Evangelicals Are Tired Of Living!

Many Evangelicals have conned their congregations into believing God determined that Donald J. Trump should be president because he would usher in the second coming of Christ and they believe that establishing an embassy in Jerusalem will bring it to pass. In essence, they want the end to come based upon John’s revelation which means they’re tired of living.

When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth–Gog and Magog--and to gather them for battle. In number they are like sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:7-10 NIV

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. Revelation 21:6-8 NIV

There is a great deal more that is revealed to John, but since I’m trying to make a point about the lie perpetuated by many church leaders, I won’t spin my wheels trying to extrapolate it. The bottom line is–since the Evangelicals believe trump is the impetus to bringing about the return of Christ–they are also acknowledging he is anti-Christ (Satan, the devil) because according to scripture, it is when Satan is loosed and most of us–Christian and non-Christian believe trump is the epitome of the anti-Christ because nothing he does–is Christ-like and certainly does not reflect his belief or willingness to do as Christ would do.

Now, many may argue my point and that is certainly their right, but I’ve never seen anyone as divisive, vile, and ego-driven as trump or his idolatrous worshipers who are filled with hateful bigotry. They are the ones who need to be concerned about the end since they will miss heaven. What they have overlooked is, there will be no “new Jerusalem” until all the old has been destroyed and at that time–there will be no need for walls or war–because the reference is to our lives in heaven.

I can’t speak for every Born-Again believer who truly conducts themselves as followers of Christ, but I can speak for myself. I am appalled at the atrocity Evangelicals have instigated by lying to their flocks. They have misled and misdirected so many people into believing the lie that many are prepared to “kill others” because of their idolatrous worship of trump. But I am not their judge, God is–the God of heaven, not the god of this world who has deceived them and is now, laughing out loud at their folly. They may not see it, yet, and may not even see it before their demise, but it will be noted in the books of history and certainly noted in the records of heaven.

The Evangelicals in the 21st Century–are the contemporary Pharisees who are not interested in all developing and maintaining a life with Christ–doing good, but in controlling what people think and do. They have been deceived and are not willing to admit their mistakes and tell people the truth. They don’t have to tell people the truth; there are many of us who continue to tell the truth–Evangelicals have lied to their congregations and are apparently, tired of living. Well, since they’re tired of living, they should effectuate their deaths and leave the rest of us alone. The end will come–but only when God decides, not them. But we have to give them credit where credit is due–their choice (not God’s) in supporting trump is leading to the destruction of the earth and God will hold them accountable for that.

For the rest of us who are not tired of living, but have hope in the future and a desire for our children and grandchildren to enjoy the planet–we have work to do and we don’t have time to wait for if we delay–for any reason–we perpetuate the nonsense being spewed by those Evangelicals who are tired of living. It is time to Resist the evil that confronts and unite to conquer the evil with love and compassion, driving out all the hate and bigotry.

 

30 Days of Prayer and Praise–8!

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.Psalm 100 NIV

Day Eight

O Lord,

How excellent is Your name in all the earth! How wonderful it is to know You and how You love us. How precious is the gift of salvation to all who understand the sacrifice of love You gave to all who will believe!

We magnify Your name this day O Lord, for what You are doing in the hearts of those who love You, for those who are determined to do what is right for all people.

Lord, we love You because You first loved us and desire for all to have every good and perfect gift from You. We give You praise because there is none like You, no one who can satisfy us like You do, no one who cares about us the way You do, no one who is willing to forgive our shortcomings and keep loving us, giving us chance after chance to get things right before You. All the honor, all the glory, we give to You!

Now, Lord–we thank You for speaking to hearts, giving us wisdom and direction in all things so in all things we know You are with us and will never abandon us. We thank You for all who are hearing You speak, ready to receive a Word from You and willing to do what is right no matter what others may think. For we know it is better for us to obey You rather than man; it is better for us to commit to Your Word, rather than the laws of man.

Lord, we thank You for strengthening us with Your joy, for giving us boldness in the face in the enemy, courage to stay in the battle no matter how things look for we know–with You going before us–we are victorious in all things–for the battle is not ours, but Yours.

