You have heard the saying, it is the last straw. The whole saying is, it is the last straw that broke the camel’s back. No one want to get to that position. Where it is the final blow that crushes you. But so many people set themselves up for that crushing blow. So, how do you get out of it? Or even prevent that final blow? We are humans and flawed to a fault. And we try to live our life our way. It usually ends up in a disaster. Even if you win, you still have to go over someone and crush them. We have that drive in us. And we know we can win. When you come to the end of yourself and are sitting in your own rubble, there is hope. This hope isn’t in your strength or your making. For it is impossible for men to do anything. But it is possible, the hope, for God. And all we have to do is to turn to God and ask for forgiveness. Then follow after God. For the hope that we seek is in God.

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I went to visit friends in California. It was a 4-hour plane ride. Then they live 100 miles north of Los Angeles, that was a 2-hour drive. Then add the 2-hour trip to the airport. It took me 8 hours to travel from my home to theirs. I have friends all over the world. Yet in minutes, I can talk to or see them. My journey has taken me many places. I have seen some wonderful sites and some horrible ones. Yet I always look for the good, in people and places. I always have a smile on my face. I know that sometimes people look at me and wonder how sane I am. People are always fixing their face with surgery. Because there are permanent wrinkles or sags in their face. It only takes 2 muscles in your face to smile. It takes all 42 muscles in your face to frown. My secret is a scripture in Proverbs. Pro.17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Smile at someone today. Make their day better. I’ll tell you a truth. It will make you feel better.
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Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, it is certain we came into this world with nothing. And it is certain that we will take nothing with us. So, why are you building a kingdom? Why are you trying to become a king in your own right? People build up their stuff early in life. It seems to be a race to get as much stuff, before anyone else does. And if you don’t have a lot of stuff, you’re not worth much. I have done genealogy for over 10 years. One thing that is prevalent, is trying to prove the ancestors were royalty. The only reason a person becomes a ruler or king of a country, is that God places them there. What you need to do is to burn down your kingdom. Turn it into ashes. Then you will be ready to become a real king. Kings are servants of the people they rule. The things worth having aren’t of this earth. They are intangible. What is worth all on this earth is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. And against such there is no law. Again, I say burn down your earthly kingdom and you will ready for God to make you a king. For in the end, we will turn into ashes. And you will not take anything from this earth with you, except you. If you aren’t ready to meet God, it is your own fault. There is no excuse before God. Everyone will explain to God why they did anything on this earth. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, it is certain we came into this world with nothing. And it is certain that we will take nothing our of it. Give it to God and let Him make you a king in His kingdom.

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No one wants to go through a trial or testing, especially if we must go through the fire. Sometimes we must go through the valley of death by ourselves. It takes courage and determination. One of my sons, who was in the Army National Guard, served during Hurricane Katrina. They were stationed at the Superdome in New Orleans. It was the first time he saw dead people floating in the rising water. He wished he hadn’t seen such things but went through it anyway. God doesn’t leave or forsake us. He is there with us all the time. But as Christians, we must go through the fire. It is to prove our resolve and the power of God. The life we lead isn’t always easy, but it is always simple. Why would God send us through the fire? Doesn’t He love and care for us? God doesn’t allow any temptation beyond our ability to withstand it. He is proving who we are and what we believe. You know, as well as I do, that the only way to prove what you say is true, is testing and trials. When the pressure comes, we will either stand or run for the hills. There isn’t one Christian who will not be tested. It is part of your life as a believer. As we walk through this journey, we will come through the fire. And on the other end, when we are finished with this life, we will go home to God.

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The week of 4^th of July, I was in California. I went to my friend’s church. What struck me right off, was that the whole church was on fire. What I mean by on fire, is that this church was sold out to God. They weren’t afraid of showing it to anyone. One young man on the worship team was bouncing over the stage as he sang. I saw the fire in him first. Then as I looked around, I saw it in the rest of the church. The fire of God is nothing new. Elijah, on Mount Tabor, called down the fire of God to consume his offering. Moses was drawn to God by the fire that didn’t consume the bush. God is called the all-consuming fire. The children of Israel worshipped God with an offering consumed by fire. Fire is part and parcel of God’s economy. The fire is from off the altar of God. God has a plan for the fire in our life. It is to be consumed by God. There is no other place to go, where you will find someone to love you unconditionally. Who is there in times of need. Who will clean us up and set us on our feet. And then love us until we catch fire. Just like California, the fire of God is spreading across this land and the world. God will always have a people, that will not bow their knee to baal. So, when you catch fire, let God’s will flow through you. Let God influence the people around. Then they will catch on fire and influence the world for God. God is an all-consuming fire.

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If you have ever been to Israel, you know that is made up of mountains. The only plain is the valley of Jezreel. In fact, that is where the battle of Armageddon will be fought. There is an ancient city on the top of a hill called Megiddo. God   chose this land for the Israelites, because they had to walk up and down the hills to get anywhere. This gave them a lot of exercise and kept them healthy. Also, God chose this land because it was hard to mount a war against Israel on the mountain. It was as they say a rocky road. It hasn’t change very much. Our journey through life is basically up and down and around the mountains. We are set on our feet by God and turn loose on this world. Do you remember when you first came to God? You were on fire and wanted to kill giants. Most people didn’t know what to do you. They should have stepped aside and let you go. I wanted to be Jack the giant killer. And guess what, I did. I didn’t let anyone stop me. Many Christians didn’t want to even fellowship with me. And I would find a few giant killlers and we would fellowship. What it was, I was on fire for God and the only ones who get near had to be on fire too. It is still the same. But we are coming to the end of time and Christians need to focus. The approaching darkness is surrounding us. You don’t want to wake in the middle of the night, when you can’t work, and regret your life. God loves everyone, but He doesn’t send people to hell. People have to chose to go to hell. And the most wonderful thing is that God loves everyone, even in hell. As they say, down here in the country, Pick your choose. Because it is forever.

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When I began with the Lord, I had no working knowledge of God or the bible. I wanted to find out what the bible had to say and who God is. So, I began by having a bible in my house, my car and at the office. I would read at stop lights. I was going to read the bible as a book to see where it was going. It took me 25 years to read it twice from cover to cover. God kept stopping me and teaching me about Himself. I use the KJV bible. I like the flowery wording. All along the way, I was learning about prayer. I carry on conversations with God about anything. God would come shopping with me. He would find deals for me and parking places in the front of the store. I would read about people who were God’s servants that talk to God all the time. I wanted this in my life. Then I realized that I had been doing this from the beginning. Jesus said that He would send a teacher and comforter, the Holy Spirit, into our lives. The Holy Spirit would teach us about God, because He is God. it was a step by step process. But everyone, included non-believers, hear God’s voice. In Jeremiah 31:33, God said that He would write His laws and commandment in our hearts. Do you remember when you were a child and you want to disobey your parents. There was a voice inside of you telling you not to do it. most people just dismissed it as your own conscience. Sorry folks, that was God talking to you. Over the years, the voice of God diminished, until you couldn’t hear it. You want to get your prayers answered and hear the voice of God again. Turn to God and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Then accept His healing and follow after God. This is prayer.

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A young friend came back from fighting in Iraq with my son. We were talking about his wounds and battle. My son’s unit was stationed in Kuwait before moving into Iraq. The army was acclimating to the weather. My son said how brave they talked about the coming battle. They hadn’t tasted the string of battle. When they did, things changed. As I was talking to this young friend of mine, I told him that I would come to his house and tell him about the battles I have fought  yes, I’m in an army, but it isn’t of this earth. You see, my battles are heavenly. I don’t fight against flesh and blood.  I war against principalities,  spiritual wickedness in high places. The weapons of my warfare are mighty unto God. I have a helmet, breastplate, shield, shin guards,  sword and combat boots. I have been fighting this war for my myself, my wife and children,  family as and friends for 40 years. I have won many battles the grace and power of God. My hide is full of scars. They have produced the wisdom of God in my life.  My sword of the spirit is the Word of God.  I am more than proficient.  I am deadly.  But the weapons of my warfare aren’t carnal. I reak havoc on the enemy of God. The point is to read and study the Word of God, pray and do the will of God.

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We have all wondered whether or not God exists. Especially, when we went through tests and trials. We walk through unbelief and belief almost at the same time. Then we look at His creation and says there has got to be someone more powerful than ourselves. In our neck of the woods, we have giant oak trees. They are stately and tall. A live oak tree can live for a 1000 years. It roots grow as big as it’s trunk. It is home for birds and squirrels. It provides shade during the hottest day. When the wind blows through, it cools off whoever is under it. Hurricanes can’t topple these trees. It’s beauty is for everyone. The branches are so large and thick, they bow down to the earth. where they touch the ground, new roots spout out. This is to support the size of the tree. God created everything to show who He is. Creation, which we are a part of, is pointing in one direction. That direction is God, Himself. We don’t worship the creation, including man, but we worship God alone. But we can take comfort in the works of His hand, knowing that all creation groaneth for the revelation of the sons of God.

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There are always two side to everything. It doesn’t mean that they are both right. One side must be right and the other, oh well. Today, I find so many people that are sitting on the fence. Who don’t want to offend anyone. But they are doing is not choosing. It is unfortunate that they don’t understand that they have chosen. They made a choice in their life not to do the right thing. We do the right thing because it is right not convenient. There are many examples of right and wrong. Morals and situational ethics are one. Morals are a standard to be lived up to. Situational ethics are convenient choices in our lives. And I will tell you a truth, situational ethics will kill you. God placed the moral standard in our hearts when we were born. This is why we want to do the right thing. Some how the world gets in the way. And we will lie, steal and cheat to get our way or win. There is another coin, faith and doubt. They are the same coin, because it is another choice. Faith will move mountains. Where doubt will destroy your life. God gives us faith to do the work of the kingdom. But when the enemy comes in, people wonder why they even started. It takes courage and persistence to accomplish your goals on earth, as well as in heaven. Faith is the key to our existence. Don’t lose it. It also the key to our life on this earth. So, are you going to flip that coin? What will come up? My God has paid the price for me and I don’t have to flip that coin. My faith is pleasing to God and I am part of His family. You will always have a choice to make. So, make the right one and live.

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