Psalm 91

Psalm 91 AMPC 

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

3 For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

4 [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

11 For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

12 They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.

14 Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness—trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

We are HIS Passion!

Little children know how to “Love” sincerely and in truth! 

My Great-Niece and Nephew. She had just finished a Gymnastic Tournament and her little brother could not contain himself. He beat us to her to give her the biggest hug! A Kodak moment for sure!

We misuse the word “Love” as a figure of speech to express how much we like a thing. We say things like, “Oh, I love that shirt”, or “I love your house!  The definition of love in the Hebrew language is “Ahava", which means - “to give” (free.messianicbible.com). 

We are raised in this world to take. As I write this, I do chuckle a little, because I have heard this more than I want to hear people say, "I'm going to get mine"; in which, I'm not for sure what "mine" is, but it could be a number of things. You very seldom hear, "Oh this coat is on sale, I don't need it, but someone in our family or neighborhood will need this size eventually." Or These chickens are on sale, I should probably get some extra just in case somebody I don't know will be in need of food this month."

I heard it from my elders as a child, but do not hear it as much today. To give of ourselves, our time and attention without demanding anything in return is how we should live on earth-daily. Our world would be a different place if more would live with a loving heart that is giving and serving others! Because when someone gives of the heart, it is heartfelt and people do appreciate it and will remember your act of kindness - in which they will live a life of kindness from your example. 

It is not in us to love wholeheartedly, unless we allow God in our hearts, even through life’s hardships. We fail more than we succeed; because of our rejection, not of our willingness and acceptance to His Grace and Mercy that heals, comforts, and restores us to a state of “peace, trust, and faith in Him that sin has no power over us - Because His love conquered death (sin) on the Cross! 

I John 4:7-9 AMPC 
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].
8 He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
9 In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him.

Now to have a loving heart and Godly character, watch little children play. A child is forgiving, trusting and believing that we aspire as Christians to have; but as adults, we lose that trusting heart over time! We get hurt, abandoned, abused, neglected, have tragedies in our lives and so forth, and become cynical because we hold on to the hurt more than LEAN on God’s Word and His Promises! It’s not easy to forget Who Love is - if you already know! 

I John 3:14-17
14 We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians). He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death.
15 Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him.
16 By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him].
17 But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?

Love cannot be bought, sold, or auctioned off, it was bought with a heavy price (Jesus’ life; Holy and pure) given to us freely! It was His Passion!

Mark 16:16-18 AMPC 
16 He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.
17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages;
18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well.

The Gospel is Jesus’ ministry here on earth of His life of how He went about healing the blind, the cripple, the leper, the deaf, raising the dead, and preaching the "Good News" to the poor. (Matthew 11:4-5)

God does not want to see any of His children in strife, turmoil, deception, sickness and pain anymore, because He bore our burdens at the Cross for us, so we can live in peace, health, and free from the bondage and torment of sin. Love made it possible and will endure through eternity!

Just a little note: we will have trials and tribulations in this life; but once we Cross over into eternal life, there will be NO MORE suffering at all.

There are three things that remain - faith, hope , and love - and the greatest of these is "Love" (I Corinthians 13:13 TLB)

We love Him; because He FIRST loved us! Amen! 

Wise in his "own" wisdom!

I know as a teacher, I have told my students that when they are talking and I'm talking, someone isn't listening. Listening is necessary in a classroom to gain understanding of the lesson and learn the lesson in general. But what about life lessons. I know for a fact that there are many people, young and old, who speak more than they listen - mainly because they do not want to hear what the other person is saying. Or, it could be they feel wise in their own deceit. Being wise in someone's own wisdom is called a fool in scripture! Why? Because our wisdom comes from God and God only!

A fool  is defined as: “a person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.” (Dictionary.com). 

To reject wise counsel and continue in their own wisdom and judgment, that leads to ridicule and conflict, is another definition of a “fool”!

Proverbs 12:15 AMPC
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise.

When anyone rejects the Word of God, they stumble and fall in many things, especially their actions and speech. God's Word is powerful and full of the wisdom we all need. It heals, redeems, corrects wrong actions, and is our blue print to living righteous. Commit to God in ALL things so as not to trip yourself up when you speak of God, whereas, misrepresentation of a perfect, loving, and ALL knowing God can lead others astray, instead of lead them to Him! Your actions and speech do matter!

Proverbs 18:2-3 AMPC

2 A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.

3 When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.

You learn and receive more knowledge by listening than talking. It is proven than a person only receives about 225 words of knowledge from talking, and 500 words of knowledge from listening. 

