Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen. What’s That Mean?

When I read this verse in my young Christian days, I used to think “Well, that discriminating” I never really understood that verse.

But then, I got a revelation the other day. In Matthew 22:1-14 Jesus gives the parable about the wedding guests. Jesus teaches that heaven is like a king who prepared for a wedding banquet for his son. He send out His servants to those who have been invited to tell them to come, but they refused to come. They paid no attention because they were too busy with other things. So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find to come, both good and bad and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

But when the king had come to see the guests he noticed a man there who not dressed for the wedding. He asked the man how did you get in without wearing wedding clothes and threw him out into the dark of night.

The man came to the wedding, but was not ready. When we are called even if we say we will follow, many of us take the name, but refuse to make the transition to truly follow God.

Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen

Pentecost Sunday

Today commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other disciples following the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus.

Pentecost comes from a Jewish harbors festival called Shavuot. A sound like a very strong wind that looked like a tongue of fire. Which then forced the Apostles speaking in foreign languages that were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The Apostles prayed for 10 straight days before this came to pass.

We cannot expect to see God’s blessings until we are doing the will of God.

Our Words Have Power

“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” -Buddha

Understanding the power of words is like a magician’s inclination, they can become a spell even when we don’t realize it. We can use the power of words to make our world a better place. I’ve seen in many domestic violence situations what the words of another has done. If you’re told you’re ugly, stupid many times it takes a toll on you. It changes people.

With words we can create new things but also break things down. Our words can begin to take root in people’s minds.

Many political battles are highly strategized language wars. What someone says can influence how we perceive it. The gay marriage debate shifted when it was reframed as marriage equality. How about abortion? Are you pro-life? Who could possibly be anti-life, want to takes innocent life? Or pro-choice? A woman should not be told to do with her body, with her life choices, right? Each side is well framed with words.

This isn’t trivial. The vocabulary we use for our causes can help determine the future.

The power of words brand and legalize.

Branding something had become a issue of practice, it makes it more real, and reinforces its legitimacy. The more people hear the phrases, the more it becomes important. And something they should consider supporting or not.

The power of words can expose the wrong or the right. I think of coffee franchises lets take Starbucks and Black rifle Coffee Company. I remember a news report I heard about Starbucks kicking police officers out of the building because they were “making people uncomfortable.” Then at Black rifle coffee company the name really says it all they believe in “the right to bear arms.” They are veteran owned and support Veteran organizations. Very different coffee companies, different belief systems,

We live in a world of finite resources. Changing how we consume these resources will either safeguard or jeopardize them for generations. But doing so will require not only changing our behavior, but learning a new language.

Movements usually create their own unique practices and vocabulary. The power of words, practices that would have otherwise gone unnoticed are getting exposed, mostly because of social media and the increase of information we can find on our phones.

Our words can create new paths for society.

It used to be the we could depend on the news media to research and find out if the information they aired was true. Well, those were the good old days. That is not the case anymore. They can say whatever they want to make people believe lies as truth. Or truth as lies. It all had to do with the power of words, and probably a lot more to do with the power of money. “Money talks” anymore it has nothing to do with the truth.

Our every day choices gives us power to create a world we would like to live in. We can boycott a company or store that discriminates against people or up funds efforts we don’t like, and we can intentionally buy things from businesses that does things we agree with. We vote for the future of the world with our dollars “Money talks.”

The difference between the all right word and the right word is a really large matter. It difference between a lightning bug and the lightning. The language of world change is all around us. Do you hear it?

As we work to move our cause’s forward our words matter.

The Blessings Of Obeying God

“ it shall happen, if you shall listen to lead to the Lord, your God‘s voice, to observe, and do all his commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of earth.” -Deuteronomy 28:1

We cannot rely on God‘s promises without obeying His commands.

Obedience is the attitude of submission to instruction and authority. Most of God’s promises of blessings are contingent upon following His instructions and keeping them. He says what He means. It is possible for believers to attain God’s blessings, if you live in obedience. Blessings shall come upon you, and overtake you, overwhelm you, run ahead of you, and exceed our expectations. Deuteronomy 28:3-14 Identifies God’s promises to bless His people and all places, home, city, field, as we go out and come in daily for work, He will prosper our efforts and out victories over our enemies and supply rain for all seasons for crops and drinking and all we put our hands to because we obey the Lord our God.

