Knowledge: Shared and Sealed

Genesis 2:16-17 says, "The LORD God commanded the man, saying, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die."

Daniel 12:8-9 says, "As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, "My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?" He said, "Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed (kept secret) and sealed up until the end time.

Revelation 10:4 says, "When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them."

God has shared with us everything we need to know pertaining to, "life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." 

2 Peter 1:2-11 tells us: "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you."

We see, from these scriptures, that the knowledge we are to grow in is that of Christ Jesus! This is not an indiscriminate collection of every vein of knowledge!

We also see that God has not shared with us EVERYTHING - the full extent of knowledge! Some revelation and knowledge is kept sealed up and secret. I believe this is the greater wealth of knowledge! And, neither will we - as God's bond-servants - share everything. Only that which God calls us to share. Some conversation (or knowledge) is meant to stay 'sealed up" between us and God!

God's People will speak the words of knowledge and life in Christ Jesus! And, as they are speaking life they are dying, daily, to their flesh and this world. 

There was a time I had a tale to tell of my life to anyone who would listen. A tale to match every situation - whether happy or sad, funny or morose. Today the majority of my conversation is kept between me and God. I am learning not to trust the world with all of my conversation. This has been a most important and challenging discipline! It has been an experience of dying to my flesh! 

Matthew 7:6 tells us not to give what is holy to dogs. We are not to cast our pearls before swine. We are to seek only God's counsel! This is not meant to be an insult, but an analogy to learn from. Keep our conversation holy. Father, forgive me for unholy conversation! Put a guard upon my speaking and writing. Amen. We must be discriminating and discerning in what we share.

Disobediently partaking in the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is what brought mankind shame and drove us from the paradise of the Garden of Eden. It has led mankind to the condition of the world today - to darkest evil and violent death and destruction. What (knowledge) are we partaking in? What are we feasting on?

Former Satanists and Occultists who are reborn in Christ Jesus, who are lead by the Holy Spirit, will not share the extent of their occult knowledge with others except in prudence where needed and by God's direction! Rather, they will turn from this unholy knowledge in forgetfulness, in favor of the Garden of Eden... God's Kingdom, where nothing unclean will enter. They will point others to knowledge in Jesus Christ and stop serving the darkness. 

In fact, the scriptures tell us that there is a "Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it." (Isaiah 35:8)

Isaiah 35 tells of a return to Paradise where this highway is... it says: "The wilderness and the desert will be glad, And the Arabah will rejoice and blossom; Like the crocus it will blossom profusely And rejoice with rejoicing and shout of joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, The majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, The majesty of our God. Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, "Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you." Then the eyes of the blind will be opened And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, And the tongue of the mute will shout for joy. For waters will break forth in the wilderness And streams in the Arabah. The scorched land will become a pool And the thirsty ground springs of water; In the haunt of jackals, its resting place, Grass becomes reeds and rushes. A highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it. No lion will be there, Nor will any vicious beast go up on it; These will not be found there. But the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the LORD will return And come with joyful shouting to Zion, With everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, And sorrow and sighing will flee away.

The narrow road to Paradise is a turning - abstaining - from even the appearance of evil. Look away from evil. Reject the knowledge of evil, and build up your knowledge in Christ Jesus. He is the Bread of Life. Amen.

Seek; Wait

Lamentations 3:25 tells us that, "The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, To the person who seeks Him."

Seeking God - His righteousness and His Kingdom - is most often also paired with waiting upon the Lord. We seek, then we wait. This wait is a wait of faith, full of promise and expectation. Jesus tells us that those who seek Him will find Him. Upon further exploration of the scriptures we learn that seeking Jesus is a continual pursuit, and waiting upon Him a continual practice.

Acts 17:27-28 says, "...that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.'"

Do you feel, or have you felt, as if you are 'groping' for God? I sure have! With groping there is a sense of dogged determination driven by intense feelings of need. As the hymn says, I need Thee every hour"! I need God! And, praise Him, He is not far from us!

Colossians 3:1-4 further affirms the need for continuity in our seeking and waiting. It is a habit of determination and a mindset. The aforementioned scripture says, "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Now, here comes the 'waiting' portion of this scripture - the promise! "When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that, "...without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Here we see the importance of faith in seeking and waiting! To seek, and to wait is an exercise of our faith.

We see the principal of seeking, God's subsequent promise, and waiting in faith for the ultimate fulfillment clearly in Isaiah 55:6-11:

"Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD…"

Now the promise: "And He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"

Then comes the practice of faith in waiting: "'For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.'"

An element of seeking God is looking to Him in counsel and trusting and resting in His provision. Isaiah 30:15-26 speaks to this. It says: "For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, 'In *repentance (literally 'turning' or 'returning' - a type of seeking) and *rest (a type of waiting) you will be saved, In quietness and trust (the application of faith) is your strength. But you were not willing… 

[Now here comes the trouble in leaning on our own counsel]... the scripture goes on to say, "and you said, "No, for we will flee on horses," Therefore you shall flee! "And we will ride on swift horses," Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift. One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, until you are left as a flag on a mountain top and as a signal on a hill. [Here we see that leaning on our own counsel leads to failure and dangerous vulnerability.] 

Yet, God follows this dire admonition with a promise for those who turn and cry out to Him - those who seek Him! He says, "Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him. O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left. And you will defile your graven images overlaid with silver, and your molten images plated with gold. You will scatter them as an impure thing, and say to them, "Be gone!" Then He will give you rain for the seed which you will sow in the ground, and bread from the yield of the ground, and it will be rich and plenteous; on that day your livestock will graze in a roomy pasture. Also the oxen and the donkeys which work the ground will eat salted fodder, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. On every lofty mountain and on every high hill there will be streams running with water on the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, on the day the LORD binds up the fracture of His people and heals the bruise He has inflicted."

In Luke 12:29-32 Jesus instructs us, "...do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Finally I would like to consider Psalm 27:4-14 as a prayer: "One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up. Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD."

