How Does the Thief Fit into Salvation Theology?

Good question! How does the thief on the cross fit into theology? Not "my" theology or "your" theology,  but let's take a Biblical look at it....

We find the account of the conversation between Jesus and the 2 thieves recorded in Matthew 27:33-44 + Mark 15:22-32 + Luke 23: 32-43.  

Jesus is being reviled and mocked as He hung writhing in agony on the cruel cross of Calvary.  On one side hung a thief worthy of death.  Despite his agony, he joined in the mockery. 

On the other side hung the other thief who realized they were deserving of death. He rebuked the other thief for his mockery and for lack of proper fear toward God.  He knew they were getting ready to meet their Maker and give account for all their sins. He had a healthy fear of God as he humbly asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His Kingdom.  

Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise."

At this point,  they are still under the Old Testament dispensation of Law where atonement for sin still came through the sacrifice of a spotless lamb.  JESUS offered Himself as the spotless Lamb that day and made atonement for that man's sins. 

So, is that all we need to do as well?

Jesus was crucified in Mark 15. He resurrected in Mark 16.  After Jesus rose from the grave, He appeared to the Disciples and continued to teach and expound Scripture.  

He instructed them to GO into all the world and PREACH THE GOSPEL.  (Mk 16:15)

Then He taught: he that BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved. But he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mk 16:16)

JESUS instructed that we must not only believe but we must also be baptized in order to be saved.  Peter (taught by Jesus) also taught that baptism doth also now save us (1 Peter 3:21) and commanded all to repent and be baptized EVERY ONE in the Name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). 

Jesus continued teaching the Disciples in Mark 16 verse 17... THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE...they SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES...

Jesus taught AFTER His resurrection (1) we must believe (2) we must be baptized in order to be saved (3) signs should follow every believer including speaking with new tongues (receiving the Holy Ghost) which Peter preached as well on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38-39).

The thief on the cross was saved under the old Testament dispensation of law.  

We are now in the New Testament Church dispensation which began on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was first poured out.  

We are now commanded to repent of our sins, be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 10:48), and we shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in new tongues. (Acts 2:38-39)

Jesus taught it to His Disciples who then taught it to every one they came in contact with.  

The Bible says if we don't have the Spirit of Christ in us, we are none of His. (Romans 8:9) We don't belong to Him. We're not His child if His Spirit is not in us. We need Christ's Spirit residing in us.  Don't let the devil deceive you out of receiving the greatest Gift...the Holy Ghost! It's for you and to as many as the Lord our God shall call.  

For further study or questions, you can read more by following this link or contact us.  

http://ministering4christ.blogspot.com/2020/07/what-must-i-do-to-be-saved.html?m=1

http://ministering4christ.blogspot.com/2022/01/have-you-received-holy-ghost.html?m=1

Do you fear dying?

 

Do you fear death? Does the thought of it bring terror and anxiety to your heart and mind? It shouldn't be that way if you are Born Again. For to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8).

Fear of dying is bondage. The devil used to have the power of death until Jesus took it from him.  Jesus made a way of salvation so that we don't have to fear death or dying any more.  

To make sure of your salvation,  follow Peter's instructions in Acts 2:38-39 which all the Apostles supported and taught as well.

REPENT, and BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins, and ye SHALL receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.

The Holy Ghost will give comfort and peace. 

Don't Neglect This Great Salvation

Hebrews 2:3 

How shall we escape,  if we neglect so great salvation...?

Neglect means to treat carelessly; make light of.

The Apostle Paul warned, "How shall we escape if we treat our salvation carelessly or make light of it?"

How do we treat it carelessly?

• Prayerlessness or very little of it
• Not much Bible reading if any
• Reading the Bible out of duty but not really absorbing what God's Word is saying to us
• Little or no fasting 
• Most of your time is spent fulfilling your own pleasures and desires
• Church attendance is neglected and thought unnecessary 
• If Church is attended, it is out of a sense of duty or obligation rather than a sincere desire to gather with other saints to worship Jesus together.  You can't wait for Church to be over so you can go out to eat or to the lake or maybe just wanting to be home. 

These are what Paul was warning against.  They are signs a person is growing lukewarm or cold in their spirit. 

Don't neglect this great salvation.  Stoke the embers of your soul through more prayer, more Bible reading,  more fasting,  more Church attendance until those embers are a blazing fire of the Holy Ghost within once again.  

