WHAT MY FAMILY MEANS TO ME

WHAT MY FAMILY MEANS TO ME

MY GRANDMOTHER - LILLIAS MAY BREWER

ON HER WEDDING DAY 

1914  TO BECOME

MRS. FORREST RAYMOND CARPENTER 

Her home was in York Beach, Maine.

Forrest Raymond Carpenter lived in Cheshire MA.

Their legacy has come down to 

me, 

their first grandchild.

CHESHIRE WAS CLOSE BY. 

ALL THE TRADING WAS DONE IN ADAMS, MA,

WILLIAMSTOWN, NORTH ADAMS.

CHESHIRE MASSACHUSETTS

This photo is of MAIN STREET IN ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS

IN 1910.   

MY GRANDFATHER WAS ONE OF THREE SONS

WHO WERE BORN TO 

GEORGE EDGAR CARPENTER AND 

TO NETTIE PRISCILLA  INGALLS

MY GREAT GRANDPARENTS ON

MY MOTHER'S SIDE.

MY GRANDFATHER'S OLDER BROTHER

LESTER GOT WORK AT THE MILL

SO 

THEN HIS BROTHER ALBERT ("BERTIE) 

WENT TO COLLEGE AND GOT A

JOB ELSEWHERE.

I have the "CARPENTER DIARIES'  LITTLE LEDGERS

;SHOWING DAILY ENTRIES AS TO THE GOINGS ON

FROM 1882 TO  1924   

There are 14 of these small diaries.

You can find copies of these in

the 

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PITTSFIELD MA. 

I TRANSCRIBED THEM, AND THEY ARE THERE.

I am still working on 1915 and 1924 which were

entered by George Edgar Carpenter.     

WHICH LEFT MY

GRANDFATHER ON THE 

FARM.

HE HAD A FIFTH GRADE EDUCATION

WHICH MEANT IN THOSE DAYS

A "GOOD" EDUCATION

FOR A FARMER.

DID YOU KNOOW THAT 

THE KING JAMES VERSION

OF THE BIBLE 

IS MEANT FOR A 

6TH GRADE LEVEL 

PERSON TO BE 

ABLE TO READ?

(THINK ABOUT IT.

MOST OF THE 

NEWER RENDITIONS

OF THE BIBLE

ARE 

AT 

COLLEGE LEVEL

READING.)

THERE WAS A WEDDING 

COMING UP...

LILLIAS  WAS SEEING HER 

SISTER GET MARRIED

TO FRANK CHAPMAN

WHO WAS A BEST 

FRIEND

TO GUESS WHO ? 

HIS FRIEND FORREST RAYMOND CARPENTER

IT WAS ABOUT THE TIME

RUMORS OF WAR 

WERE ALL ABOUT

1912 

WAS FULL OF 

WORRY AND CONCERN.

BUT LILIAS DID NOT GIVE IT MUCH THOUGHT.

She was a happy woman.

Teaching in a Primary School, having been

to College, and then teach the first

three grades in a school

she was excited about

her sister's wedding.

You see,

YORK BEACH, MAINE

IS WHERE THE 

WEDDING WAS

TO BE.

                                                                 

THEY WERE AMERICAN SISTERS

GROWING UP IN A 

WONDERFUL WORLD

THEIR HOME WAS FILLED WITH LOVE

AND LOTS OF ACTIVITY

THEIR FATHER - LUTHER WILBUR BREWER 

WAS A VERY DEVOUT CHRISTIAN 

IN THE METHODIST CHURCH

AND 

WAS A LEATHER TANNER.

HE MADE THE LEATHERWORK

FOR HORSES, THE CARRIAGES,

AND THE EQUIPMENT.

VIDA MAY INGALLS 

HE HAD MARRIED YEARS 

AGO

AND NOW HIS DAUGHTER 

WAS GETTING MARRIED.

EVERYONE WAS EXCITGED!  

AS BUSY AS THEY MUST HAVE BEEN

THESE TWO PARENTS FOUND TIME

FOR FAMILY TO GATHER

AND

OFTEN PLAYED CROQUET.

HERE THEY ARE, AS YOUNG PARENTS

DOTING ON THEIR DAUGHTER

GETTING MARRIED.

WHEN FRANK BROUGHT FORREST TO THE WEDDING

FORREST MET LILLIAS.

THEY NEVER EVER LOOKED BACK

IT WAS MEANT TO BE.

 

FRANK AND FLORENCY ("FLOSSIE) 

LOVED TO HAVE A REASON

TO ENCOURAGE 

FORREST AND LILLA 

SO

THEY OFTEN

TOOK OFF ON THE 

"HORSELESS CARRIAGE"

AND 

CAME TO THE YORK BEACH HOME

THAT MAMIE AND BAMPY HAD

LILLIAS' MOTHER WAS VIDA MAY (INGALLS) 

MARRIED TO LUTHER WILBUR BREWER.

T

TRAVELING FROM CHESHIRE TO YORK BEACH MAINE

FORREST RAYMOND CARPENTER

READING HERE ON

THE PORCH.

LET ME DESCRIBE MY GRANDFATHER

FORREST RAYMOND CARPENTER.

HE WAS A FARM BOY FROM CHESHIRE MASSACHUSETTS.

CHESHIRE MASS WAS A TOWN WHICH HAD STARTED

WHEN SEVERAL BAPTIST FAMILIES FROM 

ROGER WILLIAMS' RHODE ISLAND

COLONY DECIDED TO 

COME INTO MASSACHUSETTS

AND

FARM, AND LVE FOR GOD THERE.

THEY WERE STRONG IN FAITH.

THEY HAD MUCH DESIRE TO BE INDEPENDENT.

Forrest had to work on the farm, so 

he only went to school when he did not work

on the farm.

He was an avid reader.