The Bride

There is only One side to choose - and that doesn't include any nation on this present earth. It is the side of the Kingdom of Heaven, under the Rulership of Jesus Christ, that is my choice. In this I seek to obey His command of love, first, for God and then love for others. 

I do not believe wealth, beauty, and military might are signs of God's favor - but rather that God will use or allow all for His Purpose - and this includes His righteous judgement. Not one jot or tittle of His Word, will,  and commands will go unfulfilled. I do believe that His Temple are those of the Body of Christ Jesus, and will not be found as a physical building on this present earth any longer. 

1 Peter 2:5 tells us:

"you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." The scripture goes on to tell us that Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of this building! For the Believer 1 Peter 2:6 tells us that, "HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED." However, 1 Peter 2:8 also tells us that for the unbeliever and rebellious Jesus Christ is, "a 'STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE'; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this (doom) they were also appointed."

1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us:

"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?"

Those in Christ Jesus ARE the Temple! And there will be a NEW JERUSALEM which comes down from Heaven! Revelation 3:12 says, "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name."

Revelation 21:1-2 tells us:

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband."

2 Peter 3:13 tells us"

"But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells."

This scripture is repetitiously supported by Revelation 21:9-10 which says, "Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God..."

We see here that the New Jerusalem is the Bride of Christ! We ARE the Temple! We ARE the New Jerusalem! We ARE the Bride of Christ Jesus!

God Is Not a Zionist

We can either follow the scriptures, what Jesus says, and have Him (our High Priest) teach us - or we can perish on the broad way. We must be VERY careful regarding who and what we are allowing to inform us. Turn from (repent of) popular opinion in the world and in the churches. Jesus tells us to "Come out of her!" What does Light have to do with darkness? 

Zionism is Satanic. It is 'the synagogue of Satan' - a carnal political movement that uses a form of religion, twisting scriptures to justify evils.  It is those of whom Jesus spoke in Revelation 2:9 and 3:9. 

First Revelation 2:9: "I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who SAY THEY ARE JEWS AND ARE NOT, but are a SYNAGOGUE of SATAN." 

Then Revelation 3:9, "Behold, I will cause those of the SYNAGOGUE of SATAN, WHO SAY THAT THEY ARE JEWS AND ARE NOT, BUT LIE - I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you."

Now let's consider the New Covenant under Jesus Christ which tells us, in Galatians 3:26-29, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And IF YOU BELONG TO CHRIST, THEN YOU ARE ABRAHAM'S DESCENDANTS, HEIRS ACCORDING TO PROMISE."

The majority of America's churches and Christians are Zionists. The majority of politicians - Right, and Left - are Zionists. Those of Hollywood and the music industry are primarily Zionist. Not to be Zionist is to be labeled 'antisemitic'. This is simply not true. Not all Jews are Zionists! Does that make them 'antisemitic'? Not at all. God is not a Zionist. He is also not antisemitic. 

We must not measure the prosperity and worldly power of a nation as God's approval and favor. It may well be God's judgement. In Luke 6:20-21 Jesus says, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. And James 5:1 says, "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you."

God appoints leaders in relation and in proportion to the judgment a nation faces, as well God's appointees are for God's purposes! 

We have the scriptures and the Holy Spirit to draw from for our learning and understanding. Only we must be willing to be unpopular and rejected, even, by the majority. We must be willing to be set apart, especially as the Harvest nears! We must be willing to lose now, and gain the Kingdom. Remember, our King Jesus Christ is, "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE"; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. (1 Peter 2:8) Those who follow Him may well be promised to be an offense - even and especially to the religious!

Remember, also, what Romans 11:22 tells us of our God: "Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off."

Darkness and blindness grows! Yet, for the 'few' of the Kingdom eyes are being opened as the time matures for what is to be revealed. Ask Jesus to teach you the Truth, and then be ready to accept the answer! 

In John 16:12-16 Jesus Christ says, "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me."

Babylon (Jerusalem)

Babylon - biblical meanings, definitions, and as a descriptor:

• 'Confusion'
• 'A type of tyranny'

(My ideas: sounds very close to organized, or planned, chaos from which a [potentially] nefarious force - or forces - may operate. Intentional.)

Let's see what Jesus says:

Luke 13:34-35                          [34] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! [35] Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'"

And, Luke 19:41-44                 [41] When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, [42] saying, "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. [43] For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, [44] and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation."

Immediately following this pronouncement here is what took place:

And, Luke 19:45-46                 [45] Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, [46] saying to them, "It is written, 'And MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER,' but you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN."

Revelation 18 tells us, finally, of Babylon (Jerusalem):

Revelation 18:1-24                    [1] After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. [2] And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. [3] For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality." [4] I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; [5] for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. [6] Pay her back even as she has paid, and give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her. [7] To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, 'I SIT as A QUEEN AND I AM NOT A WIDOW, and will never see mourning.' [8] For this reason in one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong. [9] "And the kings of the earth, who committed acts of immorality and lived sensuously with her, will weep and lament over her when they see the smoke of her burning, [10] standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.' [11] "And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargoes any more- [12] cargoes of gold and silver and precious stones and pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet, and every kind of citron wood and every article of ivory and every article made from very costly wood and bronze and iron and marble, [13] and cinnamon and spice and incense and perfume and frankincense and wine and olive oil and fine flour and wheat and cattle and sheep, and cargoes of horses and chariots and slaves and human lives. [14] The fruit you long for has gone from you, and all things that were luxurious and splendid have passed away from you and men will no longer find them. [15] The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning, [16] saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls; [17] for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!' And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance, [18] and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What city is like the great city?' [19] And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!' [20] Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her." [21] Then a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, "So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer. [22] And the sound of harpists and musicians and flute-players and trumpeters will not be heard in you any longer; and no craftsman of any craft will be found in you any longer; and the sound of a mill will not be heard in you any longer; [23] and the light of a lamp will not shine in you any longer; and the voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard in you any longer; for your merchants were the great men of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery. [24] And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth."