Obedience is the only key that unlocks God’s treasures of blessing in our lives. Obeying reaps rewards, While disobedience brings consequences. The active obedience is of the heart. Our God required wholehearted obedience from us,. Half hearted just won’t cut it. We cannot carry out, call instructions if it’s done, according to how we feel, what is deemed convenient, or on our own terms. You must observe God’s statutes, commands, and judgments, carefully with all our heart and soul (Deuteronomy :26:16). One of you are in doing, so it should not be a choice. Whatever we do or become in life is based on the choices we make.

God allows everyone to freedom to choose. He is always with us to guide, protect, and support us. However, he does not force anyone to do what they don’t want to do. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). He cannot have made it any clearer than that. The choice is between life and blessings, or death and cursing, eternal life or eternal death, salvation or condemnation.

Obedience is an attitude, our attitude determines our lifestyle. Our attitude builds character. Jesus cultivated the attitude of obedience. God demands a lifestyle of allegiance from all of us. (John 13:17). Most of the hindrances to disobey Him are self manufactured. A few hindrances might be, rebellion, excuses, relationships, fear, and pressure.

Obedience is learned. The Bible teaches that Jesus learned obedience (Hebrew 5:8), by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

In Deuteronomy 28:1-14, The Lord reminded Israel, that obedience brings blessings, is rewarded, brings glory to His name, is a witness to other nations, while building godly character in people.

The Dark Trinity

A Cultural Revolution

What’s happening in our world today? A cultural revolution seems like it’s be like a runaway train for years. The uprise in non-godly marriages, sacrificing children and the push for transgenderism.

We have become a nation without God. Like Israel 2000 years ago we have become a pagan nation. In doing so, we have opened up a 2000 year old warning warning involving a house of spirits that foretells what will happen if America turns to pagan gods.

In Jonathan Cahn book, he explains these spirits have changed our culture. The “Dark Trinity” involves 3 dark spirits are being revealed in America and they are initiating social upheavals and cultural revolutions that are in dwelling our politics, and transforming our world and our lives.

We can no longer pretend that the world is covered under Gods protection. This dark trinity is taking over.

The parable in Luke 11, Jesus talks about “ When evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through original places. She can rest and does not find it. Then it says, I will return to the house I left. When it arrives if I find the whole house, swept clean, and put an order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits, more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. In the final condition, and the man is worse than the first.

The parable tells about a man possessed by the devil with Jesus like a naked, like to be messy and a dirty house (America today) But when the evil spirit is cast out (accepting Christ). His life becomes clean and well swept and orderly. But if a the man refuses God, after some time the evil spirit returns and repossesses the man and brings seven more spirits worse than him. This is how it will be with this wicked world today.

The clean enough and orderliness of the house has nothing to do with the sad facts of the relapse. But rather the house, our house, empty oh, God and the evil spirit returns and bring back seven fold evil with him.

Jonathan Cahn talk about the Dark Trinity that has taken over the world:

1. The Possessor

2. The Enchanter

3 The Destroyer

Could these be the three who have been appearing in our world today? The ancient gods and the hidden inscriptions found in the Mesopotamia?

Could these three entities lie behind what our screens and computer monitors, what our children are being taught in their classrooms, current news event, new, and the movement of our times? This could explain what’s behind all the strange transformations happening to our culture today. This mystery goes back to the tablets of ancient Sumer.

When we think of gods of the ancient and pagan worlds, we think in terms of mythology and fantasy. But the Bible reveals that behind the ancient gods and idols, were entities known in Hebrew as the shedim or spirits, and in the New Testament as the Daimonia. It’s where we get the words demons.

Jonathan Cahn, Is an American Messianic Jewish Rabbi who has written many books on what’s happening in our modern societies in the spiritual realm. This post was written based on his book, “The Return Of The Gods.

