Guardians of Life

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

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Revival Pt.2

April 4, 2016 /

Ok here we are in part 2. The clue given in part 1 about soaking in a tub has to do with cleansing. When you soak in the tub for a length of time your pores open up and the dirt and junk come out. That’s what we need today. We need to cleanse ourselves both outside and inside. In 2 Chron. 29 we read the story of King Hezekiah. He tells the priests to consecrate both the temple and themselves. This was necessary in order to prepare for what is going to take place. You can’t really expect God to answer us when we look and act like the world. At least in a way we would like Him to answer us. remember that in 1 John 2:15 states that we are not to love the world. In fact if we do the love of the Father is not in us. We also have in James 4:4 tells us that friendship with the world is hatred toward God. All of this in addition to asking for forgiveness of our sins.

After King Hezekiah had the priests consecrate the temple and themselves the people did the same thing. Followed by the sacrifices required of them. We don’t do the sacrifices any longer. Simply because our Lord and Savior has done it all for us. There is nothing that we can do to match or even come close to what He did for us. Once this was done they started to worship God. Worship is important to do. This is where we offer up to Him all the glory, honor and praise due to Him. It also brings us into a place of being in His presence. We forget about ourselves and just worship God. Its all about Him, not us. During this time of worship the people sang and played their instruments. What they also did was to bow down and get on their knees to worship. I’m sure many of them were laying flat on their stomachs as low as they could be before God. All of this is meant to get ourselves out of our comfort zones and into God’s comfort zone. Remember the first part of the great commandment is to Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind and with all of your strength ( Mark 12:30).

Now does this say that we will have revival if we follow it to the letter. No it does not. But in the very least we will be in a better place at that moment. Where we won’t worry about much of anything. So, if I don’t see it in the church it means that there isn’t revival  happening? Wrong, all it means is that the church isn’t there yet. Revival may happen on an individual basis. People could be in revival all by themselves. They have taken the time to forsake everything and just go after God. We too, may experience this.We just need to go after God and not worry what others saying or even thinking. Just remember its all possible with God.

Be blessed, Ken

 

Revival Pt.1

March 24, 2016 /

Here we are today talking about a topic this time. Lets talk about revival. We all have heard the church say that we need a revival. Revival is coming and stories of a great one coming again. We have this vision of those from the past being relived. This may be good and all, but why do we limit ourselves? Why do we chase around the country to get in on the latest happening? These revivals have lead to some great moves of God and His pouring out of the Holy Spirit into our lives. But remember that God doesn’t always do everything in the same manner all the time. We like things done the same way because we are comfortable with it. So, here are some thoughts I’ve had concerning revival.

I wrote down some questions about this topic. Like, what is it? What is it going to look like? What is going to take place? And, what is it going to take to get there? To start with lets go to Webster’s  dictionary and look to see how it applies to us spiritually. Revival: 1C1; a period of renewed religious interest. 1C2; an often highly emotional evangelistic meeting or series of meetings. So there we have it. Its interest and emotions. Thats its we are done. Well not quite. Its just a definition that leads us to the second question of what’s it going to look like. An example that comes to mind is 9/11/01. right after the attacks on the twin towers and the Pentagon people started to go to church in the masses. We were seeing great numbers of people returning. The problem is that it didn’t last. Why? Because they went out of fear. Not out of a renewed or closer walk with God. Some stayed and are still attending today, but not many. We are having more today, because people are looking for answers and are being honest with themselves. They need to know and are finding the truth. These people are looking beyond interest and emotions. In Jesus’ time the people followed Him with interest and emotion. But when it came to the time of truly being a believer they fell away and denied Him. Even to the point of chanting for His crucifixion.

Another example are the likes of Brownsville and the Toronto airport revivals. These were more than interesting and emotional. They had the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They changed lives and made lasting impressions in the lives of those who were there. They empowered people to go out into the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Signs, wonders and miracles all happened. Even still to this day. So, what is it going to take for this to happen today? We’ll talk about that in part 2. I will give you an insight into part 2 with this; go take a long soaking in the tub.

Please remember to share this with others and to register for this site. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Be blessed, Ken

The Letter of Life

February 28, 2016 /

Here we are making another attempt to write this post. My first attempt was deleted while I was still writing it. So this post is important for someone or some people. There was too much happening during the first attempt to say that it was an error by me. So God be glorified in this post and have it reach those people you intend to reach. Thank you God and Amen.

