A New Path—A New Journey

March 23, 2019

There's been some new developments in our faith journey.

1. My Mom passed away on August 31, 2018 after an unexpected medical event. My brother and I took care of her for seventeen days. See: A Mother's Love. I will miss Mom (and her faithful prayers) terribly. I wish she could have walked with us to where this part of our faith journey ends and a New Path and a New Journey begins, but that wasn't part of God's sovereign plan. I'm grateful for all the time we had together, her faithful prayers, and Mom's support and encouragement during these "trial" years. I'm also grateful that my Mom (and my Dad) were able to live out their last days in their own home.   
2. In early 2019, my sister and brother-in-law petitioned the courts to set a date for a trial. The judge still had not set a date so they took matters into their own hands. After several phone conferences between the lawyers and a judge, the date for a trial has been set for 2020. A different judge has been appointed to handle and hear the case.  
3. Sometimes we just don't know what we don't know. It took me seven years to read, write, and then transcribe those writings into this blog. I thought I was done and I thought I was just waiting—waiting for when HIS Story could be told. But I thought wrong. HIS Story wasn't ready. The problem was "I" thought. Every time I thought I was done and I had reached the peak of the mountain, the path turned and the trail continued. I am currently going back through my entries to make punctuation edits (I discovered I placed the period wrong when putting quotes around a single word... who knew??) and adding some pictures.  

Just a few weeks before my sister and brother-in-law petitioned the courts, I said to my husband that maybe the reason the lawsuit was still sitting stagnant in the court system is because my sister and brother-in-law were going to change their hearts and minds. The arrow on the "hope" meter was a little right of center. Then we received notice they petitioned the courts for a trial date and we had to come face to face with the truth once again—there has been no change. They are still actively pursuing their deceit and our destruction through this lawsuit. The arrow on the "hope" meter went back to the left and bottomed out.

Even though a date for a trial has been set, it doesn't change anything. We still do not believe this lawsuit will ever proceed to trial. There is no legal rationale or logical explanation for our beliefs, it is just a strong conviction of faith. The only option left in the "world's" court system is a trial, but we do not believe this lawsuit will be decided by the "world's" court system. No earthly thing or person can put a stop to my sister's obsession. Only God...only God. Isaac was on the altar and Abraham's hand was raised and THEN God provided the lamb. We will continue to believe God's promise of protection and provision and pray for His will to be done. See: By HIS Great Power.

April 30, 2019 ~ Another new development.

 As the anniversary date of Jane's last spoken words of promise approached I said to my husband, "April 28 falls on a Sunday this year. It feels like we should do something special to commemorate the amazing events of this day." It was just a few days before the 28th and we were already in bed for the evening. We tossed around a few ideas and then it hit me—maybe we could go out to Jane's area of the Appalachian Trail in PA and return to the beautiful overlook where we knew our A.T. journey was over.

I got up and checked availability at the B&B's we stayed at in the past. Amazingly, the Red Cardinal Bed and Breakfast (where we stayed five years ago [2014] and we realized our dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail was ending - See The Land In-Between) was available for Saturday the 27th, and Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast (where we stayed seven years ago [2012] and we randomly felt we were to begin praying about "New Beginnings" - See The New Beginning: Where and How it Began) was available for Sunday the 28th. Wow! The exact rooms where we stayed in 2012 and 2014 were both available!! Let's do this! Let's take a fast weekend trip and go back to Carlisle, PA. Let's spend time at the very places where God so clearly spoke to us in the past, and let's spend April 28 hiking in the exact areas where Jane lived and hiked. Oh my goodness, this is a very spur of the moment decision, but let's do it—and we did.

I can't adequately express how much it meant to return to the area where so much of our faith journey has taken place. It was calming, relaxing, and soul cleansing. We stood on the old 1890 Iron Bridge where the Appalachian Trail crosses Swartara Creek just outside Lickdale, PA. This old bridge is within easy walking distance of where Jane grew up. We watched as the river's water flowed swiftly beneath us. We talked about how God's faithfulness is never-ending like the flowing water of a river. We reminisced about our journey, talked about the impact Jane had on our lives, and thanked God for His faithfulness.

