when Solomon became king of Israel, he asked for wisdom to to rule over God’s people. Then God gave him money and power. He understood that wisdom was the only thing the he needed, especially God’s wisdom. In the book of James, it says, if we lack wisdom we can ask of God and He will give it freely. But what does it cost? Did you ever try to explain the wisdom of the gospel to a person who doesn’t want to hear? There is no amount of wisdom that will convince a person who hasn’t come to the end of himself and needs help. The heart of man is deceitful wicked above everything. It is unfortunate that man will not listen until he is trapped and persecuted. So what is the real cost of wisdom? It is our life. Until we surrender our life for God’s, there is no wisdom in us. A fool runs to wickedness and it is an abomination to the Lord. This is the real cost.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

In the bible, it talks about 2 messiahs. The first is the Son of Joseph and the second in the Son of David. The first is to bring peace and restore the jewish kingdom. The second brings order to the world and suffering. Jesus said, I didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. King David ruled by the sword. The peace that they had was relative to their obedience. Joseph, the son of Israel, after 7 years of turmoil, restored peace to the world. These are the 2 types of messiah, Christ. We are living in the days of turmoil and ruled by the sword. But the Son of Joseph, will return and restore peace to the world. We stand here and look into eternity and see the kingdom of heaven coming to this earth. Where Jesus will reign and rule from Jerusalem for 1000 years. We believe and know this will happen. Because the Son of David came and suffered and died for us. God raised Him from the dead and made Him Lord of lords and King of kings. Now the Son of Joseph will come. Come Lord Jesus.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Listening seems to be a lost art in this age of self promotion. Growing up I learned how to listen to people. It was always amazing at what I heard. People will talk about anything. If you just listen and hear what they are saying. They will tell you their life history. Usually, with in 10 minutes, people will let you know you they are. As a Christian, it’s very important for us to listen. We don’t have to speak words if we are living the life of Jesus. People will see and begin to ask questions. I find that the people who strongly object to the gospel, are the ones closest to becoming Christians. That is why the bible says, we are to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. If we are truly died in Christ, anything hurtful that people say will just roll off our back. And we can smile and bless them. People want to know that what we believe is true. And they will test it, to make sure. So, we will be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. (James 1:18-19).

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

When I first came to the Lord, I found out that I was a servant of God. And I was happy to be that. Then I found out that I was a son. I was ecstatic. The bible says that a son is the same as a servant until he grows up.(Gal. 4:1). Unfortunately, most people look for a church that has a reputation to go to. People look for a preacher that can speak well. Charles Finney, a preacher who lead a revival in the late 1800s, read his prepared sermons. 1000s of people came to the altar crying and begging God to save them. He made himself of no reputation. All God wants us to do is take the first step in faith and let Him do the rest. In this world of self promotion, where does that leave you? Jesus came as a man of no reputation and was obedient to God, even until death. (Phil.2:7-9). Jesus is our example. Once you die to self, God can use you to accomplish His will on this earth. The world is watching to see what you are going to do. So what is your next step? (Gal.2:20).

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

All my life I search for someone who would accept me as me. All I saw was people with their own agendas. People said they loved me ,but it was only when it was going their way. So, I searched. It’s a lonely way to live. Then I heard about this person, who gave His life for me. He was both man and God. He lived 2000 years ago. At first I didn’t believe it was true. It took a long time, before I was close to believing. Then I met Him and stories were true. He loved me for who I was. Jesus accepted me, sins and all. It doesn’t matter what people think, say or do to me. I am loved my Father, God, and my older Brother prays for me continually. God sent His Spirit to live inside of me. Now I’m whole and headed home. Romans 5:5-8.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

God made this world and everything is His. When we came into this world, God gave each of us gifts, talents and abilities to be able to live here. But everything is still God’s. All that God wants from us to listen, obey and follow. He is the only one who knows the way home. There has been so many attempts to replace God, it isn’t even funny anymore. Even in the Christian world, God is being replaced with programs. God has written so many letters to man to show how to get to Him. And only a few have even tried. As the bible says, strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads home. God also said how to walk with Him on this earth. He said to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him. And God wants us to give 10% of our income back to Him, through our church. This is to pay for the business of the church. Each minister lives by the gospel. but when you hold it back, you rob God. And that isn’t a good place to be. The money withheld will bring nothing but trouble. It is better to give to God and let Him bless you, than to keep it and be cursed by God. I don’t have time to go into offerings, but they are just as important to our spiritual life. You can’t out give God. For what you give, you will receive in return.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

What do you think would have happened to Jesus, if Joseph didn’t obey God’s command? The bible describes Joseph as a just man. When he found out his espoused wife, Mary, was pregnant. It took the intervention of God to convince him to take her as his wife. If he hadn’t, she would have become a public disgrace and by the law could have been stoned to death. God moved the whole earth around with the tax from Ceasar. Otherwise, Joseph wouldn’t have taken Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Then after the wise men came to see Jesus, God warned Joseph about Herod wanted to kill Jesus. God provided money to live in Egypt, the gifts of the wise men. Then when Herod died, God told Joseph to come home and warned him to go to Nazareth. No one knew who Jesus was except Mary and Joseph. Until, He began His ministry. If Joseph didn’t obey God, what would have happened to Jesus? Now look at your life and ask the same question. Because we are still following God and developing Jesus in our life. What would happen if you don’t obey and follow Jesus? It is because obedience is better than sacrifice.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Everything today is given almost instantaneously. The X generation wants it now. The faster the better. But is it better? The price of cell phones is ridiculous. Companies now finance them so ordinary people can buy them. But they will never match your mind and a pencil and paper. When Jesus was born, there were 3 men and their entourage travels for almost 2 years and they traveled on camels. They were looking for the new king of Israel. They were kings in their own right. They saw a star, which was 5 planets that aligned in the sky. They came from Persia. After they left for home, they left with great joy. They were satisfied that they found Jesus. It changed their lives. How is your search going? Do you think you will be satisfied as these men? If you end game is Jesus, yes you will be. My search took 28 years. Turn around, God is standing there waiting for you. Ask and shall recieve forgiveness. It doesn’t take a lifetime to find Him. Jesus is waiting for you now.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

I have heard most of my Christian life not to concern myself with the Old Testament. It’s the law and we aren’t under the anymore. Guess what? If you sin, what happens to you? You fall under the consequence of the law. In Romans 3:23 and 6:23, the wages of sin is death. The old testament completes the picture of Jesus. It’s as relevant to us today as it was to the Christians of the first century. They only heard scriptures from the old testament about Jesus. We stand upon the law and prophets as our firm foundation. In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus said there are 2 great commandments, to love God with all we are and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Deuteronomy and Leviticus. Every scripture has meaning for us. If we only believe and trust God. Abraham was justified by faith and so are we.

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com

Everyone wants God to do something for them. And God turns around and asks, what’s in your hand? Why? Because God already gave you what you need. God gave you the measure of faith when you became a believer. God said you could move mountains if you believed. God said you are more than a conqueror through Jesus. Now what is the truth? Is God a liar or does He speak the truth. God said life and death are in the power of the tongue. Do you speak life to your situation or not. Faith and doubt are the same. They work in either direction. You can use both. It all depends on what you believe. The longest prayer answered by God was 22 years. The shortest prayer answered by God was in the twinkling of an eye. So, I’ll ask you again, what is in your hand?

Crain Blanchard.

Joseph1637@juno.com

Joseph1637.com