t inherit grace.

 —You can’t study hard to achieve it. 

—You can’t wish it to come to you.. 

Ephesians 2:8-10

The only way to get grace from God is to ask for it wholeheartedly, with humility and contritely. This means that a person can only touch, feel, see and hear God spiritually when they let go of all pride, sin, heartaches that keep you locked in a chain of burdensome self-condemnation or guilt. Allow God to give this unmerited and unwarranted gift of new life to you. 

The grace of God  can give you such incredible peace, that it surpasses any understanding that you may have about what God’s love, mercy and grace are. 

Oscar Roca
Philippians 4:6-8

 There is nothing you have done that can keep you away from  God’s grace. The only way that God will not forgive you is if you don’t humbly ask Him to!

Oscar Roca

All this to say— Make today the day that you empty yourself of all the guilt and suffering of your past! Allow God to regenerate you from the inside out. Allow Jesus to be the Savior of your life by asking Him to forgive you of any sin—wrongdoing you have done today and in the past. I promise you that He will bring you peace from all the burdens you may be struggling to carry. Allow Him to carry those burdens and toss then into the never ending depths of His love. Make today the day you finally rid yourself of all things that are causing you to stay stuck in the past. Of anything that has you chained up and not moving forward to a fulfilling life with God and others in your life. 

Don’t wait, if you are reading this, it’s no coincidence! Make the decision and commitment to Jesus. He in turn will commit Himself to you!

…6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.…—Isaiah 55:6-8 Berean Study Bible

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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Yom Teruah—The Blasting Shofar of God! |THE LORD’S FEASTS 2019

Leviticus 23:23-25

Yom Teruah—What is the significance of this, and the rest of the Feasts of the LORD? Why do Christians have to know these Holy Convocations?

—What would you say if I told you that as Christians, we are missing some of the most essential information given in the Hebrew Scriptures, what we call the Old Testament?

—What if I told you that by having this information, you’ll have a spiritually deeper understanding of the Second Person of the Trinity, and His character? 

—What if I told you that this information needs to be rehearsed by you and your spouse, children, and extended family every year?

—What if I said that once you have this vital information memorized, it will have you genuinely looking up to the heavens, thanking and expecting the LORD to call us home?

—What if I also said, that every year during the Fall period, we are to practice the return of our Lord Jesus?

—And that these dress rehearsals have been there for us to practice every year since the time of Moses?

But we, not knowing its full meaning, have missed its depth and relation!

Numbers 29:1-2

To most Christians, and also to many Jewish people, the name Yom Teruah is not a familiar name. Most have heard of Rosh Hashanah, but have never heard of Yom Teruah; which is a shame. You see, Rosh Hashanah is not a High Holy Day, scripturally speaking; it was started during the Babylonian captivity and had nothing to do with the LORD’s Feasts. 

It is not a Holy Day instituted by God, so I’ll be teaching about Yom Teruah instead. Yom Teruah has a few unique things that none of the other Moedim or Holy Appointed times have.

Yom Teruah is the First High Holy Fall Festival—Feast—Appointed Time—Or Moedim of God. No other of the LORD’s Feasts starts on the first day of any month. It is the Fifth of Seven Holy Feasts instituted by God. He wanted His followers to commemorate these Holy Days every year for eternity.

By Lilach Daniel – Flickr: [1], CC BY 2.0,

This Holy Day, is also a type of mystery. The LORD’s people are to:

—Have a sabbath or rest day. In other words, do nothing but remember God wholeheartedly and with great solemn despair of contrition.
—The LORD’s followers are to blow Trumpets (Teruah #H8643) or Shofars loudly.

That is it. These were all of the instructions given to Moses for God’s followers to observe. 

This decree is for all who read God’s word. We are to acknowledge these Holy convocations. These Holy Appointed times can be researched in Leviticus chapter 23.

First off, I do want to make one thing clear. As Christians, we don’t need to celebrate these Feasts as our Jewish friends do, with all the mini directions added throughout their history. As Christians, we are to rehearse what God said to do with an added and an astoundingly precise flavor to these Holy Days—when we add Jesus to each of the Feasts, their significance enhances a thousandfold!

You see, an incredible thing happens when you add Christ into all the Holy Feasts of God. They go from being printed two-dimensional perusals that you can’t imagine but still go through the motions of reading them, not fully understanding their meanings—the work of Christ’s Redeeming act during Passion Week and future events foretold. These Feasts go from being ancient and extinct stories from long ago, to three-dimensional interactive stories of God’s love, grace, and mercy for all people on earth. 

When you add what Jesus did during (the Passion Week) the Spring Feasts, their meaning comes to you with length, width, height and depth.

I’ll discuss these incredible 3-D -Come-to-life-fulfillments on Part II, and continue to explain the mysterious Feast of Trumpets that just passed a couple of days ago…actually, just finished yesterday because this Holy Day lasts two days. This two day LORD’s Feast is incredible…

If you feel like you need to know more about God so that you can get deeper with your relationship with Him, here are a few weblinks to read through. They will answer your questions. You can also leave me a question if you can’t find what you are looking for:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

References:

Bible Quotations from:

Berean Study Bible

Graphics from FreePik

Wikipedia

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Make a Change Impeach? No Change Will Come Until We Preach! |Only Christ’s Crucified Will Change the World!

…25 Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. “Men,” he said, “you know that this business is our source of prosperity. 26 And as you see and hear,not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole province of Asia, Paul has persuaded a great numberof people to turn away. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our business will fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed—she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the whole world.” —Acts 19:25-27 Berean Study Bible

As Christians, we need to keep the priority on what we want to accomplish in our faith.
— Some Christians want to change the world for America through politics.
— Some want to go to the ends of the earth and proclaim the Gospel to other nations.
— Some want to be the best in their fields with the help of God.
— Some want to change society from within and force non-Christians to live as we do with a set of Biblical laws, whether people want them or not.
—Others see themselves living quietly and letting the world take care of itself while they await the coming of our LORD for us.
— Most of these priorities are by themselves, okay. Yet, they miss the mark on what God wants for His followers.
You see, we can’t change the world on our own and for our country until we change peoples lives through Christ.

We can’t change a community, & or a nation or the world with more Laws. We change them all with Christ’s love and what He did on the cross for them!

—We can’t go to the ends of the earth until we go next door and proclaim the Grace of God for all mankind to our family and neighbors.
— We can be the best in our fields without having a fulfilled life. This fulfillment is only brought to life if we are in God’s will.
— We can’t place God’s laws on people who will not understand them. It is by the Spirit who counsels us in the things of God that we will recognize and be guided to do what Christ wants for our lives. I believe that all life begins before birth. Why? Because God states it in His scriptures. I can’t see taking a precious life unnecessarily, or only because I consider it an inconvenience that I will be responsible for taking care of this baby for eighteen years plus.

Getting back to the reasons why Christians believe that they should force our way of life on others…

Christian principles have been, and still, are valuable to the world, to individual nations and to communities where we live.

Christian beliefs, laws, and morals could be implemented ’til Kingdom come. But without having a saving knowledge, and personal commitment to the LORD and Savior Jesus, we will have the cleanest cities on earth; with the most law-abiding people on earth, going straight to hell once they leave this planet!

“”17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate…. 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength...””—1 Corinthians 1 Berean Study Bible

What we need to do is preach Christ crucified and keep preaching His sacrificial blood on the cross.

We need to let people know that it is only through Christ’s death payment, that individuals can come to a lasting relationship with God. But we also need to tell them the consequences of not listening to what we are saying. If we only preach love, we could be condemning people straight to hell.
Each person needs to know what their wrongdoings or sins have done in their lives. Each person has to come to repentance and commitment to changing the direction they are headed in their life.

If you are anything like me, I had to hear this time and time again until I realized that it was not by saying thousands of repeated prayers, or going to church every Sunday, but not adhering to Christ’s teachings the rest of the time.

We need to be like the Apostle Paul. His total commitment to preaching is all he did. There was no, I am going to speak to the city leaders to implement the Torah to the Greeks. He did not go and speak to King Agrippa or the Governor Festus to change the way unwanted Roman babies were being thrown out into the front porches all over the Roman Empire. What Paul did was take the Gospel into all towns, cities and provinces of the Empire. He spoke to one person after another, groups of people by rivers, mountains, and major cities!

Just one man filled with the Holy Spirit turned all of Asia to Christ. To the point of people turning away from their false gods and committng to the LORD Jesus! So much so, that he was stoned and thrown from a cliff by the sellers of the false deities who had been losing customers and their livelihood becasue of one man.

My fellow brethren, preach Christ crucified as much as you can. Do as much preaching about Jesus as soon as you wake up, until you go to sleep. If need be, open your mouths to tell this world about Him! What I am saying is this— Live your lives so filled with God’s Spirit, that they see the goodness in you and glorify the LORD!

Go change your homes, communities, nation and the world for Jesus!

If you are reading this and want to preach Jesus and Him only, but don’t know how to get started. Get to know God more and what He wants for your life:

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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From The Cross—To The Grave—To The Trumpet Blast of The LORD |The LORD’s Feasts 2019

The Cross

This month marks the beginning of the Fall Feasts that some in Israel are celebrating. The Feasts of The LORD or Holy Convocations that God institutes in Leviticus 23, are for all mankind.

This post is meant to give you a short cut outline to my future seven posts of the Feasts of God. I will explain each one in detail as we reach their perspective dates.

Again, these Feasts were not from Moses, nor were they only for the young nation of Israel when they were given. Because these Feasts or Holy Convocations, were a type of repetitions or rehearsals which are to be memorized and repeated continually for all ethnicities of people in every country of the world; for all to practice as the dates arrive.

It was God Himself that dictated to Moses, what the Israelites and non-Israelites should do during these Holy Days:

The LORD (YHWH) spoke to Moses, You notice that God speaks and Moses dictates.

