Category: testemony (Page 1 of 2)

In my last posting I talked about being worthy. A couple of things to add to that include the “Great Commandment.” To LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself. For all the laws and prophets hang on these. You can find this in Matt 22:34-40 and Mark 12:28-31. Its about putting Jesus first. Another part is the second half of the “Great Commandment” where it tells us to love our neighbor. It is listed in this order for a reason. Without Loving God how can we expect to truly love someone else. So in loving God first we need to do more than just say it We need to really do it in order to be worthy. its not easy, but very rewarding.

Now lets talk about the other part of these verses in Matt 10:34-39. In verse 38 it tells us that “he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” This is another one of those verses we say yes to but don’t always follow through on. I wonder if it is because we don’t understand the whole cross and crucify thing. This was not a simple punishment thing. Where it happens and then you go home. This was meant for death. You were hung alive and came down dead. Even prior to this you were beaten, whipped and scorned among other things. Therefore the cross was the last part of your punishment. Remember that this was about death not something you were going to survive.

So what does this mean for us? A lot more than we may have first thought. Often times this thought of as being yelled at or made fun of. Maybe even being beaten up for. Yet remember this. The cross is about death. Are we/you/I ready for this? Today’s world is evil and getting worse all the more. We have brothers and sisters in the Middle East getting beheaded. In other parts of the world they are thrown in prison and given barely anything to survive on. Or they are chastised, tortured and removed from loved ones all for the sake of putting their love of God first. How do we compare to this? I don’t know if we do. We still have it pretty good here. Yes the times are getting uncomfortable and stretching us beyond what we have experienced before. It will get worse though. Can we say that we are ready to die for Jesus? This question may not be answered until the moment it is upon us. I can’t say that I am ready for it. I’d be lying if I said “yes I am.” What I do know is that the only answer is Jesus. So I push on getting closer to Him every day that I can. God is my /our strength, protector, security and all and everything we need.

Now to get back to the title of this post, my answer is YES. I will take up my cross and follow Him. There is no other path to follow. I want to hear “well done” when I stand before Him. To be in fear of the world is sin. For this means that I don’t trust or have faith in God. If I die then I will be in Heaven and everyone else can deal with this. Until then I will take up my cross and follow Jesus. Moving forward in Him. Will you do the same and follow Him? Will you take up your cross? Will you be obedient to what He is calling you to do? We can’t be afraid of any sort of the word “No.” A good salesman gets past it. How much more does a child of the living God get past the enemy of our souls. Moving forward in and with God’s love and light. Think about this and say “Yes.”

Be blessed, Ken

Good day everyone, I’m here writing a post as my family and I are finishing our vacation. We will be returning home in a couple days. Please hold us up in prayer, thanks.

While I was on this vacation I posted on Facebook something that was on my heart. It was a scripture that has given me direction and peace. In Ephesians 6:12 it goes (NASB) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” I hope you can see why this verse has brought me peace? My focus was all wrong. I was focusing on Covid-19, masks or no mask, politics and myself.

For those who liked, loved and left a comment I say thank you. Now on with this post. The enemy of our souls is behind all of this. He has been using those who are in authority to do his will. Whether it be a lock down, closings, masks and more. While at the same time restricting churches , their services and even trying to force them to close. And yet doesn’t it all look like the very things the devil has been trying to do all along. Please my brothers and sisters open your spiritual eyes and see. Once you see this start praying as God would have you to pray. Come against the devil and all his ways. He has already been defeated. Jesus has all the keys for he took them back at His crucifixion. When the church body does this a change will take place. Making a difference in the church, city and nation.

The passage of scripture in 2 Chron. 7:14 tells us to humble ourselves, pray seek his face and very importantly turn from our wicked ways. If we don’t do this He will not pay any attention to our prayers. We would be doing it out of selfishness. Its not like repentance is a hard thing to do. We did this when we accepted Jesus into our hearts. All barriers to prayer need to be removed. Anything that can get in the way of God doing his will and hopefully showing us His favor.

Which brings to my thoughts of faith. Haven’t we all asked God for help in our faith? Now is the perfect time to build up our faith. Trust in God. Let go and believe that God will get it done according to His will.

So come against the devil and his schemes in prayer. Help create a way for God to move for us. Because God has allowed this to happen to get our attention. He’s got mine, how about yours?

