Guardians of Life

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He is the “I Am”

December 28, 2015 /

Back at the beginning of the month the Lord had said to me these words. “I am the praise of my people. I am the praise of those called by my name. I am the praise of those who come to me on bended knee. I will not give up this praise. I will not share it with anyone or anything. I am a jealous God. They will not take this from me. Nor will they take my people. I have cared for them from the beginning. Whoever does this will not succeed. Who has the strength to try? For it does not compare to mine. I am the light of life. I am the bread of life. I am the living water. Whoever comes to me shall be forgiven. So, come to me and be free. I am here and will not go away.” A first quick read of this shows God stating His authority. There is none like Him. Whoever sets themselves up in this manner will fail. There are no exceptions. Notice the use of the word “will.” This doesn’t mean possibly. Its a definite statement. Also notice the use of the word “am.” Its not ” might be” or “could be” or even a “should be.” Its a definite statement again.

Now when we look at the prophecy we will see the word “praise.” In this application its used as a noun. In particular praise means glory. One definition of praise is; of those on account of, and by reason of, whom as God’s heritage, “praise is to be ascribed to God, in respect of his glory. This is from Vines dictionary. Their are other meanings, but this is the one that applies here. It makes sense when you insert glory for praise in this prophecy.

The next section talks about us being His people. Like a possession. This is a common statement from our Lord. You will find similar statements throughout the old testament. Where He says things like “I will be their God and they will be my people.” To be His possession is a good thing. we will belong to one of two figure heads. Either good or evil. Either God or the devil. There is no middle ground. It is either on e or the other. Whom do you choose this day. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Sound familiar? Go to Joshua 24:15 and read it for yourselves.

The third area God talks about is who He is. These qualities are the best we can get. We need no more than this. Its all we really need. Light, bread, and living water. The absolute best of what we can have. The perfect combination for our lives. Then He makes a plea for us to join Him. He wants all of us. He wants all of who we are. When you are offered the best, why waste your time looking around for something else. But, we have been looking around for other sources. God knows this and He tells us to stop it. We have a choice. But really we don’t. Nothing compares to Him. The choice is a simple one. Make it today and truly be free.

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. I pray a blessing over everyone who reads this that the new year bring joy, happiness, grace and God’s love to you all. Please share this with others. Also register and let me know that you read his. Your thoughts matter.

 

Looking for Him

November 30, 2015 /

Here I am today thinking about our family trip out to New Mexico to visit our daughter and her family. This trip has been eye opening for me to say the least. I had been having some really bad cramping in my left leg on this trip. I’ve had cramping before , but not this bad. It was bad enough to require stopping about every hour to hour and a half. That makes for a long trip becoming longer. When we got to our daughters, I went to a pharmacy and talked to a pharmacist about it. She said to take some minerals and stretch it out. Stopping a lot to do this. It worked ok, but the pain was still coming often while driving home. It was more bearable and easier to to get back my strength. I’m saying this because I see something here. It was my left (weaker) leg. The one that doesn’t do anything while driving. Its just there and relaxed. Bringing the thought of where the enemy will attack us. He will attack us at our weakest point. So I prayed about it and then some more prayer for it. So why wasn’t I healed? The answer may be as simple as God had other plans. These plans may have been to keep me in contact with Him. They may be an answer of not yet. What ever His reasons are I am thankful.

On our way home we were traveling behind the most resent big storm to hit this part of the south. We had gotten about 5 hours maybe 6 into our trip when we were detoured off I-40 and to the local town of Tucumcari, New Mexico. Apparently the storm had left quite a bit of ice on the road ahead of us. They shut down the interstate in the area. So as I was driving toward town I noticed US Highway 54 going north. I took it and asked my wife if she could find out where it went. She said that it went at an angle toward the northeast. Leading to Wichita, Kansas. As this was my goal we we left. To make things clear. I had been planning my route home based on this weather. Thinking I would avoid the worst part of the storm if I went up I-35 at Oklahoma City. But this storm had done its damage even closer to us than I thought. So God let me follow my plans as far as I could and then He made some changes. This path home took about 3 hours longer, but we made it home when we planned to.