A couple of Sundays ago the Lord spoke through me a message that we all need to hear. It went ” I see the dancing. I hear the singing. I see the joy. I hear the praise and worship. But I ask that if your life were a letter how does it read? Is it fiction or something that I would want to read. This letter should bring joy. This letter should bring love. Come to me and start this letter. Make it a letter that I would want to read all the days of your life.” The beginning starts with God telling us that He knows what is going on. We can’t fool Him. He sees and hears all that we say and speak and do. That is why He said this. Knowing all this He goes on to ask us a question. Are we living a life that speaks of Him? What a great question this is. Makes me take the time to stop and think about it. Am I living His kind of life? What does it say? Is it about me or Him? I honestly want to say that it talks of Him. Although I know the answer is ” not totally.” That being said, I (we) need to ask where does it need to change? If we spend the time praying and resting in His presence we will get an answer.

The answer is about what is standing in the way of His joy and love. What needs to go and what needs to altered. Is it pleasing in His sight? Are we going to settle for good or pleasing? Or are we going to strive for perfect? Do we talk about that which is good and building up one another? Or is it fiction in His sight? God’s joy and love are what people need and want today. This is what He wants our lives to speak clearly. Remember the great commandment is about loving God first and then your neighbor. Nowhere does it talk about me first and everything else follows after it. Our lives should be a gospel of Jesus Christ. His word. His truth. His love and grace.

To get this He tells us to go to Him and get started on this letter of life. He will make it a letter that He wants to read. We just need to let Him. If we do He will read it all the days of our lives. God doesn’t say things just to hear His own words being spoken. This is what He wants of us now. The time is coming of Jesus’ return. Are we doing all that we can to spread His gospel? Our neighbor may not actually read the bible, but they do pay attention to how we live our lives. Looking for an opportunity to tear us down. Remember that Jesus is the way the truth and the life. No one goes to the Father except by Jesus.

Thanks for reading this and please spend time going over your life. Let it speak clearly of Jesus. Share this post with others and have an outstanding day.

Be blessed, Ken

 

Jacob’s Ladder

February 1, 2016 /

Yesterday was a great day to be in church. Our service was really, really good. The worship allowed you to go to a fresh place with God. Being in His presence was more than refreshing. I feel that as of this moment I am at the end of a season and being prepared for a new one. God in His great plan is showing me some examples of what and where He wants me to be. My last posting about the turnbuckle was one of them. Giving me a little  (real little) insight into how He works things out. Now I have been given another example. This time its where He wants me to be during prayer.

I’ll start this in Gen. 28:12 “He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” God brought me to this verse and showed me a ladder at which point He said to me this. “A ladder is here. How high do you want to go?” As I was writing down the scripture reference He said “Go to the foot of the ladder. Release your petition. An angel will take it forth. Wait for your answer . An angel will bring you word sent from Heaven above. Jacob wrestled with God and wouldn’t let go until he was blessed. Don’t let go, don’t give up. Wait for your answer. Persevere.” In Gen.32:24-32 you can read the story of Jacob wrestling with a man. By the actions of this man it is believed to be our Lord who was wrestling with Jacob.

In this vision of the ladder we see angels going up and down the ladder. Angels are messengers of God. They carry His word to and fro. They do His bidding when called upon. He told me to go to the ladder and give my petition to an angel. Then wait for an angel to bring back the answer. In the mean time I was just to wait in His presence. Sitting there enjoying and be refreshed by Him. My impression of this time waiting was so that I will be in a better place to receive His answer.

So, to answer His question mentioned in the beginning I will say. All the way to the top. I don’t want to fall short of everything He has for me. How will you answer this question? Are you willing to go to the ladder and wait. Its not about what we want, but what He wants for us. Take the time to go to the ladder and release your petition and wait. See what great and wonderful things God will do.

Be blessed, Ken

The Turnbuckle

January 26, 2016 /

A couple of Sunday’s ago the Lord was telling me of a turnbuckle (pictured). Having used these before I understood what He was talking about. I just didn’t know what He meant by it. As I pondered it for a little bit I had a close friend pray with me about it and I asked him what the Holy Spirit was saying to him. He gave me what he was impressed with by the Holy Spirit and I thanked him. But I kept thinking about this turn buckle.

First let me explain its purpose and how it works. Its purpose is to tight or loosen tension between two points. This is used often with gates to keep them from sagging in the middle. I have used it at work for an emergency pull cord to quickly stop a conveyor. It works in a manner that it is attached between two points. Such as a cord and a device that controls tension like the emergency stop device. Tension is adjusted by turning the center part in either direction. One way it will tighten it or the other way will loosen it. Drawing both ends of the turnbuckle in or out at the same time.