We left Swatara Creek and drove through the scenic countryside to where PA 501 crosses the Appalachian Trial near Pine Grove. We parked the truck and hiked the short distance to the same overlook where we sat dazed and confused in July of '14. This time there was no confusion and no distress. We sat down on the huge boulders that spill down the mountainside and gazed out over the 180 degree panoramic view of the valley below. It had rained the night before and the skies were still slightly overcast, but the valley (The Land In-Between) before us was peaceful and serene. A rooster was once again crowing in the distance and the ravens were once again soaring on the air streams beneath us. We thanked God for teaching us that "valley" life experiences are beautiful when viewed from a higher perspective. We quoted the scriptures Jane told us to read: Psalm 150, Psalm 140, Psalm 8, Psalm 1, and portions of Isaiah 30 and Jeremiah 33. We prayed. We thanked God for the opportunity to spend this very special day, April 28th, in the exact area where Jane grew up and hiked. We praised God for His faithfulness and mercy which He has shown us over and over, and we once again surrendered ourselves to His total control.

We left the overlook and hiked a little farther down the trail. We talked about the blazes of the A.T. and how they direct your path. I took a picture of a white blaze painted on a rock in an open clearing so hikers would know which way the path led. We thanked God for how He has so faithfully guided us on HIS footpath. It started to rain so we turned around and hiked back to the overlook again. As we stood there we once again marveled at the beauty of the expansive valley below. So peaceful. So very, very peaceful.

With our hearts full of gratitude, we turned to leave. This time there was no sadness, just a quiet and peaceful understanding that we were soon going to be embarking on a new path and a new journey.  When we turned to leave the overlook in 2014 it felt as if we were walking away and leaving something we loved behind, but this time as we turned to leave our spirits were uplifted and encouraged because we understood a new truth: it's not about what you are leaving, it's about where you are going. We aren't walking away and leaving something we love behind—we are walking towards a New Path and a New Journey. We felt as if God was preparing us for the next step in our faith journey and that it is almost time—it is almost time for the telling of HIS Story.

Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead) 

and 

Walking By Faith: A True Story of God's Faithfulness  

May it be so, LORD. May it be so. May YOUR will be done.

********

When I began to add the new development of our quick trip to PA to this entry I noticed the title I wrote in March for the other new developments—and I just had to smile. The original entry of new developments was titled A New Path—A New Journey a month before there was even a thought of returning to the very spot where our section hiking of the Appalachian Trail ended and a month before that very message was pressed upon our hearts when we returned to the trail on April 28, 2019.

We are walking towards A New Path—A New Journey.


Next Entry: A Divine Mandate

The Lost Chapters

March 26, 2017

When I finished writing my journal entry for Revelation 22 on August 27, 2013, I thought I had completed my journey of reading the entire Bible while writing my thoughts in a journal. But in July of 2014, while I was transcribing my journal entries for II Chronicles into this blog, I was surprised to realize there was a section of the Bible which I had not yet written anything about. I call that section: The Lost Chapters.

Below is my journal entry from July 02, 2014.

July 02, 2014

When my private journals became entangled in "the storm," I lost all confidence in my future writings remaining private. As a result, I quit writing in my journals for a period of time. I continued my Bible readings, but I quit writing. That is why my journal entries (The Journey: Part One) ended on November 08, 2010 with what I wrote about II Chronicles 10:1 – 11:17 and didn't begin again until November 26, 2010.

When I summoned the courage to begin writing again, I started with where I was reading—Ezra. Because I wasn't sure if my journals would remain private in the future, for several months I was very cautious about what I put down in writing. As time went along, I once again opened up and shared my thoughts and feelings. In August of 2013, I completed my journey of reading through the Bible while keeping a journal. I then began to record my journal entries into Blogger.

When it was time to enter II Chronicles 11:17 – II Chronicles 36:23, I realized those chapters were missing from my journals. I had totally forgotten about skipping a section of II Chronicles during my hiatus from writing. I now call the missing section: The Lost Chapters. It is the only part of the Bible I have not completed.