Thank You O Lord, for finding us worthy to be Your spokesmen, Your Watchmen, Your Messengers of love and hope, and giving us the right thing to say to all to keep them encouraged and looking to You–our comforter when distressed, our joy when sadness tries to seep into our souls, our help in time of need, our light when darkness falls upon the earth–You are everything we need and we thank You for Your love that never ends and Your faithfulness that endures for all generations!

Lord, we thank You for knowing that in Your infinite Wisdom, You created one human race, infused us all with red blood, and give us all the same choices—to receive love and love, to be thankful for Your mercy and grace, to be obedient to You in all things and live a life that speaks a loud message about who You are in our lives.

For all You are yet doing, yet speaking to the hearts of all, we thank You and praise You with our whole hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Soon And Very Soon!

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:3-8 KJV

When we understand the vision John had and know deep within our hearts that God always has our best interests at heart–we can find comfort in His Word, not fear.

We can be comforted in knowing that no matter how foolish men and women act life, there will come a time when all will stand before God and give an account of what we’ve done.

We can know–with assurance–that it won’t be long now–not based on our calendar days, but in God’s timing–before we begin our second life–living with Him for all eternity.

Looking at all the turmoil and violence in the world–with all the confusion about “everything” I can only cry unto the Lord, “Come quickly!”

We know that God is not the author of confusion and since He is not–Satan is.

We know that God does not promote hatred and fear and since He does not–Satan does.

More importantly, we know that when people ignore God or refuse to obey Him, He allows the enemy to wreck havoc in our lives–until we reach the place where we understand, we can do nothing without Him.

We are our own worst enemy when we refuse to obey Him in all things.

All of the foolishness over which people get angry and rebellious will soon pass away.

There is no politics in Heaven for the King of Kings is sovereign. There are no religious banners denoting which denoting different denominations hanging in Heaven for there is but One Lord!

There is no sickness and disease in Heaven and no reason for there to be pain.

There is no difference of opinion in Heaven for only the like-minded in Christ shall reside there.

There is no black or white or red or brown or any other barrier in Heaven that will separate humanity (in its glorified body) from enjoying The Lord!

Hallelujah! Soon and very soon!

Why We Trust The Word!

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NIV

Although there are many naysayers and doubters in the world who “refute” the bible as we know it as God’s Word, we who know and Believe God, know the truth.

All scripture–not some or just portions or selected passages–was written by man as inspired by God to do so–hence–God-breathed into man’s spirit and man wrote. That sounds far too simple for those who would complicate God’s Word and His intent for mankind, but it is just that simple. Of course, since many believe that the King James Version is the only right version–there lies another complication.

I am convinced that the original language that man spoke was accurately translated by many (not all), but God’s intent for mankind remains static–no matter what language is used. My conviction in this area is derived from my relationship with God who has revealed His truth to me by guiding me in search of truth. So, I believe the Bible–any good translation that does not pervert or distort God’s Truth–is good for instruction and correction, in guiding anyone to living a life that is pleasing to God.

How do I know this? I tried living without The Word as a guide in my life and almost ended my life when life got too tough to bear. It was The Word that saved me and exposed all the lies the enemy had tried to use against me. It was The Word that showed me how much I am loved by God. It was The Word that convinced me that pleasing God is far more important than trying to please man. It was The Word that demonstrated God’s mercy and grace towards all who had fallen short of His perfection. And it was my faith in God that led me to understand The Word for my life.

The desire to please God–once we understand His Word–puts us on the path to serving others and that’s why The Word is important–so all who know it and trust it can accomplish all that God desires for them to accomplish.

For any who doubt the value of The Word–I offer this challenge–have faith in God and in developing a relationship with Him and then open a bible–with an open mind and willing heart to hear Him. I guarantee–you’ll never be the same–once you find yourself in God’s Word!

On The Journey–Beth

How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.

With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O LORD!
Teach me Your statutes.

With my lips I have declared
All the judgments of Your mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.

I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.