He learned about Edison and and all the inventions

that were being created at that time.  He studied 

up on all the electricity and he began to take 

an interest in finding himself

in OTHER KIND OF WORK.

When he worked for his father

he traveled in the wagon all over

trading with people in the area.

Whatever was made on the farm

whether it was rag rugs, or tatting,

or butchering a calf and growing the 

potatoes and beets and corn.   You 

can see that they were going back and forth

from Cheshire to the surrounding area.

In York Beach with Lillias, it 

was different.

She was a LADY of sorts.

Her work was more in the laundering 

and the washing of the clothes.

The ladies in those days and in that time

had to have the help of their husbands

to do the work, because it required 

heavy lifting of washtubs 

and there were no washing machines 

like there are today.

Albert and his brother Forrest at the car.

Forrest began early on "driving" 

others to town, to places they 

wanted to go and 

it was a privilege.

He ordered his very own CAR 

himself, and it came packaged in

a box and he had to ASSEMBLE IT HIMSELF.

SO HE WAS LEARNING.

NOW HE HAD EXTRA INCENTIVE

FOR LILLIAS WAS 

HIS DELIGHT.

      Forrest Raymond Carpenter (b.July 29. 1890 -June 27,1970)

Cheshire MA

married  on  July 16,1914 

Lillias May Brewer (b. Feb. 5, 1891 - May 16,1979)

b. Salmon Falls, N. H.  

THEY SPENT MANY HOURS TOGETHER

IN THE NEXT YEAR

AND EVEN INCLUDED A TRIP TO

LAKE GEORGE  

LAKE GEORGE NEW YORK 

Years later when I was about 15 years old

my Grandmother  Lillias May Carpenter 

shared with me her photos from 

that time of courting.

She was strong in faith, believing

this was the one man with 

whom she would spend the rest 

of her life with.

When I think of my family,

and how the strong tie

and bond 

of love and affection

drew two people together

to live in the midst 

of 

difficulties

obstacles

frustrations

and changes,

I am amazed again and again

at the way God 

led me to find Himself

through the strong conviction

my family had that 

I WAS LOVED, AND PART OF THE FABRIC

OF A FAMILY CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER.

SO HERE I AM TODAY.

I hope to put my stories on this blog, and to share 

something of the heritage my family and my faith 

are to me.    In my husband's papers I have all of 

his sermons and some of his notes, our budgets,

our pictures, and so much to share.

I will look forward to this.

Climb along with me, in walking higher.

I am convinced that there is no other

name but Jesus Christ the Lord

and Savior, the Son of the Living God,

who came and lived and died among

us, that we might live.

He arose from the grave, and 

is risen and ascended to the Father,

and He is preparing a home for us 

who believe on Him.

As I wait for His Coming,

or for my Call Home to be with Him,

I will blog and keep blogging

telling my stories 

and sharing.

JOHN 10  10  

ABUNDANT LIFE IS PROMISED

TO THOSE WHO KNOW HIM.

TIME - GOD CREATED IT - IT BELONGS TO HIM

TIME - GOD CREATED IT - IT BELONGS TO HIM

                                                      by  June Estelle Cash 

                                                        LILACLADY JUNEBUG2 

            

JUNE ESTELLE DONATO back in 1936

Three years old.   I remember when I visited

Grandmother - she always fixed my hair - 

I always felt so special when she did that.

Often she would take my hair and put it 

up in rag curls - then comb it out - 

I just was so LOVED by her.

TIME HAS GONE BY SINCE THEN

86TH YEARS

I KEEP ON CLIMBING HIGHER

WALKING IN THE PATHWAY

GOD HAS FOR ME

HOLDING UP THE LIGHT 

FOR ALL TO SEE

FOR THE LIGHT 'TWAS 

GIVEN ME 

TO SHARE WITH OTHERS

THAT THEY 

MIGHT FIND

THE LORD, THE LIGHT, 

THE SON DIVINE 

WHO DECLARED TO US 

THE VERY IMAGE OF GOD

DISPLAYED 

AS HE THIS EARTH DID TROD

HE CAME, HE SAID

TO BE THE LIGHT

THAT THOSE WHO FOLLOW

MIGHT HAVE LIFE.

HE CAME, HE SAID

TO GIVE HIS LIFE

A RANSOM FOR MANY

AND SO HE DIED

AND ROSE AGAIN

AND BEFORE HE LEFT 

TO RETURN TO THE FATHER

HE SAID,

"ALL POWER IS GIVEN UNTO ME,

IN HEAVEN, AND IN EARTH,

GO YE, THEREFORE,

AND TEACH ALL NATIONS,

BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME

OF THE FATHER, 

AND OF THE SON,

AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,

TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE 

ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER 

I HAVE COMMANDED YOU,

AND LO,

I AM WITH YOU ALWAY,

EVEN TO THE END OF THE WORLD.

MATTHEW 28.18 - 20 

                                        When Mother and Dad were expecting me, times were hard.

Today in 2019, Times are still hard.   It is a different 

world than it was then.   A person could find a 

shack, and live in it, really cheap.   These days, even to rent is almost out of consideration for a young couple.   About #1000.00 to pay the first month's rent - and then - many require a BACK RENT - of  $1000.00 just in case you leave in the midst of your lease -  add to that - a deposit for UTILITIES - 

HOW MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOUNG COUPLES TODAY.

JUST THE FACT THAT THEY GET MARRIED 

IS A MIRACLE.

AND A STEP OF FAITH.

TO MARRY

IS TO MAKE A VOW 

A PROMISE 

Harry Hunter Donato 

married

Vida May (Carpenter) 

SO LONG AGO

ON A DAY

IN 1933

AND 

HERE I AM

ALMOST 86 YEARS YOUNG

WHERE DOES TIME COME IN YOUR LIFE?

WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

WHEN GOD CREATED 

THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH...

TIME BEGAN.

