Revelation 3:1–22

July 26, 2013

To the Church in Sardis the One says this:

"I know what you do."

• People say you are alive (a believer)
• But you are really dead (religious unbeliever)
• Wake up!
• You are doing less than what God wants
• Strengthen what little truth is left in you
• Don't forget what you've heard and received
• Obey it!
• Change your heart and lives!
• You must wake up!

Or, when you least expect it, "I will come like a thief and you will not know when I will come..." and your name will be erased from the Book of Life. There are a few of you who have remained servants of God. To those who have won the victory I will call worthy and "I will say they belong to me before my Father and before his angels."

Revelations 3:6 - "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

To the Church in Philadelphia the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David says:

"I know what you do."

• I have put an open door before you
• A door that no one else can close
• I know (and you've known too) that by yourself you have little strength
• But you have obeyed my teachings
• You were not afraid to proclaim my name
• You did not give up your faith

As a true believer your body is a temple of the Lord.

Temple—The one and only place where sacrifices were performed. Jesus Christ was the sacrifice for our sins. When we accept His sacrifice and receive Him as our personal Savior, our bodies literally become the temple of the Lord. There are those who say they believe, but their actions show otherwise. They are "religious," but the truth is they are unbelievers, and their bodies are "a synagogue that belongs to Satan." (Revelation 2:9b)

Synagogue—A building, a gathering place, a "town hall" of sorts. It is ran by people, financed by people, and is a place of worship and study. As religious unbelievers, one's body is NOT a temple of the Lord, but instead it is a synagogue, a gathering place—of Satan.

Revelation 3:9b–10 - "I will make them (religious unbelievers) come before you and bow at your feet and they will know that I have loved you. You have obeyed my teachings about not giving up your faith. So I will keep you from the time of trouble that will come to the whole world to test those who live on earth."

God put an open door before the Church of Philadelphia. When He opens a door no one can close it. When He closes a door no one else can open it. So, hang on and continue strong in your faith. Then no one can take away your crown. Revelation 3:12 - "I am coming soon... I will make those who win the victory pillars in the temple of my God." Their position with me and my Father is secure.

Revelation 3:13 - "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

To the Church in Laodicea, the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of all God has made says:

"I know what you do."

• You are not hot or cold
• Your are just blah—lukewarm
• I am ready to vomit you out of me
• Your attitude/actions are not compatible with my Holiness and I am close to rejecting you
• You think you are rich
• You have worked to become wealthy
• You think you are in control and self-sufficient
• You don't get it—what you are working for (material things) means nothing
• You think one thing—but the truth is you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked 
• The very things you don't want to be—is what you really are

The only way to get what you desire is to come to me. When you depend on me and keep your faith in whose you are instead of who you are, I will bring you through the fires of life as pure gold—tested and true. THEN you will be rich in the only thing that matters—ME. Surrender and submit to me as Master Jesus and your nakedness will be covered and you will be clothed in forgiveness. Come to me. When you search for me I will be as a balm for your eyes, and your eyes will be opened to truth and you will be able truly see.

Revelation 3:19–20 - "I will correct and punish those whom I love. So be eager to do what is right, and change your hearts and lives. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice (everyone who has ears should listen) and open the door (you have to respond) I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me."

He is ready and waiting. He doesn't want anyone to be lost. He is knocking, but He won't take us by force. We must listen and respond to Him by opening the door, by inviting Him in, and by obeying His teachings. THEN we have the promise of winning the victory and (you) "will sit with me on my throne..."

Revelation 3:22 - "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

From Christ Through the Bible:

JESUS: The One Who Stand at the Door

"Let me state something important. There is never a time during which Jesus is not speaking. Never. There is never a place in which Jesus is not present. Never. There is never a (place)... that the ever-present, ever-pursuing, relentlessly tender Friend is not there, tapping gently on the door of our hearts—waiting to be invited in.

Few hear his voice. Fewer still open the door.

But never interpret our numbness as his absence. For amidst the fleeting promises of pleasure is the timeless promise of his presence...

There is no chorus so loud that the voice of God cannot be heard... if we will but listen."  ~ From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado

Next Entry: Revelation 3:1–22 (Continued) 

I John 2:1–29

July 15, 2013

Just because we have a Savior who will forgive us from our sins doesn't mean we have a license to sin. We are to become holy as He is holy. If we do sin Jesus is our intercessor between us and God. But we most certainly are not to remain in sin. There are two simple questions to ask yourself if you don't know where you stand in your fellowship with God.

1)  Am I obeying His commands? Yes or No? Remember, He is Master Jesus and we are to be His servants. We don't get to pick and choose which commands we want to obey. 

2) Do I say I know God but still follow my own ways and do not obey His commands? Then the answer is simple—He is not your Master. The disobedience of His commands show you are are not willing to be a servant to Master Jesus.

John says you are a liar and the truth is not in you if you say with mere words that He is Lord but your actions don't support your words. I John 2:6 - "Whoever says that he lives in God must live as Jesus lived."Jesus explains the teachings of the Old Testament.  We must go to Jesus for salvation, instruction, guidance, direction, clarification, etc. I John 2:9 - "Anyone who says, "I am in the light" (Christian) but hates a brother or sister, is still in the darkness."

Someone who lives in the light will not hate a brother or sister and will not harm anyone. But someone who hates (hate = angry, seeking revenge, harm, etc.) a brother or sister is:

• in darkness
• lives in darkness
• does not know where to go, and
• the darkness has made them blind.

Darkness—the absence of light. What a horrible way to live. When you "say" you are a Christian but your actions show you are out to get your brother or sister then the truth is not in you, and you are in darkness, you live in darkness, you wander around without clear direction, and you are blind because of the darkness. Your actions trump your claims.

I clearly remember how disturbing it was to watch and listen to my sister and brother-in-law's depositions in early 2009. There were just so many conflicting lies in their answers. On the way back home our hearts were just broken for them. At one point, my husband and I looked at each other and said, "There is no truth in them." Now in July, 2013, I understand more about the accuracy and horribleness of that statement.

The Truth/God can set them free. But standing in the way of God's forgiveness is that little (big) word—IF. There has to be confession AND repentance. There has to be a turning from and a turning towards. 

I John 2:15 - "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. These are the ways of the world:

• Wanting to please our sinful selves
• Wanting the sinful things we see 
• Being too proud of what we have

None of these come from the Father, but all of them come from the world. The world and everything that people want in it are passing away, but the person who does what God wants lives forever."


Next Entry: I John 2:1–29 (Continued)

II Peter 2:1–22

July 11, 2013

Watch out for false teachers. Who is a false teacher? Someone who is master over their own life and not a servant of the Master Jesus. There are many people who say they believe Jesus is the Son of God; who say He is the way to salvation; who even say they are "Christian"; and yet they refuse to become a servant to the Master Jesus. The only person they "serve" is self. They are the masters over their own destiny, and their outcome is sure.

II Peter 2:1 - "...they will bring quick ruin on themselves." Everything they do is motivated by self.

Peter calls the actions of people who live their lives motivated by self—evil. If you don't follow God's way then you are against God's way. It really is that simple. If you are not for you are against. If your actions are not following God's teachings, then your actions are against HIS words and you are leading people (being a false teacher) away from Christ by your actions. You have chosen to ignore the fact that Master Jesus bought your freedom with His life and you have installed yourself as master.

"Those false teachers only want your money, so they will use you by telling lies." That one sentence, found in II Peter 2:3, in just fifteen words explains the basis for the lawsuit my sister and brother-in-law filed six years ago.

Peter describes the attributes of a false teacher:

• They are bold
• They do anything they want
• Nothing is sacred to them—nothing is off limits
• They speak as if they have knowledge—but they don't
• They are like animals—they act on instinct
• They cause many people to suffer
• They are proud of their acts—"we are on the cutting edge of everything"
• They delight in trickery while eating meals with you —they have no conscience
• They plan and strategize their trickery methods
• What they want—they go after
• They always want more—they are never satisfied
• They lead others into the trap of sin
• They are greedy
• They've left the right road—they've lost their way
• They cannot be used as God intended—they are void of kingdom value (springs without water)
• They brag about things that mean nothing
• They scheme ways to entice other people to follow them so they can fulfill their own evil desires of power, wealth, fame, etc.
• They promise "freedom" when they themselves aren't free 
• They are slaves to things—but those "things" never satisfy
• They think they are in control—but they are actually slaves to what drives them and what drives them ends up controlling them
• They hate authority

You cannot be the person Peter just described and also be a servant of the Master Jesus. Cannot. God is either God of everything or He is a god of nothing. You can't pick and choose. Either you surrender to His will or "self" is in control and you are master of your own life—or so you think. "Thinking" you are in control is a false illusion. God is in control whether you surrender or not. Your actions cannot change that irrefutable truth. God is in control. Period.