2 “Tell the Israelis that these are my festival times appointed by the LORD that you are to declare as sacred assemblies:

The Tomb cave

God goes on to explain the Spring and start of summer Holy Days—Sabbath, Passover, First-Fruits,  Feast of Weeks, 

Tongues of Fire

This is where we are in God’s calendar-—He then again says: 

“The LORD spoke to Moses…—24“Tell the Israelis that on the first day of the seventh month you are to have a Sabbath of rest for you—a memorial announced by a loud blast of trumpets. It is to be a sacred assembly..”

Shofar

God goes on to explain the Fall Holy Days—Trumpets, Atonement & Tabernacles

We start with The Feast of Trumpets:

This yearly Fall Festival or Holy Day period is to start on the seventh month (Falls on September 29th of this year), people are to have a rest day from everything except remembering God, and this special day was to be for sounding ram’s horns throughout the land. He then says that it is a sacred assembly. 

After ten days, God tells His people to assemble together once again:

Praying to be Atoned

27 “However, on the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It’s a sacred assembly for you. Humble yourselves and bring an offering made by fire to the LORD. 28 You are not to do any work that same day. It’s the Day of Atonement, because your atonement is made in the presence of the LORD your God.”

 Sukkah 

Then God again tells His people:

33 And the LORD said to Moses, 34“Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Feast of Tabernacles to the LORD begins, and it continues for seven days. 35 On the first day there shall be a sacred assembly. You are not to do any regular work. 36 For seven days you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you are not to do any regular work.

This again is just a glimpse of what will be explained in the furture. The world needs to know what God wants for all of us. These Festivals or Feasts or Holy Gathering were meant for us to be aware of God’s Timeline in History. These are not meant to try and figure out the exact time of each of the prophetic events, but more as a guidleine to ensure our faith and make it stronger.

Please go back and look at each of the picture graphics. They explain why God wanted us to rehearse, know, live and act on these Feasts.

If you don’t know God in a way that you understand the scripture references, I invite you to get to know Him and His Holy Calendar of future events:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

References:

Bible Quotations from:

ISV Bible

Berean Study Bible

Graphics from FreePik

Wikipedia

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PDP v.s. WaSP |Teaching Your Kids Series

Matthew 6:25-26

This blog post is the fourth post in a series of Training Up Your Children to commit to the LORD on their own.

Philippians 4:19

I have called it the PDP of our prayers. 

First off, I want to encourage those that have adult children, not to worry, stress, or panic; remember it as WaSP. 

What would you rather be doing? Panicking, or knowing that God has His children covered? After all, they are His children, not ours. 

Matthew 6:

Neither of those negative thoughts will bring His kids back to a commitment to Christ. 

Jesus tells us not to worry about a thing. That every little thing is going to be alright (God said this before Bob Marley).

I want you to think of:

Adam and Eve talked, walked, & trained with God. They saw, touched, felt, smelled, and heard Him every day, all day. 

God Himself had trained them up since their creation. And yet through all of this, Adam and Eve still fell…

I want you to pause right here. Have your personal Selah moment…

Now to get back to God. I want you to ask yourselves these questions:

—If God, being all-powerful (omnipotent), all-seeing-everywhere (omnipresent), all-knowing and infinite (omniscient), had two kids that went wayward, I mean, extremely wayward; how do you, being a mere mortal and descendant of Adam and Eve, think that your children will be perfect?

—Or will never make the same mistakes that you did growing up? 

—Even worse, the things that some of us do as adults, while fully knowing and committing to Jesus the Savior?

You see, God gave His children something that is both valuable and highly dangerous:

—He gave us Free Will—

What this means is that as humans, we have the freedom to choose what we want out of our lives. If we have done our jobs as parents, then our children will make a full commitment to Christ on their own. Some make decisions for Christ early on as young children. Some it takes a while. Others, it may take what seems forever. But make no mistake about it, all will have to decide before they pass on into the next life.

Again, I will say this one more time— I am not an expert; I am a husband, dad, and poppa to some wonderful kids; and have also served for a long time. I have seen & heard things good and bad! 

My kids, like me, are sinners saved by grace. If I keep this in perspective, nothing that they do in this life will surprise me. I don’t have any qualms saying that my kids were rotten spiritually, even as babies. Their favorite words, like my words, I’m sure, were— “Mine, No, Mine!”

What is the secret to bringing your wayward children back? I don’t have all the answers but I do know this:

—Never compromise on your walk and your faith.
—Never compromise on your bible time and prayer.
— Never compromise on pointing them to God always.
—There’s no magic formula, train them up.
— Discipline them when needed.

— Drench them with prayer always. —Prayer for Protection, To reach their Spiritual Destination—& For provision in all they do.


—Point them constantly to Christ.
—Those wayward kids will not enjoy their lives until they find the grace, mercy & peace of the Almighty.
—Don’t give up training them until the day you die.
— Don’t give in to the enemy’s constant whispering of doubt.

Romans 12:1-2

When all is said and done, your kids will see your walk. They will eventually do what you are doing with your walk.

So if there are things that your kids are seeing in you, make the changes needed to live a life whole acceptable to God. Then your road will become clearer to those loved ones who are lost…

If you don’t know how to get your kids right with God, here are a few links to help you:

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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My Old Faithful Cup |Christian Basic Drills

Mario Oriz’s Cup

From a brother in Christ who’s fighting the good fight, Thought it was a great read:

  “The Cup”

by Mario Ortiz

In 1989, I was given a Seattle Seahawks cup. Nothing special about this cup

 It doesn’t stand out. Doesn’t  force others to look at it or drink out of it. It’s just a cup.

Now,  this cup has been with me for almost 30 years. It has survived  drops and falls.  It has survived countless moves from one place to another. It has been used by others that have simply put it aside once it has done what they needed it to do.

I personally only use it about 4 months a year. But yet, there it is; every 1st or 2nd Sunday in September when the Seahawks take the field to start a new season, my old faithful cup is right where I left it. Ready to do that which I need it to do. Ready to get me through another season. 

Friend, sadly, this also describes many a person’s relationship with God.

We received Him as a gift many years ago. He has been with us through many drops and falls. He has been with us through several moves and several changes in our lives. He has been used by others and then simply put aside after He does what they wanted Him to do. 

Perhaps only used a few months out of the year. But much like my precious cup, GOD is there whenever we need Him. He’s waiting for us to call on Him, to reach for Him so that we can drink from Him. 

My brother,  don’t just use God whenever you need him then put him back on the shelf. Drink from him friend, for the drink He gives is from everlasting to everlasting. Drink and thirst no more!

“For even when we are faithless,  he remains faithful” ( 2 TIM 2:13)

Have a Blessed Day and Week!

If you have been struggling in your commitment to Christ, or if you have heard of God but don’t really know who Jesus is, I invite you to really get know Him.

How to know God:

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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The Solemn Day —9/11 |We Will Never Forget

Us circa Fall 1987

This picture was taken circa 1987. We were young. The world seemed ripe for us to take a chunk out of it. The Big Apple was the tase treat for the whole world. The towers in back were such an incredible sight to behold. Going up their elevators to reach the top seemed even at that time, to take forever.

To me, those Two Towers, represented freedom, a fresh start in a country that gave what you gave to it. We were young and working hard. We were traveling all over this great country when we had the chance and the extra cash.

Even then, I told the people that knew me, that this was a country we took for granted. That this country’s scenic drives could give any other tourist destination a run for its money.
Back in that Fall of ‘ 87, Mary and I thought we could visit this wondrous city and it’s Twin Towers every time we visited.
9/11 changed that. What was to be a celebration of this country’s Free Enterprise, turned into a solemn moment when we visited a few years back. My wife and I will never forget nor will it ever be the same to visit that Holy Ground.

To the families of the 3,000, and those First Responders, we are praying for you. I know that in this anti-everything culture, some fools will mock that I said this. I don’t care. They are foolish and mediocre for taking something so sacred as saying a prayer for fellow human beings, and have turned it into a sacrilegious political act of Godlessness.

Godlessness, because that is where their hearts and spirits are, in darkness.
I for one, on this solemn anniversary, will be praying and thinking of those that were needlessly lost during this vicious and humanness act of cowardice.
I pray that those who mock or protest this day, will come to respect the innocent lives lost and put down their agendas, their hate and their cynicism for one day, this day…

We Will Never Forget…

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A Contrast in Contrasting Celebrations! Birth & Rebirth!

John 11:25

This past weekend was a contrast for my wife Mary and me. A contrast in contrasting celebrations.
Life is about contrasts. Every day we experience these contrasts. People become rich overnight; others lose all their life savings. Some go into hospitals with life-threatening symptoms. Others, get out of hospitals exhilarated to be alive.
This weekend my wife and I mourned for our friend who lost her dad. We felt for her because of the pain of losing her father reverberated throughout all of the family members.

As I sat watching the interaction of her Christian family, it was apparent to all who witnessed this, that the family had the blessed hope of reuniting with their ‘Pap- Pap’ and ‘Nana’ someday.

We have known our friends for decades. Their kids have grown up with ours. Mary and I taught them in grade and middle school and continued through the Bible Study we’ve had for almost the same amount of years.
To say that we hurt for our dear friend is an understatement.
But for her, her husband and adult children, and grandchildren, there is an incredible hope that they all have.

You see, as Christian believers, we have the faith that one day, all of us who place our faith in the LORD, Jesus the Savior, who came to earth, became a human being, became a Jewish public figure who taught all who would listen, to have the faith that was written about thousands of years before.
Even before their were Israelites, God had foretold His Story for His children of humanity.

Jesus came proclaiming His reminder of redemption through only Him, the Living God who came as the Second Being of the Triune Godhead, which is The Father, The Son, and The Holy Living Spirit.

This reminder was also given to Abraham when God told him that through his line, there would come a blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3). After Abraham, God came and spoke to Moses. God gave Moses a hint of what He would do for our redemption, through His Son Jesus. The Exodus story is about the Israelites breaking free of the bondage they had been going through in Egypt.