GOD IS OUTSIDE OF TIME.

HE HAS NO BEGINNING

HE HAS NO ENDING 

HE ALWAYS WAS 

HE ALWAYS WILL BE

Hebrews 13.8 

JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME

YESTERDAY

TODAY

AND FOREVER.

Psalm 90.2

FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING,

THOU ART GOD.

IN GOD'S REFUGE
by June Estelle Donato Cash
1957

In God's refuge is my soul
My shelter from the storm of
life's vicissitudes He takes the whole...

In Shelter strong He keeps my soul
Though darts of Satan tempt me sore...
He keeps me whole,
His strength is mine,
His present HELP is very sure...
through
Jesus Christ my Lord.

Refuge?   None but He can still the
Tempest down within my
Heart and soul, that peace within
To make me whole.

God's refuge is the blood shed for me,
My shelter He; That refuge, take
My friend !   He is your soul's best friend.

When I sit in a chair,

I by faith believe it will hold me up.

WHY NOT JUST SIT 

IN FAITH 

TRUSTING JESUS 

He will hold you up.

JESUS SAID,

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD,

THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,

THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH 

IN HIM,

SHOULD NOT PERISH,

BUT HAVE 

EVERLASTING LIFE.

John 3.16 

FOR GOD SO LOVED YOU

-----------------------

PUT YOUR NAME 

IN JOHN 3.16

AND LET

GOD 

DO 

THE 

REST. 

FOLLOWING THE SHEPHERD - I WILL NOT FEAR

FOLLOWING THE SHEPHERD - I WILL NOT FEAR 

WITH THE LORD JESUS 

AS MY SHEPHERD

I WILL NOT FEAR

The LORD is my Shepherd

I shall not want

Psalm 23.1

There is much today in the news of things

that portray a world of despair,

of discouragement, and 

lack of hope.

Some will spend their time

writing about those things 

which only aggravate the fears, 

and accelerate the problems in 

the hearts of those 

who are ready

to accept 

just what they hear.

I PROPOSE THAT JESUS MEANT

EXACTLY WHAT HE SAID

WHEN HE 

I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

John 10.11

He said,

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd

giveth his life for the sheep.

Now here it is in a world of

many opinions

and 

many religions

and 

much 

ignorance

as to really 

WHAT JESUS WAS SAYING.

Do you know that Jesus

is truly the only One 

who could say that 

and 

who did that

even 

as 

He 

declared He would.

When Jesus died on the cross,

he had no sin of his own, 

and He had come from the Father

to show us How Much God loved us.

Because He died,

was buried,

and rose again the third day

His Resurrection

proves He is indeed the Shepherd.

He laid his life for the sheep, of 

which I am one.

"All have sinned and come short of 

the glory of God."  Romans 3.23

"For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal 

life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 6.23

Jesus said

"I am the way, the truth, and the life,

no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

I am committed 

to following this Shepherd, 

for He Alone is Able to lead me

guide me 

and direct my footsteps

in this unpredictable

and unreliable world.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD,

I SHALL NOT WANT.

Watch my blog for things that you 

might find the Shepherd as well. 

cashjuneestelle@gmail.com    

As you have your next cup of coffee, 

I leave with you the thought, 

that Jesus said, 

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,

and they follow me." John 10. 27

Are you following Him? 

I encourage you to first 

become ONE OF HIS SHEEP.   

AT GRAMMA'S HOUSE -ADAMS, MA

AT GRAMMA'S HOUSE  -ADAMS, MA 

 by blogger June Estelle Cash

                               

         

MOUNT GREYLOCK - VIEW OF NORTH ADAMS, ADAMS, MA.

HERE ARE MY AUNT RUTH AND AUNT PAT ON EASTER MORNING

1940.       I REMEMBER IT WELL.

HERE ALTHEA AND VIDA are on the steps.
I am not sure who the gentleman is.
This is the home my Grandfather built.
Moving as much as I did in my childhood, this home
was dear to my memory.   For it was here
as the FIRST GRANDCHILD
I received much loving care
from my
Grandmother, Lillias May (Brewer) Carpenter.
Born in the Memorial Hospital of North Adams, MA
I was linked to this town from 1933.

HERE I WAS AT AGE 5 - IN 1939 - 

WITH A FRIEND 

I AM ON THE RIGHT.  

HERE AT ABOUT 18 MONTHS, I WAS AT MY GRAMMA'S HOUSE.

A SWEET MEMORY.

                     It was a day I remember.    Gramma had spent time with me inside before we went out in the garden.    I recall that she set two chairs together and put a clothesline by putting a little rope between the two chairs.   Then she set out little things, including boxes and items representing "pretend food".     She brought out her tea set, which she had saved from her childhood, a tiny set of cups and saucers with a little tea pot for the set.     Then showing me what they were for, she made me "CAMERICK TEA"  which was nothing more than hot water with a little milk and a bit of sugar. 

I played with this and the little "kitchen" for some while.

                  I remember the oak kitchen dining table close by, and the chairs were taller than I.   I remember the large book cases with glass doors on each shelf that protected dust from collecting on the books.    I remember Gramma's soft voice, and encouraging words.

Never was she cross at me.  

                Her floors and rooms were immaculate.    

                 She stuffed "everything" into cupboards and shelves away from anyone's sight.  It was "no one's business" what she had, she sniffed.

                 We went outside.    Gramma's garden was our next focus.   She showed me how to get beans off the plants.   She 

visited with me.     I have the picture of that day -  Grandfather took the photos.   I was not to see this photo until long after I got married and lived far away - but I received the photo along with others from my Grandmother who sent the photos along with some other things she no longer needed.   There was a big box that came with clothes in it, and shoes, that I KNEW SHE HAD WORN. I remember especially a polka dot dress that she liked.  It was in the box.   Then down in the bottom of the box was all the PHOTOS she wanted me to have.    Ohhhh !   I remember crying, I was so touched that she wanted me to have them.