Peter describes the facts of what will happen to those who refuse to surrender to the Master Jesus.

• Their actions will bring quick ruin on themselves
• They won't get by with their actions
• "Their judgment spoken against them long ago is still coming."  

Just because accountability hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. God's timing will determine the "when." It isn't "if," it is "when." I Peter 3:20 - "God waited patiently until Noah finished the boat."

• Their ruin is certain
• They will suffer like they have caused others to suffer
• They are paid back (by God) for what they have done 
• God will punish them
• They are slaves to what controls them—temporary and earthly "things"

God is the one who separates the wheat from the chaff. When angels sinned God did not ignore it. He separated them from those who did not sin and He sent them to caves of darkness where they are held for judgment. In the days of Noah God brought a flood to destroy the world that was full of evil people. But first He provided a way of salvation and He saved Noah and seven others. He separated and protected the righteous while He judged the people who lived against Him.

The same thing happened with Lot. He provided a way of escape and He saved Lot, but He destroyed those who chose to live "filthy lives." God provides a way out for those who have surrendered their lives to Him. He separates the righteous from the wicked. II Peter 2:9 - "So the Lord knows how to save those who serve him when trouble comes."

In Jane's KJV she has written: "The Lord knows how to ______ fill in your need." We can have complete confidence in that. The Lord KNOWS! We don't have to do anything but trust, obey, and believe Him to protect us and right the wrong.  Psalm 140:12 - "I KNOW the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy."

Those who insist upon being their own god are walking a very dangerous path. They at one time were made free by knowing Jesus, but if they insist upon returning to their evil ways, they become blinded. They fool themselves into thinking they are still free, when in reality they are actually controlled by their sin and it will be worse for them than if they had never known the truth of Christ. Peter says they are like a dog that returns to his vomit or a pig that returns to the mud after being washed.

You will be a servant of something. I choose to be a servant to the Master Jesus rather than a slave to sin. One choice ends in reward. The other ends in destruction.

I found this chapter disturbing to write about. The reality is difficult to think about. But, if I am going to be a servant of Christ, I must accept ALL of His teachings and I must accept that a judgment does await those who refuse to bow to His authority. Unfortunately, I believe the description of a false teacher that Peter describes, line by line describes the actions of my sister and brother-in-law.

LORD, may they change their hearts and lives before it is too late.


Next Entry: II Peter 3:1–18  

II Peter 1:1–21

July 10, 2013

We have everything we need for life and godliness IF—we know Him. We have the very words of God available at our fingertips. It is through His words that we have knowledge of Him and we can receive His power and promises. THEN—we have everything we need to live a successful godly life. He has made it ALL available to us.

For too many years I didn't take full advantage of His Words. I wish I would have because:

• We have these things—because we know Him.
• Through these—He gives us promises and power.
• With these—you become more godly.

Our protection from the world's snares come from KNOWING Him, and the only way to truly KNOW Him is to be carefully reading HIS words.

II Peter 1:5 - Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives: Faith (it all begins here)  →  Goodness (virtue)  → Knowledge (of God) → Self-Control (temperance) → Patience (perseverance) → Service for God (godliness) → Brotherly kindness (no selfish motives) → Love (Charity; Christian love)

It all begins with faith IN Him, knowledge OF Him, and action THROUGH Him. 

II Peter 1:8 - "For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." If you don't have these qualities growing in your life, then you are not effective and you can no longer clearly see truth and are instead blind to what truth is, your faith experience is in the distant past, and you are in danger of falling away. If you follow God's plan "you will never fall" and you will be able to do great things for Him and by Him, and you will be welcomed into eternal heaven by Jesus with a "well done thou good and faithful servant."

Prophecy—God showed Peter what lay ahead for him. His life was going to end in martyrdom. Peter didn't moan and groan. He spent his time building up fellow believers and doing as much for the cause of the kingdom as he could in the time he had left. He saw the greatness of Jesus with his own eyes and he was forever changed. He heard God tell Jesus that He loved him with his own ears and it increased his faith. He stood strong, and he continued on.

God sent a light in the darkness. He did it with the prophets in the Old Testament, the apostles in the New Testament, and He still does it today.  II Peter 1:20 - "Most of all, you must understand this: No prophecy in the Scriptures ever comes from the prophet's own interpretation. No prophecy ever came from what a person wanted to say, but people led by the Holy Spirit spoke words from God."

Jane can be explained in no other way.


Next Entry: II Peter 2:1–22

II Timothy 3:1 – 4:22 (Continued)

May 29, 2013

From Jane's KJV:

Apostasy: "falling away" is the act of professed Christians who deliberately reject revealed truth. Apostasy differs from error concerning truth, which may be a result of ignorance, or heresy, which may be due to the snare of Satan, both of which may consist with true faith. Apostates depart from the faith, but not from the outward profession of Christianity. Apostasy in the church, as in Israel, is irremediable, and awaits judgment. Apostates reject the revealed truth: 1) as to the deity of Christ, and 2) redemption through His atoning and redeeming sacrifice.

From Life Lesson:

If you don't follow truth you are opening yourself up to following "false teachers who would tell them what (they) want to hear."

"The apostle Paul warned that many would follow the false teachers, not knowing that in feeding upon what these people say they are taking the devil's poison into their own lives. Thousands of people in every walk of life are being deceived today. False teachers use high sounding words that seem like the height of logic, scholarship, and sophistication. They are intellectually clever and crafty in their sophistry. They are adept at beguiling men and women whose spiritual foundations are weak... If Jesus Christ is not the son of God, nothing matters. But if he is, nothing else matters!" ~ From Storm Warning by Billy Graham

Next Entry: Titus 1:1 – 2:15

I Timothy 4:1 – 6:21 (Continued)

May 22, 2013

What is keeping you from surrendering? Why? What you give up to follow Christ doesn't satisfy you anyways. It is only when you surrender your all that you are truly free, happy, and blessed.

I Timothy 6:6 - "Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have."
I Timothy 6:7 - "We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out."

So—why on earth do people stop at nothing to obtain wealth when whatever "pleasure" it can bring is only temporary? It is here today and gone tomorrow. Having money isn't the problem. It's why you want it; how you go about getting it; and what you do with it that determines if it is a problem.

1. Why do you want it? Don't say so you can give to charities, etc. That is a cop out and an attempt to mask and cover-up your own selfish desires. You already have what charities need the most—your time.
2. How do you go about getting it? Is it part of every thought and scheme? Do you cheat others to benefit yourself? Is it honest pay for an honest days work? Do you neglect other things (time with God, family, helping others) to get it? Do you lie? Is it ill-gotten?
3. What do you do with it? Do you hoard it? Is there ever enough? Are you obsessed with how to keep it and grow it? Do you share generously? Is your opinion about yourself linked with what you "have"? Is it "mine" or is it God's? Is it a tool to help others or is it so you can be independent (even of God) and help yourself?

I Timothy 6:9–10 - "Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people. The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow." NIV - "Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Most people desire money so they can be in control of their own lives. But who is supposed to be in control? Us? Or God? Matthew 6:24–34 promises us God provisions. We are not to worry. We are to surrender to God as Lord. Paul goes on to say in I Timothy 6:17–19 - "Command those who are rich with things of this world not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not in their uncertain riches. God richly gives us everything to enjoy. Tell the rich people to do good, to be rich in doing good deeds, to be generous, and ready to share. By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future. Then they will be able to have the life that is true life."

Trust in God, not riches. That is true if you don't have money but wish you did, and it is true if you already have riches. Riches have no eternal value. Trusting God has eternal value that is immeasurable. Our forefathers knew what they were doing when on our minted coins and printed bills they wrote, "In God We Trust"! They did not write "In this we trust." Blessed with riches? In God We Trust! Struggling with little? In God We Trust! I Timothy 6:8 - "But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that." No matter what—In GOD We Trust!!