Although this verse speaks of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet listening to His teachings, Martha is preoccupied with preparing food for the guests. It says with serving, but being too busy can also keeps us from having a listening ear.

Luke 10:38-42 AMPC
38 Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house.
39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.
40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!
41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;
42 There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.

Jesus is ALL wise and knowledgeable, who wouldn't want to listen to His teachings? However, most of us speak with the purpose and intention to be heard, not with the purpose and intention to listen and gain an understanding!

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Albert Einstein

Speak mainly to respond, and listen to learn!

Proverbs 4:7 AMPC
7 The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).

Not Yet!

Now is not the time to wonder where God is. He is with you everyday, and Always. Everyday you drive to work, God has already gone before you to clear the path from harm. Every day you are endowed with food, God provided that, through a job, a car to drive to the store to purchase it, and work for those who stock the stores, farmers who raise cattle, pigs, vegetables, chickens, and so forth that sell to the stores to provide our needs - Daily! Thank you Father! 

Our needs are met everyday, but we have become oblivious to Who God is and how Wonderful He is, for protection, provision, and deliverance. While many of us sit at home in a panic state, pick up your Bible and reconnect with the Father who is able to sustain you in all of the turmoil and fear going on!

You will NEVER be in lack or want to those who believe. He fed Elijah in a cave via a raven and he drank water from a brook. 

I Kings 17:3-6 AMPC 3 Go from here and turn east and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan.4 You shall drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.5 So he did according to the word of the Lord; he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan.6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning and bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank of the brook.

He provided Manna and Quail for the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years. (Exodus 16:11-30 AMPC) He blessed a widow and her son through Elijah, who had a handful of flour and a little olive oil.  When Elijah was commanded by God to got to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there, He told him there will be a widow to feed you. However, the widow was on her last meal and was gathering sticks to prepare the food for her and her son. She said: 

"As surely as the Lord your God lives, she replied, "I don't have any bread - only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug.  I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it - and die". (I Kings 17:12 AMPC) 

Then Elijah said:

I Kings 17:12 AMPC13 Elijah said to her, Fear not; go and do as you have said. But make me a little cake of [it] first and bring it to me, and afterward prepare some for yourself and your son.
14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: The jar of meal shall not waste away or the bottle of oil fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.

He fed five thousand men in in a desolate place with two fish and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44) and four thousand men with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish (Mark 8:1-21) not to mention the women and children present. There is nothing too big or too small for God to do. His love and power is not limited to just stories in the Bible. God is the same then as He is now. The difference is our “unbelief”!

Satan is relentless, but his power is NO match for God. The joy of the Lord is our strength against the onset of Satan and gives us peace in the midst of a storm. 

This is my prayer to all who are in a state of panic and fear: 

God Thank you that your Word says “You will never leave us nor forsake us”! Thank you that we can call on you “anytime” in our hour of need and you will answer! Thank you for this time alone to read the Bible and become not just a son or daughter of Christ, but a friend who sticks closer than a brother! Father forgive us who have doubts and fears, whereas, perfect love cast out fear, and you are perfect, who loves us perfectly! In quiet time with you will strengthen us and give us hope in a hopeless world that relies on others instead of You! We Thank you that you are a faithful, just and loving God, who keeps His promise and will be with us through the end of time. In Jesus name we pray! Amen! We Love You Jesus! 

Take time to pray! Take time to listen in your quiet time to God. Take time to Thank God for who He is and how wonderful He is! And remember God Loves You! 

I John 4:18 AMPC 18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].

Isaiah 35:3-4 AMPC

Jesus Is Our Lifeline!

God put on my heart to start blogging in 2013 and title my blog, “Promote

Women Within.” (gdlynsmith.blogspot.com) At the time I had no clue how to blog or what to blog about. As many of you see I have two blog sites. One titled, “Menu for Success” (gdlynsmith3.blogspot.com) and the other already previously mentioned. Today as I was asking God what shall I write about, He said, “Life”. It is time to write about what your title means, “Promote Women Within”. 

My daughter pregnant with her 1st child in 2009 & nephew

Mothers give life. We nurture the child, feed, the child, and love the child in a way no other person can and will. It is in our best interest to give that child a good life and foundation to live a life of success and happiness! I would like to believe that ALL Mothers have that aspiration for their child; but as we know, not all Mothers live that life - because the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10).