One of the first thoughts is how does this apply to me spiritually? Well what I noticed is that I like many people will focus on my situation only. Now if you cover up half of the turnbuckle you will only see a bracket and an end part that turns. So we start to urn the end part trying ti fix our problem or to change our situation. We don’t always think about the rest of it. Because we aren’t seeing the whole thing. Please note that we may not be allowed to see the whole thing because God doesn’t allow us to. Often times its after the fact that God shows us the whole picture. So, if we now focus on our half of the turnbuckle we know that its the “bracket” part that doing all the work of the adjustment. This is God doing His thing on two ends at the same time. This is of course leading us to another question. How do we know what is happening at the other end? The answer is that we may not know. But, we do have one thing going in our favor. Its called FAITH. In Hebrews 11:1 it states “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (NIV). We need to continue to do what is expected of us without worrying about the rest of it. Controlling the outcome is not our duty or choice. Being obedient to God and doing what He asks of us is. Believing in God to handle the other part can be the hard part. It does come easier to us the more we let go and just have faith. And when its time for us to see the other part, God will show us.

One example of this is Saul’s (Paul) conversion. As our Lord blinded Saul and spoke to him about going to Damascus He spoke to Ananias about Saul coming to see him and what he was to say and do for Saul. This is a good example of God working both ends at the same time. This is found in Acts 9:1-19. At first Saul didn’t know exactly what was happening but, He listened and obeyed God. When He needed to know something God told him at that time. Faith is a powerful thing to have. Faith is letting God be God. Allowing Him to do what He does when He does it and how He does it. Then we say Thank you and give Him all the praise.

So, keep a turnbuckle near you in your prayer/study area. This can and will remind you to have faith and let God be God. Doing exactly whats best.

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. please register on this site and pass this along to others so that they may be encouraged.

 
Turnbuckle

Change

January 4, 2016 /

Well here we are in the new year and The Lord gave me a word to share with you. At the end of the year The lord told me this. “Change; refinement, adjustment. Not who you are, for you have been prepared for this time. Just your habits need work. Don’t settle for that which is good or even pleasing. Perfect is the key. No need to strive for this. You are already there. Only one vision is needed and that’s mine. Why go there where I’m not. My will, my vision is perfect. Don’t doubt. Listen to me. I won’t put you where I don’t want you. I’ve laid out before you a path that I want you to walk. Trust and obey. That which is, isn’t. That which should be, isn’t. That who is before you is. Look up and take hold of who is.”

In the first part of this we get a definition of change. This is His definition. Not what we think of when we hear the word change. Its a rather small change. Using the words refinement and adjustment leave us to thinking that we are close to where He wants us. Then giving us the area of what needs work. Our habits. Often times we start out with good intentions, but fall short of what is truly needed. Its easy to stray from that which is challenging. There is an expression that says old habits die hard. Do they really need to die or just be refined.

So our Lord gives us more guidance by telling us not settle for good or pleasing. We will get started and find that it is hard and stop at good or pleasing. Thinking that this is enough. Its not. He wants us to go all the way. Like when He told Peter to come to Him on the water. Yes, Peter asked a question and Jesus answered by telling him to come. So Peter left the boat and went to Jesus. When he saw the waves he became frightened. Jesus then reached out His hand and helped Peter up. At that point Jesus said to Peter “you of little faith, why did you doubt” ( Matthew 14:22-34). Doubt and fear go hand in hand.

Continuing in this tone the Lord tells us that perfect is the key. But, don’t get all worked up about. Because He says that we are already there. Going on to tell us that His point of view is the only one that matters. Don’t look in a mirror and tell the Lord that He is wrong. Though remaining humble about it is also what he wants Not someone being overly proud of themselves. Adding that His way is perfect and just walk the path He has set before us. It may be hard, but we need to do it. He didn’t say it would be easy. He did say to trust Him and obey Him.

This last part is also a warning and an answer. We are not to trust what we see. Things will appear to be the right way but are not. Answers and responses are going to be the correct ones. At least that’s what we think. To know for sure, we are to look up to Him for the answers. We look up by going down to our knees in prayer. Having a conversation with Him who matters most. Him who has all the answers. Him who is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus has our best interests in mind. Lets just trust Him and obey. It is not easy tom do all the time. But it is what we need to do. I am saying this because this prophecy is speaking to me. And if its speaking to me I’m sure its speaking to many of you. Your not alone in this walk. The Lord said that he will never leave you nor forsake you. This is my comfort. Is it yours?

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. Please also remember to register on this site and share this with others. Comments are always welcome. So please leave one when you are prompted to by the Holy Spirit.

