Merry Black Friday!

Twas  the month before Christmas  When  all through our land,  
Not  a Christian was praying  
Nor  taking a stand.  
See  the PC Police had taken  away,   
The  reason for Christmas - no one could  say.    

The  children were told by their schools not to  sing,  
About  Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and  things.   
It  might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would  say   
December 25th is just a 'Holiday'. 


Yet  the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and  credit  
Pushing  folks down to the floor just to get  it!   
CDs  from Madonna, an X BOX, an  I-pod   
Something  was changing, something quite odd!   


Retailers  promoted Ramadan and  Kwanzaa  
In  hopes to sell books by Franken &  Fonda..  
As Targets were hanging their trees upside  down   
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be  found.   
At  K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and  Sears   
You  won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your  ears.   


Inclusive,  sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty   
Are  words that were used to intimidate  me.  
Now  Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf  Blitzen  
On  Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton  !   
At  the top of the Senate, there arose such a  clatter
To  eliminate Jesus, in all public  matter.  


And  we spoke not a word, as they took away our  faith   
Forbidden to speak of salvation and  grace   
The  true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and  discarded  
The  reason for the season, stopped before it  started. 


So  as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream  Tree'   
Sipping  your Starbucks, listen to  me.
Choose  your words carefully, choose what you  say   
Shout  MERRY CHRISTMAS,
Not  Happy Holiday !   

Please,  all Christians join together and   
Wish  everyone you meet during  the   
Holidays  a   
MERRY  CHRISTMAS   
  Christ  is The Reason for the Christ-mas  Season!   

TAG Colby Your It!

October is Pastor Appreciation month and as I was walking the dogs this morning I began to think about the church staff at North Mt. Zion Church of God (NMZCOG) where we attend.  The Senior Pastor, Raburne Wilson, has been there 20 years along with his family which all serve in the church.  Pastor Ryan Wilson, his son, is our Associate Pastor and Minister of Music and Pastor Scott Eller and his wife Ann are the children's Pastor's, BUT they are not who I want to talk about today.

Colby Pendrey is our Choir Director and Children's Minister of Music. When we first began coming to NMZCOG in early 2013, I noticed right away that Colby had T.A.G.! What is TAG; Talent, Abilities and Gifts.  Lets take a quick look at each.

Talent: A natural aptitude or skill. The Bible tells us not to "bury" or hide our "Talents" but to use them, exercise and grow them.  Although Biblical Talents revolve around money, the analogy is still the same.
Daniel 1:17a  As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom;

Ability: Possession of means or knowledge, proficiency in a particular area.  Our natural of fleshly ability is nothing without God as the giver.  God fills those called by Him with skill, knowledge and ability (Exodus 35:30-35).
Exodus 35:31  and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, 

Gifts: A thing given willingly to someone without payment.  God gives us many gifts - Life for one, however, God gives all who are His, different Gifts for different purposes to ultimately accomplish His will.

Romans 12:6a  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:

Colby has all and is all of these things.  He is the Choir Director who leads, sings and plays many instruments.  He is a Minister of the Gospel that can not only preach but teach.  Colby is a fourth grade teacher in Gainesville Ga. and was nominated as Teacher of The year!  This man does it all with EXCELLENCE, and it shows.

So TAG Colby, you are IT Brother!

Blessings

ernie

Two Things I Know

Your probably are saying; Ernie, I knew it.  You would only know two things.  Before you beat me up any further, let me just say that if anyone including myself could master these two things, that person would be considered great among all people and very popular too?

When this Blog came to mind a few days ago, I immediately thought of two friends whom I will not mention their names out of respect for their privacy.  I will make this short and sweet I hope.  Lets take a look.

The Two Things are:
1.)  I know I don't have to be right;  This is a big one for me.  I grew up with a father who is always right (and really is 90% of the time).  What I have found is that it is better to "defer rightness" to others and be rich in relationships than be right and be poor with friends.

Deuteronomy 12:8b NKJV  —every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes—
Proverbs 14:12 NKJV  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

As we can see, every man or women think they are right, even to the point of death?  Although these verses have a more spiritual implication where death is denying God, I do believe it has a more physical application in regards to earthly relationships and not just our Heavenly relationship with The Father.

I have a friend (he no longer calls me one) whom accused me several years ago of something that I did not do.  I could have proved myself "right" at the cost of hurting at least four other people not including myself, however, I knew it was better that my friend think himself right and lose his friendship than possibly damage the other relationships to the point of irreconcilability.  Those other relationships were more important than mine and his.  To this day he will not talk to me.  I had hoped time would soften his heart towards me but it has not yet - still hopeful!