Jesus didn't treat the cruel cross of Calvary carelessly concerning us.  We shouldn't treat the salvation He offered us nor our walk with Him carelessly either. 

Take time to do some soul searching and make sure you're not neglecting or treating your salvation lightly.   

Good Vibes vs Prayer

 I've been seeing a trend among Christians that is confusing me. 

Someone asks for prayer or posts a crisis that their family is going through.

Some will respond with "praying 🙏"
Others will respond with "sending positive thoughts" or "good vibes"

Some will go so far as to ask people to send them "positive vibes " or "positive thoughts"

How is that supposed to help?

As Christians, we know is the only thing that will help in the time of need is PRAYER.

It is the EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER of the Righteous that avails much! (James 5:16) It is through active intense prayer that you will see the answers come. Not through good vibes or thoughts.

Good vibes and thoughts are the world's way of leaving God out of the situation as if YOU can bring healing and answers rather than GOD.

Don't fall for the devil's tactics. Good vibes and thoughts won't help you.
But Jesus can and will if you look to Him. 🙌

(Posted on Fb April 16, 2021)

Let Jesus Heal You

So many are focusing on mental health awarenness when the main focus needs to be on spiritual health awareness. 

So many are focusing on talking to a counselor instead of directing people to the Wonderful Counselor. (Isaiah 9:6)

So many are directing others to a pill to mask the pain instead of directing them to the Healer of the Brokenhearted. (Luke 4:18)

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus - Phl 2:5

We are instructed to have the mind of Christ...to think how Jesus thinks. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. (Isaiah 53:3) Jesus knows all about heartache and sorrows. Sorrows will come in this life, but Jesus gives us hope and deliverance to rise out of depression.

Jesus came to preach good tidings unto the meek (meek means depressed in mind). He came to bind up the Brokenhearted (crushed in heart). He came to proclaim liberty to the captives and to open the prison doors of those whose minds are bound. Jesus wants to give you the oil of joy instead of mourning. And the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness.

Come, let Jesus heal your heart and mind. 

(Posted on FB 10-24-21)

The devil is not afraid to come to church or say the name Jesus

 The devil is not afraid to go to church.  

Jesus was at the end of a 40-day fast when the devil came tempting Him, trying to make Him sin. (Luke 4:1-13).

The first place we find Jesus went after that was to church. But the people in Nazareth became angry at His words and kicked Him out. (Luke 4:16-30)

That didn't stop Jesus.  He left there and went to church in Galilee. Walking into the synagogue, he found a man hanging out inside that had an unclean (foul) devil. (Luke 4:33-37)

The Bible doesn't indicate what the devil possessed man was doing there. Was he causing trouble? Was he disrupting the worship or prayers? Perhaps the foul spirit was just quietly watching and observing, knowing he had some of those there bound as well. I have to wonder if anyone there even discerned and realized that the man was bound by an evil spirit? Was the man there wishing someone would see and set him free?

Jesus saw and knew!  I believe Jesus showed up with purpose! He had just been in Nazareth and taught that He was there to 'preach deliverance to the captives' (Luke 4:18).  And now He comes to where a man is being held captive by a foul spirit.

That foul spirit knew why Jesus was there and began to cry out to leave them alone. That devil said, "I know who You are!" After the encounter in the wilderness, the devils knew who Jesus is! Jesus silenced that foul spirit and commanded it to come out of the man. That foul spirit had to obey!

How many times have there been those that come to our Church services bound and we don't recognize or discern it? We recognize those bound by alcohol or drugs. What about those bound by nicotine? And too often we tend to just excuse poor behavior away or may even label the person as having a mental illness.  People are bound and yet we're not discerning it as we should.  

The devil is not afraid to come to church or say the name Jesus!

I have heard a woman possessed by devils say the name Jesus. That is why we must be discerning and full of the Holy Ghost. It takes more than just saying the name of Jesus to set the captives free.  We must walk in the power and authority of the Holy Ghost! 

Some of those bound are our loved ones or close friends. The devil has had them too long! It's past time for the Church to arise and take back what the enemy has stolen! We will see the victory and we will see the captives set free through the Blood of Jesus,  the power of His Holy Name Jesus,  and by the authority in the Holy Ghost! 

The devils know who Jesus is! They knew who Paul was! Do they know who you are? 

