Only God Knows the Heart?

Been pondering this much today--not in reference to anyone or anything in particular but a comment sparked many questions for me. We often hear "only God knows the heart." Mostly, it's when someone's faith in true Christianity is in question or their behaviors/words show contradiction to their profession of being a Christian. We say it when we can't--by what's been evidenced--decide on whether or not they really follow Jesus. Or someone says it of themselves to feel better about their lack of being true to His word.

Today though, I can't escape the question: Is that statement true? Or is it just something put out there to make someone feel better without really having to examine what's heard or seen? It reminds me of when I was a kid and had a pack of cigarettes in my jacket pocket and the parent that was holding my coat, cupped the shape of it in the fabric and asked what it was. I answered "a deck of cards," but they never reached into the pocket to see if I was telling the truth.

Aren't we supposed to dig a little deeper than surface level? Not to judge anyone to condemnation nor play God nor be demeaning in any way, but to know them that labour among us? To know the true from the false? To not allow seeds of lies or deceit to be planted into our own hearts. If it was as simple as everyone who professed to believe in God was truly walking with Christ, then I'm missing something. Which could be possible. But that would also make the Word of God wrong. Which...is impossible.

From what I read, we are to try the spirits to see if they be of God (1 John 4:1). When confused or feeling "off," don't just dismiss it. What influence is behind a person's words and actions? We might not know the secrets of the person's heart--which God certainly does--but if we are born of the Spirit then we definitely can discern what IS NOT of God.

And doesn't Jesus want us to know? If He didn't, why would He tell us about knowing a tree by its fruit (Matt 7:15-17)? Especially in relation to wolves in sheep's clothing. Obviously, an imposter.  Looks and/or acts the part but is not genuine. Or what about this? He HAS given us an ability to see  what is in someone's heart. Not just by the unction/anointing of His Spirit that will teach us who is false/a seducer/a deceiver (1 John 2:26-27) but by the person's VERY OWN WORDS. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34). He does say by thy own words you will be justified or condemned (Matt 12:37).  Does it line up with their Christian label or title or Sunday morning profession? Just sayin...

If the heart belongs to Jesus, I believe it will be known. Light manifests, darkness hides. Who lights a candle and puts it under a bushel, right? It's not like we have to hide our faith in this country for sake of our lives (not yet anyway and even then to what degree will it be hid?). My experience has shown that those who are born again, are born again. There isn't a lot of confusion surrounding their faith, their loyalty to Jesus and the scriptures. It's usually recognized after having a conversation or two and obviously evidenced in their lifestyles.

So, why do we so often result to "only God knows the heart" like it's wrong to question something that is confusing or just doesn't quite line up? Out of fear of being judgmental? I'm sure SOME will judge others with an evil heart of pride and religiosity, but I don't think that should stop the rest of us who are of a pure heart from testing that which is around us and claims to be of Christ. That's embracing knowledge, isn't it? The Lord said His people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Perhaps today many are destroyed for lack of knowledge of what is truly of Christ and what isn't. They dismiss someone's actions or ill-will (or altering of the Word to fit their agenda) because of their "Christian" label. They would rather continue to accept/follow that which is not true or real cuz "only God knows the heart" than make a judgment call (see par 3 please before telling me thou shalt not judge...lol). They would rather believe the lie than simply look into the pocket to reveal the truth.

So, all this...judging the truth from the lies, bearing it out against the whole Word of God, trying the spirits, hearing what IS the abundance of someone's heart, and knowing them by their fruit...isn't wrong. It's simply knowledge. And the thing about knowledge... It's how you use (or abuse) it that makes it to you either wisdom or corruption.

And I will finish this off with a plea for mercy. Just because someone is in error, outright lying, deceived or doing the deceiving, doesn't make them too far out of reach for the salvation of God which is in Christ Jesus and available to ALL who will come to Him. If you judge/discern someone's actions as being contrary to the word - don't bash 'em, don't black-ball 'em, pray for them. You never know, it could be your intercession that draws them to the Lord to be set free by the Spirit of Truth. ♥

A Sad Day in the Blogging World

Is when you inadvertently delete EVERY SINGLE IMAGE that has ever been posted to any of your blogs. Ugh! I was a late-starter to the Google+ world, having insufficient time as is for every other social media network website out there. Well, there I was, navigating around, viewing images and, What's this? A massive amount of seemingly-random, some repeated, images that appear familiar as from my blog. Realizing my Google+ account and Blogger must somehow be intertwined yet knowing as well I would never need these images for Google+, I deleted the album.