As believers we are to run away from false teachings and thinking wealth is what will make us happy. Instead, we are to run toward living in the right way, serving God, having faith, love, patience, and gentleness. We are to "fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever." (I Timothy 6:12) We were called... and we answered that call. NOW DO! I Timothy 6:14 - "Do what you were commanded to do without wrong or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."

God is in control. He is the One and only God, the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords. He is the One. May all honor and glory be His forever. Guard what God has trusted you with. Stay away from foolish, useless things and of so-called "knowledge." I Timothy 6:21 - "By saying they have that "knowledge," some have missed the true faith." It is not about what you know. It is about what God teaches you.

Reading that verse reminds me of something my sister said as we were driving them to the airport after their December '06 visit. At the time I just thought it was another one of her arrogant outrageous statements. Now we realize what she said was symptomatic of a much larger and deep-seated problem. Here is the exact quote. She said (speaking about herself and her husband), "We are on the cutting edge of everything." She was speaking about all the "knowledge" they thought they'd gained from attending "guru" boot camps. They paid thousands of dollars to be taught (in my opinion) how to manipulate people and the system. Here is what I totally missed back in 2006:

1. It was not just an arrogant statement, it was a reflection of what was at the core of her life—pride; 
2. They were willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars in order to gain "knowledge" from the world's perspective;
3. It was all about their desire to gain extreme wealth;
4. They bought into the lies and participated in the manipulation of others under the guise of "financial freedom."   

Goodness. Paul (God) says to stay away from foolish, useless things and of so-called "knowledge."

Addendum: 10/27/16 ~ At the end of this chapter I have written notes from a sermon at church. I unfortunately did not write down who the speaker was so I don't know who to attribute the statements to. I have written the following:

"God did not give us wealth to raise our standard of living but to raise our standard of giving."

That is a powerful, powerful statement and worthy of reading over multiple times. It is NOT about us and what we can get!! It is ALL about HIM and what we can give. I also have written:

 Of all the verses in the Bible: 500 +/- deal with Faith; 500 +/- deal with Prayer; and 2000 +/- deal with Money, Wealth, or Possessions. There are 38 Parables. Almost half of them (sixteen) are about wealth.

I Timothy 6:10 - Some people eager for money have wandered from the truth and pierced themselves with many griefs.

"Pierced themselves." What an ironic statement. The very thing they think is going to bring them happiness brings hurt instead. What they thought would bring happiness to "self" ends up causing "self-inflicted" wounds. Money, wealth, or possessions will NEVER bring lasting happiness. Happiness is not determined by what you have. Happiness only comes from surrendering and serving the Lord. 


Next Entry: II Timothy 1:1–18

Ephesians 4:1 – 5:20

April 26, 2013

Wow! There is a lot of depth in these two chapters. Paul clearly defines how we as believers should live, and he clearly states the things that should be gone and abandoned from our lives. It all goes back to Paul's lists of comparisons I wrote about for Galatians 5 on April 17 & 18. Our lives reflect which list we are living. We are to be humble, gentle, patient, bearing with each other in love. Ephesians 4:3 - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." The "bond of peace" is quite the contrast from the "men of violence" described in Psalm 140.

When we were first given God's promise of Psalm 140 by Jane, and when we were beginning to memorize it, I used to wonder about the words "men of violence." Those words seemed so strong, so harsh. This was back during the time when we still did not understand what all lie beneath the surface in my sister and brother-in-law's lives. When what was hidden began to be exposed, I was naive. I now realize I was in a state of denial. I just couldn't believe the people we loved could have purposely set out to harm us. It took me a long, long time to come to terms with "truth." The truth is their actions were not accidental, their actions were well thought out and planned, and their actions were deliberate, purposeful, and intentional. Now we know their underhanded actions with us were not (and are not) isolated actions, but are instead part of a pattern of behavior that has happened both before and after us. Now I can clearly see their actions are indeed acts of violence and a breaking of the "bond of peace" believers are to live and produce in their lives.

These "acts" of violence are not just committed against man (which results in fractured relationships and explains the list of many names in my brother-in-law's notebook which turned out to be a list of friends and family they used to be close to but are now estranged from), but the "acts" of violence are ultimately against God himself and his clear instructions for how we are to live our lives.

Do people realize when they insist on their own selfish ways their actions are not just against man, but against God himself? Do they know and not care? Would they change if they understood? Have their hearts been hardened to where they don't care?

"In the Lord's name, I tell you this. Do not continue living like those who do not believe. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. They have lost all feeling of shame, and they use their lives for doing evil." Ephesians 4:17–19

I guess that answers my questions. I wish it didn't, but it does. The people of Ephesus knew better. They were taught the truth of Jesus. They were taught to leave their old self behind and to stop living in the way they lived before. When you don't stop and change your ways, "that old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do..." and you sink deeper into the mire of sin. As believers in Christ, the old should pass away because we are a new person. Ephesians 4:23 - "That person is made to be like God, made to be truly good and holy."

The people of Ephesus were trying to do both. Know the truth of God, but live following after their own selfish desires. It cannot be done. If we are not purposely drawing closer to God, we are falling farther away from God and "self" becomes our god and God's plan for our lives falls apart. 

God gave His people gifts for the purpose of building up, teaching, caring for, and serving—all for the purpose of making the body of Christ stronger. None of that can happen when self is in control. 


Next Entry: Ephesians 4:1 – 5:20 (Continued)

II Corinthians 3:1 – 4:15

April 05, 2013

"We can say this, because through Christ we feel certain before God. We are not saying that we can do this work ourselves. It is God who makes us able to do all that we do." II Corinthians 3:4-5 

It is God—and God alone—that has enabled us to do all we have done these past six plus years. And if He asks us to enter the slime and filth again He will give us the strength to do so. I hope God's plan does not include going back into the evil mire of "the storm." We believe God's promises so we believe the outcome is certain. II Corinthians 3:12 - "We have this hope so we are very bold." Throughout these six plus years we have not tried to strategize plans or manipulate things to create scenarios which would point to or prove an outcome that we want. We have simply chosen to believe and to have faith in what we believe God has revealed to us. It has been faith—alone.

After the judge made some rulings last Friday some angst began to set in concerning what time consuming "process" might lie ahead. Then Monday God reminded me who we were waiting on. We aren't waiting on a judge—we are waiting on the Lord—and we returned to believing by faith His promises; even if there is more mire to wade through.

This week has been filled with praise and singing. Wednesday (two days ago) some new thoughts began to form in my mind, thoughts I had never considered before. I've been thinking about the amazing things God has already remarkably done for us throughout this long process. Facts and logical examples we can see with our own eyes, things which are now part of history and are logical and factual proof. As I've said before, we are walking this path God has set before us by faith alone, believing in our hearts what we cannot see and looking forward with anticipation to the fulfillment of His promises. But now, God is beginning to have me consider some of the logical and factual things that have already happened, things we have experienced firsthand and have seen with our own eyes.

Yesterday I listed a few of them. We have walked this path entirely by faith, but now we also have the benefit of hindsight and being able to recognize the reality of what has already happened. And it is clear. Past history of God's protection points to God protecting us in the future. For over three years I have written in my journals that we KNOW (by faith and believing alone) that God is going to protect us and fulfill His promises in Psalm 140 which He gave us through Jane. (Her Name Was Jane) But now for the first time, I realize that we don't just KNOW by faith that God is going to protect us, I now realize that God has SHOWN us what HE is going to do—protect us.

To KNOW something in your heart without seeing any proof of it—is faith. We are now able to look back and realize that God has SHOWN us His fulfillment of His promises through actual events—logical and actual proof. Thank you, LORD, for showing me that you have given us proof. through historical facts. Your promises are true. Blessed be the name of the LORD. We will continue to believe.

Throughout scripture God has a history of protecting and providing for His people. i.e. The Israelites, Moses, Abraham, Jacob, David, etc. to name just a few. He never provided for them most of the way and then abandoned them and/or allowed them to fail at the end. I cannot think of one time that happened in scripture as long as His people stayed true to following His commands. God did not protect the Israelites while they were in Egypt; provide protection during Passover; lead them while they were escaping; part the Red Sea so they could cross over on dry land, only to then drown them when they were almost to the other side. What we believed by faith (how many times did I tell people what we believed had NO logic behind it) now also makes logical sense and has been factually proven.

