FROM PASTOR RANDY AND DEVOTIONAL

Your Faith?????

By Pastor Randy Osborn 1/16/2024

John 3:16 in the Bible states, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” This is a great stated truth and promise in the Bible. But Jesus also says in John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” So, which is it? Who God draws or whosoever believes? It’s both.

First, let's look at God's love. It says God so loved that he gave. Love is most manifest in giving. Not only did God give but he gave his very best, which was his only begotten son Jesus. God gave us his best and we should give God our best also. God also wanted to multiply his family, so he sowed a son into the world to reap many sons and daughters. John 1 :12 tells us that whoever will receive Jesus as the son of God, will receive power to become a son of God. And Romans 8:29 states that Jesus is the first-born of many brethren.

God gives us the 'gift of faith'. The scriptures teach in Ephesians 2:8 that “we are saved by grace through faith and that's not our of ourselves, but it is a gift of God.” This ‘gift of faith’ comes through hearing the Word of God according to Romans 10:17, and according to 1 Cor 1:21 it is by the foolishness of preaching that God has ordained to save them that believe. Faith from God is a divinely given understanding or knowing what God’s will is. Note that once the heavenly Father gives us a gift it is now ours to do with that gift as we wish. Rom 11:29 reads “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” So, God thru the Holy Spirit can give us an understanding that what we are hearing is true, at which time it becomes our personal faith or truth. We are now in the 'whosoever' category and must make a personal choice to believe and act upon the truth we now possess. This is true for first becoming a Christian and confessing Jesus as Lord and in our daily walk with Christ after receiving him as savior. I believe this is clearly illustrated by the woman with the issue of blood in the gospels, who had the understanding in her heart that if she just touched the hem of Jesus garment she would be healed, so when she acted on that truth she was healed. Jesus responded in Luke 8:48 by saying “Be of good comfort, your faith has made you whole, go in peace.”

Now let’s consider the ‘word of faith’. We all can become children of God by believing in Jesus Christ, God's only son begotten son. It's through our faith in Christ that we are adopted into the family of God. This promise is to whosoever would believe in Jesus Christ death, burial, and resurrection. This promise is to all mankind, and we are told in Mark 16:15 that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be preached to everyone and in 1 Tim 2:4 that God wants all men to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth. But the promise is activated only thru the ‘word of faith.’ We read in Romans 10:8,9 “ But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the ‘word of faith’, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Yes, there must be that specific time in every believer’s life when they have verbally confessed Christ as savior, which activates the grace of God. Act 2:28-39 tells us that truly believing is then confirmed by being baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins. Then upon our obedience of faith God promises to baptize us with the Holy Spirit, which is a down payment of our faith covenant with God for redemption, eternal life, one day inheriting the Kingdom of God, receiving a new glorified body, and becoming a witness for Christ. It's a great promise. But we must do God’s will and keep our confession of Jesus Christ until we draw our last breath for as Jesus stated in Mark 13:13, “he that believeth unto the end shall be saved.”

The ‘works of faith’ follow our ‘word of faith’. We must be doers of the word as James proclaimed in James 1:22 “ But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” The ‘whosoever believes’ and responds to what God has revealed to them about Jesus will have eternal life and obey God’s will. But not everyone receives God’s word the same as Jesus revealed in Mark 4:14-20 in the Parable of the Sower. The Word goes out to all, but some are hard hearted, some shallow and uncommitted, some overtaken by the cares of this world, but only some bring forth fruit. The Apostle James wrote about faith and works. In James 2:20 he states, “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” If we have faith we will have works of faith, but not to be saved but because we are saved! Eph 2:10 declares God has even prepared our works of faith in advance. Paul writes in Romans 14:10,12 a warning, “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat…. every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Thus, our main concern should be with our own heart and response to Jesus and God’s word. Do we believe and act on what God speaks to us? We will be rewarded for the good works we do in Christ as Jesus reminds us in Rev 22:12 "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.“

God knows! In 2Tim 2:19 it informs that God already knows all those who will respond to the Gospel message and who will find life in Jesus Christ. And I believe he has a specific time of visitation for all of us. A time when we are given that opportunity to accept and confess Christ, but some just won’t believe. 2 Cor 4:13 teaches that our ‘spirit of faith’ should declare what we believe. A sad account of those who believed but would not acknowledge their faith is recorded in John 12:42-43 “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” Jesus taught in Luke 9:26 “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

Trust God! We read in Ephesians 1:11 of God’s predestined plans that will come to past and that he foreknew those that will believe. Jesus trusted the sovereignty of God his Father stating in John 6:37 “all the father has given will come to me…” We also should trust God the Father knowing those that should be in the new heaven and earth will be there and it will be all good in the end. The meek shall inherit the earth!

So in short, God gives faith through the Holy Spirit by revealing to us the truth of the word he speaks to us personally. He gives us ears to hear. And once we understand it is truth, then it becomes our faith, and we personally must make the choice as to whether we will believe and act upon that truth. As Jesus stated in Matt 9:29, “According to your faith be it unto you.” To the which I would like to add, “Your faith is a gift from God,” so don’t take it for granted, ignore it, or treat it lightly. It is eternal life!

Rom 1:17 “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed--a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

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The Tears of Joseph

by Pastor Randy Osborn --- 12/27/2023

Most Christians are familiar with the bible account recorded in Genesis 37-50 of Joseph, who became a ruler in Egypt and was responsible for saving many lives during a great famine. Also, we see Joseph’s life reflecting a type of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. But today I would like to look at the hardship and the tears Joseph shed that brought him to tell his brothers in Genesis 50:19-21 NIV “But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” But his speaking kindly to his brothers wasn’t always the case! Let’s examine this more closely.

The account tells us that Joseph was wise, extremely honest and that he was loyal to whoever he was serving, thus he would tell Jacob his father when his brothers were goofing off instead of working. Jacob also loved Joseph more than his other brothers because he was the son of Rachel, and he gave him a coat of many colors. Gen 37:4 NIV “ When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” Notice they could not speak a kind word to Joseph because of hate in the heart. Joseph also feared God and had dreams of his whole family bowing down to him because of food, which caused his brothers to hate him even more. So, it was when Joseph was just 17 years of age that his brothers, out of envy, threw him in a pit then sold him for 20 pieces of silver to some slave traders. They then told his father Jacob that wild animals must have killed him.

Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold. Genesis 39:1-2,4 NIV records “ Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master … 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.” Joseph was also well built and handsome, which caught the attention of Potiphar’s wife, who tried to seduce him. But Joseph refused her advances saying in Genesis 39:9 NIV “ No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" He tried to avoid her but one day she caught him by his coat and tried to pull him into bed, but he tore away leaving behind his garment. She lied about it and said he tried to assault her and so Potiphar had him thrown into Pharaohs prison. Joseph now goes from the frying pan into the fire. But God had a plan!

Genesis 39: 20-23 NIV tells us that “Joseph's master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” Here’s where God’s plan begins to unfold. Joseph interprets the dreams of two of the prisoners, one was Pharaohs cup bearer and the other his baker. His interpretation of the Pharaohs cup bearer’s dream was that he would be restored in three days to his former position, but that the baker’s dream showed that in three days he would be killed. Joseph asked the cup bearer to please remember him to Pharoah so he could be released. The interpretations came true, but the cup bearer forgot Joseph for two years, until Pharaoh had two dreams that no one could interpret. Then the cup bearer told Pharaoh about Joseph interpreting the two dreams properly, and Pharaoh immediately sent for Joseph, because he was greatly disturbed.

Joseph interprets Pharaohs dream of 7 fat cows being eaten by 7 skinny cows, then the dream of 7 fat grains being eaten by 7 sickly grains, as showing the same thing. God was showing Pharaoh what was to come starting right away, that there was to be 7 years of good weather and crops, but then followed by 7 years to severe famine. Joseph suggested that Pharaoh start stocking up right away during the good years, to be prepared for the 7 years famine. Genesis 41:39-41 NIV “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt."” Now Joseph is 30 years of age and the chief ruler in all of Egypt, under the Pharaoh.

During the seven years of abundance Joseph stored up massive amounts of grain and then came the famine reported in Genesis 411:57 NIV “And all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere.” This included Joseph’s brothers as told in Gen 42:3 NIV “Then ten of Joseph's brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt.” Now for the Tears of Joseph!

The bible recorded seven times Joseph cried. 1. When his brothers first threw him in the pit and sold him. 2. When he first sees his brothers again. 3. When he heard them speaking about what they did to him 4. When they return with Benjamin and are eating with him. 5. At his hearing their remorse and then revealing that he was Jacob! 5 Hugging his younger brother Benjamin and then hugging the brothers 6. At Jacob’s death 7. When hearing his father’s message to please forgive his brothers.

The second tears of Joseph, after seeing his brothers again, were tears of reliving a painful memory and it invoked anger. They had mistreated him, and his heart was full of pain and bitterness, so he spoke harshly to them. Gen 42:7, 16-17 KJV 7 “And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. ... 16 Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother, and ye shall be kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whether there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are spies. 17 And he put them all together into ward three days.” Joseph did not trust them and I’m sure he was thinking, “See how you feel to be unjustly put in prison!” But Joseph despite wanting revenge, feared God knowing their family’s needed food, so in three days he released all but one of them and told them not to come back unless they brought their youngest brother Benjamin with them. The brothers spoke to one another about this all happening because of what they did to their younger brother Joseph, not knowing Joseph could understand their speech. Joseph turned from them and wept again, but then regaining his composure, turned and spoke harshly to them, taking Simeon and binding him before them, because he just did not trust them. He then provided the grain they sought, had their money put back in their sacks and sent them away.

At home they told Jacob and said how they were harshly treated and about having to take Benjamin back with them if they returned, but their father Jacob refused. But the famine continued, and they again were out of food, so they were forced to return to Egypt with Benjamin. Judah promised Jacob he would return with Benjamin, so they returned along with gifts for Joseph. When they arrived and Joseph saw his brother Benjamin, he had them taken to his house. They were worried about the money found in their sacks on the first trip, but a servant told them not to worry it was a gift from their God and then they cleaned up. When Joseph came for a meal at noon, he saw Benjamin and felt tears of joy, but did not cry in front of them. He washed up and came for the meal, but did not sit with them, for it was an abomination for an Egyptian to eat with a Hebrew. He sat them I order by birth and gave Benjamin five times more than any of the others. He then sent them back with grain in their sacks and with their money but had his silver cup hid in Benjamin’s sack. I feel Joseph still was bitter and just did not fully trust them, so he had them stopped to look for the stolen cup. It was found in Benjamin’s sack, so he was to be arrested. Judah was fearful and poured his heart out to Joseph about his father being heartbroken over the loss of his first son and would die if Benjamin was now lost to him. At this Joseph could not restrain himself and he cried openly! After sending all his Egyptian attendants out he wept aloud and said, “I am Joseph, does my father yet live?” His brothers were speechless and troubled. But Joseph said it was God who sent me ahead of you to save lives! Go bring my father here to Goshen and I will nourish thee for there are five more years of famine. Tell father of my glory in Egypt. Now for his next tears.

When Joseph saw Benjamin, he fell on his neck and wept tears of joy at the reunion. Joseph also wept again as he hugged and kissed his brethren. His tears and touch helped his brothers also for then they spoke to him. He gave them wagons and sent them to get his father and family. The Pharaoh was pleased for Joseph and made provision for Israel in Egypt. But I don’t believe Joseph’s heart was fully free of bitterness and he still didn’t speak very kindly to his brethren, because it wasn’t until Gen 50:21 we read “…And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.” It took a few more tears.

After his father Jacob came to Egypt, he lived there seventeen years before he died at age one hundred forty-seven. This records Joseph crying once again at the loss of his father. But it also worried his brothers, because they thought at the death of Jacob that Joseph might seek revenge for the evil they had done to him. We read in Genesis 50:16 “ And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.” Joseph wept for the last time. He was finally free and had fully forgiven his brothers from his heart. He could now speak kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 KJV “ And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God. But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”

I believe that the tears of Joseph reveal to us the painful journey that one may go through to restore the broken fellowship caused by betrayal or rejection. We can choose to forgive, but to regain trust takes time and often some tears in private and eventually openly before we can really love again from our heart. We see God was with Joseph on his journey every step of the way and helped him overcome his bitterness toward his brothers. The Lord is with us also, no matter how hard it may seem at the time, God can bring us thru our difficult relationships victoriously free! But don’t be discouraged if you must fight through negative feelings and shed a few tears on the way to victory. It is common and often necessary. Also, tears are all part of God’s plan for our life!

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We Have A Conscience

by Pastor Randy Osborn - 10/12/2023

Today we seem to live in a victim mentality society. That means if we act wrong it is really someone else’s fault, not mine, and I should not feel bad. And in certain cities I can just steal things from a store with no consequences. What happened to ‘thou shalt not steal?” Shouldn’t I have a guilty conscience for my own bad behavior? It tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” Given the fact that we all will be held accountable for our own actions can we really blame others for our own bad behavior? After-all, God has made us each with a consciousness of right and wrong, and with the free will to choose. Let us examine in the light of God’s Word this thing called our ‘conscience’.

First, the conscience is in our heart and bears witness to God’s laws and we all have one. We read in Rom 2:15,16 NET “They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their ‘conscience bears witness’ and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them, on the day when God will judge the secrets of human hearts, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.” Titus 1:15 refers to an impure heart that is reflected in a corrupt mind and conscience. A healthy conscience will approve of right actions or convict us if we are thinking unrighteous or doing wrong. It does not condemn us of not being Christian, but does convict of ungodly behavior, so we can avoid or repent of sin. I have found that repentance was not a one-time thing when I accepted Jesus as my savior, but an ongoing process of sanctification toward holiness.

How does the conscience work? In John 8:9 KJV we see the conscience at work, “ …, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, …” In this example they remembered their past sins. Consequently, if we do what we know is right, we have a good feeling in our heart, when we do what we know is wrong, it is called sin and that makes us feel bad. We have what’s called ‘a guilty conscience.’ So, even if someone provokes or talks us into doing something wrong, our conscience will be ‘accusing us’ not them. Sometimes we might even feel we did right, only later to find out we were wrong and that will bring conviction. It is spiritually healthy to feel conviction when we do wrong. Repenting, asking forgiveness and forgiving is so important in living free in Christ.

The conscience is described as being ‘clean, good, pure, clear, defiled, guilty or weak’. The ‘ weak conscience’ is related to being ‘weak in the faith’. That means a weak conscience has little knowledge of the scriptures, especially how they apply to what we call liberties. Because they aren’t sure of why, how, and when to partake of certain worldly issues, they can be influenced by stronger personalities to partake of things they can’t do in faith, which is sin to them. In Romans 14:23 NIV we read “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” Thus, they can feel condemned or may even leave the faith because they were not sure it was OK with the Lord to do something. Those of us with strong faith and knowledge are admonished to be aware of another’s faith level, so as not to offend them. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 8:9,11-12 NIV “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. … So, this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against them in this way and ‘wound their weak conscience’, you sin against Christ.”

We can also ‘sear our conscience’ so that it does not bother us to do wrong anymore. The cauterizing of the conscience can come by receiving bad teaching in an area as stated by the Apostle Paul in 1Timothy 4:2 KJV “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” Or one can press through our own heart’s conviction, keep doing something and eventually tell yourself it really doesn’t matter. We can have defiled and unbelieving hearts. As it says in Titus 1:15 NLT “Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and ‘consciences are corrupted.’” But just the same, the shame and guilt will remain, even if we try to bury or push it aside. The bad feeling is to lead you to repentance. You see, God wants us to have a healthy conscience of right and wrong, holy behavior and profane, the clean and unclean, so we can avoid evil. He wants us to have pure clean hearts and use but not abuse things of the world. But we all have a consciousness of guilt and shame, because it states in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” But God has made a way to fix that! It is through Jesus and being Born-Again!