I don't remember any of the specifics or the contents of these chapters. It will be interesting to read and see what God has to say in these chapters and/or what He wants to remind us of as we are approaching the seven year anniversary of "the storm."  

My handwritten journal entries for this section will be in my last journal (Journal #13), following what I wrote about Revelations. After I finish reading and writing about this section, I will enter The Lost Chapters in chronological order in Blogger. 

I had totally forgotten about these chapters; I can't wait to find out what is in them.

The Lost Chapters—which I had totally forgotten about. It was incredibly amazing to read the missing section and realize it was saved aside by the providence of God for such a time as this. The lost chapters were divinely orchestrated by God to become the last chapters of my journey through the Bible. It was as if the Coach (God) was gathering the team together for one last meeting of preparation, instruction, and encouragement before sending me out to do HIS work.

I wrote that last statement and then went out for a walk. As I was walking, I suddenly realized the time frame between the time I read these "lost" chapters (July 2014) and when God began to reveal to me what He wanted done with my journals in October 2014.  LORD – What Am I to Do?; The LORD Answers!; I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!!

I'm not sure if I ever noticed the correlation before. If I had, I'd forgotten. It was just three months later. AFTER—I'd finished reading from Genesis to Revelation; AFTER—I had filled thirteen journals with my personal thoughts; and AFTER—I finished reading and writing about the "lost" and "last" chapters—THEN. Only THEN did God reveal that Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead) was not just my story to privately share with my family and friends. Instead, it was the way HE wanted HIS story to be publicly told. The Coach was in fact preparing me to be sent out to do HIS work.

Now here I am again, preparing to enter the "lost" and "last" chapters from my last journal into this blog, and I feel as if Coach God is once again using these chapters to call a meeting to prepare, instruct, and encourage me before sending me out to do HIS work. What exactly is the New Beginning and HIS work going to look like? I don't know. I could have never imagined my private journals going public. I can't begin to imagine how God intends to use them. All I know is that with HIS help, I am available to do whatever He asks of me.

Even though I've already transcribed the missing journal entries into Blogger to chronologically complete the section between II Chronicles 11:17 and II Chronicles 36:23, I believe it is important to also record them here, after the completion of Revelation, in the exact time frame in which they were read and in the place where the "lost" and "last" chapters appear in my hand written journals.

Revelation is finished. Now let's finish the rest of Journal #13 with the Lost (and last) Chapters entries for II Chronicles 11:17 to II Chronicles 36:23 written from July 12, 2014 to July 24, 2014.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 11:18 – 15:19 

Revelation 3:1–22 (Continued)

July 29, 2013

When Jesus/God sent His message to the seven churches in Asia, each message followed the same format.

1. They each started with who He is—The One who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands; The One who is the First and Last, who died and came alive again; The One who has the sharp, double-edged sword; The Son of God, who has eyes that blaze like the fire and feet like shining bronze; The One who has the seven spirits and the seven stars; The One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David; The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of all God has made. He is The One, the authority on and in ALL things.
2. I know—After his authority was established, he informed them that he knew. I know what you do; I know you work hard and never give up; I know you don't put up with the false teachings of evil people; I know what has happened to you; I know you are poor but that actually makes you rich; I know the bad things some are saying against you; I know where you live; I know you have stayed true to me even though you are surrounded by evil; I know what you do; I know about your love, your faith, your service, and your patience; I know you are growing; I know the truth behind the "why" of what you do; I know people think you are alive but you are really dead; I know what you do, I have put an open door before you; I know the truth about you, that you are not hot or cold. I know... I know... I KNOW. The One who has the authority in ALL things—KNOWS everything about us and KNOWS what we do.  
3. He tells them what is right and/or wrong—Nothing is left to guessing. "This is what I have against you." He step by step tells them where they have gotten off track. He also tells them what they are doing right. He clearly lays out a road map—a path for them to follow.
4. He offers them the solution—"Change your hearts and lives." There are no excuses. He clearly defines the problem and He clearly defines the solutions. He also clearly defines the rewards for obedience.
5. Finally, He says what He is going to do—What He decides to do hinges on our obedience to His corrections.The IF—THEN "I will" promises of God. If you choose disobedience: I will take away your witness; I will fight against you; I will cause suffering; I will destroy; I will repay you for what you have done; I will come like a thief when you do not know I am coming; I will make you bow down to those you have opposed; I will make you know that I have loved them. I will correct and punish those whom I love. Discipline is promised. But those who choose obedience receive blessings rather that discipline. To those who win the victory: I will give the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life; I will give them the crown of life; I will protect them from the second death; I will give them some of the hidden manna; I will give them a white stone with a new name written on it; I will give them power over other nations; I will give them the morning star; I will say they belong to me; I will keep you from the time of trouble; I will make them pillars in the temple of God; I will keep them secure; I will write on them the name of God; I will come in and fellowship with you; I will keep you with me. Two different choices. Two very different results.