Jesus gave His Apostles power and authority over all devils.  (Luke 9:1) He's given that same power to those of us who have His Spirit in us. (Acts 1:8) Jesus promised these signs shall follow them that believe (Matk 16:17-18)

Are you walking in the power and authority of the Holy Ghost?

A study on Nehemiah 9

Today's Bible reading was from the book of Nehemiah chapter 9. 

The people of Israel dedicated a time of fasting and repentance.  They confessed their sins and the sins of the generations before them (today, some would gasp and call that judging.  Back then, it was being honest and humble before God asking for His mercy and forgiveness).  

Confession is good for the soul.  It helps reveal some ways in us that needs to change.  The people of Israel came to see that as they made confession before God.  

Throughout that chapter we see a repeated pattern.

They rebelled (vs 16-17)

God had mercy and didn't forsake them (vs 17)

They rebelled again (vs 18)

God had mercy again, didn't forsake them, and provided for them (vs 19-25)

But they rebelled again and killed the prophets who were sent to warn (vs 26)

This time God issued consequences and punished their rebellion by sending them into captivity (vs27)

But once again God had mercy when they cried unto Him and sent deliverers (vs 27)

How quickly they forgot and rebelled against the Lord again (vs 28) 

So God again issued consequences and punished their rebellious ways and left them in the hand of their enemy (vs 28)

And once again God had compassion and mercy when they turned back to Him.  Many times He delivered them despite their rebellion (vs 28)

Yet again we see in verse 29 that they rebelled again, not listening to God or His Word.

Many years God was merciful time and again (vs 30)

Yet many times, over and over again,  they would not listen and rebelled (vs 30)

God again had to punish them and issue consequences for their rebellion (vs 30)

Nevertheless,  God was merciful again and did not allow them to be destroyed (vs 31)

Reading that account, you would scratch your head and wonder why they didn't learn. But how many times have we done the same thing with God?

The chastening of the Lord is not pleasant, but it is necessary just as a loving parent uses correction to redirect bad behavior.  

If the Lord corrects you, know that it's because He loves you. 

Hebrews 12:6-11  KJV

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Correction is not pleasant or joyous at the time it is received, but I thank God for His correction and His mercy.  It reveals that He loves us and helps to keep us on the right path  IF we obey His voice and don't harden our hearts in rebellion as the children of Israel did. 

Rebellion and sin make you captive and a slave to unclean spirits.  The children of Israel came to realize that.... 

Neh 9:37 - ....because of our sins: they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in distress.

While their captivity was literal,  it is also a typology of what happens when we allow sin to reign over us. 

Romans 6:16 - Know ye not that to whom he yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Romans 6:12-14  - Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lust thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourself unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you!

I don't want sin to have dominion over me. I'm sure you do not want it for you either. The wages of sin is death (vs 23). Rebellion and disobedience open the doors for sin to rule our mortal bodies.  It's better to obey God and listen to the instructions of the Ministers of God as they lead and direct us in the paths of righteousness. 

Are you marked by God?

Are you marked by God?

The Book of Remembrance

 

Is your name written in the Book of Remembrance?

Ministers Must Know & Teach God's Law

 Malachi 2

7) For the priest's lips should keep knowledge,  and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. 

9) Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people,  according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

17) Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied Him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delighted in them....

Ministers of the Word have a serious responsibility to study the Word of God thoroughly, dig deep, and seek to understand God's laws and ways. Ministers are the messenger of the Lord. 

As the messenger of the Lord, ministers are responsible for warning against sin and admonishing/directing in the paths of righteousness,  even if a person doesn't want to hear.

A minister can not be partial concerning God's Word and Law, excusing away sin or making someone feel saved and ok in the eyes of God when they are doing something contrary to God's Word. 

A minister can not comfort a person saying God delights in them and will bless them when they are doing something contrary to God's Law. 

A minister has a responsibility from God to speak the Truth and warn against sin.  Someone's eternity is depending on it.  A person may get angry and upset but at least they can never say no one warned them nor will their blood be required at the minister's hands. (Ezekiel 33:1-11)

A minister must seek out, know,  and teach others the difference between right and wrong, what is sin and what is righteous,  and they must teach the difference between the holy and the profane.

Ezekiel 22:26 - Her priests have violated My law, and have profane Mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane,  neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean,  and have hid their eyes from My sabbath's, and I am profane among them. 