         In 1987 When I visited Aunt Althea, she still had a few pieces of the tea set that my grandmother shared with me as her VERY FIRST GRAND-CHILD.   It was a precious memory. 

         I did not see Grandmother very much in my years of growing up, but had about two years to get to know her again in 1954 - 1955 when we moved to Sacramento from North Adam, MA.   We lived in a house right next door to her and Grandfather for that time until they moved to Arizona.

         

Here was Grampa with Stevie my cousin, Aunt Pat's son.

It was taken in the park at Sacramento Ca.   This was how I

     remember him.     Then here is a photo of Gramma about that time also.   

                                 

            This was grandmother with me. This was how I remember Gramma.  Those shoes were sent to me in that very BOX I got with all the clothes and the photos.  I think Aunt Pat and others are on the porch.  So it must have been when all of us were together that day.   I remember Grampa's brother Uncle Bert being there. And the Lambs, dear friends, distant cousins.  Frank Lamb and his wife were dear to all of us.  

Frankie Lamb as a baby 

                     He was much loved by all who knew him.

Cousin Wesley Carpenter's daughter with her baby.

                    Relatives -  Shawn Noel Carpenter       Gertie (Carpenter) Noel.

                                       Althea Haynes                     Susan Whitener   

                                       Althea Maynard                  Julie Pavia

                                      John Carpenter 

                                      Paul Maynard  

                   

                       I WAS THREE YEARS OLD and living in Boston 

at the time this photo was taken of the family.   Mother and Daddy and I were waiting for a BABY to come - which was my brother Harry Hunter Donato Jr.  born in 1937.    

This was Harry Jr when we went to visit Gramma and Grampa the summer of  1938.   I was five and he was just born the previous November 26th.  So he was a Thanksgiving Day baby. 

                             

HERE WE ARE IN BOSTON, MA

MOTHER AND I WITH BABY .

1938  He looks like about 5 months old.

So this was March or April. 

PROVERBS  16.9 

A MAN'S HEART DEVISETH HIS WAY, 

BUT THE LORD DIRECTETH HIS STEPS.

PROVERBS 21.6

TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO; 

AND WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT.

PSALM 139. 1 - 3 

O LORD, THOU HAST SEARCHED ME, AND KNOWN ME,

THOU KNOWEST MY DOWNSITTING, 

AND MINE UPRISING,

THOU UNDERSTANDEST MY THOUGHT AFAR OFF.

THOU COMPASSEST MY PATH,

AND MY LYING DOWN,

AND ART 

ACQUAINTED WITH ALL MY WAYS.

PSALM 139. 17,18

HOW PRECIOUS ALSO ARE THY THOUGHTS UNTO ME, O GOD!

HOW GREAT IS THE SUM OF THEM!

IF I SHOULD COUNT THEM, THEY ARE MORE IN 

NUMBER THAN THE SAND.

WHEN I AWAKE, I AM STILL WITH THE.

AS I REFLECT ON THESE MEMORIES

    MAY GOD GIVE YOU A SENSE OF HIS PLACE IN YOUR LIFE, EVEN AS HE HAS IN MINE.

AS A LAST PHOTO OF THE FAMILY 

HERE WAS VI  ROWING, ESTHER 

WITH PAT AND COUSIN GERTIE

I THINK THIS WAS ABOUT 1944. 

NOT SURE. 

THE ROW BOAT AND CHESHIRE LAKE

WAS ALWAYS A PLACE WE LOVED TO SEE.

HAPPY MEMORIES ON THIS FOURTH OF JULY COMING UP.

CHRISTIANS - TWO KINDS by Biblelady99

Are you a baby yet still taking milk ? 

CHRISTIANS – TWO KINDS

Sermon by Wm. Henry Cash Jr.       

Evening Service - July 31, 1960

First Baptist Church, Crescent OR 

                          Shared by June Estelle Cash

TEXT: I CORINTHIANS 3. 1 – 23

1.And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

 2.I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

3. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, 

and walk as men?

4. For while one saith, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal?

5.Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by 

whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 

6.I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

 7. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: 

and every man shall receive his own reward according 

to his own labour.   9.For we are laborers together with God:

 ye are God’s husbandry,  ye are God’s building.

 10. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, 

as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and 

  another buildeth thereupon.  But let every man take heed

 how he buildeth thereupon. 

11. For other  foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

12. Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 

13. Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 

14. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 

15. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 

16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 

 17. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of Go is holy, which temple ye are. 

18. Let no man deceive himself.  If any man among you 

seemeth so to be wise in this world, let him become 

a fool, that he may be wise.

19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. 

 For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 

20. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are foolish. 

21. Therefore let no man glory in men, For all things are yours;  22. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all things are yours;  23. And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s

In this passage, Paul makes a distinction between the  Christian walking in the flesh, and the Christian who is walking as Jesus walked, in the Spirit.    Matthew 4.1  Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  

Let us consider these:   

