Guardians of Life

Go for a walk in the River. You won't ever be the same.

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Failure

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. What an interesting time we are living in now. This Covid-19 virus has really thrown this world a curve ball. It is apparent that we were not fully prepared for this situation. Without getting into the politics of this, I am going to ramble on about my thoughts and what is in my heart.

I have found a portion of scripture that keeps itself ever before me. Its Isaiah 26:1-4 “In the day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security. 2) Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful. 3) The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. 4) Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.” My focus starts with verse 2 where it talks of the righteous nation that is faithful. Are we faithful? According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary it means; “full of faith, trustful, and not simply trustworthy. It is used of God’s word or covenant as true and to be trusted.” What would lend God to trust us? Simply put “obedience.” Are we obeying His word? Are we walking in faith not fear? Do we believe that no matter what trial comes our way we know beyond a shadow of doubt that God WILL take care of us?

Have you noticed that in the next two verses we have steadfast sandwiching trust? For with Jesus as our “Rock” He is steadfast, strong, stable and unwavering. Do we put our trust in Jesus? If we do trust Him then we will have peace in Phil.4:7 it states “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” So, is our walk one that says we are at peace?

Another thing that has me thinking about is “wisdom.” Whose definition are we using? Man’s or God’s? They are not the same thing. In Ps.111:10 it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. and in 1 Cor. 1:18-31 we have a passage about the wisdom of God. A section of scripture where Paul tells us that God has taken the foolish things of the world and used them to confound the wise. In verse 25 it goes “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than man, and the weakness of God is stronger than man.” So who are we looking to for help during this time?

With all this being said, we have an opportunity to change things. As some modern day prophets have said I tend to agree with is that God is shaking things up. We cannot be doing things in the same old way any longer. Aside from finding new ways to stay connected, some things have become clear. That’s the fact that the world needs Jesus more than ever. People are panicking, hoarding and are just plain lost. We have been given a chance here to preach the “Good News.” What was done in the past to share it hasn’t been enough. And if we go back to doing it the same old way , then have failed. This current virus has been a precursor to what is yet to come. Many “knowledgeable” people have said the future happenings will be worse. If this is so, then we are in trouble. Remember the “Great Commission” as it tells us to go into all the world and preach the “Good News.” This world needs it now more than ever before.

I have asked a few questions in this post. Basically asking if we are failing or not. And we can’t go down the “same old road” any longer. Since we have been given more time now lets use it a bit more wisely. Getting into a better habit of reading our Bibles. Praying more often and listening to what He is saying. For God is shaking things up and when the dust settles we need to be standing taller than ever before. The world is counting on it whether it realizes it or not. Our Faith needs to be strong and our resolve even stronger. We may be the only way some people will be able to get through this challenging time.

Thank you for reading this and please share this with others so that they may be encouraged. thanks once again.

Be blessed, Ken

Erosion

Hello everyone, I’m here to talk about a word the Lord gave me a week ago. It went as follows. “The Tree planted by the River grows deep roots. Long and wide are they. The Tree grows tall, wide and deep. The Tree prevents erosion. Therefore you need more Tree’s. Prevent the erosion of my Word. Erosion causes detours of my River. Even to the point of stopping it. Grow, plant and take deep root in my Word.” This was given to me during a prayer meeting on a Sunday evening at a good friends church. First of all the “Tree” is a child of the Lord. One of His sheep. The “River” is the flowing of the Holy Spirit. With the “Word” being the soil that is eroding away.

So here we see a Tree that appears to be healthy. Growing well in the soil. In Deut.8:3 it states “…that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” And what would that be? Yes, His Word. This is why the Tree grows so well. As this prophecy points out. But there is still a problem. We need more trees. With more trees His word is live and active. For it is easy to come against one tree. Now when there are more than one it’s a different story. Remember that a three stranded cord is not easily broken (Eccl.4:12). Can you imagine what a small remnant can do?

Now as we look at the erosion itself we see His Word being cast aside as there is no one to help this single tree. This is a good example of “iron sharpening iron” when there are many tree’s. We need all these tree’s to take deep root. To grow together. Which will keep the River flowing in its intended path. A path established by God for us. We tree’s need the River to keep flowing by us. Another symbol of the River is the “Living Water” talked about in John ch. 4. For the tree’s at the edge of the River draw from the River this “Living Water” and are fed from the source itself. Growing stronger all the time.

