Psalm 22 & 23 Prison Sermon Nov 26 2017 by Jim Carmichael

I have noticed various styles of preaching over the years, a lot of men and women when preaching get excited and yell, some are preaching to a congregation, and yet some like Jim P just speak to his friends, his brothers and sisters in Christ, he doesn’t yell at them, jump up and down, but just calmly speaks to his friends, and that is the style I try to immolate.

My whole  purpose in this is to share a message to my friends, to help them find their way and to touch the hearts and minds of the people I speak to.

In recent months,  I have felt God moving me to speak of our travels, our journey upon the narrow path. It’s not an easy way we have chosen for ourselves, no that is the wide path that leads to destruction. We have chosen the narrow path to eternal life with the Great Creator of all things, the Most Holy God.

I have intentionally illustrated just how difficult it is, how much courage is required, , how we must accept the challenge, fight with all we have in us, and in my last lesson I thought I had wrapped up that series, pointing out that we can’t do it, there is no man strong enough.

It can only be done with the Lord Jesus Christ fighting the battles for us, judging us in the final analysis, and while judging us, also being our advocate, and our redeemer, standing in our place. He is truly our Shepherd.

As I said I thought the last lesson was the end… but as usual that was my thought, my earthly thought, from my weak mind, because God had one more lesson He wanted me to share.

I am going to be reading from two chapters out of the Psalms, and because it is so poetic, so beautiful, I will be reading them from the King James.

 

In chapter 22 of Psalms, visualize yourself on the path, and in 23 see our peace we can experience when we turn it all over to Christ Jesus. These two chapters are known as dual prophesies, both David and Christ Jesus. The words of David becoming the words of Jesus hundreds of years later.

I hope you can hear the desperation in the voice of Christ as He came and cleared the path for us.

But it is really more than that, He came, cleared the way, and then bore all our sorrows and grief, he carried all our sins upon Himself, and He cried out to the Father when at His most desperate time, the Father couldn’t look upon the sin, the sin of the world, the grief, the pain of the world, all placed upon that cross… that old wooden cross of Calvary…

Bear in mind, Christ had spent the previous night praying in the Garden, sweating drops of Blood from the stress and fear of the events that were to come, and then had faced the scourging, and now nailed to a cross…

Psalm 22 King James Version (KJV)

22:1  My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.

10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly.

11 Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

12 Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

13 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

19 But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

20 Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

21 Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

23 Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

25 My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.

27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.

29 All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.

30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

31 They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.

So let’s take a look at Chapter 23

In the first four verses of Ps. 23, David takes the gentle picture of a shepherd with his sheep to describe the relationship God has with us and we with Him. Everything makes sense in our understanding of a shepherd leading his flock to green grass and calm waters.

Then we get to v. 4, and it doesn’t fit. The valley of the shadow of death conjures thoughts of a dangerous situation where a sheep’s life is in jeopardy unless the shepherd is alert and attentive.

Why does David switch from talking about God with ‘He’ to talking to God with ‘You,’ and why does it happen in v. 4? Why didn’t he just go on to say, ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with me; His rod and His staff, they comfort me’?”

May I suggest that the change “He” to the more intimate “You” happens in v. 4 precisely because it’s there he speaks of the valley he has walked.

He has felt the shadows closing in. Verse 4 describes the crisis points in his life. And in those times, something deep happened between him and God.

You’ve noticed it too, haven’t you? We’re more prone to talk ABOUT God when we are in the green pastures and more prone to talk TO God when we’re in the dangerous ravine.

In the light, we are prone to wander off in pursuit of greener grass. But in the dark, we hug His knee.

I have noticed this in my life, when things are dark, and difficult is when I move closer to God, and every time it happens,  and I again find myself in one of those dark times, and again I return to a closer relationship, but when it is daylight again, I  stray less further away.

Each time this happens to each of us we start to realize it will be dark again, and we keep the Father in sight, and finally after so many dark times, even when the sun shines again, we stay, we no longer wonder off again, and our journey ends.