The Beauty Of Seeing God In Nature

Have you ever noticed that no matter what, stressful or painful circumstances you are going through God remains the same? One way He confirms this is through His creation. seeing God in nature has pulled me out of depressions, calmed my fears, and encouraged me through my toughest trials.

The mountain stand, strong and powerful, the sun rises, no matter how dark the night, the wind, gently lap, rocky coast, God’s voice is found in creation, we think we need to train our eyes to see Him.

In my weakest moments, God met me as I marveled at the beauty of creation.

If you are not the outdoors type, I challenge you to give it a try. When you see God through nature, it will truly grow your faith and encourage your heart.

What Does Nature Reveal About God

I remember a quote by James Prescott Joule, “ After the knowledge of, the obedience to, the will of God, the next thing must be, you know something of His attributes of wisdom, power, and goodness as evidenced by His handiwork. It is evident that an acquaintance with major laws means no less than acquaintanceship with the mind of God. Therein expressed.

What does nature reveal about God? His character! Connecting with God through nature is more than just admiring the sunrise, it’s examining His handiwork and learning about who He is.

We know God because of His creation. Paul confirms this in Romans, when he is explaining how men cannot say that he didn’t know the true God.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Romans 1:20 NIV

Further on in Romans, Paul explains that creation is also under the curse of sin, and is eagerly awaiting deliverance.

That the creation itself will be liberated from his bondage to decay, and brought into the freedom and the glory and the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Romans 21:22

So, when we take the beauty of nature, the expression of the character of God, we must also take into consideration that it is limited by sin. It is waiting to be released back into the beauty and perfection. It was originally created as.

God’s beauty, then is seen in the beauty of a protected nature. Isaiah talks about the time when God’s beauty will be revealed to Israel.

In the day of the Lord Almighty will be our glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people.”

“Your eyes will see the king and his beauty and view our land that stretches afar.”

Isaiah 28:5; Isaiah 33:17

How To Connect With God In Nature

Connecting with God in nature does not mean backpacking through miles of dense woods. Thank used as easily see God through nature that is in your own backyard. Here are some ideas to get you started.

I live in the country, so pretty much anywhere I walk I am surrounded by nature, But even if you live in the city, there’s still plenty of opportunities. State parks, and not a long drive for most of us. Plan a whole day, hiking pack or plan a picnic, and a notebook or journal in rescheduling.

Take a long walk, observe the birds, take in the mountains. Stay long enough to watch the sunset. Or I find just talking to God refreshes my soul. Finding God‘s beauty in nature is connecting with Him as you embrace His creation.

The Beauty Of God’s Creation Is God In Nature

I will have to say my favorite summer activity is camping. It gives me time to unplug, slow down, and spend time exploring. It gives me away from overwhelming responsibilities, and allows me to pray, reflect, and journal. It is by far my favorite way to connect.with God through nature. Whether you are into tent camping, in a camper, or renting a cabin by the lake,

But if you don’t have time, you can always go for walks, or even gaze out your window. Take your time for explore God’s creation and connect with the amazing God, who created it.

Bring God’s Beautiful Creation To You

Seeing god in nature can be as simple as bringing nature to you. There are several ways to do this.

  • Plant a vegetable garden
  • Landscape a small place or flowers or herbs
  • Hang bird feeders near your windows
  • plant, fruit, trees, or any tree you would like
  • Hang window boxes and filled him with flowers
  • Create us to the area where you can get away from distractions and focus on God and His creation

I love to sit outside on my porch and watch the butterflies and hummingbirds feed on the tiniest of flowers.

Watching how God provides for the needs of even the tiniest creatures will grow in your faith and feel your mind and your heart. Scripture is filled with Bible verses about the beauty of God’s creation and finding God in nature.

Remember, His creation reveals His character. We can rely on God perfection. Count on it, and put hope in it.

But after the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth,and it will teach you, I’ll let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath all mankind.

Job:12:7-10

God is instructing us to study nature, to learn about Him, and to connect with Him through the works of His hands.

How many times a day, do we not take the time so see God in nature. Don’t let it pass away.