But the story is so much more. God in Exodus (12:1-12) gives Moses precise directions on the Passover Feast. The Sacrificial Lamb had to meet specific requirements. The blood of The Sacrificial Lamb would be used to protect each house from death.

The blood was to be sprinkled on the top, and sides of the doorposts of each Israelite home. In this manner, the blood-stained cross beams would save each firstborn male member of the household. Please keep this in mind when I revisit this in a bit.

Then God came to remind Israel about His plan of redemption for all mankind, not just Israel. The Prophets at different stages in His Story mentioned a coming Redeemer fulfilling all the prophecies that were written down ages before they happened.
Jesus came and fulfilled over 350 of these prophetic scriptures. Thus, the day of one day reuniting with those that have passed before us, will be a reality…

Now going back to the weekend of contrasts…

We also had the joy of celebrating a coming of new life

Mary and I had the pleasure of celebrating a new life coming in about two weeks, unless the beautiful little one, decides to come sooner! The precious young family is awaiting the arrival of their fourth child was such a joyful event.

As I ran around keeping my grandkids’ attention at bay, looking around at all the guests, I could not help but smile.

I smiled because I knew if our dear friends who had lost their dad recently were with us at this celebration, they would celebrate too.

You see, one life had departed, yet we know it is a time of celebration. And another is arriving, that too is a cause for an incredible celebration. It may be foreign to those of you reading this, unless you are a Christian, because you may not understand this.

When someone makes a commitment to Jesus as their Savior, the life and death contrast become one celebration. You see, a new birth whether from a newborn or someone passing into the next life become intertwined.

When we accept Jesus and commit to Him, we become timeless. No, not our bodies, but our spirits. Our spirits then start yearning to go to our real home. This yearning is the blessed hope of one day joining Christ in our heavenly home.

If you’re not sure if you have this blessed hope of one day being in heaven get the assurance:

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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God sees Us Like Diamonds & Pearls—Precious & Pure!

Proverbs 22:8 & 10

Precious stones are highly valued. Some of the rarest of gems can cost 3 million dollars per gemstone. 

Pearl necklaces can be worth up to 1.5 million dollars. Of course, all these prices are subjective. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yet, most people who appreciate the beauty of these gems, very rarely think of the ‘how.’ 

What I mean is this—the amount of time and pressure of each diamond results in the incredible allure of the precious stone. The more time and intense stress that gems endure the more valuable and almost perfect it becomes.

Courtesy of Tanakawho

Pearls have the same type of pressure but a different adventure. 

Most people don’t know that it is a tiny parasite that causes the oyster to try and get rid of it by secreting a fluid called ‘nacre’ into the invading little nuisance. 

The more of this fluid is injected into the parasite, the bigger the pearl gets with each layer of nacre. A little less than a decade or so, you get a pearl. Sometimes it takes more than a decade, but that would be an average period to make a thing of exquisiteness. Again, this precious stone is produced by constant friction.

In the same way that precious stones are created, our mental, physical, and most importantly, spiritual health comes from constant friction and pressure. 

The more a person works out with weights, the more the muscles have to breakdown and then get stronger. The more medical students are deprived of sleep, the better they will adapt to it until each medical student goes on an auto-drive where pressure becomes a thing that they are dealing with calmly. 

As Christians, we too don’t like trials. We want smooth sailing from start to finish. Some people can handle the spiritual warfare that comes when we become disciples of Jesus. Most people will stop serving because of these constant spiritual battles.

Parents see their kids wavering on their commitment to Christ and automatically go and try to ‘save’ their children from harm. This is the worst thing that you can do to your kids. Why? Because with strife, contention, division, anger, envy, and all the rest of the things the enemy uses against them and us, the deeper your children will have to depend on the LORD instead of running to us to bail them out. 

The more ‘friction’ we go through spiritually, the more beautiful our spirits are becoming. Just like those precious gems and pearls, the pressure and friction are what causes us to get into more profound dependence, prayer, and fellowship with others. 

Parents, I encourage you to do your best and try not to help your kids by bailing them out of critical situations that require the LORD’s help. Some of those perilous situations may be self-inflicted, and all of us need to have our Heavenly Father come to our rescue. This is the only way that we will learn, like the small parasites that embed themselves into an oyster, or diamonds weather the incredible pressure the earth places them through.

So parents, if your kids are wavering on their walks with God and you see their commitment lacking, don’t give up on them. Fasting and prayer, pointing them always to the only One that can help them, will be the way that they will come back to His presence. 

Nagging them, yelling at them, forcing them is the human way to try to bring your children or spouse back; and is always detrimental to their relationship with God and you.

Love on them, pray for them, correct them calmly, and tell them that God loves them and has not given up on them!

I am not an expert, but I know who the Great Expert is. God will be the one to mine our kids or dive deep into the dangerous oceans to bring them out of the friction and pressures of life. God will release them from their personal and tight enclosures to reveal their preciousness. Each of us and our kids are one of a kind precious gems to God. Your kids will be so refined and valuable to Christ, that their worth will be known to all. 

Just don’t give up on your kids, don’t bail them out all the time and allow God to bring out their worth……

If you’re not sure how God sees you & want to ensure that you are precious in His sight, get to know Him more:

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

REFERENCES:

https://www.topteny.com/top-10-expensive-pearls-world/

https://pearls.com/pages/how-pearls-are-formed

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Music To My Ears! |Training Up Children

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

Poppa, I like bible study!” My grandson exclaimed. 

I turned around as I was getting ready to start our Saturday with an early breakfast. We had our Friday night study the night before, and my almost-three-year-old grandson and my practically one-year-old grand-daughter were with us.   

My grandson brought music to my ears when I heard him fluttering the pages of his children’s Bible. He was pretending to read along with the adults. 

I have been in all age group ministries. I have served kids of all ages, from babies to adults. There have been many great memories seared into my mind and spirit. Most of these have been wonderful to remember, with very few regrettable ones. 

The ones I cherish are not of significant events or church plays or retreats or after-glows. The ones that I hold close to me are the ones when I saw my children who are now adults, pick up their first bibles with the same awe of wonder and delight that my grandson did over the weekend. 

You see, it wasn’t just on Friday night and Saturday morning that my spirit leaped for joy. It was the whole long weekend. 

On-My-Own Reader Bible

This happened Friday night, early on Saturday morning before we left them, and again on Monday at our family get together. Rosh just keep on telling the story of Moses and Pharaoh, with his little voice changing when retelling what God commanded Moses to say to Pharaoh!

As my little buddy was glowing with delight over learning something new the night before, he then started recollecting Bible stories that my daughter and son-in-law tell him; and this Poppa was smiling from ear to ear with humble pride.

Yes. I know those two words are opposites, but that was the feeling at that very moment. Humbleness because I see my daughter’s children learning about God, His grace, and the gift of eternal life that we can receive. That is truly humbling and satisfying. Because what I heard from this toddler-boy was like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Or like Louis Armstrong’s rendition of What a Wonderful World. Or like your favorite sports team winning the championship.

“Poppa, I liked Bible Study!” Is still resounding in my mind…and yes, still bringing an immense smile to my face as I write this.

Some of you may be saying, ” Yes, that’s wonderful, but wait until his teenage or college years, Oscar.”

If there are some of you thinking the above, I encourage you to stop and then go and pray about not giving up on your children. Because we must hang on to God’s promises always. We are always to train our children and grandchildren, drenching them in God’s word. That is our job; it is God’s Spirit to bring them to His saving grace. 

I have heard the skeptics tell me throughout the years, what if your kids are out there doing stuff they are not supposed to? Why bother, when they, sooner or later, disappoint you? 

My question every time is, ” Do you have your kids in some sport or dance or music lessons?”

Most often, the answer is, “Yes, we do.” 

Then I ask them, “Why don’t you save yourselves the time, money and aggravation; just have them quit!”

In most cases, the parents think of what I have just asked, get annoyed because they realize their folly of answering. If they say, no, it’s an investment for our kids. They may get good enough to land a scholarship. Or we want them building character. Or, it helps them focus better, etc. Whatever the answer, what would be more important than knowing and committing to Christ at an early age?

If then, they stray when they reach young adulthood, God tells us that they, our kids, will not depart from the training of the Word of God which you diligently gave them. 

So, when I hear my grandson telling me that he enjoyed sitting with the adults and listening to Poppa talk about God, it fills my heart with hope for the future generations I will leave behind to share and point others to Christ. Because, being good at sports, or playing virtuously on an instrument, or being a great investor, or being able to figure out the Laws of Physics, will never get your children or grandchildren into God’s kingdom.

I encourage anyone reading this to not give up or get tired of speaking to your children and grandchildren about the LORD. I promise you, that the eternal dividends will be worth it! All the other wonderful achievements will be icing on the cake…

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Trust—Be Humble—Pray—Wait—Repeat!

Courtesy of BibleHub.com

There are few Christians who venture into the historical books of the Bible. Most people don’t like History because it’s ‘just relating or retelling boring facts’ about people from a long time ago.
But, I see History as an essential part of learning from some of the best saints in the Bible. Also, from some key people in World History. So that I don’t confuse people, I will be using the name Israel for both Judah and Israel. Why? Because there should never have been a break up of this beautiful country. This division was all man-made, and of course, God’s Providence would allow the break-up. He knew how the TenTribes of Israel would be later on in History.


There have been very few men in the Bible who pass through the fires and live. I will speak about one of them and his early life.

Hezekiah became king of Israel a 25years of age. Nowadays, most 25-year-olds are still trying to figure themselves out. Hezekiah didn’t have that luxury; he hit the ground running and started to make things right in the sight of the LORD. He took down worship places of ill repute. The things the Israelites had gotten into by forgetting the One True God of Israel and Judah would leave most people nowadays blushing. Yet, all of Israel’s demise parallels what our country is going through, no, what most of the world is going through.
During this period of spiritual darkness and upheaval, Hezekiah reformed the worship of the LORD back to its rightful place.

The people of Israel would now get back to true worship…there was a revival…sort of...