While driving on Hwy 54 we were coming across roads with slick spots. Cars and trucks in the ditches on their sides and roofs. All this happened the day before or evening before. Rain was coming down as we went along. Making driving challenging for us. God had His hand around us keeping trouble away. I know this  and beleave this. So when someone tells you that God doesn’t exist or that even cares tell them they are wrong. God cares for His children. We know this by the story of the lost sheep. He went after the one because He cared about it. How much more does He care about us?

As I think about this trip there are signs all along that God is alive and that He will take care of us. We need to just let Him. How do we do this? By listening to Him. Praying all the time even when things are going alright. Also by being obedient to what He is saying. Follow His truths and word. They won’t do you wrong. Listen to what He has to say. For His words will not fail us. God knows whats best for us. If you get one of those “something is telling me” thoughts. Listen It just may be the Holy Spirit.

Be blessed, Ken

Time and the Future

November 15, 2015 /

Today during the service our Lord gave me a message for the body. Its hard for me to repeat it exactly as it was given to me. See what I try to do is speak it forth as soon as possible. Doing this keeps it as pure as possible. So I don’t interject myself into it. I do recall much of the main points. Our Lord started out by asking a question. “What does time have to do with it?” This is a big clue as to what He is going to talk about. Going into telling us to stop looking at our watches, calenders and looking for signs and wonders. By this He means stop waiting for the last minute. We are procrastinators by nature if its not important to us. WHY NOT? Why isn’t it important. Our future depends on our actions in the present. In Numbers ch. 13 we read that Moses sent out the twelve spies. Only two had a good report. The others were afraid of the inhabitants of the land. They weren’t concerned about obtaining their promise. It was the now they acted in and it cost them. Can you imagine what or how God would have acted if they simply just said yes.

Another point God made was that He is perfect in all He is and does. So what did He stress to us? It was to repent and be cleansed. So that we may be restored. Repent of our stubbornness, laziness and our lack of everything that is important to Him. Going on to tell us that time is short. We don’t have much time left. God is the only way to the future.

There was more , but I don’t exactly recall the details. I was in the moment and went straight to the alter. As many people did. It was there that He gave me another word. It was like the reason for this. The messages he has given me over the coarse of time. He said “There is a storm coming. It is not of my doing.” He wants us ready for what is coming. People God cares about us. He cares so much that He gave is only Son. So that we may have a future with Him. But, there is no guarantee for tomorrow. Thats why He wants us to act now. For our own good and for that of those around us. Get rid of your fear of rejection of sharing God’s word with others. They are rejecting Him , not you.Don’t wait any longer.  Get into His presence now. See what He can do.

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. you can register for this site. Just go to the side bar and click on register. Please do so. Its a way for me to see who reads these posts regularly. Its also a way for you to share this site with others in your circles.

Cotton Candy

November 8, 2015 /

As you begin to read this you might be wondering what does cotton candy got to do with my walk? Well lets start by describing cotton candy itself. Its light, fluffy, sweet and gives you a burst of energy. Because of the sugar content. This sounds like the direction much of the church (as a whole) is going. The messages are giving the body a quick boost in their walk. But, it doesn’t last long. There is no substance. Nothing of this gives the body what it needs. At this point it appears as if I’m just complaining. And I might be. Because the sooner we realize this the sooner we can get on track to change things. The enemy of our souls is not giving up. He wants us lost, confused and riding highs with no base below us. Then he comes in with his attacks and we aren’t ready for them. Many of these attacks are trying to make the world around us appear to be ok. Telling us that certain things aren’t so bad.

This last week at church there was a teaching on the pitfalls of pornography. I wasn’t able to attend due to working with the younger boys and teens. But, it was one I would of liked to sit in on. This is what we need. Once you know the enemies ways of doing things, then you can see it coming and prepare for it. Often its just a matter of not giving the enemy the time of day. Pornography is just one. Others include alcohol, drugs, road rage and even our attitude. All these and more the enemy uses to get us off track. Walking away from the one we love. Look at King Solomon. He had it all as king and was married to way to many women. This caused him to pay attention to their gods and not listening to God Himself. Not until later did he turn it around and get on track. But he did get back. How about Samson. He was full of himself because of his great strength and yet lost it all. He also got back on track and served God. This leads to another trick where the enemy wants us to focus on ourselves. It becomes all about me.