He is the “I Am”

December 28, 2015 /

Back at the beginning of the month the Lord had said to me these words. “I am the praise of my people. I am the praise of those called by my name. I am the praise of those who come to me on bended knee. I will not give up this praise. I will not share it with anyone or anything. I am a jealous God. They will not take this from me. Nor will they take my people. I have cared for them from the beginning. Whoever does this will not succeed. Who has the strength to try? For it does not compare to mine. I am the light of life. I am the bread of life. I am the living water. Whoever comes to me shall be forgiven. So, come to me and be free. I am here and will not go away.” A first quick read of this shows God stating His authority. There is none like Him. Whoever sets themselves up in this manner will fail. There are no exceptions. Notice the use of the word “will.” This doesn’t mean possibly. Its a definite statement. Also notice the use of the word “am.” Its not ” might be” or “could be” or even a “should be.” Its a definite statement again.

Now when we look at the prophecy we will see the word “praise.” In this application its used as a noun. In particular praise means glory. One definition of praise is; of those on account of, and by reason of, whom as God’s heritage, “praise is to be ascribed to God, in respect of his glory. This is from Vines dictionary. Their are other meanings, but this is the one that applies here. It makes sense when you insert glory for praise in this prophecy.

The next section talks about us being His people. Like a possession. This is a common statement from our Lord. You will find similar statements throughout the old testament. Where He says things like “I will be their God and they will be my people.” To be His possession is a good thing. we will belong to one of two figure heads. Either good or evil. Either God or the devil. There is no middle ground. It is either on e or the other. Whom do you choose this day. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Sound familiar? Go to Joshua 24:15 and read it for yourselves.

The third area God talks about is who He is. These qualities are the best we can get. We need no more than this. Its all we really need. Light, bread, and living water. The absolute best of what we can have. The perfect combination for our lives. Then He makes a plea for us to join Him. He wants all of us. He wants all of who we are. When you are offered the best, why waste your time looking around for something else. But, we have been looking around for other sources. God knows this and He tells us to stop it. We have a choice. But really we don’t. Nothing compares to Him. The choice is a simple one. Make it today and truly be free.

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. I pray a blessing over everyone who reads this that the new year bring joy, happiness, grace and God’s love to you all. Please share this with others. Also register and let me know that you read his. Your thoughts matter.

 

Looking for Him

November 30, 2015 /

Here I am today thinking about our family trip out to New Mexico to visit our daughter and her family. This trip has been eye opening for me to say the least. I had been having some really bad cramping in my left leg on this trip. I’ve had cramping before , but not this bad. It was bad enough to require stopping about every hour to hour and a half. That makes for a long trip becoming longer. When we got to our daughters, I went to a pharmacy and talked to a pharmacist about it. She said to take some minerals and stretch it out. Stopping a lot to do this. It worked ok, but the pain was still coming often while driving home. It was more bearable and easier to to get back my strength. I’m saying this because I see something here. It was my left (weaker) leg. The one that doesn’t do anything while driving. Its just there and relaxed. Bringing the thought of where the enemy will attack us. He will attack us at our weakest point. So I prayed about it and then some more prayer for it. So why wasn’t I healed? The answer may be as simple as God had other plans. These plans may have been to keep me in contact with Him. They may be an answer of not yet. What ever His reasons are I am thankful.

On our way home we were traveling behind the most resent big storm to hit this part of the south. We had gotten about 5 hours maybe 6 into our trip when we were detoured off I-40 and to the local town of Tucumcari, New Mexico. Apparently the storm had left quite a bit of ice on the road ahead of us. They shut down the interstate in the area. So as I was driving toward town I noticed US Highway 54 going north. I took it and asked my wife if she could find out where it went. She said that it went at an angle toward the northeast. Leading to Wichita, Kansas. As this was my goal we we left. To make things clear. I had been planning my route home based on this weather. Thinking I would avoid the worst part of the storm if I went up I-35 at Oklahoma City. But this storm had done its damage even closer to us than I thought. So God let me follow my plans as far as I could and then He made some changes. This path home took about 3 hours longer, but we made it home when we planned to.

While driving on Hwy 54 we were coming across roads with slick spots. Cars and trucks in the ditches on their sides and roofs. All this happened the day before or evening before. Rain was coming down as we went along. Making driving challenging for us. God had His hand around us keeping trouble away. I know this  and beleave this. So when someone tells you that God doesn’t exist or that even cares tell them they are wrong. God cares for His children. We know this by the story of the lost sheep. He went after the one because He cared about it. How much more does He care about us?

As I think about this trip there are signs all along that God is alive and that He will take care of us. We need to just let Him. How do we do this? By listening to Him. Praying all the time even when things are going alright. Also by being obedient to what He is saying. Follow His truths and word. They won’t do you wrong. Listen to what He has to say. For His words will not fail us. God knows whats best for us. If you get one of those “something is telling me” thoughts. Listen It just may be the Holy Spirit.