This is who I am.
This is what I know.
This is who you are.
This is what you need to do.
This is what I am going to do.

After each letter He said the exact same thing: "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches." Some may be blinded to the truth, but if they listen to the Spirit of Truth they will no longer be blinded, and the Truth is what sets us free. Everyone who has ears should listen. We all have blind spots. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals those blind spots to us.

Listen! Change your hearts and lives. Surrender. Obey. Do.

Addendum: 2/2/17 ~ Jesus said the exact same statement seven different times to the seven churches. "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches." What a powerful statement. Listen!

Why did God say seven different times—Listen? Why not look or let me show you? In the next chapter God showed John what was to come. John looked and saw an open door in heaven and God asked John to come up so he could have him look and see. But to the seven churches, He instructed the people to—Listen.

I've been thinking about the differences between listen and look and why I believe it is important to understand those differences. It all boils down to faith. When you listen it is all about by faith receiving the instruction of The One; by faith believing what He is saying is Truth; by faith accepting His words; and by faith changing your life to follow His Truth. When you accept by faith what He is saying then HE is the balm for your blinded eyes, HE is revealed to you, and your faith increases. The emphasis is on you receiving (hearing) and then by faith responding. It all goes back to obeying the very first commandment and understanding the

God 

↓

 man 

relationship. He is to be MASTER of our lives and we are to—Listen!

 Hebrews 1:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (KJV)  

Belief by sight is entirely different than belief by listening. When you need proof you are no longer trusting. You put your faith in the known (seen) rather than the unknown (unseen). Depending upon what you see, you will make the decision on whether or not you will believe. Show me and then I will decide. The God to man relationship changes and instead of trusting and being reliant on God, it becomes an attitude of telling God what you want, how you want it done, and what you need in order for you to believe. Instead of listening to Master Jesus and being God-reliant, you become self-reliant, you want proof, and faith becomes (wrongfully so) irrelevant.

God wants us to listen! He wants us to believe Him by faith first. IF—we believe by faith He becomes the balm for our eyes and THEN—we can see Truth.  It is in that order. Faith comes first.

Listen!! Believe!! See!!


Next Entry: Revelation 4:1 – 6:17

Revelation 2:1–29

July 25, 2013

To the Church in Ephesus the One says:

"I know what you do."

• You work hard
• You don't give up
• You don't put up with false teachings
• You've tested those who say they are my followers
• You've discerned those who are liars
• You've had patience
• You've suffered much for my name

"But, I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first." Otherwise you will lose your witness.

Revelation 2:7 - "Every person who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To those who win the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life, which is in the garden of God." Adam and Eve tried to be in control and "take" what wasn't theirs to have, and they did not own it for themselves. Only God has the right to give what is His.

To the Church in Smyrna the One who is First and Last says:

"I know" what has happened to you.

• You've had troubles
• You are poor, but you are rich in what is important
• Some people have claimed to be something they are not and have spoken badly against you

Revelation 2:9b - "They are a synagogue that belongs to Satan." Do not be afraid! You are going to suffer, but hold on! Remain faithful even if it costs you everything. Revelation 2:10b - "I will give you the crown of life."

Revelation 2:11 - "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.  Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death."