I John 5:16-20 AMPC
16 If anyone sees his brother [believer] committing a sin that does not [lead to] death (the extinguishing of life), he will pray and [God] will give him life [yes, He will grant life to all those whose sin is not one leading to death]. There is a sin [that leads] to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin which does not [involve] death [that may be repented of and forgiven].18 We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him].19 We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one.20 And we [have seen and] know [positively] that the Son of God has [actually] come to this world and has given us understanding and insight [progressively] to perceive (recognize) and come to know better and more clearly Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). This [Man] is the true God and Life eternal.

As an educator, it pains me to see so many young children being destroyed by drugs, as well as families. It is everyone's go to; not realizing it takes the lives of many, and leaving many homeless. This type of life is not success or happiness, it is destruction, separation, and sadness. It does not give life, it takes away life and leaves an ugly residue.

I have seen so many young boys and girls losing their parents to drug overdose; or parents losing a child to drug overdose - and both are using the drugs as a recreational tool for entertainment, NOT as a means to help with a temporary illness. Oh yes, there are other deadly sins that take lives, but many are encouraged to try a drug, more than try Jesus, who is more powerful than any drug; and time spent with Jesus heals the heart, mind, body and spirit to live a life of joy, peace, and happiness.

Romans 8:1-6
Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],4 So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].5 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].

I have observed that more and more people, young and old are following after Satan and the darkness he instills in people, and it is sad that this is becoming the norm. Spiritual foundations begin in the home and should extend and carry out to the world through our servants of Jesus (Christians) in the church. We as Jesus's servants are to encourage others in the Word by our righteous living, as well as welcome them in God's house by our "Love for ALL people"!

Is this happening today? Not as much as I would like to see it, but many churches do, most don't. Many want those who are already saved to be in their church and do not want the addicts, prostitutes, or people of another color or religion to share in their worship.

Mark 2:16-17 AMPC
16 And the scribes [belonging to the party] of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with [those definitely known to be especially wicked] sinners and tax collectors, said to His disciples, Why does He eat and drink with tax collectors and [notorious] sinners?17 And when Jesus heard it, He said to them, Those who are strong and well have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick; I came not to call the righteous ones to repentance, but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin).

Unless you are born again, life can be mundane and of no value. It is when you are born of the Holy Spirit that things become more meaningful, colorful, and heartfelt to live - Because the Holy Spirit is within you that goes with you everywhere you go, keeping you safe, full of wisdom, and joy! Your life then becomes to seek and save, rather to seek and destroy, because the Spirit in you wants to share that joy with others!

REJOICE! God Loves You!

Psalm 33

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you [uncompromisingly] righteous [you upright in right standing with God]; for praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart].

2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings.

3 Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.

4 For the word of the Lord is right; and all His work is done in faithfulness.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord.

6 By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea as in a bottle; He puts the deeps in storage places.

8 Let all the earth fear the Lord [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

9 For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect.

11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations.

12 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage.

13 The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men;

14 From His dwelling place He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth—

15 He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings.

16 No king is saved by the great size and power of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by [his] much strength.

17 A horse is devoid of value for victory; neither does he deliver any by his great power.

18 Behold, the Lord’s eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,

19 To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

20 Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.

21 For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name.

22 Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.

When Glass is Shattered!

Glass is a fragile substance that needs to be handled with care. Just one hit to its surface will cause a crack or break; sometimes, depending on how hard the impact is to the glass, it will shatter into many tiny pieces that can shoot out fast and hard - harming things and people in its path. 

The clean up, if not careful, can deeply cut the person or persons so as the saying goes, “Proceed with caution”!

My sister's passenger window was shattered

There are so many of us who are shattered (Broken in Spirit) and do not realize it by words, physical abuse, sexual abuse, drugs, sickness, and debt - just to name a few that can shatter us into pieces. Yet we continue in that state of mind and residue not being cognitive of anything we do, say or become. 

Think about shattered glass. The best thing to do is carefully clean it up and discard it in a safe place. It is usually put in a brown paper bag that is doubled up to secure the pieces for trash pick up. 

God does something similar to those who are shattered in Spirit. He carefully cleans us up little by little with extra care, gently and lovingly, to ensure we are put back together, perfect in Spirit and healthy and whole in mind, and body! 

Now this process takes time and effort on your part as well. Nothing is impossible for God to do, but He needs a willing heart and mind, who is determined, fixed, and sincere about the journey - whereas, it will be well worth the fight in the end. God never loses a battle, so victory is yours, when you commit your ways to Him who satisfies and delivers! He makes our wrongs, right and our crooked paths straight! 