I don't recall any warning dialogue boxes popping up at the time. That was a few weeks ago. Today, after much time away, I returned to do some re-working on my blog and what did I find? Post after post filled with nothing but gray buttons in place of my pictures. Dreadful! I thought maybe it was just the most recent ones, but no! Every single one!

It's a good thing I don't make a living off of this or I would be much more upset. I cannot believe the Google+ developers would allow such a devastating action to occur at our (often ignorant) fingertips. I don't know what an alternative solution would be, but MANY of us do NOT know and/or realize the consequences of deleting this album. If anything, a restoration should be possible to retrieve the images afterwards. Or an option to delete the images from Google+ only, yet leave them alone on the other websites.

Ok - I'm done crying about it. Time to move on. Have a blessed day!

That Old Nature

The old nature – that sin nature – has been crucified and put to death if so be that we have been born again, filled with the Spirit of God, ourselves buried together in baptism with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. Newness of life! Old things have passed away; we are new creatures with a new nature. That old nature is dead! Sin is therefore no longer operating with dominion over us. It is only able to operate through the lusts of the flesh—our bodily members, which we continually war against. This flesh is born of corruption, but we being born-again by the Word of God are now born of an incorruptible seed—a seed that cannot be corrupted.

Do not believe the lie that there is a nature inside of you that must sin because it’s how we were born. We are BORN AGAIN – anew, brand new, by the blood of the Lamb, set free from sin and all the wages thereof! We should not be fooled that we are under the authority of a sin nature. No! The enemy—the god of this world, the powers of darkness—will have you to believe that. They will lie to you and try to enforce a FALSE authority over you and your life, only to draw you away into temptation.

The Truth stands and will destroy every lie of the wicked one. We are new creatures, no longer slaves to sin. If we sin it is because we allow our flesh to be drawn away by the lusts thereof. We must daily mortify the deeds of this body and expose the lies of the enemy to walk in the reality of who we are in Christ Jesus. Sons of God, heirs and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus, kings and priests unto God, awaiting that blessed day when this body of corruption will be done away and we will forever be with our Lord.

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Pet 1:2-4)

Self-Deception

With all the talk/worry about being deceived by what/who is around us (often for good reason), it’s most important to examine our own selves and ensure we are not first walking in self-deception. The Bible speaks, on more than one occasion, about deceiving our own selves/our own hearts. “Follow your heart” doesn’t work if your heart is deceived. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jer 17:9)

Since it’s mentioned in the scriptures, it seems we should take heed to those things that lead to self-deception.

WORLDLY WISDOM
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. (1 Cor 3:18-20)

PRIDE
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Gal 6:3) 

BEING HEARERS ONLY OF THE WORD
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (Jam 1:22) 

HAVING AN UNBRIDLED TONGUE
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (Jam 1:26) 

THINKING WE HAVE NO NEED OF REPENTANCE
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

So to all who seek to walk honestly and humbly in the perfect law of liberty: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves...” (2 Cor 13:5)

A Little Smile...

...goes a long way. Even if it's an unseen smile. I had a moment of escape from the everyday routine of life today. Who would've thought it could be such a blessing to take five minutes away from everything, grab the cam, and shoot a couple pics of the flowers sitting on our kitchen table? Well, it most certainly was. I love yellow flowers anyway and the chance to capture and share them made me smile. Not to mention the freedom you feel from even a brief escape from the same ole Wednesday routine.

So here are some flowers to help brighten up your day. Be blessed in Jesus today friends.

*Edited with Soft Autumn Glow from The Coffee Shop Blog

Rick Warren's Center for Peace

Regardless of what Rick Warren says or attempts to set forth as a "new truth" for Christians, Islam and Christianity are not religious partners. This has been driving me crazy all day. Did you know that Time Magazine named this man: "America's Most Powerful Religious Leader" in 2008? Where is that powerful leadership taking many Christians? Right into the palm of deception! A "Center for Peace" between Christians and Muslims can never truly be because the Word of God brings persecution to true believers/disciples of Jesus Christ. This is our calling and in it many will be saved by the truth, but there will always be those who deny Jesus Christ and hate us for it. "Love" founded upon lies is not really love at all and can, most certainly, never be a replacement for the Truth, for love "does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth." (1 Cor 13:6 NASB)