"Smyrna – name of a herb when crushed gives off a beautiful scent and aroma. So the Smyrna church—persecuted/crushed—was to be a suffering church." (Jane's handwritten note in her KJV Bible.)

To the Church of Pergamum the One who has the sharp, double-edged sword says:

"I know where you live."

• You live in a corrupt area
• You have remained true to me
• You shared your faith in me even when it wasn't politically correct and it was dangerous

"But I have a few things against you." Some of you are starting to follow teachings that are not from me. You are starting to conform to the evil times of where you live. For those of you who haven't conformed—hold on. For those of you who have conformed—change your hearts and lives! Revelation 2:16b - "If you do not, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword that comes out of my mouth." To the faithful—"I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory." (Revelation 2:17)

Revelation 2:17 - "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

To the Church in Thyatira the Son of God who has eyes that blaze like fire and feet like bronze says:

"I know what you do."

• You have love
• You have faith
• You do things for others
• You are patient
• You are doing more now that you did in the beginning

"But I have this against you." You let a domineering and corrupt leader remain in power. She claims to have special knowledge, but her knowledge does not come from me. I've warned her and I've given her time to change, but she has refused to change and a punishment of suffering is waiting for her and all those who have not rejected her false teaching. Revelation 2:23b - "I am the One who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you for what you have done." Some of you have not been sucked into following her ways or have not learned the so-called deep secrets of Satan. I will support you. "Continue in your loyalty until I come." Revelation 2:26 - "I will give power over the nations to everyone who wins the victory and continues to be obedient to me until the end."

Revelation 2:29 - "Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."

Addendum: 2/1/17 ~ From the Life Lesson for Revelation 2.

"Good things take time before they're good.... 

Develop an attitude of trust. God can change situations; His name is Deliverer...

One of the most often-repeated commands in the Bible is "wait on the Lord." Waiting on Him "grows you up"; it keeps your eyes off yourself and on Him; it gives you staying power...

John could have spent his time pacing that barren little beach, feeling bitter about what "they" did to him, and scanning the horizon every minute for a rescuer. But he didn't. Quieted under the hand of God into a position of trust and receptivity, John received the most fabulous revelation of Jesus Christ and His future that any man has ever received, and as a result he wrote the Spirit-breathed book of Revelation.

Do you feel as if you're on a "Patmos" in your life? Are you feeling caught and trapped? Settle down. Look up. Let God decide whether He will act according to One, Two, or Three. For you, it will be perfect...." ~ From You Don't Have to Quit by Anne and Ray Ortlund

Well said.


Next Entry: Revelation 3:1–22

Revelation 1:1–20

July 24, 2013

"This is the revelation (Truth) of Jesus Christ which God gave to him, to show his servants what must soon happen. And Jesus sent his angel to show it to his servant John, who has told everything he has seen. It is the word of God: it is the message from Jesus Christ." Revelation 1:1-2 (Emphasis and comments mine.)

God revealed truth to Jesus; Jesus sent His angel to tell his servant John; John wrote down everything he saw; and now the truth has been revealed to those who are the servants of Christ.

"Happy is the one who reads the words of God's message, and happy are the people who hear this message and do what is written in it. The time is near when all of this will happen." Revelation 1:3  

Happy is the person who reads the words of God's message; happy is the person who hears the message from Jesus Christ; and happy is the person who does what is written in it. Happy and blessed. Yet so many people do not read this message from Jesus because it seems daunting to them. God doesn't send His message of truth to us without also sending His Holy Spirit to explain it to us. While not everyone will understand all the symbolism (I certainly don't), Revelation is the message of Jesus and there is much we can all understand. Revelation is God's Word. It is the message of Jesus Christ. It is Truth. And it is for each one of His servants.

John records Jesus' message to the seven churches in Asia. John makes it clear this is not just him writing another letter. This message is from the LORD God Himself. Revelation 1:4b–5a - "The One who is (present) and was (past) and is coming (future)... and from Jesus Christ."