Job 5 AMPC 

Call now—is there any who will answer you? And to which of the holy [angels] will you turn?
2 For vexation and rage kill the foolish man; jealousy and indignation slay the simple.
3 I have seen the foolish taking root [and outwardly prospering], but suddenly I saw that his dwelling was cursed [for his doom was certain].
4 His children are far from safety; [involved in their father’s ruin] they are crushed in the [court of justice in the city’s] gate, and there is no one to deliver them.
5 His harvest the hungry eat and take it even [when it grows] among the thorns; the snare opens for [his] wealth.
6 For affliction comes not forth from the dust, neither does trouble spring forth out of the ground.
7 But man is born to trouble as the sparks and the flames fly upward.
8 As for me, I would seek God and inquire of and require Him, and to God would I commit my cause—
9 Who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number,
10 Who gives rain upon the earth and sends waters upon the fields,
11 So that He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn He lifts to safety.
12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise or anything of [lasting] worth.
13 He catches the [so-called] wise in their own trickiness, and the counsel of the schemers is brought to a quick end.
14 In the daytime they meet in darkness, and at noon they grope as in the night.
15 But [God] saves [the fatherless] from the sword of their mouth, and the needy from the hand of the mighty.
16 So the poor have hope, and iniquity shuts her mouth.
17 Happy and fortunate is the man whom God reproves; so do not despise or reject the correction of the Almighty [subjecting you to trial and suffering].
18 For He wounds, but He binds up; He smites, but His hands heal.
19 He will rescue you in six troubles; in seven nothing that is evil [for you] will touch you.
20 In famine He will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword.
21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes.
22 At destruction and famine you shall laugh, neither shall you be afraid of the living creatures of the earth.
23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you.
24 And you shall know that your tent shall be in peace, and you shall visit your fold and your dwelling and miss nothing [from them].
25 You shall know also that your children shall be many, and your offspring as the grass of the earth.
26 You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, and as a shock of grain goes up [to the threshing floor] in its season.
27 This is what we have searched out; it is true. Hear and heed it and know for yourself [for your good].

A closer view of the shattered glass

Job suffered great losses and sickness to his body, in addition to criticism from his friends, yet he maintained his hope in God and did not curse Him or turn away from God in the midst of all he endured. So when God came to Job and ask him why are you speaking on My behalf without full knowledge of who I Am; God opened Job’s eyes to all of His creations and His Power. (Job 38-41)

Job 42:1-3 AMPCThen Job said to the Lord,2 I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.3 [You said to me] Who is this that darkens and obscures counsel [by words] without knowledge? Therefore [I now see] I have [rashly] uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

When you read on, God blessed Job and gave him twice as much of what he had originally. And it goes on to say; "Job lived to the fourth generation; and died an old man , full of days." (Job 42:12-17) 

Job’s life was shattered, yet through his suffering and shame, his life was restored in excess because he did not give up because of the calamities, he stayed the course in spite of the calamities! 

What time is it?

Matthew 24:36-44 NKJV

No One Knows the Day or Hour

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

None of us will know the day or hour, but it clearly says, in that time, it will be like in Noah’s days, marriages will be taking place, people will be working in the fields and in today’s society, many of us will be out and about going to school, shopping, sporting events, and probably vacationing - only because we did not take the signs of Jesus return to heart! 

Luke 12-50-56

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. 52 For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. 53 Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Discern the Time

54 Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. 55 And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. 56 Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

So now is not a time of speculation, because none of us know when the end times will be, now is the time to get prepared- Read your Bible and get to know who is really your friend that sticks closer than a brother, so you will be with Him in paradise! 

Soldiers of the Cross!

You Are Now On Active Duty!

Be active in serving! 

We serve others as a Christian because it is our way of serving God. 

Galatians 4:9-10 AMPC
9 And when they knew (perceived, recognized, understood, and acknowledged) the grace (God’s unmerited favor and spiritual blessing) that had been bestowed upon me, James and Cephas (Peter) and John, who were reputed to be pillars of the Jerusalem church, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, with the understanding that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised (Jews).
10 They only [made one stipulation], that we were to remember the poor, which very thing I was also eager to do.

Our serving does not go unnoticed, nor is it in vain! Serving is our way to show who God is and how much He loves those who are overlooked by society through us Christians, and when we do, the Angels in Heaven rejoice!

Matthew 25:34-40 NKJV
34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Be active in giving! 