2.)  I know that encouragement is better than criticism:  Now let me say two things before I go further; 
1.  This is directly related to the first "I Know" and,
2.  I SUCK AT THIS (or in the Queens English "sucketh at this").  Remember, knowing and doing are two different things!?



As a former Law Enforcement Instructor/Trainer it was important to be able to properly critique the students and correct any problems to help increase competency.  My two training mentor's Rick Myers and Jack Strenges had two different approaches for me.  Rick told me; People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care! and Jack would tell me to say; This is not a point of criticism but a point of interest!  (that is a cool statement huh)


Ephesians 4:29 NLT  Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.


With Rick, I learned to care and I really did.  I loved my brothers and sisters in the badge and cared very much for there safety.  I didn't want them to just survive, I wanted them to win and be mentally healthy as well.

With Jack, I learned that a teaspoon of sugar helps the medicine go down.  He would tell me that if I was going to help them mentally, I had to build them up and not just tear them down.

Since I don't need to be right all the time, I don't have to tell people how wrong they are and I find it easier to give encouragement than before.  I am continuing to work on this with my wife's help.

Blessings
ernie

What Tie Are You Holding On To?

I only own two suits, however I have several ties.  Some are like me - conservative, but several are

very colorful.  The bright ones are from my Bride.  I was thinking about the ties in my closet this morning as I was getting dressed.  Those ties led me to think about the ties I have with my family, friends and former coworkers.

As I posted on Facebook, this mornings prayer from Dale Gentry, I began to think of the "ties" I have with the people whom I am "fb" friends with.  I am tied to some through birth, youth, school, marriage, work, and church.  Several I don't really know, though we have shared a similar service or calling (my Law Enforcement career).  Several "friends" are maintained because of our like mindedness.  I am glad to say that I am friends with people whom have completely different views, beliefs and values than myself - but we still call each other Friend.

Of all of the "ties" I share with those called friends, One is set apart from the rest.   Yes, the others are important but not preeminent.  This One tie is so strong and lasting it is eternal.  This One tie allows us to share life everlasting (for better or worse as some are thinking).  This particular tie is worth more than all the other ties put together.  In the big-picture of things, it is the only One worth holding onto.

Blest Be the Tie That Binds | John Fawcett

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne,

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts, and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again!

(Proverbs 6:21 KJV)  Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

This Proverb is talking about a Wisdom which only comes from The Lord.  You find this wisdom by finding Him!

(Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT)  Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near.  Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong.  Let them turn to the LORD that He may have mercy on them.  Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously. 

Blessings

ernie

Get Past The Past

My good friend Kevin Bair was talking to me about past failed relationships that were hindering growing forward, when he made a prophetic statement: I am a sinner no doubt, however, I have gotten past my past.  Besides, there is to much Fresh Sin God wants to deal with me about.

Kevin went on to say that if he or anyone else is still stuck on there past, the garbage in our lives is constantly building-up to the point that your living in a dump and don't even know it.  You think you have one issue, when there are tons of issues in each of us that needs attention.  God, being the gentleman that He is, never overwhelms us when dealing with these issues.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT  The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.

So how do I stop the flow of garbage and why is it even necessary - I can handle it...  Oh Really; Garbage-in, Garbage-out!  The garbage of life enters by two gates:

(1)  The Eye Gate:  Satan temps us here and this is where we all fall.

Genesis 3:4-7 NLT  "You won't die!" the serpent replied to the woman.  "God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil."  The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.  At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.

(2)  The Ear Gate:  Satan first temps Eve by slightly corrupting God's word and feeding it to her as if it was truth.

Genesis 3:1-3 NLT  The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?"  "Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden," the woman replied.   "It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, 'You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.'"

Finish this sentence;  God helps those who___________________?  If you said; "helps themselves", then you have been corrupted!?  If we could help ourselves we wouldn't need God, it is when we come to the end of ourselves that Jesus is most strong in our lives.

2 Corinthians 13:9 NASB  For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.

It is our faith, not faith in faith but faith in Christ that strengthens us.  How do I build this faith you ask?

Romans 10:17 NKJV  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The word "hearing" occurs twice meaning something we do over and over and over...  Ok, but how do I get rid of the garbage of the world that is already in there (you always ask the good questions)?