Only a few people did right in the sight of the LORD. God had been waiting for His people to come back to a heart of worship for Him, but they did not. The warning that God gave to the Israelites in the wilderness came to pass. Now the judgments would come, and come they did.
Yet, one man, the one person who in the eyes of God, represented all of the tribes of Israel as their leader, would do good things to bring back communication with God.

I will talk about three things that I see, which Hezekiah did for the LORD to spare Israel.

Courtesy of Biblehub.com

First off, Hezekiah trusted the LORD. And because he did, God had mercy on Israel for a bit. To trust in the LORD is to live life, knowing that everything will be the way God has it directed and intended it to be. Giving all our problems to God takes a massive weight off of us, and gives it to Him.
Jesus tells us to cast all our burdens on Him, why? Because he cares for His children(1 Peter 5:7). He wants the best for us, and He wants us to be able to trust in Him, not lean on our understanding, but acknowledge that He will do what’s best for us at every moment (Proverbs 3:5).

Hezekiah knew his country was in trouble. They had been sliding down the wrong path for a long time. Hezekiah knew the only one to help was God. So he placed his trust in the only One that was able to change all the tribes of Israel’s predicaments.

Courtesy of BibleHub.com

The second thing Hezekiah did was to humble himself and place the freighting problem of an Assyrian invasion on the LORD. The enemy was at Hezekiah’s gates, and they were overwhelmingly more powerful than all the tribes of Israel combined. Now Judah was faced with destruction. The arrogance of King Sennacherib sending his messengers to humiliate Hezekiah before his people. One messenger, in particular, was pretentiously more arrogant than the rest. Rab-shakeh Would taunt his way back to Assyria,

Courtesy of BibleHub.com

The third vital thing Hezekiah did was to put on sackcloth and ashes, meaning he knew the fate of all Israel, not just Judah was in God’s hands. All the tribes of Israel left their first love, and God was not willing to have His children stray like stubborn and stiff-necked sheep. God had waited hundreds of years patiently for His people to repent and have a revival. They did not.

Then came a God-fearing king, who had torn down all the pagan altars in high places, where all the tribes of Israel were guilty of going to worship gods that had and were still, leading them away from the One True God of Israel.

Now came the time of judgment, and the Assyrian army about 185 thousand strong, waiting for their commanders’ orders to besiege the beautiful city of David.
They would not get the chance, because of one man, Hezekiah; who went before the LORD God of all Israel, and pleaded to save his people. God heard and answered Hezekiah’s prayers through the prophet Isaiah. That same night, an angel of the LORD, took care of the 185 thousand enemies of Hezekiah.

—Whatever you are going through today, remember:

— Trust God with all your heart and mind.
—Don’t lean on your own wisdom or understanding.
— Acknowledge that you need God to help you.
— Pray as your life depends on it because it does.
—Wait for God, even if it takes a long time.
— Then wait for the miracles that God has for your life.
Go out and make a difference for God!

If you don’t know how to place your full trust in God, start here:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

REFERENCES:

Histroical Books via Bible.org

Pictures from :

Stock photos courtesy of: 
photos-public-domain.com
pdphoto.org

AKJV Bible Courtesy of InspiredIdea.com 

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Antagonistic or Strong-Willed — Strong-Spirit-Filled? Christian Walk Series

Galatians 2:11-12

Being in ministry has taught me a few things about people. Some people listen and do; and some people listen, antagonize, and then do. Yet other people listen, say they will do it and then don’t.
Then some antagonize and serve.

The definition of Antagonize is:
ANTAG’ONIZE, verb intransitive
To contend against; to act in opposition; to oppose in argument.

What does being antagonistic look like?

—Is it something that people wake up one day and say, “I think I’m going to church to serve and antagonize a few people today!”
—Or is it something that others see in a person?
—Or is it a combination of all or some of the above?
— Do people who want to serve to want to be combative or opposing in everything that their leaders put forth?

—I believe that few people wake up on the wrong side of the bed all the time. These people are very rarely serving because they don’t want to serve in ministry with inferior folks. Sometimes they fall through the cracks and make it into leadership.

Some become great doers for the faith, without having the faith.

I also believe that there are people who think they can do everything better than their church elders. This type of Antagonistic person will usually fall through the cracks sooner or later. Why? Because God will not be mocked. He is patient and loving even with the worst of His sheep. Yet, He loves all unconditionally.

I have two takes on this. The Bible tells us the qualities of anyone wanting to be in leadership.

1 timothy 3:1-7

1 Timothy(3:1-13) and Titus (Titus 1:5-9) explain all of it. I will take it up another notch. Anyone wanting to serve must meet these criteria too. Both letters speak of Leadership qualities that are very rare to find, even among today’s churches.

1 Timothy 3:81-12

Why do I say this? Because God has stringent guidelines for his under-shepherds. Specifically, those that teach His word (James 3:1-2). As you may have noticed while reading the above scriptures, the helpers of the Church also have some rigorous qualification. There are tactical prerequisites in order to serve in ministry. Antagonists will always be weeded out.

Those people who antagonize fall into two camps:

Those that oppose for the sake of fighting anyone and everyone;
and those that are strong-willed who ask tough questions, not to battle or argue with others, but to gather as much information to think things through so they can make the wisest decisions in order to serve the Church better.

What’s the difference between these two types?
Sometimes, not much.

With today’s political correctness, church leadership in this country has also felt this strong influence. There are leaders in some churches who don’t want any questions being asked. Nor do some in leadership want to deal with those that are serving who are deemed as having too many questions and not enough of the doing things without questioning leadership.

I have seen both types of people in ministry, including pastoral staff elders.

As Christians, we know when we’ve crossed the line. No one has to tell us because the Holy Spirit lets us know when we have crossed that invisible barrier of being rebellious. These are the times that we must stop everything and ask forgiveness from those that have been affected by our mistakes.

Having said all this, I am one of those people that give as many chances as possible.

Why? Because I am also one of those people who are pretty strong-willed. Not to be malicious but one who asks why we do things a certain way. This again is not to antagonize, but to apprise others with a clear and straightforward explanation of what’s being asked of them.

I personally like strong-willed people who push the limits, not in antagonistic ways, but in their focused and strengths when asking me anything.

Some people will say that strong-willed people are antagonistic. I say that there is a fine line with putting a label on people in any circumstance. I have been told by others in leadership about certain people and how exasperating they are to serve with them.
When the “antagonistic” person comes into the ministry I am serving, I have found most have been mislabeled, and some have even taken steps to take on big projects that no one else will try. Some of my so-called antagonists have had great VBS weeks, Easter play victories and led in regional Youth events. I believe that God has used and blessed them because they asked and gathered enough information, even when rattling off twenty questions in a row. I just smile and know that whatever God has called them to do will be done right.

Before putting a label on someone, make sure that you have gotten to know the person in a personal manner. In today’s big church style of leadership, very few pastors get to know the people whom God gives them.

Again, I understand antagonistic people can drain the life out of a person or ministry. Those people need to be dealt with lovingly and with tons of gracefulness.
Most who may be deemed antagonistic, may, in fact, be the best blessing you may get, if only you ask God to give you patience, extra love, and grace in handling them.

Acts 15:1-2

Imagine the Apostle Paul when he contended with Peter and the with Judaizers who were bringing burdensome doctrines to the new Christian converts. In today’s day and age, Paul would have been called an antagonist!

Paul would be called an antagonist in today’s politically correct Church. Imagine Peter when being confronted, going back to Jerusalem and telling the est of the Apsotels to excommunicate Paul becasue he had hurt Cephas’ feelings? Paul spoke truth and Peter being filled with the Spirit, was convivted by Paul’s words. Yet today, this act would be called antagonistic. Have we modern day saints become so offended by strong-willed-strong-Spirit-filled men and women of God?

What about Jesus when He overturned the money changers’ tables? Was that antagonistic?

Imagine another instance when Jesus went into the Temple and started causing a stir by cleansing His Father’s House from dirty money and filthy lucre(Matthew 21:12-17)? What would a modern-day Senior Pastor and staff do if Jesus came and overturned their cafe’s and food courts? Would they kick him out for being antagonistic?

All this to say, we as Christians need to go back to doing the basics:

Praying,

Reading

And praying some more.

Asking God to fill us regularly with His Spirit, His love and grace. There will be people who come into our lives to make us stronger in spirit, extremely patient in grace and challenge us to be like Christ, our LORD, and Savior.

We will reap the blessings in our walk when we allow all people no matter the background and emotional baggage they bring, to be like Peter when we are erring in our walk, and also to be like Paul where will have the best intentions for our fellow brethren by being able to lovingly admonish when necessary…

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Th Altar Of Insanity |Moral Truth Series

There’s not much that I can add to the words below except, it’s time to— Protect the future of our children’s children…

—When people worship at the Altar of Insanity 

Morals that are deemed perfect are not. 

Morality that should be taught is not. 

Unhealthy Lifestyles are deemed clean.

Clean lifestyle is deemed unclean. 

Those that worship at the Altar of Insanity 

want to drag our kids into this unhealthiness.

People will not worship at 

the Altar of The Way, The Truth & Life 

because they have bought into the Lie. 

They have worshipped at the Altar of Insanity 

far too long to know the insaneness of it all.

If you want to walk away from the Altar of Insanity & get to know the real Way, Truth and Life personally:

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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Sundays: Don’t Politicize, Criticize, Compromise or Chastise — But Liberlize Thru Christ

Opposing Shapes

Is posting political posts and debates serving our community? Especially when family members or friends who are unbelievers are watching us on what’s supposed to be one of our Holy Days?  ….

First off, as Christians, we have a duty to be involved in all aspects of life. This includes having a political view.  I am a firm believer that we, as Christians, should gIve back to the community in everything and by individual callings God has placed in each person’s heart. If this means being the best doctor or lawyer or political leader, you do it to the fullest. Because God gives all of us different gifts and directions to journey through in life. 

Secondly, if you have to work on Sunday’s because of the industry you’re in, keep doing your work cheerfully until the LORD brings you out of this period. Be an example to all who see your work. Let those who don’t know the grace and peace of Christ, glorify His name and want to have what you have.