Ezekiel 44:23 - And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane,  and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 

While God is loving,  no sin can enter there.  We must get sin out of our lives and ministers have the responsibility to warn us against what grieves the heart of God.

Malachi 3:5 -  And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers,  and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hirelings in his wages, the widow,  and the fatherless,  and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me, saith the LORD of hosts. 

We are living in a time when people believe they can continue in sin and yet still make heaven their home.  That is one of the devil's greatest lies!  Paul warned against this deception in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10...

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall NOT inherit the Kingdom of God? BE NOT DECEIVED: neither fornicators,  nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,  nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  nor thieves, nor covetous,  nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. 

Those that do such things will not be saved. But the good news is that it's not too late to repent and turn from sin. It's not too late to correct the course from the path of destruction on to the straight and narrow way that leads to life eternal.  

But ministers, how will they know unless you teach them?  

God did not call you to cater to the people's preferences. He called you to preach the Word, without fear or favor of men. Speak the Word boldly without fear (Phil 1:14) for it is only God whom you must fear for He is the One you will give account to.

We are in the Endtime hours. There are many who are heaping to themselves teachers that preach cute motivational messages that make them feel warm and fuzzy inside but are not leading them to an altar of repentance.  

They are turning away their ears from the Truth and don't want to receive it becauseit wouldrequire repentance and change from them.  They get angry and rail against those who still preach and hold strong to sound doctrine.  Social media makes it too easy to do that publicly.  They have no fear of God in them. But keep preaching anyway!  

Too many have watered down the message so as not to offend.  That watered down message is not going to bring true conversion and change. Yes, you preach it in love, but sincere love for souls will not stay silent when they see they are heading down the wrong path toward a place prepared for the devil and his angels.  Sincere love will reach with compassion on some, but others must be reached for with urgency and fervently trying to pull them out of the fires of hell before it's eternally too late (Jude 1:22-23). 

Bro T.W. Barnes said it so wisely many years ago.....

"It's time to stop preaching what we think
And preach what the Bible says.
It's time to stop preaching what we feel.
Sometimes we feel wrong about things.
Preach the Word."

Souls are depending on it. 

Examine your heart

11-3-2017
As we all know, the first step in salvation is repentance (after believing). This is also the first step in drawing closer to God. Paul said, "...I die DAILY!" (1 Cor 15:31) Even Paul, the most renown of the apostles, had to repent daily. You may think, "But I can't think of any sins I've committed." Perhaps you haven't, but dig deeper, look a little harder, and ask God to search your inward being and reveal anything, any sin that needs to be cleaned out of your life.

Psa 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Examine your heart....is there jealousy? hate? unforgiveness? Were we grouchy with someone today? (Counts even if it was being grouchy with the kids) Were we angry about something? Did we gossip? Backbite? Yell at someone who cut us off while driving? Did we retaliate against someone who said something mean/hateful against us or about us? It's so easy to retaliate with, "Oh, yeah.....!!!" then justify it with, "Well, they deserved it!" Would Jesus agree?

Perhaps it's not sins you've committed but things you've omitted. In the hustle and bustle of everyday hurrying and scurrying, have you only been giving God microwave prayers? Or perhaps just a quick "love you, Jesus!" as we hurry out the door...barely a "snack" to satisfy His yearning for us to spend time with Him?

Has Bible reading become obscure? You've rushed through your day without so much as grabbing a morsel from the Bread of Life and now it's time for bed and you're so tired you fall asleep thinking "I'll catch up on my Bible reading tomorrow." We need to look at Bible reading and prayer as we do our daily food - determine in your mind "I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT!"

Perhaps the omitted sin is missed opportunities to witness or share the love of Jesus with someone who really needed to hear it that day. Take notice of the people around you. Ask God to make you sensitive to what His Spirit is trying to say through you to the waitress/waiter at the restaurant, the cashier at the store/gas station, the people you are passing as you're doing your grocery shopping, etc.

Whatever the committed or omitted sin is, repent daily and ask God for fresh wisdom, guidance, and direction for that day.

The Old Paths

 2-13-20

I'm so thankful for men of God who still stand and hold to the old paths (my husband being one). It's not that they're "not with the times" but they see the dangerous path which these trends are leading away from God and godliness. These men love and care deeply for your souls....that's why they hold so tightly to the old paths.

