The Surest Mark Of

The surest mark of true conversion is humility. J. C. Ryle

Have You Noticed How Much

 Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people hate you, and exclude you [from their fellowship], and insult you, and scorn your name as evil because of [your association with] the Son of Man. Luke 6:22 Holy Bible, Amplified Version

Have you noticed how much hate there is in the western world today for those that live Christian lives with Christian morals? We are vilified on social media and socially isolated in every day life. It is like we have some disgusting plague like leprosy. What is truly heartbreaking is when this happens with in the Christian community.

Why do folks hate us so much?

Could it be that seeing us pricks their conscience and they know their lifestyle is wrong?

Could it be that seeing us causes the fire of hate to flame in every molecule of their body and mind because they know that their lifestyle is condemning them to Hell?

From my experience yes, those are the two main reasons for their unjustified hate of those of us that are obedient children of Jehovah.

The further society gets from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it. George Orwell.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Emet (God of truth) bless me to always speak Your words of truth with wisdom, grace, meekness and fortitude to not back down when challenged by the wicked ones. I sincerely request this in the name of He who is the epitome of truth Jesus Christ. Amen

May you be blessed with abundant joy in your heart filled with love and your life overflowing with laughter every day this year.

In the Gutter Not in The .

 

                                                      

Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 The Holy Bible Amplified Version

It is in the dirty that brings forth the most glory.

It is when we are asked and indeed sometimes it is demanded of us to do the dirty jobs no one else desires to do that we have the opportunity to bring Jehovah the most glory.

When I was a teacher in Asia I was always given the classes from Hell. Yes, they were tough but it was also an opportunity to bring Jehovah glory. Many times teachers, students and parents would see me praying before a class. Everybody laughed with the attitude that I needed all the help I could get. All the while they did not even believe in Jehovah.

I would walk into class and have a great class. Everyone was stunned. All glory was given where it rightly belonged: to my wise Teacher in Heaven.

Indeed, after about two months the horrible monsters became little angles. Everyone was shocked beyond words and they knew it was because of me (well, the majority of it was because of the Holy Spirit blessing me with wisdom, strength, patience, gracefulness and meekness).

Soon all the other parents wanted their children in my class. Some even became Christians.

The best opportunity to bring Jehovah glory is in the gutter not in the palace. Joseph a son of Jehovah

Many complain about their circumstances but will not lift a finger to make the change that needs to be done in their personal lives or their environment to improve their lot. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Please Jehovah Shammah ( The Lord is Present) be present with me when difficult and undesirable tasks are heaved upon my shoulders. Please bestow upon me Your Divine wisdom, grace, meekness and strength to use this opportunity to bring glory unto You my Love. I respectfully request this in the name of He who brought You untold glory as He took the  most horrible job of all on the cross Jesus Christ. Amen

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day. Joseph a son of Jehovah

They are Still Alive.

In Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom (paradise). Luke 16:23 Holy Bible Amplified Version

In all of Jesus’ parables He always explained what they meant but here we do not see any explanation. That is because in the Old Testament it was explained numerous times the life after death . That there is a place where the spirit goes after death. It is not Heaven or Hell but a place where the spirit awaits final judgment. Therefore those that have died, they are still alive in spirit. The Jews knew this so there was no need for Jesus to explain it to them.

This also shows the charlatans that claim they can talk with the dead.

Jehovah places them in that place where they shall remain until the Day of Judgment.

There is no communion with the dead with the living.

It also shows how those that claim that all those who die go to a pleasant place after death. They claim there is no punishment for the wicked ones deeds in his life on earth.

When we die there is still a continuing of life in the spirit. One is a place of pleasant experience, the other other one of torment.

The question is which place are you going to spend time in until the final judgment.

Then Abraham breathed his last and he died at a good old age, an old man who was satisfied [with life]; and he was gathered to his people [who had preceded him in death]. Genesis 25:8Holy Bible Amplified Version

This states that Abraham went to his people. How could he go there if there is no living spirits to go to?

“Oh, that You would hide me in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) Job 14:13 Holy Bible Amplified Version

To the people of the Old Testament Sheol is a place where the spirit goes which means that death does not terminate human existence.

So yes brothers and sisters, your loved ones, they are still alive, not physically but spiritually. No we cannot talk with them nor they with us.