This word of the Lord points to our world today. We have an ever increasing desire to dumb down and even change the Lord’s Word. People are trying to make it fit their desires of today. God’s Word has stood the test of time and will continue to do so. We must be firm in our faith and stand strong in the face of change. “Take deep root” and encourage others to do the same thing. At a conference that I had recently gone to one of the main speakers talked about Rev. 21:8. This is a passage that mentions the second death. Of those going to it will be the cowardly. We all have at times found it to be difficult to share the good news at times. But this is not an option any longer. When he pointed this out in scripture, it caught my attention. There can be silence no longer. It may be scary at first, but as we continue to share it will be easier. Personally I am to old to worry about what people may think. I want to stand before God and hear “well done” when I’m in His presence.

Please be encouraged to pray about this. Spending time with God is always good. Trust me when I say that you are not alone in being uncomfortable sharing His Word. This is one thing that we must get over.

Thank you for reading this and please share this posting with others. Its a good thing to encourage others.

Be blessed, Ken

Under His Wings

Well here we go with another word. This one is short. It is this; “Shelter under His wings.” As I heard this I saw a picture of God scooping up His people and was bringing them close to Him. This was given to me at the beginning of a Saturday night prayer time. The focus of the evening was people who got hurt from others or were just hurting. As I pressed in I was being guided to scripture. In my search two scriptures were pointed out. Both of them from the gospels and were of the same example. So lets use the one found in Matt. 23:37-39 ( the other is Luke 13:34-35). It states “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, The way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you are unwilling. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD’ “

After I read this I went to the commentary below and read about how God wants to gather those who are hurt, but we won’t let Him. We don’t think He can help us. How is that for a “dumb” thought? Who knows us better than the One who created us and gave us life. Now if we look at the word gather we think about bringing together. Why? Why does He want to do this? For our protection. When someone is hurting they are in a vulnerable place. Often looking for help anywhere they can get it. Listening to those who don’t have the best of intentions. Those seeking to gain from your hurt. Or we think that we can handle it ourselves. All of these thoughts are so misplaced. Once again Who better than the one who created us. God is able to meet and take care of ALL our needs. We need to just let Him do it.

Also in this section of scripture I can’t help but think about how it applies to us here in America. We have elected people to government offices who want nothing to do with Christianity. They’re behaving like Jerusalem’s reputation. More or less killing or stoning those who live and speak God’s word. Then comes the warning. We may be left desolate. Not seeing Him again until He returns to gather His people for good.

Yes, I know that there are prophecies out there about blessings, increases in churches and ministries, but we also need to do something about it. We need to be obedient to Him and His Word. Staring with our walk. Reading and praying are a good start. Followed by spending time in praise and worship. Going into a time of His presence. Listening to Him. We also need to get out and vote. Voting for those who walk with God or those who at least live by His values and morals. The enemy of our souls is out there. Seeking to kill, steal and destroy those who are against him. Remember James 4:7 “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” We need to pick a side and it needs to be God’s side. There is no more walking the fence and trying to have it both ways. Stay out of the gray area and walking clearly with God. Do this or you may be left behind.

As always I thank you for reading this. Please let God be the ALL of your life. Share this with others so they may be blessed also.

Be blessed, Ken

First Things First

Ok everyone I’m at it again. This time I’m going to lay out some of what is in my mind and heart. As many of us are fasting right now we should be getting closer to God during this time. When you do, His voice can become clearer. During my time of fasting, He has me looking at my relationship with Him. This is kind of typical but, not in the usual manner. My last 2 blogs have dealt directly in this vain. The first about barriers between Himself and us. Then walking with Him in faith down a new path. Yet something is still missing. Its a subject that is not fun. Yes you have it, REPENTANCE.

Since the beginning of 2020 we have been hearing about blessings, prosperity and all the good this next year will bring. Only a few people are mentioning repentance. Why is that so? Simple, its not a topic people want to hear. And there is the problem. Tell me all that is good and the good that’s coming my way. This is the current way of thinking in the American church. Have you not read your Bible? It says that some will say that did we not prophecy in your name. Did we not do all these other things in your name? And yet Jesus said to go away for I do not know you. Why is this? How about the condition of their heart. Where was it at? The Bible also states the even the elect will be deceived. Why?