Why would God provide Jane; why would God provide in such a remarkable way a buyer for our joint project that would have provided a way out following biblical principle; why would God have orchestrated the bank to save us from a debt that my brother-in-law had us alone locked into (one year to the day of Jane saying to read Jeremiah 33); why would God bless our business and family so richly these last six plus years; why would God do ALL THAT and then say—Oh, never mind—I am going to allow your sister and brother-in-law's vile plans and false accusations to prevail; I am going to allow you to be found unworthy to carry on my message; I am going to allow you to be found guilty of what my Word calls evil even though you are innocent; and I am going to allow your sister and brother-in-law, by their deceitful practices, to take from you everything I have given you. How or why would that make any sense? I get it that God's ways are not our ways, but logically that makes no sense at all.

While all of this is interesting and a new thought, I am so grateful that our belief first came from faith and faith alone and had nothing to do with logic. We believe in our hearts that God has promised to protect us from my sister and brother-in-law's false accusations. We believe it with all our hearts, and now we also believe it through intellect. But first and foremost—our hearts.

God keeps revealing more and more to us because we are following HIS ways. The exact opposite is true for those who have not surrendered to His ways. II Corinthians 3:14 - "But their minds were closed... that covering is taken away only through Christ." Without Christ there is a covering over their minds. It is only "when a person changes and follows the Lord, that (the) covering is taken away." (II Corinthians 3:16) Then and only then can we be changed to be like Him. When you follow Christ there is no trickery, no manipulation of His Word, no secret or shameful ways. Only truth and honesty. Then all can KNOW who we are, and they can KNOW what kind of people we are in God's sight.

The only ones that cannot see it are those who are lost because "it is hidden only to those who are lost. The devil who rules this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe." (II Corinthians 4:3–4) See writings and Life Lesson for Proverbs 2. God said, "Let the light shine out of the darkness." (II Corinthians 4:6) Jesus is that light. When we reject Him and His ways we reject the light and therefore are only left with darkness.

II Corinthians 4:7–9 - "We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us. We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed." (Emphasis mine) "We believe, and so we speak." God raised Jesus from the dead, and He will raise us as well. All of this is being done so that the grace of God will be given more and more and that it will bring "increasing thanks to God for his glory." (II Corinthians 4:13b–15)

We believe with our hearts—so we speak. Our prayer is that God will receive all the honor and glory for what HE has done and for what HE will do.

Addendum: 4/22/16 ~ As I was awakening this morning a song was playing in my mind. Finally the words came to me. Our God Saves It is in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit that there is hope. We come to YOU, Lord. We call on YOU. We fall on YOUR grace. Hear the joyful sound of our offering to YOU. We bow to YOU, Lord. We lift up YOUR name. We will rise with YOU on YOUR wings. And the world will see that OUR GOD SAVES! We give YOU songs of praise, Lord. Thank YOU, Lord. There is hope in YOUR name. Mourning will turn to songs of praise.

LORD, may ALL know that it was YOU who saved us from "the storm." 


Next Entry: II Corinthians 4:16 – 6:13

I Corinthians 2:1–16

March 12, 2013

God's power—verses—human wisdom.  

Man cannot in his own wisdom understand the Truth(s) which come from the Spirit of God. Cannot! In human wisdom it is foolishness. I Corinthians 2:11 - "No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." When we accept Christ as our Savior, God sends the Spirit to us; we are taught by the Spirit; and we in turn can teach others. But, "a person who does not have the Spirit does not accept the truth that comes from the Spirit of God." And, "that person thinks they (the truths of God) are foolish and cannot understand them, because they can only be judged to be true by the Spirit." (I Corinthians 2:14)

Understanding these truths has been an "aha" moment for me. It has been both enlightening and very sobering. So, is this why? Is this why we have said over and over these past six years—"Why don't they get it?" Is it because they don't have the Spirit of Truth and therefore can't "get it" and it all seems foolishness to them? Is this why? Is it because of a stubborn refusal to surrender all to God's authority, or is it because they don't have the Spirit of Truth at all?

O LORD, have mercy on them. Have mercy on their souls. LORD, we continue to pray that my sister and brother-in-law would understand that without you they are nothing and that they would desire nothing but you. Thank you, LORD for giving them these years of mercy. Lord, I pray that you will put into their paths whatever it takes for your Spirit of Truth to be revealed to them and accepted by them.

But, for those who have the Spirit of Truth:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him." I Corinthians 2:9 and Isaiah 64:4

Wow! We choose the Spirit of Truth and God's Wisdom.

I Corinthians 2:5 - "This was so that your faith would be in God's power and not in human wisdom."


Next Entry: I Corinthians 3:1–23

Romans 11:1–36

February 18, 2013

A friend of ours had brain surgery yesterday—nine hours. The tumor is most likely cancerous. A very favorite cousin's viewing is tonight and tomorrow. Life is so fragile. My husband and I were talking the other night about how many friends and acquaintances have died since the lawsuit began. The number is staggering to me.

Jane E. Wolfe
My Dad
Our daughter-in-law's mom
My husband's brother
Two of my husband's uncles
Three of my husband's first cousins
Four of our friends from church
Three business associates
Two of our friends from school
Our lawyer's parents
My Dad's cousin (who stayed at our home and gave me information about our shared ancestry).

20+ names—and the list goes on. How can it be? How can it be that anyone could waste even one second of precious time—let alone six years—on seeking revenge or ill-gotten gain? How can it be?

"So you see that God is kind and also very strict. He punishes those who stop following him. But God is kind to you, if you continue following in his kindness. If you do not, you will be cut off from the tree." Romans 11:22

God chose the Jews to be His people. Some believed (and are part of the tree) and some did not believe (and are cut off from the tree). Because some did not believe, salvation was opened up for the Gentiles (you and me) and we are grafted into the tree. The strength and life does not come from the branch, it comes from the root of the tree. 

If God's chosen people (Jews) who did not believe were cut off, then it goes to reason that the same thing can happen to those who have been grafted on should they decide to turn their backs on God's ways. The opposite is true as well. Repent of your ways, acknowledge Jesus as Lord, surrender yourself to His will, and you (like the Jews) are grafted back on. But be careful! When you deliberately turn your back on God and reject his ways, you are not in control of whether you remain on or whether you will be grafted back on. Besides the danger of being cut off, you are also in danger of no longer having the Holy Spirit pull you towards repentance.

"God gave the people a dull mind so they could not understand. He closed their eyes so they could not see and their ears so they could not hear.... Let their own feasts trap them and cause them ruin; let their feasts cause them to stumble and be paid back. Let their eyes be closed so they cannot see and their back be forever weak from troubles." (Romans 11:8–10) Paul was quoting Isaiah 29:10; Deuteronomy 29:4; and Psalm 69:22–23.

Because of their refusal to listen and surrender, they were made stubborn and refused to listen.

Addendum: 3/26/2019 ~ Six more years have passed since I first wrote the list of  people who have died during the time of the lawsuit. "The storm" continues... and so many more names can now be added to that list.

Mom
Cousins
Friends
Acquaintances
Business associates

Today we are going to the viewing for a very special friend who passed away from cancer after battling it for three years. She was only 60 years old. She was such a special person and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Her beautiful voice is now singing with the angels and worshiping Jesus with songs of Praise.

The older I get the more I realize that life on this earth is so short! Eternity awaits! If you don't already know Jesus as your personal Savior please consider accepting his free gift of salvation today. The Path to Salvation will show you the way. 

Addendum: 12/17/19 ~ The average life expectancy in the United States is 78.7 years. My sister turns 70 in just a few months. I'm 65. I still don't understand how anyone could waste even one second of precious time—let alone twelve years—on seeking revenge or ill-gotten gain. How can it be? Especially when all they are seeking to obtain is temporal!! Even if they are successful in seeking our ruin and acquire what God has given us through their malicious plans, what has it truly gained them in the light of eternity? Is accomplishing revenge really worth wasting twelve years of your life when time is fleeting? Ill-gotten gains—for what?? To spend on temporary earthly desires or hoard away when in just a few years (at best) it won't even matter what you acquired on this earth? Why? How can anything temporal be worth risking where you spend eternity? I just don't get it. It doesn't make sense. No part of my thought processes can understand it.