Do we remember the great commandment? Love the lord your God with all your heart,and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. the second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. Notice that me, myself and I do not appear in this. Its all about others. For God so loved the world that he GAVE his only son… Our guest speaker today touched on this very point indirectly. His ministry is helping and working with those who are in the greatest need. This in the worst of area’s of each town they are in.

So, I’m not interested in cotton candy. Paul even told the churches in his letters that they should be teaching. They weren’t because they were still eating soft food. We are to be reading the bible on our own. We are to be praying on our own. We are to be among the believers. Going to church is not to be our only source of food. When we do all these together we build and edify the body. Causing it to grow and be better prepared for the attacks of the enemy. Time is short in this world. Our Lord and Savior is coming back soon. Are we ready?

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. Thanks to all who mentioned that they have read and are reading these posts. Please continue to let me know your thoughts. Even mentioning that you read this post and others is encouraging. Also, share this post and the ones earlier with others. That they may be encouraged. Thanks

The Tree

October 29, 2015 /

Here we are in the month of October. This in the time of year when change occurs. A couple weeks ago I received from the Lord a word that I hope applies to you or at least encourages you. So here it is. “I have a vision. A vision of a tree. This tree is tall and majestic. It is in full bloom. As the season is upon it the leaves change and fall off. Leaving behind a new bud. This growth is going to take place. Stand up and embrace this. Water and feed this new growth. You are deeply rooted. You are prepared for this. When the storm comes you will withstand all the enemy can put against you. I am with you through this all. The new and the old.”

The first impressions are that this pertains to someone who has been around a while. The use of the words tall, majestic and deeply rooted let me know this. When I first read this I thought of Caleb. At the age of 85 he wanted the land promised to him and he was ready to get it. I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t want to be here at 85. I would like to be “home.” Never the less it shows that we are never really to old to to the Lords work. Modern times dismiss anyone who is over the the age of 40 or so. They want the younger and less experienced person to work for them. Management can influence them easier take advantage of them. But, what does our Lord want? He wants one who is willing to do the Lords work. One that understands obedience and will listen to Him.

Next He talks about embracing, watering and feeding this growth. Simply put, you need to spend time with Him. Reading His word (feeding), worshiping Him (watering) and praying (embracing) what He has planned for you. A younger or newer child of the Lord may not know this or even understand this completely. Then He adds the part of being deeply rooted. Established and not easily swayed come to mind with this part. Why is this important? Because once you walk in this new growth there will be a storm or two coming your way. It will try to knock you off course and defeat you. Then the enemy has won. And here comes the reassurance. The Lord says that He is with you through this all both before  and now. Remember He says that he will never leave you nor forsake you.

If you are being offered a new ministry or opportunity to do His will. Then pray and ask Him show you the way. If its of Him it will all work out. Just don’t ask if you aren’t really ready to go in the direction He shows you. To say its not Him because its not what I wanted or planned on doing, shows that you really don’t want to go in the first place. Be honest with yourself. Let go and let God be God. Its not the easiest thing to do, but it can be the most rewarding. His plans are greater than anything you can dream up. Our God is great. This could be an opportunity to show and find His Love, Mercy and Grace.

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. Please let me know your thoughts or at least that you read it. I’m trying to get an idea on how many people go here and read the postings.

Mountains

September 27, 2015 /

Last week I was listening to the Lord talk to me about mountains. He mentioned mountains and asked what He meant. He went on to ask which one I had to climb. Not knowing where this was going exactly, I listened. These mountains were described as fear, doubt, despair,and anything else that hinders your walk with Him. Then He asked at what point was my climb to overcome in peril. What causes a person to fail in their climb? Then He said no sin is to great to overcome.