Jesus is the "faithful witness." He is the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption; He was the first among those raised from the dead; He is the ruler over the kings of the earth; and He is coming again. Revelation 1:5–6 - "He is the One who loves us, who made us free from our sins with the blood of his death." He is the One! It is because of Him that we can be servants of God. "To Jesus Christ be glory and power forever and ever! Amen." (Revelation 1:5–6)

This isn't John's message. This is the message of Jesus. John was chosen to tell it because he was a faithful servant. He knew what it was to suffer for doing what was right. He was punished and sent in exile to the island of Patmos because he was preaching the word of God and spreading the message of Jesus.

It wasn't in spite of all that happened to John that God could use him. No. It was because of all that happened to him that God could use him. He was a faithful servant to God, and he was faithfully telling God's message. Because of that John was exiled on the island of Patmos. He was being punished, but he wasn't being punished by God. He was exactly where he was supposed to be. God took what was meant for John's harm and turned it to be used for the good of all mankind. God chose to reveal His truth to him while he was alone and separated from outside interruptions. Because John was faithful he was chosen to be the recipient of a Blessed Event. Thankfully, John did not keep all he experienced to himself. He wrote down all he saw and heard and shared it with the world.  

Revelation 1:7a - "Look, Jesus is coming with the clouds, and everyone will see him."

Everyone! Even those who witnessed His first crucifixion and those who have nailed him to the cross again by their refusal to submit to His authority. (Hebrews 6) Everyone!! Saint and sinner alike.

This is the first coming of Jesus where He comes in the clouds but does not descend all the way to the earth. The Holy Spirit and all believers are removed from the earth with those who are dead in Christ rising first. For believers this is a joyous time of redemption. For the "religious" unbeliever and non-believers this is the beginning of a horrific time. Revelation 1:7b - "And all peoples of the earth will cry because of him. So shall it be. Amen."

As we await the return of Christ there should be no fear, only great expectation. There also should be a sense of urgency. What does God want me to be doing? Who can I reach for eternity? Is there something I should stop doing? LORD, what is it you want from me? How can I best serve YOU? 

"The Lord God says, "I am the Alpha (beginning) and the Omega (end). I am the One who is and was and is coming. I am the Almighty." Revelation 1:8

I AM

John's heart was the same whether he was in the midst of good times or experiencing tough times. Even though he was alone and imprisoned on Patmos, he knew what day it was. It was the Lord's day and he was worshiping in the Spirit. Difficult times did not decrease his worship. I suspect the opposite was true, and that during the worst of times his praise to his Master increased.

As he was worshiping he heard a loud voice behind him. John turned around. When God speaks, pay attention! John saw someone "like a Son of Man" and he fell at his feet like a dead man. This "man" who looked like the sun shining at its brightest time put His right hand on John and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and Last. I am the One who lives; I was dead, but look, I am alive forever and ever! I hold the keys to death and to the place of the dead. So write the things you see, what is now and what will happen later." Revelation 1:17–18  (Emphasis mine)

• Pay attention
• Understand His Majesty
• Listen to what He says
• Do not be afraid
• He is the great I AM
• He reveals truth
• Tell others

Addendum: 2/4/17 ~ God often uses what we think are our valley experiences to teach us what He wants us to learn. It is often during the valley times in our lives that He has our undivided attention. We have learned this first hand.

When you look back over those times in your life, He gives you perspective, and you learn that valley experiences are not something to be avoided or tolerated, but are instead an opportunity to learn and grow. And who knows, that valley experience may just turn out to be a Blessed Event.

God amazingly used the Appalachian Trail to teach us this valuable lesson. Just like a valley is beautiful when viewed from a mountain overlook, so are those tough times in our lives when we look at them from a higher perspective. 


Next Entry: Revelation 2:1–29

III John 1–15

July 22, 2013

There is a line that separates what is good from what is bad.  You are on one side or the other.  You either do:

What is Good (Exampled by Gaius) 

• Truth was in his life
• He followed truth
• He helped others follow truth
• He loved like Christ loved
• He served others
• He wanted truth (God's kingdom) to grow

 _________________________________________________________

 What is Bad (Exampled by Diotrephes) 

• Was arrogant
• Would not listen to truth
• Was self promoting
• He was a liar
• He said evil things about the believers
• He refused to accept the believers
• He tried to stop their ministries
• He tried to stop others from believing truth 

John calls Gaius actions good and Diotrephes actions bad. III John 11 - "My dear friends, do not follow what is bad; follow what is good. The one who does good belongs to God. But the one who does evil has never known God."  