For those who may be confused, swayed, or falling into these lies, this is what the Quran says about Jesus as the Son of God:

"And they say, 'The Most Merciful has taken [for Himself] a son.' You have done an atrocious thing. The heavens almost rupture therefrom and the earth splits open and the mountains collapse in devastation That they attribute to the Most Merciful a son. And it is not appropriate for the Most Merciful that He should take a son." (Sura 19:88-92) 

Could it get any more clear than that? Remember what the Bible says, especially of those who deny the Son and, henceforth, also deny the Father:

"Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also." 1 John 2:22-23 NASB

Jesus is and always will be the Son of God, fully God and fully man, crucified to take away the sins of the world. Alive forevermore! Please do not be fooled.

Delight Thyself in the Lord...

“Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Ps 37:4

I’ve heard this scripture presented a few ways, often referring to God fulfilling our fleshly desires. That seemed great as a new Christian, until God showed me the truth a couple years ago. Delight myself in Him and He will cause my desires to be of Him and His kingdom. That really brought a whole new perspective. As 2011 came to a close, this scripture was heavy on my mind. Mostly, because I could see all the changes God has made in me. The work of the Holy Ghost has been great in my life. I am so very thankful.

The onset of 2012 is exciting and I see all the hopes and resolutions going forth. I’ve seen a lot of “This is my year,” or “This is the year of my blessing, my abundance,” and even “the year of my victory,”—and victory is great. We are sons of God and we walk victoriously, but wow, there’s a lot of me, mine, and myself going on. Don’t get me wrong, victory is something to hope for and even to be confident in. That victory, however, might not come in the way you expect it. It might not be a great job, a new house, car or money in the bank. It might be in a way you never expected. It might be in a decline of materialism so your spirit may prosper. I encourage you to not shut out God’s will by holding too tightly to your own expectations or desires. Delight yourself in the Lord and trust that He has a perfect plan according to the Spirit not the flesh.

If your trials have been many—I know 2011 has been a doozy over here!—thank God He has brought you through and know this: There are only going to be more coming your way. Maybe not the New Year’s word most want to hear, but praise God for without the trying of your faith, you cannot come forth purified as gold in the fire!

Give up your own desires and delight yourself in Jesus so He can give you the desires of your heart.

On our long ride home from Columbus the other day, I was pondering the desires of my heart. Boy, how they have changed since only a couple years ago! The first time I realized how much God had changed me was when driving by a “coffee shop”—aka:  casino—and immediately I began to pray for those inside, for the bondages of sin and addiction to be broken. Kinda surprised myself…knowing full well it was only in Jesus that this prayer came forth! But more than what God has done in and through me in the past year, past month, or even yesterday, I desire more of Him and His kingdom for each new day. These are desires that are rooted deep in my heart for 2012:

--To speak more of God’s word out of the abundance of my heart and by the power of the Spirit.

--To see people REALLY come to know and experience Jesus, His love, and salvation.

--To prayer walk 7th street in downtown Parkersburg, to break every power of darkness over the strip clubs, bars and porn shops that wrench my spirit every time I drive by.

--To see people healed—I mean really healed by the power of God.

--To see deliverance from the bondages of sin and death.

--To see demons cast out.

--To be the vessel by which Jesus does these things and by which His true, pure love flows.

I am amazed at how much God has changed my heart. I can only believe these desires have been given to me by God because I could never even think too long about these things, let alone truly desire them.

So, I hope you’ll join me in more prayer today and every new day that God gives you, less self, more Jesus, and greater obedience to the will of the Father, forsaking your own desires and expectations of what's to come. Oh, and if your local and want to hook up to do some local Jesus work, let me know. It's a war and if we're not fighting, who will? :)

Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Family or Religion?

Religion or Family?

Most of us like to say “family” yet we get stuck in the ways and hindrances of religion. Heard a great message and wanted to share my notes on some of it. I highly recommend listening to the entire message (link below). It’s a great message for everyone—from the one running the church for years to the newbie in the back pew.

You can decide for yourself if you really want a family or if you are happy with the superficial religious organization that leaves us comfortable in our flesh, but spiritually drowning.

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Family in Christ and religion are quite different.

Religion lets you show up and leave and no one cares.