WALKING IN THE FLESH	WALKING IN THE SPIRIT Romans 8.14  For as many as are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God.
CARNAL CHRISTIAN	SPIRIT LED CHRISTIAN
1.Only interested in personal life.   In Self.    Isaiah 5.21  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. Galatians 6.12,13  As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised, only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.  For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.	1.    Interested in doing what God wants, and looks out to help others.  II Corinthians 5.17 – 18  Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Colossians 3.17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
2. not filled with the Spirit.   The carnal Christian is not walking in the Spirit, but in the flesh. Galatians 5.19 -21  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;  Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings,murders, and revelings, and such like. Of the which I told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.	2. Filled with the Spirit, this one is letting God’s Spirit lead and guide, and is willing to take the stops and starts given, heeding the command when reproved.  1.23  Galatians 5.16 – 18   This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Ephesians 4.32 and 5.1,2   And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore, followers of God, as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, an hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Galatians 5.22 – 25. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and the lusts thereof.  If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit.
3.Shows little interest in lost souls.           Jonah would have liked to not be told to preach. He ran in the other direction.    Many today are like that.  They do not go where they can hear the message, for they do not wish to be “involved” with confronting others about their salvation.   Here the FORGETMENOT plant is growing sweetly.   In some yards, it is just a WEED that grows willy nilly whereever it pleases.   I used to take each one I found by itself, and put it in the place where other FOR-GET-ME-NOTS were, so they could encourage each other's growth and be useful for beauty.        Many Christians have lost THEIR FIRST LOVE - JESUS CHRIST - and need to be loved and nurtured, and placed where they can grow happily and companionably.   A weed is only a plant which is not where it is supposed to be.    Like sin in our life, weeds are reminders we need to correct ourselves by saying YES I AGREE WITH YOU, GOD.	3. Very concerned about bringing others to Christ.       Proverbs 11.30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.  Campanula -  Sailors used to eat these flowers with their food to make it taste better.   We need to HAVE A GOOD TESTIMONY for people to see, as Salt has its savor, so should we have a "banquet" for others to munch on...our TESTIMONY AS A CHRISTIAN is our most important adornment in our life. As a BAPTIST Christian, I hold to this truth, that my testimony is linked to my relationship not only to Christ, but to a LOCAL CHURCH where I am able to be part of a body that edifies and that I can edify it.
4.Compromises with the world – tries to fit in – and belong. Ii Corinthians 6.14 – 18  And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by his own power.  Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?  Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot?  God forbid.   What? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body?  For two, saith he, shall be one flesh.  But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.   Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.	4. Uncompromises with the world and follows God’s call to be separate.  I Cor. 6.19 – 20 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. I John 3.23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  Ps. 36.9  With thee is the fountain of life: in thy light we shall see light.
5.   The carnal Christian wants to be foot loose, and free with no desire for responsibility            Complaining.   Comparing.  Focus on things and people instead of on God’s Word.   No interest in letting God’s boundaries to be placed in his life.    Romans 3.18   There is no fear of God before their eyes.       Proverbs 2.12 - 15 The way of the evil man, from the man that speaks froward things; who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness, who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths"      Here is a picture of a fire that was burning last year.  It was willy nilly wild and burning everywhere.   When we want our own way, and follow it, it is like a fire that burns up whereever it goes.  If we are building only wood, hay and stubble on the foundation which is Christ our Lord, we will be saved, but without anything except our own soul. "so as by fire."  People are watching waiting wondering why? when? who?  they are looking for  answers What are you showing people about you? HERE IS A WOODPECKER WHO WILL MAKE  ITS NESTS IN OLD TREES AND WILL HUNT FOR THE PESTS THAT LIVE IN THE BARK OF THE TREES. When we are living in the flesh  and we practice bad habits these bad habits will  rot our "system"  and only by REPENTANCE AND  TURNING OUR LIFE AROUND CAN WE BEGIN  TO GROW LIKE WE SHOULD. SO MANY ARE GOING TO FOLLOW YOU, WHETHER YOU  WALK  IN DARKNESS  OR  IN LIGHT. THEY ARE WATCHING YOU. WHAT PATH  WILL YOU TAKE?	5.  Willing to follow Christ, depend on God.         Willing to assume responsibility for one’s testimony and character.           Luke 9.23  If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.        Titus 3.8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable unto men.        I Peter 4.1,2  Forasmuch then, that Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the fesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.   I John 2.28 And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.  HERE ARE SHASTA DAISIES.   IN THE MOONLIGHT THEY GLOW WITH RAYS OF THE SUN STILL REFLECTING IN THE MOONLIGHT. CONSIDER THAT OUR EYES ARE TO BE LOOKING AT HIS WORD, READY FOR HIS RETURN, AND PUTTING OUR ROOTS DEEP DOWN IN THE SOIL, WHILE DRINKING IN THE WATER OF HIS WORD AND THE BREAD OF HIS WORD just as  the Daisy looks to the Sun for its growth, and water for its roots. WE MUST BE THIRSTY TO DRINK IN THE WATER.  WE MUST BE HUNGRY TO FEED ON THE BREAD. JESUS SAID - I AM THE BREAD JESUS SAID - I AM THE ONE WHO WILL GIVE YOU A SOURCE OF LIVING WATER INSIDE YOU FLOWING UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE. people are watching you and i to see what we are like.   Can they see Jesus in you? THIS BIRD IS A BLACK BREASTED TURNSTONE, familiar here in Drayton Harbor in Blaine and Birch Bay WA. As birds look for their food in the water and on the land, we too ought to be looking for SPIRITUAL FOOD in God's Word.   I highly recommend the diet of reading the King James Version.        Oh ! you say !  it uses words we no longer use !          My answer ?  !   USE A DICTIONARY.  WE NEVER WILL LEARN ANYTHING if we stop reading JUST BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW THE WORDS.    HERE ARE WADER BIRDS OUT IN OUR NORTHWESTERN BEACH.        WHAT BRINGS THEM?  FOOD.  THEY WILL FAITHFULLY LOOK FOR FOOD THEY CAN EAT. WE OUGHT TO DO THE SAME, IN READING GOD'S WORD.   IT IS OUR TREASURE, OUR COMPASS, OUR SWORD.   WITH GOD'S WORD, WE CAN BE FED, GROW HEALTHY AND STRONG.
