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Would you dare to trust God?

Oct 212012

Would you dare to trust God?

I recall reading in Christian magazine an article about trusting God.

The article stirred me to wonder how much I trusted the Lord. In his word he has many promises; one is that he would; “Supply all our Needs”.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 NASB.

As a Christian I knew that only faith pleases God and without faith it is impossible to please him!

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT.

I want to share with you my personal true life experience when I prayed and told the Lord; “I will dare to trust you”.

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10 NLT. This was one of my Mom’s favorite scriptures.

I was on a bus on my way to work when on that morning I had prayed that prayer. It was a Friday and I was to begin a two week vacation, we had just moved into our new home and I had spent all my vacation pay on bills.

I called my wife later in the day; she asked me if I got paid as she needed to go food shopping. I explained about paying the bills and that we were broke, she was shocked and said; “What are we going to do?” my response was; “Let God worry about it”. I surprised myself with the words that I had just said, they were not disrespectful but were from faith and I left this need in his hands.

I had perfect peace while I was walking to our home that afternoon. I did ask the Lord this question; “Lord, you know I only have some change in my pocket”.

Then I heard in my mind; “There is a check”, I asked; “A check? ”. When my wife opened the front door I walked right by her not saying a word, I went directly to the kitchen table, picked up the newspaper hiding the check. My wife said; “how did you know?’ I said; “The Lord through the Holy Spirit had told me”. She then told me when she first checked the mail box it was empty but she felt prompted to check it a second time. When she put her hand in the box again, she found the check lying flat against the front of the box. She thought she would surprise me by hiding the check under the newspaper on the kitchen table but the Holy Spirit had told me where it was. The Lord wanted my wife to see for herself the result of trusting Him. She now realized that only God knew where she had hidden the check and then she knew he had revealed it to me! This may seem strange to some people. The Christian walk is a “Supernatural” walk and only those who have received the Holy Spirit with his “Gift” of faith can understand or experience it! In God’s word we read that an iron axe head floated, a donkey spoke, ravens fed God’s man, Peter walked on water. Is anything too hard for God?

Note: The check was from money my wife was owed from the company she had recently retired from.

I have shared previously that the promises of God are conditional, exercising your faith is foremost; obedience from the heart is the key. We learn in God’s word that once we have believed in the Lord Jesus, we are to first grow as babes in Christ desiring the “Milk” of the word. Then diligently seeking the Lord in order to become the “Mature” Christian led by the Holy Spirit, doing God’s Will. (Hebrews 11:6)

Obedience leads to the studying of God’s word in order to show yourselves approved by God and not be ashamed.

Then the promises of God will be yours, we ourselves have seen them come true in our own lives, dare to trust God!

So that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12 NASB.

Author Ken

October 2012

A stranger in a lost Paradise. A poem

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Oct 202012

A stranger in a lost Paradise. A poem
I think I do need someone to hold my hand in this strange land. A Rose is beautiful but it will stick you with the thorn hidden from your view, be careful lest the dog or snake bite you on the hand. I like when it’s warm, hate when it’s cold, in the winter, the fire place really warms the soul especially when you have grown old. Why am I a stranger in this lost land? I was born from above, a “New Creation” saved by Jesus and his love. A citizen of Heaven am I, my true home is beyond the Sky! One day I will fly away, Jesus is coming for me, all his Glory I will see, forever with him I will stay. God’s curse has been upon this earth to this day, no one but he can take it away. We all groan with dismay, so much pain and suffering are here today, when will it end we pray. There is hope I can say, the Lord will remove the curse from the earth, you can know this through the new birth. When Jesus returns and sets up his 1000 year reign, all the creatures will love us again; even the Lion will be your friend. With the curse lifted, the earth will be gifted, milk and honey will flow, much abundance you will know. We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior Philippians 3:20 NLT.
No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him Revelation 22:3 NLT The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. Isaiah 11:7 NLT . The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm Isaiah 11:8 NLT.
The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Isaiah 65:25 NLT
These are wonderful promises from God, the earth returning to Paradise conditions. We will be back as it was in the Garden of Eden with the Lord, sin gone forever never again to separate us from the Lord, the earth never again cursed but forever blessed.
Author Ken

October 2012

Nice guys finish last, really? A poem

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Oct 202012

Nice guys finish last, really?
Do you mean the other kind treats you fine? You may think that after drinking some wine. Maybe you should consider asking the Divine to send the one to get on your mind? Who with you will go, with them, much joy will flow. You need someone who will deny himself, your feelings in him will be heartfelt! Nice guys do not finish last, those who are in Christ truly have class. Those who are last shall be first, when you know Jesus, you will not thirst. *When of the Lord you have asked, he will send to you one whose love will last.
*True love gives rather than takes, God’s Holy Spirit gives this gift of love to every believer.
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them 1-John 4:16 NLT.
Author Ken

September 2012

God’s special salt.