Religion lets you pretend you’re doing good when no one knows that you’re not.

Family means openness, honesty, accountability.

Family means walking together through good times and hard times and ugly times.

Part of being a family means learning to receive things you don’t deserve and learning to walk in things you have not earned.

There’s no going back, only forward. We have to jump in as family—family loves each other, forgives each other, and walks with each other through hard times and mistakes. We all have problems and mistakes. In religion, we learn how NOT to share those struggles. In religion, you can go to church and do great and no one will know anything about you. 

As Christians, we are not just setting a trend for prayer or hunger for God; we are setting an example of family. No one is higher than another in the kingdom of God. No calling is more important than another’s…just different. In family we don’t have to show off. We don’t have to be more important; we don’t have to be special because we’re all special. There’s a part of family that we all have to understand: you’re just as important as the preacher.

Learning how to live in family takes time and submitting to God’s Spirit. His grace allows us to grow as a family, where the ones who are struggling get swept up and caught with the ones who are strong. There are days you may do great and weeks you may struggle, but God’s love for you does not change.

It’s easier to sit under religion because then you don’t have to be mature. Becoming a family means maturity. It means dealing with yourself. It means a commitment to praying in the Holy Ghost. It means a commitment to meditating the Word, fasting and the tools we have to help us to overcome ourselves. It takes time and it takes love.

There’s so much we have to learn about family. God wants us to sit and get comfortable in His presence as a family. Being able to sit in His presence, to love our neighbor, to do no harm to our neighbor, to learn to receive from each other, and to appreciate each other is just as important as signs and wonders and miracles. If all we do is pursue miracles, we miss out on the good stuff—holiness, character, love. God doesn’t want us to self-destruct because of lack of character or holiness. He wants us to grow as a family.

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I got so much out of this message. More than I could even write down. You can listen to it here: http://www.daveroberson.org/Media/1172/GS111003B.mp3 (I recommend listening all the way to the end).

Praising the Lord!

I just gotta praise the Lord! We’ve been going through trial after trial it seems. One extended trial we’ve been stuck in for over a month now. A financial trial. I posted about it a couple weeks ago so you may have read it. Well, my husband still has not been paid. The last regular check he received was at the end of August and he’s supposed to be paid between the 3rd & 6th of each month. So here we are…beyond the sixth yet again…and still no deposit. But you know what? I am so happy right now it’s ridiculous. Sure, we have bills and a car payment and rent and so on like everybody else, but how can I worry about something that God already told me was going to happen? I mean really? Talking about it with someone earlier and the only thing I could say was, “All we can do is trust God.” That’s it. Plain & simple.

You know what the most amazing thing is? I feel like I had a glimpse of what Paul experienced – on a very small scale in comparison – but still. Knowing what was coming through the forewarning of the Spirit, saying “OK,” and making preparations. Then tonight-- after we just paid some bills that were due knowing that we have no idea when his money is coming--I was filled with so much JOY. Ha! Doesn’t that just sound like madness? I wish you could have experienced it. If I could share the feeling I totally would. I just wanted to laugh and shout and praise God because I know that it is through this trial that we are going to see God’s awesome power manifest. What a blessing! I remember praying a while back, “Lord let my life be a testimony of your goodness and power.” I saw something not long ago that said it’s the test that brings the testimony. Well…here it is! Maybe not the way we would have planned or wished upon ourselves, but nonetheless it’s here. Exactly according to His perfect will. How can I not praise Him?!?

My Testimony of How God's Ways/Thoughts Are So Beyond Ours

I want to share some things that have gone on in our lives since the New Year, but God has just allowed me to see the big picture.

About 6 mo ago (shortly after the New Year), God led me to start stocking up on food. I saw all the different viewpoints of this particular topic from Christians around the world:

Stocking up is fear-based (paranoia)
It contradicts when Jesus said, Take no thought for tomorrow…
If God says so, then do it.

These are all very different perspectives. Bringing it to Sam (my husband), it sounded a little “out there” to him, but he was open and willing to do whatever God was leading us to do. I still wasn’t sure…as sure as I felt I needed to be to know that I wasn’t just being a paranoid person. God then brought to my remembrance Joseph. Joseph, the son of Jacob, had been given instruction on how to PREPARE for the famine that had not yet come. Shortly after this, a similar topic came up in church and a brother confirmed God’s word for me—knowing nothing of all this. I knew now what God was showing me…even if no one else understood. But Lord? Is there a famine coming? I still wasn’t totally convinced—wavering, unbelief, doubt. I knew, but being thoroughly convinced to DO was different. How? Why? We always want to know why, don’t we?

