Jul 282012
 

Our Firefighter nephew John, a poem.

A Battalion Chief is he, it seems like yesterday,

we held him on our knee.

As a new Fireman he went quickly up the ladder,

the difficult tests he took did not matter.

When 911 came he was constantly at the site, searching for his

brothers with all his might.

He is a dedicated man, a servant like Joe his Policeman Dad,

he and his kind are among the best we ever had.

They put their lives on the line every day, true Patriots they are,

It is the American way!

When those Towers did sway, the brave Fireman were on their way.

We will never forget what it cost them on that day.

Through all the hurt and sorrow, we thank God that through His grace,

we can face tomorrow.

America, our great Nation He has blessed for you and me.

The home of the brave, the land of the free. Please dear Lord

continue to protect and bless us we pray on bended knee.

Author Ken

March 2012

 Posted by at 10:48 am
Jul 282012
 

We have a new grandson, a poem.

A new grandson have we, his name is Grayson,

as handsome as can be.

He is very fair, like Job’s daughters, you could describe his hair.

We will always remember that special day in November, in our hearts,

it was like a burning ember.

Much danger he did face on that morn, his little heart

strained to beat while he was being born.

But from my spirit a prayer was sent to our Father above,

“Fear not” He said, you are both in my love.

I, his Grandpa dedicated him to the Lord, in that prayer I know

God and I were in one accord.

A prophesy I did speak for this boy, he would be great and bring

his parents much joy!

This little two year old IS great, and he eats everything on his plate!

His Doctor was beside himself amused, this little boy

had him totally confused.

Who is this little tyke, who could shake them despite their might?

The best is yet to come for their blessed little son.

In his growing years, of Jesus he will speak, a man of love who turns the other cheek.

Anyone who comes against him to blame, will be turned away

and put to shame.

He will love his parents and the Lord. They will all be in one accord.

He has been chosen by the Lord.

Who is this little boy we love? We have no doubt that he was sent from God above.

 

Author Ken

March 2012

 Posted by at 10:47 am
Jul 282012
 

Resurrection morning, a poem

 

The beautiful morn has come, the rising of God’s Holy one.

A woman was the first to meet the risen one, forgiven much,

she dearly loved the Son.

Death could not hold Him, neither could the tomb, He is the

Anointed one, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb.

The darkness has gone away; God’s true light is here to stay.

Angels sing for joy in heaven above, Souls have been set free.

Jesus who conquered death through the God of love, for you and me.

When the evening did come, behind closed doors His Disciples

did cower, not knowing He would appear that very hour.

His hands and his side he did show, they rejoiced, for it was really

Jesus, now they did know.

Peace be with you to them he did say, I now send you on your way.

Preach my word that Souls may be loosed from sin and shame, Satan’s

prisoners freed by believing in my Name.

I go to my Father above; it was He who sent me, for God is love.

Fear not, I am with you always, even to the end,

always call upon me, for I am your faithful friend.

 

What a friend we have in Jesus, he cares for us. How wonderful this

day we celebrate is! He arose, our mighty God. May His light

Shine in your hearts this day, may the King of Glory come your way.

 Posted by at 10:42 am
Jul 282012
 

Do you need a bath?

Maybe a shower?

I remember feeling dirty one day.

The shower I took did not wash it away.

Then I did recall something the Bible said about us all.

Sin sticks better than any glue can.

It began in the Garden passed on through man.

Soap and water are great for cleaning off dirt, but not the sin that causes so much hurt.

*The glass sparking clean on the outside but dirty on the inside.

This dirt many try to hide.

Jesus came the truth to reveal, Satan wounded Him, bruising His heel.

Jesus said: he who has been washed is clean.

I responded, Lord, what do you mean?

He said, a heavenly bath to you believer I did give,

now before Me you will live.

There is no need to be washed again, only your feet I will keep clean,

from the outer dirt that can be seen.

Dear friend, come to Jesus as I did, to be clean and live.

He will wash you and make you whole, He will restore what Satan stole.

He will be your first love, God the Son, sent from the Father above.

Jesus will stick to you closer than a brother, and then you will truly love one another.

Rivers of living waters will flow from within you.

Then you will do the works He has asked of you.

The Father has sent one like Him, the Comforter to dwell within.

The wonderful Holy Spirit sent from above, revealing the things of Jesus and His love.

We must not grieve Him by willful sinning, but follow Him, souls to be winning.

(Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” John 13:10 NLT) Judas was the only one there not clean as he was never a believer. Jesus confirms this by saying one of you is a devil; Satan did enter into him in order to carry out his evil plan.

(“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” John 7:38 NASB).

(He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5 NASB) I love this scripture, this is the bath we needed, a complete cleaning of the inside that God saw, and it was our true need to be forgiven of ALL our sins, past present and future. Jesus paid it all, not that we deserved it by our works of righteous but through His great Mercy and Grace. A free Gift, unspeakable by the way.

*(“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also Matthew 23:26 NASB). When we are Born from above, we are clean inside, our bodies are declared “Holy” before the Lord as they ARE the Temple of the Holy Spirit. God dwells in the believer, not the building of man or things made by hands.

(Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 2-Corinthians 6:16 NASB)

 Posted by at 10:37 am
Jul 252012
 

Nice outfit Eve!

THE COVERING OF GOD

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35 NASB.

This is a beautiful scripture but one word in it made me wonder, the word: “Nakedness”*. What does it have to do with this verse? The clear meaning of the word is to be without clothes but there is a deeper spiritual meaning, which I will attempt to explain. Let us go way back to the Garden of Eden and the fall of Adam and Eve. When they sinned, their eyes were opened, their innocence gone, conscience began!

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings (Genesis 3:7 NASB).

Their first act was to cover themselves with fig leaves, a picture of man’s attempt to hide his sin and be righteous by works. I call this the Church of the fig leaves, the beginning of “Man’s” Religion. They heard the Lord walking in the Garden and hid. Sin brings fear and separation of fellowship with God for believers, for others, an eternity of separation from God.

Note: I believe hearing the Lord walking shows He had taken on a human form; a Spirit would not be heard walking. It reminds me of Abraham seeing the Lord as three men (Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day Genesis 18: 1-14 NASB).

Now we can understand the word “Nakedness” as used in Romans 8:35. It is related to sin, being uncovered before the Lord and the shame of that. Not even our own sins can separate us from the Lord.  Willful sin in the believers walk separates them from fellowship, not salvation.

What did the Lord do after their sin and attempt to cover it? He slew animals, blood was shed, and He covered them with the skins and preached the good news of a Savior, Jesus. He told them Satan would bruise the Lord’s heel (The Crucifixion) but Satan would suffer a fatal head wound (Totally defeated, cast into the pit for all eternity). The skin coverings were a temporary covering of sin until Jesus the Lamb of God paid the ransom for our redemption. God did it all, in the Garden He sought them, covered their sins with the garments of salvation (The skins being a picture of the actual act) with blood shed. His Word as a guarantee they would have Eternal Life. Jesus said: “Adam died, yet he still speaks”. He and Eve are in Heaven. The Lord is today seeking to save sinners, you may be covering your sins with religion but salvation is found in a person, Jesus. He will cover you with His righteousness as He did with Adam and Eve. To me, the fig leaves represent a “Works” salvation. Adam and Eve had to pick the leaves and form a covering by sewing them together. (But this stitch in time saved no one). They hid from the Lord; their covering did not take away the guilt and fear that was the result of sin. To someone in that same condition I plead, come to Jesus, and come as you are, repent of your sins. He will wash away your sins; He will through His Spirit give you joy and peace, beauty for ashes.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool (Isaiah 1:18 NASB).

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28 NASB).

* I would like to add an e-mail conversation I had with my Son on the subject of nakedness.

Being naked is not a sin if you are in a state of innocence as a young child. You would be like a baby who doesn’t have a problem with nakedness! In the fall, they became aware of sin which brought shame. I believe it was Jesus who walked with them in the Garden, He was clothed as even the Angels have their covering. I think when Adam and Eve eyes were open to sin they knew the Lord was clothed and they were not, so they hid from Him. Remember the Lord asked them: “Who told you that you were naked?” (The beginng of guilt through consience). It was Satan, as the one who deceived and lied about God’s word. Their sin separated them from perfect fellowship with the Lord, now aware of their nakedness (Sinfulness) before Him. Not that being naked itself was a sin but it became a symbol of shame and for the first time they were convicted by a conscience. We wear clothes today for the same reason, Satan has perverted the world, especially in regards to sex through the fallen human race. Until the fall, Adam and Eve didn’t have a conscience to convict them of sin and shame (Total innocense). Because of the Fall every human being has a conscience that can experience  the same shame as Adam and Eve. I believe He created them naked  to prove to us how innocent they were, just like babies. Look how one would feel reading about their nakedness in today’s world where Satan the tempter is at large. Thank God He covered Adam, Eve and all the Saints with the Garments of Salvation that covers our sin and shame. Jesus hung on the cross naked, despising the shame of nakedness. Did you know you can be wearing clothes and still be naked before God? Like fig leaves, our covering of clothes cannot cover our sin and shame (for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 NASB) (The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 KJV) The Good News is God can cover your sin and shame as He did for Adam and Eve (“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool Isaiah 1:18 NASB). The Covering from God is the righteousness of Christ imputed to the believer through Faith. When we are covered with the Garments of Salvation,  the Father only sees Jesus when He looks at us. ( Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is 1-John 3:2 NASB).