David changes from comments about God to communion with God because during his valley time, he stayed ever so close to the Shepherd, never taking his eyes off Him. He had experienced God in a way there that had ushered him toward intimacy with the Almighty Shepherd. Not temporary intimacy only to stray again into the darkness,

but permanent intimacy, where we can rest peacefully in the dark, as Christ did during the storm in the boat.

But why would a sheep be going through such a place? Not because he strayed off in sin; that is not the point here, because the shepherd is pictured as going with the sheep not snatching him back to the pasture he left behind. No, the reason the sheep is going through the valley is because the shepherd leads him there.

The connection between vs. 3 and 4 confirm this: The path through the valley is also one of the paths of righteousness in which God leads. “He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me . . . ”

But why would a good shepherd who would lay down his life for his sheep lead a lamb into a valley filled with danger and death threats? There’s only one possible answer:

To get to some better place!”

Philip Keller is an Australian shepherd whose wonderful little book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 includes this observation about these barren valleys:

“The shepherd knows from past experience that predators like coyotes, bears, wolves, or cougars can take cover in these broken cliffs and from their vantage point prey on his flock. He knows these valleys can be subject to sudden storms and flash floods that send walls of water rampaging down the slopes. There could be rockslides, mud, or . . . a dozen other natural disasters that would destroy or injure his sheep. But in spite of such hazards he also knows that this is still the best way to take his flock to the high country. He spares himself no pains or trouble or time to keep an eye out for any danger that might develop.”

When you’re walking through some unfamiliar valley and the shadows linger . . . When you have cancer and have to decide whether it will be chemotherapy or some other way . . . When you’re trying to decide as a matter of Godly stewardship whether to take your money out of the market or let it ride… When your finances are tight, and you are taking on yet another job to make ends meet, and for us here in this prison, we learn to keep our eyes focused upon the lord for we are surrounded by wolves.

remember this:

Your Shepherd has appointed even this hard time as one of His paths of righteousness.

He is leading you through this valley for reasons that probably won’t be apparent. But rest assured, He is taking you to the high country, where the sun is warm and the grass is lush.

Every valley is pathway to something better. As Psalm 84:11 says, “No good does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Or as Paul put it, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom . 8:28). The valley isn’t good, but the Shepherd is. He knows the way.

And, so are we, as Christians vulnerable to these wild dogs, Just a few weeks ago a vicious wolf entered a little sanctuary in Texas and slaughtered 26 of the Lords sheep, little babies, mommies, and old men alike, this cowardly animal proceeded to wound around 25 more, yet when confronted with a man willing to stand against him,  A human livestock guardian, I would even suggest a living rod and staff, This wild dog dropped his weapon and ran.

But we are more often attacked spiritually

And as Satan attacks us, we as the flock of the Lord expect Him to stand up for us,  against Satan, and Satan and all his demons will Trimble, beg, plead and like the Texas coward…run.

He restores my soul, my spirits are lifted for I know I have a shepherd, whose Rod and Staff protect me. He is my shepherd, this eludes to we being sheep. Sheep are full of fear and very nervous, and often will not lie down, out of this fear, for they have absolutely no defense system whatsoever. They can’t swim, and will not go near water that is not absolutely calm, and easy to access, and shallow, for if they fall in, they can’t get out, they will drown.

Do you see how vulnerable they are?

Their only protection is to stay together in a group. And as we walk through this world seeking God with all our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls, this is how vulnerable we are.

There are places in Scripture that are powerful, so deep, that to recite them is to experience them. Psalm 23 is one of those places. As one scholar said, “The psalm itself is green pasture; the psalm itself is still water; the psalm itself restores my soul.”

It is precious to us, a balm to our wounded souls. And what makes this a constant friend is that it covers all of life. With simple beauty, it speaks of green pastures and still waters as well as dark valleys and enemies and adversities.

But what comforts us and helps us is the psalm’s confidence. David really believes this about God. We realize as we linger over these words that what David writes is not poetic exaggeration or theoretical theology.

