Where Are The Watchmen (Part 4)

“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if some who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ If I tell a righteous person that they will surely live, but then they trust in their righteousness and do evil, none of the righteous things that person has done will be remembered; they will die for the evil they have done. And if I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ but they then turn away from their sin and do is just and right–if they give back what they took in pledge for a loan, return what they have stolen, follow the decrees that give life, and do no evil–that person will surely live; they will not die. None of the sins that person has committed will be remembered against them. They have done what is just and right; they will surely live. Ezekiel 33:12-16 NIV

It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not keep it.

The sinner has a better chance of making it to heaven once they repent–turning completely away from their sin and turning to God than the self-righteous who claimed to know God and yet will not live according to God’s ways–loving all!

What we see in Washington with the religious-right GOP (including trump is neither a Christian or Republican)–are those who proclaim to know God, yet do not know how to live Godly lives.

We know from God’s Word that He hates liars and lies.

We know from God’s Word that when the righteous turn to evil, they have lost their claim to heaven.

We know from God’s Word that He came down to earth in the likeness of sinful flesh to take sin upon Himself so we might be saved.

We know from God’s Word that it is better for us if we never claim to know God than to claim to know Him and then reject His ways.

This is what happens when we study God’s Word: we know! Only those who never study, never understand, can refute the truth of God’s Word and humiliate themselves in front of others. 

My take from the above-mentioned passage of scripture is that Pence is leading the pack (Sessions, Gorsuch, Ryan, McConnell, et al) of those who claim to be righteous, but are trusting in their own righteousness and rejecting God’s Word–to love. If they were truly righteous, they would defend the rights of the poor and the needy, embrace all human life and encourage love for one another. This is not what they do. They make distinctions as to who they’ll care about and who they’ll reject. They choose corporations and generous donors over the needs of Everyday Americans.

At the moment, they (GOP) are rejecting: any and all persons who do not look like them, worship like them or live like them. Though they claim to be “pro-life” they are actually, pro-fetus because they care less about the life after it appears and we know this by all the legislation they promote that denies access to healthcare for the poor, education for the poor, and opportunity to gain wealth since they want to hoard all the wealth for themselves.

The GOP want to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that serves the poor and women. They claim their stance against abortion is why, but if they impede women from having access to birth control and other services that helps to keep living (cancer screening, etc.), they prove they are misogynistic and nowhere in the Bible are we told to mistreat women.

So, in Christ Jesus (those believing and living according to His Word) you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29 NIV (parenthetical is mine).

We know that many of the “religious-right” confuse Old Testament historical knowledge with “contemporary application,” but that’s because they do not understand what their relationship with Christ should produce.  Yes, we can look back at what God said through the prophets and apply what much is said to us in the 21st Century. That is for our understanding, not our doing. God used the prophets to speak to the people “before” He appeared in the earth. It is because of His appearance in the earth and His return to heaven, leaving behind His Spirit–that we can “all” have access to Him, directly.

Okay, I know some will be offended by what I’ve already said, but I will not retract any of it. People are offended by truth especially when truth reveals their hypocrisy. I will speak His truth no matter how many are offended for people have neither heaven or hell for me–only God does. I’m not sacrificing my mansion to appease people. And those who do–turn from righteousness to wickedness and evil–have a place reserved for them, too– in the lake of fire.

We should carefully consider who we put into positions of authority and power and know by their love for others whether or not they belong to Christ. If they have no love for others, they cannot rightfully claim a relationship with Christ. Pause and meditate on that and willingly receive truth about the nation’s leaders in Washington. Time to make a change.

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Where Are The Watchmen (Part 2)

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,” and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will for die for their sin and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn them the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.” Ezekiel 33:7-9 NIV

Where are the wicked, O Lord that I might warn them to give up their wickedness? If we believe we are called to be watchmen, this should be our daily cry–where are they so we can warn them and not have to be concerned about their blood being on us.

This one truth I have learned long ago: My job is tell people what God said; I do not have to convince them, they have a right to accept or reject what is said. If I don’t tell them what God says, then I put myself in jeopardy, and no one–absolutely no one–is worth me losing my mansion in heaven.

Therefore, I will continue to sing His praises and telling the world–every chance I get–confess, repent, and seek a better relationship with Him. This is especially true of those in the White House. Every day, more information is revealed that there is indeed collusion, coordination, cooperation, participation with Russia and that Russia has been instrumental in installing the current resident. Someone needs to sit down with history books, the Constitution, the Declaration of the Independence, and the Bill of Rights, read and understand in order to help this country move forward with a better understanding of what a Patriot really is. A Patriot cares about the country and will stand upright, ready to fight for country, more than aligning themselves with a president.

Here’s the Word from God–though paraphrased for contemporary use–for all the GOP including trump and clan.