Through believing in Jesus as our savior, we receive forgiveness of our sins and when baptized the promise of a pure conscience toward God is ours. 1Peter 3:21 NLT states “ And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” God removes the guilt of our sin and replaces it with a clean conscience. The guilt of the past sin is gone, and we call out ‘Abba Father’ and can go boldly to the throne of grace. And we read in Hebrews 10:22 NLT “ let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our ‘guilty consciences’ have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” Although our conscience might have been seared, now it is made anew and once again can discern good and evil. We also are given the promise of the Holy Spirit who will lead us, teach us, remind us, gift us, anoint us and convict us if we are going astray. When are living right and being truthful Paul writes in Romans 9:1 NLT “With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.” Titus 3:5 NLT “ he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.”

So, as Paul proclaimed in Acts 24:16 KJV “And herein do I exercise myself, to always have a ‘conscience void of offence’ toward God, and toward men.” Yes, we can offend God and we can offend each other. Let us have a good conscience by keeping our hearts right with God and our fellow man. We need to own our actions and sins so we can stay free. Even after receiving Christ, we can unwilfully sin, at which time we need to confess it to the Lord and put it under the blood. Hear what Apostle wrote in 1John 1:8-10 NIV “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” Even if it was someone else’s fault that you now have bitterness and problems, it is still your problem. Forgive them, own, and confess your problem to God and receive his cleansing. Apostle James writes in Jamess 5:16 NIV “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

We cannot control things we go through in life, but we can control, by the Holy Spirits fruit of self-control, how we respond. And remember that Godly sorrow is what works repentance in our life as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Both godly and worldly sorrow have tears, but I hear worldly sorrow saying “Poor me, I’m in trouble and I feel bad. God get me out of this”. However, I hear Godly sorrow saying ‘God please forgive and cleanse me for I’ve sinned against you and hurt others. God I really messed up, but I’ll do my best to change, but I need your help.” Godly sorrow produces real meaningful change, but it begins by owning one’s weakness or problem and then giving it to God.

I’ll conclude by saying that if we don’t teach our children and remind each other that there are consequences for our actions, both good and bad, we are doing them and society a big disservice. And we are not preparing them for the most important judgement day coming when we all must face Jesus. Perhaps punishment now for evil behavior will lead someone to Godly sorrow and true repentance, which will produce in them a clean conscience toward God, and a smile on Jesus’ face on that great day.

1Timothy 1:5 NLT “ The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.”

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Fences Make Good Neighbors 2

by Pastor Randy Osborn 10/6/23

Here is an old saying that I have found to be true in my own life and now for my country as well. ‘Fences make for good neighbors, and a good neighbor will wave and talk across that fence but will not come over before asking or in case of an emergency to help.’ I have a privacy fence on part of my property line, and I think our country should have a fence on its southern border also. A southern border wall will slow illegal entry but also send the message that there is restricted entry. Surely good, honest people are welcome, but they must have their name on record and come through the doorway!

Are Walls immoral? Not according to God, who blessed Nehemiah to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem which were in ruins. And the building of the wall had a positive result. Nehemiah 6:15-16 “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.” Also, the Holy City, Jerusalem, described in Revelations 21:9-14 had a ‘high wall’ with twelve gates, each guarded by an angel. Each gate was a single pearl. An angel guarding each gate shows the city had 'restricted entry'. Again, Rev 21:27 states that “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.“

At present we are facing a very tragic event on the southern border of the USA and Mexico. Literally thousands of immigrants per day are coming in without prior permission. Border authorities are overwhelmed. They have been busing many of these illegal immigrants to cities around the country, but many cities are now crying out for relief. Is this an invasion? What did Jesus teach about someone trying to enter an owned or protected area?

First of all, Jesus said that a person trying to enter the sheep fold by any other way than by asking the gate tender to let them in the gate was to be considered a ‘thief and a robber.’ John 10:1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.” That’s correct; they are considered ‘criminals’. USA law reflects this also by stating that it is a criminal act to illegally enter the USA without the proper documents. But we are not enforcing the law! We should be demanding that these immigrants fill out the application papers and go through one of the 48 border crossings into our country rather than just climb across the fence, which is a criminal act.

The USA needs to ensure we have ‘good people with their names on record’, who are coming here to work or live. Again, scripture teaches that God will also have limited access to his future New Jerusalem, with only those whose names are registered in the Lamb’s Book of Life allowed. Rev 21:2-3 “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “” Rev 21:27 “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. “

What if someone came to your front door and asked for help? Perhaps you’d ‘help’. Or say “ no.” Or possibly direct them to a place for help. However, if you caught them crawling in a window, you’d probably get a weapon and call 911 to report a crime in progress! Or consider this. What if I tell a group of illegals that you will gladly take them into your home and supply for their needs? I then give them your name and address and tell them to just go to the address, but if you aren’t there, feel free to just break in and make yourselves at home. You won’t mind. Actually, I think you would mind them just breaking in, even if you were willing to help. Well, it’s the same with the border deal. If they are seeking to live here, knock on one for entry port doors, fill out the necessary papers and ask for entry! Jesus taught in Luke 11:9 ‘And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ If they with honest hearts will just ask, seek, and knock and if it’s God’s will for them to be in the USA, then they will be in the USA! Lawfully and peaceably!

Our doors are open, but we must maintain the rule of law. It might take longer, but in the long run it’s better for all. We need to be praying for our country’s leaders, because they need God’s wisdom to deal with this problem justly and swiftly. Congress also really needs to change the immigration laws. We might also be praying for the Mexican Authorities to handle their side of this situation in a responsible way. Pray also for the immigrants to act right and in turn be treated humanely. 1 Tim 2:1-2 “ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

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PEER PRESSURE CAN BE GOOD

By Pastor Randy Osborn

8/25/2023

Eph 5:11 "Take no part in the worthless pleasures of evil and darkness, but instead, rebuke and expose them". TLB

A few years back I was traveling with my in-laws and the Lord gave me insight about peer pressure. It was late at night and we needed gas for our automobile, so we pulled off of the highway to a gas station. The place was older looking and a bunch of bikers were fueling up when we pulled up. After I filled our tank, we decided to have a bite to eat in the small restaurant that was attached to the gas station.

The café was empty except for about five guys talking at table. The men were tough looking. They all had shaved heads and wore tattoos. I felt out of place being there, like we were in someone’s private club. I just wanted to have a coffee and leave, but the mother in-law wanted some pie, so we ordered. As the waitress was taking her order, my fears were heightened.

The men at the table were having a heated discussion about something and then one of them stood up saying the ‘F word’ and angrily spoke something about shooting someone with his AK47 rifle. I don’t think my in-laws heard it, but I did, and was thinking, “We are definitely in the wrong place!!” That’s when something interesting happened.

Then one of the other fellows at the table pointed at him and said, “Hey, we don’t talk like that when a lady is present!” The angry man glanced at my mother-in-law then said, “Sorry man,” and sat down. I heard no other fowl language while we were present. We peacefully finished our meal, paid and left.

As we drove away, I thought of peer pressure. One member of that group of men had spoken up and used his influence, among his peers, to cause righteous behavior. I thought, “peer pressure can be used as an influence for good or bad.”

Ordinarily, we think of peer pressure as being negative. We think of teens being pressured by other teens to drink, do drugs or have sex. But, teens can pressure each other to do what’s right also. The social pressure of being accepted by your peers is a guiding force, so why not use it for good!

When I was a freshman in high school, some peer pressure taught me a valuable lesson about the tongue. We were having an assembly and as some girls were performing I tried to impress my friends by saying something naughty. The comment was also heard by some senior girls, who were sitting nearby. The girls didn’t say anything, but all three turned around and gave me very scornful looks. Very scornful! I felt ashamed and wanted to crawl under the bleacher. I was wrong and they were reproving my bad behavior. They actually did society and me a favor, for those disapproving looks helped correct my unrighteous behavior.

Jesus, in Matt 5:13-15, taught us to be “light and salt” in this world. The apostle Paul confirmed this teaching in Ephesian 5:8,11 by telling the church to be light in the Lord and to reprove the works of darkness. As we follow Christ's teachings, the behavior or activity that we model, accept or reject, will demonstrate to our world what the Lord accepts or rejects.

So, remember that in the social circles that we are part of, whether in school, work, family, sport, church or friends, we can be a guiding light. Always, use wisdom and act in love, but let your approval of good actions or rejection of bad behavior be made known. We can make a difference in our world!

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A ‘Sound of Freedom’ Response’

By Pastor Randy Osborn 7/12/2023

The recently released film ‘Sound of Freedom’, which reveals the child trafficking that is presently occurring worldwide, certainly pulls at one’s heart strings, but how does a Christian respond? What does the bible say about helping those hurting and in captivity? Are we accountable?

First, let me reference Jesus’s parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. In the parable, a man was traveling, and robbers fell on him, beat him, took his goods, and left him lying half dead along the road. Then a Priest walked by, then a Levite, but neither stopped to help the man, they just went on their way. Finally, a Samaritan man came by and saw the poor man lying along the road, so he stopped and dressed his wounds. He then took him to an inn to heal. Besides that, he offered to pay for his care at the inn. Jesus concluded by asking, ‘Who was neighbor to the injured man?” The answer of course was, “The man who had mercy on him.” Jesus then said, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE!” Certainly, now that we have seen that children are being enslaved and abused, we must stop, pray, and do what love leads us to do to help them get free and healed.

Abraham’s rescue of his nephew Lot, recorded in Gensis 14,15, is a good example from which we can learn a lesson. Abraham and Lot separated because there was not pasture enough for both of their flocks of sheep, so Lot chose to settle towards the well-watered Sodom. Later a war broke out and Lot and all he had was carried away by his captors. When Abraham heard of his capture, he gathered 318 of his servants and went to rescue Lot. God blessed the effort and Lot was freed, his goods restored, and many other people set free as well. Later, a Priest called Melchizedek brought food and drink to Abraham and his troop, as well as pronouncing a blessing over him. Abraham, the father of faith, was moved by his faith to get his nephew Lot. In like manner, as faith children of Abraham, we should endeavor to rescue our young people who are captive to these evil sex traffickers . I believe God will bless these attempts.

Moses is another example of standing up against evil. After he slayed an Egyptian, the Pharoah was going to kill him, so he fled to Midian, as recorded in Exodus 2:15-19. Upon arriving at a well, he encountered seven daughters of the Midianite Priest who were being harassed by a bunch of shepherds. He fought the shepherds off and then helped the girls fill the troughs with water. The girls told their father how Moses had rescued them, so he was invited to stay and ended up marrying one of the daughters. Later, God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and said he had heard the cries of his children in Egypt and was sending Moses back to deliver the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery. We know the rest of the story. But the lesson remains clear, Moses, who did not know those girls, got involved and fought for them, so they could be free. God also wanted his Hebrew children free from slavery. The Lord also wants these children freed.

Jesus Christ our savior says in Luke 4:18 he was anointed ‘… to proclaim freedom to the captives.’ We know that this means freedom from being in bondage to sin, but I feel we can apply this to these children also. These children are captives of sin, but not their own sin, but the sin of evil men. Jesus also proclaimed in Matt 19:14, “…suffer the little children to come unto me.” Certainly, Jesus wants us to free these young ones from this horrible darkness, so they can freely come to him and reach the glories God has called each of them to.

In Proverbs 21:13 NIV we read these sobering words, “ Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.” I know we cannot meet every need and directly help every hurting person, but we must ask ourselves, “Have I shut my ears to the cries of hurting?” Or putting it another way, ‘Am I so self-absorbed I just can’t be bothered?’” God looks at our heart and will respond to us as we respond to situations that come our way in life’s journey. I feel that since the Lord has brought this to our attention, we must try to help these kids. If it were your children needing help, wouldn’t you want someone to rescue or help them? As Jesus taught us in Luke 6:31 NIV, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

In conclusion, Psalms 94:16 NIV asks us this question, “ Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?” God has already risen the Operation Underground Railroad group to work at freeing these captive young people and they also work together with law enforcement to stop these evil men. Maybe we can’t physically be involved, but at the very least we can join them by telling others, praying for their protection and success, as well as supporting them financially. Fellow Christians let us all stand together against these wicked evildoers! Our children are not for sale!

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Two of the Lord’s Compassionate Healings

by Pastor Randy Osborn - June 25, 2023

Certainly, God has done many kindnesses, but I just felt like sharing two rather dramatic demonstrations of the Lord’s compassion that occurred over the last few weeks. One involved a restored relationship and the other a physical healing. Here’s what happened.

As we ministered to people at the end of service a lady came up for prayer for a health procedure she was to have done. We prayed and committed that to the Lord, but then the Holy Spirit added that she would be hearing from her estranged daughter very soon and that would begin the healing of their relationship. She reported she hadn’t spoken to her daughter in over two years. Well, she did hear from her daughter very soon because the very next morning her daughter called her on the phone. Apparently, the daughter was driving to a woman’s bible study and God told her she had bitterness in her heart. At the bible study she consulted with the ladies and was moved by the Lord to call her mother the next morning. They have been communicating regularly ever since. Praise Jesus!

The next act of compassion occurred when the wife and I went to visit a lady from our church in the nursing home. When we arrived and were walking to the front entrance, I noticed a lady walking slowly, bent slightly, and holding her hand on her back. I was moved by the Holy Spirit to walk over to her and ask if she was OK. She responded that she had intense back pain and was supposed to be home in bed, but her father was dying and so she just had to come see him. We introduced ourselves and asked if we could pray for her, as I had been healed myself. She asked, “Are you one of those healing people?” I responded “No, we just work for Jesus.” She said we could lay hands on her and pray, so we prayed in Jesus Name. I then asked her to take a few steps to see how she felt, so she did. She reported that it was much better, so I asked to pray again. Afterward, she was totally free from pain and walking normally. As we walked into the nursing home she kept saying “This is amazing! This is amazing!” I just said, “Jesus is alive”, as we parted ways. God is so good!!

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Walk Across the Room

By Pastor Randy 2/27/2023

In the book of 2 Kings chapters 6 and 7, we read the story of Elisha the prophet in a besieged Samaritan City. They were trapped inside the city by the surrounding Syrian army and there was no food. Outside the city walls sat four lepers who decided to walk down to the enemy’s camp even though it might mean death. Let’s glean from this story a needed truth for Christians today.

Things in the city things were bad, but the King lost it when a woman asked him to help settle a dispute. The two women had eaten her child with the understanding that they would eat the other woman’s child the next day, but now the other woman was hiding her child. The King was horrified, tore his clothes, and turned his anger on the man of God Elisha. He said he was going to cut off Elisha’s head and then sent an officer to find him. But God revealed to the prophet what the King was going to do.

Elisha told those with him that when the officer came to lock the door for the King was coming right after him. The officer declared the Elisha was to be judged by the Lord, but Elisha spoke a word from God that there would be plenty of food sold for very cheap in the gate of the city tomorrow. The officer mocked the word saying, “Even if God would open the floodgates of heaven, could this happen?” Elisha said he would see it, but not partake of it.

Meanwhile, outside the city walls sat the four lepers. The four lepers reasoned that they could go into the city, but that was sure death, so instead they would go down to enemy’s camp with the hopes of them having mercy. If they killed them, well so be it. So, they began walking toward the Syrian encampment. But God did something interesting, he made their footsteps sound like an entire army marching. When the Syrians heard marching, they thought the Samaritans had gotten help and, in a panic, they just ran away leaving everything. When the lepers arrived at the camp, they found it empty with no soldiers. They searched a tent and found both food and bounty. They ate their fill and then they hid the goods. They did it again with a second tent. But then conviction hit their hearts. They said “This is not right. We need to share this good news with the city right away.” Then immediately they went to the city and told of the empty Syrian camp.