He has experienced God in these ways, heard His voice, followed His lead, felt His care. Beneath the beauty of his words there are solid convictions, formed in the trial of crisis.

And remember as we could plainly see that from verse 22, it may be David writing, but his experiences, his words are formed again hundreds of years later by the Messiah, our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

But now let’s move to chapter 23,For this is where we live today,

But let me begin by telling you an old story about a priest who was celebrating his 50th Anniversary of Ordination.  For this occasion he had invited his personal friend, Richard Burton, to come and recite his favorite Psalm 23.  Richard Burton agreed to do this on the condition that the priest would also recite it after him.

At the appointed time, Richard Burton stood and proclaimed the popular psalm with such oratorical mastery the congregation immediately applauded.

And then this humble pastor stood up and began to recite, from heart, this beloved Psalm.  After he had finished his not nearly so professional recitation, the congregation was in awe, and some moved to tears.

Someone in the front pew with Richard Burton leaned over and asked him, “Why did people loudly applaud you and yet were silently moved by the pastor?”  Burton replied, “Because I know the Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd.”

You see to truly understand this, it must be in the right heart, so with that in mind, with the hopes of putting our hearts in the right condition

I would like to share an experience I shared with Jody many years ago, about a man who knew the shepherd that has never left me, and never fails to move me, and I have told it here before.

When Jody and I were volunteer chaplains with Hospice of Texarkana, we would visit those who were dying, some a few weeks, some only a few hours.

We had one patient, whom we visited on a regular basis who had been a member of his choir all his long life. Now Jody always sang a song about heaven to these folks, but on our last visit to see Chet Wood, who was to die just a few days later, he wanted to sing to Jody, now understand Chet was dying of a lung disease, could barely breath, yet he sang to Jody, probably the very last song of his long life, and he barely gasped out I come to the Garden Alone.

We heard the angels sing that day.

Now as I read this beautiful psalm please let your minds drift back to that old priest, or to Chet Wood who gasped out his final song, a gift to Jody and I, and a statement of his position, and a tribute to the Savior he was soon to meet.

They Knew the Savior!

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, because of Him, I can face life, I can face today, and I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow….

Thank you for your time, and as you walk through this valley of the shadow of death, remember, you have a shepherd who loves you, and will protect you.




New Sight by Richard Zornes

Faith comes by hearing & hearing by the word of God

You know it’s him because of when and how he calls

As you respond…you realize He’s the answer to the hearts deepest cries Like Paul, the scales fall from before your very eyes

All you have ever known to be true in life. .were lies

New sight for future years

The new creation is awakened here is this sphere

I know because of this new sight, which is now so clear it’s almost like seeing someone you like

Suddenly you seek after them in hope of a companion for life

Sought like treasure but, more precious than gold

In the pages of His book is the greatest love story ever told

When you are seeking Him…He is pursuing you

And what He seeks is the best & all of you Ali around us is a glimpse of His glory

The beautiful thing is, that’s not the end of this story

Purchased by His blood was our price for eternity

The only thing he asks is…”Will you live for me?”

He even did it for people you consider enemies

Words spoken so sweetly, it’s hard to believe

That as He is, so we are in this world

Wise as a serpent & harmless as a dove

Should be-our aim in this new-life to reflect-His great love

To acquire this new found wisdom, some do not find

They think it’s a joke and will know when they get left behind

He’s true to his word and He’s completely unchanging

Rejoicing in the Lord always is a Christians charging station

Until then, you must spend time with Him daily studying His word

in its pages are the answers to your prayer supplications

To give you celebrations & comfort in life’s frustrations

So what are you seeing with this new sight?