Now to the thing I have noticed— Sunday Posts:

I see more and more political posts on Facebook. Even Christians are getting to the political arena or into things that may not be what we should be talking about on Sundays. 

Sunday is the Lord’s day. This is when Christ rose. And this is where we, as Christians, observe our faith in God’s miraculous mighty power of defeating death and bringing people back to a personal relationship with Him. 

Of course every day should be the Lords day. But on Sunday it’s a special thing. Some of our brothers and sisters in Christ believe that we need to keep the Sabbath Holy. Yes, this is God’s command to all humanity. It is not a Jewish thing to do. But remember what Paul said in Romans:

…4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One man regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.… Romans 14.

I personally have a Friday Night study that has been going on for years. I did not start it as a Sabbath Study or to keep the Sabbath, but because I wanted my kids and their friends to have a safe place to be on Fridays. I just kept teaching on that certain day and the blessing of seeing the Orthodox Jewish folks pass by and hear me speak about Jesus and his prophetic Jewishness, is a blessing to know that they are being witnessed to as they pass by our house and the windows are wide open for all to hear.

Now the reason why Sunday’s are crucial to observe and why we call it the LORD’s Day is because of Jesus’ resurrection, and the most important implications for us as Christians. You see, without Jesus rising from the dead, there would be no faith in our own resurrection through Christ’s work on the cross and in the grave. We tend to forget this essential and highly critical second part of His work. 

Which brings me to what we as as Christians should be doing for our community. Sundays are too important to get caught up in political debates which sometimes get heated. Because politics will never ever save anyone, or ever change a person’s heart.

The only way that we will change this country is not by going at each other politically. Yes, there are times when we have to say something to refute the fake news or dangerous political views being glamorized on TV or schools, but… 

We have six days to do this. On Sundays, I’m going to start first by sharing what God has done for me.

I will post of His promises and of His love for people without comprimising my tenets:

—That God became human as He was born to a Judean virgin named Mary. 

—That Jesus grew up with every human weakness we all face in our lives. 

—That God brought His promises from prophecies of old. 

—That these promises of old, became real and were fulfilled in Jesus. 

—That Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again. 

—That Jesus ascended into heaven and promises us to come back for His sheep. 

—That if He rose from the grave, He has conquered death and we also have conquered death through His power of salvation through God’s grace, which is given freely for the repentance of our sins.

—That we as Christians, need to become His actions here on earth, and reach the community with the Gospel. 

—That we share the gospel so intensely with our actions and love, that we will not have to preach it with our mouths. Because non-Christians will see Christ in us through our actions and the way we live. 

—That we go out into our communities and make disciples of all nations! Literally here in Souther California, there are hundreds of languages being spoken. We are the crossroads to the Asian Continent. We don’t need to fly thousands of miles to reach the world for Christ. We can, and should start in our community first, this is our Jerusalem.

Therefore, we need to change people’s hearts and minds through the power of salvation , regeneration and transformation into each person’s life.

We as Christians need to be a community united in one accord in prayer, discipleship, and outreach to our communities. This is the only way that we will be effective and change the direction we are seeing all over the United States and the world. Join me in sharing the Gospel in some way on Sundays. Leave everything else behind. May we concentrate sharing and discipling the Grace of Christ and His commands with our families, our neighbors and our friends on Sundays. Sports, politics and entertainment can wait until Monday…

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Aspects of His Story—For His People |Christian Basics Series

People have asked me what the most important thing about Christianity and its influence on the world are. Some of these I have written about before. Now, I am tasked to give my opinion on five historical events that have influenced the church today. I stand with the following but could also give many different answers for the last one.

A bit lengthy but these aspects are too important to shortchange

Jesus’ Death on the cross.

His life and influence have been felt all over the world throughout history (His Story). We have the Four Gospel Writers giving us the horrific events that took place before and during Jesus’ hanging on the cross. 

A copy of the second Medicean manuscript of Annals, Book 15, chapter 44,

Non-Christian historians who wrote about the historical figure of Jesus. One was a Jewish historian named  Flavius Josephus and the other was a Roman historian named Tacitus (Copy of Letter above). Both wrote about Jesus and the repercussions of His actions, along with his disciples. 

Pliny the Younger was the governor of Bithynia et Pontus around 11 A.D. He wrote about Christians following a Jewish Teacher named Jesus whom they called a God. Moreover, Pliny was fearful that this faith would spread like it already was throughout the Roman Empire. Although he did not personally write about Jesus, he did write about the influence of a person named Jesus over His disciples and was not happy with the way Christians were worshipping and taking people’s faith away from the gods of Rome.

All accounts both in the Gospels and by outside non-Christian writers validate that Jesus was a person who came to influence the Judean nation, the Roman Empire, and later, the whole known world.

Without Jesus’ death, there would not be a story of Redemption. The Redemption of grace and mercy given to humanity, to be able to reconcile ourselves back to complete communion with God. Jesus became the Last Sacrificial Lamb to take away the sins of the world. With His death, the final sacrifice on the Temple Mount laid a foundation for all who would come asking for God’s forgiveness. 

1 Corinthians 15:6

The Resurrection:

While Jesus’ incredible work of the cross is without compare, the Resurrection of Jesus is as important as His Sacrifice on the cross. Without Jesus resurrecting as He and the prophetic scriptures said would happen, Christians would not be here, able to say that we through Jesus have conquered Death’s sting.

If the cross brought a sweet-smelling aroma to God’s Throne room, the resurrection sealed or stamped the Sacrificial Lamb with the Heavenly Stamp of approval. You see, Jesus had to conquer Death, yet the His disciples, the hordes of hell and his earthly enemies did not understand that.

His disciples were dejected and felt rejected. They had seen The Messiah of Israel do astonishing miracles. Yet, their Rabbi and future’s Hope had dashed and crashed away with Jesus’ Death on the cross. These men, laid hidden, fearful of the Jewish authorities. Not able to understand why their beloved Teacher was now dead.

Most of the Sanhedrin, who opposed this simple, poor, interloper called Yeshua, thought they had gotten rid of this nuisance who called Himself the resurrection and the Life., The Way, Truth and Life, The Good Shepherd, The Bread of Life, etc.. These devout legalistic men who wanted power thought they had stayed in power.

Satan and his hordes who saw Jesus born and made every effort to get rid of this baby God as soon as possible. These evil forces which influenced the soldiers of Herod’s Guard to kill the innocents in Bethlehem and its surroundings. The same evil horde with their leader taunting Jesus as he was being beaten and whipped. What must have gone through satan’s mind seeing Jesus tortured, hanging on the cross, dying a gruesome death, His body buried in a cave? This evil demonic swarm must have celebrated seeing the shocking event of God dying by the hand of His most precious creation. Satan had won, or so he thought.

“How I wish I would have been there,” is every Christian’s thought. The event of the resurrection changed life itself. We are now the heirs of this resurrection and the hope it gives us. The hope of one day resurrecting into eternity, and finally becoming whole once again. This event is the blessed hope Paul speaks of in Titus. The hope of everlasting union with our LORD and Savior Jesus, when He comes for us.

Fire flame on black background. blaze fire flame textured background. Premium Photo
Corutesy of Freepik

Pentecost:

Fifty days after Jesus became our First Fruit of Resurrection, the third most important event happened to the Church of Christ. Without it, the church would have died a wimpy and minute death. You see, what the Death and resurrection were for us, the filling of the Holy Spirit was just as important. This filling is where we as Christians get our power, not through anything we do, but through the Power of God’s Spirit.

Jesus needed to go through this sacrificial Death and why we as Christians celebrate it today as the most important of events in world history. The eye witness accounts of his Death and burial cannot be rebutted by any critic because there were too many witnesses to Christ’s ministry, crucifixion, Death, and resurrection.

We also have the enemies of Jesus who by their silence after the miraculous events, did not deny a resurrection or that Jesus performed great miracles. They tried to bribe Jesus away and force His disciples to not preach in His name.

1517 Basel printing of the Nitey-Five Theses 

The Reformation

With a widespread movement, there tends to be a downhill period of moral decline and corruption. This corruption happened to the Christian church when it became universal, and its leadership became too powerful.

With absolute power, comes absolute corruption. No checks and balances for its leaders.

There were too many followers and too few who could read the Word of God. Illiteracy was the vehicle for leadership to take grasp for power. God led Luther to pen Ninety-five Theses where Protestants, later on, would protest with The Five Solae or Alone’s or Only’s.

The Reformation revolutionized faith in Christ alone and not the church, the word alone and not with traditions of men, faith, and grace alone without bribing your way to heaven, and God alone instead of a man absolving your sins away.

The Power of Digital Technology

The Internet

I remember seeing a chart that looked like a hockey stick. It was a timeline showing the technological progress of humankind. We see the agricultural age for most of human history and then the great boom of the industrial age. We then accelerate the knowledge pace when we hit the digital age, and double the knowledge with the information age! The internet can be used for evil, but I am an optimist. The Gospel has been preached throughout the world.

Just this blog alone has made it to 87 countries and counting. From Brazil to China and in every continent except Antartica. Imagine Paul having the internet? What would Christianity look like if he had his hands on such an incredible piece of technology?
This is the Golden Age for sharing the Gospel. This is our time to impact history. We have learned from Scripture and those that have come before us.
Let us make the world know who Christ is and what He has done for them! Go and make disciples of all nations…

If you want to know who Jesus is and what He did for you:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

References:

Flavius Josephus

Full Transcripts of Tacitus letter about Christ

4 Gospels:

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

BibleHub.com

LinkedIn Slideshare

Wikipedia.org

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3 Cords Are Better Than Discord |Marriage Series

There are aspects of a healthy Christian marriage that stand the test of time. First off, I don’t pretend to know everything about a successful and healthy marriage. My wife and I have gone through our ups and downs like everyone else, but here is what has worked for us:

Ecclesiastes 4:11&12

The most essential aspect of our lasting marriage is that we both committed our lives to Christ. Without this, I am not sure where we would be.
We know most Christian marriages start with a three stranded, Christ centered strong, tight rope.