My commentary:                    God will judge the nations. Our work, then, is to continue in the Gospel of Jesus Christ - daily donning the shoes of the Readiness of the Gospel of Peace (peace between man and God) - preparing, making ready, walking, and sharing daily.

Odor of Death; Fragrance of Life

Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains,

            The world, and those who dwell in it."

NO ONE and NOTHING belongs to the devil! We are ALL in God's hands - sinners and saints, alike. No one can escape this fact.

Hebrews 10:31 tells us that it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. And, once we are in a fall there is nothing that can stop it until it reaches its conclusion.

Hebrews 12:29 tells us "...for our God is a consuming fire."

Who can withstand the Fire?

Isaiah 33:14-24 "Sinners in Zion are terrified;

            Trembling has seized the godless.

            “Who among us can live with the consuming fire?

            Who among us can live with continual burning?”

      15He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity,

            He who rejects unjust gain

            And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe;

            He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed

            And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;

      16He will dwell on the heights,

            His refuge will be the impregnable rock;

            His bread will be given him,

            His water will be sure.

      17Your eyes will see the King in His beauty;

            They will behold a far-distant land.

      18Your heart will meditate on terror:

            “Where is he who counts?

            Where is he who weighs?

            Where is he who counts the towers?”

      19You will no longer see a fierce people,

            A people of unintelligible speech which no one comprehends,

            Of a stammering tongue which no one understands.

      20Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts;

            Your eyes will see Jerusalem, an undisturbed habitation,

            A tent which will not be folded;

            Its stakes will never be pulled up,

            Nor any of its cords be torn apart.

      21But there the majestic One, the LORD, will be for us

            A place of rivers and wide canals

            On which no boat with oars will go,

            And on which no mighty ship will pass—

      22For the LORD is our judge,

            The LORD is our lawgiver,

            The LORD is our king;

            He will save us—

      23Your tackle hangs slack;

            It cannot hold the base of its mast firmly,

            Nor spread out the sail.

            Then the prey of an abundant spoil will be divided;

            The lame will take the plunder.

      24And no resident will say, “I am sick”;

            The people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity."

The righteous - those made righteous through faith in Christ Jesus - will escape the fire of God's wrath. Those who do not repent of (turn from) their wickedness will perish in the fire of God's wrath, which was put in place for Satan and his demons. It was never intended for us. The scriptures instruct us multiple times that the FEAR of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That is the starting point. Lord God, teach us to fear you! Lord God, give us Godly sorrow that we may repent and come to salvation in Christ Jesus!

Romans 6:23 has warned us that the wages of sin is death!

2 Peter 3:9 tells us that "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance."

Yet, we have an adversary, the devil, who hates us. He who is vying relentlessly for our souls - wandering about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He is the ancient serpent who has been expertly destroying lives to hell for a very very long time. His time is short - and so is ours. Our life is but a vapor! Lord, teach us to number our days so that we may present to you a heart of wisdom! (Psalm 90:12)

It is a FIGHT when we are vying for a soul! We MUST go the distance! 

After the Israelites had demanded a king God gave them their request. This was not a betrayal of Samuel, their Priest, their Leader. It was a betrayal of God. God gave Israel their king, and a warning. God always gives us a warning. After the betrayal of the people here is what Samuel said to them in 1 Samuel 12:16-25

 "Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the LORD is going to do before your eyes. Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call to the LORD, that He will send thunder and rain. Then you will know and see that your wickedness is great which you have done in the sight of the LORD, by asking for yourselves a king.” So Samuel called to the LORD, and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day; and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

Then all the people said to Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants, so that we do not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, by asking for ourselves a king.” Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. Indeed, you must not turn aside, for then you would go after useless things which cannot benefit or save, because they are useless. For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself. Furthermore, as for me, far be it from me that I would sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. But if you still do evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”

When in the fight for a soul we MUST NOT cease praying for them! This is not just a sin against a soul, but a sin against God! We must never opt out of the battle for a soul, giving up hope - EVER! We will all stand before the Judge of all. His judgment is RIGHTEOUS! And, judgment that is righteous is judgment that is merciful.

God is righteous.

Holiness is not righteousness - though God is holy.

Goodness is not righteouness - though God is good.

Righteousness is EQUITY, CORRECTNESS. There is no equity apart from mercy.

Jesus Christ is our righteousness. His Holy Spirit brings the fruit of correctness, equity, and mercy to our lives. His commands to us are to love God, and love others. And, God desires mercy over sacrifice. Sacrifices never made one righteous.

So, as we relentlessly vie for the soul of another that they may come from death to life we do not quit or lose faith. When my dad was dying there was a fight taking place for his soul. I entered the battle and persevered to the end. After he passed I felt as if I had been in a street fight. I was exhausted and bruised.

When my friend Morgan was dying I, again, was engaged in the fight for a soul and endured to the end. After she passed I, again, felt as if I had been in a street fight. I was exhausted and bruised.

What was the final outcome of their souls? I don't know. They are in my God's merciful hands. We all are. And, none of us can know what transpires in the final moments between an individual and God before passing from this life to the next - aside from a special revelation from the Holy Spirit. What we can know for a certainty is that God is a burning fire, righteous in judgment, and not willing that any should perish - athough the Way is narrow, and few will enter the Kingdom. We MUST ENDURE TO THE END! Never sin against God by quitting on a soul. 

Finally, 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 says, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing: to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

As I go along in my walk in Jesus Christ - taking up my cross and following Him, being poured out for His Name's Sake - fewer and fewer want to hear what I have to say - Christians and non Christians alike. The chasm deepens between conflicting spirits. I have become the odor of death to those who are perishing. There may be some who count the relationship with me as a loss, even while still loving me. 

At the same time, I become the fragrance of life to those who are of the same Holy Spirit, and even those who hunger for their Creator, as I grow in relationship with Jesus. As I persevere and endure new friendships of the Kingdom are forming and growing! Relationships with biological family members of the Kingdom are strengthened - some after having been restored from a broken place. 