Divinely Filled by Richard Zornes

Holding onto Jesus, like a pillar of stone

Life’s challenges become easier when you realize you are not alone Oh comforting is His gentle & mighty hand

He will help you continue…and if need be, carry you through the sand

The one that will endure, will stand on faiths confession in Jesus Christ

It will only be believable to others, in how you live your life

Implementing evil schemes will not fulfill a need

Planting seeds of life & watering others is how we are meant to lead Do this out of love through use of His word to yield the peaceable fruit

It becomes easier when you are trained in it through the reason of use

For we are all walking pages and are read more than a book

For the Holy Spirit, even the evil one has a certain Fook

A container is only as good as what’s in it, I have heard someone say

For in filling yourself with Gods word will preserve the righteous on judgement day

Getting people to ask you why you have hope is not an easy part For it starts in knowing in whom is the holder of your heart Working for love…is no love at all

For a gift given is only as precious as the manner of Spirit in which it was given Since God is Love…that is what we got HIM!

 




Fresh New Start

Until you truly give your heart to Jesus, it’s hard to convince people of new creation

All they are looking at is your rap sheet, that’s the principle of the Mosaic Law It makes you feel condemnation that make your insides crawl i know I have done things worthy of this sentence

But from now on…l want my walk be one reflecting a life of forgiveness & repentance

It’s not that I didn’t know how, only…l didn’t have the power to do it on my own

And it’s SO wonderful-that it’s Jesus who will-carry me home Purging the conscience mind of so many past sins

Is no easy task for me but…is necessary to behold the power that comes only from Him Waking up at night from evil works long gone

Is so much easier to cope with when I am leaning on the everlasting arms

Bring to my mind Father the good things you have placed within my heart And let me know that each day is a blessing & fresh new start

Having to walk a trail I have never seen, is easier to follow when I let Him take the lead

When I am competing in what’s known as life’s big race

Is easier when I am focused on Him to set the right pace

Turn not to the left nor worry what’s on the right

Is the key to success in battle knowing I possess the armor of light

Thank you Father for not giving me your love based on what I have done Instead you gave it to me in Jesus…Your only begotten Son




Anxiety Handed Over

Lost & indecisive

Is how I feel inside

Please Lord…don’t leave me like this way & be my only guide

Hope of new beginnings, to bring glory to your name

How to perform I do not know when I am reminded of my shame

One sided conversations, greed within their heart

Puffed up with pride, they stride on by feeling bigger than they are Forgive them Lord for they know not what they do

Not everyone can wear this brand of shoe

Build me up in spirit, teach me your truth & your way

Put it in my heart, bring it to my mind so I may not be fed astray

Help me to believe the strength of your word & boldly speak it to the storm For I am no good apart from you & for your glory I was born

Thank you, Father, for taking my rags & nailing them to the cross

Since the exchange, I lift up your name & count everything else a loss




Better Father by Richard Zornes

Free will comes not without consequence

Some choices cause pain, others…deliverance

The freedom to choose is a gift of mystery

I realized it when my children did things just like me

At the time…l was the blind leading the blind

With bad habits that consume the heart & pollute the mind

I was lost & without direction

Instead…I led them through a mine field of death & destruction

Broken hearts & broken dreams, both the results of my deception

Father show them the way to defeat the carnal man

And that it starts with knowing & being filled with the Great I AM

All I want for them is to know you & be the one in whom they love

To be wise as a serpent & yet harmless as a dove Help them one day to understand

That to be successful in life…starts with nurturing the inner man

Lead them Father in a life filled with love, growth & opportunity

A chance to be the one who will share the good news courageously

Fill them Father with wisdom & understanding

And show them in your word is where your children learn to lead – Show them that-quality-& quantity are one the same

And that anything & anyone Can be changed…in Jesus name!