Next Entry: Romans 11:1–36 (Continued)    

Acts 21 – 28 (Continued)

January 03, 2013

Festus becomes governor. Even after two years the Jews have not moved on with their lives and they see this as a new opportunity to "get" Paul. Festus went from Caesarea to visit Jerusalem. This time the Jews presented their false charges against Paul to Festus and they asked him for a favor. They wanted Festus to send Paul back to Jerusalem. Their plan? To kill him while he was being moved. But their plan didn't work. Festus decided to leave Paul in Caesarea. He said, "Some of your leaders should go with me. They can accuse the man there in Caesarea, if he has really done something wrong." (Acts 25:5)

Festus returned to Caesarea. He told the soldiers to bring Paul before him. Festus was seated on the Judge's seat. When Paul was brought into the room the people who were against him gathered around him, "making serious charges against him, which they could not prove." (Acts 25:7) This is what Paul said to defend himself: "I have done nothing wrong against the law, against the temple, or against Caeser." Festus wanted to please the Jews, so he asked Paul if he wanted to go to Jerusalem to be judged there. Festus thought he was trying to please the Jews, but what he didn't realize is that it wasn't the "place" that mattered to the Jews. Having Paul moved was part of their scheme to kill Paul by having access to him.

Paul replied, you can judge me right here. Acts 25:10–11 - "I have done nothing wrong to them; you know this is true. If I have done something wrong and the law says I must die"—then so be it. "But if these charges are not true, then no one can give me to them." I'm not going to run; I'm not going to hide; I'm not guilty; and "I want Caeser to hear my case!" Caeser was the Emperor, the highest authority in Rome. Festus talked it over with his advisers and then agreed to send him to Caeser.

A few days later King Agrippa and his wife come to visit Festus. Festus tells him the story of what has happened.

1. Felix left a man in prison;
2. I went to Jerusalem and the leading priests and older leaders made charges against him;
3. They asked me to sentence him to death;
4. I explained that when a man is accused of a crime, we Romans do not hand him over until he has been allowed to face his accusers and defend himself against their charges;
5. So the people came here for the trial;
6. I commanded that the man be brought in;
7. They stood up and accused him, but not of any serious crime as I thought they would.

Festus continues. The things they are complaining about is a difference in belief systems. He said/she said. How do I make a judgment about that? I asked Paul, "Do you want to go to Jerusalem to be judged?" But he asked to be kept here. He wants a decision from the Emperor, so I'm going to send him to Caeser.

King Agrippa was intrigued. He wanted to hear from this man himself, so a time was set. The king and his wife, army leaders, Festus, and the important men from Caesarea all gathered in the judgment room. The soldiers brought Paul in. Festus said to all the important people gathered—Here he is... this is the man. His accusers have complained to me about him. They have shouted that he shouldn't live any longer.   found no reason to order his death. He has asked to be judged by Caeser, so I am sending him to Caeser. But I don't even know what to write about him when I send him. Maybe you can help question him and give me something to write. It seems foolish to send a prisoner to Caeser without telling what charges should be against him.

Agrippa said to Paul, "You may now defend yourself." Now, from all outside appearances, Paul is the captive one. But the truth is Paul had a captive audience, and he took that opportunity to witness for God. Paul raised his hand and began to speak  Acts 26:2 - "I am very happy to stand before you and will answer all the charges the evil people make against me.... please listen to me patiently."

And Paul starts in, and they hear his whole life story, who he was and who he became through the grace of God and His son Jesus. He told how he used to be like his accusers and used to help them persecute those who believed in Jesus. (Which is why they were so angry with Paul now. They used to be partners, but Paul broke away from them and they were angry. They wanted to make Paul pay, at any cost.) Paul told about what happened to him on the road to Damascus. How he was blinded by a bright light and how he heard a voice speak to him. "Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are only hurting yourself by fighting me."

Then Paul told them how God spoke to him and said, "You will tell people the things you have seen and the things that I will show you. This is why I have come to you today. I will keep you safe from your own people and also from the others. I am sending you to them to open their eyes so that they may turn away from darkness to the light, away from the power of Satan to God. Then their sins can be forgiven, and they can have a place with those people who have been made holy by believing in me." (Acts 26:16–18) Paul told King Agrippa how he obeyed God's voice and preached God's message of repentance and "change your hearts and lives."

Acts 26:21 - "This is why....!" This is why the Jews were angry and determined to get Paul and manufactured accusations against him. Acts 26:22 - "But God helped me, so I stand here today, telling all people, small and great, what I have seen."


Next Entry: Acts 21 – 28 (Continued)

Acts 19:1–41

December 27, 2012

Acts 19:15 - "Jesus I know and Paul I know about, but who are you?"

Those are the words of an evil spirit that questioned those who were acting as if they were legitimate believers when they were not. Interesting how "evil" can see the difference between truth and darkness when those who live in the light often either don't see it or refuse to see it.

Paul continued his journey from place to place telling the Good News of Christ. If people refused to believe—he left them. What happened around Paul did not change him. Acts 19:11 - "God used Paul..." I like that. God uses people to do His work and to bring Honor and Glory to Himself.

Then there are those who try to counterfeit God's work in order to bring honor and glory to themselves and even the evil spirits recognize them as counterfeiters. Some people want the glory without the work of a surrendered life. And some people are threatened by the Word of God. Demetrius was one of those. He was a silversmith who made images of the Goddess they worshiped. He made a lot of money, and that was his number one concern. He was worried about losing "his good name," and he was concerned that the people would lose interest in their Goddess if they listened to and believed Paul. People losing interest would hurt his profits, so he instigated an uproar and riot against the believers. Large amounts of people joined in even though they didn't know what the uproar was about. Eventually, the uproar died down and everyone was sent home.

You can try to deny God's message. You can try to keep it from going out. But nothing can stop the moving of the Holy Spirit. Acts 19:20 - "So in a powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growing." 


Next Entry: Acts 20:1–38

Acts 18:1–28 (Continued)

December 26, 2012

I thought I was done writing about my sister and brother-in-law's apparent decision to reject God's ways and instead trust in the world's court. But during the night some new thoughts came to me and more of the iceberg is being exposed.

"I will win!" That is the motive and drive behind my sister's actions. At any cost, "I will win!" It doesn't matter if it goes against God's Word; it doesn't matter if it destroys others; and it doesn't even matter if it destroys her. "I will win!" My sister and brother-in-law thought they could win by deceit. They thought they could win by domineering and overpowering. They thought they could win by manipulations, threats, and the fear of embarrassment. There was never a desire for compromise because a compromise would not be winning. Arbitration—rejected. Sale—rejected.  Mediation—rejected.

They rejected God's way and instead turned to the world's way to achieve their goal of "I will win." In the past they were able to get their own desires by implementing all the things I've just mentioned. They were surprised it didn't work for them this time and in a letter to our Senior Pastor said they were "mystified" as to why nothing they tried worded. So, they plowed on, rejecting God ways and embracing the world's way. They lost so much in these last years, and yet nothing to date has stopped them—because I must win! As the saying goes, come Hell or high water nothing else matters, "I will win!"

In my sister's letter to me after mediation she said something to the effect of "when are you going to stop this" which made/makes no sense unless you view it through her "I will win!" thinking. In her view I need to give up and quit defending myself so she can "win."

And God says, "You are already defeated." You've already lost. You will not win. Even if it "appears" that you win in the earthly realm, you have lost in the only thing that really matters—eternal security.

Wow! You can't fight (and win) against God's will. CANNOT! This is why we told our lawyer what we did in January '09 during my sister and brother-in-law's depositions in Indy. They cannot be victorious in deceitfully maneuvering and wrongly taking away from us every earthly thing that God has given us. They cannot! We went on to tell our lawyer that if GOD decides He has a different plan for our lives and it involves removing from us what HE has given us, then we are okay with that because we trust HIM, and we have surrendered ALL to HIM. Fighting against God is always a losing battle and any attempt to do so shows, "you are already defeated." 