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Oct 192012

God’s special salt.
You won’t find it in your shaker, it is something very special, made by our Maker. It is a spiritual salt you see, a blend of Him and me. Do you need more flavor in your life, is it filled with strife? Taste and see what God has done for thee, light for darkness to disperse, the believer is the salt of the earth. The sea salt I put on my steak is fine but God’s salt is divine! We must keep our eyes on Jesus so our taste is not lost, remembering He bought this salt, not counting the cost.
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Matthew 5:13 NASB.
When Christians become conformed to the world in it’s rebellion against God, they become “tasteless”, no light to shine, no peace, no joy. Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward Proverbs 14:14 NLT.
When believers stay close to the Lord Jesus their light will shine through their good works, their salt will not lose its taste!
Author Ken

September 2012

Esther, what a knockout! A poem

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Oct 192012

Esther, what a knockout!
King Ahasuerus, from his harem did pick a Queen, she was something that many eyes had not seen. *Queen of Persia she became, everyone knew her name. A wicked man named Haman caught the King’s ear, the plot he hatched caused Esther much fear. Her cousin Mordecai, his life was on the line, for he to hang on the gallows, Haman thought was just fine. He was in for a surprise, God has sent Esther to the King to reveal his lies. Through Haman the King had issued his decree, death to all the Jews, Esther knew it included she. She dressed up in her beautiful robes and makeup. Her goal was to stop Haman, his plan to shakeup. Boldly into the Kings inner chamber she did go, uninvited, to do this was death she did know.
The King was smitten by her beauty and attire, His Queen he did much admire. His heart melted that day, to her, half his Kingdom he gave away! She told the King she was a Jew, she did not lie, and for her people, she was willing to die. She and her people were saved, the Bible tells us so, to the gallows the evil Haman did go.
*In this story of Esther I see the Church in all its Beauty and glory. Loved by the Father, purchased by the Son as a chaise Bride, without spot or wrinkle.
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17 NLT
The Book of Esther is a great Old Testament read, by the way!
Author Ken

May 2012

Have faith in God! A poem

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Oct 192012

Have faith in God!
When you have faith in him, the cares of this world grow dim. When you have faith in God above, you will be filled with his love. Troubles may pursue, but he will take care of you! Life can be rough; I’ve seen it all and had enough. By the eye of faith I see, all that Heaven holds for me. Love not this world with all it’s treasure, God will give you much more and that without measure. His grace you will see, not just for now but for all Eternity! He is just not by your side, for in you he does abide. Through faith we see the promises of God, with the Holy Spirit, it’s not hard. My yoke is easy said he, I do the work, you just follow me! Great things I will show to you, things the world has not a clue. You and me walking together, my Spirit I give to you without measure. I will never leave you, never let you down, I promise one day with me, in Heaven you will be found.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT

Author Ken

June 2012

A cursed earth, but with hope, a poem.

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Oct 172012

A cursed earth but with hope!

What beauty the first man did see, it is not

seen today by you and me.

What happened to it all, it disappeared in

one day, lost in the fall.

God had said; “Let there be light” in this

he did delight!

Tend to my garden the Lord said to Adam

and Eve to do, enjoy the life I gave to you.

Satan said; in no way this will stand,

I will possess their land.

Your will they will not do, they will obey

me and not you.

What you told them I will twist and deceive,

I will overcome the woman Eve.

She will believe the lie I tell, she will

convince Adam as well!

Where is your beautiful garden now, God

has ejected you with a vow.

A curse he has given, no more peaceful living.

Now the bee does sting, there is enmity between

you and everything.

Cain killed his brother, gone was the love for

one another.

It was by Satan, who told the first lie,

and through that, Able did die, when sin came, man had the blame.

Woe is me is all we can say, but God loved his

creation, by the way.

To Adam he did say, Satan through your sin,

had won the day.

I will send my Son; he will plunder your Kingdom,

many souls will be won, by the way!
After my Son’s 1000 year reign on this earth,

a new Planet and Heavens will have its birth.

Note: At this time the earth is still cursed, as the Apostle Paul wrote; “The whole creation groans

waiting for the lifting of this curse” (Paraphrased).

After Adam and Eve sinned, God pronounced a

punishment that is still in effect today. Adam no longer

was the constant Gardner, hard work and sweat was his

to stay. Eve would have increased pain in childbirth

along with her husband having domination over her.

In the Lord’s 1000 year reign, this punishment will be lifted, in Christ men and women will be equal, as it was in the Garden before the fall. Today, God’s will for the believer is marriage should be one made in Heaven as Paul stated in the Book of Ephesians, the husband loving his wife as Christ loved the Church and gave his life for it and the woman honoring and respecting her husband as if he was the Lord Jesus himself! We do not see this in the unbelieving world today and should not expect to as God’s ways are not our ways. The Father is over Christ, Christ is over the man and the man is over the woman. “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ” 1-Corinthians 11:3 NASB.