So many Christians do not understand the importance and rightful duty as a Christian to give. It is not so the church will be rich (as many believe) it’s so the anointing of the righteous will come upon you; and you will be able to supply the needs of others and more to their benefit. But giving has to be from a willing heart! 

Genesis 14:17-20
17 After his [Abram’s] return from the defeat and slaying of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh, that is, the King’s Valley.
18 Melchizedek king of Salem [later called Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine [for their nourishment]; he was the priest of God Most High,
19 And he blessed him and said, Blessed (favored with blessings, made blissful, joyful) be Abram by God Most High, Possessor and Maker of heaven and earth,
20 And blessed, praised, and glorified be God Most High, Who has given your foes into your hand! And [Abram] gave him a tenth of all [he had taken].

It says that when Melchizedek (a Priest of the Most High) blessed Abram, Abram gave him a tenth of all the spoils he had taken from battle. Little in the Bible is said about Melchizedek, other than He is a High Priest of the Most High God, with no beginning or no end! But we do know he resembles the Son of God!

Hebrews 7:1-8 AMPC
 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem [and] priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he returned from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
2 And Abraham gave to him a tenth portion of all [the spoil]. He is primarily, as his name when translated indicates, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace.
3 Without [record of] father or mother or ancestral line, neither with beginning of days nor ending of life, but, resembling the Son of God, he continues to be a priest without interruption and without successor.
4 Now observe and consider how great [a personage] this was to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth [the topmost or the pick of the heap] of the spoils.
5 And it is true that those descendants of Levi who are charged with the priestly office are commanded in the Law to take tithes from the people—which means, from their brethren—though these have descended from Abraham.
6 But this person who has not their Levitical ancestry received tithes from Abraham [himself] and blessed him who possessed the promises [of God].
7 Yet it is beyond all contradiction that it is the lesser person who is blessed by the greater one.
8 Furthermore, here [in the Levitical priesthood] tithes are received by men who are subject to death; while there [in the case of Melchizedek], they are received by one of whom it is testified that he lives [perpetually].

After the battle, and Abram tithed to Melchizedek, God spoke to Abram (who was later named Abraham, Father of a multitude) and made a covenant with him. This is the covenant between him and God:

Genesis 17:3-14 NKJV

3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

When you give little, you get little, when you give much you get much, but it is NOT for our gain, but for the Glory of God, who gives generously to us, when we do it without backbiting or reproach! 

Luke 6:38 NKJV
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

We give, not to receive material things, but Spiritual blessings that are eternal, and when we do, God's blessings are righteous and just!

Proverbs 10:22 NKJV
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it.”

So do good and be fruitful because it is our “Active duty” so others will see God in us! It also makes one rich with Love, peace, joy, and good spiritual health - in other words, the blessings you receive will be from God, not from you striving to get the blessings in your own strength and time , with much struggle and set backs! And you will not be sorrowful for the gift, like you would be for the loan you took out for 30 years to buy a house you knew was not beneficial for your current finances to purchase. That is what it means, "He adds no sorrow with it."

Be active in prayer! 

Prayer is communicating with God of our needs, and Thanking Him for our blessings and answered prayers. It is also talking to the only wise and ALL KNOWING God, to take your worries and cares to Him and leave them there! God knows our needs and hears our cries, but He can’t get involved until we ask in prayer, in addition to that, He doesn’t always do things on our timetable either; but in the “right” time when we are mature enough to handle whatever storm in life we are going through! 

Things have to be removed from us so we are able to see, hear, obey, and trust God. 

For example: The majority of this world wants money. It is a necessity to purchase our needs, but many people will kill, steal, and destroy their lives over obtaining it. God wants your heart! Money can’t get you into Heaven, nor can it buy good health. So many of us don’t pray for eternal salvation and God’s mercy and Grace, we pray for things, that do not satisfy! 

Prayer is powerful and does get results ; but remember, it is our weapon of warfare against evil, and to bring about good! Because sometimes what we pray for is not what we need. So if you pray for a million dollars, and you are squandering money, in debt, not giving or being a blessing to others, and irresponsible with what you are making now, God will not answer that prayer! It has to be in line with His will not yours - because your motive is for self, not for service to others! Do you want a million dollars to build you a house or do you want a million dollars to build a shelter for young Mothers who need a place to stay and a spiritual foundation to be a good Mother and raise a God fearing child? Remember this earth is not our forever home, so with your blessings be a blessing - and leave a legacy for others to increase their faith, and multiply their giving!

Matthew 6(NKJV)

Do Good to Please God

6 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

The Model Prayer

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.