When news of the abandoned camp came to the King, he thought it was a trap. So, they send a couple of chariots to check it out. Sure enough, the army had fled across the Jordan and had left the camp without taking anything with them. The news spread through the city and people rushed out the gate to get food. And that officer that had mocked Elisha’s word about food being available tomorrow was trying to guard the gateway, but the people just trampled him to death. Surely, he did see it, but didn’t taste of it, according to Elisha’s word.

So, this what I see in this for us Christians today. Sometimes we might feel like lepers or outcasts by this present culture, but we are loved by God. Once we were covered with sin, but when we accepted Christ, we were forgiven, cleansed, and adopted into the family of God. We have been given a new life and we now live righteously in the abundant grace of the Father. But, like the four lepers who realized after being blessed that it would be wrong to keep this good news about the food to themselves, it’s wrong for us to keep the good news about Jesus to ourselves. Us Christians need to share God’s love and what we have received in Christ. We need to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the hungry, hurting people in our world! It is wrong not too!

Think on this. The four lepers had to step out and walk to the enemy camp, not knowing what to expect, acceptance or rejection. In type, us Christians must sometimes, with the Holy Spirits leading, walk across the room to engage someone that we might not know. We might be accepted or rejected, but that person may desperately need a word from God, comforted, encouraged, prayer or just a hug. And if he is saying right now, do it right now.

Remember, we have something to share and it’s not right for us keep the Good News of Jesus Christ to ourselves. because people today are starving for love, truth, hope and something sure to put their faith in. We have Jesus the way, the truth, and the life. We have the spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit. We have the Bible, which is God’s Word, the truth. We have God, who is love. We have our personal testimony of what Jesus has done in our life. We have spiritual food! And how do they know about God’s love unless someone tells them?

So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, be ready and be courageous enough to walk across the room to engage someone new in conversation, hopefully about Jesus. You might just cheer someone up, sow a seed of hope or perhaps even reap a soul into Christ. But you did your part, now God will do his!

And a parting thought is this. At this present time, it is apparent that God is opening the hearts of hungry people. They are desiring to have a personal encounter with the living savior Jesus and will be flooding into places where God is present. We saw this happening at Asbury College, with people driving hundreds of miles just to experience God. Don’t try to stop it! Just engage, rejoice, and watch the mighty hand of God change lives!

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‘THEREFORE’

By Pastor Randy Osborn 01/23/2023

The word ‘therefore’ occurs over 1200 times in some 1200 verses in the KJV Bible, but I, until recently, never really gave much thought to its significance. The word itself basically means ‘for this reason’ or ‘consequently’. The word ‘therefore’ connects a stated truth with what should be a logical response to that truth. So, when we see therefore in a sentence, it is emphasizing and pointing out a stated reason that is calling us to a given response. Let’s look at a few examples in the book of Mathew.

In Mathew chapter 6 we see Jesus using the word ‘therefore’ as he exhorts on giving alms, prayer, fasting , money and worldly concerns. In Mathew 6:1 he states, ”Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven”. This is the truth stated. Now in Mathew 6:2-4 he goes on to say ‘therefore’, meaning ‘for this reason’, when you give alms to help, do it as discreetly as possible out of love, drawing as little attention to yourself as possible, so that the Father which sees in secret what you have done will then reward you openly. That word ‘therefore’ is saying what Jesus just told you is a ‘very good reason’ to do it like he’s telling you to do it.

In Mathew 6:5 Jesus says don’t pray like some who stand praying just to be seen of men or like the heathen, who speak much in vain repetitions thinking is makes them heard. Don’t pray like that. Jesus says, ‘therefore’ or ‘for this reason’ pray in secret to your heavenly Father because he knows what things you have need of before ye ask him. Then he gave us what we call the Lord’s Prayer in Mathew 6:9-13, capping it off with the need to forgive each other if we expect forgiveness from the Father.

In Mathew 6:16-17 he speaks of fasting along the same vane of doing things for God not just to be seen of men. He taught us don’t fast to be seen of men but appear unto men like you are not fasting, so you will be rewarded by thy Father, who sees in secret and will reward you openly.

Then, Jesus spoke of wealth and earthly needs. In Mathew 6 21 and 24 he says “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also…..Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money).” Or don’t be greedy. Then the ‘therefore’ or reasonable response of faith comes in Mathew 6: 31-32, “ THEREFORE, take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?.... for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto you”. Faith believes “God will provide!”

Jesus then speaks of sowing and reaping results from what you do. In Mathew 7:1-2 he says “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Or basically, you get what you do!

Now comes the Golden Rule that is perhaps Jesus’s most notable ‘therefore’ and is stated in Mathew 7:12 “THEREFORE, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and prophets.” So, by using ‘for this reason’ we should logically do what you want back from others because that is surely our most reasonable response to you’ll be judged as you have judged and given back with what measure you have given! This is also how we live as lights in the world.

Yes, we are to be light and salt in this world. So how do we do that in secret? Here is my thought about a statement by the Lord that might appear contradictory to the teaching of not doing things to seen of men as recorded in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” If you think about it, Jesus’s teaching actually does line up perfectly. We are not to do things just to be seen and admired by men, but we should do our works for the Lord in love, who sees in secret, “before” men. We are not to hide our light as we live out what God has called us do, but to be living epistles read of all men. So, we do all for the Lord by the Holy Spirits leading, not for men’s approval, but before men. A light shining in the dark will be noticeable.

There are many other ‘therefore’ scriptures, but I leave you with the one about Jesus coming as a thief in the night and thus ‘for this reason’ that we should be always ready. Jesus said in Matthew 24:42-44 “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. THEREFORE BE YE READY: FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR AS YE THINK NOT THE SON OF MAN COMETH.”

So, I hope when you are reading your bible and you see that word ‘therefore’, that you will pay close attention to the stated reason why the author is asking you to respond in a certain way. This will empower you as you walk in the light and the truth shall set and keep you free!

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A MOVE OF FAITH

By Pastor Randy Osborn 1/2/2023

In the early seventies, during what was called the ‘Jesus Movement’, my wife Nancy and I became Christians and were filled with the promised Holy Spirit. As we grew in the faith and prayed, one day the Lord asked me to quit my job in Rockford and move back to my hometown of Sterling, Illinois. This is about my move of faith.

The Lord had given a specific day to move, which was on Wednesday, and said he had a house chosen for us. I told the company where I was working that I was giving my two week notice and needed that Wednesday off. They tried to talk me out of leaving and I wasn’t exactly a pillar of faith, but I was afraid of disobeying the Lord, so I told them I was sure I would not stay. They gave me that Wednesday off, hoping I would change my mind.

So, the wife and I went to Sterling that Wednesday and purchased Tuesday’s local Newspaper to check for a rental house. There where only a few available, but each one I called refused to rent to me since I didn’t have a job. I even called one lady back to try and convince her I would have a job, but she still said “No, my husband will not rent to you without gainful employment.” We were really discouraged but thought maybe the Wednesday paper would list a new rental. So, we bought the paper and decided to go to my parents’ home and call the listings. As we were driving to their house we stopped at a red light and in the car right next to me was my oldest friend Jerry and his wife, who I hadn’t seen in years. We asked them to meet us at my Dad’s house for coffee and they did.

At my parents’ we found out that Jerry and his wife had become Christians in the military after attending a Billy Graham meeting, but they felt that there was more. We shared with them the about the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues and showed them in the bible that experience was for them. They received the word with joy and we were excited to share the good news with them. We then called the new rental listing in the Wednesday paper and the owner agreed to show us the house. We met him, beating another couple there by a half hour, and he agreed to rent us the home. I told him I would pay him Friday the first month’s rent and he agreed. But I didn’t have the money!

As we drove back to Rockford and I told Nancy that if God told us to move and then gave us that house, he would surely give us money for the rent. Well, God did! The next evening a friend came by the house and said he was at church on Wednesday evening and God has told him to give us $150 and help us move. Actually, another brother came by and offered us $50 more dollars, but we refused it since we only needed the $150. In two weeks, we made the move to Sterling.

After two weeks of pounding the streets for work nothing had opened, I was broke and very down heartened. Nancy, who was pregnant with my son Thomas, decided to stay home for the Wednesday house meeting, but I went anyway. After the service ended and everyone had gone upstairs, I remained in the basement praying. I was crying to the Lord about being broke and having no job when an audible voice spoke saying, “Why do you worry??” It stopped me in my tracks, and I looked around to see who was there. There was no one there! I then went upstairs and the brother who owned the house asked me to stay and have a cup of coffee with him. It was around 9:30PM.

As we were visiting, around 9:45PM my wife called me. She said a man from GE in Morrison had called around 9:30PM, just when I heard the voice ask, ”Why do you worry??” She said he had seen my application and checked that day with my previous employer. I was highly recommended, so he wanted me to come in tomorrow for a job interview. Of course, I did go to that interview on Thursday morning, and they made me an offer of employment on Friday. It was the same salary I had been making in Rockford. I accepted and started the next Monday and since they paid every week, I drew my first paycheck that following Friday. I didn’t lose one paycheck in the move back to Sterling! Why did I worry!!!

The house God put us in was surely his choosing, because of my wife’s witnessing to the neighbor ladies several families came to the church group we attended and gave their hearts to the Lord. Later their husbands became believers also. We continue to be close to this day and they serve in the church.

Why do we worry? God is still speaking and God really is in control!!!

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Wise Men Still Seek Jesus

by Pastor Randy

At Christmas time we turn our attention to the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the notable parts of this story is about the three magi coming from the east to honor the new born king. You probably all know about how they were led to the Christ Child by a star and that they presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We refer to them as the ‘Three Wise Men’. Truly they were wise in seeking to find Jesus and today we are wise to seek him also!

There are many great promises in the Bible given to those seek God. One of my favorites is the promise of provision. Psalms 34:10 states “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Jesus himself taught us the same thing when he said in Matthew 6:31-33 “Therefore, take no thought, saying ”What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” (For all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Wow! God seekers will lack no good thing! And besides that Prov 10:22 proclaims “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

So, what is it to be a God seeker? Jesus stated it in John 5:30 “….for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” So, it is to seek to please and glorify God with all that we do. It is to seek God’s revealed will in all situations. It is to draw night to him through prayer. It is to read God’s word for truth and to see what he says is right and wrong. It is to fellowship with other God seekers, because where two or three gather in his name he is in their midst. It is to walk like Jesus and to be led by God’s spirit. It’s striving to know him better. It is to seek his face, which means presence and fellowship. And in his presence is fullness of joy!

The truth is that all men don’t seek God. In Psalm 10:4 it informs us that it’s men’s pride that keeps them from seeking God. They seek their own desires and to do it their way. They think they don’t need him, but we all do. And Isaiah 8:19 tells us that when some do want spiritual guidance they seek to the wrong sources, like to psychics or mediums. Others it says in Galatians 1:10 seek to please men rather than to please God. Yet others seek security in money, which 1Timothy 6:9 teaches is unwise. And yet others seek to fulfill the lust of their flesh through sexual pleasures and substance abuse. Yes, on and on the list goes of seeking the wrong things. The sad thing is that they will reap, but the consequences will be negative.

However, realize there are positive rewards in seeking God. But we must believe and make a conscious decision to seek with all our heart. King David told his son Solomon in 1 Chron 22: 19 “Now set your heart and soul to seek the Lord thy God….” In the book of Hebrews 11:6 we read “ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” It is said of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31:21 “In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” Decide today and fix your heart to seek the Lord! It is worth it!

With all the unrest and trouble that surrounds us today, let us take to heart the words in Hosea 10:12 “ Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” We need Jesus!!! Be wise and as Isaiah 55:6 tells us, seek the Lord while he may be found. God is near today and wants you to find Jesus. And when you find Jesus, you find an abundant life. You’ll lack no good thing!!

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PRAYER PLUS THANKSGIVING

The scripture teaches us that prayer and thanksgiving go hand in hand. For instance, in Psalms 50:14,15 we are to offer the ‘sacrifice of thanksgiving’ and pay our vows to the Lord, which will then pave the way for deliverance when we ‘pray in times of trouble’. Also, in Philippians 4:6-7 we are told to be anxious for nothing but in ever circumstance to offer ‘prayer, with thanksgiving’, which in turn will give us peace of heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Also, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 we are exhorted to ‘not stop praying and to be thankful’ in every circumstance. Actually, prayer and thanksgiving mark the Christian believer. This truth became very evident a few years ago through a boy named Jacob.

As I was getting my hair cut, the hair stylist shared with me about what had happened to her daughter and grandson Jacob. I was familiar with part their story, since I was able to pray for her daughter and the child before his birth. At that time she was having a terrible time carrying the child. Her placenta had broken loose and the little boy had a cist and wasn’t growing, so she had to just lie in bed at the hospital. I prayed for her in person and once on the phone. Also, many others were praying. Well, the Lord came through and to the amazement of the doctors in Rockford the placenta reattached, the cist disappeared and child grew. But Jacob was born with several problems, the worst of which was an inherited trait of kidney trouble.

Several months before I had learned of Jacob’s kidney problems and we had prayed for him. Their church also was interceding in prayer for his healing. That’s when I heard the rest of Jacob’s story.

Apparently, the local doctor had given up on treating Jacob and suggested going to a clinic in Peoria, Illinois. They had gone there and were returning for another test to see if they could possibly help Jacob. As the mom was driving from Sterling to Peoria, over an hour trip, is where the part about thanksgiving becomes apparent.

The children were asleep, so as the mom was driving she suddenly realized that she had never really thanked God for her son Jacob or for all those who had prayed. So she began to pray and thank the Lord for her son, the ministers who prayed, for the doctors and all who been a help. Then they arrived at the clinic for the tests.

After the testing, the doctor asked the mother to please sit down. This alarmed her and so she braced herself for the worst report. But it wasn’t bad at all! The doctor reported that it must have been a miracle, because Jacob’s kidneys were now perfect healthy and the connecting tubes were straight! Yes, God had done another miracle on that trip to Peoria. God healed the kidney problem. And I believe prayer watered with thanksgiving, brought the deliverance.

So, when you pray, have faith and be sure to add thanks for God hearing you and sending an answer! And when the answer arrives, be sure to give him more thanks and praise! Prayer and thanksgiving is a powerful combination!

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CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY

by Pastor Randy Osborn 11/4, 2022

November 8th is midterm elections in our country but is for more than just government representatives or local board members. It is for our nations very soul. Will we return to our biblical roots and foundation of faith in God or will we continue to sink deeper into paganism. Yes, I said paganism.

Today many are surely wondering, “What is going on and why is everything so crazy??” Well, according to Pastor Johnathon Cahn, author of Return of the Gods, our culture is being led astray by ancient principalities or gods. They have come back because America has abandoned its God, the Bible, and the gospel message of Jesus Christ, which is to love one another. Each has Satanic inspiration and a goal to deceive, steal and enslave humanity. Their ancient bible names are Baal, Ashtoreth and Molech. Baal has led us away from faith in our creator into materialism and humanistic world views. Ashtoreth is the Sexual Goddess who influenced the sexual revolution, same sex attractions and now gender confusion. Molech wants our children’s blood on his altar and is behind abortion. Many are falling for their lies believing that fulfilling all their fleshly thoughts and desires is ‘Freedom’, not knowing that 'True Freedom' is really self-control and the ability to say ‘No, to sin and Yes, to righteousness!” This power is what God the Father offers through faith is his son Jesus Christ and by the empowering of the Holy Spirit! It is self- control and righteousness! It is to be spiritually minded, which is life and peace! But we must choose whom we will follow!