I feel such conviction within me when i see pictures from other countries. People in the Philippines are so hungry for God that they'll WALK 3 HOURS to catch a ride for another hour or more sandwiched in cattle trucks.

They're not requiring coffee stations in the vestibule, the best music, polished preaching, etc. They're just hungry....for Jesus.

People in China are being beaten and having their legs broken because they serve Jesus.

We're spoiled in America. Jesus, help us to get our focus back where it needs to be.

Everything that can be shaken will be shaken

 Posted 1_7_21

"Everything that can be shaken will be shaken "

These words came clearly to me in March 2020 as I woke. I didn't post it then, but have heard others say the same several times since.

So much has happened and is still happening that is shaking our nation, our world, people, and their faith over the last year and then yesterday's events.

No matter what happens, not matter what transpires, keep your eyes on Jesus. HE is the only hope and HIS WILL will be done. Trust Him whichever way it goes.

Our hope is not in man or government but in the Savior of the whole earth, Jesus Christ.

Have you received the Holy Ghost?

 The Bible says in Romans 8:9 that "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His." 

Jesus Himself taught Nicodemus in John 3 that a person must be BORN AGAIN of water (Baptism) and of Spirit (Holy Ghost) or you cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paul met certain Disciples of Jesus in Ephesus in Acts 19 Yet he asked them "have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" They were following Jesus as much as they knew how according to what John the Baptist had taught them. but Paul expounded the scriptures more fully to them. he explained that they needed to be baptized in the name of Jesus and after they were baptized he laid hands on them and they received the gift of the Holy Ghost and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

Those disciples loved Jesus and wanted to serve Him but Paul led them to understand that Jesus had more for them to receive after they believed....The precious Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Peter responded when asked "what must we do?" He said repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38-39

How wonderful to know Jesus loves us that much ❤ Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?

Fb 2-12-21

False Prophets

 Jesus warned of false prophets. Jeremiah had to contend with people believing them over him becausethey spoke blessings and protection while Jeremiah warned of impending doom.

Read most of Jeremiah 23...especially verses 16-17, 21-22, 25, 26, 30-32

30 therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words everyone from his neighbor.
31 behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith,
32 behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord.

Vs 22 reveals to us that if the prophet had prophesied what God was truly saying to His people (now, the Church) then the people would have turned away from their evil ways and stopped sinning but the words of peace and safety give them a false sense of security that 'God loved them no matter what. He wasn't angry. He didn't look at what they were doing as sin and would protect them no matter what they were doing'

More Scriptures....
Jer 14:13 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.
Jer 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
Jer 14:15 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.
Jer 14:16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Sadly, I've experienced this. There were several words of 'prophecy ' spoke over my first husband and I of things God was going to do through us but never nor will ever be able to come to pass since he passed away over 10 years ago. I believe the people were well meaning and perhaps speaking in faith and hope knowing our burden and desire, but it needs to be said as such and not 'thus saith the Lord'. The Bible warns against speaking things as if from God when it is not Him speaking. (Jer 29:8-9)

There have been a lot of 'prophecies' floating around, especially the past couple of years. (I'm not referring to conspiracy theories but those who say 'the Lord says...' ) Prayerfully weigh out what you hear and try the spirits to see if it be of God, not just follow and believe because it sounds good and is what you want to hear. The Bible warns of many false prophets in the Last Days. Jeremiah dealt with it in his day as well. Time will and has revealed truth on some of it. 

Bible prophesy will be fulfilled at some point. I believe we are currently seeing it unfold. In the meantime, pray for our nation and keep trying to reach the lost. That's our main commission from Jesus. There's only one man who can save us and that is the One who already gave His life for our Redemption...Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Posted on fb 2-12-21

Duty or Love?

Malachi 1:12-13 kjv

12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.

13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord.

Are you weary with going to Church?

Are you glad when Church services are cancelled? Yet you go to restaurants and stores during that time when you would normally be in Church?

Do you reluctantly go out of duty? But not out of the sincere love and reverence for the Most High?

Are you offering Him your best and your all? Or mediocre leftovers and half hearted worship?

These are warning signs you have grown lukewarm or cold in your walk with God.

Stoke and rekindle those fires once again as you get the prayer wheels turning.  Stir up the Gift of the Holy Ghost within.   We're in the home stretch. Don't lose out now. 