For the time of the end draws near. Confirmation of this comes from cross checking the bible with the news media. Everything that was good has become bad and vice versa. The Devil is working overtime now. He sees his time is running out. So, he wants to get as many as he can to give up their relationship with God. This is why repentance is vital right now. Get your relationship on track with God. Repent of your wrong doing. Ask for forgiveness. Receive a complete cleansing when you do. Now you are ready to go with God. For there is nothing getting in the way.

As mentioned earlier, people have been talking of blessings and all. This may be true, but until you have a clean walk there is still junk in the way. Its not that I’m against blessings. Its just first things first. Then the blessings will flow. We as a church have been doing things our way for too long. Its not about us. Its about God first and your neighbor second. If we follow God’s plan as laid out in His Word these blessings and such will come about. Remember that He wants obedience not sacrifice. We can’t even come close to what Jesus sacrificed for us.

Please folks, read the Bible and spend time in prayer. Ask for forgiveness. In Matt. 6:9 we have the “Lords prayer.” In the middle of it is the part of repentance. This comes before asking for deliverance from the evil one. King David asked for forgiveness right after he was told of his sin with Bathsheba. There was penalty to pay, but then the blessings came. These are but a couple of examples. Repent for the time draws soon upon us. Also remember that tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Be blessed, Ken

Snow Way

Hey everyone I’m back again with another word. Here it goes. “The snow marks where you have come from. It doesn’t mark where you are going. Go forth, blaze a trail. Walk the unmarked path. When you walk with me the unmarked path will be clear. Have faith and go forward.”

As this was given to me I saw an open area. ON both the left and right of me were impressions in the snow. From footprints to tire tracks. But directly ahead of me was an open, clean and unmarked up area in the snow. It was so pure looking that I didn’t want to mess it up. Then I thought about the path (marks) behind me. Yes, I have come long way since I was first saved. Yet, there is a long way to go. In the vision I saw a small area in front of me. Not a large or vast area. Just a small one. This reminds me to look at what is directly in front of me. Don’t be overwhelmed with the big picture. Don’t be overwhelmed with what we think is the goal. Just focus on the here and now.

When we blaze a new trail we don’t do it alone. Jesus will walk there with us. Therefore its 2 sets of steps in the snow. What we need to do at this point is continue to be in God’s presence and in prayer. Making sure we keep ourselves in the straight and narrow. As mentioned in the prophecy is the need for faith. It takes faith to walk a path like this. It takes obedience to go forward. Walking this path will lead you to trials and challenges. Its not going to be easy. God didn’t say it would be. If it was easy then many people would be walking it.

This word was given to me during an all night prayer meeting. As I was sharing it God mentioned that he was going to do a new thing. Then this word became clearer to me. He can’t do a new thing down an old path. Or even a path that is being well traveled. Once again this takes faith.

I find this interesting in that it follows the word on barriers. One needs to be dealt with first before the other can take place. Which makes sense. For in order to walk an unmarked path we need to be able to hear clearly. There can’t be anything in the way. Having barriers will make traveling this way difficult. Why have extra challenges in our path when we can get rid of them with some preparation. Taking time to cleanse ourselves of sin is the first step. Repenting, asking for forgiveness and receiving His forgiveness are always important. Even if you are just beginning to step out in faith or do so on a regular basis.

If God is showing you or asking you to step out in faith then go. Be sure you pray first about it and go in peace. If there is not peace then keep in prayer until you get peace. Getting confirmation from a trusted mature christian seeking for you. Being sure you are going in obedience.

Stay in prayer and walk forward.

Be blessed, Ken

Barriers

Well, good day to you all. It was the last Sunday of 2019 and our Lord gave me a word. First of all I don’t have it with me at the moment. What I do remember was the first part of it. The Lord told me “barriers are defiance.” A short yet very thought provoking statement. As I meditated on it I have come to realize that anything I put before our Lord is a barrier. Meaning that what I don’t want to give up becomes a barrier. Anything that I want to keep hold of. One example in my life would be music. Being a traditional hard rock fan from the 70’s on is the type of music I enjoy listening to. Thou it didn’t tell you to kill the cop or promote violence it did sing about sex and drugs. This is what I grew up with and knew about. And still this is what I choose to put into my mind. It has become a barrier between God and myself.