Jesus help us to count the cost, and to number our days! Help us to remember as we strive to love and live at peace with all people, that You came not to bring peace, but a sword. Help us to remember that You came to cast fire upon the earth!

Are you willing to become the stench of death to those who are perishing? To have your circle of friends, and influence, grow smaller and smaller in the hope you may endure the sacrifice of Jesus - the cross - that the world may be saved? Remember that just before the cross most of Jesus' friends and followers abandoned Him. Are you willing to undergo the same in order that you may take part in His resurrection, and bring others along with you into the Kingdom?

May the Lord God make His face to shine upon you and give you peace as you continually turn your face to Him. Amen.

Comfort

Comfort...

Perhaps comfort is not in place so we can be at liberty in gluttony, self service, and be made weak. Rather, I believe, true comfort is in place as a balm for times of tribulation and trials for those who truly need it.

One might ask, "Am I comforted and in comfort? If so, then how and why? Do I feel entitled to comfort? Am I concerned for the comfort of those who are oppressed, poor, and grieving?"

Consider righteous Job...

In Job 30:25-31, he says, "Have I not wept for the one whose life is hard? Was not my soul grieved for the needy? When I expected good, then evil came; When I waited for light, then darkness came. I am seething within and cannot relax; Days of affliction confront me. I go about mourning without comfort; I stand up in the assembly and cry out for help. I have become a brother to jackals And a companion of ostriches. My skin turns black on me, And my bones burn with fever. Therefore my harp is turned to mourning, And my flute to the sound of those who weep."

Or consider this Psalm of Asaph. Asaph was a worship leader assigned by David for the tabernacle choir. In Psalm 77 Asaph writes, "My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud; My voice rises to God, and He will hear me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness; My soul refused to be comforted. When I remember God, then I am disturbed; When I sigh, then my spirit grows faint. Selah. You have held my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, The years of long ago. I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, And my spirit ponders: Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again? Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever? Has God forgotten to be gracious, Or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion? Selah. Then I said, "It is my grief, That the right hand of the Most High has changed." I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds. Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. You have by Your power redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were in anguish; The deeps also trembled. The clouds poured out water; The skies gave forth a sound; Your arrows flashed here and there. The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, And Your footprints may not be known. You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

In John 16:33 Jesus Christ tells the listeners, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

Jesus also tells us to take up our cross and follow Him. There is nothing comfortable about the cross experience. 

The scriptures tell us, in Hebrews 12:5-6, "...you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR faint WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; For THOSE whom THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES." Other scripture tells us that no discipline and correction is pleasant at the time! But the fruit it bears forth is eternal.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 tells us, "...each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

Tested by FIRE!

1 Peter 1:7 says, "...so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Now, here is the good news that we may be comforted!

In John 16:33 Jesus tells us, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

In Matthew 5:4 Jesus also said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

We are not left to our discomfort and tribulation without hope!

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 tells us, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many."

So, along with Paul, I leave you this blessing found in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17: 

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word."

And, if yours is a life of comfort you might ask yourself, "Am I comforted and in comfort? If so, then how and why? Do I feel entitled to comfort? Am I concerned for the comfort of those who are oppressed, poor, and grieving?" Remember these words of Jesus in Luke 6:24...

"But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full."

And, finally, the instruction found in Psalm 118:8:

"It is better to take refuge in the LORD Than to trust in man."

Oil

Jesus said, "...when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) 

When my husband and I moved from Ontario, Oregon, to Crescent City, California, it took a bite out of us financially as it always does when we move from one area to another. As my husband was stressing I said a quick prayer, "That's OK, GOD, I have faith enough for the both of us!" Then it hit me - I only have enough faith for me! I must attend to my own faith. I can encourage others toward faith in GOD. I can pray for them. Yet, I cannot have 'enough' faith for both them and me. Faith is an individual and personal thing - as personal as our intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Suddenly the parable of the ten virgins of the New Testament came to mind.

I had been asking Jesus to teach me about what the oil is - what the parable means. I have heard many times that the oil is the Holy Spirit. Only, I wasn't sold on the idea. I wanted Jesus to teach me, and He did in that very moment. I knew that the oil is FAITH. We must attend to our faith! Faith is the oil that keeps our lamps burning.

Will Jesus find faith on the earth when He comes? Are we tending to our faith in practice? Or are we letting our faith wane and chasing after the world? Are we relying on the world to meet all our needs? Are we depending on ourselves to fight our battles. Or do we take it ALL to the Lord in prayer - confidently! Is our faith producing fruit?

Let's tend to our faith in expectation of our ultimate meeting with Jesus Christ. Let us not be locked out of the Kingdom for being unprepared!

I Need Hope

 

My friend Morgan passed from this world on May 25, 2023 - just three days ago. I cannot say she 'lost her battle with cancer'. She wasn't in a fight with the disease.

Morgan was born Linda Torgrimson. I don't know what her middle name was, if she had one. Throughout her life she changed her name a few times. She became Morgan Blaine when her fiance, named Morgan, committed suicide. I believe the name 'Blaine' was an association to Blaine County where she spent the majority of her life, around the Sun Valley, Idaho, area. Yet, I don't know that for a fact. Maybe her suicided fiance's last name was Blaine, for all I know. I am quite sure that whatever name she was choosing at a given time it was for a particular reason. I don't know if she had a stage name during her acting days. Morgan was in a few movies I never heard of. In her later years she started going by Morgan Lin Blaine. That's where she settled.

Morgan and I shared nearly a lifetime of conversations. It is much quieter, just knowing she in no longer in this realm. I wonder - is she in paradise? Or suffering terrors worse than the pain of the cancer and the emotional pain of having been raped by her father for years. I have been trusting GOD it is the former, as per the prayers I regularly offered up for her over the years. Either way, I can't feel my way to an answer in this regard. Nor will I ask GOD. I trust Him. He is the Judge.