Often mountains are used to describe the ascent to the top in our walk. Climbing to get closer to God. This time it was about obstacles. A true hindrance unlike a valley that is viewed as a low point. Not necessarily an obstacle. I’ve noticed that when I get over it quickly I seem to repeat it again. This is because I have tried to do it by myself. In my own strength. That was why I failed. When I went to our Lord in prayer asking for forgiveness and repenting of my sin I got relief. I also have seen answers at that point when I gave it up to Him and asked Him to help me. He did and I am better off than before. So he next time it happens I start try to do it myself  and in the middle of it all I stop. Saying what am I doing. I go to the Lord in prayer for the help I need. For Jesus is our strength, our life, our truth and all we need in our time of trouble. After the answers come and help has arrived, we need to start listening to the Holy Spirit for guidance. He will warn us when it tries to happen again. Being warned we are better prepared to not go there. All this doesn’t happen overnight, but it will come. It is a daily thing we need to do. That is going to and spending time with God.

I ask at this time to not fear the mountains. Only in fictional comic books does one simply fly over them with ease (superman is not real). Just go to God and get what you need. When we don’t fear them they may actually become tools we learn from. Using them to help others in similar situations. This is all part of building up the Body of Christ. Because we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. A testimony is built up not given.We will be better off when we go to Him first.

Be blessed, Ken

Massage Therapy

September 6, 2015 /

This last last month or so I’ve been planning on redoing the shower in my basement. One suggestion made to my wife and I was to use a river stone tile for the floor of the shower. Thinking about this, we decided it was a good idea. It will help out our feet and keep them from standing in water the whole time during the shower. So, last Sunday I was thinking this over and the Lord started applying this to my walk with Him. I had this picture of a rough and bumpy surface that I needed to go over.

The more I thought about it it made a lot of sense. The rough and bumpy surface would tenderize my tough and strained muscles. Now it was time to apply it to my walk with God. Have I grown to a point that I’ve become tough. Or to a point that I won’t let anything or anyone penetrate this outer me. Why do I do this? Most likely to avoid being hurt.

In the scriptures it tells us that He is the potter and I am the clay. The clay needs to be soft in order for it to be made into something useful. It is His hands that make us. Not ours. So if He needs to put me over a rough and bumpy surface (or time) in order to get me soft for Him, then let it happen. For I don’t want to be cold and tough. When I mentioned this to a friend of mine, he talked about when he would lift weights and work out. Explaining that the muscles need to be stretched and ripped in order for them to grow and become stronger. This is what we need. To be ripped and stretched by Jesus our Lord. Being made into what He needs us to be. Otherwise we will be too tough and hard. We will dry out and be useless. Think, when something gets dried out it will crack and break easier. Thats where the enemy wants you to get to. Then the enemy dumps on you and buries you in lies and garbage.

This is not an easy thing to go through. But, it is necessary for growth. Will it be fun? Maybe not and then again maybe so. Remembering all the while that Jesus is preparing His bride. The times of the end are getting near. Are we where we need to be? Are we soft enough to be used by God for His great purpose. Join me in massage therapy, being softened to the point of being pliable. You won’t regret it.

Be blessed, Ken

Weddings

August 23, 2015 /

Here we are, another day another thought. Lately I have been watching marriage proposals online. I’ve spent a few hours watching these. Some of them have been well planned out others have been rather quickly put together. I started wondering why I was doing this. Then today it was clear. I was at a funeral with my wife. It was for a dear friend who totally lived a life of that of a servant for our Lord and Savior. She was a great woman of God. A true example for women and men alike to follow. My thoughts during these days had been of celebration. She has gone to be with our Lord.

This leads me to my thoughts of weddings. We have one coming at some point in our lives. At least those of us who have received Jesus Christ as our Lord. This friend has run the race and won. She attained the prize we all want. For the the bible we are called the bride of Christ. Therefore Jesus is the groom. His proposal came at a time we were not alive. His proposal started when He was hanging on the cross paying a price He didn’t have to. This proposal was fully put into place on the third day when He rose and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. And all we have to say is yes to Him making Him our Savior.When you say yes to Jesus, you become the bride.