If they died in Christ that should fill us with joy because we will see them in Heaven when we get there and we shall know them and they shall know us. Think of someone dear to you that has gone on a journey and has been gone for a year or more. Think of how your heart dances for joy when they come home and you have not seen them for a long time. That is what it will be like when we are reunited with them in Heaven.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Hashopet (The Lord is the supreme Judge) bless me with the wisdom, gracefulness, meekness and strength to educate others that there is eternal damnation for those who reject you. On the other hand I daily eagerly anticipate dwelling in Your house for eternity and being in Your loving presence of infinity. I humbly ask this in the name of the Supreme Judge Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

A Man Who Has No.

 

Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected]
Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble]. Proverbs 25:28 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Once a long time ago I played a chess game while stoned on marijuana and it was the quickest game my opponent ever played and the easiest win as well.

Many decades later (and no longer a pot head) the Holy Spirit brought back that memory to teach me a valuable lesson. The reason the opponent won so easily was because the pot diminished my ability to use reason and logic.

So too it is with our temper.

When we begin to lose our temper we begin to be easy pickings for our opponent and the devil will use this to our advantage.

To lose your temper is to lose the battle. To depend upon the Holy Spirit to control our temper and bless us with wisdom, grace and strength is to gain victory. Joseph a son of Jehovah

If instead we are wise and depend upon the Holy Spirit for guidance, He will bless us with Supreme Divine logic and reasoning, including when to get out of there and calm down. Indeed, He will guide us to avoid those who love to instigate fights for no other reason than to watch folks blow up and make fools of themselves.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Ezer (The LORD our Helper) bless me with the strength to shut my mouth and remove myself from situations that agitate my patience and with the wisdom, gracefulness, meekness and strength to deal with agitators who perversely enjoy stirring up the pot. I ask this in the name of my humble (humbleness mean to keep your temper under control) King Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

Set Aside Self-Righteous Pride.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time. 1 Peter 5:6-7 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Have you ever been in the company of the : I did” s You know the type, they cannot say a complete sentence without saying: “ I did this.” or : : I did that. “. To me I find it an extremely annoying experience and want to tell them : “ You are not the only person in the world you know.” Some times I do. You should see the look of indignation on their faces.

On the other hand I just go about serving the Lord quietly. Yes, He has taken me many incredible places and accomplished amazing things through me. Some times during a conversation these experiences will be shared with others. They look at me in amazement and comment that I have lived an incredible life. To me there is nothing incredible about it but I give Jehovah the glory because with out Him nothing would have been accomplished. Folks are always asking me to share these experiences with them because they find them so fascinating and interesting.

The good part though is that through sharing these experiences with them it encourages them and strengthens them through their hard times to go to Jehovah.

As well, it helps some of them to see just what Jehovah can do in their lives when they surrender to Him and place their faith in Him.

Give credit for your accomplishments where it belongs, to Jehovah, not you. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-Jireh (God is our Provider) for Your overflowing  benevolence of opportunities to exhibit the awesome possibilities Your provide to those with an obedient heart unto You. I exalt You in the name of He who accomplished amazing feats because He walked in honour and obedience unto You Jesus Christ. Amen

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Tell It and Then Walk Away

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 New International Version.

The interesting thing about this story is that Jesus told a simple and easy to understand parable so everybody could understand what He was saying. At the end of it He just got up and walked away. I believe He did this to give the people time to digest what He was saying.

Now that was not the end of it though.

After His resurrection when His disciples came sharing His story the people were more receptive to accepting it.

So too it is with us

When we share the story with people of Jesus why not make it as simple as possible for them to understand the message and then just leave them alone to think about it?

Do not try to get them to accept Jesus right then and there. That is a huge mistake too many Christians make. Do not use pressure tactics. Jesus never did, why should you?

If they are receptive, the Holy Spirit will guide them to where they can learn more. Maybe it will be you, maybe someone else.

If they are not receptive to Jesus’ story they will not listen anyway and it is a waste of both your time and usually ends up with nothing but frustration on both parties’ behalf.

I have met too many people that just at the mention of Jesus’ name it is an instant turn off because of the pressure tactics that was tried on them previously.

Not only that but maybe they are not ready to accept Jesus just then.

Prayer: Please Jesus Pryyand (Jesus my friend) guide me on how to share you with others and the best time to just walk away. I sincerely ask this in Your loving name. Amen

May the sweet sunshine of Jesus’ precious love bless you today and every day.

Cure for Foot in Mouth Disease.