6.No separation between the carnal believer and the world…he looks and acts just like the rest.  No difference in their lives.            I John 2.6   He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.             I John 2.9  He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness, even until now.            I John 3.8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.  For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, to destroy the works of the devil.                 The one who PRACTICES AND IS IN THE HABIT OF SINNING IS NOT WALKING IN THE SPIRIT.       In other words, if we are not in the habit of walking in the light, or of walking righteously, and if we are practicing S I N  we ought to take a look at ourselves and see if I REALLY AM A BELIEVER.                    Check it out.   I either am ungodly or Godly.                        I either am walking in the darkness or in the light -  I can not do both at the same time.      The cross is foolishness to the one who walks in the flesh.  How much do I see the CROSS as being the place where my sins were placed on that cross, and that now I believe, I ought to “consider myself dead to sin”  and “alive to God” through Jesus Christ our Lord.                  Romans chapter 6.12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned… HERE IS A HAPPY CHILD FROM THE EARLY 1900'S.    MY GREAT GRANDMOTHER LOVINGLY MADE THESE CLOTHES FOR THEIR DAUGHTER.        IF WE WALK IN DARKNESS AND WE ARE A BELIEVER, IT JUST IS REALLY SIMPLE TO START RECEIVING THE GIFT OF GOD'S WORD - THAT SINCE HE HAS LOVED US SO MUCH WE CAN BEGIN TO LOVE OTHERS.  GOD DELIGHTS IN SEEING US GROW, JUST AS WE WATCH OUR CHILDREN GROW.        THIS WAS EASTON LAKE, WASHINGTON IN 1990.   I TOOK THIS PHOTO WHILE WITH MY DEAR HUSBAND HENRY.  SITTING IN THE PARK, AND WALKING THE TRAILS, I DID TAKE THIS PICTURE.   MANY YEARS LATER, IT NOW IS VERY MUCH LIKE MY VIEW FROM MY APARTMENT OF DRAYTON HARBOR WA.   Here is a photo from my back porch for you.  As I blog here by Drayton Harbor, I can see the bay from my computer.    Come JOURNEY WITH ME. WALKING BY FAITH - I KEEP CLIMBING. You just might want to begin your Journey now.	6. Different and Separated from things that offend or that stumble, you can see a difference in the Spirit led Believer’s life.   As a Christian, he is “walking” in the Light, and reflects that light.   1 John 2.28     Abiding in the light that he will not be ashamed at the coming of Christ.  I John 3.9,10,11  in this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil;  whatsoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.   We need to love each other.   We need a LOCAL CHURCH to grow.   It is not the Pastor, it is not the building we meet in, the church is not the reason for my faith.  Christ is and only is the FOUNDATION of my faith.   A LOCAL CHURCH is the very object of the devil's hatred, for if it is a CHURCH THAT FEEDS ON GOD'S WORD, AND HEEDS ITS DIRECTION FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT, HE WON'T BE ABLE TO STOP US.   TOGETHER WE ARE ABLE TO DEFEAT SATAN'S ATTEMPTS AT BRINGING PEOPLE DOWN.  WITH CHRIST OUR LORD'S AUTHORITY, WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO GO TO GOD AT ANY TIME AND SPEAK TO THE ONE ON THE THRONE. NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY.  GOD OUR FATHER WILL ANSWER THE PRAYERS WE ASK IN JESUS' NAME AND OUR HEARTS WILL BE FULL OF JOY BECAUSE WE WILL BE WALKING IN HIS LOVE.   I John 3.1 – 3   Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore, the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.   And everyone that hath this hope in him purifieth himself as he is pure. John 8.12  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. John 6.51   I am the living bread which cometh down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.  John 657, 58. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.  This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. Romans 6.19 -21.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.   That as sin reigned unto death, that the offence might abound, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
7.Doesn’t know what the Bible says.  Does not read it much.           THE MIND GIVEN OVER TO OTHER THINGS. The Bible is just another book to that person.    Or It becomes the target of hate – for the devil will do everything he can to get us to shut down the light, to block out the truth, and to keep the doors and bars locked so that we cannot give the light to other. If we are “shut up” that no light is coming from us then we need to open the GATES by   I JOHN 1.9  WE NEED TO AGREE WITH GOD ON SPECIFIC SINS AND LET HIM CLEANSE OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE OF ALL THAT KEEPS US FROM HIM.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness      Psalm 32.5   I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid.  I, said, I will confess my transgression unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.  Selah. (Think about it. Rest upon that thought).	7.Reads in the Bible daily,  and loves to do so. Knows what the Bible says. 2 Timothy 2.15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth.   2 Timothy 3.16,17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. A LIGHTHOUSE WAS TO HELP SHIPS OUT AT SEA BE GUIDED AWAY FROM THE ROCKS. WE TODAY MUST SHINE OUR LIGHTS.  We can do that as we unite our hearts, minds and soul along with the Lord's people in a local church.
8.Prays little, and is indifferent to prayer.        When things happen,  do I  just react? Try to work things on my own?  Do I grumble, soak, sour, and spit at everything that occurs.   Do I blame God, blame others, or blame S O M E T H I N G ….    Or do I try even to blame myself and do not understand I need to just PUT IT INTO GOD’S HANDS.   TRUST HIM.   LEAN ON HIM.                 Illustration:   When you get on a train, a car or a bike, or even a horse or an elephant – you are trusting that will hold you up and get you to where you want to be.                   Illustration:  When you sit in a chair, or lean on a table, or put something in the oven to cook, there is always the HOPE  the EXPECTATION of something it will do for you.               WHY NOT TRUST GOD IN                                SIMPLE FAITH ?   HE IS WAITING                                                             HE IS HERE.                        HE IS JUST A BREATH AWAY.              LOOK TO HIM FOR LIGHT in your path.               Psalm 119.105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.              John 15.7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.	8.Prays at every opportunity, and cares about doing so. I  Thessalonians 5.18  PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. John 15.7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 14.13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 15.4   Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15.16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH, BIRCH BAY WA
9.Does not know what he (she) believes.            This may or may not be the case.  Whatever a person's belief system it is a SYSTEM OF THINKING that each of us have in our minds, and even though I might not know what I believe, but just the fact I MAY THINK I DO NOT BELIEVE SOMETHING IS INDEED A BELIEF.    THE FABRIC OF OUR MIND IS LIKE A COMPUTER - AND THE FILES WE PUT IN THEM OFTEN GET SIDE-TRACKED, LOCKED OUT, OR PUT INTO DIFFERENT DRAWERS THAN ORIGINALLY AND CALLED BY DIFFERENT NAMES.   An Athiest still has to FIGURE OUT WHY HE DOES NOT BELIEVE.   A person who IS NOT RELIGIOUS may still have BELIEFS THAT IS PUT INTO PRACTICE EVERY DAY.               Here is a photo of the MIGRATION PATHS THAT BIRDS TAKE ON THIS CONTINENT. The birds go every year according to the imprint in their beings to go back where they were before ad where their parents went. The little birds travel among the large birds while taking advantage of the WIND CURRENTS TO DO SO.    Proverbs 26. 2  AS THE BIRD BY WANDERING, AS THE SWALLOW BY FLYING, SO THE CURSE CURSELESS SHALL NOT COME. As real as migration is, if a bird wanders of the path, it still will find its way back. THE CURSE OF SIN WILL NOT COME IF A PERSON  TRUSTS IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST for their salvation. If a curse is given upon someone, and it is given on someone without CAUSE FOR IT, it will not hurt a person at all.  