Then I’m not exactly sure what happened. Life maybe. The thoughts faded and eventually were dismissed.

Two weeks ago God spoke to me and told me (the way He does) that we are going to go through a financial trial. My first thought? “I’m not claiming that one.” LOL! Regardless of my thoughts or desires, I knew what He said. I shared it with Sam and understood that it was time to start watching where every dollar went. Within a couple of days, we were notified that his paycheck (GI Bill) would take an additional 3 weeks to get to us because of mistakes on THEIR end. It was already a week behind and like everyone…we have bills to pay! A whole month without his primary source of income? Ordinarily, I might have freaked out a little, but God had forewarned me and I found much comfort in knowing that He already had it all worked out. As long as we stay close in obedience, everything will be fine. He will not leave us lacking what we need. I know my God, my Provider!

Right around this same time my neighbor kept coming and telling me of how she’s using coupons and saving so much money, even getting things for free at times. I would think, “that’s cool” and go on my way. Until finally one day, what she was saying sparked a great interest. I wanted to see for real what the buzz was all about. So Sam & I started that Sunday clipping coupons and making our store lists (honestly, not even thinking about our financial trial, but simply sharing in the excitement with our neighbor). Over the last week—through two Sunday papers—we have saved about $200 on our shopping trips. And! have been able to buy so much more that our deep freezer is full and we had to start storing food in the storage room behind our refrigerator.

Now, what do all these things have to do with one another? Last night while lying in bed I was able to see the big picture. Though He forewarned us of a financial trial (which I do believe we are only in the beginning of), He provided a way at the same time for us to save on necessities through it. I was thanking Him for this and THEN… I saw the WHOLE picture. What He was leading us to do six months ago was now coming to pass. We are stocking up on food and supplies. Amazing, isn’t it? If God wants to bring something to pass, He most certainly will!

I will not doubt or hold back on whatever God wants us to do this time. If what we do now can help my family or someone else's in the future, may God be glorified!

Father, bring Your will to pass. If our time of trial or suffering can be used to help other people, let it be Lord. I know that no matter what I think or understand, my own understanding is just a speck of sand on an eternal seashore. It’s Your wisdom and understanding I desire. Thank you Lord. May You alone be glorified! Amen.

Basement 2 Classroom Project

We are excited to announce the launch of our new donation website: Basement 2 Classroom Project. As we move forward in our Sunday school building project, we've decided to expand our fundraising to the internet.

Having exhausted the most common fundraising ideas: bake sales, car washes, product sales, etc., it's simply come down to, "You have not because you ask not." So, now we're asking. Help us spread the word. Share us on Facebook, link to our site, email family and friends.

The Basement 2 Classroom Project is a project worthwhile. Help us ensure our next generation of children is given an opportunity to continue to learn and grow in the Lord in a safe environment.

God bless!

This is what I hear today...

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Isaiah 1:4, 9-10, 16-20

Repentance. Too Harsh a Message?

My spirit is plagued by the thought that some people think the message of repentance is to too harsh a message—for this type of ministry, for that type of ministry, for any type of ministry. Jesus worked every type of ministry, from the religious folks, to the streets, to the demon-possessed, to the working class, you name it. In fact, John the Baptist, Jesus, all 12 disciples sent out 2x2, Peter and Paul all preached repentance in their ministries.

Repentance is too harsh a message? Isn’t that just what the enemy would have us all to believe? Without repentance there is no forgiveness and cleansing of sins. Without repentance there is no walking in the power of the Spirit. Without repentance we are separated from God because of our sins.