Be blessed, Ken

Time and the Future

November 15, 2015 /

Today during the service our Lord gave me a message for the body. Its hard for me to repeat it exactly as it was given to me. See what I try to do is speak it forth as soon as possible. Doing this keeps it as pure as possible. So I don’t interject myself into it. I do recall much of the main points. Our Lord started out by asking a question. “What does time have to do with it?” This is a big clue as to what He is going to talk about. Going into telling us to stop looking at our watches, calenders and looking for signs and wonders. By this He means stop waiting for the last minute. We are procrastinators by nature if its not important to us. WHY NOT? Why isn’t it important. Our future depends on our actions in the present. In Numbers ch. 13 we read that Moses sent out the twelve spies. Only two had a good report. The others were afraid of the inhabitants of the land. They weren’t concerned about obtaining their promise. It was the now they acted in and it cost them. Can you imagine what or how God would have acted if they simply just said yes.

Another point God made was that He is perfect in all He is and does. So what did He stress to us? It was to repent and be cleansed. So that we may be restored. Repent of our stubbornness, laziness and our lack of everything that is important to Him. Going on to tell us that time is short. We don’t have much time left. God is the only way to the future.

There was more , but I don’t exactly recall the details. I was in the moment and went straight to the alter. As many people did. It was there that He gave me another word. It was like the reason for this. The messages he has given me over the coarse of time. He said “There is a storm coming. It is not of my doing.” He wants us ready for what is coming. People God cares about us. He cares so much that He gave is only Son. So that we may have a future with Him. But, there is no guarantee for tomorrow. Thats why He wants us to act now. For our own good and for that of those around us. Get rid of your fear of rejection of sharing God’s word with others. They are rejecting Him , not you.Don’t wait any longer.  Get into His presence now. See what He can do.

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. you can register for this site. Just go to the side bar and click on register. Please do so. Its a way for me to see who reads these posts regularly. Its also a way for you to share this site with others in your circles.

Cotton Candy

November 8, 2015 /

As you begin to read this you might be wondering what does cotton candy got to do with my walk? Well lets start by describing cotton candy itself. Its light, fluffy, sweet and gives you a burst of energy. Because of the sugar content. This sounds like the direction much of the church (as a whole) is going. The messages are giving the body a quick boost in their walk. But, it doesn’t last long. There is no substance. Nothing of this gives the body what it needs. At this point it appears as if I’m just complaining. And I might be. Because the sooner we realize this the sooner we can get on track to change things. The enemy of our souls is not giving up. He wants us lost, confused and riding highs with no base below us. Then he comes in with his attacks and we aren’t ready for them. Many of these attacks are trying to make the world around us appear to be ok. Telling us that certain things aren’t so bad.

This last week at church there was a teaching on the pitfalls of pornography. I wasn’t able to attend due to working with the younger boys and teens. But, it was one I would of liked to sit in on. This is what we need. Once you know the enemies ways of doing things, then you can see it coming and prepare for it. Often its just a matter of not giving the enemy the time of day. Pornography is just one. Others include alcohol, drugs, road rage and even our attitude. All these and more the enemy uses to get us off track. Walking away from the one we love. Look at King Solomon. He had it all as king and was married to way to many women. This caused him to pay attention to their gods and not listening to God Himself. Not until later did he turn it around and get on track. But he did get back. How about Samson. He was full of himself because of his great strength and yet lost it all. He also got back on track and served God. This leads to another trick where the enemy wants us to focus on ourselves. It becomes all about me.

Do we remember the great commandment? Love the lord your God with all your heart,and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. the second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. Notice that me, myself and I do not appear in this. Its all about others. For God so loved the world that he GAVE his only son… Our guest speaker today touched on this very point indirectly. His ministry is helping and working with those who are in the greatest need. This in the worst of area’s of each town they are in.

So, I’m not interested in cotton candy. Paul even told the churches in his letters that they should be teaching. They weren’t because they were still eating soft food. We are to be reading the bible on our own. We are to be praying on our own. We are to be among the believers. Going to church is not to be our only source of food. When we do all these together we build and edify the body. Causing it to grow and be better prepared for the attacks of the enemy. Time is short in this world. Our Lord and Savior is coming back soon. Are we ready?

Be blessed, Ken

P.S. Thanks to all who mentioned that they have read and are reading these posts. Please continue to let me know your thoughts. Even mentioning that you read this post and others is encouraging. Also, share this post and the ones earlier with others. That they may be encouraged. Thanks

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