I will keep saying this until the evil is removed from the White House and sanity is restored across the nation. Though wickedness may reign for a moment, its time is coming and all the world shall see how God deals with those who commit wickedness against His people.

Please continue to read Ezekiel 33 for I shall continue with Part 3, another day. Sometimes, we simply need to meditate on segments until they are deeply rooted in our hearts so we’ll know how to move forward.

In the meantime, I shall continue laying the foundation–alerting the masses that I’m running for president and seeking their support. I believe as an Everyday American, with no Russian ties, no political baggage and no celebrity status that I can and will serve Americans well.

 

Forewarned Accountability!

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.” Ezekiel 3:17-19 NIV

The role of watchman–to warn people to change before they are consumed by their own acts–is the same today as it was then. God is yet speaking to people, warning them to tell others to “change course” and seek Him and when we do not speak as God speaks, He will hold us accountable for what happens to others. When we do speak what He speaks and people ignore us, they are responsible and held accountable for their actions, not us for forewarning them.

When loving parents instruct, guide, and set boundaries for their children, it is to keep them safe from harm. But if the children ignore the instructions and do what they want to do, they are responsible for the consequences of their actions. However, if children come to harm and parents have never provided them with any guidance, it is the parents who are responsible and should be held accountable for their negligence.

For it is negligent–on the part of anyone–to see a dangerous situation and not warn others. It is negligent to know that ignoring instruction and rules could lead to other problems. It is negligent to know truth and allow people to believe a lie, without warning them of the consequences of their actions.

We live in a society where many are afraid to speak truth–about any situation–because they do not want to offend others or get on their wrong side. That’s amazing to me. People are more concerned about offending mere mortals than they are about offending God. When we do wrong, no matter what the wrong is–we must be willing to accept the consequences for our actions. Whether it is the president of the United States or the president of another entity; whether it is the justices of the Supreme Court or the judges in the lower courts; whether it is the pastor of the church or the congregants of the church–wrong is wrong–and God makes no distinctions between sin or those who commit the sin.

Lying is sin. Circumventing authority is sin. Being a pot-stirrer–always trying to stir up emotions in people in a negative way is sin. Having respect of persons is sin. We tend to pay more attention to sexual sin than other sin, but sin is sin and there are consequences for it all.

If we only concerned with pleasing God, the likelihood of our being held accountable for what others do significantly decreases, but their accountability remains the same. We are accountable for what we do and don’t do–especially when we are forewarned and refuse to speak what God tells us to say.

Reading some of my fellow-bloggers lets me know that they understand the role of accountability and I count it a joy to be found in that number–a watchman not afraid to speak God’s Truth as He reveals it to me. I pray more people will realize the importance of speaking God’s Truth instead of trying to promote our own as it pertains the end results for all. I certainly don’t want the blood of anyone else on my hands.

Never Silent!

“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest,” (Isaiah 62:6 NIV)

During those ancient years when a city was built with high walls surrounding it and a tower, watchmen were assigned to keep guard over the city and when they saw danger coming (an attack by the enemy), they were to warn the residents of the city so they would prepare for battle to defend it. When they saw the enemy coming, they were to sound an alarm–usually a loud blast from a trumpet or other horn. This assignment was important since lives could be lost and entire cities captured.

Today, there are still watchmen assigned to sound the alarm when they see coming danger of an attack by the enemy. Since there are no more “cities with high walls” per se (but the walls of hearts), the alarm must be sounded through whatever venue is available in order to save lives and to keep people from being captured and held in bondage by the enemy. The problem is–not many are listening to the watchmen who have indeed sounded the alarm–warning people of the dangers of being captured by the enemy of man–Satan–and being held bondage to sin. We, who are watchmen, observing the times and aligning them with The Word, will not be held accountable for people not listening when we speak God’s Truth. If they choose to ignore us, their blood will be on their hands.

“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”(Ezekiel 33:6,8,9 NIV–Best understood if entire chapters are read)

This is “The Word of The Lord” and woe unto to us if we do not hear and obey!

So though there may be those who would prefer seeing a “feel-good, sugar-coated” message, I am appointed to warn and I will never stay silent about what God says or how He wants us to live. I love encouraging people to seek Him, love Him, obey Him, and receive all the benefits He has for us, but when I see the destruction the enemy has planned, I must also warn people not to be deceived by those trying to changing the intent of God’s Word. All Believers must study The Word for themselves and understand God’s intent for inspiring men to write what He wanted us to know. There are many who are hearing God, and warning people about the impending dangers of being influenced by Satan. However, not many are heeding the warning because their flesh speaks louder.