However, little by little, each spouse allows the cares of this world to seep in and loosen the strong commitment both made to God originally.

Usually, when I have witnessed discord in marriages, it’s because one of the spouses has walked away from Christ, and if they don’t renew their commitment to God and their spouse, it becomes detrimental to the marriage and family structure.
When I find myself starting to get distracted with life’s juggling, I quickly check my commitment to the LORD, so I don’t see myself drifting away…

1 Chronicles 16:10-12

If commitment to God is the most important of all aspects of a healthy marriage, prayer comes in second. There is no way for a healthy marriage to thrive without prayer. I have seen couples take nutrition classes, go to the gym, and keep up with all the great books out there. 

Couples will prioritize taking care of their bodies, but lack commitment to healthy prayer life. How can God speak to either one, when they have not found time to pray together.
I am not speaking about just going through the motions of prayer where couples go through the mechanics of prayer and yet miss the mark on sitting still long enough to hear from the LORD. I have done this from time to time with my wife, and we both have missed the great blessing of answered prayer. Imagine going through the petitions where you know the Spirit has moved both of you to seek God humbly.

You have done the easy part, the hard part for us all, is to sit still, and then shut up long enough to hear God’s still small voice. Where His guidance would have been gladly taken, we miss the blessing because we were too tired or bored to wait for an answer.

How many marriages would still be together had both spouses sought time long enough to hear from God, who was gladly willing to speak to both of them, only to be cut off by the lack of time that both spouses should have made for Him…

The third aspect of a healthy marriage is knowing that being together is for a lifetime. There is no turning back to mommy and daddy because life gets tough or you found someone else whom you think listens better than your spouse!

What we tell couples who are struggling in their marriage and when they ask us how we do it is this—
Divorce is not an option. God doesn’t make mistakes.

The mistakes are made by two imperfect people coming into a relationship, thinking that marriage will solve all of life’s problems once they marry.
We explain that marriage is a commitment and a marriage contract between them and God.

When God brings two people together, it is because these two people have been mature enough to:
A. Seek Guidance from God before making any decisions for succesful courting. Yes, I said courting not dating. Dating is a fantasy made up by Hollywood.
B. Both people have fasted away from each other long enough to know that what they both feel was real, and not lustful. How do we know which is which Oscar? Um, go to step A.
C. Both people have received an answer from God saying that they are to be together.

If there are any doubts, ask people in your lives whom you trust to pray and fast with you and start the process over.
Is it this easy? Of course not. Is it worth it? Yes, it is.
I encourage you to try these and notice the blessings in waiting on the LORD for an answer….

Psalm 25:8-10

Humbling ourselves is the fourth aspect of a healthy marriage. You see, without someone humbling themselves when times get tough, the marriage will be in constant friction. Many a time my wife has been the better person in a little spat that we may be having, yet, she backs off and allows for me to think that I have the right-away. Minutes or sometimes hours may pass before I realize how idiotic it was to have my way. In the rare moments where my wife is adamant about something, I allow her that right-away. It works both ways.

How has this giving the right-away been for us? 

Since we both are prayed up and read up, it makes reconciling easy.

James 1:22-24

Being Read up means that we are always seeking instruction from the Bible. This is the fourth aspect but not the least in order. Opening up our Bible is like food to the stomach. The more we read, the better our marriage. 

There is one caveat to this. It would be best if you practiced what you read.

It isn’t in the reading that we get the morsels of Heavenly food. It is in the seeking, finding, and refining our lives that the blessings come in. The more we open our Bibles to seek, we discover and then refine our lives.

You just can’t seek and find and then close up the Bible and stop there. You have to put your money where your mouth is so to speak. Practice what you preach or in most cases—Practice what you read from the Bible.

All these aspects are indispensable, but I can’t think of any other that can be done without this last one—Love. Without love, we can’t be called disciples of Jesus the Savior. Without love, we are but just loud noises which are speaking about the love of God and not having it. Love conquers all aspects of a healthy marriage. Love is a healthy marriage. 

You can’t say that you love God and detest your spouse; it can’t be done. I have seen too many people say they have fallen out of love with their spouse, usually it’s the men.

When I hear a man say this, I smile as they are telling me. The more they speak about the new person whom they met, who loves them more and listens to them more, the more I smile. I know, it’s rude but I can’t stand a guy who is disrespectful to his wife by making her the villain. 

When a man does this, I lose total respect for him. I would rather have him say. “I love being an adulterer more than I love my wife.” But of course they will not say this.

So instead of getting angry or upset, I just smile. Once, the guy in front of me got so nervous that he resold himself on loving his wife and not pursuing an extramarital relationship he was thinking about, without me saying a word. I just smiled and he knew what that meant…

Now getting back to love…it covers and conquers all. When you have doubts about your spouse, commit yourself to God, pray for them, make a long term choice to be with them, humble yourself to not always be right and be read up so that you can have the Love of Christ in your heart for them eternally.

Go and love one another!

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Hospitality Anyone? |Christian Basics Series

Acts Chapter 2

The secret to the early church was something to behold. The original twelve disciples and their families learned from our Lord Himself. They in turn passed it on to the seventy which in turn continued to pass on once the original twelve disciples were gone. But what made this incredible early church successful. One of the things was being hospitable to all who came to hear the Good News of Christ.

First off, the love of Jesus. Without this Agape love, they would not have had the success they did. When our Lord laid down His life for His disciples, there would be no way for the original twelve to go back to the way things were. Jesus had become our living sacrifice, wholly acceptable to the Father. He humbly and obediently went to the cross and exalted Himself above all names and therefore opened the way for the rest of humanity to follow. This kind of love is not natural, and Has disciples would follow Him obediently to their deaths. Because Jesus made an example of Himself as the Good Shepherd laying down His life for His sheep. 

Secondly, the disciples had the very first powerful and incredible filling of the Holy Spirit, without this, the early church would not have had the success it did. Remember the original twelve cowering in the upper room while Jesus was being sacrificed on the cross for our sins? What was the turning point for these men and the rest of the disciples?  It was the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit , says the LORD.“

It is during the Pentecost after the crucifixion and ascension of our Lord, that the disciples became who they should have always been. The gospel sharing and hospitable men and women of God that would by the love, Spirit and hospitality, change the known world at the time. Without the Spirit, they would have no supernatural love. Without the love, they could not be hospitable.

Thirdly, they then had unity of spirit that would transcend anything the Romans and Jews had. They formed communities from the start which helped the early church withstand the persecution which came later. 

Fourthly, they were led to pick men who would lead the next generations of Christians into eternity. They had sense enough to know to pick elders and deacons who showed the original love and the core values which Christ taught. Part of that love was to open up ypur home to share the gospel and pray.

Fifthly, without the power of the Spirit to be hospitable, Christians can do nothing on their own. The only way to get this fine tuning is through prayer. The only way to show true Christian hospitality is to have time with God. It is not something that you can do on your own. Specially when you are exhausted or going through some personal trials. This is when you need to be prayed up in order to be filled up!

Prayer that seems to be lacking nowadays in churches because modern services have placed an emphasis on worship, sermon and small prayer. Instead of  Big prayer time, Worship and small sermons. So goes our prayer time, so goes our hospitality time. There is no way that we can be humble and sincere hosts, without being prayed up and filled by God’s Spirit.

So be prayed up, filled up, in order to love all those who come into your homes. Humbly host people, be in one accord in unity of the Holy Spirit. Also be loving enough for people to want to follow Christ . Make disciples of all who come to your homes by showing them the Christ-like hospitality, having people leave your home glorifying God for you…

_____________________________________________

If you want this pwerful kind of love and hospitality, get know God. He will do the rest:

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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I am Willing…Be Free! |Attributes of God Series

He has set the captives free… He sets people chained up free!

Isaiah 42

Today is a solemn day for me. On this day back in 1996, my brother Eddie went home to be with the LORD. He was 33 years of age. He was not, by any means, a saintly person. He had fought with the wickedness of alcohol and lost the battle.

He had gotten a managerial job in a plush hotel in Mexico City, where he would entertain guests coming in from all over the world, and this was his downfall.
Yet, I know one day I will see him again. You see, we had been going back and forth on my faith. He would call from the hotel he worked at and would quickly say hello and ask about my faith. I was always telling him that we were praying for him. He would just laugh and say goodbye.

I thought he was not interested, but it turns out that he was listening to everything I was saying and by what I was doing as a husband and father to my babies.

He called me and his voice was different, he was not tipsy, and he sounded serious.
“Oscar, I have committed my life to Christ,” he said joyfully.
At first, I was skeptical. But the more my brother spoke to me over the phone, the more I realized he had committed himself to a faith in Christ.
I wish I could say that my brother was able to change his lifestyle. But the job he had was too tempting for him. The tourists my brother would take on a tour of the city would become like friends. These tourists who did not know the LORD allowed the alcohol and partying to start drawing my brother into their circles.

I don’t blame the job he had; I blame him. No one put a gun to his head and made him drink. He knew he was wasting away his life physically. And he understood that he was on his way to losing himself spiritually.
I would hear my brothers voice on the phone, most of the time, he had been drinking.

Now I know that when he would call, it was as if he needed to hear a familiar voice telling him to stop doing what he was doing before it was too late. My brother knew I didn’t drink, and he was proud of me for not touching the stuff.

So when the call came, and my brother told me the great news of his commitment, I prayed harder for him because I knew that the hardest test for him was beginning. The enemy and alcohol would not let a slave go free that easy.

Six months after my brother had committed himself to Christ, his battle with alcohol was over. He had lost the battle, but he had won the war. His body had taken too much of a beating with the abuse. Yet Eddie is now home with the LORD. He had asked for help at the last hour of his life. Did he know he was going to die? I don’t think so. He had plans. He wanted to quit his job and come back State side. He never made it back home…scratch that…my brother Eddie finally made it to his true home…

I write this extremely personal story so that those reading this who are chained up to this horrible sin of alcohol abuse or drugs or whatever else that is holding you captive, by encouraging you. I want to give you hope.