Repentance is too harsh a message? Did Jesus think so when He told the multitude it is better to cut off your hand or foot than to sin and go to hell? (Matt 5:30, Matt 18:8) People seem to have characterized Jesus as one who just went around hugging everyone into the kingdom. Um…hello! Have we read our Bibles? Jesus went around offending the masses. It wasn’t just the religious zealots He offended, which many choose to believe. At one point, He even offended His own followers—to the point that MANY of His disciples turned away from Him and followed Him no more. They said, “This is an hard saying, who can hear it?” (John 6:60) Did Jesus worry that the truth would be too hard for some? Absolutely not. In fact, He further pointed out to those that were offended, The flesh profits nothing (Jn 6:63). Jesus didn’t worry about offending people because He knew that there were those whose hearts had been prepared to receive the truth. We need to stop thinking it is us who are “winning” souls to the kingdom. Such arrogance! No one comes to Jesus unless the Father draws him (John 6:44, 6:65). It is God alone who opens hearts to receive Him, who opens ears to hear the truth. It is not our gentle words that woo people into “accepting” Jesus. This is a flesh-pleasing, numbers-counting mentality. True converts to Jesus Christ know they are wretched sinners who must repent of their sinful ways. Oh wait, but Jesus never preached “repent or perish” (as I’ve heard countless people tell me). Really? “…except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish.” So important that He said it twice…back to back (Lk 13:3, 5). What was the common message from Jesus to most of the seven churches in revelation? REPENT. Are we even reading the same Bibles?

Did Peter worry about being too harsh when he blatantly told the Jews: You killed the Prince of life, now repent? (Acts 3:16-19). Did Paul worry about being too harsh when he told the idolaters, God no longer winks at ignorance, now repent? (Acts 17:30). Why then are we a generation of Christians who fears that God’s truth is too harsh? Maybe if we’d stop worrying about making everybody feel OK about where they’re at, the rampage of sin and abomination would not be destroying this country. Maybe if we worried more about what God thought, then we would truly see families restored, bondages broken, freedom from oppression, miracles of lives TRULY changed to reflect the new creatures that we are in Christ Jesus. We would see disciples rise who know what holiness and humility are before the Lord, who know how to fight the spiritual battles with spiritual warfare, and how to stand firm in the Spirit of God until the end.

You know that repentance/repent is preached/written 42x in the New Testament. Why did Jesus come? Not why do we think He came, but why does HE say He came? To call the sinners to repentance (Matt 9:13, Mk 2:17, Lk 5:32). What does Jesus say should be preached to all nations? Repentance and remission of sins (Lk 24:47).

Some will tell you that addressing sin or pointing out the need for repentance is judgment or condemnation. That is foolishness. Don’t believe such a lie nor allow it to direct your path. If that is so, then Jesus judged and condemned everyone He preached to, for the Word tells us that from the start of His ministry, He preached repentance (Matt 4:17). This is love. That people can hear the truth and the truth can set them free.

People are going to be offended. That is the nature of the gospel. Jesus was killed for it; the disciples were beaten, cast away from society, murdered for it. Christians today are mocked, humiliated, tortured, and murdered for it. Either you are a true follower of Jesus Christ and accept that our place is not in accordance with this world or you are not. We don’t get to choose what truth is OK (or gentle enough to preach) and what isn’t. God’s word is God’s word.

So, the next time you go to share Jesus with someone and hesitate when the thought of repentance comes, remember exactly what it is you are denying: the very essence of the gospel message.

Israel's Blindness = Our Salvation

Take heed Christians. Has God cast away His children Israel? God forbid. Their fall, their blindness, has come in part that WE might be saved—so the world could obtain salvation through Jesus Christ and know the riches of His glory.

If we were grafted in to the family of God through Jesus Christ, how much more shall he receive back the natural branches? There is a remnant prepared to enter in according to the election of grace. Their time is not yet, but until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Then shall their eyes be opened and behold the glory of their Savior! Hallelujah!

Boast not against the children of Israel, for if God spared not them—the natural branches—He should also not spare us. He is no respecter of persons and will reward every man accordingly. In the days that we now live and the events that are unfolding, we must know where we stand. Choose not to stand against God’s people or His perfect plan. Let your heart not be lifted up against any, for a haughty spirit certainly comes before a fall and pride before destruction. You don’t have to know the politics of it, just know that God’s ways are perfect and His word is true (Romans Ch 10 & 11).

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Rom 11:33-36

God is Pleading, Are you Listening?

God is pleading with His people. Repent. Why will you choose to die when you can live? He has given us the way. He has shown us two ends to every decision we make. God is not a liar, yet His mercy endures and is new every day. Now is the day of salvation. Some say God is this or God is that, but He is exactly what His Word says - nothing less, nothing more. Praise God for His truth and the sacrifice of Jesus that brings us into a perfect relationship with Him, if we would only turn away from those things that hold us back.