Romans 12:2 NLT  Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Our problem is we try to make ourselves "better".  When you put perfume on garbage it is still garbage.  God does not make us better - He makes us NEW!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT  This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Lastly, Forgive!  Forgive me, forgive your spouse, forgive your family, forgive your friends, forgive your enemies.  Un-forgiveness, doctors tell us is killing us from the inside out?

Colossians 3:13 NLT  Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Blessings
ernie

  

R.I.P.?

For a long time I have been wanting to write about this, but have just been lazy and reluctant to.   With the death of entertainer Robin Williams, I was overwhelmed with the comments about him on Twitter and Facebook saying RIP (Rest In Peace).  Several of those comments where accompanied with sayings; "You were a great comedian...", "The world lost an awesome man...",  "You truly were a great man...", and so on and so on.  Most of these ended with RIP.

I want to take a moment and say that I liked some of the characters and movies that Mr William's played.  I did not know him personally and can only know about him from what the media and movies portray or say.  I am not here to judge him or his eternity or anyone else's for that matter.  There is a great outcry about this mans death, (as seemingly with all entertainers) however where is the outcry to the children in Iraq who ARE being killed and beheaded because their parents where Christian believers in a muslim country? Where is the outcry for our Ally, Israel who is CONSTANTLY being attacked by the same terrorist who desire our destruction?  Lastly, I want to share a post from my friend Andy Bilardello, who not only brings this issue home, but puts it in perspective for us:

Ok people I get it.  Enough!  It's tragic that Robin Williams has committed suicide.  He was a good entertainer, who made millions on his craft. Where's the outcry for the 22 service members who commit suicide EVERY DAY from PTSD?. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/01/16811249-22-veterans-commit-suicide-each-day-va-report
Robin Williams had his demons and apparently he felt that death was his only way out.  But they were self induced demons.  He had well documented issues with substance abuse and domestic issues.  Our service men and women were unwilling pawns in a political game that cost them their lives.  While I feel badly for Mr. Williams and his family, I feel much worse for the families of those brave warriors who gave their all for our Country.

Andy NAILED IT!!!  This is not about bashing Robin Williams, but about getting you to put "First Things First" in our thinking again.  We all matter to The Lord and hopefully we matter to others.  For me personally, me, I mean just me, not you, what matters is my Son who currently Serves, my Father who has Served, My Grandfather on my Mother's side whom Served, my Brides Father whom Served and Grandfather whom Served, my Brother-in-law who still Serves.  These men didn't just serve me, they served you whether you recognized that or not.  When 9-11 happened Max Lucado wrote; " There are two things. Those that matter and those that don't."  We have so quickly forgotten what matters most - PEOPLE!  ALL PEOPLE!  Some just matter more to me.

With all that said, my main focus is on Resting In Peace?  People who write this are just trying to express sympathy and compassion to surviving members, or expressing thanks or respect.  But, what about RIP?  Does someone just sit in their coffin and "rest" or is there more?  What really happens after death?

The Bible tells us that after death believers’ are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16, 36).  Death is to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).

Those who do not receive Jesus Christ as Savior, death means everlasting punishment.   Luke 16:22-23 describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death.  Revelation 20:11-15 describes all the unbelieving dead being judged at the Great White Throne, and then being cast into the lake of fire.

Believers will be granted entrance into the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1).  Unbelievers will be sent to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).  These are the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for salvation (Matthew 25:46; John 3:36).

The point is that life continues according to scripture and that we need to be concerned with where we will continue after death!?  Christians will find Rest and Peace in Christ, unbelievers will have no rest and no peace.  Choose wisely now!


Blessings
ernie

President, Police & Problems

If you have been reading the news, conservatives (people who cling to the ideals and values of our founders) have been labeled "son's of bitches" and "terrorists" by the labor unions and Vice President Biden.  WOW, what has happened to our Nation?  How is it that as a nation so many have been deceived to have elected (when history plays out) a muslim and quite possibly an illegal alien as the top ranking official in this country.  All of this occurring while we are at war with islam and have a constant issue with illegal aliens pouring into this country and our top ranking official is fighting against those trying to stop the flow.  HELLOOOOO, is anybody awake???

NOTE:  By the way, we are not at war with islamic extremist  - these so called "extremist" are practicing the muslim religion.  The ones who say that islam is peaceful and that is what they practice are either liars or don't know there own religion.  This shouldn't surprise anyone, even in this country many people think they are christians and have no clue that they aren't...