The hope of Jesus the Savior of this world. The same Jesus who set the captives free from sickness, from death and from Hell.

If you are reading this and are struggling with anything, ask God to help you break the chains. If you have seen your father and grandfather, your mother or grandmother in some kind of addictive bondage, it’s time for you to break the cycle!

You can’t do it. I know, because the power to be set free comes from God. Allow Him to break the chains and vicious cycle which has enslaved you and your loved ones.
Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. Ask Him to help you break the chains that are keeping you enslaved and not moving forward. Ask him to break the cycle so that your kids and grandchildren will not go through the same hopelessness.

It’s time to set yourself free with the help of the One that came to set the captives free from Hell and the pre-cursers of Hell. Be free!

How to ask God to help you:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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A Sticky Note Reminder |Attributes of God Series

Joshua 1:5

Never ever forget that God loves His children. If you have committed yourself to Jesus, He promises us this eternal promise:

Matthew 28:20

There are a few people that needed to read this. I want to encourage you to look to God in all situations. He is there for you. He will never leave us; He has promised this to us. Jesus loves you and wants to lead you through whatever tough situation(s) you are going through.

Keep your faith. Don’t quit. God will see you through this! That’s a promise from Him. He doesn’t promise us smooth sailing. He promises to be there and carry the heavy load Himself.

Let God carry your heavy burden today!

If you have never asked God to help you, and want to get to know Him, click on the links below. I promise you that you won’t regret it.

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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Don’t Judge, Smudge or Begrudge! |Move Forward Monday

Romans 2:1

Mayan Numerical System

There was a time when people pointed their fingers at specific ethnic groups in this country. I am not just talking about African-Americans. I am talking about the Native Americans.
Native Americans contributed so many things to the Old World, like corn, avocado, cacao, the number 0, and astronomy, precise astronomy, which led to seasonal planting of crops at the right times.

Ahuacatl, or Avocado

In another period, people in Germany pointed their fingers at Jewish folks. The Jewish people were nearly brought to extinction. Their incredible contribution to many cultures is invaluable. I am talking about the spiritual and mental contributions. They brought us three of the most prominent religions in modern times. From one Book, the world has seen the moral foundations of their society passed on to the world.

Albert Einstein

The world would not be the same if it weren’t for the contributions of each ethnic group above. The world owes them so much and I, for one, am grateful for them; since I have native blood running through my veins.

Five blind Boys of Alabama

Another ethnic group that I am grateful for is the African- American contributions. From the old Negro Spirituals or hymns to the incredible and fascinating Jazz movement which took over the world in the first quarter of the 20th Century. Some of my favorite artists have brought me great life memories and moments. I also listen to gospel singers from here and in Africa. The incredible a capella mesmerizing and rhythmic vocals. With their deep smooth baritone sounds, make me just close my eyes and lift my hands to thank God for such talents.

Louis Armstrong

The African-American community has brought so many great athletes. Athletes that have changed the course of history by breaking the racial divide one person at a time.

Western Europeans have also contributed to the world. The first thing they triumphed in was to come to a full knowledge of Jesus the Savior of the world. It is when Western society embraced the teaching and emulated Jesus, that the world exploded in thought and the sciences.

Each country from Italy to Britain contributed a part in making the world and this country what it is. The great minds of people descended from Britain and Europe brought not only Christianity but the stem or extension of what free people could become. Commerce and faith brought the most extensive freedom of living that the world has ever seen.

Three documents, The Mayflower Compact, The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, have impacted the world. From the building of free trade in the original 13 Colonies to world trade as we know it. To the rebuilding of Europe and Asia after WWII and the middle east after the despots were taken out in recent times.

The Declaration of Independence


All these ethnic peoples, working together and in different periods of time to make the world a better place. All these people prominently living in America. Making this great nation what it has been and will be.

But I am incredibly disappointed with the way we as are treating each other. I am not your enemy, and you are not mine. We live in a remarkable place, where even with so much division, immigrants are dying and crying to get here.

Romans 2:3

Even with the news telling us how hateful this country has become, minorities are thriving in medicine, sports, and commerce. More women are graduating from college than men (more links below).

We need to stop blaming someone else for our personal actions and conduct. We need to get back to why this country became so great.

Yes, America is exceptional. You can disagree, and yet, the immigrants keep coming to our shores, crossing our border illegally.

This is still the greatest country on earth. No one is trying to get their visas to go into China and get an opportunity to become rich or at least live quietly and comfortably.
You may disagree with me on this, but no one is secretly crossing the border into Venezuela…

My Venezuela Nightmare–Bloomberg

References:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ccap/2012/02/16/the-male-female-ratio-in-college/#17cc5914fa52

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/11/gender-education-gap/546677/

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/08/why-men-are-the-new-college-minority/536103/

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I hate That Foul Mouthed @#$@# Jerk! |Character & Integrity Series

The above quote was from someone I heard while waiting in line at a restaurant. This person actually cussed while complaining about our President.

—I also just watched a video of a couple of NYPD cops get doused with water and disrespected in front of everyone while the crowd went crazy.

—Additionally, I’ve seen what politicians are doing with their mouths lately, from both sides of the aisle. Especially the Democrats.

—We have a President who is a businessman and not a Statesman. He has done what he has promised, for that, I am grateful. Yet, I hear or read some of the things he says and cringe. Even then, I respect his office. We have to respect the title, not the man. But as Christians, we cannot excuse the most powerful human on earth to get away with this way of communication.

I’m not asking for a saint, but I am asking for him to set the example. To go above the sewage being thrown around in DC and show everyone that we can be civil to one another.

Cambridge Dictionary

——I have watched the new Democratic rookies coming in, using language that they are criticizing POTUS for using. They criticize POTUS because of his tweets and his sharp tongue during press conferences. Yet they themselves, along with most of the Hollywood crowd, use offensive words to debase those whom they disagree with politically.

—Is it any wonder why the NYPD officers were treated in the most disrespectful of ways? Why our country is going through the Antifascists fascist groups phase?

—Christians, we have to beware of becoming like the world. We must be lights to this world. We must point people to Christ so that the change is from the inside of a person.

— The country needs to come back to God. The country has to restore itself spiritually. The only way this will be done is if we have another unfortunate tragedy like 9/11, or a great revival like the one which started in Azusa Street.

—But the time to act is now. We can’t be the-laid-back-Kumbaya-singing-peace-loving Christians who turn the other cheek and allow people to step on us. Yes, there is a time for love. There is also a time for work and war. And believe me, this is a period of some of the toughest spiritual and physical conflict the world has seen.

“Oh come on Oscar! You are exaggerating this to oblivion! The world isn’t that bad!”

Ahhh… yeah, it is. The blatant disrespect for authority is staggering. I have not ever seen this in my lifetime. Frankly, I don’t think there’s ever been a time where so many people hate what this government stands for. The way of life for all of us in the West is in danger of breaking apart.

—At its foundation is the lack of character and integrity. No one cares to respect people anymore. We all want our way. Just look at the freeways or streets as people drive. Everyone wants to out-do the other person in front of or next to them. The lack of courtesy is appalling. Kids flipping people off just because they feel like the other has cut them off or somehow offended them.

—Which brings me to the reason I want you joining me in prayer for this country, its leadership, all authority figures. Pray that we begin to respect all first responders like we used to. Pray for our President, so that he shows integrity in all he does, not just bringing the country economically back.

—Pray for our Congress. They are in desperate shape. They need extra anointing by God. The division and discord caused by Party lines need to stop. Congress has to act as one. Not as a fragmented House and Senate ready to duke it out with their enemies across the aisle.

—Pray for our Schools; this is where the second most important place for our children is.

—Pray for our homes, where men and women will show what character and integrity are to their children so that the next generation will carry the torch of true freedom. Only with integrity and character will freedom flourish.

—And pray for Spiritual awakening in our homes, places of work, government institutions and in the highest leadership. Pray that The Capitol be united. That all members come to know the True Policy Maker, our LORD, and Savior Jesus. Then and only then, will the bad-mouthing off and disrespect that is rampant, will give way to courtesy, respect, and integrity of character.

Is it just a dream? Then if it is, I have a dream…

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http://www.fox5ny.com/news/videos-nypd-cops-doused-with-water#/

https://nypost.com/2018/08/27/another-video-of-nypd-cops-being-harassed-surfaces-online/

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Don’t Let the Mouse Inside Your House! |Christian Walk Series

WARNING: If you love the theme park in Anaheim and think what Hollywood produces is good & moral, I would ask you to read this through. If you have kids, you must ask yourself if Hollywood and the Mouse with the Big Anaheim House are really who you want teaching your kids about life…

Psalm 4:2—”ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.” KJV

Leasing- lie, Literally—untruth, Figuratively— an idol.

In reality, we have bought into a lie.
The cars we lease are not ours. And when we have coveted what they are selling us on TV, we are leasing those things or as the Strong’s puts it— we are buying into a literal lie for an idol we have coveted that will still not be ours at the end of the payment history.

So this hits home pretty hard. Modern-day society is instituted on renting, leasing and 0% until such a time.


This world is full of things that are calling out to us. But, if they are only drawing you to the 5 senses, and are pointing away from the spiritual, buyer beware. God has intended for us to know the truth. The truth sets people free because people crave to worship God.

Unfortunately, most people have to worship something or someone other than their Maker because the world has been continually dripping lies from the minute we are born.

Tinseltown’s Lies

“This is where we Christians come in. Don’t settle for the lies of moral standards of this day and age. We know who is running Hollywood and all of its fantasy-based theme parks.“


All of those things are leasing our hearts and minds to the point of making us think that the world has Tinseltown morals.
If you are reading this and you have tried what all the TV shows and the Mouse in the Big House in Anaheim have told you that you should be, remember that everything they are showing you is fake. The characters are fake, the lives of the characters are fake. Their marriages are fake. Their whole way of life is not real!