 

God bless, Dad

 

God bless all who read,

 

Ken

January 2012

 Posted by at 9:49 am
Jul 152012
 

More of Jesus I would know, a poem.

More of his beauty and splendor I would see.

Much is hidden in him, God the Son, the perfect sacrifice for sin.

It was your word that opened my eyes to see, God was in Christ,

imparting his righteousness to me.

The glory I see in him makes the things of the world seem dim.

In him, there is much mystery to be seen, his body the church, is his Queen!

A marriage made in heaven for sure, at that supper,

you will have the new wine and more.

He will give you a wedding garment that will be brighter than the sun,

you, the purchased possession, through the victory he has won.

Satan the defeated foe, away forever he will go!

 

Are you hurting today? Jesus came to take that away.

He will wipe away all your tears that day, the former memories,

will have gone away.

Good things to you he will bring, your joy will be full and you will sing.

A joint heir with him are we, one day his glory to see.

A promise he made to me; “I will stick closer than a brother to thee”.

Bless the Lord oh my soul, it is you Jesus, who made me whole.

for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father John 16:27 NASB.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me John 14:6 NASB.

I remember the first time that I read that the Church (His Body) is called His Bride, even though composed of both male and female. Believers are presently “Engaged” to Christ, to be presented to him as a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle. Read Paul the Apostle’s words about the Church below.

 

For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin 2-Corinthians 11:2 NASB.

 

My poem is dedicated to the Lord who gave all for the Church, saved sinners, you and me.

Author Ken

Feb. 2012

 Posted by at 9:35 am
Jul 152012
 

Must Christians always forgive those who do bad things to them?

This is another “Sacred Cow” in some Churches today! Some hold the Church to a higher standard than  God’s standard. In order to be saved a person must repent (Luke 13:5) as declared by Peter in the Book of Acts (Acts3:19). Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Godly repentance leads to Salvation. I have heard and read that we must forgive all who hurt us, by word or deed, even without them being sorry!
God demands repentance. Jesus made it clear, without repentance there can be no forgiveness “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying: “I repent”, forgive him” (Luke 17:3-4).  What about the; “Souls under the Altar “crying out:  and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will you refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” (Rev. 6:10)

Please note: these Souls of believers are asking for revenge from God. We are not to take our own revenge Beloved, but to leave room for the wrath of God. (Romans 12:19). The word of God refutes those who teach a “Blanket” forgiveness of all and anything without repentance!

The Truth is, when offended by anyone who then says: “I’m Sorry”, the Lord Jesus said we must forgive! But those who murdered the Souls “Under the Altar” were not  sorry and those Saints did not forgive them! We don’t take our own revenge but through prayer we place them in God’s Hands. He may deal with them immediately, or He may take time but be sure their fate is sealed. I have personally seen the Lord deal with my enemies. I remember a man I worked with, he constantly cursed at me, each time I went to him and asked what I had done to him, he said all was well. But he continued to do the same thing. I found out some time later that he was telling lies about me to my Boss. He caused me great suffering. Many years later after I had retired, I thought of this man while praying. I asked the Lord: “What about this man?”  Everything seemed to go his way, I remembered from work. I forgot about this prayer, sometime later we went to visit our Family. I decided to visit my old job; I was invited to go to lunch with my old Boss and the man who hated me. While we were together, I heard this man tell my old Boss how terrible things were going for him at the job. I remembered I had placed him in God’s Hands. Scripture says: “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31). David went into the Temple of God to inquire about the wicked, what the Lord showed him caused him never to ask again!