This isn't some new idea. It is what got Satan kicked out of heaven. It is what caused Adam and Eve to sin and be removed from the garden. It is the violation of God's very first commandment. It is the problem (sin) of "I"—p.r.I.d.e. "I will win!" Stubborn refusal to surrender. I... I... I... no matter what it costs me... I. And it will be costly, for God says, "you are already defeated" because you have relied on yourself and you have rejected my ways for the world's way. I go back to the prayer God gave us for my sister and brother-in-law years ago. "May they understand that without you they are nothing and may they desire nothing but you!"

When you live a life that is not surrendered to God you do not get to control what controls you.

After being taken to court and released by the judge, Paul traveled from town to town giving encouragement and strength to all the followers. Acts 18 gives a clear example of how to handle it when someone is misguided in their teachings. Apollo was passionately and eloquently teaching about Jesus but the only baptism he knew about was the baptism that John taught. He did not yet understand about the Holy Spirit. When Priscilla and Aquila heard this they did not malign him publicly. Acts 18:26 - "They took him to their home and helped him better understand the way of God." When Apollo understood, he went on his way and "He argued very strongly with the Jews before all the people clearly proving with the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." (Acts 18:28)

Addendum: 3/11/16 ~ Add another rejection to the list. Settlement Conference—rejected. The judge tried to get them to understand their best opportunity for "control" was now, before trial. And still they could not let go. They must win! But at what cost? It is frightening when you look at the path they have chosen to take. 

It is even more frightening when you look at the "why" behind their decisions. Of course they chose the world's way. How could they not? It was their ONLY option. In God's design for solving disputes there is NO defense for lies, cheating, devious conduct, evil traps, stealing, etc. Those things have NO place in a Believer's life. To chose God's ways would have meant "change your hearts and lives and get a new way of thinking." They purposely have rejected God's ways and incredibly, they have also rejected any solution the world's way has offered because it didn't include them winning ALL. Throughout this whole process, my sister and brother-in-law have consistently exhibited one attitude, which our lawyer has accurately characterized as, "We win, you lose—you choose."

Up to this point, there has been NO indication that any sort of change is even on the radar of their consciousness or subconsciousness. Dangerous, dangerous ground. O Lord, they are so blinded and their hearts are so hardened. Is there any hope???? 

Addendum #2: 2/13/19 ~ The judge said a trial would be scheduled for early 2016 if  the Settlement Conference was not successful, but that never happened. 2016 passed. Then late in 2017, another notice came from the judge requesting both sides to advise the courts of available times and/or conflicting dates so a trial could be scheduled for 2018. Our lawyer sent back a broad range of times we would be available and also his conflicting dates from when he already had another trial scheduled. Remarkably, my sister and brother-in-law didn't do that. Instead, they sent the judge a list of when they would be available, just a small window of time in early spring, saying any other time would be a hardship for them. You would have thought they would have said, "name the date and time and we will be there." I think the judge was put off by their arrogance and their expectancy that a judge should acquiesce to their demands/limited availability. As a result, we've heard nothing back from the judge and no date was set.

2018 passed. Then in late January of this year (2019) my sister and brother-in-law (through their lawyer) sent a letter to the judge requesting a phone conference between both the lawyers and judge for the purpose of setting a trial date in either late 2019 or the first months of 2020, again saying they are not available any other time as it would be a hardship for them. They are obviously tired of waiting on the judge and have decided to take matters into their own hands.

So we will wait and see.

I said to my husband just a few weeks ago (before my sister and brother-in-law's letter to the judge) that maybe the reason the lawsuit is still sitting stagnant in the court system is because my sister and brother-in-law are going to change their hearts and minds. The arrow on the "hope" meter was a little to the right of center.  And then we get the notice that they are still actively pursuing their deceit and our destruction, and the arrow on the "hope" meter goes back to the left and bottoms out.

We still do not believe this lawsuit will ever proceed to trial. There is no legal rationale explaining our beliefs, it is just a strong conviction of faith. In the world's court a trial is the only option left. But, we do not believe this lawsuit will be decided by the world's court. No earthly thing or person can put a stop to my sister's obsession. Only God—only God.  See By HIS Great Power.


Next Entry: Acts 19:1–41

Acts 18:1–28

November 19, 2012

Acts 18:5 - "Pressed in the spirit..." (Jane's KJV)

Paul knew he was supposed to tell the Jews in Corinth the Good News about Christ. There weren't audible words and there wasn't a vision. There was none of that, but Paul knew. He was "pressed in the spirit" and he obeyed. But the people would not accept Paul's teaching. They opposed Paul and became abusive. Acts 18:6 - "So he shook off the dust from his clothes and said to them, 'If you are not saved, it will be your own fault! I have done all I can do!' " (See Luke 9:5 for a cross reference.)

Our responsibility is to do what the Spirit "presses" us to do. I strongly felt the Spirit "press" me to begin a journal to record my walk through the Bible and my personal thoughts and prayers. I obeyed and started. It was three years ago on November 16, 2009. I had no idea what God had planned for the journals that covered Genesis to Chronicles. I had no idea my personal prayers, thoughts, and writings about God's words would end up in the hands of my sister and brother-in-law. If I had known that, I would have probably been reluctant to start. But I believe I still would have obeyed when the Spirit "pressed." I have no idea how this journal will be used in the future. All I know is I am fulfilling my responsibility—through obedience—and it has been personally very rewarding.

But my responsibility ends with my obedience. What my sister and brother-in-law (or others) do with it is not what I am held accountable for. "I have done all I can do!" Some listened to Paul, and some did not. The Lord appeared to Paul in a vision and told him to keep doing what he was doing. Acts 18:9–10 - "Don't be afraid.  Continue talking to people and don't be quiet. I am with you, and no one will harm you, because I have many people in this city."

Paul is taken to court. Acts 18:12 - "The Jews made a united attack and brought him into court." His crime? Being obedient and preaching the Word of God. His own people were out to get him and were determined to prevent him from continuing God's work. They were blinded. They could not see truth. They were tunnel visioned and united—let's get Paul! So they take him to court in Southern Greece in a foreign area under Gallio's jurisdiction.

The Jews were God's chosen people, but they did not handle it by going to God, seeking arbitration under Jewish law, or coming to an understanding by agreeing to disagree. No—they were united in their desire to be in control, to be in charge, and in their desire to "get" him. So they took him to a foreign court, asking a foreign judge to punish Paul. And again... Paul's crime? Being an honest upright man who was following God's word and was telling others about it. Prior to being taken to court the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision and said:

"Don't be afraid. Continue talking to people and don't be quiet. I am with you, and no one will hurt you..." Acts 18:9–10

So Paul was taken to court. As he was about to speak in front of the judge, Gallio stops him and says, "I would listen to you (the Jews) if you were complaining about a crime or some wrong. But the things you are saying are only questions about words and names—arguments about your own law. So you must solve this problem yourselves. I don't want (NIV says - I will not) to be a judge of these things." (Acts 18:14–15 And Gallio made them leave the court.

I wonder what the judge assigned to our case is going to do? I have no idea. But you have to wonder, is he refusing to be the judge of these matters? I don't know. Here is what I do know:

• We are God's people. My sister and brother-in-law say they are Christians as well.
• God's Word clearly lays out how Christian people should handle conflict.

 I Corinthians 6:1–8 - "When you have something against another Christian, how can you bring yourself to go before judges who are not right with God?" (Side note: this is not making a statement against the judge assigned to our case or any other individual judge about their personal beliefs which may or may not be "Christian." This is talking about Believers taking their conflict to the world's court system instead of following God's clearly outlined system for handling disputes among fellow Believers.) "Why do you not let God's people decide who is right? Surely you know that God's people will judge the world. So if you are to judge the world, are you not able to judge small cases as well? You know that in the future we will judge angels, so surely we can judge the ordinary things of this life. If you have ordinary cases that must be judged, are you going to appoint people as judges who mean nothing to the church? I say this to shame you. Surely there is someone among you wise enough to judge a complaint between believers. But now one believer goes to court against another believer—and you do this in front of unbelievers!" It continues... "The fact that you have lawsuits against each other shows that you are already defeated. Why not let yourselves be wronged? Why not let yourselves be cheated? But you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do this to other believers!"