I am very concerned for my former Law Enforcement brothers and sisters.  When the people are either fed up with the government or engaging in large group criminal behavior (rioting) then who bears the brunt of that fury?  The Police!  Why, because we are the visible arm of the government.  Most people wouldn't recognize their congress official, a supreme court justice or even the vice president - but they know that police car and uniform!  Not only are the Police expected to Serve and Protect (that is backwards by the way) but then we have to bear the brunt of violence for the actions of our so called leaders.  I wonder if they were rocked and bottled if they might be more responsible.

Rioting is both illegal and rebellion.  The Bible says "rebellion" is as the sin of witchcraft?  I do however support "revolution" which is what this country was founded with - not rebellion.  Sadly though, if it comes to revolution, the police will be the ones found in the middle still - Lord Help us I pray.

Ephesians 6:12 NLT  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Make sure you have The Whole Armor of God on!  If you don't know what that is - please contact me.

ernie

UPDATE:  I wrote this blog over two years ago and it is more accurate today.  There is a Traitor sitting in the White House who needs to be held accountable!

The 545 People Responsible for All of America’s Woes

Charlie Reese’s Final Column;


Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, we have deficits? Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don’t propose a federal budget. The president does. You and I don’t have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does. You and I don’t write the tax code. Congress does. You and I don’t set fiscal policy. Congress does. You and I don’t control monetary policy. The Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine Supreme Court justices — 545 human beings out of the 235 million — are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered but private central bank.

I excluded all but the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don’t care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it.

No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislation’s responsibility to determine how he votes.

A CONFIDENCE CONSPIRACY

Don’t you see how the con game is played on the people by the politicians? Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of Tip O’Neill, who stood up and criticized Ronald Reagan for creating deficits.

The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it. The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating appropriations and taxes.

O’neill is the speaker of the House. He is the leader of the majority party. He and his fellow Democrats, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetos it, they can pass it over his veto.

REPLACE SCOUNDRELS

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 235 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted — by present facts — of incompetence and irresponsibility.

I can’t think of a single domestic problem, from an unfair tax code to defense overruns, that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.

When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it’s because they want it unfair. If the budget is in the red, it’s because they want it in the red. If the Marines are in Lebanon, it’s because they want them in Lebanon.

There are no insoluble government problems. Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take it.

Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exist disembodied mystical forces like “the economy,” “inflation” or “politics” that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people and they alone are responsible. They and they alone have the power. They and they alone should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses — provided they have the gumption to manage their own employees.

This was written in September 1985.

Global Socialism: New World Order is Not New Nor Orderly!

In September 1959, Soviet dictator Nikita Khrushchev during his visit to the United States said to then Secretary of Agriculture, Ezra Taft Benson, "Your children will live under communism." 
"On the contrary," Secretary Benson replied, "My grandchildren will live in freedom as I hope that all people will."

Khrushchev retorted: "You Americans are so gullible.  No, you won't accept Communism outright; but we'll keep feeding you small doses of Socialism until you will finally wake up and find that you already have Communism.  We won't have to fight you; we'll so weaken your economy, until you fall like overripe fruit into our hands."


Wars (though necessary) create government involvement which negatively impacts a free society. Wars mean more taxes, more people (bigger government), less freedom, more power and more control!  Our nation figured out that the wars need not be of a military nature but "Social Wars" work just as well; War on Drugs, War on Poverty, War on Crime, War on Healthcare and so-on!?  These so-called "Social Wars" create the same results as a military conflict, "Socialistic Control of Society".  If the nations of the world work  towards this direction, it becomes very easy to see how individual rights are replaced with societal rights.


Lets take one more look: Abortion legalized in 1973 has created incredible social issues from Post Abortion Stress Syndrome, Sexually Transmitted Disease Increases, Social Security Issues???  Government to the rescue again with what - sex education training most parents would never approve of, more STD's, Aids funding, less parental control and of course more abortion funding to keep the cycle going.    


Global Socialism says we are all equal and everyone should be able "to have".  WAKE UP AMERICA, we are all equal in creation but not position in God's eye's only.  I am not ashamed to say that The United States of America is far superior to any other nation - WE GIVE THE MOST, PROTECT THE MOST AND CARE THE MOST!!!  That is what a Godly Free Society should do because we have been entrusted with the most...

Cult Test, Take II

Ok, just a couple more tests to cover most cults.  Before I forget, you can visit Rose Publishing to get a pamphlet on the different cults - you might be surprised???