Ezekiel 18:23-32 KJV
"Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. Yet ye say, The way of the LORD is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal? When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the LORD is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."

Ezekiel 18:23-32 NLT

"Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins. Yet you say, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what’s right, or is it you? When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die. And yet the people of Israel keep saying, ‘The Lord isn’t doing what’s right!’ O people of Israel, it is you who are not doing what’s right, not I. Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!

Jesus Sobbed

“Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” Heb 5:7-10

Jesus sobbed and sweat blood and agonized (Lk 22:44) at the thought of the torturous death that was about to come upon Him. Yet He moved forward—not my will, but thine be done. Learning, it says, obedience through His sufferings.
How can we ever complain about our suffering in this world? Or feel justified to say that because we are “sons and daughters of the Most High God” we don’t have to suffer in this life? Or somehow actually believe that we are above suffering, that those who suffer must not be walking right with God? How can we read His word not be wrenched with heart pain knowing the reality of not only the physical torment Jesus went through for us, but the emotional and spiritual as well?

Yet through it all, He was made perfect, the author of eternal salvation. For whom? All them that obey Him.

Holy Father, forgive us who often think that we are above suffering, that we are here simply to be blessed with a life of earthly pleasures. Change our hearts Lord. Help us to see Your truths—not the world’s truths, manmade truths. Let us count it joy in suffering, for then we know we are counted worthy of You. Father forgive us our pride, forgive us our selfish desires, our fleshly lusts, all those things that prevent us from truly following You with all our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. Open our eyes, enlighten our understanding, until we can see Your reality for us in this world. Holy Jesus, I praise You and thank You and surrender before You all that I am. We forget, we’ve taken for granted all that You went through, the depths of agony that You suffered for us. Remind us Lord. Prick our hearts to repent of this world we’ve allowed to infiltrate our hearts and minds. We give You alone all glory and honor for there is NONE OTHER worthy. In Jesus holy name, Amen.

Faith

“When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” (John 6:5-7)

Do we honestly believe that Jesus had to ask Phillip for advice on how to handle this particular situation? Do we think He really needed to send the disciples on a scavenger hunt to see what was available from the people (Mark 6:38)? The moment Jesus lifted up His eyes, He could have spoken one word and have manna fall from heaven or fishes wash up on the shore.

Sometimes, however, God may look at us and say, “What now?” He may let us get down to our “two hundred” which “is not sufficient” as far as we can see. He may even let us get down to our last five loaves and two small fishes, but He is always more than able. As Jesus was proving Philip in this moment, so He allows our faith to be tested. In what looks like a dire moment of need, Jesus may be asking, “Do you believe I am able?”

Give thanks for what you do have, move forward as God directs, stand fast in your faith that He is MORE than able, and watch God bless your faith to not only meet your every need, but to overflow upon those around you.

“And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained OVER AND ABOVE unto them that had eaten.” (John 6:11-13)

More & More I'm Learning...

More and more I'm learning…

All who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution. We must endure with all long-suffering, continuing in the Word for it is the bread of life; it is the end-all for us to learn, teach, rebuke, exhort, and live.

We must not give up but endure the afflictions, persecutions, attacks of the enemy. Even Jesus was mocked to scorn on his way to raise Jairus’s daughter from death. We war not against flesh and blood. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord shall deliver him out of them all.

Stay away from useless debates—these profit the body nothing. Share the word, the truth, then move on from those who refuse to hear, for they that are whole need not a physician. Jesus came not to call the righteous but the sinners to repentance. Every man is right in his own eyes. If he turns a deaf ear to the truth, dust off your feet. The word sent forth will accomplish that which the Lord has purposed.

Be obedient to the Spirit, always following His lead. Be mindful of the presence of the Lord. There are some areas that are not for you to minister until the appointed time, if at all.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Continue to pray for all men, especially those of the faith who are standing against the enemy in these perilous times. You have heard that evil will wax worse and worse, and the love of many will wax cold. Prepare your heart; be founded on the Word of God, which is the only truth, the only authority in your life.

Guard your heart and mind against the enemy—maintain the full armor of God, grow in faith and charity. Do not walk in fear, for the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

Trust in the name of Jesus—the only name by which men can be saved. Share the gospel truth with all the Lord places in your path. Avoid pointless disputing and all those who seek to cause division. Work unto edification of the body. Exhort with all truth and love. Let not your good be evil spoken of. The Lord is your shepherd; find rest in His presence, abide under His shadow and He shall lift you above the darkness so that His name will be glorified.