God's word is very clear!  Here is more of what I know:

• My sister and brother-in-law flatly refused to follow God's plan on how to handle disputes. They tried to "appear" as if they wanted to follow Matthew 18 and "restore fellowship." They called our Pastors and tried to arrange a meeting between all of us, but it was all a guise. Their true purpose was to humiliate us and harm our ministries while attempting to shame us into submission. We are so grateful our Pastor's saw through the attempted manipulation. Oh, the lies that would have been said. They would have claimed the same things they've now said under oath. How at the first meeting they came back to "just listen" to us so they could understand what was troubling us (when nothing could be farther from the truth); they just don't understand what has happened; I am emotionally unstable, etc. The first meeting (just like this lawsuit) was fueled by anger and filled with vicious attacks, and the eventual letter they sent to our Senior Pastor clearly shows what tactics they would have used. 
• Our Pastor offered to facilitate an arbitration (using a person of their choice) within a national Christian organization they claimed to be affiliated with. Arbitration would have clearly followed God's plan—and they flatly refused. They were not interested in a meeting where facts from both sides would be presented. They were not interested in a compromise. They only wanted total control, dominance, and manipulation. 
• God provided two fellow Believers, two Christian men to buy the project for over a million dollars which would have thereby ended the dispute. Each party would have recouped most of their investment. My sister and brother-in-law flatly refused to even consider it even though they mentioned the sale of the project as an option only weeks earlier. The truth was revealed. They wanted it all. The "sale option" they presented was only a threatening scare tactic they hoped to use to bring us once again under their control. The sale of the project would have prevented their carefully crafted plan of taking it ALL. They threatened to sue to stop the sale if we sold it without their "permission." We found out later we would have had the legal right to do so, but we would have never tried to use a "legal right" to be in control. 
• My sister and brother-in-law united together and filed this vicious lawsuit in the world's court system—determined to "get" us in whatever way they could.
• The purpose of the lawsuit is to have the world's court uphold their devious and deceitful plan. Wow! That was kind of startling to write. We, over the course of time, have come to understand the tip of the iceberg of their capacity to commit devious wrongs and cheat others. But I am just now beginning to understand there is a lot more to the iceberg, and there is a lot which has not yet been exposed. It explains why they are trying to get the world's court system to help them achieve their wrong, cheating, and (let's call it what it is) sinful goals. Oh.my.goodness. Their dependence is not on God, it is on the world, which "shows that you are already defeated." 
• God sent us His promises of protection and provision through Jane (Her Name Was Jane) to encourage us and strengthen us.
• The judge has had their motions to determine what parts of their lawsuit can continue on for three years and four months and he still has not made a ruling. Clearly the hand of God at work.

Is the judge, like Gallio, refusing to make a ruling? I don't know. What we absolutely know is God is in control and we trust Him. We are convinced that however this ends it will be by the hand of God, and all will know that HE IS THE LORD!


Next Entry: Acts 18:1–28 (Continued)

Acts 9:1–43

November 27, 2012

The conversion of Saul. A total about face. Saul went from being obsessed with persecuting his enemies (followers of Christ) to being totally passionate about telling others about Christ. You don't go from begin obsessed with harming others to the polar opposite of passionately telling others about Christ without a defining moment; a conversion; a change of heart; a new way of thinking. It is the only way!  There is no other way.

Saul was on a mission. He was threatening. His goal was to destroy the followers. He was aggressive. He was actively seeking out those who dared to believe in the Christ. He was committed to his cause. He was seeking to devour, destroy, and kill—words that sound a lot like the description of Satan's motives and actions. He was on a mission, and he was hell-bent on completing it. He had no doubts and no regrets. He was in the middle of his plan when God stopped him with a bright light. It stopped him in his tracks. Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul!  Why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4) When someone sets out to devour and destroy a follower of Christ, it is the same as persecuting Christ himself. That statement ought to make all of us fall on our faces before God for Him to search our own hearts. Saul responds by saying, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Get up now and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do." (Acts 9:5) Get up—go! When God stops us in our tracks we need to listen for His directions because He has a plan! 

Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes but he couldn't see. The people who were with him took him by the hand and led him to Damascus. For three days Saul could not see and did not eat or drink. Three days—the same amount of time that Jesus was in the grave. For three days Jesus kept Saul from being able to see. His independence was removed from him. Being self-reliant and believing in his own ways instead of submitting his will to God's will and becoming God-reliant was the very thing that caused him trouble in the first place. You have to wonder what would have happened if the blinding moment lasted just a few minutes. Would there have been a permanent change or would the change only been temporary? I suspect it would have only been temporary. God knows what we need. It is after "the dark days" that God can use us.

Yesterday I wrote about the divine appointment between Philip and the officer. Today there is a divine appointment between Ananias and Saul. There was a follower of Christ named Ananias. The Lord called his name. "Ananias!" And his response was, "Here I am Lord." He was ready and willing to be used by God. The Lord said, "Get up and go..." Then God gave him very specific directions. (See God's specific directions in Mark 11:3) God even told him what the man he was looking for was doing, thinking, and what the result of his visit would be.

Ananias answered: Lord, what you are asking me to do doesn't make sense. I've heard about this person. I know the reason he is here in Damascus is to cause harm to your people. Surely you don't want me to go see him?!? The Lord responded: Go—I have a plan. So Ananias went. He obeyed God even if it didn't appear to make any sense. He laid hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus sent me. He is the one you saw on the road on the way here. He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:17) And immediately, Saul's eyes were opened and he could see again! Then Saul got up, was baptized, and he began to eat and regain his strength. He was a different man. He was blind but now he could see. He was lost, but now he was found. The old was gone and the new began.

God still arranges divine appointments today. We need to obedient—and GO! I have sometimes wondered, "What if?" What if on the morning of January 05, 2007, when God told me to GO, I had not went? What if I had listed all the reasons why it wasn't a convenient time for me? I haven't slept all night, Lord; I look a mess; my eyes are red and swollen; I've just been hurt by someone I love; I'm busy; I'm this...; I'm that...; I... I... I. What if? What if I had refused to do what I KNEW the Lord was prompting me to do? What if? Oh, how I shudder to think how my life would have been different for the past almost six years now. The divine appointment with Jane would have been missed. God's blessings would have been missed, and the experience of seeing God's hand work in our lives would have been missed. I can't even begin to put it into words. I want to always listen for God's voice and be obedient to HIS words.

Saul was a changed man. He went from trying to harm the followers of Christ to staying with them and standing up in the synagogues proclaiming that, "Jesus is the Son of God." What a change. What a radical revolution in his life. All the people were amazed. How can this be? This is the same guy who was trying to destroy those who trusted in the name of Jesus. This is the same guy who came here to arrest the followers of Jesus and take them back to the priests. It was the same man on the outside but a totally different person on the inside. His testimony was so strong that no one could argue with him or refute it. So, if you can't argue with it or refute it what do you do?  Surrender and believe yourself? No. They plotted to kill him and set traps for him. God revealed the evil plans, and he escaped to safety. Saul went back to Jerusalem.

The apostles weren't sure if they could trust Saul. Who could blame them? They had seen with their own eyes this man's deeds. They were afraid of him and didn't believe he was really who he "said" he was. But Barnabus accepted him and showed the others how Saul's life was changed. These weren't just words he was saying. His actions matched his words. There was proof he was a changed man. So they accepted him and he boldly proclaimed the Good News of Christ. The apostles became his strong supporters, protecting him from those who were seeking his harm.

The church had a time of peace and became stronger. Acts 9:31 - "Respecting the Lord by the way they lived, and being encouraged by the Holy Spirit, the group of believers continued to grow." The power of the Holy Spirit was continuing to use Peter to heal the sick and to raise the dead. ALL for the purpose of bringing honor and glory to the name of the Lord. The people saw the miracles and many, many people believed in the Lord.

*****

I have written many times before in this journal that we feel my sister and brother-in-law will either be like the Saul of the Old Testament or the Saul of the New Testament. I don't believe there is any middle ground. I truly believe it will end up like one or the other.

The Saul of the Old Testament was called by God, but somewhere along the way it became ALL about him and not about God. He clearly and willfully disobeyed God. God gave him so many chances to repent and sometimes it appeared he would, but it was only temporary changes, it was not a change of heart and a new way of thinking. He was jealous, revengeful, full of anger, paranoid, and suspicious—and he went to his grave that way. So many possibilities—so much wasted. If he would only have submitted to the authority of God instead of insisting upon being the god of his own life. Pride was his downfall. He tried to blame others, but he only had himself to blame.