In a phone conversation just over a week ago (since I left Blaine County all of our conversations were over the phone), Morgan started the conversation in her usual tired and distressed voice, saying "I need hope." In other words, "Give me hope, Lisa." I wasn't about to use platitudes to attempt to make her feel better. She and I both hate that type of insincerity. I said, "There is no hope in this life. Our only hope is in Jesus Christ. It is time for you to release your attachments to this world, and join the world of the Spirit in communion with Jesus. There is no hope in this world." We talked about Jesus, and what scriptures she could read. Her favorite book in the Bible was the book of James. She was getting tired. Usually Morgan could carry on a conversation for an hour and a half. Lately she had been ending calls early so she could sleep. Morgan thanked me. I could hear the relief in her voice. She said our conversation had been so helpful. Then she said she was going to go read her Bible and pray,  and sleep.

A few days before she died our conversation centered around some 'friends' who had come in her home to clean while she was in the hospital the week or so earlier. Morgan's home was a mess, yet it was her mess and she knew where everything was. She was comfortable in her mess. A friend insisted Morgan let her clean as a favor to Morgan. Morgan said she didn't really want her home to be cleaned, but her friend talked her into it because she said it would make her (not Morgan) feel better. So, the friend came in - bringing one of her friends with her - and cleaned. When Morgan got home from the hospital her cutting board was gone. This cutting board was nice and heavy and had special meaning to Morgan. Whatever Morgan had carried meaning for her. The cleaners had put much of her stuff in baskets, and she couldn't find her pain medication. She complained that she really didn't have the strength to go looking for all of what she needed to get by - and she didn't. Morgan was very sick. Morgan contacted the friend to find out where her stuff was and complained about not being able to find anything - even the clothes she usually wore. The friend told her that they 'threw away' the cutting board, and that her clothes and missing stuff was in bags in the friend's garage, and that her meds would probably be in a basket.

Morgan was very upset about all this. It triggered her feelings of PTSD around being raped by her dad for many years. Having them come into her apartment, and take liberties with her things, felt as a rape to Morgan. It was a reasonable conclusion that they stole her pain meds and cutting board - and whatever else we may never know. What Morgan did know was that she couldn't find her pain meds and clothes, and her cutting board was missing, supposedly 'thrown away'. This caused a falling out between Morgan and her friend.

During our phone call on the 23rd of May Morgan was concerned because she said she didn't feel close to GOD as she did in November of 2022 when she had her surgery for the cancer. She said that she knew GOD didn't leave her, but that maybe she left GOD. We spoke of forgiveness, and in her way she said what she had said many times before as a blanket statement to any insinuation of resentments or slights she may have experienced, "Oh, that's not the problem! If I can forgive my Father for raping me all those years I can forgive anyone!" And, Morgan had always said that she just wanted to die "with love" in her "heart".

I let it go. I then spoke to her of what had become meaningful to me lately. I spoke to her of the scriptures which tell of, and the importance of, 'seeking' GOD. I told her that GOD is good! And that Jesus promised that if we seek Him, He WILL be found. I told her we must even grope, as one gropes in the dark for a light switch. I told her that there is something born within us that needs to seek GOD. And, if we seek Him he promises we will find him. She left that conversation in pursuit of Jesus, and sleep.

Finally, on the 24th, Morgan sounded very weak, yet hesitant to hang up too soon. She said that her falling out with her friend was just a misunderstanding. I don't remember a lot of what she said - it is cloudy in my memory - and it had become very difficult to understand her as her tongue was so swollen. She spoke very slowly and deliberately. She spoke briefly of the assisted living home her doctor and hospice were looking to put her in so she wouldn't have to be alone. She said that if she got feeling better she could leave there any time and even go take her car for a drive. She said she could even sit outside, which she had been unable to do for a while. Before she hung up she wanted to hear what was going on with John and I. I told her of my new eating habits that were working for me to help me feel better. She said she was happy I found something that was working for me. Then she said she was going to go and sleep. We said our usual "I love you"s, and she always said, "Love to Johnny". I said goodbye and we hung up. 

Morgan's dear neighbor, Aaron, said a prayer with her and put her into her bed that night. A few days before he had found Morgan on the floor. She didn't have enough strength to make it to her bathroom and had fallen. Aaron and his wife, Ceceilia, helped Morgan a lot in her final days. By the night of the 24th she weighed about 85 pounds and he was able to get her into her bed. The next morning on the 25th Aaron went to check on Morgan and she was unresponsive. He called the EMT. Then he called me around noon to tell me she had passed. It's quieter now. I trust that when Morgan sought after Jesus she found Him. That is my prayer, and GOD is good. This I know.

Church

The majority of todays Church resembles not one thing like the first Church. It's heartbreaking. 

Acts 4:32‭-‬37

"And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each to the extent that any had need. Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), owned a tract of land. So he sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet."

Every church in America has a Federal ID#. Most have a flag at the front, alongside the Cross of Jesus. This identity puts the church squarely under the umbrella (banner, authority) of the Federal Government! And, the tax breaks are quite the incentive - the devil's bribe. Jesus said, "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's". Do not wonder at Jesus's only display of temper in the temple... He knew well the danger and the rot.

I used to communicate with demons, so I recognize them in the churches. I am beyond appalled of telling stories of my experiences in witchcraft, and engagements with demons. It is garbage straight from the pits of hell, and I hate it.

I hate the way it feels sensational, and people are intrigued with the demonic when one tells the truth of it. The telling should be informative, leading to repentance, but it only seems to lead to intrigue. And, I just cannot emphasize how much I hate it - how much this all grieves me. I talk with GOD about it, and He gives me rest. And, I pray for people - those lost, and those found.

We, as Christians, must come to know and believe that unless we COME OUT of the world and its systems (politics being a biggy) we will not qualify for the Kingdom. We CANNOT serve two masters - we will love one, and hate the other.  

Also, don't get excited and believe every 'former Satanist' that encounters Jesus Christ and becomes saved. Instead, love and welcome them, yet test their fruits. Don't fawn over them and advance them to the front of your church until they are proven. Believe this: Satan is a liar. He's an infiltrater. 