—You don’t need to keep up with the Kardashians. You don’t need a whole new world to start fresh. You don’t need a confused teenager teaching your kids about life and their moral view of it.

— You don’t need that beautiful car or the beautiful house that is leased; because when you look beyond the material worship of idols, you come to realize what truly matters is not what’s on the outside.

—You will finally realize that you have come back full circle to a place where you can commune with your Creator. The God who has been waiting for you to see what He sees, and feel what He feels. Total freedom, peace, and grace, bringing us true love. Not the fake love we have been inundated with on TV and the internet. But the love of God that sets us free from all the leasings in life. That love sets a person free where it matters. Because 100 years from now, the fancy stuff, the theme park with the fake mouse, the Kardashians and all the rest, will be just bones, and a bunch of plastic and silicone stuff.

— But if you decide to choose an authentic life, you will be in the most real presence you will ever witness — the state of love and grace with Jesus your Savior. And your experience will not be leased….because Jesus paid for you in full. God will have redeemed you.
No leasing…no renting…but bought by Jesus’ blood on the cross….take that step into reality. Leave Hollywood and Silicon Valley behind. Choose life not fake leasing of your soul.

Get to know God, I promise you He will not take you on a magic ride; but will bring you into His presence. Where you will not need to stimulate your mind with fantasy. Because the reality will be far better than a theme park experience or movie marathon…

Here’s more information should you choose a real and lasting relationship with God:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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Work Hard, Live Quietly, Enjoy Blessings, Give Justly |Christian Giving

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Someone asked me a few months ago why I was so against socialism or any of its deranged brethren. I know it’s the talk of this generation but let me tell you why Socialism, Communism and all the like are so wrong for humanity…

When I was a kid, I started working early. I had a paper route and mowed lawns for neighbors. I went to work with my dad.
When I was in middle school, my dad took me to work with him painting. I loved it. I love learning at every opportunity and still do.
One day during the summer of my senior year, my dad asked me to go work with him. I told him I was too tired and that I would find something else to do. I was lying. I loved painting, but my parents made me dislike even the smell of fresh paint; which took over twenty-five years to get rid off.
You see, I made excellent money painting. I was great at it. As an apprentice, I was finishing the final product that would be sent out to casinos. They were beautiful counter wood finishing pieces, and I enjoyed looking at them and saying that I had a small part in the way they turned out.
I would sign the check to my mom and then drive her to the bank to deposit my hard-earned money. As I would drive my mom back home, she would open her purse and count out all the cash she had, then would proceed to give me twenty-five bucks for my hard-earned work. Work that would take eight-plus hours, sometimes extra overtime. This was about ten percent of what I made!

This story is true. I know that my parents were going through hard times. I paid for a lot of my schooling. I paid for a lot of other things. I am grateful to my parents for teaching me to let go of money.
But I am more grateful to them for teaching me about what Socialism and Communism are. These are systems which leech off of its citizens. Systems that don’t care about your emotions and hard working ethics. They bleed people to death. Sometimes literally, like the case we see in Venezuela, what we have witnessed in the Soviet Union debacle, and other overreaching leeching central governments.

—“Christians, be careful not to idolize the early church in Jerusalem; The church was so loving, they gave up everything for the LORD. Yet there were those that took advantage of the loving generosity”—

Then we hear a few years later, how broke the Church was in Jerusalem. I will not argue the details over why this happened to the first church, that’s for another post. What I do know, is that sharing with people is great, if everyone pulls their weight around. It is also very good to give to the widow and orphan. Or whatever God leads you to; but this must be Spirit led.

—“But I am not talking about this type of charity. “

—I am talking about a healthy, well fed person who should be working but is not, because they just don’t feel like it.

—Now if you are going to school full time or training for a job, this is different. But I find that in most cases, those who are always asking for money, seem to be regulars at asking for money.

—Don’t shortchange yourself or your circumstances. Go and do what God has told you to do, take dominion of this world, work hard with your own hands, and the blessings will come.
— Then if you genuinely think that people should give from their money to others, be my guest and go fund someone else…

Scripture References:

2 Thessalonians 3:10-15

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Acts 18:3

Ephesians 4:28

Proverbs 21:25

Proverbs 13:4

Proverbs 20:4

Proverbs 12:24,27

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But I Am Only One LORD! |Discipleship Series

Matthew 13:30-32

I complained that I touched so few people for his Kingdom.
As I prayed, I asked, “Lord, why do so many people hear the call but do not listen to be Your disciples?”

God said— One disciple at a time is sufficient for you, my son.

As I sat and pondered, I heard His still small peaceful voice say, “I had called many, but only one person at a critical moment in time has listened.
I called many to come to Me, Noah was the only one who accepted my invitation.
Then I spoke to many more, but only Abraham listened. So I sent him to a land flowing with milk and honey. Where one day, his descendants would multiply and be the envy of the world.
Then there were many sons of Abraham, but only Joseph listened to Me.
I had to wait hundreds of years for one to listen to Me again. His name was Moses; he heard my invitation and saved My people.

I have called people far and wide, but it’s only one person at a time that the few are called and heed the invitation.

Elijah, Daniel & Jeremiah. Hosea, Isaiah, and the rest of my prophets.
My One and Only Son obediently went to the Cross. He only had twelve disciples. Out of those, four were a little ahead of the rest.
Paul, I personally called, and he humbled himself in the desert. He came to me at the Mount. Paul was one, and he changed the world.
So don’t despair when only one becomes My disciple.
Remember that My Son called thousands, and only a few remained after the Cross.
Elijah was alone, and I showed him my seven thousand faithful ones to encourage him
Don’t be discouraged— so many of my chosen few have seemed to think they are but one until I showed them My army!”

Get to know God, you may be the one He chooses to change the world!

Know God

Steps to Peace With God

How Can I know God

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To Perceive, Receive, Hear & Fear… |Christian Short Drills & Basics

Proverbs 1:2--King James Version "To know wisdom and instruction: to perceive the words of understanding."

“I love Proverbs. It is one of thee books to read. So much insight. So much of God’s wisdom.“

Someone asked me recently why they needed to read the Book of Proverbs. I asked this person if they ever got trained at work or did their company just throw them into an office and hoped for the best. I smiled because I knew the answer. I asked this person if they had ever practiced any sports. I knew the answer to this also. I asked them if they were ever able to play in games without ever going to practice with the team. Of course they smiled because they knew that playing sports, or playing music or getting better at something requires education and commitment to always get better at whatever it is that people want to do.

Then I looked right at them and asked,” When God tells us to be approved workers in His kingdom(2 Timothy 2:15), did He want us to be good at being Christians? Of course I got some chuckles from the person, but it made me think.

“Most of us don’t know where to start. There are 66 books to read. Some are longer than others. Some are incredibly spell binding to read; while others it takes some doing to read such and such person begat this person etc..“

I have a rule of thumb—When someone asks where to start reading the Bible, I suggest the start with 2 books in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and 2 books in the Greek Scriptures (New testament).

These are the books I suggest:

In these books, a person just starting on their journey will get the most out of their faith. Yes, I know that there are so many other books like Genesis, Luke, Corinthian Letters, Revelation etc., but these are the ones that will cement someone’s faith.

Books of Psalms and Proverbs. The Gospel of John and Paul’s letter to the Romans.

The second thing I suggest is to pray for guidance and also for explanation to what is being read.

  • An example of this would be—Proverbs chapter 1, Going through this, these words are what grabbed a hold of my mind this time around:
Proverbs 1:2 KJV "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding."

Vv 2–Perceive— to discern understand or consider what we are reading. I like this definition— to observe mark or give heed to. In other words one must pay full attention to and be completely intentional of what one is reading. Then I tell them to read every chapter in one sitting, if possible.

“Because when you read something all at once you see things that you may have missed by reading just a few verses. Then go back and pick important words that stick out as you have read.“

Vv3—Receive—to get, lay hold of, get, marry, take a wife.
We are to receive this wonderful gift of God’s wisdom and grab on to it as if life depended on it, because it does. We are to hold on to this precious gift like a husband does to a wife. This is how much God’s love is, He wants His people to fully grasp the meaning of each word and chew on it or grab on to it so as not to lose it.

Proverbs 1:5 KJV "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning: and a man of undersatnding shall attain unto wise counsels."

Vv5–Hear— Here’s the cool part. To hear is the same word used in the Shema in Deuteronomy 6, where God’s people are to recite the great verse, “Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, The LORD is One!” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

So this hearing is not just listening intently but shouting it to the ends of the world. To let your whole body, soul and spirit merge into one being and say, “LORD, I know You’re are here. I know you are God, the Creator of all things and everything that is in this universe! I hear You and I Obey!
Because that word also has the meaning to obey.

Proverbs 1:7-KJV "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Vv7—Fear— when we realize who is giving us these words. Words that are not of men but from the source of all understanding and knowledge. This is when our eyes are opened spiritually. This moment of knowing your Maker, is an awesome, fear inspiring and honorable thing.

Because we realized then and only then, how awesome Our God is; and how incredibly loving He is to us, who are sons of rebellion. God is willing to see us through this spirit awakening or arising to the point of unfathomable patience and long suffering on His part. How does He do this?

He takes us from what Galatians 5 describes our inner being:

“19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.“

And slowly God gives us some of His character in 2 Corinthians 13:–

“…3 If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 6 Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.8a Love never fails…”

And in Galatians 5 he continues to get rid of the selfishness we have:

“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.“

All this change takes place when you put your trust in Christ and humble yourself by asking Jesus to forgive you of all the things you’ve ever done wrong. The very moment you ask Jesus to forgive you, to guide you into your future, and start communicating with Him by praying and reading His Word, you start seeing a transformation that may or may not be immediate. But stick with communicating with God, and people will notice the changes in you.

Here’s how to know Him personally:

How Can I know God

Steps to Peace With God

Know God

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