Seek not the praise of men and walk not in the counsel of the ungodly. Walk worthy of your holy calling and wait upon the Lord. He will order your steps and lead you on paths of righteousness, and unto good works, in which He before ordained that you should walk.

Dwell with those who call upon the Lord with a pure heart, for it is the pure in heart who shall see God. Remember mercy, forgiveness and love.

Keep your mind stayed upon the Lord—seeking His kingdom first—and He will keep you in perfect peace and provision. Let not your heart be troubled. Though the enemies be many, the Lord has defeated them all.

It is written: It is finished.

Take Heed

My heart breaks at the thought of ALL that Jesus did for us and the so many who just take it for granted. Never choosing to come to the FULL knowledge of the truth because they refuse to open their Bibles, they close off their ears when the truth is spoken, they deny the very LIFE that is in Christ Jesus by serving a world swallowed up in DEATH. When they do see or hear, they dismiss it (truth) as inconsequential to their lives, refusing to listen to the Spirit that speaks to their hearts.

So many would rather just name the name of Christ—as if for personal benefit—yet not depart from iniquity. This saddens me, it angers me. Is God a liar? Does He not hate sin? Does He not despise evil? Will He not pour out His wrath upon all who are against Him in the end? Jesus says, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt 12:30). Why do we toy with the Almighty? Why do we play games with our salvation, with our eternity?

We must depart from evil and seek to not fall—purpose in ourselves, in our minds, that we will stand, that we will endure! Then when the moments of testing come, we can call upon the Lord to raise us up above the darkness and calamity, so we will not fall to the wayside or veer from the narrow path. “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).

The Lord Jesus is our Redeemer and our Savior, but He is also THE WORD OF GOD. There is no separation. If we love Him, we love the Word. If we accept Him, we accept the Word. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matt 15:8). We cannot be like the hypocrites who loved the words that came from their own mouths more than they loved God Himself. We MUST draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. Time is short. The Lord calls upon us to watch and pray, to return to our first love, and to look up for our redemption draweth nigh!

Commune With God

Last night, while sitting in the living room getting ready to read Psalms, I felt like I should just go to my room and read. My husband had a movie on (I’m usually pretty good at tuning things out), the kids were still up, and I was desiring alone time with God.

I had a pretty rough week – on a number of levels. Struggling with issues with my kids at church that I really just want God to take care of, trying to focus on the unity of the Spirit. You know how the enemy loves to run rampant when we give him room in these areas! The baby had been sick all week, so I missed both Wed and Sun church. Feeling the weight of the burdens of everyday life – raising our teenage nephew, kids, home, work, church commitments, ministry work. I was having a hard time staying prayed up and motivated to “dig deeper” each day. If you’ve ever had an oppressive spirit come against you, you know what I mean. To top it off, I was letting distractions keep me in that place – house cleaning, movies, people, shopping, etc. Anything to keep me busy. Too busy for God is what it came down to. In one week I had become spiritually weak and tired of fighting the battles.

With all this consuming me, my heart was longing for alone time with Jesus—His calling unto me, I’m sure. Yet, there I sat, on the couch in the living room next to my husband. I opened my Bible to Psalm 4 and this is what I read:

“Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” v 1-4

Commune…upon your bed…and be still.

Thank you Lord! That was the push I needed. Off I went with my Bible in hand, to lock myself in my room, sit upon my bed, be still, and commune with my Jesus.

What a glorious communion it was! To cry out to Him, to repent of where I’d been rebellious, to seek His strength, and feel His loving arms wrapped around me, telling me: You are not enduring alone. I will never leave you or forsake you. Lay your burdens at My feet. Cast all your cares on Me, for I care for you.

Not only my Rock and my Salvation, but my Strength and my Shield. After who knows how long and some tear-soaked tissues later, the heaviness was lifted and I found myself back in the joy of His presence.

When was the last time you locked yourself away to simply commune with Jesus? To give yourself the OK to cry to Him and be weak before Him?

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Ps 51:17

If it’s been a while, I encourage you to set aside the cares of this world and follow the gentle leading of His Spirit. Allow Him to fill you with all the love and peace and joy and strength that He is. ♥