1 Corinthians 4:12-13

In this world, offenses will come, people will mistreat you, you'll feel overlooked, neglected, and often find your feelings hurt. 

Paul struggled and dealt with the same.  But rather than giving into despair and depression,  he found his worth in Christ as he learned how to respond to those who mistreated him. 

1 Corinthians 4:12-13  KJV

12 ....being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

* Paul knew how it felt to be reviled (subjected to verbal abuse). Rather than retaliate back, which I'm sure he easily could have,  he blessed (spoke well of) instead. 

* Paul knew what it was like to be persecuted (subjected to hostility and ill treatment).  But he also remembered he himself had once done the same to others.  So, he suffered it. 

* Paul knew what it was like to have his reputation defamed by slander.  Yet, he continued to intreat (plead with them). 

Paul paints a word picture of being treated as if they were the filth of the world and the scum of all things. 

Yet, he urged his fellow Christians to follow his ways which be in Christ to ..... Bless, Suffer, and Intreat. (vs 16-17)

It's not easy.  But Paul was trying to be like Jesus and teaching us to do the same.   The more we pray, the closer we'll get to Jesus.   The closer we get to Jesus, the easier it will become as we walk in the Spirit and not after the flesh.

Jesus,  help our response,  my response, to be more like you in everything.  🙏

We're not promised More time

 I have a confession to make....I just took down the final decorations from Christmas and winter this past week.  I've received a few comments and looks for still having them up.  

Yes, it's almost the end of February, but for nearly 10 years I've struggled to be able to enjoy the Christmas season without shedding tears and fighting a lump in my throat after my first husband passed, then my children all moved out.  

Christmas 2021 was a struggle again emotionally for me to decorate.  I missed my kids and grandkids as memories of Christmases past kept creeping back to haunt my mind. It hurt! I miss my family being close and near. 

But I finally made it past that hurtle.  I focused on that this season is all about Jesus.  I always do, but it seemed to really consume me this year more than ever in my entire life.  I focused on the positives of every time I heard from each of my children or was able to spend time with my daughter, her husband,  and my grandson who do live near.  Although my heart ached missing the ones who were too far away to join us, we did have a good Christmas gathering with some of our grown children and grands.  

For some reason this year,  I just wasn't ready to put it all away so fast.  I'm glad I left it up.  Because as I began to reflect and think about what is happening in Ukraine and our tumultous world the past couple years,  I thought, "None of us are promised tomorrow." 

Many have passed who thought they had more time.  More time for fun. More time to enjoy life. More time to see another Birthday or Thanksgiving or Christmas. More time to see their kids and grandkids grow.  We thought my late husband had more time, too.  Today would have been his 58th birthday.  

So, if you see someone enjoying a season a little longer than many think is proper, maybe reconsider saying anything negative.  If they're enjoying a season or something else and it makes them happy, let them be happy (as long as it's not harmful to anyone or sinful). 

For some, that could be their last time to enjoy it for themselves or with their families.  War, pestilence, accidents, health issues, etc can rob them of that without warning.   I know first hand. 

Knowing we're not promised tomorrow,  don't delay to get your heart right with Jesus.  For above all else, we must be saved.  Follow the Bible's instructions concerning how to be saved in Acts 2:38. 

Pictured below is the prayer and life Scripture my late husband typed out and kept above his desk.  Jesus,  help us to be saved and ready for your return

.  

Be Not Conformed

 And be NOT CONFORMED to this world: but BE ye TRANSFORMED by the renewing of your mind,  that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,  and perfect will of God.  (Romans 12:2)

'Conformed' means "to fashion one's self according to'.  The Bible instructs not to fashion yourself according to the world.  In other words, don't try to fit or blend in. 

'Transformed' means 'metamorphose'.  When you become a Child of God, there should be a change.  You should no longer look like you're part of the world as you grow in Christ.   The Holy Ghost in you will begin to make the change until you're transformed into HIS image.   Don't resist His process.

As you become transformed, you will learn to discern (prove) what is good and acceptable in the eyes of God so youcan walk and pattern your life according to His perfect will. 

Salvation and Separation

Many want the Salvation without the separation. 

You can't have one without the other.  

You must have both. Both are necessary!

You must be Born Again (Jn 3 + Acts 2:38)

Without Holiness NO MAN shall see the Lord (Heb 12:14)

Every wind of doctrine

Ephesians 4:14  KJV

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

As we grow in Christ, Paul is admonishing and warning not to be as children who are easily swayed in their beliefs.  

There are wolves in sheep's clothing, false brethren, and false prophets who appear to be looking out for your good and come as an angel of light, but if they are causing you to question the doctrines of holiness and separation from the world, that is the same serpent spirit which beguiled Eve in the Garden of Eden. 

"Did God really say....?"

"Is it really wrong to....?"

"That's not really a heaven of hell issue."

"We need to appear more relevant."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

Those are serpent lies sent to beguile and deceive. If the Bible says it's wrong, it is wrong no matter how much that person may sweetly convince you that it's not. 