Redemption

Redemption

Lesson by a Dick Conner’s’ Correctional Center who wishes to remain anonymous

Galatians 3:13  Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),
At no time in His life previous to His Crucifixion did He make expiation for sin. He bare our sins “in His body upon the tree” not “unto the tree” as some would translate it. His redeeming work began and ended on the Cross.
1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
Christ gave Himself for us, “that He might redeem us from all iniquity,” that is, that He might set us free from the power of all that is contrary to the will of God. He who could accomplish it must be possessed of both Godhood and manhood, and in this combined nature the Lord Jesus, the Son of God paid the price and accomplished the work. The shedding of the blood, in the language of Scripture, involves the taking, or the giving, of the life.
The blood of Christ” signifies the death of Christ by His blood shedding. In His crucifixion God’s divine justice smote Him. The sword of Jehovah was awakened to smite “the Man “who was “Jehovah’s Fellow.” He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed… It pleased Jehovah to bruise Him: He hath put Him to grief. He made His soul “an offering for sin.” He who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf. God dealt with Him, the sinless One, as He must deal with sin. Imagine Jesus on the Cross and you are in the crowed around Him. He calls your name 3 times and you finally look up at Him. He tells you with His arms outstretched and nails in His hands that He loves you this much. Jesus wants to fellowship with you and He loves spending the time with you. Let Jesus take your burdens so you can rest with peace and love in your heart.




The ACLU is the enemy of the Church and of America

Two statements:

First Statement:

The ACLU (The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a national organization that works daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend the individual rights and …)

Think about it is this really a good organization protecting civil rights or a blight on America and a primary cause of the falling away of America from the Church?

Second Statement:

 

Christianity thrown out, Prayer thrown out, 10 commandments thrown out (including court houses and other government buildings), Nativity scenes kicked out public places

Even time as been changed, BC= Before Christ…. For 2,000 years… now… BCE = Before Common Era

RESULT:

In 1973, after 50 years of stability, the rate of incarceration in the United States began a sustained period of growth. In 1972, 161 U.S. residents were incarcerated in prisons and jails per 100,000 population; by 2007, that rate had more than quintupled to a peak of 767 per 100,000. From its high point in 2009 and 2010, the population of state and federal prisoners declined slightly in 2011 and 2012. Still, the incarceration rate, including those in jail, was 707 per 100,000 in 2012, more than four times the rate in 1972.

In absolute numbers, the prison and jail population had grown to 2.23 million people, yielding a rate of incarceration that was by far the highest in the world.

In October 2013, the incarceration rate of the United States of America was the highest in the world, at 716 per 100,000 of the national population. While the United States represents about 4.4 percent of the world’s population, it houses around 22 percent of the world’s prisoners.

 

And what is the glaring difference?

Christ was taken out of the education of the youth.

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In 1963 Prayer (and Christian training) was taken out of the public schools (1963 and after. In these two landmark decisions, Engel v. Vitale (1962) and Abington School District v. Schempp (1963), the Supreme Court established what is now the current prohibition on state-sponsored prayer in US schools.)

And in just 10 short years…

In 1973 America started murdering its unborn babies, and lost its moral base and drug abuse, suicide, mass killings, and prison populations have escalated to out of control levels… how many things can you add to this list?

How about overly paid athletes who once were the role models for our children can’t even respect our flag and are teaching our children to believe it’s “OKAY”?

Those of you my age know this would not have happened 50 years ago, or there would have been no fans left.. they would have to go get a job like the rest of us.

We have only, one chance to turn the direction of America or all is lost… they don’t realize it, they don’t have the history, or the memories of our once Great Nation… The United States of America, but our grandchildren are heading for a horrible life… horrible beyond their imaginations…

It is time to take control of America once again… eliminate this blight called the ACLU… Help President Trump drain the swamp… Congress, The Senate, the Republican party, the Democrat Party are all fighting him tooth and toenail and he is standing against them alone… except for one thing, a powerful thing… those Americans who have retained a sense of right and wrong… we must continue to flood the voting booths with righteousness defeating the liberal left at every opportunity.

President Trump will go down in history as our greatest President if he succeeds, and he can only succeed with our help… if he fails… no one will notice… because America will die a long slow painful death, our history will be lost…just as the statues the liberals are tearing down, they will also tear down this beautiful Nation.




My Testimony by Jerry A. Scarborough

The other day while I was reading my book, the LORD put into my heart to pray for a homosexual who was going through a rough time.
Anyway, I walked up to him and told him that GOD wanted me to pray for him. When I asked him would he like to go to his house (cell) he said, “No, let’s go to yours.”
It was then I felt my flesh try to rise up and tell me not a good idea. Think about your reputation. However, the HOLY SPIRIT would allow me to hear none of it.
To make a long story short, I brought the man to my cell, and we prayed. Later on that day, I was ridiculed by the African American brothers, as well as the gang members. Since that incident, my enemies will not let me live that down. The reason why I can still hold my head up with love is because GOD has shown me that as long as I serve HIM, I will be persecuted in the Name of him JESUS. My testimony is this…
 GOD will send us to some people we may not like due to their life-styles.
 We are not the followers of CHRIST if we are still accepted by the world.
Remember my fellow brothers and sisters, we were not made in the image of Adam and Eve, but the image of GOD, JESUS CHRIST, and the in SPIRIT. May GOD bless you all. Amen!!




Children of Jehovah

By Jaumon Okyere Sr.

Are all humans’ children of God?

To answer that question, we need to go back to the beginning, Gen 2:7 says “Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul”.

Have you ever had a new car? I bet you called it your “baby”, you probably even named it. How about a new idea? Most people, when they have a new idea or creation refer to it as their brain child. And, they patent it to say, “this is my creation; I own the rights to it”.

In most civilizations and societies, it’s common to say that when you are the first to create something or have an idea you are named as the father, mother, brain, or creator, and the patent belongs to you. Since Jehovah “was and is” the first to create “everything” we’ve known and will know, makes him the father to “all things”, we are his patent, made in his own image, his brain child, his children.

However, Jehovah does not consider us all to be his children. Being children of God is not something we imperfect humans are entitled to by birth, like most children in our society. But, we are all offspring of Adam, who when created in perfection was a “son of God”. Because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden we’ve all been cursed from birth, born of sin, made imperfect, and fallen short of the glory of the Almighty God. However, Jehovah, through his undeserved love and kindness, has given us all a chance to be “Born Again” and made perfect in his eyes through the ransom sacrifice of his only begotten son Jesus Christ, (John 3:16) giving us all a chance to once again share in His divine love and presence.

Wouldn’t we all love to enjoy our father’s love and presence? The problem is not everyone accepts Jehovah God as his father because they choose to do unrighteous things and since they choose to do those things they are loving evil. If they love evil they cannot love Jesus Christ or His father Jehovah God because they condemn evil (John 8:42-44[NKJV] 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.)

Now what does that tell you? Just as I said before, if you are the firs to create something (you are) the father of it, and since Satan was the first to sin against Jehovah he is the Father of sin, and owns the patent on I, making “All” those who sin against God the devil’s children, his creation, his brain child.

So, no, all humans are not children of God but we all have the chance to be.

Do you have children? Have they ever done anything to upset you? Now, how many of you are still upset with that child today? I’m sure that you properly punished that chid for those transgressions, but you also gave them an opportunity to gain back your trust, whether through extra chores, early curfews, or maybe just admitting their faults; apologizing and showing effort to do better in time warranted your forgiving them and giving them a chance because you love and wanted to forgive them.

Understand, that’s exactly how Jehovah feels about u, because we’re his children; He wants to forgive us because He loves us. But, first we have to gain back His trust, by proving ourselves. We can do that through His son Jesus Christ.

This fact is made evident, to us, from the following scriptures in our bibles. (John 1:12-13 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.) however, as many as did receive Jesus, to them He gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in Him. (Romans 8:16-17 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.) (1 Peter 1: 3 – 4 …3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,) (John 3: 3-7 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born [a]again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ )

Only persons whom have been “Born Again? Thus, becoming God’s sons can share in the heavenly Kingdom, by receiving Jesus Christ.

Although we are all not children of God, by showing love to one another, obeying Jehovah’s laws, sharing the Gospel with others, believing in Jesus Christ, and most importantly, unselfishly loving the Almighty Jehovah God, our father and creator, with all of our heart and soul; Jehovah will draw closer to us and indeed be proud to announce us all as “His children” once again. Because that’s what He very well intended for us to be from the moment He molded Adam’s clay and blew breath into his nostrils. He intended for us to be His “beautiful, obedient, and loving children.”

May Jehovah Bless You.