Sometimes The Best Things In Life ARE Free

 Sometimes the best things in life are free.

Money and material things don't equal happiness (consider the singers, actors, etc who have died from suicide or drug overdose because of depression)

Time spent with family or enjoying the beauty of a sunset are more important and can bring more happiness then "stuff".  

So enjoy the moments with family, enjoy the beauty of God's creation, and most importantly put God first in every area of your life.  

True happiness can't be bought.

(First posted on fb 1-20-19)

Will You Be The One?

How many miss the old time prayer rooms and altars where you could hear the travail and cries unto God clear out in the parking lot and sometimes down the street?

Many miss it but how many that say they miss it are early to pre-service prayer and shaking the rafters with those fervent prayers? And having daily prayer meetings in their home that touches Heaven's Throne and shakes the gates of hell?

It can start with just one but it takes everyone uniting in fervent prayer to see the bands of wickedness loosed and chains fall off.  Will you be that one?

How many miss the prophets of old that would read your mail?  They are not the same as the ones who tickle your ear while telling your fortune and promising prosperity. A true prophet will not tell you what you want to hear; they will tell you what God wants you to hear whether it be a compliment or a rebuke. 

Of those that miss the old time prophets,  how many are trying to hear God's voice not just through daily prayer and Bible reading but are also sacrificing and denying the flesh often through fasting?

We reminisce about the old time miracles of healing.  I have experienced them myself and reminisce as well.  But why are we not seeing all this like we used to? Could it be that we're expecting someone else to rise up and be the one instead of looking in the mirror and thinking perhaps I am the one that God wants to use and is waiting on?

I'm talking to myself, too. God wants to use everyone who has His Spirit (the Holy Ghost) but it takes sacrifice and consecration.  

Will you be the one who allows God to use you? 

Are you willing to pay the price to become the man or woman of God that He can work through and use?

God is looking for willing vessels.  Will you be the one?

Christians and politics

 

Prepare, Seek, Do, Teach

 Are you an Ezra?

Are you preparing your heart to hear what God is saying?

Are you seeking to know God's laws?

Are you doing what God instructs?

Are you teaching others His Word and ways?

Are you on the right path?

 Enter ye in at the STRAIT gate:

Strait (Strong's Gr4728) meaning = narrow (from obstacles standing close about) 

For WIDE is the gate, 

(Strong's Gr4116) meaning = spread out flat

and BROAD is the way, 

(Strong's Gr2149) meaning = spacious

that leadeth to destruction,

and MANY there be which go in thereat:

Because STRAIT is the gate,

And NARROW is the way, 

(Strong's Gr2346) meaning = to crowd, afflict, suffer tribulation, trouble

which leadeth unto LIFE,

and FEW there be that find it. 

Make sure you're on the right path. The easy path leads to eternal destruction. Living for Jesus isn't going to be easy, you'll endure tribulations and hardships,  but it's going to be worth it in the end.

Be Separate

There must be a separation between the holy and the unholy. Holiness matters.

Is it important to study Endtime prophecies?

 Is it important to read and study what is to come?

BLESSED is he that READETH, and they that HEAR the words of this prophecy, and KEEP those things that are written therein.  Rev 1:3

Keep means to watch/keep an eye upon.

Yes, we need to read, listen, and keep an eye upon what the Scriptures reveal so that day does not come upon us unaware. Otherwise,  it will come as a snare ( a trap/trick/temptation)    Luke 21:34-35

ALL Scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable (2 Tim 3:16)

Because he prayed....Daniel

Can you imagine what the outcome would have been if Daniel hadn't been a man of prayer?

 

Because they prayed....3 Hebrew boys

 

 

I Will Not Defile Myself

 Many are excusing away drinking,  saying there is nothing wrong with it.  Yet Daniel recognized the danger and chose not to defile himself with intoxicating drink. 

*The difference between the profane and the holy. There must be a separation!

*I will not defile myself!

A True Prophet Will Warn

 Jeremiah 23:21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

22 But IF they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, THEN they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

A true prophet will warn, not just tickle your ears. 

Jesus warned against false prophets.  Be careful who you're listening to.  TRY the spirits to see if the are from God. But you won't be able to discern or tell if you are not consistently praying and have a relationship with God. 

Because They Prayed...