Author Ken

September 2012

Clouds are cool, a poem.

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Oct 172012

Clouds are cool, a poem.

Some are brilliantly white, the cream colored ones add to my delight.

Sometimes in them, faces and shapes you see, as you point them out to the kids with glee.

Up into the blue they rise, great mountains in the skies.

Do you realize that God made them for you and me?

Did you know their power comes from the sea?

At times the clouds grow dark, the lightning in them are stark.

The mighty whirlwinds that descend from the storm with force, will take you away, even your horse!

The birds flee when those angry clouds they see.

Who can stand before them at the height of their power?

Those who are caught outside in its fury, in fear wonder, if this is their final hour?

Our daughter always loved the clouds when with us she lived.

In her new home far away, the sky has few to give.

I dedicate his poem to our daughter Kari.

Author Ken

August 2012

Listen! a poem

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Oct 172012

Listen!

As I listen to the rhythm of the falling rain; I love the lyrics of that old

tune, it is a sweet refrain.

When cascading from above its sound is like a melody

from God’s love.

When the rainbow appears, it comforts me like a hand in a glove.

It is God’s sign saying; “Fear not, I will never send another Flood”.

As I sit here looking over the grassy plain, the mist rising to meet the sun, I am awed by the beauty you created and the souls you have won.

The dew glistens, I hear his voice and he says;”Be still, I reveal deep

secrets to those who listen”. I give my rain to the good and bad, sadly, it only makes those who love and praise me glad.

Author Ken

August 12, 2012

The flesh stinks!

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Oct 162012

The flesh stinks!

There are not many of us who like unpleasant smells, bad body odor is not appealing but dead things are the worst, like “Dead Works”.

Did you know that according to God’s word the works of the flesh performed outside of faith is like “Filthy Rags” in God’s sight, they stink!

“Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” John 11:39 NLT.

The above scripture is what I have based this blog upon, it is the awesome account of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead.

He had been dead for four days in a sealed Tomb so you can understand Martha’s concern about bad the smell would be.

Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” John 11:43 NLT.

The rotted stinking flesh was restored to the way it was before his death.

His spirit returned from Paradise giving life to his body. The body without the spirit is dead.

The Book of James confirms this; for just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26 NASB.

In Romans chapter 7 Paul the Apostle reveals his personal warfare against his flesh, saying; for I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18 NLT.

So Paul agrees, the flesh does stink because nothing good dwells in it! When we read all of Romans 7, it reveals the “Warfare” every believer faces, the New Nature through the Holy Spirit wars against the flesh, the *corruptible body that was not changed at conversion but will be in the future.

Paul is so troubled by what he experiences through the flesh, that is, doing the very thing he hates. This is a paradox, because he says he is not doing it, the flesh is! He then explains that in his “New Man”, the “Inner Man” he loves God’s Law. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man. Romans 7:22 NASB.

This conflict between his flesh and (His saved) spirit causes him to cry out that he is a rotten man and asks who can deliver him from his body of death (Paraphrased).

His answer is found in Romans 8, those who have faith in the Lord Jesus will never be condemned! So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 NLT.

All Christians, like Paul are in a struggle against sin which God hates and says; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” 1-Peter 1:16 NASB.

The good news is that when you first believed you were “Sealed” by the Holy Spirit, and despite your sinful corruptible flesh, you are Holy, your body being the Temple of God. As we are Holy in our inner man we are to “Work out” what God has worked in, that is to do the “Good Works” he has ordained.

I must note that in all Paul’s struggle with sin, none of it was “Willful”, that being the case he received “Grace upon Grace” and the Lord helped him keep his body under subjection. Willful sinning brings God’s faithful correction upon his children, it is a sign that proves his love for us!

If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Hebrews 12:8 NLT.

As Christians we are Light and Salt to the world but to some we stink and smell like death but to others we smell like the sweet aroma of Christ.

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 2-Corinthians 2:15 NASB.

To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 2-Corinthians 2:16 NLT.

Devotion to Jesus should be the Christian’s goal. Jesus told us to ask our Father for more of his Holy Spirit, He is the key to the power to live the Christian life. I believe obedience to God’s word brings the infilling of the Holy Spirit and through him you will be yoked to Jesus, things become easy as he is pulling the load!

*The Born Again believer no longer has an “Old Nature” as some have taught, that old nature was their dead spirit, when saved it is replaced by God with new nature and is a “New Creation, the old has passed away. This new nature cannot sin, loves God and his word and is joined to Jesus through the Holy Spirit, thus “One” with him as Jesus did pray at the Last Supper. I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as we are. John 17: 11 NASB Paul the Apostle in Romans 7 explains his personal experience with this warfare going on in his body, he finds that even though he loves God and his Law in his saved spirit (Heart) he still sins but not willingly! His comfort comes from the knowledge that he never will be condemned by God-Romans 8: 1 NASB.

“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 NASB.

Author Ken

October 2012

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