In summary, I don’t believe the sugar coated word of those who add to or twist God’s Word.  His forgiveness is totally linked to repentance and so is ours. If a believer or a non-believer offends you, tell them, give them an opportunity to repent. And if they say they are sorry, forgive them, if they are not, ask the Lord to intervene (Some may be Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, some not). When we lean on the Lord by Faith and Pray, He will always bring the best outcome for us. The outcome for the wicked is never good! Pray for your enemies, bless them, do good to them. It is only by God’s grace that they will repent, if they do, it will remove that invisible wall between you and them, especially if they are friends or fellow believers. For the “Blanket” forgiveness folks, consider this: married couples, Christians or not, when one is offended and the other not sorry, what is the outcome? (Resentment and separation, bad feelings). Does the offended one say: I forgive you even though you are not sorry? No, the relief comes when the words: “I’m sorry” are said, both sides feel a relief, thus obeying the Lord’s word of forgiving one another.  I would like to add, for believers, even though someone offends you, doing good to them brings the Holy Spirit’s power into this situation. Pray God will convict them in their consciences that they are wrong, causing them to repent and ask for forgiveness.  When you have done all and they continue to hurt you by word or deed, leave them to God, He will repay! When we sin, we sin against God but always remember, if we confess (Repent) of our sins, He is faithful to forgive them and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness. (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1-John 1:9 NASB). I must repeat, we are not held to a “Higher” standard than God, that is forgiving people who do not repent!

Alexander the copper smith did me much harm; the Lord will “repay” him according to his deeds. 2-Timothy 4:14 NASB. Paul the Apostle obviously had not forgiven this man, I believe this man as well as those who murdered the “Souls under the Altar” were not repentant of their deeds. Paul, like those Saints looked to the Lord to take revenge (Paul obeyed God’s word by not taking his own revenge). Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 NASB )

In rightly dividing the word of truth we find that contrary to what some of the modern Churches teach, revenge has it’s place in a Christian’s walk with the Lord. How do we reconcile this with “Love your enemy”? Yes, love them with a social, friendly love (It is NOT the Agape love Jesus said we are to have for a brother or sister in Christ, that only come through the Holy Spirit who dwells in the believer). It can be hard to even love them with the “Philo” social, friendly love, the worlds love. Jesus had this friendly love even for Judas and was greived when he betrayed him. (We must consider those in Satan’s Kingdom hate and dispise us and always will unless they are converted).  Before Peter received the Holy Spirit, he was asked a few times by Jesus if he loved him, Peter’s responce was; Lord you know I love you (He spoke the Greek word “Philo” which is a friendly, social love) but Jesus was saying; Do you “Agape” me? ( This Greek word is a love that only God has, a giving and not taking love. John 3:16 ) Peter could only say; “I love you as my friend-Philo”. Finally, Jesus asked Peter; “Do you really love me as your friend”. This grieved Peter as friendly love was all he had, for now, when he did receive the Holy Spirit he also received Agape love for Jesus.

Overcome evil by doing good! (It’s like placing hot coals on their heads) but times may come when you have a “Righteous” anger when all you can feel is the need for revenge!

The Lord is ok with your desire for revenge but says; never take your own revenge beloved, through prayer, place them in my hands and my wrath will be upon them. (Paraphrased).  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31 NASB.

The souls of the murdered Saints under the Altar sought revenge (Which was coming), not forgiving but asking; “How long?”

Even Paul the Apostle sought God’s revenge against the coppersmith who did him much harm.

Conclusion: The “Blanket” forgiveness that some Churches teach and the world believes in, is not taught in God’s word!

When Jesus whipped the “Money Changers” in the Temple, was he loving them or forgiving them?

When he called the Pharisees children of Satan, was he loving or forgiving them?

It is through the leading of the Holy Spirit that righteous anger comes without sinning and leaves room for the wrath of God.

The only way to be sound in rightly dividing God’s word is to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, then you will be a “Mature” Son of God. Only walking by Faith pleases Him!

Corrie Ten Boom in her Book: “The Hiding Place”, met the Nazi Commander of the Prison Camp where
her Sister had died. This man had become a Christian. When introduced to him,
he held out his hand. Momentarily, she could not shake his hand but the Lord
moved her in her heart and she did. The man, offering his hand was his way of
saying: “I’m Sorry”. He had hated her before being saved but the Lord gave him a New Heart of love.

Author Ken

December 2011

 Posted by at 9:32 am
May 052012
 

God’s crowning creation, Man, a poem.