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue. Keeps his soul from troubles.Proverbs 21:23 New King James Version                                            

We have all done it haven’t we?                                                                          

Put our foots in our mouths.                                                                            

That is where we speak thinking we have insight only to be shamed by another when we are proven wrong.                                                            

 The best way to cure foot in mouth disease is to watch your mouth. Personally many times someone has tried to argue with me and it looks like they have won. Later upon reflecting on what was said I believe the Holy Spirit guides me into knowledge on the subject and the next day I challenge the agitator and they are shamed. I do not intend to shame them but to correct erroneous thought.                                                   

The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. Proverbs 15:28 New King James Version                                                     

At the same time there are many wolves out there that like nothing more than to be agitators and laugh at watching someone go off. They try to get under your skin to cause a fight. On the internet they are known as trolls. They troll like a fisherman.                                                               

Many times a fish will bite the lure just because the fisherman keeps on casting in their face.                                                                                            

 Trolls do the same thing. They troll for the weak to pick fights with.             

I just ask them if they have personal problems and if they would like me to offer information on how to deal with their issues. As well I let them know I am praying for them. They quickly leave me alone.                        

Before you speak ask yourself these questions: Is it necessary? If not then shut up.                                                                                                         

Is this the right place?                                                                                 

 I prefer to speak with someone one on one instead of in a crowd. If they are in a crowd their pride can be hurt which will back them into a wall and they become defensive.                                                                                 

Is it the right time?                                                                                                 

If it is at work and it is personal choose a quiet place like a café to talk with them instead of causing an incident at work. 

Is it being said in love?

Remember Christ is love, satan is war. If you are looking to pick a fight guess which one you are serving?    Joseph- Anthony: Green                                                                         

 Am I qualified to talk about the subject?                                                            

I have met many who thought they were Mr. Know It Alls only to be made to look foolish because they did not know anything about the subject (myself included on occasion).                                                       

Prayer: Please KalEl (voice of God) bless me with the wisdom to know when to speak and how to speak to help others and there by bring glory to Your Holy name as I am a representative of You. I humbly request this in the name of the most eloquent speaker of all Jesus Christ. Amen

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Why the Bible Thumpers Are Wrong.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 New International Version

I have seen and experienced many good intentioned but wrong minded Christians who try to shove their version of the Bible down people’s throats. As a result they do more to drive unbelievers away from Christ than guide them to Christ. Consequently you are serving Satan rather than serving Christ.

 

I know because that is exactly what happened to me with that Satanic cult Jehovah’s Witnesses and with some people who were recovered alcoholics and drug addicts that became born again Christians. Because of their in your face method they drove me away from reading the Bible, praying or having anything to do with Christianity for many years.

The way that I find to be most productive is to begin with living the Christian life. Then pray that Jehovah arranges for you to encounter someone who is open to receiving Christ’s message.

When they see how you live they will be curious and inquire about why you live a different lifestyle. That is the best opportunity to share the message.

Now of course this includes studying your Bible and carrying it with you every day so that you are prepared.

 

Prayer: Please Jehovah KalEl (voice of God ) teach me when and how to use the correct opportunities to share You with those who are ready to hear Your Word.

I sincerely ask this in the name of He who waited thirty years before beginning His ministry Jesus Christ. Amen

 

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

He Will Vindicate You.

 

He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me.  Surely the Lord God will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up. Isaiah 50: 8:9 New King James Version

Whenever anyone challenges you whether it be from family, friends, coworkers, or people on the street as to what makes you think you have your calling that is the time to pray and depend upon God to vindicate you.

 

For me He has shown verses in the Bible and their meaning to me. They are written down and carried with me so that when challenged they are brought out and used in my defense.

Now one of two things will happen.

One: people will be open to what is being said and you will enjoy a good opportunity to witness.

Two: the people are not interested in what you have to say, they are more interested in being judgmental and condemning and will refuse to listen. They will walk away in a huff.  They will stay away from me which means there is less strife and anxiety in my life.

 

These are the only two responses I get.

How about you? Is there any way you successfully handle these situations in a Christ like manner?

Prayer: Please Jehovah KalEl (voice of God) bless me with the wisdom, grace and meekness to present the case of Your holy existence to any and all who are receptive to Your word and to be respectful to those who are unwilling to accept it. I respectfully ask this in the name of He who gave us the best example to follow Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day