Guard your heart and try the spirits to see if they are of God.  A person sweetly talking and even appearing to reason away holiness and separation from the world convincingly is not from God - those are doctrines of devils subtly sent to blur the lines between holiness and worldliness with cunning craftiness. 

They are walking in the vanity of their own mind, devoid of truth and appropriateness.  There is blindness on their heart. They are trying to hold onto the world while reaching for God in attempts to blend the two, but all you get in the end is strange fire that is displeasing to God.  He is a Holy God and requires holiness from His people!

You may think I'm being a little strong. If I am, it's because the spirit of deception is running rampant and doctrines of devils are subtly deceiving and drawing away souls from sound doctrine.  They are being enticed by the desires of their flesh. 

We're too close to the end to lose out now!

We're too close to the end to fail Him now!

Don't be deceived! 💔🙏

Are you sealed by God?

....ye were SEALED with the HOLY SPIRIT of Promise, which is the EARNEST of our inheritance UNTIL the redemption of the purchased possession...  (Ephesians 1:13-14)

Sealed means 'to stamp with a signet or private mark' 

When a person receives the Holy Ghost, that is the private mark that God has placed on those who received His Spirit showing that person belongs to Him. (2 Timothy 2:19)

For us, it is the EARNEST (the down payment) of our inheritance....that we are heirs in line to receive the promise of eternal life. 

UNTIL THE REDEMPTION...until that ransom is paid in full when Jesus comes back for His Church. 

Have you received the seal of the Holy Ghost? Without it, you're not part of God's family yet nor an heir to receive the Promised Inheritance of eternal life.  (Roman's 8:9) 

This promise is available for you! (Acts 2:38-39)  You'll know you have received the Holy Ghost and God has set His seal on you when you speak with other tongues, the evidence of receiving His precious Gift. (Everywhere recorded in Acts at the birth of the Church when a person received the Holy Ghost the Apostles knew for they heard the speak with new tongues.)

Don't let the devil rob and deceive you out of receiving all that God has for you. 

Do you have God's seal? Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed evidenced by speaking in other tongues? (Acts 19)

The Father is waiting

As my husband (pastor) was talking to someone, encouraging them to recommit to Jesus, this image and thought popped in my mind....

I saw the prodigal's father looking down the road.  (I know the Bible does not record this part, but for this particular person I saw this...) the prodigal would occassionally come back for a visit (come to church occasionally), but the Father would continue watching and waiting for the prodigal to make the move back home. 

If you have walked away from God, don't let anything stop you from coming home to the Father's House. Jesus is waiting with open arms to welcome you home. 

There's nothing too dirty that He can't make worthy.  See the Father watching and waiting and come home. ❤

 

Daughter of Belial

1 Samuel 1 

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

16 COUNT NOT thine handmaid FOR A DAUGHTER OF BELIAL: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

Hannah was so sorrowful as she prayed that she appeared to Eli to be drunk.  Hannah assured him she was not drunk nor had she touched wine or any strong drink. 

Notice her next response: COUNT NOT thine handmaid for a daughter of BELIAL.

BELIAL means WICKED, EVIL, UNGODLY. 

Hannah knew drunkenness and drinking strong drink were associated with ungodliness and wickedness.   

Many today are trying to make excuses for the flesh to consume alcoholic beverages while still claiming to be Christian, overlooking the many Scriptures that speak against it. 

Notice those who were consecrated unto the Lord and used mightily by God did not touch strong drink. They abstained. 

What good has alcohol done for anyone? Any family? It leads to intoxication, violence, homes ripped apart, people doing lewd things, and things they wouldn't normally do or say, not to mention how it leads to many health problems. 

I,  personally, can tell multiple stories of how alcoholism has affected my family in a negative way. 

God warns against it for a reason!

Don't be a son or daughter of Belial - one counted as a wicked ungodly person.  Stay away from alcoholic drinks, consecrate yourself to God, and watch what God will do. 

He gave Hannah a miracle child which she dedicated back to the Lord, and he became a mighty prophet. Put away strong drink, pray more, seek God's face sincerely.  The results will be worth it. 

Preachers who still stand

I'm so thankful for preachers who still stand, preach, and hold to the old paths.  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 too spoiled in America. Jesus, help us to get our focus back where it needs to be.

(Posted on fb 2-13-19)

Science falsely so called

1 Timothy 6:20-21

O Timothy,  keep (guard) that which is committed to thy trust,

Avoiding profane (wicked) and vain babblings (fruitless discussions), and oppositions of science falsely so called (that which is falsely called knowledge) :

Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. 

The reason I don't  "trust the science". Science is rarely ever settled and often changing,  especially when politics are involved.  

Love Your Neighbor

People over the past year and even now are forgetting this great commandment from Jesus Himself.

Love your neighbor  no matter what side of politics they're on.

Love your neighbor no matter what side of the mask or vaccine issue they're on.

Loving does not mean you agree, condone, or support their view but it means you love them regardless and extend kindness.  