I have been trying to teach my Sunday school class the importance of prayer and Bible reading. So I issued them the challenge to read at least three Bible verses per day and to pray everyday. Then have their parent or Guardian initial it. When they bring it back in one week they would receive a prize in the effort to encourage these children to pray and develop a relationship with God.

The Bible passage we read last night at church was Psalm 30:1-3. After we read it, I explained what David was praying. He was thanking God that his enemies had not triumphed over him or killed him. One of his enemies was King Saul who had become jealous that the people were applauding and singing songs about David killing Goliath.

David was only able to defeat Goliath and save all of Israel because he prayed. He had developed a relationship with God from a child while watching his father's sheep. He would pray and sing songs of worship as he watched over the flock. It was because David prayed that he was able to defeat a lion and a bear that came after the Sheep. It was because David prayed that he was not afraid to go against Goliath. It was because David prayed that God directed that stone to Goliath's forehead and delivered Israel that day.

One of the children mentioned that they love the story of Noah. So we will be talking about Noah on Sunday. The Bible says the people of his day were wicked and the thoughts of their hearts were only evil continually. But Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord. The Bible says Noah was a just man and he walked with God. Noah prayed and had a relationship with God. 

It was because Noah prayed and talked to God everyday that he was able to hear God's voice warning that there was going to be a great flood. It was because Noah prayed that he was able to hear not only God's warning but also His instructions on how to build the ark. It was because Noah prayed that he and his family were saved.

The Bible is full of so many true stories such as these. If only we could truly grasp the power we have through prayer. What can and will happen when we pray? Not just quick microwave prayers. What can and will happen when we walk with God and talk with God on a daily basis and develop a deep consecrated walk with God. As the disciples prayed so we need to pray, "Lord, teach us to pray."

Heaping Coals Fire

This morning, I sat and stoked the coals a little more that my husband had left in our fireplace to burn down.  He had placed some of the larger pieces on top of the grate.  As I sat staring at them, this phrase of Scripture came to me....

"Heap coals of fire upon their head"

I've heard that phrase many times since a child.  Many have used it in reference to doing good to someone who has done them wrong in order, but not out of a pure heart.  The intent was in hopes that God would deal with that person to get even with them.  

Prov 25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Prov 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.

I was not thinking of heaping coals of fire on anyone's head. I was just enjoying the warmth of the glowing embers when that phrase came to me. And directly after, came this thought...

You do not heap the coals in order to harm them but rather to help them.  Heaping coals of kindness can help to warm a person's heart, perhaps ignite a spark within them as you share the love of Jesus.  

Notice verse 25 says "and the Lord shall reward thee." 

Would the Lord reward us for helping someone with the intent to harm them?

No, Jesus taught so many verses contrary to that.  

"LOVE your enemies, BLESS them that curse you, DO GOOD to them that hate you, and PRAY FOR THEM which despite fully use you." Mt 5:44

The Lord will reward our kindness toward someone because that kindness could be what melts the hardness of their heart.  But even if it doesn't,  our conscious and actions will be pure before God.

So, our challenge this year...and it will be a challenge...is to heap coals of fire on the heads of those who do us wrong.  We never know whose heart it will touch. 

Our Longsuffering Loving God

 Our timing is not God's timing.

Just because He hasn't returned yet does not indicate He won't.   His return is getting closer and closer but He's giving warnings and a space of time to get ready because our loving God is not wanting any to perish.  Follow Peter's instructions in Acts 2:38 and begin following Jesus.  There's no time to delay. 

1 Peter 3

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is LONGSUFFERING to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, but that all should come to repentance.

The devil is Trying to Wear You Out!

The devil knows that he has only a short time left so he is trying to wear us out!

1 Peter 5:8 warns....

Be sober (watchful), be vigilant (keep awake! Don't let down your guard!) Because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walk about, seeking whom he may devour.

We need to recognize the tactics of the enemy!

2 Cor 2:11 warns...

Lest satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (purpose,  his intellect). 

The devil Is a sly ol' fox!

We know it so we need to be on guard.

He is going to attack each of us differently according to what it will take to either make us fall, give up, or back down.

For the past two years, our world has battled this virus. 

• Many have lost loved ones or people they knew and cared about. 
• It has caused a lot of fear and panic in many. 
• It has caused many churches to shut down. 
• Some people are still afraid to go to back to church yet they'll go to Walmart, the salon, or other places. 
• Some Churches in some countries are still not allowed to gather. 
• This is wearing on people spiritually. 
• Some are battling depression. 
• Others are battling prolonged sickness or recurring sicknesses.
• Strange weather is causing damage and stress for others with tornadoes, strong winds, ice and snow in unusual places, Etc. 
• Some are battling family issues.