And everyone who prophecies falsely is a liar and a child of their father, the devil. 

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

 

Written by a Sister in Christ Jesus:

Do you believe Gods word to be true?

I believe Christ died and rose again to set us free from the law of sin and death. He wants our joy to be complete. He wants to give us victory over self/sin as we walk in the Spirit. He wants to replace our spirit of fear with a peace that passes understanding. Which can only come as we in faith entrust ourselves wholeheartedly to Him. He wants to be our shepherd and carry us close to his heart. He wants to be our refuge and hide us under the shelter of his wings. He wants us to taste and see that the Lord is good for his mercies are new every morning. He wants us to be honest with ourselves and call sin sin so that he can be our advocate with the Father who calls us to worship Him in the Spirit and in truth. He wants us to guard our hearts and live a holy life which is well pleasing to him. He wants us to be wise and shine like the brightness of the heavens because our names by faith are written in the book of life. He wants us to be ministers of reconciliation for his desire is that none shall perish. He wants us to know that He is for us while at the same time aware that the devil is a liar who seeks to devour us. He wants us to resist the devil so he won’t rob us of our joy and the blessing we could be to others. He wants to sanctify us by the truth which is the word of God. He wants to transform our thoughts, attitudes and actions by spending time meditating on his word. He wants us to know that when he chastens us he is loving us. He wants us to be confident that he who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. He also wants us to flee from sexual immorality keeping in mind that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. Acknowledging we sin against ourselves when we share our bodies with another outside of marriage. In a world where wrong is right won’t you believe with me that we can’t pick and choose which parts of the Bible are true to justify our sinful choices. Let us all let the word of Christ dwell richly in us in order that we live our lives in a manner that brings honor to the Lamb who was graciously slain purchasing our redemption.

Titus 2:11-14 (NIV): For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Romans 8:2

John 15:11

Galatians 5:16

2 Timothy 1:7 & Philippians 4:7

Isaiah 40:11

Psalm 91:4

Psalm 34:8 & Lamentations 3:22-23

1 John 1:8-10 & 1 John 2:1 & John 4:23-24

Proverbs 4:23, 1 Peter 1:13-16 & Ephesians 5:7-10

Daniel 12:1-3 & Revelation 3:5

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 & 2 Peter 3:9

Romans 8:31 & 1 Peter 5:8

James 4:7

John 17:17

Romans 12:2 & Psalm 119:11

Hebrews 12:5-11

Philippians 1:6

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Colossians 3:16 & Revelation 5:12

The Testimony of a Sister

 

Written by a Sister in Christ Jesus when she was confronted regarding a comment she made on the heated topic of abortion. She has given me permission to share it, and has only asked that nothing be altered of what she has written. I am sharing as a testimony and not a position. Testimonies are powerful things, and will stand on their own merit, to the glory of GOD. Below is the content:

Sorry for the long delay in my reply. I wanted to take the time to compose my thoughts. My hope is that you will take the time in return to hear my thoughts and feelings. We can be kind to one another and agree to disagree. I would never force anyone to do anything. I would offer comfort and hope to those who have had an abortion and are grieving. My reasons against abortion are personal and I will not condone the use of abortion as a means to eliminate an unwanted or inconvenient pregnancy. This happens in the USA daily with little thought of the ramifications. 

I am convinced that shame is the most deadly force Satan uses to prevent our spiritual growth. Shame can be used to keep us from coming to GOD for salvation with all of our frailties and/or walking in close fellowship with Him for our sanctification. Shame can also make it difficult to trust others when we need them most. Let me give you an example by telling you about one of the most painful times of my life that happened after I had already become a Child of GOD by grace through faith.

A few months before I turned 18 I found out I was pregnant. I was worried about what my dad would say and how I was going to face people at church. What would they say about me? Would I still be welcomed and loved? Would they turn their backs on me like my dad had done repeatedly? I didn't want anyone to know. So I kept it from them and instead aborted my innocent unborn child. Only those who have had an abortion can understand the depths of utter regret and remorse of making such a decision. The burden I carried around by myself was debilitating. So, finally I went to my mom and told her what I had done.

I will always remember her words to me. In anguish she said, "Ah, you killed my first grandchild!" She wasn't condemning me. She was agreeing with me what I had done was wrong. This is GOD'S reaction to sin because it is offensive to Him and He is just in saying this.

However, the very next thing she said as she drew me to herself to comfort me was, "I love you so much. I wish you would've come to me before making this decision on your own. You didn't have to do this. I would've comforted you and reassured you I am.always here to support you. I would've prayed with you and told you to let go of your shame. You are my child and no matter what you do I will always love you". 

Oh, how it broke my heart that I had taken the life of my child, hurt my mother so deeply, sinned against a Holy GOD, and grieved the Holy Spirit.

This atrocity would have been avoided had I understood how much my mother and GOD loved me. If I knew I would have felt safe enough to come to them. I would have not based my decision on the fear (false evidence appearing real) of being rejected or abandoned. If I wouldn't have had a distorted view of GOD due to my earthly father's constant disapproval I would have realized that GOD is for me not against me (Romans 8:31), and that Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6). Now, because I have been justified through faith I have peace with GOD through my Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Because I have been justified by His blood, I shall be saved from GOD'S wrath (Romans 5:9) because GOD has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).

Psalm 103:1-14, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the people of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him, as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to His children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. For He knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust.

At the conclusion of this testimony I will add this Sister's list of who GOD is to her, titled 'Who GOD is to me':

• He is my Creator who crowns me with love and compassion
• He is my forgiving Father
• He is Jesus my Joy Giver
• He is my Loving Lord
• He is my Righteous Redeemer 
• He is my Compassionate Comforter 
• He is my Savior who secures a place in Heaven for me
• He is my Deliverer from the Darkness that surrounds me
• He is my Bondage Breaker
• He is my Hiding Place and He surrounds me with songs of deliverance whenever I am afraid 
• He is my Advocate, the Atoning Sacrifice for my sins
• He is my Burden Bearer
• He is my Shepherd who leads me and carries me close to His heart
• He is my Great High Priest who allows me to approach GOD's Throne of Grace with confidence to receive mercy
• He is my Vinedresser who gives me victory as I abide in Him
• He is my Constant Companion 
• He is my Faithful Friend
• He is my Hope for Happiness
• He is my Path to Peace
• He is my Bridegroom who presents me holy and blameless before GOD 

(She writes that she wrote this list for her beautiful Grandmother on her 103rd birthday.)