There is too much hate in this world. 

Love your neighbor!

No exclusions!

Be kind! 

(Posted 1 year ago on Facebook.)

The Gospel will bring contention

 "...we were bold in our God to speak unto you the Gospel of God with much contention. 

....not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."

1 Thessalonians 2:2,4

The true Gospel of Jesus Christ will appear to bring contention because it is confronting sin, false doctrines, and doctrines of devils. 

Too many today are deceived into thinking there is an easy road to heaven and all they have to do is believe on Jesus.  They believe baptism is unnecessary or optional; the Holy Ghost comes without outward manifestation (tongues) ; church attendance is unnecessary; and carnal living is ok.

Too many today are under the false assumption that the preacher should never offend and only preach fluffy motivational messages that gives the hearer chill bumps.  

This is not the true Gospel of Jesus!

"With much contention" means "as competitors in a contest".  

Time is running out. A true Christian is seeking to please God, not men. The truth must be taught and explained, even if it seems to bring contention,  because we are in a spiritual war to combat false doctrines and doctrines of devils that are deceiving too many of our family and friends. 

Be not deceived

 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these.....

Adultery 

Fornication 

Uncleanness = physical or moral impurity

Lasciviousness = intense or unbridled desire

Idolatry = anything more important and receiving more time/attention than Jesus 

Witchcraft = magic, spells, sorcery,  fortune telling, horoscopes, etc

Hatred

Variance = strife, quarreling

Emulations = jealousy, envy, indignation, malice

Wrath

Strife

Seditions = causing division

Heresies = false doctrines

Envyings = jealousy that causes feelings of ill-will toward someone 

Murders 

Drunkenness = intoxication

Revellings = rioting

And such like

Of the which, I tell you before,  as I have also told you in time past, that THEY WHICH DO SUCH THINGS shall NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. 

They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 

Galatians 5:19-21, 24

BE NOT DECEIVED!  The unrighteous shall NOT inherit the Kingdom of God....

Neither fornicators

Nor idolaters

Nor adulterers

Nor effeminate = men showing characteristics typical of a woman

Nor abusers of themselves with mankind = a sodomite, homosexual

Nor thieves

Nor covetous = defrauder for gain

Nor drunkards = intoxicated

Nor revilers =  a person who uses words to damage, control, or insult someone's character or reputation

Nor extortioners = a person who gets money from another by using force or threats

Shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Don't let the devil deceive you into thinking you can live in sin, do these things and still be saved. 

Jesus died to set you free. Will you let Him? 

Prophesy from 1976 being fulfilled

Bro Harry Haygood foresaw and prophesied this in 1976....

"In the Endtime,  satan is going to offer to the church a deadly mixture of enough of God to soothe their conscious but enough of the world to soothe their flesh.  It will, however, be a deadly mixture."

We are seeing this prophesy being fulfilled in these Endtime hours. 

Who Are You Following?

Philippians 3

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Paul warned with tears to watch carefully who we are following and putting as an example before us.  There are those who 'appear' to be walking this Christian walk but they are not truly or fully walking the Narrow path that Jesus taught about. 

There are warning signs that reveal those who are not walking the straight and narrow way:

• Their belly is their god = they are weak in the flesh when it comes to food.  Food controls them rather them controlling the lust/wants of the flesh. They find it hard to fast and make excuses as to why they rarely do. 
• Whose glory is in their shame = they boast about their weaknesses rather than be ashamed of them. 
• Who mind earthly things = they are more wrapped up in the things of this world than the things of God. They talk the talk but they don't walk the walk. 

Paul warned with tears to not follow the example of such. Their end is destruction! It is the blind leading the blind! 

He admonished to find, mark, and follow those who were living a true Christian life and following the example Paul was setting.  

There are many who claim to be Christian, but claiming and being can be two opposites if that person is not fully living the Christian life by obeying and following the instructions, warnings, and admonitions given in the Scriptures.  We need to follow those who are following Paul's example as he followed Christ's example.  Paul took up the cross and denied his flesh's desires daily to follow Jesus. 

Examine closely whose example you're following.  Is it drawing you closer to Jesus? Or embracing the world more and making excuses for sin while still claiming to live for Jesus? Make sure you're on the straight and narrow way, and if you're not, it's not too late to make a course correction. It will be worth it in the end!

Have you put on Christ?

 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  

Galatians 3:27

Have you put on Christ through baptism? 

Have you been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to wash away your sins as Jesus taught to Peter and the Disciples and then Peter taught on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2:38?

Conflagration

As I was napping this afternoon (Thursday 2/3/22),  this word "conflagration" kept repeating over and over in my mind.  When I fully woke, I was trying to figure out why that word was going through my mind and if it was even a word. I don't recall ever hearing it before? So, I looked it up online.   It is a word. The definition is disturbing.  I don't know why it was repeating in my mind, if God is revealing something,  or if it doesn't mean anything at all?  I hesitated posting this, but I am watching and praying.