I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:9-16 NKJV

The question that was asked so long ago, should still be asked and answered in the same manner. How can people cleanse themselves (free themselves from sin)? By living according to The Word! The Psalmist is pleading with God–Don’t let me go astray–help me to stay on the right path.

And then there are the declarations–He has hidden the Word in His heart so he won’t sin against God. Have we hidden the word in our hearts? Have we read it enough that we remember? Have we studied enough to understand it? Do we allow God’s Word to be our guide in everything we do?

Do we love to hear the testimonies of those who have experienced God in their lives? I mean real testimonies of God’s miraculous intervention, like the woman with the issue of blood, being saved from a horrendous situation, or just being kept–in our right minds. Do we love to hear those testimonies? Better yet–do we have a testimony? Coming into the knowledge of Jesus Christ should be a testimony for everyone who is claims to be saved and has chosen Him to be the light of their lives.

Do we declare–with our own lips–God’s goodness or are we content to share the testimony of others because we are ashamed of who we are? Do we proclaim God’s Word in its entirety–the blessings and the curses–or do we simply sugarcoat The Word in order not to offend others when we need to correct them?

When was the last time we told God, “I am so happy to know Your Word and to know that it is Your Word that will keep me safe from harm?” Are blessed by knowing God’s Word or do some feel inhibited or intimidated by God’s Word?

Have we reached a place yet–on our journey in life–that we can say, “I will meditate upon Your Ways O God, I will always consider what You have said before I do anything or say anything to anyone else.  I will be happy and favored to study Your Word and I will share each revelation You give with others so we might have peace in the land?”

For knowing God’s Word and living His Word (by everyone) will surely bring peace upon the earth since knowing Him, loving Him, means loving all. And how can we cause harm to those we say we love?

With all of the chaos and violence and killing everywhere we turn, we know that people have not yet learned Love–they have not hidden His Word in their hearts and they are certainly not living it. Perhaps, it is because we have not taken the time to meditate upon His Word and allow His Word to become deeply embedded in our souls and spirit.

If we allow Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do–after having meditated and studied The Word–He will keep us on the path of life that God has designed for us. If we don’t study and meditate upon The Word in order to receive revelation knowledge–Holy Spirit won’t be able to get through to us for we have not anchored The Word in our hearts.

Think about these things, calmly and meditate upon God’s Word without distraction or interruption and see what He is able to show you.

 

On The Journey!

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the LORD! Psalm 119:1 NKJV

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Psalm 119:1 NIV

Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the LORD. Psalm 119:1 NLT

In an attempt to get a better understanding of this passage, I consulted the Strong’s concordance about the word (from the Hebrew), “way” which revealed the intent–a path or journey.

Using the path or journey as a foundation for continued study of this Psalm, the very first verse would be interpreted, “Happy, highly favored by God, are those who keep themselves pure (honorable) on the journey/path who walk (live) according to God’s Word.”

This then is what I perceived from my meditation of this verse. I’ve used comparative verses from other translations for the sake of conversation. Not every translation of the Bible is an accurate translation. In fact, I can say without fear of refutation that every translation of the Bible was composed from the perspective of either individual or collective beliefs that people hold that do not necessarily represent a right relationship with God. 

To further corroborate this point, I could cite other translations, The New World Translation, The Queen James Bible, The Living Bible, and there are so many more. And like the King James Version which was composed by a number of scholars--approved by the king--the words on a page do not adequately reflect God’s intent for all of mankind since the words are “biased” because of man’s perception of things and how things appear to be.

This is not to discount the original text given to man in the Aramaic or Hebrew languages, but even that is biased because of gender roles that existed at that time and limited understanding of how the world works. I am not saying what was written was wrong; I’m saying it was biased because of beliefs–about a number of things.

Here’s what important to note about this verse–those who choose to live according to God’s Word as they journey through life are blessed and will experience His favor while they live. 

What is God’s favor? His grace (acceptance from the Hebrew, goodwill, loving kindness, reward, favor, from the Greek)–unmerited favor–favor we could not earn, demonstrated by His love for us in coming down from heaven, taking upon Himself our sins, and choosing to hang on a cross for us, that we might be saved!