His actions caused harm to many others. Sin does that. It sends out a ripple effect. But try as he might, he could not destroy David. Samuel made it clear to Saul (I Samuel 15 and I Samuel 15 Continued) that he could not blame his downfall on anyone else. I Samuel 15:22–23 - "What pleases God more: burnt offerings and sacrifices or obedience to his voice? It is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to listen to God than to offer the fat of sheep. Disobedience is as bad as the sin of sorcery. Pride is as bad as the sin of worshiping idols. You have rejected the Lord's command. Now he rejects you as king." The Lord tore the kingdom away from Saul and Samuel never saw Saul again for the rest of his life. This of course made Samuel very sad because he loved Saul. Then the Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you continue to feel sorry for Saul?" (I Samuel 16:1) This is between him and me and I reject him. Now get up and get on with what I want you to do—and Samuel obeyed. Saul never "got it" and died a broken defeated man—and Samuel moved on.

The Saul of the New Testament is an entirely different story. There was a total transformation in his life. He went from aggressively seeking harm against Christ-followers and following his own path, to stopping in his tracks at the call of God and radically changing his life in total submission to God. He became Paul and wrote a large portion of the New Testament. Many people then, and many people since, have come to know Christ because of his teachings.

What a difference between Saul of the Old Testament and Saul of the New Testament. Saul of the Old Testament never "got it" and died a broken man. Saul of the New Testament radically changed and then radically changed others.

So which is it going to be for my sister and brother-in-law? I don't know. If it is Saul of the Old, then I, like Samuel, will be very sad. But also like Samuel, I will pick myself up and get about God's business. This isn't about me/us and them. It is between God and them. We are only observers. If it is Saul of the New, there will be rejoicing over changed lives, and there will be no doubt about it. What will it be? No matter what—either way—we will praise the Lord.

What I know right now is there has been no change. You cannot behave like my sister did this past week and have a changed heart. You cannot drop in unannounced (from almost 2,000 miles away) on your widowed 83 year old mother (with whom you have a very strained relationship) and impose yourself upon her for four days without any notice. This is something they have repeatedly done. My Mom cannot even feel safe in her own home because she never knows if or when they will show up and for how long they will stay. That goes beyond rude, it is cruel.

My sister and brother-in-law did not come for any kind of reconciliation with her or anyone else. They came for purely selfish reasons; to see what they could learn about us, eat at my sister's favorite restaurants, and shop at her favorite stores. Nothing more. You also do not verbally assault your 83 year old mother. My sister, after being here for only a day and a half, attacked mom verbally. Non-stop. It is abusive behavior. Mom tried to just be quiet hoping that would get her to stop. But nothing will stop her. If you remain quiet she accuses you of being angry. If you speak up she accuses you of being out of control. There is no win, lose, or draw with my sister. She just cannot seem to stop herself as she relentlessly pushes on.

Her need to try and prove herself successful has not changed. She appears to have incredibly low self-awareness and self-esteem. She does not understand that she alone—without things, wealth, prestige, or fame—is worthy of God's love. She tries so hard to prove herself worthy with things that can never bring her happiness. It is so sad. But it isn't between me/us and them. It is between God and them. In man's eyes it appears hopeless, but that is what people would have said about Saul of the New Testament. While there is breath, there is hope.

What will it be? I don't know and I can't control it. What I do know is this: we will praise the Lord, and we will have hope. The rest is in God's hands. No matter what—we will PRAISE THE LORD.

"It is our job to hate the sin. But it's God's job to deal with the sinner. God has called us to despise evil, but he's never called us to despise the evildoer." ~ From Christ Through the Bible by Max Lucado

Addendum: 3/5/16 ~ Almost three and one half years have passed since I wrote this entry in my journal. Unfortunately, the Settlement Conference clearly showed there still has been no heart change. There is still hope. While there is breath there is hope. What I KNOW is this: God is faithful and He has given them many years of grace. But I also know there is a day of accountability coming—for all of us. Oh, how I hope they will change their hearts and get a new way of thinking like Saul of the New Testament. But I have no control over that. So, I leave it in God's hands.

Several weeks ago I was thinking about "what ifs" again? What if I received a phone call? What if I was told my sister was ill or needed help? Would I go? Would I still try to help her? The answer is: YES. I would still go. I would be wise and not go alone, but I would go. The only way I would not go is if God clearly showed me that I was to step aside and the answer was no. I clearly understand that I may not be given that opportunity, but I am willing. God already gave me the opportunity to say all I needed to say when my journal from Genesis to II Chronicles was sent to her during discovery. What looked disastrous at the time was actually a gift to me (and her) from God. God gave me a voice through my written words. He put in their hands our prayers and concern for them. I will be forever grateful for that gift.

My conscious is clear. I can only control my life choices. The result of their life choices is out of my hands. We will continue to pray. We will continue to hope. But ultimately, it is between them and God. And that is enough. We will trust HIM. We will serve HIM. We are following HIS path—wherever it leads.

I Am No Longer a Slave to Fear and  We Will Not Be Shaken.


Next Entry: Acts 10:1 – 11:30

John 12:1–50

October 31, 2012

The Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees were angry. They were so threatened by Jesus and the TRUTH that they were willing to do anything to stop the "noise" of anyone who was speaking and/or believing truth. They plotted (Psalm 140:1 - "Rescue me O Lord from evil men who devise evil plans in their hearts") not only against Jesus but Lazarus also, making plans to kill him because people were leaving their ways and believing in Jesus. When you have encountered the Son of God there is one thing you must do—tell others about Him. And that is what they were doing.

An encounter with Christ brings peace to yourself; a love for others; and the desire to tell others about Him. 

Matthew 7:15–20 - You will know them by their fruit. The Pharisees, Priests, and Sadducees called themselves religious when in actuality they were religious unbelievers. Their actions mirrored that of whom they followed. They sought to steal, kill, and destroy—the very description of what Satan seeks to do—and they did it under the guise of religiosity. Judas acted appalled at the "wasting" of perfume on Jesus feet when that money could have been used for the poor. John 12:6 - "But Judas did not really care about the poor; he said this because he was a thief. He was the one who kept the money box, and he often stole from it." The only reason the leaders wanted Jesus, Lazarus, and the other believers destroyed was to preserve themselves and their selfish desires.

Christ-followers give away. Self-followers take.

In John 12 there is a switch. Up until now Jesus said, "My time has not yet come." (John 2:4; John 7:6; John 7:30; John 8:20) Now it changes to "the time has come..." It was now time.  John 12:23–27 - "The time has come for the Son of Man to receive his glory. I tell you the truth, a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die to make many seeds. But if it never dies, it remains only a single seed. Those who love their lives will lose them, but those who hate their lives in this world will keep true life forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will honor anyone who serves me. Now I am very troubled. Should I say, 'Father, save me from this time'? No, I came to this time so I could suffer. Father, bring glory to your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have brought glory to it; and I will do it again. The crowd standing there, who heard the voice, said it was thunder. But others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus said, "that voice was for your sake, not mine."

Now is the time.

We must be willing to do what Jesus did—surrender ALL—and lay our lives down to follow Him. And when we do, our actions and our desires bring Honor and Glory to His Name. When we surrender the Father is pleased and He in turn brings honor to those who serve Him. It is for "your sake" that trials and difficulties come. To see the hand of God and to bring honor and glory to Him is for "your sake."

Oh, how grateful I am for all the "deep water" times in our lives, including these last almost six years of "the storm." It truly has been for "your sake."

Still, through everything, some people still would not believe. They saw the miracles but, "They still did not believe in him." Their eyes were blind. Their minds were closed. (Isaiah 6:10) When you walk in darkness you don't know where you are going. Jesus came to be the light, "but they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things. All who do evil hate the light and will not come to the light, because it will show all the evil things they do. But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God." (John 3:19–21)

Again—Jesus came to be the light—but it is our choice whether we receive it or not. John 12:46 - "I have come as light into the world so that whoever believes in me would not stay in darkness." 

You cannot believe and continue to do the things that are of darkness. Light and darkness do not mix. If you choose to believe and obey—you are in the light. If you refuse to believe, do not accept my words, and do not obey (Jesus' own words)—then you are in darkness. It really is that black and white.


Next Entry: John 13:1–38