Now some could say that not all of it is bad. But the point is that it has a place in me that God wants and needs. It is like putting up your hand in God’s face and telling Him to talk to the hand because I’m not listening. So, my alternative is to listen to more worship music and good christian songs. At least this way I’m putting something good into me. In Phil.4:8 it says “Finally, brothers, Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” This says it all. Fill yourself with that which is good.

There are other areas of concern. Like TV, social media, reading, movies etc. and the subjects of sex, violence, porn and more. We have access to so much stuff it can be mind boggling. Another area is our careers. Putting in so much time into work by choice. Doing overtime because it means more money. This is something that can drive a person away from God.

All these areas and more can be barriers. Its whatever we put in between God and ourselves. If God wanted to He could destroy all the barriers Himself. But He doesn’t. For He has given us free choice of how to live our lives. That is why we need to choose to have Him in our lives. We need to choose not to have these barriers. If we ask God to help us get rid of these barriers He will. We just have to ask. Then we need to find an alternative to those things. Find something that goes with Phil. 4:8 and get closer to God. Let Him have all of your life not just a part of it. Not what we are willing to give up. Give Him all of it.

Oh and by the way some synonyms for defiance are: confrontation, contempt, opposition, provocation, rebellion, spite, affront and audacity. These I found at Thesaurus.com by googling the word itself. How does rebellion sound to you? Not exactly a word I want to use to describe my relationship with God. Think about it. Changing one area of our lives will go a long way toward a better relationship with God. Spend time in prayer to seek out help from Him. He will give you what you need to be an over comer.

Be blessed, Ken

Support

Hey folks, here is a thought. How about we support those who above us in ministry. This is your pastor, elder, deacon or ministry leader. There may even be others who are above you. They all need our support. At first glance you may be thinking about prayer. For who doesn’t need prayer. Or maybe even treating them to a lunch or coffee. This is also a good idea. But not what I am thinking about.

You see I was in a meeting where we talked of this same subject. And as people were giving their thoughts I heard God start telling me of Moses. A man who God used to free the Israelite’s from their bondage in Egypt. You would think then that he had everything he needed to do this. To lead the people to the promised land. This he did have. He had others in place to help him. Two of them are Aaron and Hur. In Exodus 17:8-16 we read of the battle against the Amalekites. At one point Moses’ hands and arms were getting tired. So when he rested his arms by lowering them the Israelite’s started losing the battle. When they were up, they were winning. So, when they became tired Aaron and Hur held up his arms and hands until the battle was won by the Israelite’s.

Do we do this for those in authority above us? Are we willing to go the extra distance and say whatever you need I am available? Are we doing what it takes to win the battle? If we are answering these questions quickly and easily then we aren’t being honest with ourselves. For these aren’t easy to be honest about. I’m sure we all are failing to some degree. Just because we fail doesn’t mean we quit trying. We need to start small and grow into it. Let them know that we want to help. Its just that we may not know how, but we want to try. This can be a very good growing time for you and those who you want to help. Unless you step out of the boat you will not know if you can walk on water.

This time of the year is a time for giving. Why not give of yourself and support your leaders.

Be blessed, Ken

Potter and Clay

I know it has been awhile since my last post and I thank you for your patience. In the time since then there has been one prevailing thought running through my head. It goes back to a Sunday morning service and Pastor was talking about being the clay in the potters hand. As this was going on the worship team singing about the River of Life flowing. Then I get one of those God moments. This is usually a 2×4 across the head kind of moment. He tells me that clay needs to be wet in order for it to be molded. Wow, how simple a statement and yet so thought provoking. Hence my long time without posting anything.

We all know the scripture in Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O Lord You are our Father, We are the clay and You are the Potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand.” Have you ever watched a potter work. Or even made any pottery yourself? It is very hard to do with dry clay. A potter has the clay on a spinning board and the clay in the middle of it. They keep the clay wet (moist) in order to work it properly.

So, what is it going to take for us to let God mold us into what He needs? First we need to let go and let God be God of our lives. Then we need to let His Holy Spirit drench us. Ezekiel ch. 47 talks of the River flowing from the throne in the Temple. In verses 3-5 we read about stepping into the River. This is an example of how we start to get drenched. All of this has to do with faith and obedience. Easy to say and challenging to do. Many of us question God and what He is trying to do. Like in Isaiah 45:9-10. Where we read about the clay talking back at God. “What are you doing?” It is becoming to common place to question God these days. That’s not obedience, but rebellion. Yet God is compassionate and patient with us. Having a profound grace and mercy to share with us. Just don’t take advantage of this and make Him wait to long. For He will not wait forever and will find someone else who is willing. Then you miss out on the blessing.