You are in a cult if:

4.  Your church/denomination requires you to do "penance" as part of sin forgiveness.  Penance is voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression for committing sin(s).  What this says is that Jesus' suffering on the Cross for the sins of all mankind was not enough!  That is Spiritual-Adultry!

Question; How many of your sins did Jesus die for?  How many sins had you committed when Jesus died on the Cross for them?  That should settle that...


5.  Your church/denomination requires you to work in order to get to Heaven.


Romans 11:6 NLT  And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.


If getting to Heaven if contingent on my good works - I'll never get there!?  It is was Jesus Christ did and Him Alone!


6.  Your church/denominations founder is NOT Jesus.  The Church is built on The Truth, that Jesus is the Son Of God and is God in The Flesh on Earth.


Matthew 16:15-18 AMP  He said to them, But who do you [yourselves] say that I am?  Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.  Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven.  And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros--a piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, petra--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].

Questions or comments, call or email me - Love you all...

In a Cult? Take this Test to See!

This is a short test to see if the "Church/Denomination" you attend is considered a "Cult"?  For the Christian, a cult is ANY false teaching or misrepresentation of The Godhead (The Trinity) and His Word.  This is not an all inclusive test, however, it covers most cults.  Lets take a look.

You are in a cult if:
1.  Your church/denomination denies the Diety of Jesus Christ.  Simply put, you are taught that Jesus is not The One and Only Son of God and is The Creator, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Co-Equal, Co-Eternal and Co-Existant with the Trinity (Second Person of The Trinity).

John 1:1-3 AMP
IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]  He was present originally with God.  All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.


For example: if you are told that Jesus is Lucifer's (satan) Brother or that Jesus is a created being - you are in a cult!?

2.  Your church/denomination denies the Virgin Birth.  Jesus had to be conceived miraculously in order to be a ransom for the sins of ALL mankind!  Only the God-Man (Jesus) could pay the price - no other man was capable.

Luke 1:26-35 NASB
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.  And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."  But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.  The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.  "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."  Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"  The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.


3.  Your church/denomination denies The Trinity.  Although a difficult concept to fully grasp - One God in three Persons, it is fundamental to the Christian Faith.

Since God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all God and Lord Themselves – this means that all Three of Them are totally perfect in Their actual personalities and natures. And if They are totally perfect in Their actual personalities – then this now means They are totally capable of being perfectly one with one another.  Bible-Knowledge.com

1 John 5:7 NKJV
For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

Revelation 1:8 NIV
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

The question my friends is: Do you believe what this book The Bible says or not?  Jesus either wasn't what He said He was, but didn't know it - which would make Him crazy or He wasn't what He said he was and knew it - which would make Him a liar or He was whom He said He was and knew it - which would make Him The Christ?

Matthew 16:15 NKJV

He (Jesus) said to them (you to), "But who do you say that I am?"

That's the REAL question?

Am I Saved or Not?

I would like to address an issue I hear a lot from people in the church.  They are questioning their Salvation.
2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT  Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.


Many people, including myself question "why" God has chosen me, but not that He has chosen me.  I believe a major reason that people are not sure of their Salvation is that they don't understand what it means  and what it cost.

Salvation is a three-fold process:

First part of Salvation is Justification;  Instantly after receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Savior you are justified, made righteous in the sight of God.  It is not that you have not sinned or have a good reason for sinning, but that Jesus has made a Justification for your sin.  His justification must be able to out-weigh or pay the penalty in your place.  That is why Christ had to be God in the Flesh!  A man for a man sacrifice may or may not be enough, but a man for mankind certainly could not, so only God could justify all mankind.  Justification frees me from the penalty of sin.

Second part of Salvation is Sanctification;  GotQuestions.org writes; sanctification is the same Greek word as holiness, “hagios,” meaning a separation.  First, a once-for-all positional separation unto Christ at our salvation.  Second, a practical progressive holiness in a believer’s life while awaiting the return of Christ.  This is where I walk my faith out and continually grow in Christ Jesus.  Sanctification frees me from the power of sin.

Third part of Salvation is Glorification;  This is when God removes us from this life by calling us home, either by death or Rapture.  Eternal presence with God is a sinless state.  Instead of our mortal sinful nature, we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to an immortal, sinless creation.  Glorification frees me from the presence of sin.

Be among the chosen;
Romans 8:30 NASB  and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.


Make this Memorial Day memorial...