Notice that the original intent is not about a man’s ways that are blameless, but about a person’s willingness to live according to God’s Word, while journeying on their way through life. Man’s ways and on the way (journey through life) have two contextually different meanings and they should not be confused. And while I generally use the New International Version, because of the contemporary language, I must admit that contextualization is often skewed in an attempt to be more appealing than the King James Version.

In doing research over the last twenty-five years and comparing various versions of the Bible, I tend to use the one that most closely states what God reveals to me. For that reason, I use a number of translations in my studies after praying for revelation. Therefore, in all my blog posts, I have used different versions to support what God has shown to me. For I know, that what He reveals to one, He has revealed to others.

Are you blessed as you journey through life, living according to God’s Word? No matter what happens–how many fiery darts to enemy launches my way, I can still say–I am highly favored by God–and will live according to His Word.

 

 

Is America The Modern Day Pergamum?

 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. ” (Revelation 2:12-15 NIV)

Though this message was for the early church in the Middle East, governed by Rome, it still  serves as a reminder to us today. When reading this, I began to wonder if America has become “Satan’s Seat” of  all that is wrong with society today.

The message to the church acknowledges that there are some who remain true to their faith and will not renounce the belief and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, even in the face of persecution and those will be rewarded. However, He goes onto to say what He will hold against those tho entice people to sin and to hold onto cultic teachings that worship idols and false gods. This is in reference to the Nicolaitans (those who brought in idolatry and encouragement to live in opposition to God’s Word). Doesn’t that sound just like what is occurring in the Christian Community today?

Whenever I hear someone attempt to justify a lifestyle that is opposition to God’s Word, I know they cannot know God and yet they quote scripture–out of context–that we who know to do right are not their judge. “God said don’t judge.” They quote it and have no idea what it means. Jesus said in Matthew 7:1,2 “Do not judge or you too will be judged, for in the same way you judge others (without The Word), you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” The judgment that He references is based upon man’s intellect, not God’s Word and it is a warning that when we exclude God’s Word as a guide for living, we set ourselves up to be judged by the same standards (man’s intellect). They who live according to their flesh have already been judged and condemned by The Word–not us. If they knew God and had read His Word, they would know how ridiculous their attempt to quote Him is to justify their behavior.

And then their claim to sexual orientation is not a choice is further evidence of a lack of understanding about “words.” An orientation is a process designed to encourage a practice. A preference is a process of selectively choosing what one wants or does. Both–orientation and preference–are choices, not civil rights or birth designs. This is how Satan deceives and unfortunately, there are many who buy into the deception.

But we can take heart in the knowledge that not all Believers are seduced by a lying devil and we will hold fast to God’s Word, no matter what and we will not entice others to participate in ritualistic sin. What we must remember–the messages in the Bible are for Believers–not the unbelieving, for they would not believe it any way. Judgment begins at the household of faith–for all who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. For those who are not followers in the truest sense of the word, their only hope is repentance and restoration to living a life that is pleasing to God.

We can no longer teach a sugar-coated message of Salvation in an attempt to not offend. Yes, Jesus died for all, but all must come to acknowledge that He is God and nothing in His message when He walked the earth, changed God’s Word or intent for mankind. The only hope the worldly have is for those of us who know Truth, to teach God’s Truth, not our own. We must say what God says in the context in which He said it.

Deep Things Revealed!

“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” (I Corinthians 2:9, 10 NKJV)

I encourage all who are reading this to read entire chapters to maintain the context of what is being said. What I find truly amazing–is every time I read a passage of Scripture, again, I get new insight and understanding.

I remember how excited I was when I first read this chapter and understood that God has not revealed all He has prepared for us to those who do not love Him, but through His spirit–when we listen, Holy Spirit speaks–and does just what Jesus said He would do–“bring back to our remembrance those things we’ve learned and reveals to us those things to come!” 

The key here is in understanding that it is to those who love Him, not just anybody. For those who either continue to deny His existence–no problem; for those who claim to know Him and yet in opposition to His Word–no problem. This promise is only for those who love Him because when we love Him, we obey Him and when we obey Him, we please Him, and when we please Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts! Glory!