For the past two years we have witnessed what the Godless radical left agenda has produced. Nothing good, that’s for sure. We have record inflation, sky rocketing crime, looming food and fuel shortages, an immigration mess on the southern border, influx of drugs, sexual orientation being taught to young children, removal of parental rights, young men and women becoming transgender, canceling of our freedom of speech and the right to informed consent, major cities overrun with the homeless, spending trillions of dollars with little forethought, horrible foreign policies, ECT., ECT. Their policies, or should I say gods, have not produced. Before they got control, before Covid hit, when we had a God honoring administration, we were doing much better. The economy was strong, the border was secure, we were exporting oil, the job market strong, stock market strong, the world powers were at peace, all was hopeful. But then!!!

Now we have a choice, in this election, just like the children of Israel did when Elijah challenged the Priests of Baal to an answer by fire contest, to reveal whose God was really God. Then he said in 1 Kings 18:21 KJV ‘And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, ‘How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” When Baal’s Priest’s did their religious acts, with no visible results, then it was Elijah’s turn. He built an altar, prepared the sacrifice, dossed it with water several times, then he prayed, 1 Kings 18:37, “Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again.” 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, “The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.”

To me it is very clear whose God is God and which way we should go! So, like Joshua said to Israel as they entered the promise land, Joshua 24:15 NIV, “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

November 8th, 2022, you can vote. Your vote will reflect your values and which way you want this country to go. Do we go on the present destruction path we are on, or go back to God, using the bible as our moral compass, living righteously, truthfully, practicing common sense politics, openly discuss issues, enforce the rule of law, patriotism, honoring authority, working hard and reaping, respecting each other, treat all men equally, protect the innocent and show brotherly kindness. What we will be tomorrow depends on the choices we make today!

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We Prayed and God Answered!

By Pastor Randy Osborn 10/7/2022

I would like to share a praise report about two recent answers to prayer. One involved an elderly lady in our church who had fallen and cracked her pelvis bone. The other report is about a man who had polio as a youth, which shortened his one leg causing him to limp. Both received obvious touches from the Lord after prayer in Jesus Name. Let’ look at each closer.

The lady who was in the hospital for the pelvis injury could barely stand and walk with assistance. We prayed for her legs to function properly, but she seemed to get worse instead of better. I was disturbed that she wasn’t helped when a thought passed through my mind that it was her back that was causing the problem. I called her husband, who was at the hospital with her, and we prayed that God would touch her back so she could walk and go home. I also asked her husband to lay hands on her and pray. Well, the report came back later that she had not just walked the required 20 steps, but she made 30 steps! She was sent home a week later and her husband reports that she shows improvement each day. Praise the Lord!

The second case involving a man who limped because of polio was amazing. He had broken his new leg brace, so he was using his old brace that must have affected his back because he could barely walk and was in great pain while doing so. I had called him several times over the next few weeks, and we prayed over the phone, but there was no sign of improvement. He was basically bed ridden and said he was fine sitting but when he stood and walked it was 10 on the pain scale. He could barely walk with crutches. The doctor told him he might have to be in a wheelchair because his one good leg had gone bad. Again, I was disturbed that he wasn’t improving, so when the wife and I went out to his house to deliver something I took anointing oil to lay hands on him and pray again. Well, he welcomed us and after visiting awhile I anointed him with oil in Jesus Name and we all prayed. I lifted his legs and asked God to touch his back. We also sang a chorus of Hallelujah, after which I asked him to try standing. He struggled to his feet and then proclaimed no pain and that he hadn’t stood that straight in two weeks! We all thanked the Lord for a healing touch! The next day his wife said he had gone to Menard's to get salt for their conditioner. God is good!

I learned that we must press through the doubts, not give up and pray as the Holy Spirit leads. The one sister needed prayer for her back not her legs and the brother needed to be anointed and have hands laid upon him. I really thank God for hearing our cry and touching these two, because they are very dear to me and are sincere believers. Thank you, Jesus, for caring for us!

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A TIME TO EXAMINE

by Pastor Randy Osborn - 9/24/2022

In my 50 plus years as a Christian, I feel this is a time to seriously examine our lives to see if we are living the Christian faith we profess. Jude wrote to us in Jude 1:3 NET, “ Dear friends, although I have been eager to write to you about our common salvation, I now feel compelled instead to write to encourage you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” Also, in 1Co 11:31 NET Paul wrote “But if we examined ourselves, we would not be judged.” Again, in Ephesians 5:8 NET he exhorts us “ for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light.“ Finally, In James 1:22 NET we read. “But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.”

Why the urgency to examine ourselves now? Because of all the signs signaling Jesus’ return and the end of the age are being fulfilled before our very eyes. We have Israel in her homeland, Jerusalem recognized as Israel’s capitol, frequent and large earthquakes occurring, plague, famine, roaring seas, unusual weather, war, men loving only themselves, truce breaking, a culture of lying, lawlessness abounding, disrespect of authority, scoffing the return of Jesus, leaving the Bible as our moral compass, gender confusion, ECT... It is becoming like Noah’s day, which was marked by violence and like Lot’s Day, which was marked by the moral decadence of Sodomy.

All these signals, plus this is the end of a Jewish seven-year agricultural Shmita cycle with the new cycle possibly signaling the beginning of the seven-year Tribulation called Jacob’s trouble. In addition, the Jewish feast of Rosh Hashanah, which is the Feast of Trumpets, occurs Sept 26th-27th, which begins a Jewish new year that is also a 50th year Jubilee Year! The Rosh Hashanah feast also begins the 'Ten Days of Awe', which proceed Atonement Day. During these ten days Jews are to search their live's and repent of bad deeds. The Shmita, Rosh Hashanah, and Jubilee all occurring together only happens once every 50 years! Besides all this, the Jewish Rabbis have received 5 Red Heifers to be examined for defects. If one meets the biblical qualifications for the needed Red Heifer sacrifice, then they could begin to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, which is central in the last days scenario. To me all this cry’s out, “It is time to look for our soon coming King Jesus.”

Certainly, we want to be ready, dressed in righteous white robes, living right with our lights shining when the Lord returns. We need to be doing what God has called us to do, so ask yourself “Am I doing what I know God wants me to do?” Jesus said in Luke 12:42-43 NIV, “The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.” But there is something else!

We should be asking for God to search our hearts for any darkness. It says in Psalm 139:23-24 NLT “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” If the Holy Spirit reveals any sin, if we will confess it and ask God to forgive and cleanse us of this unrighteousness the scripture promises he will in 1Jo 1:9 KJV “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What God reveals he wants to heal!

So, do a self-examination and ask God to do an examination of your heart. A clean heart will allow us to confidently approach the Lord in prayer with a promise that he hears us and will answer! 1John 3:21-22 NIV “ Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.”

In conclusion, it would also do us good to remember this Word from Psalm 24:3-5 NET “ Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may go up to his holy dwelling place? The one whose deeds are blameless and whose motives are pure, who does not lie, or make promises with no intention of keeping them. Such godly people are rewarded by the LORD and vindicated by the God who delivers them.” Amen!

*********************** A COMFORT OF GOD

By Pastor Randy Osborn 7/27/2022

Apostle Paul wrote in 2Co 1:3-4 NIV “ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Truly God does comfort us in times of trouble or grief, and he recently demonstrated his amazing comfort to a dear Christian sister whose stepfather passed away recently. Let me explain.

A brother in my church had been battling kidney failure and been doing dialysis for some time. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him and finally last Friday night he passed away. We were all surprised, but somewhat glad that his suffering was now over and that he was with the Lord. In speaking with the relatives about his passing and funeral arrangements, his stepdaughter Destiny shared her deep concern that she hoped he hadn’t suffered much before passing. I shared her concern, but felt he probably just died in his sleep. Then she told me that the night he passed away she had awakened in the night with terrible leg pain. This was highly unusual since she was in good physical condition and had done nothing to cause this leg pain. It was very intense, so she got out of bed and just walked around praying. Finally, after about an hour it left, so she went back to bed. She asked me if it could have been related to her stepfather’s situation. I responded that I believed it probably was, so we prayed and asked the Lord for understanding. At that our conversation ended.

When I awoke the next morning, the Holy Spirit quickened to me what God was saying through her having leg pain that night. God was comforting Destiny. The Lord was showing her that her stepfather, who was one of the main supports in her life’s journey, thus the legs which allow us to stand up, was in pain but it didn’t last very long and ended at his passing. God wanted her to know he was involved and wanted her to be comforted by this happening, so she’d know her stepfather was now OK. I texted her what I had received, and she respond with a “Thank you so much!” I haven’t spoken to her yet, but I know it eased her grief.

Another example comes to mind of God’s comforting and that concerned my wife. She was troubled about some things surrounding her father’s death and she had been praying constantly about the situation. Finally, one evening as she was praying, she suddenly saw her father in a vision. Her father was about 30 years of age, alive and absolutely glowing with joy. It took her a couple of days to process what had happened, but she finally realized the Lord had showed her he was fine, and all was well. God in His goodness had comforted her, answered her prayer and she was at peace.

The scripture says, ‘all comfort’, which means comfort appears in many ways. Comfort is defined as encouragement, solace, freedom from pain, easing of a person’s feeling of grief or distress, or to console. In whatever way God sends us comfort, whether through an encouraging word, a friends consoling, a Holy Spirit breathed scripture, a dream or vision, we know God is the inspiring force. Certainly, God is compassionate and the God of all comfort. Praise be to the Lord!

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AN ENCOURAGING DREAM

By Pastor Randy Osborn 6/28/2022

Last Friday night I had a very encouraging dream. It spoke to me of people being set free from spiritual prisons that had held them captive, restored fellowships and the scoring of very many victories in turning our nation back to God. The dream was as follows.

I was at church and service had just ended and we were to have a luncheon. Some left but I spotted a lady come in late that I thought one of the men would want to see, so I went outside to see if he was still in the parking lot to inform him of her arrival. There I encountered several brethren, who I hadn’t seen in some time, that were coming to the fellowship. Then a car pulled up with a man who had been in jail, but they just opened the car door and let him out. I looked at my old Pastor, who has now passed on, and said “It looks like a get out jail free day!” He smiled at me. Then a carload of people pulled up and one lady excitingly said that they had been competing in a basketball tournament and where scoring so many baskets so fast that the scoreboard couldn’t even keep up to display the score. Then I saw another fellow who I had some issues with, but he was reluctantly coming back to church. I awakened very excited.

Again, I feel the Lord was encouraging me, and the church, that he was going to be setting the captives free from spiritual bondage, granting repentance, restoring broken fellowships, and inspiring many spiritual victories to be quickly scored in the present contest for the soul of our country.

I hope this dream encourages you, as it has me. Truly the Lord is about to work a great work!

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” [Phl 4:4 KJV]

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Generational Curses are True

Science has confirmed that generational curses are real, just as the Bible declares in Genesis 20:5 "...visiting the iniquity of fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me." To read the article from SoulRefiner - just 'highlight the following link' and then click 'open link'.

https://kingdomworks.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a598b8a7d104e1f0d9f50540d&id=aeed6981f8&e=9ac699f568

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3 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS

By: Pastor Randy Osborn - April 13, 2022

Ever since I became a Christian in the early 70’s I wondered how Jesus could have died on Friday afternoon and raised from the dead on Sunday morning, while still fulfilling his own prophecy in Matt 12:38-40 of being like Jonah, who was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish. That meant Jesus had to be 72 hours in the grave. The Friday crucifixion just did not work. So, I have studied the scriptures and here is my conclusion. Jesus died on Wednesday afternoon at 3PM, was placed in the tomb just before sunset, and rose Saturday afternoon just before sunset. He was discovered risen from the dead early Sunday morning because the tomb was empty!

This video teaching explains it well; (highlight and open link to view)

https://youtu.be/EmtyYqq11Qc

The most important things about Jesus crucifixion and rising from the dead the third day was that the resurrection vindicated his truly being the Son of God and the messiah, as stated in Romans 1:3 NIV, “regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” Also, it builds our faith to see how Jesus fulfilled all the scriptures written about him, including the Jonah sign. This allows us to really worship God in spirit and in truth, as Jesus said we must do in John 4:23-24 NIV, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

What you personally believe about the day Jesus died and rose again may not be the salvation issue, but we must all believe in our heart and confess with our mouth that Jesus rose from the dead to be saved! Romans 10:9-10 states, “If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

I truly hope you have confessed Jesus as your risen Lord. If you can’t point to the exact day you confessed Christ as your savior, why not do it today?

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40 DAYS

By Pastor Randy Osborn - 3/30/2022

The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia has been referred to as a ‘David vs Goliath’ situation, with Big Russia being against Smaller Ukraine. As you know from the Bible in 1 Samuel chapter 17, the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, “Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me, if he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.” And the Philistine drew near morning and evening and presented himself forty days. Then David arrived, fought him and with a sling and with a stone smote the Philistine, and slew him! Certainly, David’s victory and faith encourages us, but what I want to look at is the number 40. Goliath taunted the Israelite army 40 days!

In the bible we see numbers have meaning and are symbolic of spiritual happenings. The number 40 speaks of trial and testing. It is mentioned 145 times in the bible. For instance, Moses was 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 commandments while the children of Abraham waited anxiously below, but they lost faith and 3000 were destroyed. Moses went up again for 40 more days and received another copy. It rained 40 day and nights in Noah’s day, while Noah rode it out in the Ark with his family, while all sinful flesh was being destroyed and a new world was to begin. Jonah preached 40 days to the Ninevites about their sin and coming judgment, at which they repented and stayed God’s hand. Jesus was 40 days in the wilderness being tempted of the devil, over which he was victorious, thus showing us the victory of faith. Jesus rose from the dead the third day and appeared to many over the next 40 days instructing and telling them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. They obeyed and on Pentecost things changed big time with the Christian church being born!

Now we see Russia’s leader viciously attacking Ukraine who is courageously fighting back. Putin, Russia’s Goliath, confidently defies the free world’s complaints while continuing his assault. This conflict began on February 24th with the Russian army entering Ukraine and April 4th will mark the 40th day of conflict. So, spiritually speaking, I look for a change. Russia and Ukraine are now having talks on how this could be stopped. Will this great trial for Ukraine, and really for all the world, be settled after 40 days with removal of Russia’s Goliath and the pulling back of the Russian Army? Will this in turn begin a great revival of faith in God and outpouring of the Holy Spirit? I certainly hope so!

Jesus is Lord no matter what!

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Jesus Would Have Heard the Truckers

By Pastor Randy Osborn 2/19/2022

It seems to me the Trucker’s protest in Ottawa, Canada, about the vaccine mandates could have ended peaceably weeks ago had the Prime Minister of Canada just sat down and listened to what they had to say. Even the Lord Jesus Christ, that scripture says sits at the right hand of God in heaven as ruler, stated in Matthew 11:28-29 NIV "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus Christ is highly exalted, but he is approachable and cares about us all. Christ would have invited the Truckers to come to him with the burden of their hearts and he would have heard them. Perhaps the Prime Minister should learn from the Lord Jesus by being gentle and humble in heart, instead of being arrogant and using force. This could have brought peace to all concerned. As it is, without ever talking to the leaders of this protest, he has labeled these protesting citizens as terrorists and is confiscating monies, equipment and making arrests. This is causing a greater division in the country and mistrust of the government authorities. I fear this will not end well, as with King Rehoboam as recorded in 1 Kings chapter 12.