Be blessed, Ken

Hey everyone, how are you fairing during this time of “pandemic.” I’m sure the answers would be some what encouraging. Although they may tend to be in an area of “I’m tired of this.” And yes, I would agree. Yet I will remain positive. This time has allowed me even more time to spend with God. More time to read, pray and pay attention to what God is doing. I’ve stepped out of my shell a little bit and been trying to walk in obedience to what He would have me do. One example of this is that I have been parking my vehicle in front of friends homes and praying for them. In this way they do not need to be there. With “social distancing” being kept.

But I have also seen how God works things out for His glory. You see, I have wanted and “needed” a different truck to drive. One that would meet my needs both now and in the future. To go back a little, I started praying for one about 2-3 years ago. I gave a specific request of the color green thinking this was enough. Well The one He delivered was white. It meet my needs to a point, but it was fully what I wanted. This truck lasted 2-3 years in my possession. At this point I started doing more research and got even more specific in my request. A short time later another friend pointed out that he saw one at a car lot. I checked it out, but left. I didn’t want to make a hasty decision. As I shared this with my wife we both prayed that if it is meant to be then it would still be there. About 2 weeks later we had the funds and went to see if it was still there. It was and we bought it. Then I called another friend and asked if he still wanted to buy my old one. He said yes because his truck wasn’t running well. God’s timing is perfect. The truck I bought was what I was asking for. It has a couple small dents and higher miles, but it was also about $3000 less then the typical cost of one like it. Again, God took care of my needs and went beyond my thoughts.

I say this because in Rev. 12:11 it states the we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. So please don’t see this as bragging, but as encouragement. God is still on the throne and working for us. We have a time of reset to get our lives in order. According to His word and will for our lives.

When this “pandemic” started God gave me direction to walk during this time. Its Isaiah 26:1-4 where we can see that God has it all under control. For He has given us security. We need to be faithful, steadfast of mind and trusting of God. He is the everlasting Rock.

I also found several verses about “fear.” A couple of them are Ps. 111:10, Ps. 27:1, Pr. 3:25-26 and of course Ps. 23:4. If you want or need more then we have Pr. 3:5 talking about trusting the Lord. Then there is Romans 8:15 mentioning we have a spirit of adoption not a spirit of fear. Or even Isaiah 54:17 NO weapon that is formed against you shall prosper. God has given us everything we need to get through this time. Its just a matter of our walk. Are we walking in His truth and word or in fear? I have chosen His word and truth for me and my family. Speaking boldly of this when asked.

As a way to encourage others I ask that after you read this that you comment a verse or 2 on fear or any other that encourages you. If it is mentioned by someone else first then go ahead and still post it. This goes to show how strong a verse can be. Please do this in the link you used to get here.

As always please share this with others so that they may be encouraged. Thanks for reading this today.

Be blessed, Ken

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. What an interesting time we are living in now. This Covid-19 virus has really thrown this world a curve ball. It is apparent that we were not fully prepared for this situation. Without getting into the politics of this, I am going to ramble on about my thoughts and what is in my heart.

I have found a portion of scripture that keeps itself ever before me. Its Isaiah 26:1-4 “In the day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security. 2) Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful. 3) The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. 4) Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.” My focus starts with verse 2 where it talks of the righteous nation that is faithful. Are we faithful? According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary it means; “full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy. It is used of God’s word or covenant as true and to be trusted.” What would lend God to trust us? Simply put “obedience.” Are we obeying His word? Are we walking in faith not fear? Do we believe that no matter what trial comes our way we know beyond a shadow of doubt that God WILL take care of us?

Have you noticed that in the next two verses we have steadfast sandwiching trust? For with Jesus as our “Rock” He is steadfast, strong, stable and unwavering. Do we put our trust in Jesus? If we do trust Him then we will have peace in Phil.4:7 it states “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” So, is our walk one that says we are at peace?

Another thing that has me thinking about is “wisdom.” Whose definition are we using? Man’s or God’s? They are not the same thing. In Ps.111:10 it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. and in 1 Cor. 1:18-31 we have a passage about the wisdom of God. A section of scripture where Paul tells us that God has taken the foolish things of the world and used them to confound the wise. In verse 25 it goes “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than man, and the weakness of God is stronger than man.” So who are we looking to for help during this time?

With all this being said, we have an opportunity to change things. As some modern day prophets have said I tend to agree with is that God is shaking things up. We cannot be doing things in the same old way any longer. Aside from finding new ways to stay connected, some things have become clear. That’s the fact that the world needs Jesus more than ever. People are panicking, hoarding and are just plain lost. We have been given a chance here to preach the “Good News.” What was done in the past to share it hasn’t been enough. And if we go back to doing it the same old way , then have failed. This current virus has been a precursor to what is yet to come. Many “knowledgeable” people have said the future happenings will be worse. If this is so, then we are in trouble. Remember the “Great Commission” as it tells us to go into all the world and preach the “Good News.” This world needs it now more than ever before.