Looking back at 1 Peter 5:8...

It says the devil is seeking whom he may devour. As I read that, this thought came to mind....

• We know he's trying to devour us
• Sometimes he uses the stress of lost family members
• It APPEARS he has devoured them

But this is where we need to walk by faith NOT by what we see! The devil will try to keep our focus on what we see...

• Our family member is lost
• They're into this or that ungodliness
• They said this or that
• They say they no longer believe in Jesus 💔😔

Don't focus on what they say or what they're doing. Keep your eyes on Jesus!

Remember the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. O Lord, thou knowest whether these Dry Bones will live again.

So we keep praying and holding on, speaking things that are not as though they were.

Whatever it is that is wearing us out spiritually, we need to GIRD UP THE LOINS OF OUR MIND! 1 Pet 1:13

Gird up according to Merriam-Webster means to prepare for a military attack, readying oneself for any kind of confrontation.

We need to gird up our minds so we can stay focused on who we are battling (which is the devil) and how to fight in the Spirit. 

Keep your prayer life up, stay in the Word of God, and fast often. Remember that each battle and each situation we encounter is the devil trying to wear us out. So keep your eyes on Jesus and gird up the loins of your mind.

The Holy vs the unholy

 "...Make a seperation between the Sanctuary and the profane place."  Ezekiel 42:20

There must be a seperation!  

There must be a seperation between the Holy and the unholy!

Too many for too long have been trying to blend the two.  You cannot be Holy and unholy at the same time!

God is a Holy God and commands us to be Holy as He is Holy.  He commands us to 'come out from among them <the world> and be separate. And touch NOT the unclean thing.' 1Cor 6:17

Ezekiel 42:20 stood out to me yesterday as I read my Bible.  And stood out to me again this morning.  

My eyes were drawn to several passages in Daniel 9 where Daniel not only repented for himself but for all of Israel.  God is calling His people to repentance and to cleanse our homes from anything that is displeasing to Him. So I began to repent and ask God to forgive me or any time that I have rebelled against Him; for anytime that I have not obeyed His voice; for any time I have not walked in His ways. 

I knew God was speaking, I could feel His Presence strong, yet I felt a hesitation at posting it.  I told God many do not want to hear what I have to say. They don't believe it and some get angry at my words. I wrote these words down but then set it aside.

I began to listen to a video I was tagged in. Brother raggio confirmed in his teaching on The Beauty of Holiness what I was feeling and writing. I would encourage you to listen for the entirety of his message as well. (It's on YouTube and FB)

Too many look at God as a loving God while ignoring the other part of God that is Holy and requires Holiness of us. They excuse away sin and think God will not condemn them for sinful lifestyles. This is one of the greatest deceptions the devil has perpetrated on mankind. Just claiming to love Jesus is not enough to get you into heaven. The Bible says no sin can enter there. There must be a separation between the Holy and the unholy.

The time of Jesus' coming is drawing nearer. There is also coming a time of great Tribulation.  

I feel a confirmation to what Bro Raggio said, "If you persist in being worldly and spiritual,  you're going to be destroyed."

There must be a separation! 

 "...Make a seperation between the Sanctuary and the profane place."  Ezekiel 42:20

If we don't teach it, how will they know?

We must teach Holiness and separation from the world.

One Thing Have I Desired

Many people have a long list of desires and wants.  

Christmas time finds adults and children making a list and checking it twice of all the things they'd like and hope to receive.  

New Year's finds people again making a list of things they'd like to accomplish or see happen in the New Year. 

Even prayer time finds people making their needs and wants known before God. (I'm not saying that is all bad, especially when we're petitioning for healings or the salvation for the lost.)

But above all our wants and desires there is ONE THING that we should desire of the Lord,  just as King David did. He prayed in Psalm27:4...

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, 

that will I seek after; 

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord 

all the days of my life, 

to behold the beauty of the Lord, 

and to enquire in his temple."

Above everything else, we should desire and seek after drawing closer to Jesus. To dwell in His Presence continually.   That should be our main desire and prayer. 

Jesus, may we seek you more and draw closer to You than ever before throughout this new year.