Watchmen, Watchmen–Sound The Alarm and Let it be known–Danger approaches and lives will be lost–if the warning is not heeded–change is coming and no man will able to stem the tide of devastation we will experience, if we don’t turn from our wicked ways and seek The Lord to forgive us and live as He desires!

Are We There, Yet?

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1).

Paul’s warning to Timothy lists the things we would be able to see (and have seen) announcing the last days.  THIS IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT BUT CONTINUED WARNING! In several verses, he told Timothy what would happen. Men (mankind) would become:

Lovers of themselves (forgetting about God and the natural love towards others)

Covetous (allow their envy to always keep them seeking ways to “take” what others have-by force or deception)

Boasters (always bragging about themselves and what they have done)

Proud (arrogant–thinking they know everything)

Blasphemers (Deny the power of Holy Spirit or lie on what He has said or done)

Disobedient to parents (children thinking they should tell parents what to do and attempt to run their parents’ homes, never respecting authority).

Unthankful (never able to show gratitude to anyone)

Unholy (seeking to appease flesh without regard to right-living)

Without natural affection (seeking to do those things with others that should not be done with–children, members of the same-sex, incest, etc.)

Truce-breakers (cannot keep their word or will not keep their word)

False accusers (will lie to save their own behinds, without regard to how their lie will affect the lives of others)

Incontinent (lack of self-control–emotionally and physically)

Fierce (always ready to mow down anyone who gets in their way)

Despisers of those who do good (hate seeing people do what is right)

Traitors (will turn on people and country in a heartbeat)

Heady/Highminded (never consider themselves wrong and they more than anyone else)

Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God (always seeking ways to please themselves and flesh more than they seek God’s direction)

Having a “form of godliness” but denying the power thereof (religious without relationship with God and denounce the Power of God’s Word as if it doesn’t exist).

With the list of things that we will see when the last days are upon us, Paul tells us that we should “turn away” from these types of people when we see them doing these things. Basically, we are to have no fellowship with people who refuse to live as God as designed or reject God.

Of course, many people understand we have seen the hallmarks of everything Paul has said, generation after generation–the time simply gets closer. When will people begin to understand that civilizations have ceased to exist because of disobedience to God? When will true Christians, those in relationship with God (not just readers of The Word), understand that it is our job to be a “watchman on the wall” and warn people about their behavior and the impending dangers if the behaviors do not change?

We can praise God for His goodness and His abundant blessings and know that His desire for us is to have abundant life, but we cannot have what he has promised if we do not fulfill our role–all of it. It’s not just about praying.  It’s not just about preaching.  It’s not just about teaching.  It’s not just about praising and singing and worshiping. It also includes “warning the people” when they stray from God’s Word. Are we doing it? Are these indeed the last days?

A New Heart

When God spoke to His people through Ezekiel, He told them that He would “give them a new heart and a new spirit and replace the heart of stone with a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26 paraphrased).  To get a better understanding of the conditions that existed when Ezekiel was talking, read how the prophet tried repeatedly to warn the people and how God used him.  My favorite passage in Ezekiel is when God admonishes him to do his job as a watchman.  “When you see danger approaching, warn the people.  If they do not heed your warning, their blood is on their own hands.  If you do not warn them, their blood I will require at your hands” (33:6).

You see part of the problem with the people of the land is that they wanted to live any way they wanted to live, with no one guiding them in righteous living.  Most of the prophets of God were detested by the people because they kept reminding them of their ungodly ways. But those who knew and understood God, kept warning and kept dealing with the disrespect of the people.  Through all of that, Ezekiel still spoke what God gave him, reminding the people that obedience to God would put them into a better position to “receive” from God.

Think about this for a moment.  A promise of a new heart and a new spirit, replacement of a heart of stone for a heart of flesh, has to mean that the hearts within man were corrupted and hard-hearted and their spirit too easily influenced with evil. Are we in the same place today? Have our hearts become so hardened that we cannot see the needs of others?  Are we so afraid of what people will think about us we will not warn them when we see danger approaching?  Are our spirits so weak that we allow evil to control what we do and how we think?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, we are in need of a heart transplant–a total replacement in order to do what God has designed for us to do. Consider this:  We should all be “watchmen on the walls” if we say we are Christians. Anytime there is danger lurking to destroy hope and faith in God, we should be able to loudly proclaim God’s truths.  If we are more concerned with political correctness than Godly righteousness, we are in need of a new heart–a heart that is molded and shaped by God to hear Him.

Create in us O God, a new heart, a heart willing to hear You and a spirit strengthened by Your Word to defeat the evil that attempts to influence.  Grant us courage to speak as You speak to us and through Your Word that we might snatch some from the fires of hell. Thank You for giving us a heart of flesh, molded and shaped by You.  We will give You praise for all things as we continue this journey with You and our new heart.