I have asked a few questions in this post. Basically asking if we are failing or not. And we can’t go down the “same old road” any longer. Since we have been given more time now lets use it a bit more wisely. Getting into a better habit of reading our Bibles. Praying more often and listening to what He is saying. For God is shaking things up and when the dust settles we need to be standing taller than ever before. The world is counting on it whether it realizes it or not. Our Faith needs to be strong and our resolve even stronger. We may be the only way some people will be able to get through this challenging time.

Thank you for reading this and please share this with others so that they may be encouraged. thanks once again.

Be blessed, Ken

Here we are again talking about the good things of our Lord. Today’s service was a good time of worship and praise. Pastor’s message on forgiveness was insightful. But it’s during the time when we choose to enter into His presence that things can and often do change. I am one who wants nothing more than to do God’s will. To be obedient to Him. So, when He talks to me during service I tend to listen. Unfortunately I’m not always that way. When it’s any other day I probably have my mind on other things. He wants to talk to me, I’m just listening or putting myself into a position to listen to Him. And today He gave me words for 2 different people. Both messages had to do with pushing into a closer time with Him.

In Malachi 3:7 the Lord says to return to Him and He will return to you. We need to take the first steps. We have to show our desire for a closer walk with him. Remember he doesn’t go where He is not welcome. He is never far away, but He will not force Himself upon us. That is why we need to draw closer to Him. Show the initiative. How often do we act like we have done enough and now its God’s turn to do something. When in reality we have almost nothing and want it all done for us. In the first part of this blog I mentioned that I don’t always listen to Him. Then there are days like today when I do and He wants something of me that I just don’t want to do. It’s these times when He pulls out this big 2×4 and hits me with it. Well, at least in a spiritual sense. See I’ve “dug my heals in” on a particular matter and didn’t want to budge from it. This was the area that God decided I needed to change today. And wanting to be obedient to Him I started to change my ways. Why? I want a closer walk with Him. If I want to draw closer to Him I need to get out of my own way. These walls I’ve put up need to come down. I also want and need Him to heal me. Of some pain I have  in my right hip all the way down to my right shins. But if there is disobedience how can I expect to receive healing when I won’t receive what He wants of me.

One part of this is that I know better than to tell God no. For He said in His Word that to whom much is given, much is required. A principle of this is that when you press in and get closer to Him you will receive more. More of Him and More blessing in your life among other things. God wants to give to us. Why don’t we just put ourselves in a position to receive these things and blessings. And when it is the proper time you will have a testimony to share that can encourage those around you to get closer to Him. So, draw closer to Him. You have a lot riding on it.

Be blessed, Ken

This message comes from some observations I had about a week ago. My wife Susan and I went to the Walworth County Fair on the Thursday before Labor Day. As we were walking around checking out the fair we came across an unusual display. This display was of a motorcycle that had been used for artistic purposes. The gentleman had it painted in the life of our Lord Jesus. Many different parts of His ministry were painted to draw an image of Him. From being baptized to the crucifixion and even a helmet that was done in a display of Heaven as described in the Bible.

The photos above are of this motorcycle. This is a well done display.

One other stand caught our attention was one for the Fellowship of Christian Farmers. They were giving away walking sticks. Just broom handles with a message. What they had done was drill a hole through them and place a string with beads on it. Each bead was symbolic of an aspect of the Bible. Like red for the blood of Jesus, white for purity and so on. All you had to do was listen to a story of each bead to get one of these. It only took about 5 minutes of our time. What a creative way to get the message out. Both of these venues were done in a creative way. They open doors that may not be there in the usual way.

In the Great Commission God tells us to go out and preach the good news to all the world. He didn’t say that we were limited to doing it in a manner of telling everyone verbally. The Message needs to get out. It doesn’t matter how as long as it is the truth. As long as it is accurate. These two are just some ways to do this. They started with ideas and took off from there. Do you have an idea? Is it an accurate way of telling the Gospel?  Is it truthful? We don’t need to be doing things in the same old way all the time. God gave us the ability to be creative. Why not use it. Its these kind of ways that will reach people that the same old ways may not. The seeds are getting planted. Some seeds that were planted before are now getting watered. Some may even be harvested in this way.

Don’t be afraid to be creative. Go out and preach the good news in a different way.

Be blessed Ken