When Rehoboam, after the death of his father Solomon, could have ruled all the tribes of Israel but he followed the advice of his friends and split the Kingdom in half. The people came to him and shared the burden of their heart. They said his father had made things hard on them, but if Rehoboam would lift some of the load, they would follow him as King. He did listen and told them he’d get back to them in three days. They agreed. So, Rehoboam asked some of the advisors what to do. The older advisors who had been with Solomon told him to hear the people and lighten up some, and the people would see he cared about them and then they would serve him as King. However, some of his younger contemporaries disagreed and told him to not bow to them but show them who was boss by making it even harder. Unfortunately, Rehoboam followed the advice of the young men and said, "My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions." As a result, most of the tribes rebelled and the Kingdom ended up splitting into the North and South. Only the tribe of Judah remained with Rehoboam, and he barely escaped with his life.

What has been done is done, but I truly wish the Prime Minister had taken the more caring approach and heard his people’s hearts, instead of making such a show of force. Now it only remains to see what will happen in the days to come. But thankfully Jesus is our great high priest in heaven and will always hear our hearts cry. In Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV it states, “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.’

Jesus is Lord, no matter what!

**************** The Poppy Seed Problem

by Pastor Randy Osborn ---02/03/2022

Last Monday my grandson’s school preformed a random drug test and he tested positive for opioids. He claimed he was innocent, but they put him on suspension for the week and they informed his mother that he would have to go to drug rehab next Monday. My daughter boldly responded that that wasn’t going to happen and took him home.

The wife and I were in town at the time with my oldest daughter, so we started researching the test and found that eating poppy seeds prior to testing would cause a positive test. The grandson said he had eaten a poppy seed bagel that morning. We discovered another girl who tested positive also had eaten a poppy seed bagel that morning. They told this to the school administration, but they knew nothing about what could cause an erroneous positive test, even though it was common knowledge. Those giving the test were ignorant of all the substances that could cause a false reading.

The next day my son-in-law went to the school and told them about his son eating poppy seeds. He pointed out they should have known this fact and demanded his son be allowed back in school; a public apology would be given and this would be taken off his son’s record. They did allow the grandson back in school until further test results came back. On Wednesday the results showed it had been a false ‘positive’ test! The school said an apology was to be given, the record erased, and the school is looking into correcting their testing program, so this would not happen again. The truth set my grandson free, and God is working this to the good, but had this not been challenged and caught his promising future could have been altered. All because of the ignorance of those conducting the test.

The ignorance about the poppy seed causing a false reading reminds me of the ignorance that is happening today with the vaccinated versus the unvaccinated. Those choosing to be unvaccinated, for whatever reason or showing they have natural antibodies from previous infection, are being accused of spreading the Covid virus and endangering everyone else. Because of this many have needlessly lost their jobs and in certain areas have been denied access to eating establishments. But this is not based on facts. The truth is that now we know that the vaccinated and unvaccinated both can contract the virus variants and if either show symptoms they can potentially spread it. If ill both are to quarantine until well. Truly, the vaccinated usually are not as ill as the unvaccinated, but that is not the issue. Both can catch and spread the virus. The unvaccinated population is not solely the problem. We should not be attacking each other but attacking the problem of helping the sick get well. We should be asking how we can treat this sickness up front with medicines, so no one has to go to the hospital. To be vaccinated or not should be an individual choice, and not brand someone as good or bad. Vaccination is not the litmus test for being a righteous individual. It can give a false reading!

I might mention that every truth must be established by two or three witnesses. One test should have not automatically suspended someone and sent them to a rehab program. These students should have been given the benefit of the doubt before sentenced. We are innocent until proven guilty. This is especially true in my grandson’s case who has proven himself to be a very good student, multi-talented and an all-round good kid. We shouldn’t rush to conclusions and make knee jerk decisions because people’s lives are at stake. I am glad the school is changing the present drug testing policy. I also hope the USA changes it's vaccine mandate policies.

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A GOOD NEWS STORY

by Pastor Randy Osborn - January 05, 2022

An elderly woman in our church recently called me on the phone to inform me the police had just been by their house to see if they were OK. Apparently she had been scheduled to have her eyes checked for cataracts on Wednesday morning but they had forgotten the appointment. The eye clinic staff became concerned because of the cold weather, so they called the Sheriff's department and asked them to please go by their house to check on them. The police did check and of course found them safe and well. The couple was embarrassed for having forgotten the appointment and said from now on they were writing all appointments on the calendar so they wouldn't forget. She called me to get the eye doctors phone number so she could call them to apologize.

The good news about this story is that the staff at the eye clinic cared enough about this aging couple to call the police to have them go check on them. This is the way it should be. This is love in action. This is what pleases God. This is why we have police. This has made me have hope for my beloved country. This is America!!

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Wise Men Still Seek Jesus

by Pastor Randy

At Christmas time we turn our attention to the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the notable parts of this story is about the three magi coming from the east to honor the new born king. You probably all know about how they were led to the Christ Child by a star and that they presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. We refer to them as the ‘Three Wise Men’. Truly they were wise in seeking to find Jesus and today we are wise to seek him also!

There are many great promises in the Bible given to those seek God. One of my favorites is the promise of provision. Psalms 34:10 states “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Jesus himself taught us the same thing when he said in Matthew 6:31-33 “Therefore, take no thought, saying ”What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” (For all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Wow! God seekers will lack no good thing! And besides that Prov 10:22 proclaims “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”

So, what is it to be a God seeker? Jesus stated it in John 5:30 “….for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” So, it is to seek to please and glorify God with all that we do. It is to seek God’s revealed will in all situations. It is to draw night to him through prayer. It is to read God’s word for truth and to see what he says is right and wrong. It is to fellowship with other God seekers, because where two or three gather in his name he is in their midst. It is to walk like Jesus and to be led by God’s spirit. It’s striving to know him better. It is to seek his face, which means presence and fellowship. And in his presence is fullness of joy!

The truth is that all men don’t seek God. In Psalm 10:4 it informs us that it’s men’s pride that keeps them from seeking God. They seek their own desires and to do it their way. They think they don’t need him, but we all do. And Isaiah 8:19 tells us that when some do want spiritual guidance they seek to the wrong sources, like to psychics or mediums. Others it says in Galatians 1:10 seek to please men rather than to please God. Yet others seek security in money, which 1Timothy 6:9 teaches is unwise. And yet others seek to fulfill the lust of their flesh through sexual pleasures and substance abuse. Yes, on and on the list goes of seeking the wrong things. The sad thing is that they will reap, but the consequences will be negative.

However, realize there are positive rewards in seeking God. But we must believe and make a conscious decision to seek with all our heart. King David told his son Solomon in 1 Chron 22: 19 “Now set your heart and soul to seek the Lord thy God….” In the book of Hebrews 11:6 we read “ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” It is said of King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31:21 “In everything that he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” Decide today and fix your heart to seek the Lord! It is worth it!

With all the unrest and trouble that surrounds us today, let us take to heart the words in Hosea 10:12 “ Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.” We need Jesus!!! Be wise and as Isaiah 55:6 tells us, seek the Lord while he may be found. God is near today and wants you to find Jesus. And when you find Jesus, you find an abundant life. You’ll lack no good thing!!

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THE ALARM CLOCK IS SOUNDING

By Pastor Randy Osborn -- 10/22/2021

RINGGGG! As of late we constantly hear the term ‘Reset’, with one definition of the term reset being to set again, like to reset my alarm clock once it has sounded. Well, I believe our vaccine alarm clock has gone off and should awaken all Americans to take note. The recent data is showing that the vaccines are less than 40% effective against Covid-19 and that there are growing numbers of the vaccinated having break through cases of Covid. Even highly vaccinated areas are seeing breakouts, like Isreal, Vermont and Harvard University. That plus the growing number of adverse effects being reported from those taking the vaccines, including death. It’s without a doubt time to wake up, stop, examine the data, and seriously discuss changing our approach to dealing with this pandemic. We need to start again differently!

Wisdom comes to us from Proverbs 11:14 “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” So this idea of a small body of health officials dictating how every doctor has to deal with medicines and treatments has to change. A large roundtable of practicing front line doctors and scientists should assemble regularly to discuss what they are using to treat their patients and share knowledge. The emphasis must be taken off the vaccines as the only answer to stopping this sickness and ‘reset’ to treating sick people immediately with medicines that will stop the Covid virus from replicating. We have several such medicines that have shown effectiveness. Recently the India state of Uttar Pradesh, with over 200 million people, took such an approach by testing and distributing home health care kits which included the medicine Ivermectin. They announced defeat of the Covid spread with a 98% recovery rate and reported no new cases of viral infection in 67 districts. They have only a 5.8% vaccination rate.

My pastoral view on the vaccines is one of individual choice. Everyone has the liberty to choose, based on their faith, whether they take the mRNA vaccine. Several in my congregation have gotten the vaccine shots and many have not. We believe that when something is not directly condemned in the scripture, we call those ‘liberties’ and are given the choice as to whether or not we partake. For instance, some might not eat meat or drink alcohol, whereas others might feel at liberty to moderately partake. I believe vaccines fall in the category of liberties.

The Apostle Paul states concerning partaking of liberties in Romans 14:5 NIV “… Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” Paul concludes his exhortation by saying in Romans 14:22-23 NIV “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” So, each one of us must be convinced in our heart that God approves of what we are doing, or it is sin to us. The peace of Christ should rule in our hearts according to Colossians 3:15.

I believe mandating of these experimental vaccines to work, travel or function in the USA is just plain wrong. It is dividing us and is causing disruption of already hurting businesses and lives. I personally see the stress that the vaccine mandate is putting in my own daughters’ lives. In the bible John 3:16 tells us God himself gave us his son Jesus Christ to take away our sin and give us peace of heart and mind about our eternity, but it’s our individual choice as to whether we receive God’s offer. We have free will to choose. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be preached to everyone so all may know the truth, but no one is forced to accept Jesus. God’s Holy Spirit will bring strong conviction on people’s heart when they hear the truth, but it is still everyone’s choice to receive the truth being presented. It should be the same for this vaccine. We should hear all the pro’s and con’s of the vaccine and then prayerfully make a personal choice. It’s biblical.

In the book of Revelations chapter 13 we read of an Antichrist world leader and false prophet who forces people to receive a mark on the hand or forehead to be able to buy of sell. It is called the Mark of the Beast and is inspired by the devil himself. What is happening right now may not be that mark, but it is a doctrine of demons as referred to in 1 Timothy 4:1 “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” These demons work through lies, fear, oppression and torment. Their only goal is to steal, kill and destroy. We are seeing our unity being destroyed, our freedoms being threatened, the economy weakened and possibly even our health ruined. We need to stop right now and examine closely what is happening. We are told in James 4:6-7 “…Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We need to resist him in the faith like Jesus did when tempted by the devil, with the truth and by refusing to bow to unrighteousness. The light will dispel the darkness! It is not too late. Pray for boldness and for our leaders to wake up and halt this vaccine mandate!

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Is America losing its’ Soul?

By Pastor Randy Osborn -- 8/17/2021

America, are we losing our soul, our basic freedoms of expression and choice? “In your patience possess ye your souls” was spoken by Jesus in Luke 21:19 {KJV]. This rings so true to me today as I see our country madly pushing forward policies without debate or serious discussion of the possible consequences, like massive Covid relief spending, which is resulting in a lack of workers. And just look at the cancel culture that is just eliminating dissenting opinions. Look also at the results of the oil pipeline decision or the present immigration policy at the Southern border or the chaos in Afghanistan or especially the Covid vaccines situation.

At first the medical field started looking to the use of therapeutic drugs to treat the sickness, like Hydroxychloroquine, which was I believe dismissed prematurely. Now we have Ivermectin, which has shown in many trials to work effectively against the virus, but for whatever reason, all therapeutics have been dismissed in favor of vaccines. Infected people now are just sent home to hopefully recover on their own, and treatment is only given when they are so ill, they become hospitalized. In the panic to protect against the Covid-19 virus they rushed into production the experimental mRNA vaccines in just six months, whereas most vaccines take years to develop and test. Also, since there were no therapeutic drugs being used the FDA could give experimental use approval to the vaccines. Recently, the VAERS site has recorded thousands of deaths and many more thousands with serious side effects, including miscarriages and menstrual issues. Some young people are experiencing heart inflammation. A group of doctors in the UK are calling for the government to stop the vaccines immediately, because they are harmful. Despite outcries and these disturbing rising numbers, the CDC, present government administration and business communities are putting pressure on the unvaccinated to get vaccinated or suffer hardships. America, are we losing our soul?

America is to be the land of the free. Under God we are to have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I usually don’t but I can refuse a medication recommended by my doctor if I want to. Why, for God’s sake, should anyone be forced to take an experimental unproven vaccine? Especially when it doesn’t even stop you from getting the virus. They say if you take ‘the shot’ you won’t get ‘as sick and won’t die’. But the truth is if you get Covid you have a 99% chance of survival anyway. And if you were previously sick you already have natural antibodies and are protected. Now they report the vaccine contains toxins. And what about wanting to give it to healthy children and young people who don’t even get that ill? Besides all that, they have a proven safe and effective therapeutic drug, Ivermectin, that is prophylactic and has shown an 80% protection rate. So, does the benefit out weight the risk? I don’t think so, especially if you have underlying health issues. Maybe you disagree and that’s fine, but surely you agree that we should individually have the right to choose. This vaccine should not be mandated! Choice is America’s soul!

Within God’s will and reason, Americans can travel freely, choose to live where they want, pursue the field of work they desire, eat what they want, buy the clothes they want, enjoy the entertainment they want, practice their religion as they please, worship where they please and vote for political candidates that they believe will represent them. On and on I could go about our many choices because this is the ‘Land of Choices’. But this is being threatened! We are losing trust. One because that early on there were overinflated deaths from Covid that were reported, even though people died of other causes. Another cause is that there is reason to believe that whoever we voted for in our 2020 election didn’t really matter because the election process had been rigged. That’s why legitimate voting audits across the nation must be done, so we can see if this is true or not, to insure we have a fair and secure election system. Knowing our vote counts is one of the strengths of America. It is part of our soul, who we are as a nation! Trust is a must to have a healthy soul!

America was founded on Judeo Christian moral ethics. Our government system was inspired from the scripture Isaiah 33:22 “For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us”. Thus, they acknowledged God’s sovereignty and formed our executive, legislative and judicial branches of Government. There are Bible verses engraved in granite all over our Capitol buildings. We have holidays that are Christian in nature and are we were known around the world as a Christian nation. America has been a beacon of light to the world. We promoted freedom, reached out our hands to help the hurting, went to war against tyranny and were the world’s leader. But now I’m afraid we are no longer the head but are becoming the tail. Foreign nations are now proclaiming this is a post America world. We have become the borrower not the lender. We have left God’s word as the light to our path. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

We were a country with faith and respect for things of God. We were a praying nation. As you travel across America you see Churches in every town and even in the country, which are mostly now unattended. At one time we were really a nation under God. And the Lord blessed us with brotherhood and untold abundance from which to choose. Let’s thank God for all our blessings, knowing all good things come from him and stay with what has made us strong and free. Let’s return to being a praying, Bible believing, God honoring, Christ exalting nation again and love one another. Let’s stop the lasciviousness, hating, lying, slandering, stealing and may brotherly kindness fill our streets. As we bless God and live right, then I believe God will deliver us from Covid and help us fix what is broken in our country. Let’s choose life thru Jesus! Psalm 23:1,3 “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing …. he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.”