Stop Burying Yourself Alive

For me, self pity was like burying myself alive. “No one has it as terrible as I do.” I did this one thought at the time, digging myself into a hole, I was sure I could get out of. Each negative reflection, each “poor poor pitiful me“ murmuring, which chokes out hope and squelches dreams.

We all heard the quote about how harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person (the person you can’t forgive) to die.

I chose to never forgive my mother for the childhood I had. But never forgiving anyone poisons you slowly. The problem way, I was killing my self not her. Self-pity is the overwhelming focus on our troubles. it blares like a megaphone and we learn to muffle the sound, to make it almost like background music, whatever you do, you can see and hear the sounds of pity welling up inside you. No matter the level of noise of the self-absorption, we’re still making ourselves miserable. No matter how much you drink, or how many drugs to take it’s still there refusing to shut up.

So, what is the antidote to get rid of self-pity? It’s as at as counting your blessings instead of counting your woes, instead of replaying your pain and trials over and over.

The thing is when we start being positive, things begin to look up. The good begins to drown out the bad. In Romans 8:28 God promises to bring good out of hard times. But you have to be willing to accept the good.

We all have someone who will support us, if we think hard. I get it, it’s hard to ask people for help, I had this “I will do everything myself attitude.” But we have to have someone who supports us and is willing to take that virtual shovel from our hands. And help us from digging ourself deeper and deeper. Someone to tells us, to stop feeling sorry for yourself, to, stop buying yourself alive in poor me thoughts.

Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non pharmaceutical narcotics; it’s addictive, it gives momentary pleasure and separates the person from reality.

The Pit Of Despair

We can find ourselves many times in the pit of despair. Life can bring a huge problems that are beyond our strength and wisdom. You can feel like we have nowhere to turn. We think of those who we know that we might turn to our despair, but we may realize that it’s not going to enough. When we find ourselves in the mire of an unfortunate predicament and there is no one to help pull us out.

We may have made mistakes, unwise decisions, or we have gone in the wrong direction. When we have ended up in the wrong place, I feel like lost sheep, who have wandered off the path that God had for our lives.

We need to be David in the Psalms. We need to remember God and turn to Him. We need to cry out an hour to spare to God, who is waiting to hear our cry. As I read the Psalms, I have come to realize the David of the Bible, has went through every thing we go through in life. I gives me strength that I can go to the book of Psalms and learn how to cry out to God. There is a God in heaven, who is full of compassion and mercy. He hears and answers our prayers. God never changes and He always puts my on solid ground. It’s not God‘s, will that we slip into a pit and remain there. He comes to steady us as we walk through this life. He will rescue us, and deliver us, and becomes our hope for living.

God has helped me out of the pit of despair and confusion. I am no longer hopeless because God gives me hope. He has given me a new direction.

He strengthens us to do his will. His Words will be in our hearts and will sanctifies us, removing the old and bringing in the new. Through the grace of God our lives will not longer feel empty. We will search no more for worldly things to fill the hole inside of us.

“Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol. You have kept me alive that I should not go down to the pit.” – Psalm 30:3

Daily Bible Verse

Psalm 109:28

“Let the curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but my servant shall rejoice.”

It is not our place to condemn another soul, no matter how far into darkness they have sunk. Gods concern calls us to a different task. By consciously blessing your enemies, you become apart of an assault of light against the darkness of this world. There is a great need for the assault, for darkness is great and growing.

My love brings into your life daily gifts. Let the beauty and love you see and experience today outweigh any negative, faithless thoughts.

Planting A Seed

Never underestimate the power of a seed

You cannot force someone to hear your message if they are not ready to hear it. But there is incredible power in planting a small seeds. While, everyone has their right to their own feelings. What they choose to believe and whether they choose growth.

Sometimes a idea, or new way of thinking can take root and flourish- it just takes time.

The creation of a single seed, stays buried in the soil, covered in darkness, without no evidence it was planted. But beneath the surface it can form a root system taking in nutrients and water. You never know whether something greater is growing without calling attention to itself.

Planting seeds in someone is sown by love and living by example. Show people that things can be different in subtle way with love and let them come to their conclusions. Let them be the ones to embrace the seed and grow into something beautiful.