God Can Use a Worm

Following my narrative is a brief writing by Maria Woodworth-Etter.

Excerpt from the writing:

(I)... "was not qualified for God's work. I knew that I was but a worm. God would have to take a worm to thresh a mountain."

My narrative:

As I come closer to GOD, I become less in my own eyes. I see more clearly my inadequacy and weakness. I could easily be discouraged and disappointed. Yet, why? Did JESUS, our GOD, not know me before He gave His life for me - for you? Why should one be so enmeshed in their conviction and opinion of their personal 'worth', to have that be a thing of wrestling? Can I not bask in the merit of my King Jesus - my Husband, Brother, High Priest, and Friend? So what of 'me'? Yet, this is a struggle I witness we all come up against in our life - and, certainly, the 'me first' to 'be happy' psychology of the secular world is so profoundly bereft. So, I ask (pray) to hide in the cleft of the Rock (Jesus), and that His be the face others see when they look at me. I rest in His strength and worth, grateful of His love for me (which I am unable to truly comprehend). I ask that He be strong as I am weak (which is more of a recognition than a request). I abide in Him, with the FAITH He abides in me (BECAUSE HE SAID SO). It is really all about belief and faith, for the work is finished. Jesus did it! And, while our Heavenly Father corrects us - those who are His Children - He nurtures and nourishes us. That is what a loving and good Father does! He's not out to get us - except to bring us home to Him. 

Here is a word from GOD:

For this is what the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said: “In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength.” But you were not willing, And you said, “No, for we will flee on horses!” Therefore you shall flee! “And we will ride on swift horses!” Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift. One thousand will flee at the threat of one man; You will flee at the threat of five, Until you are left like a signal post on a mountain top, And like a flag on a hill. Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. For, you people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will certainly be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Although the Lord has given you bread of deprivation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher, will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will see your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. And you will desecrate your carved images plated with silver, and your cast metal images plated with gold. You will scatter them as a filthy thing, and say to them, “Be gone!” Then He will give you rain for your seed which you will sow in the ground, and bread from the yield of the ground, and it will be rich and plentiful; on that day your livestock will graze in a wide pasture. Also the oxen and the donkeys that work the ground will eat seasoned feed, which has been winnowed with shovel and pitchfork. And on every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be streams running with water on the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. And the light of the full moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, on the day the Lord binds up the fracture of His people and heals the wound He has inflicted. Isaiah 30:15‭-‬26 

Writing from Maria Woodworth-Etter:

“I want the reader to understand, that at this time I had a good experience, a pure heart, was full of the love of God, but was not qualified for God's work. I knew that I was but a worm. God would have to take a worm to thresh a mountain. Then I asked God to give me the power he gave the Galilean fishermen - to anoint me for service. I came like a child asking for bread. I looked for it... God did not disappoint me. The power of the Holy ghost came down like a cloud. It was brighter than the sun. I was covered and, wrapped in it. I was baptized with the Holy Ghost, and Fire, and power, which has never left me. There was liquid fire, and the angels were all around me in fire and glory.”

“Still I made one excuse after another, and Jesus would answer, 'Go, and I will be with you'... Then Jesus said again, 'Go, and I will be with you.' I cried, 'Lord, I will go. Where shall I go?' And Jesus said, 'Go here, go there, wherever souls are perishing.' Praise the Lord for his wonderful goodness in revealing his word and will in such a wonderful way, to such a poor weak worm of the dust. I saw more in that vision than I could have learned in years of hard study. Praise His Holy Name. I saw that I must not depend on anything that I could do, but to look to Him for strength and wisdom.”

“I was very timid, and bound as with chains in a man-fearing spirit. When I arose to testify I trembled like a leaf, and began to make excuses - O God, send someone else!

Then the Lord in a vision caused me to see the bottomless pit open in all its horror and woe. There was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. It was surrounded by a great multitude of people who seemed unconscious of their danger, and without a moments warning they would tumble into this awful place.

I was above the people on a narrow plank-walk, which wound up toward heaven; and I was exhorting and pleading with the people to come upon the plank and escape that awful place. Several started.

There was a beautiful bright light above me, and I was encouraging them to follow that light and they would go straight to heaven.

"In all these trials God was preparing me and opening the way for the great battle against the enemy of souls and now the great desire of my heart was to work for Jesus. I longed to win a star for the Savior's crown.”

“Sometimes when the Spirit of God was striving and calling so plainly, I would yield and say, 'Yes, Lord; I will go.' The glory of God came upon me like a cloud, and I seemed to be carried away hundreds of miles and set down in a field of wheat, where the sheaves were falling all around me. I was filled with zeal and power, and felt as if I could stand before the whole world and plead with dying sinners. It seemed to me that I must leave all and go at once. Then Satan would come in like a flood and say, 'You would look nice preaching, being a gazing-stock for the people to make sport of. You know you could not do it.'

Then I would think of my weakness and say, 'No; of course I cannot do it.' Then I would be in darkness and despair. I wanted to run away from God, or I wished I could die; but when I began to look at the matter in this way, that God knew all about me, and was able and willing to qualify me for the work, I asked Him to qualify me for the work. I ASKED HIM TO QUALIFY ME.”

“At one time I was praying for the salvation of sinners, and the Saviour appeared on the cross by me, and talked with me; I laid my hand on his mangled body, and looked up in his smiling face. Another time I was meditating upon the love of God in giving his only Son to die for sinners, and of the beautiful home he was preparing for those who love him, and I seemed to float away, and was set down in the Beautiful City. Oh, the glorious sight that met my view can never be expressed by mortal tongue”

“If you from sin are longing to be free,

Look to the Lamb of God

He, to redeem you, died on Calvary,

Look to the Lamb of God.”