I have personally chosen to believe God’s report and placed my soul in the hands of Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God in heaven and is my soon coming King. I have faith that heaven is my home when I die. I have been born again and have confirmed my faith by being baptized in Jesus’s name for the remission of my sins. Jesus has set me free and through the power the Holy Spirit given me, I can now say ‘Yes’ to righteousness and ‘No’ to sin”. I still have choice, but I have cast my care on Jesus, because as the Good Shepherd he cares for me. Jesus is my Lord! He promises to never leave or forsake me. I hope you have chosen to believe God’s report and received Jesus as your savior also! Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

We may or may not choose to get the vaccine, which will affect you physically one way or the other, but I want you to know that to accept or reject Jesus as your savior will have eternal consequences. Choose wisely, my friend, choose wisely! Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

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Why I still hope For American and the Church.

by Pastor Randy Osborn - 07/24/2021

Here’s why I am hopeful for my country, the USA, and the Church of Jesus Christ. A while back the Lord spoke to me and to my wife, separately while in prayer, to keep doing what we know to do, because "something wonderful was coming." Also, in a trance many years ago I saw America glowing with a golden glow. At the time I said I just couldn't believe what I was seeing and then a voice spoke to me saying, 'light will dispel the darkness'. I believe the light is now shining and will reveal much evil, also the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ will lead many to a saving faith in Christ. Whole areas will become Christian! I press forward with this hope and belief. Jesus also said in Matt 16:18 that he would build his church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it! Also, the Word proclaims in Eph 5:27 that Jesus is coming back for a glorious church!!!

We also can glean insight, and I believe hope, from Gideon and the 300 hundred that God used to deliver the Hebrews from the Midianites in Judges 6-7. The Israelite’s were greatly oppressed by the Midianites because they had sinned. They wisely called out to the Lord for help, which I believe the church has been doing, and God mercifully responded by sending a prophet to point out their sin, so they could repent. Then God choose Gideon to be a warrior leader to deliver the people

God needed Gideon to have mountain moving faith to carry out his difficult assignment, so the Lord had to strengthen Gideon's weak faith. First, he strengthened Gideon through a visitation from an Angel, who told him he was a mighty warrior and then had the Angel miraculously disappear. Next, Gideon was asked by God to destroy his father's Baal idol and grove, then to build a proper altar on which to sacrifice a bull. He obeyed and God then spared him by turning the local men’s anger away. Again, God strengthened Gideon by answering his requests to have a fleece be wet and then dry. But Gideon’s faith still wasn’t strong enough, yet.

After that Gideon raised an army of 32,000, but God said it was too many, so then 22,000 fearful men were sent away. Then of the 10,000 that remained, only 300 lapped like a dog when drinking, so God chose only those to stand with Gideon. The dog is faithful and an alpha male follower in a pack. God looks for both attributes in his warriors: faithfulness and obedience to the God designated leader. God finally sent him to the enemy’s camp to hear a dream interpreted by an enemy soldier of his coming victory. Gideon at last had the faith to do the impossible!

Gideon and the 300 fought by holding a clay jar with a lamp inside in one hand, and in the other hand a trumpet and of course, their voices. They had no swords or spears. They got in position and when Gideon gave the command they broke the clay pitcher, held up the burning lamp in the left hand, sounded the trump they held in their right hand and then shouted the battle cry “For the Sword of the Lord and Gideon!”. Then they just stood in place while God then confused the enemy troops, which turned on each other and fled away. The Lord and Gideon were victors and peace returned to the land for the next 40 years.

Today we Christians are in war against overwhelming odds, but as we call for our God’s help, we are not alone in the battle! And as Gideon first had to tear down his father’s altar and grove, we need tear down our altars of self-will and fleshly gratification and commit to doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and for no other reason. We must live righteous lives that glorify the Lord Jesus. In faith we possess the light, or truth of the Word of God, in these earthen vessels of flesh, so we must deny our fleshly desires and let the Spirit of Christ shine forth in our lives, by walking in the Spirit. Christians must turn whole heartily to Christ and love one another. Christians must repent of any darkness in their life. After all, what fellowship has the light with the dark? We need to shine for Jesus!

Also, our warfare is against spiritual forces, so our weapons are not carnal. We must pray in the Spirit and then trump forth the truths of the Word of the Lord, speaking what and when God says to speak, We must pray believing God hears us and will answer our cry for help. We must be courageous and stand together in our assigned positions in Christ. We must proclaim our stand of faith in God, Jesus and Biblical truth and then stand! Then just stand back and watch God to do his part!

I truly believe that when the Church of Jesus Christ gets right, and God knows those who are his, then God will move against the evil, ungodliness, and falsehood in our country. I see God’s hand beginning to move already, so we could see his mighty move anytime!

But always remember, ‘Jesus is Lord, no matter what!’

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She could only read the Bible!

By: Pastor Randy Osborn 4/23/2021

A short while ago I took part in the grave site service of Kay. It was interesting in that I had only known her briefly, but parts of what I know about Kay bear repeating. This is about Kay’s finding Jesus Christ as savior, being baptized and her burial.

We were formally introduced in January 2020 because she wanted to be baptized. Her relatives had been having bible studies with her and they asked me if I would help with the baptism. I called Kay and after speaking with her personally, I spoke with them to set up when we could do her baptism. Since she was ill and due to Covid, we decided to do the baptism in her home bathtub.

What actually led Kay to being baptized was interesting. I had been in High School with Kay, but she was two years ahead of me, so we did not really know each other. After High School she had married, bore three sons, worked and had been a widow for several years before she became ill. Kay also confided to me that she was a avid reader. She would sometimes read a couple of books a week, but since her illness she found she could no longer sit and read a regular book, but that she could read the bible. How she discovered this I’m really not sure, but she found that the only book she could read was the bible! That led to her meeting with her Christian relatives Bob and Pam weekly for a bible study and to her decision to get baptized. She told me she had in her heart always wanted to get baptized, but something had always sidetracked her. But not this time! She was baptized on January 20th, 2021.

I saw God’s great love for Kay as I thought about her only being able to read the bible. The Lord knew Kay liked to read stories and that every good story has a main character with a plan and obstacles they must overcome. God drew Kay to his book, the Holy Bible, so she could learn of his character, know his divine plan, realize what sin does and how to receive the victory through faith in Jesus Christ. Kay read, believed and received forgiveness of her sins and the promise of eternal life in Jesus. If you want to know about God, Jesus and what the Lord has planned for you and the world, read your bible!

I was involved in Kay's baptism and her funeral service. They are both related in that both refer to dying and a new life. In Romans 6:4,11 we are told that in water baptism we symbolically bury our old man, and as Jesus was raised up from death, we are raised up to live a new life in Christ. We become dead to sin and alive to God! We are born again and experience a Spiritual re-birth. At natural death we experience a separation of spirit and soul from the body. The lifeless earthly body will be buried in the earth, from dust thou art and dust thou shall return, there to rest until the appointed resurrection. A Christian’s soul and spirit at death will then go to heaven to be with the Lord. The Apostle Paul in 2Cor 5:8 tells fellow believer’s that we are confident that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Kay was baptized to experience a spiritual change and when she passed away, she left her physical body to experience a change of address. By faith, I believe Kay now lives with Jesus in Paradise. Both are good!!!

I hope Kay’s experience of only being able to read her bible and of getting baptized has spoken to you, as it has to me. Read God’s word to know him and his plan. Confess your faith in Christ and confirm your belief by water baptism to experience a spiritual rebirth. And when you know your sins are forgiven, at death, you will also have the hope of heaven and seeing Jesus! (Mark 16:15-16, Romans 10:8-10, I Cor 15:55-57)

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Two Explosions- Two Responses

by Pastor Randy Osborn 12/29/2020

Recently we have experiences two major explosions in our country. Both explosions have shocked the nation. Both explosions should have had similar responses, but they did not! Let’s look at both of them.

The most recent occurred on Christmas day in Nashville. A 63 year old man, Anthony Warren, drove his RV full of explosives to downtown Nashville where he detonated the bomb, killing himself and destroying property. This created an immediate response by Federal, State and local officials to find out “What, How, Who and Why”. All of our law enforcement know how is engaged to answer these questions. America is still waiting for the answers. But what was the other explosion?

On November 3rd we held our Presidential Election. However, due to the voting by mail there appeared many questionable occurrences in several key states. We had an ‘Explosion of Complaints and Concerns’ by hundreds of citizens like: reports of filled out ballots in a semi-trailer that was stolen, abnormal vote spikes in early morning hours, stacks of unfolded ballots processed, tables with stacks of votes almost all for one candidate, video of poll watchers sent home and then seeing suitcases of ballots brought out from under a covered table and processed without anyone watching, people going to vote only to be told they had already voted, people who voted but having no record of their vote, early morning shutdowns in vote counting, ect,ect. All of this left many shaken, hurt, confused and asking for help. They cry “Please help us, investigate the mail-in ballots to see if they are legitimate and check the voting machines.” But the response was not rushing in and using the powers that be to find the truth, rather they are told to “Be quite, it was all good, just accept it and move on!” But they are still hurting, confused and wanting answers. They are still praying.

The Supreme Court should be praying also, then move on this dire situation and issue an immediate investigation into the mail-in ballots and voting machines, especially in the swing states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, where most of the complaints were registered. The ‘Election Explosion’ deserves the same diligent searching as the ‘Nashville Explosion’! The truth will help heal.

Contact the Supreme Court and your congressional representatives, if you feel the same!

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Now to the Highest Court -- the Court of Heaven

By Pastor Randy Osborn 12/14/2020

Well, the US Supreme Court didn’t think one state could judge another state’s election procedures, so they rejected the Texas case charging misconduct against four other states. That has saddened the many Trump supporters, but there is still one more court to decide – The Court of Heaven! The Court of Heaven’s Judgment Seat is the highest of all authority, and that’s where Christians must present an appeal. So, what is the Court of Heaven?

The Court of Heaven is coming before the throne of Grace mentioned in Hebrews 4:12-16 and to our Great High Priest Jesus Christ with your case. Jesus said In Luke 18:1-7 to pray and not to faint for God the Father is a just Judge and that he will act quickly on our behalf. Jesus Christ himself has been given the power of judgment by God the father and right now sits at the right hand of God in Heaven (1Peter 3:22). That throne is the court room. In Hebrews 4:16 it is called the Throne of Grace. We can boldly go there and bring our petitions to Jesus for mercy, help and for a righteous decision. After all, from Hebrews 4:12-13 we know Jesus sees all things clearly, especially our hearts. And we know his judgment is according to truth and will be right in line with God’s purposes!

So, when I bring something to the Court of Heaven, first off, I enter with faith, praise and thanksgiving (Ps 100:4). Secondly, I know God will hear me, if I have a clean heart (1John 3:20-22), so I confess any known sins or any sins of omission. Third, I also must have the right attitude and purpose for what I am asking. It must be in line with God’s will. (1John 15:14-15) I then give thanks for his forgiveness and the privilege of coming before God the Father through faith in his Son Jesus Christ, my Savior and for God hearing my request for justice. And this is very important, since this a spiritual battle, I request a restraining order against the enemies attacks and declare only truth be revealed. In Jesus name, evil spirits are to be bound from manifesting and hindering the truth. Then, I present my petition and evidence for a judgment. Remember, heaven runs on rules and principles, so the enemy may claim legal rights for what he is doing. We must bring rightly divided scriptural truths to why we should win and why the enemy must stop his illegal activity and give back what was stolen, in this case votes. If a thief is caught, there must be restitution (Ex 22:3). The verdict will be given, but we may not see activation at that moment, but the spiritual forces are sent forth to enforce the judgment. I always conclude with thanksgiving and honoring God, even if I don’t receive the decision I was expecting. Remember that God sees so much more than we do and we only know in part (1Cor 13:19), so we must trust his wisdom and that justice will prevail.

We should continue to pray for President Trump and for truth to be shown about this election, until God gives us a clear answer. Just like in a worldly court case, we may have to go before the Lord several times, as the Apostle Paul prayed three times about his thorn in the flesh before getting an answer (1Cor 12:7-9). God will answer and he may perhaps say “OK, I have this! or Stop praying, it’s over!” ‘No’ is a bible word. In Dan 5:21 we learn that ‘the most high God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he appoints over it whomsoever he will.’ That night God removed Belshazzar from being King of Babylon. Also, God removed King Saul for his disobedience. The prophet Samuel continued to mourn for Saul until the Lord said stop and anoint David King, the son of Jesse. In 1 Sam 16:1 we read “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.” But, unless the legal vote of the people and God makes it very clear that they have rejected Trump as our president, we should continue to ask for the truth about this election process to be made known. But if God shows us Biden won fairly, which appears doubtful, then we must accept that and move on. We are not to slander, but pray for whoever occupies the office (ITim 2:2-3)

So, in conclusion, let’s pray and take this issue to the last and highest court for a ruling. I believe God will show us the truth, so we all can be free and move forward. And Jesus is still Lord, no matter what!

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Why The Increasing Censorship?

By Pastor Randy Osborn 12/9/2020

The Bill of Rights guarantees ‘freedom of speech,’ but we are witnessing more and more censorship on our media sights, when views do not agree with a certain agenda. Now Youtube has announced they are putting a ban on any videos that suggest a fraudulent election, although there are still pending court cases. Remember, the Apostles were told to stop preaching about Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, but they replied ‘Do we obey God or man?” Jesus had told them to ‘Go into the world and preach the Gospel!’ and they did. We need to keep sharing all views, or else how can we possibly make informed decisions.

The bible teaches that discussing issues is a good and healthy thing. God even said in Isa 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,…” The book of Proverbs says that two friends sharing their opinions were like iron sharpening iron. It might get heated as they strongly disagree and the sparks might fly, but it will make them both sharper. At least they are listening to each other. My own brother and I often heatedly disagree about politics, but we try to end with a ‘love you man!’ and a hug, because we both love Jesus! As a Pastor, 2Tmothy 2:24-25 tells me not to argue but to speak graciously to those disagreeing with the bible’s truth, hoping they will turn to God’s light. Jesus taught in Matt 18:15-17 that if two Christian brothers are at odds, they should talk it over. First they must talk one on one about any offense, and then if necessary get a mediator to help settle things. If that doesn’t work go before the church for a judgement. And it’s important to always forgive each other!

Certainly we should censor the vulgar and obscene speech and I would agree to the rule of limiting discussion to clean speech. However, someone’s thoughts on a subject should be allowed, if expressed in an honorable way. The Scripture says that we should speak with words that can’t be condemned and that gentle words promote healing and learning. Prov 15:1 says “grievous words stir up anger!”

A bible happening that speaks to me right now is 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 14. It is about the account of Jonathon and his armor bearer at the battle of Michmash. Jonathon had attacked a group of Philistine soldiers, which incited the Philistines to send the whole army to settle the matter. The Philistine army numbered like the sands of the sea and camped at Michmash, while a few miles away at Gibeah were King Saul and Jonathon. To make things worse, Israel had only two swords!

You see the ruling Philistines had mastered metallurgy, but would not allow the Hebrews to have any blacksmiths, so they could not make weapons. They had to pay the Philistines for any metal work. Only King Saul and his son Jonathon had swords. Israel faced a vast army with chariots, spears and swords. If fact, most Israelites began hiding in caves and some even left the country, leaving only King Saul with 600 men. It didn’t look good!