Lord, why did you make man?

You have your created angels, this I understand.

But why make man?

You created us to be like you, but you knew what we would do.

You saw our fall, your purpose and will, was done through it all.

A new creation you did see, a peculiar people who love thee.

Out of darkness from a fallen race, you brought Sons’ who will behold your face.

Majesty did decide, in a man, He would abide.

Who is this man that we may see?

It is Jesus; He came for you and me.

God wanted to share your pain and sorrow, give you hope for tomorrow.

To take away your sin, make you clean within.

Man He created to be like Him, fell in sin and shame.

We, who are born from above, love His name.

A glorious day has come; our Heavenly Father has sent His Son.

Now I sing, it is well with my soul, the Son of God has made me whole.

He came to me one day, my sins He washed away.

Jesus said follow me, my glory you will see.

Come to Me and live, the Holy Spirit to you I will give.

I will never leave you. I will never go. I will deliver you from your suffering and woe.

 

 Posted by at 12:49 pm
May 052012
 

What kind of life does the obedient Christian experience?

The goal of every believer should be to experience the abundant life Jesus came to give us.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” John 10:10 NASB.

How many times I have heard Christians say they wished they knew God’s will for them. His revealed will is seen in His Word. Study to show yourself approved. Move on to the strong meat (Deep things of God) of the Word. Pray without ceasing, ask the Father for more of the Holy Spirits power, gifts and leading in your life.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Luke 11:13 NASB.

Did you know that the Lord has ordained all our works? For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 KJV.

When you have obeyed the Lord’s revealed will through the letter of the Word, you will have become a mature Son/Daughter in the Lord. Now the Lord will use you to do His perfect will through the leading of the Holy Spirit, walking in those “Ordained” works.

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God Romans 8:14 NASB.

This is the life God wills for the believer, Christ working through us, doing the “Greater Works” He said we would do. It is a supernatural experience when God leads and things happen. I have found in my walk with the Lord that He leads first, reveals to me what took place last. That’s OK with me because then I know it was Him and not my plans. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way (Psalm 37:23 KJV).

This is the true abundant life in Jesus, walking after the Spirit, doing His perfect will. It brings much joy and peace, being a “Vessel of Honor” in the Body of Christ, the Church.

 

I thought it would be appropriate to add my poem below:

The abundant life, a poem.

Joy I did seek today. Much pain and sorrow life can bring along the way.

I sought the peace that the world can give, things which we need to live day-by-day.

They did not offer a peace that would endure, by tomorrow, you will need more.

Where is the peace I need? It is found in Jesus, Abraham’s seed!

The answer comes from Heaven above, your brother and sister in the Lord you shall love.

Abundant life in Him I did find, through the Holy Spirit, I have His mind.

Love one another is His commandment and the key, this promise is granted to you and me!

“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full (John 15:11-12 NASB).

To receive this promise from the Lord you must be in the Family of God.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16 NASB)

 

 Posted by at 12:46 pm
Mar 242012
 

Just an ordinary day, a poem.

Are you lonely tonight?

Some greet you with what’s new? You reply,

same old thing, with a sigh.

Some talk of pain and sorrow,

little hope for tomorrow.

The beggar sits there with a face of despair.

As you pass by, his eyes say, do you care?

Jesus, a man of sorrows was he, he came to heal

the broken hearted you and me.

He gave a gift to a blind man to see,

Rebuked the self-righteous Pharisee.

A woman of the streets, her tears washed his feet.

She the Pharisees did despise. They said: “shame on him”,

how can he look in her eyes.

Jesus said, how can you say such?

Those forgiven many sins, love much.

This ordinary day dear friend, I pray Jesus has come your way.

He sees your hurt and pain and asks, can I visit you again?

I saw you in your despair, I want to help you, I care.

He went to a party many years ago, tax collectors and sinners

were there, I know.

He said they like you, needed me, this I knew.

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, *

a real man, what were you thinking?

Not a wine bibber or gluten as the wicked say,

he is the perfect man, sinless, by the way!

Jesus loves the broken and lonely, out of many, he has come for you only.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest Matthew 11:28 NASB.

His ways are not our ways, He chooses a beggar, a harlot, rejects a King and a Pharisee.

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong 1-Corinthians 1:27 NASB.

 

*The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:34 NASB.

 

Author Ken

February 2012

 Posted by at 10:14 am