It will never happen.   Many times people have been cursed by someone simply because they are hated, or mis-understood. GOD HAS NOT WRITTEN PEOPLE OFF THE BOOK OF LIFE. Each of us has a Choice to make as to whether or not  we wish to HAVE OUR NAMES WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE. THE ONLY WAY IS THROUGH JESUS. I AM THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE  NO MAN COMETH TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME. John 14.6	9.Knows what he (she)  believes.          John 7.17   If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. II Timothy 4.2 Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine   KNOWING THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT THE SAME AS BELIEVING THE WORD OF GOD.          WE CAN KNOW ABOUT SOMEONE, AND NOT HAVE MET THE PERSON.            UNLESS WE READ GOD'S WORD  WE WILL NEVER KNOW HOW PERSONALLY GOD IS INTERESTED IN YOU AND ME.          JOURNEYING WITH ME CAN HELP A LITTLE.   THE MOST IMPORTANT BASIC, HOWEVER, IS GETTING INTO GOD'S WORD FOR YOURSELF.   THE BIRCH BAY SUNSET WA   - MY DESIRE IS TO HELP YOU, DEAR READER,  TO DISCOVER  THAT GOD'S WORD IS THERE FOR US  TO LEARN THE MOST  IMPORTANT  FACT IN THE WORLD GOD LOVES YOU HE SENT HIS SON TO DIE ON THE CROSS THAT WE MIGHT LIVE AND NOT PERISH. WITHOUT HIM WE  WALK IN THE DARKNESS. AFTER WE COME TO KNOW HIM, WE MUST GROW, JUST LIKE BABIES IN THE BABY CARRIAGE ABOVE
10.Very sensitive about his pocketbook.  He pretty much decides for himself (herself) how to spend money. A CHURCH BUILDING IS ONLY A CHURCH BUILDING. IT IS NOT THE SANCTUARY TODAY. YOUR BODY AND MY BODY WAS CREATED BY GOD FOR AN ETERNITY TO BE LIVING IN GOD'S PRESENCE.            WHEN WE DO NOT ASK GOD TO           BE PART OF OUR LIFE, AND TO            BE FIRST IN OUR LIFE, THEN WE         WILL BE JUST LIKE THIS OLD CHURCH.         ANTELOPE OR IS AN ABANDONED TOWN AS IS THE CHURCH.            IT IS NOT USED.   IT IS NOT A MEETING PLACE ANY MORE.          IT IS NOT GOOD FOR ANYTHING.        AS A MEMORY, I TREASURE MY HUSBAND AND I WERE THERE BEFORE THE RAJNEESI LIVED THERE IN THE AREA.   WE GAVE GOD'S WORD TO THESE PEOPLE.	10.  The money is God’s and the Spirit led Christian knows he (she) is just a steward of the money and possessions she has.   It all belongs to God.       Because my husband and I went to this church in Antelope OR we gave the WORD OF GOD (K J V) to people who are now living elsewhere.            It was a good way to SPEND OUR MONEY ON GAS - AND TO SPEND OUR MONEY TRAVELING TO AND FROM THIS PLACE because SEEDS OF FAITH WERE PLANTED IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO RECEIVED JESUS AS THEIR LORD AND SAVIOR.        THOSE PEOPLE WHO DID THAT ARE STILL WALKING BY FAITH - JUST AS I AM - HERE IN BLAINE WA  BY THE SEA SHORE.         THE REAL SANCTUARY GOD WANTS TO DWELL IN IS YOU AND ME - WE ARE GIVEN HIS SPIRIT WHEN WE ARE SAVED.             IF WE DO NOT KNOW WE ARE SAVED, AND DO NOT KNOW WHAT "REPENTANCE" IS THEN WE NEED TO KNOW WE ARE LOST.          UNTIL WE KNOW WE ARE LOST            WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND            GOD SENT HIS SON TO DIE FOR          US SO THAT WE WOULD BE          SAVED, AND NOT LOST.          UNTIL WE KNOW THAT THERE IS          A HEAVEN WAITING FOR ME AND AN ETERNITY WITHOUT GOD IN HELL IF I DO NOT BELIEVE - THEN I HAVE ALREADY  MADE THE DECISION. John 3.14,15           JESUS SAID "AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE SERPENT IN THE WILDERNESS, EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.          John 3.16, 17,18         JESUS WENT ON TO SAY "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.  FOR GOD SENT NOT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN THE WORLD, BUT THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED. HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.
11.not interested in missions or outreach                 Example -  Jonah 1 – 3 and his reluctance to reach out to the lost.    Closed in his thinking just to things about himself.    living for my own self              doing what i want.    going where I want to go  and                   not paying attention to what  anyone else does or says                being angry at people who                  are different.          Being jealous of what I never had           Being discontent for what I think I need.         Being unhappy with what LIFE HAS GIVEN ME.              Being angry at those who seem happy because I am in my heart VERY UNHAPPY.       NO PURPOSE, NO MEANING, VERY DARK IN THE ROUTE I AM TAKING.              I keep grasping at things I think I need instead of going to GOD HIMSELF.   IT IS LIKE A CHILD GRASPING HIS FINGERS TO CATCH THE BUBBLES THAT ARE GOING UP IN THE AIR.     IT IS AN UNENDING TASK AND NEVER SATISFIES.   THE BUBBLES DISAPPEAR WHEN I TOUCH THEM.	11.  Interested in missions, evangelism and in reaching out to others.                   Matthew 28. 18 – 20  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.                Mark 16.15  Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.   THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD IS MISSIONS GOD SO LOVED THAT HE GAVE IT IS GOD THAT LOVES US. IT IS NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD BUT GOD COMMENDETH HIS LOVE TOWARD US, IN THAT WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.            Romans 5.8
12.  Tithing not wanted….antagonistic to tithing. It is my money and I will do with it what I choose. DID YOU KNOW THAT EVERY PERSON ALIVE BELONGS TO GOD ANYWAY?  HE WAS THE CREATOR. TITHING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WAS A RECOGNITION TO GOD THAT HE WAS THE OWNER OF ALL WE HAVE, AND STEWARDS OF WHAT WE HAVE IN OUR POSSESSION. SO WE REALLY ONLY HAVE THE MANAGEMENT OF WHAT WE HAVE AS LONG AS WE LIVE.    TEN PER CENT BELONGS TO GOD.    ONE PENNY OUT OF A DIME. ONE OUT OF TEN.             TITHING WAS MEANT TO BE A WAY GOD PROVIDED FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD TO FEED AND SUPPLY THOSE WHO WERE CALLED BY GOD TO PASTOR AND SHEPHERD THE FLOCKS OF GOD.          MELCHISADEK - KING OF SALEM (BEFORE IT BECAME JERUSALEM) WAS GIVEN TITHES BY ABRAHAM WHEN HE WENT TO RESCUE LOT AND THE PEOPLE OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH.   ABRAHAM REFUSED TO TAKE ANYTHING AS REWARD FOR GOING TO DO THAT.   TODAY, WE HAVE POCKETS THAT ARE EMPTY BECAUSE WE SPEND ON EVERYTHING AND STILL DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT ALLOWED GOD TO BE LORD OF OUR LIVES.   HE CANNOT BLESS WHAT IS NOT GIVEN TO HIM.          IF OUR LIFE IS NOT ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN HIM, WE DO NOT HAVE ANY DESIRE NOR CARE ABOUT GOD AT ALL. WE WILL ONLY BE THINKING OF OUR SELF.       AND THAT IS ALL WE WILL HAVE WHEN THE TIME COMES TO LEAVE.              LET US CONSIDER:   HOW MUCH    DO I WANT TO PUT INTO THE DASH  THAT IS PLACED ON MY TOMBSTONE BETWEEN MY BIRTH AND MY DEATH?	12.  Tithing and giving a delight to the Spirit led Christian.      Malachi 3. 10           Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD God of hosts; If I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.           I Corinthians 16.2   Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gathers when I come.           Galatians 6.6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth it in all good things.   THE BLESSING OF THE LORD, IT MAKETH RICH, AND HE ADDETH NO SORROW TO IT.  Proverbs 10. 22        THERE IS THAT WHICH SCATTERETH, AND YET INCREASETH, AND THERE IS THAT WHICH WITHHOLDETH MORE THAN THAT IS MEET, BUT IT TENDETH TO POVERTY.                Proverbs 11.24         THE LIBERAL (GENEROUS) SOUL SHALL BE MADE FAT, AND HE THAT WATERETH SHALL BE WATERED ALSO HIMSELF.               Provers 11.25