These days our society is all messed up. Killings, murders, and rapes are happening at a very frequent pace. Morals and values don’t matter anymore. That which is good has become bad. The bad is now good in their sight. We need to spend more time with God. Reading his word, praying for others, and living a life worthy of His name. At times it may seem to be a bit overwhelming. Almost to much to handle. But don’t give up. Draw closer to Him. the prize is waiting. Just persevere each and every day. The proposal has been made. Say yes, read his word, pray, and live your life obedient to His truths. Do this and you will receive a life with Jesus in Heaven.

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. Thank you Joan for your great example.

The Trapper

August 5, 2015 /

During this last Sunday morning the Lord shared this with me. “Beware of the trapper. He has laid out his traps before you. He’s looking to get your soul. He’s looking to get your life. He doesn’t want you to have the life you do in Christ Jesus. Stay close to me and I will guide you around these traps. For the path is narrow. I’m the only one who know’s the complete path. I’ve seen it all. Come to me and get prepared. Follow me down this path. I know where it leads. Do this and the traps will be useless.”

Then I was shown a vision of a metal trap of a trapper. It was larger and rusty. It is clear that the trapper is the devil. He’s going after those he does not have. This is you and I who are of Christ Jesus. I believe this warning comes as a reminder that the end is near. Jesus’ second coming is close. This path we follow is narrow. If it wasn’t, anyone could go there without any challenge. One way to look at it is this path is just big enough for two people. Ourselves and Jesus. He said in his word that He would not leave us or forsake us. We can’t do this alone. After all, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Isn’t our goal is to be with Jesus in Heaven. Where we will have a life with Him. There is no other way to get to Heaven than through Jesus. So, why not let Him guide us down this path where the traps of the enemy will be useless. The only way they can affect us is if we stray away from the path. We get distracted and start looking elsewhere for what we want. Thinking its what we need. When in reality its just something else that we put between Jesus and ourselves. If we keep this up, the place between the two of us gets cluttered. Then it becomes a wall that we can’t see around. We try to knock it down,but it is futile. But it’s still not too late. Just cry out to Jesus. Repent of your wrong doing and ask for His forgiveness. Bring Him back into your heart and start a new life with Him. If you had one before then renew your life.

The vision of the trap is simple to grasp. It shows us that his traps are not new. They are the same old things he has used in the past. And no amount of padding and insulation will do any good. You can have the most padded and protective boot, but it is not going to help. Even if it doesn’t seem to hurt, it still does. And the fact remains that you are still caught in his trap. Cry out to Jesus. He’s the only answer.

Be blessed, Ken

Don’t Give Up

July 19, 2015 /

This last week has been difficult for me. I was laid-off (I volunteered ), I’ve been reading more and spending more time with Him. Its just that getting into His presence has been challenging. The problem is that I’ve been distracted more. Trying to rest and heal from some sore mussels from work. getting things done around the house. Spending time with my family. My point is that I’m getting closer. We have the habit of giving up to early. Or we go around sulking until we get the attention we want. God knows what we are going through. What we need to do is relax and just talk to Him. First thing I recommend is repentance. Taking time on our knees is always a good thing.

Since then I have been listening better and hearing more lately. Some of which needs more time spent with Him. Other stuff needs me to change some behavior. I wouldn’t be in this position if I had given up. I also wouldn’t be in this position if I had only been a lot less distracted. Needless to say, I’m spending my time a little more wisely.

Repentance is a first step. A second one is wise counsel. Talk to another believer that is mature in their walk. Talking to an elder, pastor, or even a teacher. That is why we are called a body (singular). In James 1:19 it mentions we need to be “quick to listen, slow to speak” and it goes on about being angry. Applying this to our prayer time or even quiet time can do wonders for us. We can train ourselves to listen more clearly. We also can train ourselves on how to get closer to Him easier and more regular. A third step is to read more of His word. After all Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The bible doesn’t tell us this just to build Him up.

If you’re wondering around in nowhere land, stop and listen. Ask Him for help. Repent in order to have a clean slate. And don’t give up.

Be blessed, Ken

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