When people say–out of ignorance–there is no God and they know more than God–we can ignore them, not argue with them. For there are many who refute that He is and scorn and mock those of us who believe Him. They spend a great deal of time searching out those they think they can manipulate by engaging in foolish debates. “Argue not with a fool because we do, we become like them.” So let them keep believing that they believe–they will not be in position to have the deeper things revealed to them and we will.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t share the Gospel; I’m saying we should not debate our beliefs. When someone is sincerely interested in what we have to say about Jesus, let’s share. But don’t get caught up in “false sincerity” designed to engage into debate so we can be ridiculed. “Be wise as a serpent, but gentle as a dove”–hear Holy Spirit when He speaks, exercising discernment of spirits and know which spirit is operating in your conversations. “Try the spirits, by the Spirit to see if they are of God.”

Holy Spirit reveals things to those who love God and we readily admit we have no other way of knowing what we know. He shows us future events and the end results. If we are willing to hear and obey Holy Spirit, we will have the deep things revealed to us.

Revelation and Rest!

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:27,28 NIV)

Prior to the resurrection, Jesus told those listening to Him that no one “knows” the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son “chooses” to reveal Him. Having heard about someone or recognizing their name or picture is far different than actually “knowing” them.

To know someone is to have an intimate knowledge of them. This is one of the reasons that the term “know” was used to explain the act of having sex. There are a number of people who claim to know a lot of people, but do they really know them? We have often heard that even for those who marry those they think they know, they don’t really get to know them until they have lived with them. One of the reasons there are so many divorces is because people don’t really know who it is they’re marrying. They may be Prince Charming or Princess Wonderful during the dating process, but then–everyone is putting their best foot forward and hiding all the stuff that is revealed once a marriage takes place. Then, they become Prince Godzilla or Princess Witch. If time had been taken to get to know them, a great deal of heartache and expense could have been avoided.

Being in a right relationship with someone–where no secrets are hidden–and everything is revealed--creates an environment of knowledge that can be used to make a wise decision about the continuing relationship. Relationship with God is far more important than religious observances. When we are in that intimate relationship with Him, we hear Him when He speaks and He guides us in all things.  Notice what Jesus is saying, only to those He chooses is the Father revealed before He arose. Now, Holy Spirit has been given and it is our choice to receive Him and accept all He has done for us, by getting to know Him through The Word.

Now, after we get to know Him, we can go to Him when we are tired and weary–not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes, our bodies are tired, because we are emotionally and spiritually spent. Being in this condition leads to depression and hopelessness. But we can go to Him and lay our burdens at His feet, leave them there and walk away refreshed and renewed–physically, emotionally, and spiritually–when we know Him and know He only wants the very best for us.

He has revealed The Father through all He has done as the Son, and if we choose to know Him on a very personal level, we can rest in His peace, never bothered by what is going on in the world because we know–we win in the end.

In The Book!

“All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.” (Revelation 3:5 NLT)

Is your name in the book of life?

There are a number of thoughts about how one gets their name in the book, but if we read The Word carefully, and comprehend what it means to be victorious–we’ll know.

In this vision from Jesus, we are told that if we repent–of all sin–turn away from it and turn to God–with our whole hearts, we will wear white (robes) signalling accomplishment in living right before The Lord–during the White Throne Judgment–where we’ll receive our crowns and be assigned our mansions (poetically speaking)! Once we have been “certified” victorious, Jesus will announce us before the Father and the angels, that we belong to Him.

As much as I read–secular books–and as much as I write, I don’t think anything I’ve read or written will be quite like this book. There’s a segment in The Book of Life that’s all about me–my name–written in the precious blood of The Lamb! How awesome is that!

For Believers–we have something to look forward to when Jesus returns; for non-believers–well, only Jesus can determine their fate, just as He has determined the fate of all who believe.

If there is anything in your life, right now, right this minute, that would hinder your name being written in The Book of Life–let it go and open your heart to Him who saves and redeems, clearing the path for having a right relationship with The Father so you, too can be assured of being announced because your name–is in the book!