“He said the angels and his little child who had passed over, were in the room. He shouted and praised God until the last breath was gone. His triumphant death convinced some of the hardest sinners of the reality of religion. “Oh, let me die the death of the righteous, that my last end be like his.” Our loving Father is calling his children home one by one. Some of us have more loved ones over on the golden shore than we have here. They are watching and waiting for us. Shall they watch in vain?”

Pillar Aspirations

 

I was reading the Bible a while back and came upon this scripture from Revelation 3:12:  He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.

All of a sudden I was transported in my thoughts and imaginings to being a Pillar in the Temple of GOD.  The thought was glorious - considering being in GOD'S transcendent presence, eternally, and unmovingly!  Yet, my second thought was (and is) that I am not qualified or worthy of such an honor.  

I am truly the least.  I often wonder and thrill that GOD considered to save ME - the angry betrayer on a downward trajectory of sin, death, and Hell. Then my Father in Heaven graciously taught me to FEAR HIM. He saved my Soul from sin and death through Jesus Christ, Who cleansed me by His Blood that He shed for me and you. Then I considered that I would be thrilled to be the least ingredient in the formation of GOD'S Temple as long as I was a part - a fixture - of that Temple, to be in GOD'S presence eternally.  It would not do to 'be a fly' on the Temple wall, as I do not believe there will be flies in GOD'S Temple!

Joking aside, not long after I read the scripture in Revelation, I came upon Ephesians 2:11‭-‬22 : Therefore remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

I am a FELLOW CITIZEN of the SAINTS! Miraculous! We, (in the Family of GOD), are growing into a HOLY TEMPLE in the LORD! We are being BUILT TOGETHER into a DWELLING of GOD! And, this is all GOD'S doing in and through Jesus Christ, for unworthy man - all GOD'S goodness and merit - for unworthy me, who was separate from Christ and excluded by my sinfulness. AMAZING! My heart overflows with gratitude and gladness! I - as I overcome this world of sin - get to be a fixture in the House of GOD, forever!

When I practiced Witchcraft, and studied religions, philosophies, and occult, I did so diligently with a thirst for knowledge and power. Now, in Christ Jesus - Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life - should I not MUCH MORE seek and pursue Him? He has set me free from the Law of Sin and Death and brought me to Life! Should I not give my ALL to be in relationship to Him - grope for Him, seek His Counsel, obey Him because I LOVE HIM? Should I not desire Him above all things? For, without Him is nothing but an eternal death and torment. We were made in His Image, for Him! Apart from Him is no hope, no life, no hope of the joy set before us.

Psalms 1:1‭-‬3 says, "Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."

We CAN be a Pillar - a Tree - established eternally in the presence of GOD. HALLELUJAH! Come to Jesus. Amen.

Revival?

 

Asbury 'Revival' has been going on for nearly two weeks now. Other Revivals are popping up around America and other parts of the world. I am doing the work of objectivity, and seeking God's Counsel over my lack of trust over what is going on right now and the truth surrounding the matter of these 'Revivals'.

I am not present to witness repentance of sinners, soundness of what is being taught, and by whom - or if anything is being taught. I know there is praise. Praise is a wonderful, essential, element of worship. I know that praying and singing led to Paul and Silas being freed from their chains, and opened prison doors, in Acts 16:25-26: "But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened." 

Singing and praise is important!

I know, too, that Joel 2:28-32 says, "It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, Blood, fire and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood Before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Will be delivered; For on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem There will be those who escape, As the LORD has said, Even among the survivors whom the LORD calls."

So, while I do believe there can be genuine outpourings of the Holy Spirit, I also believe, as one Pastor said, "God can make a straight blow with a crooked stick." I should not expect perfection with imperfect people. Yet, with the Holy Spirit of the Living God I know there is absolute perfection - no error.

With these acknowledgements, I will point out that people are migrating from far and wide to participate in these 'Revivals'. Jesus warns of the last days, in Matthew 24:23-26: "Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, 'Behold, He is in the wilderness,' do not go out, or, 'Behold, He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe them."

We do not need to travel to find Jesus. For there to be a suggestion that Jesus is more profoundly present either here, or there, could be suspect. Discernment is called for. I submit for consideration that God, through Jesus Christ, will meet the Seeker right where they are! Jesus promises in Matthew 7:7-8:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Acts 17:27 says, "...that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us."

God is near to EACH ONE OF US, and responds to the Seeker WHERE THEY ARE.

The current Revival events are full of people. They are getting a lot of attention, and gaining in momentum. I am reminded that there was a time when Jesus, while He walked the earth, had a large following of Disciples. He was quite popular. People came for miles to see and hear Him - even just to touch the hem of His garment and receive healing.

Then Jesus was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum one day… Here's what Jesus said, and what happened as a result of His teaching - His words - as told in John 6:50-68:

"This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever." These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?" But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble? What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." AS A RESULT OF THIS MANY OF HIS DISCIPLES WITHDREW AND WERE NOT WALKING WITH HIM ANYMORE. So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life."

When the many Disciples found Jesus' words too difficult, they walked away leaving only the few. Jesus did not depart from them. They ultimately rejected Jesus when His words became too difficult for them to receive. I wonder how many will remain with Jesus when the Revival fervor wears down? Only God knows what seed will take root, grow, and endure till the end.

In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus tells us, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are FEW WHO FIND IT." So, while these sweeping Revivals may be cutting a broad swath, it is good and necessary for Christ's Child to know the scriptures, as well as pray for and exercise discernment regarding what is taking place and our opinions and involvements.

Finally, I wrap up this written commentary with Romans 12:1: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."

True worship is to present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God. It is not necessarily singing and praise. Let us worship God, and bring Him glory - in all we do, wherever we are. Amen.