The Four Realms of Decisions: Bad, Good, Better and Best

Recently my oldest Son and younger Brother are in the process of making some very important and

personal decisions (neither effecting each other).  My Brother Erik, is familiar with this teaching that I am going to give, however I have made some changes he is unaware of.  My oldest Son Joshua has not heard this nor has any of my other children.  I believe this can have immense benefit during any decision, opportunity, dilemma or circumstance.  Let me explain.

When ANYTHING happens to us or even others, we determine what it's effect will be based on what area I / you rank or order it in.  For example; you go to the doctor and you discover you have cancer.  I think it would be safe to say that we all would say that is "BAD".  Now that the dilemma has been categorized, the affected party starts to deal and process the ramifications from the stand point of where it is ranked.  Conversely, you go to work and receive an unexpected bonus, at the very least we would say that was "GOOD".  I refer to this as "The Four Realms", whether it is processing something or making a decision about something, we will initially place that "something" into one of four areas; Bad, Good, Better or Best.

OK Ernie, SO WHAT?  The "so what" is most of the time we categorize what is going on or happening to us in the immediate present only to find out later (sadly much later) that we didn't discern correctly.  Discernment should be at the top of most Christian prayer list, yet it is GREATLY LACKING in the church today.  How can I say that?  Simple, I see the lack of it in peoples lives every week.  A definition for Discernment is Godly Wisdom, Good Judgement and Divine Insight.  Where does it come from and or how do you get it?
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy One is understanding.

It starts with a Relationship with The Lord Jesus;
James 1:5-7 NLT  If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.  He will not rebuke you for asking.  
(6)  But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.  Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.  
(7)  Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

There are many many more scriptures but we will move on.  NOW GET THIS: Not every gift or opportunity is from God?  The question we need to ask first is what Realm or Realms does God operate in and which does the devil?  Typically people will say the devil is in the "BAD" and God wants the "BEST" for us.  My Children (Breana, Joshua, Corina, Caleb) most of the time what we think is "BAD" God does not.  As a wise friend once told me; "Tragedy is God's greatest tool for getting our attention!"  Better to suffer from a terrible disease and be drawn to Jesus and gain eternity, than live a long life of rejecting Him and end up in hell - you make the call?

The devil does operate in the "BAD" because he is, and God is the only One who can make the "BAD" "GOOD".

John 10:10 NKJV  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Genesis 50:20 NKJV  But as for you (satan), you meant evil (bad) against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

The devil most often operates in the realm of "BETTER"?  He doesn't mind you having something as long as it is not God's "BEST" for you.  Satan steals the 'BEST" by sudden opportunities of "BETTER".  Ernie, why would anyone take "BETTER" over "BEST"?  That is a great question.  We often miss God's "BEST" because we are willing to settle for less, especially if it is quicker and more readily available.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT  For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  
(12)  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  
(13)  If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me.  
(14a)  I will be found by you," says the LORD.

The "future and a hope" God is talking about is not "BETTER" than you think, it is the "BEST"!!!

Let me tell this true story;

My neighbor was a construction worker up North many years ago.  While working on a special job, he was injured and broke both of his legs (that was bad).  Because he was working a special job his pay was more than usual, consequently he made that "more" amount during the whole time he was recuperating (that was good).  In order to get better, his legs had to heal then one was re broken at a time and straightened out and had to heal again.  A process which took two plus years.  During the same time their youngest son developed some terminal disease (that is bad).  The child died just prior to his legs completely healing.  My neighbor was able to stay home EVERYDAY with his son up until the boy died.  He tells me that injury was the BEST thing that could have happened, because he would not have been able to spend that same amount of time with his son.

Proverbs 4:1-7 NLT  My children (Breana, Joshua, Corina, Caleb), listen when your father instructs you.  Pay attention and learn good judgment,  

(2)  for I am giving you good guidance.  Don't turn away from my instructions.  

(3)  For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved as my mother's only child.  

(4)  My father taught me, "Take my words to heart.  Follow my commands, and you will live.  

(5)  Get wisdom; develop good judgment.  Don't forget my words or turn away from them. 

(6)  Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.  Love her, and she will guard you. 

(7)  Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!  And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

Proverbs 4:20-27 NLT  My child, pay attention to what I say.  Listen carefully to my words.  

(21)  Don't lose sight of them.  Let them penetrate deep into your heart,  

(22)  for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.  

(23)  Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  

(24)  Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.  

(25)  Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  

(26)  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.  

(27)  Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Seek God's will to discover His "BEST" for you my children.

DADDO loves you and supports you...