As Saul was waiting under a Pomegranate tree, God moved on Jonathon to take his armor bearer and go to the Philistines. He stopped in the passage way between two rock faces leading to Michmash. One face, which was on the Gibeah side, was called Bozez which meant ‘glistening’ and on the Michmash side was the rock face called Seneh which means ‘thorny’. Jonathon decided to show himself to the Philistines and said if they say ‘come up here’, then he would know God had given them into Israel’s hand. Well, they did say “Come up here”, so Jonathon, followed by his armor bearer, climbed up the rock face of thorny. The Philistines were completely surprised when they got to the top and fell down before Jonathon’s attack and his armor bearer slew them after him. They defeated twenty soldiers and fear fell on the whole army. Besides that God sent an earthquake that shook the ground. The whole Philistine army fell into confusion and started running away and killing each other.

Saul then found out what was happening and discovered Jonathon was gone. He looked and saw the multitude melting away, so he took his men, who probably picked up the dropped weapons and started to pursue the Philistines. At that time many who were hiding and some who were with the Philistines joined to Saul and his numbers grew. The Israelites chased the fleeing Philistines all day to Beth haven. God delivered Israel that day from the hand of their enemy and sure defeat!

So, what’s this to do with today’s situation and censorship? I feel we are in a similar situation, with the Philistines representing the liberal left guarding Michmash and King Saul representing Trump and the conservative right at Gibeah. Michmash means ‘hidden’ and Gibeah means ‘hill’, so we see the liberals with a hidden agenda and possible election fraud are positioned on the ‘thorny’ rock face of wickedness. The Conservative right is a ‘city on the hill’ that is plainly seen and stands behind the ‘glistening white’ rock face of righteousness, law and order. It’s God’s people against the World’s people. The Liberals control the media and are now censoring the right’s voice on social media sights, just like the Philistines controlled the metal forging so Israel could have no swords. Today the sword is our bible based world views and words of truth. The liberals are trying to control who can say what. and do not want any voice of truth to be expressed , if it contradicts the liberal agenda. They won’t tolerate any view that is opposed to theirs. Thus we have censorship of opposing views, so they can gain control! Again, how can one make an informed decision without all the information being made available.

Also, I might note that as God used just Jonathon and his armor bearer to start the battle that defeated the Philistines, that today the few brave souls who are standing up against this election fraud in the states and in the courts are enough for a God victory. They are climbing up in the courts and I believe God has a big surprise attack coming in which we will start to see Biden numbers decline and Trump’s numbers increase. Many liberals will turn on each other Interestingly, Saul was under a Pomegranate tree and Trump stands under a very fruitful first term as president. Many will be joining Trump’s battle as more truth unveils in the coming days. The battle rages on!

I know that it certainly doesn’t look good for Trump and his supporters, if God doesn’t intervene. But I believe God is involved and is working behind the scenes to bring an end to lawlessness in our country. Things will be revealed and there will be a shaking. Watch and see! Truth wins!

And, Jesus is Lord, no matter what!

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‘Perplexed but not in Despair’

By Pastor Randy Osborn 11/23/20

Today many of us find ourselves confused and discouraged by these drawn out election controversies. Was there voter fraud or not? Does the Dominion Vote Counting System really allow for switching votes from one candidate to another candidate? Like Paul stated in 2 Cor 4:8 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” Despair means the complete loss of hope. I am not in despair, because I still have hope in Jesus. Yes, I’m still praying and believing God will show us the truth to set us all free from doubts and fears. Truth will set us free! But we must press on and seek to find that truth! Trump must stay the course of investigating and counting all legitimate votes.

Much of my hope comes from a rather disturbing account recorded in Judges 19 & 20. It is concerns a Levite, his wife and servant who were traveling, so they stopped at a town of Benjamin called Gibeah for the night. A neighborly man invited them to stay at his house for the evening, but a bunch of ‘sons of Belial’ came to the house wanting to have sex with the man. They were dissuaded from getting the man, but took the Levites wife instead and she was found dead at the doorstep in the morning. The Levite then took her body home and cut her in 12 pieces, sending her pieces to all the coasts of Israel. All Israel was shocked and came to find out why he did this disturbing act. He told them what happened and then all the tribes took their fighting men, 400,000, to Gibeah to seek justice. They said ‘give us these guilty men, so we can have justice for this wicked act.” But the city would not give these men up. In fact, all of Benjamin, 26,700 fighting men, gathered together to defend the city. Next is the part that fits today.

The children of Israel asked God what to do and he said send Judah first. So they did, but the battle went against them and 22,000 of Israel were killed. Again, the children of Israel inquired of the Lord if they should again go up against Benjamin their brother. God said “Go up against him”. So the second time they went to battle, but again were defeated losing 18,000 men. The third time they seriously sought the Lord with fasting, prayer and with burnt and peace offerings. They asked if they should go up against their brother or cease? God said ‘Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into thine hand.” So, the children of Israel went up to battle the third day against their brother Benjamin. Only this time they set ambushes, drawing out the men from the city as before, but then surrounding their army from all sides with those lying in wait. This worked and 25,000 fighting men of Benjamin died with only 600 escaping. The Israelites then turned on the cities of the Benjamin destroying the inhabitants and burning the towns. All but a few of Benjamin remained.

So, what does this dark tale say to us today? Well, we are all fellow citizens of the USA, brothers so to speak, but we are divided over the moral issues of same sex marriage, sexual identity and abortion, as well as, racial issues, gun control, climate change, capitalism, socialism and our Republican form of government. And now illuminating all these issues is who will be the President elect - Biden who represents the Left or President Trump representing the Conservative Right? Was their voter fraud or not? The ongoing investigation seems to point to cheating, but the verdict is still out. One side is saying ‘You lost, just move on!’ and the other is crying ‘ No, this needs to be investigated thoroughly’. In some ways it seems that the Conservatives are losing the battle to the Liberal Left, the votes now showing Biden winning in Pennsylvania and Georgia. Also, he is being declared winner by the many media sources. But President Trump cries ‘foul play’ and is going to the courts for rulings on voter fraud. I am watching earnestly and praying for the truth to be known. The battle rages on!

I’m seeing that even though things are perplexing with this election right now and it seems Trump may be losing a few battles, that doesn’t mean this war is lost. I see God drawing the far left out of their strongholds and exposing their true motives. They are confidently saying what they really are wanting for America - Socialism. Are they really willing to cheat to win? Christians need not become discouraged at a few setbacks. I believe God allowed the Israelites to lose two battles to Benjamin in order to make them angry enough to completely take out Benjamin for what they had allowed in Israel. Are we Christians angry enough to stand up and declare biblical values in America? Are we sick enough of the lying and immorality? Conservatives must unite, pray and speak up for Christian values. We must keep believing that God is working behind the scenes. The truth will soon be clearly seen and I believe right will prevail if we want it enough. In Daniel 5:21 it states “he (King Nebuchadnezzar) acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes.” Who God wants to rule over the USA will happen! I’m trusting that God has chosen Trump.

And one a final thought: Jesus is still Lord, no matter what!

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Stop with the False Facts!

By Pastor Randy Osborn 10/14/2020

An evil that I feel must be stopped in today’s society is someone believing that their cause, opinion or ideology is so important that it justifies lying to defeat any opposition. Here’s a good example. In a recent debate with VP Pence on TV, Sen. Kamala Harris wanted to make Trump’s decision to nominate a Supreme Court Justice before the election appear wrong by saying "But Honest Abe said, it's not the right thing to do. The American people deserve to make the decision about who will be the next president of the United States, and then that person can select who will serve for a lifetime on the highest court of our land." Sounded good at the moment, but turns out that Honest Abe didn’t say that at all! True that Lincoln had a vacancy to fill on the Supreme Court and he waited until December after the election to install Justice Salmon P. Chase, but the probable reason was that congress wasn’t in session at the time and wasn’t scheduled to be in session until December. Also, since the Civil war was still being fought, his calling for a special session of Congress would have been ill advised. He also needed the help of Chase to get elected. Harris muddied the waters with her made up quote to win the argument. Perhaps in ignorance, but she fed us false information. Not good for perhaps a future leader of the country. A good leader must be honest.

In like manner, recently in response to the Presidents nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court during an election year, Joe Biden said “this is something that has never done before”. Another false fact! It’s been done 29 times by 22 Presidents, Including Abe Lincoln and Barack Obama. Biden had no knowledge of the history of Supreme Court appointments, but made it sound factual to prove he was right in his objection. And we are supposed to trust you? Truly it states in Prov 12:19 “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”

While on the subject, consider the reporting of Covid-19 related deaths in this pandemic. We were told that hundreds were dying, but then we find the numbers were inflated because anyone who died, for whatever cause, was being counted as a Covid-19 related death to receive federal relief money. Again, wrong, wrong, wrong! What relationship can be healthy unless it is based on the foundation of truth? Would you trust a friend who always lied to you?

Today’s so called ‘Fake News’ is also maddening. Also, I have found that on social media there are often facts or quotes that are incorrect. Actually, I have read or even heard things preached across a pulpit that I received as truth and shared, only to later be embarrassed when I found out it wasn’t true at all! I have learned that it is best to check things out for accuracy before sharing. In 1Thes 5:16 Paul gives great advice saying “prove all things and keep that which is good.” The problem with so much false is that soon no one trusts anyone or anything. Let’s repent of telling fake news, fake facts and get back to just telling it like it is!

This misrepresenting of the facts is just wrong, wrong and wrong! It just weakens our society. We need truth and nothing but the truth when discussing issues. How can we make wise just judgements based on lies? We need true facts on which to weigh our decisions. This thinking your cause, opinion or ideology justifies twisting the facts to win must be stopped. We must have trustworthy leadership who tells us the truth, not just what they think we want to hear. A leader must be kind, honest and fair. If someone thinks deception will prosper them, then they are deceived! Let’s repent of telling fake news, fake facts and start speaking the truth in love! God is watching!

The Bible says what God thinks of liars in Prov 12:22 “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful.” Again, Prov 6:16-19 says one of 7 things God regards as abomination is a lying tongue! And we are given a stern warning in Rev 21:8 “… all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Furthermore, we are exhorted in Col 3:9-10 “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” The Creator can’t lie as told in Heb 6:18 “…it is impossible for God to lie…” So, here is sound advice from the Apostle Paul as he declares in Eph 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Let’s do it!

By the way, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life! We can trust God’s Word and wisely build our lives on the teachings of Christ, so elect him as Lord of your life!

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SOCIAL JUSTICE???

by Pastor Randy Osborn 8/28/2020

Today we hear the cry for ‘Social Justice”. Surely we want justice for all. God is just, loves justice and demands we are just. We picture lady liberty as being blindfolded while holding a scale, signifying justice is not to be by sight or partial, but righteously administered. But what exactly is meant by Social Justice?

Social Justice is fair treatment for groups of people. Simple put ‘justice’ means “fair treatment” and the word ‘social’ implies ‘a group’. So what I see as Social Justice today as meaning ‘fair treatment or judgment for the group we call blacks’. Sometimes, as with the racial prejudice of the 1950’s this was an issue, but I do not see it applying now with our laws reflecting that fact. Actually what I see that is being called for it is not justice for an individual’s actions, regardless of race or creed, but judgment because they are a member of a group. Actually, the cases upsetting so many involve individuals who committed crimes. However, it seems like it has boiled down to if you’re black you are mistreated and good, no matter what you do, but if you are white you are privileged, racist and bad. I see this as very wrong! There are good and bad men of all races and professions. One bad policeman does not mean all police are bad, just like the tragic death of one black man does not mean all blacks are being mistreated. Or if one white is a racist, it doesn’t mean all whites are racists. It’s not ‘white privilege’, but taking advantage of the privilege of living in the USA which is the land of opportunity for all who are honest and hardworking. There are many prosperous blacks. Think about what Jesus said in John 7:24 “Judge not by appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

God loves justice. Psalms 33:5 says, “The Lord loves righteousness and justice.” Secondly, he requires us to do what is right and just. Micah 6:8 “What does the Lord your God require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” But Isiah 61:8 says “He looked for justice but saw bloodshed.” Is the burning, looting and beating an innocent store owner to death really justice? I think not!

To have justice one must first have judgement. Mob rule does not allow time for judgment. The mob is judge, jury and executioner! The wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God according to James 1:20 and Paul says in Eph 4:26 “Be angry and sin not!” We all at times get righteous indignation when we hear of some terrible injustice, but we must give time for the justice system to have a fair trial to take place. We must diligently investigate and gather all the evidence available before rendering a just judgment. We must hear both sides. We must give the rule of law time to work! Yes, because of unrighteous men, there may be miscarriages of justice, but hopefully this will be a rare exception rather than the rule. Our system of justice allows for appeals and is still be the best in this world. This you can be sure of, God will render fair judgment, even if not in this life, in the judgment to come! Rom 14:11-12 “ For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

I heard a man say we should drop the word ‘Social’ and just call for plain ‘Justice’. I agree. Putting us in groups just divides our country, when we all should just be just citizens of the USA regardless of race or social class. The America I know offers liberty and justice for all! I Pastor a multi-cultural church which is united by our faith in Jesus Christ and belief of Biblical truth. We try to obey Rom 12:17-18 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” I have found that it is not always possible to live at peace with some people, but still we should try! Let’s overcome evil with good and let truth dispel this darkness!

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Defunding Police Is Not God’s Plan!

By Pastor Randy Osborn 6/10/2020

With the recent demonstrations over George Floyd’s wrongful death the cry of ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘We Need Reform’ are being shouted. Certainly, what happened was very wrong and ‘All Lives Do Matter’ including blacks. Perhaps some regulations should be changed, but what I want to address is the radical cry to ‘Defund the Police.’ Let’s look at what the Bible says about God’s ordained authority and the Police.

First, scripture in Romans 12:17-21 says we are not to avenge ourselves on a personal level, but allow God to be the judge and do the punishing. We are to forgive, keep loving and overcome evil by doing good. Jesus said to pray for those who mistreat us. Yes, we are to let God deal out the punishment, as needed, and scripture assures us God will repay evil doers!

But how does God take vengeance and repay evil? God can chastise a person many ways, but most often it is through the “Rule of Law’ and ordained Government authorities, which include using the police and the justice system. The scripture in Romans 13:1-7 point this out very clearly. God ordains Government authority for our good and we are to submit. Police are even called God’s ministers. It states in Romans 13:4 “For he is God’s minister for your good. But if you do evil be afraid: for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil.” The police are to be supported by taxes to accomplish their peace keeping assignments. Roman 13:6 “For this cause pay tribute, also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”

So, in conclusion, we are not to take the law in our own hands, but let the God ordained governmental justice system do it. The police have God’s backing to carry guns and use them if necessary, to maintain law and order. If people are being good people and living right, the police are not a threat, but actually give us all peace of mind. However, if one breaks the law and is causing harm the authorities have the right to stop it by using force. With God’s blessing!

Society needs the Police for they are God’s weapon against wickedness and are to be supported by our taxes, so they can do the job God called them to do. Sure, there are a few bad officers, just like there are good and bad in all professions, but the majority are great men and women who do the job right. And if an officer sins, you can be sure God will punish him also! God is watching all of us and we all will be rewarded according to our deeds.

Here is a word of wisdom for this time from Prov 24:21-22 “My child, fear the LORD and the king, and don't associate with rebels. For you will go down with them to sudden disaster. Who knows where the punishment from the LORD and the king will end?” NLT

I leave you with this thought. Imagine what it would be like without our military and police officers watching out for us? Scary, right! I thank God for them and may they always be adequately funded!

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*************************************** Three Keys to the Psalm 91 Blessings!

By Pastor Randy Osborn 3/15/2020

Given the present Corona Virus threat and National Health Emergency, many are pointing to the blessing of KJV Ps 91:10 “… there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” This is a great promise, especially at this time, but to receive God’s protection there are three key conditionals. Let’s look at them.

First, Psalm 91:1 makes the statement that dwelling in God’s shelter will put you in his shadow. Otherwise, staying close to God will refresh, protect and bless you in many ways. The Psalm 91 scriptures that follow this opening statement is how we do this and what blessings will follow.

The first condition we must meet is ‘faith that is proclaimed.’ Ps 91:2 states “I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." This refers to ‘the word of faith’ that will bring salvation. It is mentioned in Rom 10:6, 8-10“ But the righteousness that is by faith says: … But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: ….. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. “ Yes, just as you must confess Jesus as your risen Lord and Savior to be saved, you must also say, out loud, that you trust God to keep you safe. And of course, you must believe in your heart. It goes on to state that God will surely, without a doubt, protect you and you need not fear.

The second condition is to hope for, or expect his protection. Ps 91:9-10 “ If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling.” The reason you will be safe is that God will send his angels to watch over you. Ps 91:11 “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Yes, we must expect God to protect us! He is our fortress!

The third condition is love for God himself! To love God is to love goodness, righteousness and truth, which is his word. Ps 91:14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” To love God also means we are not ashamed of Jesus, God’s son, our Savior or of his words. And we do what the Lord said to do and we say what he can do. We are to live righteously before him and call on his name. The promise to those who love the Lord is Ps 91:15 “ He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”

So, the three conditions that need to be met that will bring the blessings and protection are faith, hope and love. In 1 Cor 13:13 we read “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love…” If we are to remain in God’s shadow and thus be sheltered by his almighty power, we need these three things in our lives–spoken faith, hope and love. Then no plague will come near thy dwelling! Praise the Lord!!!

(All scriptures are from the NIV, unless stated)

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SEVEN SAYING OF JESUS ON THE CROSS

The scripture records that Jesus said seven things while hanging the cross. They are as follows:

1. “Father forgive them they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

2. “Verily, I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise” Luke 23:39

3. “Woman, behold thy son!” To his mother Mary “behold thy mother!” To John. John 19:26,27

4. “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” meaning “My god, my god, why hast thou forsaken me? Mark 15:34

5. “I thirst” John 19:28

6. “It is finished” with a loud voice.” John 19:30

7. “Father into your hands commend I my spirit” Luke 23:46

One could spend much time examining each of these sayings, but I would like to point out just one point. That is about Jesus going into the dark for us, so we could live in the light with God.

If you notice, even while suffering on the cross, the first three statements reflect that Jesus was still concerned with those around him. Otherwise, he was lovingly ministering forgiveness, hope and provision to others. But then it changed. Darkness set in.

The bible states Jesus was on the cross from 9AM until 3PM, but at noon it turned dark. Matt 27:45 stated “ From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.” The fact of this strange darkness over the area was also noted in the writings of a Roman historian. But what did it mean?

Well, it could mean that man was rejecting ‘the light of the world’, thus plunging the world into darkness. That is certainly something to think about! But I believe it represented Jesus experiencing the darkness of sin for us, so we could live righteously in the light of God. 2 Cor 5:21 tells us “ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

After it turned dark, Jesus fourth statement was about feeling rejected and forsaken by God. He felt alone. He had never felt that before. He was with God and was God according to John 1:1. But now he feels alone. Why? It was because now he has become the sin of the world and sin separates us from God. Isa 59:2 “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” Again, 2 Cor 5:21 tells us “ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;…”

Jesus, who was the sinless Son of God, was made sin, and felt the awful separation from God that it causes. His father rejected him, so we in turn, can be accepted by the heavenly Father. God’s judgment against man’s sinfulness was being poured out on Jesus, who is our Savior. Isa 53:4-5 “ Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Also, in the dark Jesus ‘thirsted’, so we who hunger and thirst for righteousness, could be filled. The “righteous one” dying for the unrighteous, so we could be filled with the Holy Spirit and live a righteous life. In Matt 5:6 Jesus has said “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” And again, 2 Cor 5:21 tells us “ ... that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Jesus experienced all that darkness, so we could be forgiven and live in the light with him forever! 1 John 1:7 “ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Again, in John 8:12 we read “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Jesus loves us and did all this for us! Thank you my Lord!

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Good News! A medicine to protect us from the Coronavirus should be coming soon!

By Pastor Randy Osborn 3/23/2020

I truly believe this because of a God given dream my friend Ashley, a very spiritual lady, had a few weeks ago. It was about zombies and a dog. Let me explain.

As I understand it, Ashley had gone with her niece to a band concert the night before, and in the morning was in the motel getting ready to leave. She received a phone call from her band member friend to inform her that they had already moved on to their next concert location in another town. He also told her to be sure to watch out for the zombies. Ashley laughed at the thought of zombies, but her friend was dead serious. He said they follow us around wherever we play and they were seen at the concert last night, so some will still be hanging around the motel, so watch out for Zombie-Mushroom Heads. He then asked if she had the dog that they had purchased the day before for her niece. She answered, “yes” and he said that she should be sure to take the dog with her, so the zombies would leave her alone.

The dog was interesting because it was a plant like mass in a tube when they had gotten it the day before, but by morning it was a dog big enough for her to carry. She took the dog with her when she went out to get in the car and this grey skinned stranger walked up to her. She remembers she purposely held the dog between her and the man. The grey man looked at the dog and then walked away. She got in the car with her niece and drove to their destination.

Here is what I believe the interpretation of this dream means for us in this National Health Emergency. The Zombie-Mushroom Heads represent the Coronavirus. One Scientist actually called this virus ‘zombie like’ in that they are dead outside of our bodies, but once in our sinuses they attach to unsuspecting cells and mushroom into many living viruses. They like to be in crowded venues with many people to be able to spread, but will remain in an area for several days. A dog, which is often used for protection, in the dream protected her from the zombie and represents a protective medicine that will quickly be developed, overnight in the lab, to protect us from the Coronavirus. We then can move on with our lives.

Again, I believe this dream shows that a protective medicine will be developed very quickly to protect us from this invading Coronavirus. It will be up to each of us to take and use it, but it will be effective. If my interpretation is correct, and I believe it is, I am encouraged that this will happen very soon. Thank you Jesus!

Also, I believe President Trump obeyed God by calling for a National Day of Prayer last Monday and that God will reward his obedience and answer the prayers of his people by sending a quick answer to this plague. Amen

Please note, one of the ways God speaks to us about present day happenings in our lives is through the dream and interpretation. Gen 41:11-16, Dan 1:17, Matt 1:20,21 Matt 2:12,19-20, Acts 2:17

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Coronavirus and the Frog

By Pastor Randy Osborn 3/19/2020

Since President Trump called for a National Health Emergency travel has been restricted, major events canceled, businesses closed and we have been urged to practice good hygiene. President Trump has called this a war on an unseen enemy! It appears we are moving toward a total lock down, which means most of us staying at home unless absolutely necessary for several weeks. I believe this is just what we need to do, because of a dream I had concerning a frog! Let me explain.

A few weeks back I had a dream in which I was holding a young frog with my two hands and studying it. I wasn’t fearful of it, but it had to be held. After a bit I held it out for others to take a look at it also. This is what I am doing now, sharing what I have learned from this frog in my dream. Perhaps some of you will see even more.

I believe that this frog represents the Coronavirus we are now battling. By the way a group of frogs is called an ‘army’. As a frog hops around, this virus goes from person to person, city to city, state to state and country to country. Frogs also lay multiple eggs and reproduce abundantly, like this virus. The frog also represents transformation or change, as that is goes from a swimming tadpole to a frog. A young frog represents that this new and this is certainly something new to us. It is a common cold that has transformed into a killer virus, especially if you have a suppressed immune system. You have to admit, this is transforming our lives! But the frog eyes are what tells us most and how to defeat this virus.

The frog’s eyes are located on the head that allows 360 degree vision. As God, by Moses, sent frogs into Egypt and the pharaoh’s palace to get their attention, I believe this is a God sent biblical proportioned plague to get our attention. This speaks to us of God wanting us to stop and look all around us and see what’s happening in our world. Stop, think about God, Jesus, judgement and your eternity. Think about family, friends, community and what’s really important in life. Look at the many blessings we enjoy in the USA. But let’s also take note of the evil, especially in our own lives. Yes, we have invented ways to feed the lust of the flesh, which we are told in scripture not to do. Many are addicted to drugs, alcohol and pornography. Our media we watch often promote lying, fornication and violence. Slander and dishonoring of authority is rampant. We glorify abortion as a scared right of women. We have legalized drugs, promoted gambling and prostitution. Our law permits same sex marriages and now some want to sexualize our young children in school! Good is called evil and evil good! The Holy God is not happy about the things we have allowed into our lives. Pharaoh wouldn’t let go of the Hebrews to allow them to go worship God. What are we holding onto in our lives that is keeping us from God? We need to look at the plague of our own heart and repent. We need to let go our evil ways, pray for forgiveness and turn back to be being a God fearing, bible believing people.

The frog eyes are also unique in that they also help the frog to swallow its prey. The frog closes its eyes and the eyes sink into its head, which helps force its food down the throat. This speaks to us concerning this virus. If we close our eyes to this situation, thinking it is like just another flu, we may very well be swallowed up and life as we know it may never be the same again. We must take this serious. But the frog eyes also tell us how to defeat it!

The lenses of the frog differ from the human eye in that the lenses move to focus. It can see color in the dark, which is unique, but it can only detect movement. Yes, if a frog was surrounded by food that didn’t move, it would starve to death! That is why we must stay home and not move around very much right now, so that way the Coronavirus will die out of its own accord. It just won’t spread! The lock down will defeat this enemy. And since God is behind this plague, he can also quickly take it away like he did for Moses and Pharaoh, if we will humble ourselves and repent.

When Pharaoh repented and said he would let the Hebrews go to worship, Moses asked him when he wanted to be rid of the frogs and have them live only in the Nile. Pharaoh answered “Tomorrow!” Seriously? He was willing to live with those frogs one more day? Don’t do that friend. Let’s repent of any evil in our lives and turn to the Lord today! As it is written in 2 Cor 6:2 “…. behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” And from 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let’s ask right now for God to forgive us for any evil we have let into our lives and turn wholeheartedly to Jesus. Do it today!

Fellow citizen, let’s obey what God wants us to do and what the President asks us to do. If we humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways and pray, I believe God will remove this virus quickly and we can return, with new hearts, to our great way of life in the USA.

(All scriptures from the KJV - Moses and frog plague is from Exodus 8:1-15)

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A lesson from Jonah: keeping your vows.

by Pastor Randy

3/28/2020

Jonah 2:1, 7-10 “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God” …. "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. NIV

I read these passages from the book of Jonah and I noticed that Jonah prayed to the Lord from the belly of the great fish and said “…What I have vowed I will make good…. And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.” In his misery Jonah said I'll keep my vow. Probably Jonah, as a prophet of God, had at one time promised to go wherever and say whatever God wanted. But this time he ran and wouldn’t do it for Ninevites. So he ended up in big trouble: three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish!

This made me think of once when I had been off work because of my back, that as I sought the Lord, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind that I had promised years before to give a monthly offering at a church for missions, but I never did. So I called the church and paid the amount owed and then God lifted me up so I could work again. Also, Louie Zamperini, in his life story as told in the book “Unbroken”, after the war was a tormented soul when he went to a Billy Graham meeting. After the preaching an altar call was given and Louie got up to leave, but the Holy Spirit stopped him and brought to remembrance his vow he’d made to God on the raft. He realized God had done his part by keeping him thru the war, but he hadn’t kept his part of the bargain, which was to serve the Lord. He turned around, went to the altar and gave his heart to Christ. Then God delivered him from his torments and gave him an abundant life.

At one time I believe America feared God and had been dedicated to God and to the gospel of Jesus Christ, but now we are relenting on that commitment. We as a nation should repent, and ask God to forgive us for not wanting prayer and God involved in Government or even mentioned in our schools. Thank God for President Trump who is promoting Christian values and protecting religious freedom. May we all ask forgiveness and then pray with him that the compassionate and merciful God will deliver us from the Coronavirus plague.

How about you? Remember, God doesn’t forget, so in this present isolated state, maybe you should ask God if there is any vow that you personally haven’t kept, especially to God? If so, ask God to forgive you and make it good, if possible. Then I believe God will give you grace to go forward in your life.

Here is some good advice concerning promises from Eccl 5:1-6 “As you enter the Temple, keep your ears open and your mouth shut! Don't be a fool who doesn't even realize it is sinful to make rash promises to God, for he is in heaven and you are only here on earth, so let your words be few. Just as being too busy gives you nightmares, so being a fool makes you a blabbermouth. So when you talk to God and vow to him that you will do something, don't delay in doing it, for God has no pleasure in fools. Keep your promise to him. It is far better not to say you'll do something than to say you will and then not do it. In that case, your mouth is making you sin. Don't try to defend yourself by telling the messenger from God that it was all a mistake [to make the vow]. That would make God very angry; and he might destroy your prosperity. Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words; fear God instead.” TLB

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GOT TROUBLES?

by Pastor Randy 2/17/2020

A Response to Troubling Times:

I really find much comfort and guidance from Psalm 34 in times of trouble. God says in Ps 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles”. Again, Ps 34:19 “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;” I like the word 'all' in these scriptures. We are to cry out to him in prayer in ‘all’ our troubling situations and he will deliver us from all our troubles! How he delivers us may vary, but I have found this to be true over my entire 48 years of Christian life.

Here is an example of how the Lord helped me through a stressful situation. The doctor had ordered me to have a stress test because of an abnormal reading on my routine EKG. This troubled me, since I have had previous heart by-pass surgery. God comforted me in this experience a couple ways: the prayers of the brethren at church and by God giving me a dream before this all happened. In the dream I had to climb up a steep bank that was at first appearance covered with vines, but on closer examination I saw it was covered with big yellow leaves. I climbed to the top, thanked the leaves and my brother-in-law helped me up to the top where we watched a golf match together. Here’s how the dream played a part. I went for the test, which required that I had to lie on a table for some x-rays. Above me on the ceiling were plexi-glass panels showing an arbor with vines, leaves and lit up blue background. I looked at it but I only noticed the vines. Unfortunately, my x-ray didn't take the first time, so I had to return to the waiting room, drink a soda and wait 45 more minutes. While waiting I remembered the dream and knew it was about the stress test, but I didn't know what the yellow leaves meant. I went back for the second x-ray and while on the table I looked up at the arbor, only this time I noticed that the leaves on the vines were all big yellow ones, just like in my dream. There were the yellow leaves! As I looked at them a great peace and joy filled my heart. I just knew everything would be fine and I was thankful. Also in the dream, my brother-in-law helping me up at the top represented the prayers of the brethren lifting me up and watching the golf showed me I would go on enjoying life. God is so kind to comfort us in our trials and confirm his care for us. My report from the stress test showed no problems! Praise Jesus.

Always remember God is on the throne. We will have troubles in this world. Troubles physically, emotionally, financially, relationally and spiritually, but God is in control. He will never let us go through more than we can handle. 1 Cor 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it”.

Remember who Jesus is. Heb 4:14-16 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”. Yes, Jesus is our Great High Priest and he will help us when we cry to him. And Jesus has been given all power in heaven and earth to help!

God will even use trouble for our good, to strengthen and establish us. Rom 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 1 Peter 5:10-11 “ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Know that we will go through troubling situations, but God has purpose in them. The storm will end and the sun will shine again.

Don’t worry, just give it to God. One of my favorite scriptures for anxious times is Phil 4:5-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Also, 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Yes, Jesus cares for us, just believe and don’t worry! Give it to God. God’s got this and you’ve got God!

And one final thought: God can turn our trouble into a testimony of his great grace! Praise the Lord!

(All scriptures are from the NIV version of the Bible)