CONCLUSION:   There is only one FOUNDATION for our Faith, it is THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.  Paul laid the foundation and the BUILDER is God Himself.    We are to lay on that foundation of our faith what will last and what will remain.

           That means we ought to consider what our life is like. Then we need to examine ourselves as to whether we are walking as Jesus walked, or, are we walking as spiritual babies still drinking milk and not meat.    Are we letting God direct our lives through His word?   Jesus said in John 12.48  He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.   He has shown us the way.

         “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  John 14.6    I must admit that I am a sinner, lost, and going to an eternal place called Hell, not because God wants me to go there, but because “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3.23.    

THE PENALTY HAS BEEN PAID –

            Jesus said “Verily, Verily, I say unto you, ye must be born again”  John 3.3    In John 4.14  Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst;  but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”    He promised to us that IF we are born of the Spirit, we will have EVERLASTING LIFE and IF WE DRAW ON HIS SUPPLY, WE WILL HAVE A CONTINUAL SUPPLY.  For a well to have clean fresh water, it has to have a source that is pure and clean.  If anything blocks the source, the well will become unfit to drink, and finally dry up.

           TO THE BELIEVER I give this challenge:  That you will walk in the Light, even as Christ walked in the Light.  He has given us the authority to do that – The very same power that God showed in affirmation that HIS SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF FOR US WAS FINAL AND COMPLETE by HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD ….so too now  You and I can afford ourselves of that same power, and live a life of faith walking in the RESURRECTION …. Galatians 2.20  I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”   Philippians 4.13   I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.    

SERMON - CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST