Author Archives: joseph1637

It’s not if we are going to be persecuted.

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Anyone who is a believer knows that when you speak in the name of Jesus, people will object. The bible says that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and tongue confess that He is Lord of all. We all know that the devil hates this and prods people to object to the name of Jesus. It is unfortunate that we will receive objects from other believers. This is where persecution comes into play.

In the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus said that we will be persecuted. He said that we are blessed when we are. And that we are to bless and not curse the person when they do. So, Jesus is saying that we, as believers, will suffer persecution. And the converse is just as true. If we are not using the name of Jesus, which God commands us to, we will not be persecuted. The devil does not fight against anyone that is not living and doing God’s word. But that is a trap in itself. If you shy away from living out God’s word in your life, you will not succeed in the kingdom of heaven.

God said to follow Him wherever He led us. He says that we are to renew our minds and hearts through the His word. God’s word says that we are more than conquerors through Him who strengthens us. And that we are to take up His armor to protect ourselves against the wiles of the devil. God’s armor is the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, shod, shoes, with being prepared by reading the gospel, the bible. And lastly with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

In Matthew 7:21-23, the bible says that Jesus will turn away people from heaven, who didn’t pursue Him even though they were believers in the church. The reason is that they never did get to know Him. Our relationship with Jesus is how we enter into Heaven. There is no other way. Follow Jesus and pursue Him with all your heart.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

How clear is your vision?

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Everybody hopes for things. We all want to have our needs met. We need to have food, clothing and shelter. Each of us has this drive in us to survive as our needs are met. It is to various degrees that our needs are met. Some people take it to the nth degree and say that there isn’t enough money in the world that will satisfy themselves. They become obsessed with greed. Then there are those who say that having their needs met are enough. They choose happiness with family and friends over wealth.

Then God says to follow Him and He will provide everything that we need. He ask us to trust Him with our lives and our families. God’s word is replete with everything that He will do. It starts in Genesis and ends in Revelation. Literally God repeats Himself throughout the bible. It literally says over 360 times in the bible not to be afraid and trust in Him. You think He’s trying to tell us something. That is about 1% of the bible.

It is funny, interesting, how people deal with the promises of God. Sometimes it is just sad how people don’t even want to hear what God is saying. But back someone into a corner they can’t get out of and they will pray to ask God for help. There is a famous story here in Louisiana, a mafia leader was walking up the steps of the federal courthouse in New Orleans. A preacher was walking with him and he turned to the preacher and ask him to pray for mercy.

It all comes down to what you see all around you. And whether you can see anything at all. Jesus walked on this earth for about 33 years. Everyone in Judah knew who He was and what He stood for. Anyone who wanted to meet Him did. Everyone heard what He said about how to live in the kingdom of God. The spectrum was from those that believed Jesus to those who didn’t and hated Him. The interesting part was that everyone understood what He was saying and how much it would cost them.

That is the difference between God’s children and the world. Everyone knows who God is and what is required for them to return home. God’s children are willing to pay the cost of believing. Where the world isn’t willing to pay that cost. What is that cost? It is the same cost as Jesus paid. We have to die to ourselves and let God raise us from the dead. That doesn’t mean that you can pick up where you left off before Jesus. It means that you are dead to yourselves and follow Jesus wherever He leads. And unless you are willing to pay that price, you will not make it home. We can’t save ourselves from anything.

So what do you see? Is your life on track to go home to heaven or not? If your life is about you, you are on the wrong path. God’s word says that He directs our path and show us how to get home. Jesus said that it is a narrow gate to enter into the path home. Sadly, it also says that few find it. As long as you are breathing, you have a chance. I ask you to listen to what I am saying. Look and see the Lord is good.

Crain Blanchard

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

It’s not how, it is when.

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Since the beginning of time, God has said exactly what will happen on this earth. People has discounted God’s word because it has not happened now. People think that because God’s judgment is not immediate, it won’t happen at all. This is the furthest thing from the truth. Everything that God has said will happen, did happen. It is all in God’s time. God’s word says that mercy triumphs over judgment. God gives everyone able opportunity to hear the truth and turn to Him. The Promised Land that God gave to Abraham was lost on two different occasions because of sin. The Israelites returned to the Promised Land for a 3th time in 1947. In God’s economy, the number 3 is the number of perfection. God is testing Israel to see if they will remain faithful to His word.

It is the same for the rest of the world. We are in the time of testing. God is seeing if we are going to be faithful to His word. Everything that is going to happen is written in God’s word. And God has already explained what He is going to do. So, the how does not need to be explained again. Now what God is wanting from us is to be ready for the when. He said He would come as a thief in the night. And only those who are ready will receive Him. God also said that when He comes those who look like Him will be able to see Him. And yes I am talking about Jesus Christ.

God talks about the signs of the times and recognizing them. The first sign that Jesus is returning that we can recognize is Israel returning to the Promised Land. So we are in the season of His return. Will I see Jesus return to reign and rule in Jerusalem? I don’t know. Only the Father knows when He will return.

The only time that God actually guarantees in now. The Bible says that today is the day of salvation and now is the time. This is the only time that everyone has is now. So, let me ask you a question. Are you ready to face God? If you are not ready, now is the time to get ready. It is very simple to get ready. God says to turn from your wicked ways and face God and ask for forgiveness. And God says that He will forgive. All of what I have said is in the Bible. God is willing to take all of us back home. Only if we are willing to go home to God. So, it is not how, but when.

Crain Blanchard

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Where to Begin Part #1: Relationship with God.

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Ever since the time of Adam and Eve, man has struggled with being separated from God. When God was separated from man by his sin, God provided for man to return. God made a covenant to allow man to return. Since that time, man has tried to find every reason to say that he doesn’t need God. At the tower of Babel, man going to shoot an arrow at God to say that He didn’t need God. God scrambled their languages and scattered them across the world. With Noah, God had him preach to mankind that a flood was coming and they needed to choose. It took Noah 100 years to build the ark. When God closed the door on the ark, people realized that God wasn’t joking. Did you know that Abraham knew his 9th great grandfather Shem, Noah’s son? By this time God was going to choose a people to represent Him on earth. God made a covenant with Abraham. Even Abraham at first didn’t believe and trust God. Finally he came to place where we all have to arrive, trusting in God. God speaks of Abraham and says that he was justified by faith. Then came Moses, then David, Solomon, then Isaiah, Ezekiel, and all the other prophets. Yet God’s people still didn’t follow after God. Then God sent His son, Jesus, to fulfill the Covenant with Abraham and mankind. And the promise is made unto you to enter into the kingdom of God by believing and trusting in Jesus Christ.

1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

1John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Crain Blanchard

joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

God’s plan being revealed.

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This is an excerpt from chapter 18, God’s plan being revealed, of my second book, The Reality of being a Believer in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile. My first book is Prayer, God’s most valuable tool. It is available on Amazon.

You know the age old questions, who am I and what is my purpose here, are part of God’s plan for us. People run around searching for the answers to these two questions and do not see that they are right in front of us. Those questions were placed in our hearts to figure out God’s plan for our life. Most people miss the answers because they are looking in the wrong places. Do we make mistakes? You bet your life on it. We have pushed aside God’s calling for something earthly. Not wanting to hear the truth of the matter, we chase the lie. Yes, I was part of that crowd that did not want to hear God speak the truth to us. I wanted what I wanted and it was not God. After many unsuccessful attempts to fill my life with nothing, I hit the wall. I got up batter and bruised from my own stupidity. I became very hateful and bitter about life. It was not until a friend reached out to me that I began to see another way. He accepted me for me. I did not have to change or jump through hoops. I just listen to what he had to say for 3 months. Then I realized that there was a better way. God’s plan for my life was being revealed.

In the beginning, God developed a plan for the universe. It included mankind. God wanted to share all that He had with someone who would appreciated Him and His effort for us. We do not think that God has emotions like we do. But He passed on His emotions to us. There is a scripture that says, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. If you do not think so, ask the people before the flood or ask the Egyptians that persecuted the Israelites, from Moses until today. The one thing that is a blessing is that God can control His emotions. God loves us and is longsuffering toward us. This is part of His plan for us.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Giving, the cost of Believing.

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This is an excerpt from chapter 24 of my upcoming book, the Reality of being a Believer, whether Jew or Gentile. My first book, Prayer, is on Amazon.

What is the most well known scripture in the world? Of course it is John 3:16. Most people saved or not can quote it from memory. It is an iconic scripture standing for what it means to be a believer. I have seen it displayed at football or baseball games. It has appeared any where there were people to see or a camera to broadcast it. People have fought against displaying this one particular scripture because it has such meaning for everyone. Ever look at what this scripture says and means? The meaning it has for the believer is basic. It is about who God is and what He has done for us. Then the second part speaks of what we have to do for God and ourselves. So, what does it say specifically?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

For God so loved the world, that pretty much includes everyone. It does not exclude anyone. God loves everyone on this earth. Then what did He do because He loves everyone? For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. This means that God gave Jesus to be sacrificed for our sins that we could come back to Him. This is a very strong love to do that for His creation. God gave to us the most important gift He had to rescue us from eternal death. This is something that we could not do for ourselves. Only God has the power to be able to transform us into the image and likeness of Himself. After man sinned and was separated from Him, God gave to us a redeemer to come back to Himself. Giving is a most important part of our life here on earth.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Commitment.

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This is an except from chapter 21 of my upcoming second book, The Reality of being a Believer, whether Jew or Gentile. My first book, Prayer, is on Amazon.

Commitment to God requires courage on our part. We can not continue unless we believe that God is true and worthy of our commitment. The day I gave my heart to the Lord, was the day that He came down and surrounded me for most of the day. His presence was so thick that everyone else was a million miles away. It was God and me. I did not understand what was going on and became afraid. That is when the presence of God left me. I turn to my friend who brought me to church in the first place. He and his wife began to disciple me. They had a new baby and I became their second one. For 6 months I was at their home every night, listening and learning about God and His purpose for me. It took the fear out of following God. As I learned I grew in the Lord. My faith grew exponentially. Soon I became taking on the commandments of God. As they worked through me, I grew. The word of God taught that I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. And that I can move mountains if I believe and do not doubt.

The power of God does not flow through someone who is not committed. We as a human do not have the power to changed anything. But when we as believers ask God to do something, He will work through us to accomplish His will on this earth. I have seen many miracles and the hand of God change the world right in front of me.

As I walked with God, my faith grew to where I was using it to accomplish God’s will on this earth. But I was committed to God’s plan. God began to teach me and lead me in paths where I did not see anyone walking down. One, it was not for anyone else what God was teaching me. Two, God wanted me to be reliant on Him alone. This is where courage and commitment come into play. The paths that God was leading me on, scared me. I had to have courage to walk in the valley of the shadow of death. And commitment to follow God into hell and back. So, where do you stand?

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Jospeph1637.com

God’s Plan.

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This is an excerpt from my new book, The Reality of Being a Believer, Jew or Gentile. it is chapter 18, God’s Plan. My first book, Prayer, is on Amazon. My second book will be published this year.

In the beginning, God developed a plan for the universe. It included mankind. God wanted to share all that He had with someone who would appreciated Him and His effort for us. We do not think that God has emotions like we do. But He passed on His emotions to us. There is a scripture that says, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God. If you do not think so, ask the people before the flood or ask the Egyptians that persecuted the Israelites, from Moses until today. The one thing that is a blessing is that God can control His emotions. God loves us and is longsuffering toward us. This is part of His plan for us.

We will never know the full plan of God until we reach heaven. Until we do, God reveals here a little, there a little, line upon line, precept upon precept. We learn from God a little at a time. As smart as we think we are, if God explain everything to us at once. We could not understand it. It would be overwhelming. Sometimes the little bit that God reveals is hard to swallow. I have had to walk in difficult situation. And most of the time I did not want to be there. But I am willing to serve God and trust Him. I did not see the purpose for many of my expeditions with God. Yes they were adventures into the dark continent of my heart. Otherwise known as the Valley of Death. What God wanted to do with me is to change me into the image and likeness of Jesus. My adventures with God were alone. It was just God and me. I did not see anyone see walking in my path. It was scary because I did not know what to expect. But I knew that God went before and protected me wherever we walked.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Speaking to God.

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This is an excerpt from Chapter 15 of my second book, The Reality of being a Believer, whether Jew or Gentile. My first book, Prayer, is available on Amazon.

When I came to the Lord, I knew nothing about God. I began to read the bible to see what God said and who He was. I knew that I wanted to speak to God and for Him to speak to me. God was a stranger, but I knew that He loved and cared for me. I read incessantly. I had a bible at home, one in my car and one on my desk at work. So, where ever I was I could read the word of God. I was a baby in Christ stumbling and fumbling around to be able to walk on the path God had for me. I read the King James English version. It is still my version of choice.

I read until I heard a voice speak to me. Usually the voice would quote a scripture in King James English. I became familiar with the voice because it would explain the scripture that was quoted. As I became familiar with that voice, my faith grew in the Lord. I knew that God was talking to me. Later on God began to speak to me in regular English. I asked Him why He spoke to me in King James English instead of regular English. God said it was because I had learned the scripture in King James English and that was what I was familiar with. In other words to trust His voice.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

What did you see the first time?

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What did you see the first time you held your new baby in your arms? I saw the hope of the future. I also saw the responsibility I had for a new human being. As I looked at each of my children and saw the that little face smile at me, it melted my heart. I was in love with this little person, who could not say a word, but spoke volumes to my heart. All I could see was the opportunity or hope of this little one to become more than I did. I knew the joy and the love and the pain this life was going to have. But I was hoping and praying for a better life. I was beside myself when I held that child. I have four sons and five grandchildren. My children and grandchildren are busy and loud and rambunctious. In other words, full of life. Some have already surpassed my expectations. I pray for my family every day. I have not always done right by my family. But I have always tried to be what they needed.

That is the thing about children, they will teach you to see what is in your heart. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. No one can change the past. We can only correct the present and pray for the future. When my children would go to spend the night at a friend’s house, the parents would tell us how nice our children were. Then I would asked who are they talking about? I love my family. Something I learned as I studied the bible. Our prayers for our families do not end at our death. As long as my family exist, those prayer will continue before God. My family has been in America for over 400 years. They came to America for religious freedom and have practice their religion in every generation. And I know that they prayed for me and my family. And those prayers are still working for us. I have no doubt that their prayers and mine will continue until my family is no more. Think back and remember the faces of your children and grandchildren and that sweet smile.

Crain Blanchard.

Jospeh1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com