Saying yes and becoming obedient to Him is not always easy. There are times it may be painful. Just trust God. He knows what He is doing. In Jeremiah 18:1-4 we read about a potter destroying one vessel to remake it into something more pleasing. God does this to us in order for us to be more useful for His will and work to be done. Its a matter of getting rid of the impurities and becoming a cleaner vessel. Its about God getting the “world” out of us and more of Him in us. For when the world sees us they need to see Jesus not me.

Don’t wait to long. Get close to God today, for tomorrow may not come and then its too late. Allow God to mold you. Go to His River and take a swim. The current will carry you where you need to be. Thank you all for your patience in waiting on me to post something new. Please share this with anyone who can and does need this message.

Be blessed, Ken

Just a Word or a Place

Hello everyone, I’m here to talk about our focus. Today I was reading from Titus 2:11-15. Which states “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say NO to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”

As I read this, the first half of it reminds me of what His intent is and what we should doing. Its the second part that hits home. Starting with the word “eager” and going from there. Eager to do what is good. Are we at that point in our walks? Are we eager to do?

So, how do we get to be eager? A first step is to get purified. This is from the only one who can do it. Jesus Christ. Purified is a strong place to be in. But with Jesus this is more than possible. At the very least we need to be cleansed. In Malachi 3:1-5 it talks of a “messenger” who will purify like that of a launderers soap. It also goes into many of the same area’s as Titus.

After purify comes living upright, godly and self-controlled lives. We can only do this with Jesus as the center of our lives. At which point it now becomes challenging for us. We need to give up control of our lives and let Him have the control. Now we are at a place where we can get to become eager ( yes we will make mistakes, but we also know how and who can pick us up again). Its all about the relationship we have with Jesus. We need to work at it every day .

When we get going in this path we can and most likely will be persecuted. But isn’t better to be persecuted for doing something then nothing. Saying things like “what have I done?” At that point I can hear Jesus saying “exactly.” Why not give them a reason to be mad. And at the same time maybe we will be able to lead people to the door. Giving them a opportunity to become part of God’s family.

Eager is more than a word. Its a place we need to be in. A place that start to show results of our obedience to God’s word and way for our lives.

Be blessed, Ken

Its Not About You

Hello everyone, its a Saturday evening and I’m here writing. At this moment I am being drawn to share something with you. The question is where to begin. Or maybe even how. I thought about starting with how I enjoy watching movies. Tonight I was watching “I can only Imagine.” This must be the forth or fifth time I have watched it. In the movie Bart talks about his reason for letting someone else sing it. It was because he wanted the message to get out there. Folks, we have a message to get out. Our society needs this message. The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our society today is messed up and badly. I don’t even know if our country has ever been so backwards. The Bible talks about good becoming evil and evil becoming good. We live in this right now. Christians are being persecuted more so now then ever before. Or at least in a very long time. Our world has become even more self centered. All of this is contrary to scripture that states in Mark 12:28-31 which is the section on the Great Commandment. In it we are to love Jesus and then our neighbor. This is only one part. How about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is there for us so we can help others. Making it about others even yet.

We need read the Bible. Get so acquainted with it that it pours out of us. Get so close to God that we can’t help but to share His Gospel with everyone. Though this applies to us all, I am directing this toward men in particular. For we as men have failed miserably to do our part.Its time to take the myths of being a man and put them in the garbage where they belong. Real men cry. Real men pray. Real men can be emotional. Stop talking about it and do it. Time is short and we will be held accountable for what we do and don’t do. The gifts God has given us need to be used for His purposes. His will and His Glory. The world needs us to be God’s vessels of His message.

Take the time to ask God about your gifts. We all have them. Now is a good time to start using them. Use them to build the Body of Christ. Use them to edify the body. Use them to share the good news. I have read the ending and God wins. When God wins we win. Isn’t that enough to talk about. People want to be with a winner. They just need to let go of themselves and take hold of Jesus. The true winner.

Be encouraged to start right now and get your relationship with God going to a new level. When you let God be God in you things will happen. And besides, good things come with obedience. Don’t wait for later. It never comes.

Be blessed, Ken

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