Truth produces love. It has too because God is love.  

"The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in the truth. If the first had not been the case, the second could have never occurred; and if the second could not have been said of him, the first would have been a mere pretense. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or else it is of no value..." ~ From Morning and Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon

Next Entry: Jude 1–25

I John 4:1 – 5:21 (Continued)

July 22, 2013

So, how do you love God?

You love God by obeying His commands. I John 5:3–4 - "Loving God means obeying his commands. And God's commands are not too hard for us, because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith."

Faith. Believing all of what God said is true. Believing in the Trinity and that Jesus is the Son of God. Believing Jesus' life, death and resurrection was the sacrifice that fulfilled God's plan of redemption for a lost world. Believing His sacrifice was necessary for your personal salvation and accepting Him as your Savior.

Believing means action. It means confessing, repenting, and surrendering your will to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Believing by true faith and obedience. Not just a simple nodding of the head and saying, yeah... I believe all those things, while having no outward sign of a changed heart or life. Only giving lip service to God when His act of Love requires us to acknowledge Him as Lord and to accept His position as Master of our lives, is like spitting in the face of God and calling Him a liar.  

To believe—means to obey all His commands. If you refuse to obey His commands, then it means you really don't believe. I John 5:12 - "Whoever has the Son has life, but whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."  What does has/have truly mean? What is the definition of "has"?  I looked it up in my old 1957 Thorndike-Barnhart Dictionary.

To possess; be obliged; obtain; show by action; experience; allow; permit; maintain; keep; retain; know, understand; hold in the mind; be in a certain relation to, etc.  

We can't just say He is the Son of God, we must have Him as the Lord of our life. When we have Him as Lord of our lives we can "ask God for anything that agrees with what He wants" and we can know that He hears us. I John 5:15 - "If we know he hears us every time we ask him, we know we have what we ask from him." When He is in us and our desires line up with His desires, then we can know that He hears our prayers, because our prayers are not selfish or self serving. It is ALL about Him and doing His will.

God has given us everything we need to understand and know Him. I John 5:20 - "We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we can know the True One. And our lives are in the True One and in the Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and the eternal life."

"God's holiness demands that all sin be punished, but God's love provides the plan and way of redemption for sinful man. God's love is the cross of Jesus, by which man can have forgiveness and cleansing. It was the love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross!" ~ From Peace with God by Billy Graham

God used these chapters, really the entire book of I John, to explain a lot of TRUTH to me. I John puts in condensed form the message of the entire Bible: the promises of blessings for obedience and the inescapable consequences for disobedience. It breaks my heart that people we know and love are missing out on the blessings God has made available to them and are instead living lives of consequences for the choices they have made. Instead of a life of joy, they appear to be living a life of punishment and torment.

Last Friday morning (July 19, 2013), as I was reading I John 4:1–5:21, I literally wept when I began to understand the meaning of what God's word was saying. It was a new Truth to me. It explained the "why" behind my husband's mom actions and the resulting issues we have been having to deal with—and I wept.

My husband and I have been both disgusted and frustrated with his mother's behavior. She is literally consumed by fear and has been for as long as we can remember. She is manipulative and uses "I didn't know" lies as a means to excuse her unacceptable behaviors. I personally had been getting more and more frustrated and even angry that she has gotten by (and keeps getting by) with that kind of inexcusable behavior—for years!

But then I read I John 4:18. It is punishment to live a life of fear. Punishment!! She isn't "getting by" with anything! She is living a tortured, tormented, punished life for the years she has refused to surrender all to God, and my heart broke for the consequences she is living and in compassion for her—I wept. There was no more anger. Just a broken heart for her.

How many times have we excused my mother-in-law's or my sister's behavior by saying, "Oh, that's just _____ (my sister) or "that's just _____ (my mother-in-law)?  NO!! NO! A thousand times NO! It isn't "just so and so," it is SIN!! Let's call it what it is—SIN! My sister is living a life of fear, anger, revenge, lies, and control because of SIN! My mother-in-law is living a tormented punished life of fear because of SIN!

What are we going to do about my husband's mom? We don't know yet. We are praying and asking God what, when, and how He wants us to do something. One thing we know. We cannot have this truth revealed to us and do nothing. Love requires action. Eternity is at stake.

When I quit making excuses for my sister's behavior and when I finally accepted the whole ugly truth it broke my heart. There was no anger, only a deep concern for her soul. I wanted to reach out to her because love does require action. But what could I do? We are in the middle of a lawsuit. There is no communication. It seemed hopeless.

When I felt led to begin this journal I had no idea God would use it to allow my voice to go to my sister as a witness to her of God's truth. It certainly wasn't anything I orchestrated. When the judge reopened discovery over some random issue and I realized I was going to have to send my private words and thoughts to someone who was seeking our ruin, it seemed like my worst nightmare. Yet, it was God's plan to reach my sister with HIS words and to free me from any responsibility for her ultimate choices. Now, we are seeking God's will for how He wants us reach out to my husband's mom. We will continue to seek His plan and wait on His leading.

Understanding scripture better has explained so much. I used to wonder why it would drive me crazy to be around my sister for very long. I've often wondered why there were times I found it difficult to even like my mother-in-law. I loved both my sister and mother-in-law, but there were times it was very difficult to like them. I've discovered it has nothing to do with a difference in personalities, it is because of the difference of who we are at our very core. It wasn't my sister's clutter, or the fidgeting, or the obsession with my brother that was driving me crazy; it was the difference in our core values that was separating us. It wasn't my mother-in-laws fears and unacceptable behaviors that was driving me crazy; it was the difference in our core values.

And my heart breaks and my soul weeps for both of them.

LORD, thank you for giving me an opportunity to share Truth with my sister. LORD, I pray that you will give us direction on who should speak Truth to my husband's mom. LORD, I pray that they will each understand that without you they are nothing and that they would both desire nothing but you.  LORD, may they surrender their hearts to Master Jesus, and change their hearts and lives. May they each live to see the day where they understand for the first time the fullness of your amazing Love.  LORD, we surrender them both to you. We lay our concern for them at your feet.

Addendum: 1/3/2017~  So, what happened? I wish I could say there was some sort of miraculous change in my mother-in-law's life. There wasn't.

I had two different opportunities to talk in depth with my mother-in-law. The first was in early 2014. We had recently moved both of my husband's parents to an Assisted Living facility. My mother-in-law developed an UTI which required a visit to the emergency room. While in the emergency room, the nurses wanted her to get up and walk a few steps before they released her. Even with two big burly men on each side of her, and even though their arms were wrapped securely around her in total support, my mother-in-law was paralyzed by the fear of falling and would not attempt a small single step. In the privacy of her room I talked to her about surrendering her fears. She didn't want to hear anything about it.

The last opportunity I had was shortly before my mother-in-law died in August of 2015. She would look up and smile whenever a nurse came into the room but she rarely ever acknowledged the presence of any of her family members. Knowing she could hear me, I went through all the steps of salvation even though I knew she grew up knowing them. I sang hymns to her, and I prayed for her. There was no visible response. While I believe her salvation was secure, I wanted to make sure she had every opportunity to surrender ALL.

The only thing we have any control over is our own personal response to Jesus. As for me, I choose to surrender—ALL.

All to Jesus I Surrender


Next Entry: II John 1:1–13 

I John 3:1–24

July 18, 2013

We are loved by the Father so much that we are called "children of God." And that is what we are—"children of God." There is a reason why we don't fit in with the world. It is because we are strangers. The world cannot possibly understand us because they don't know Him.

Christianity is a concept you really cannot understand without experiencing it. As Christians, we know we were made in the image of God; we are children of God; and when Christ returns we will be made like Him because we will see Christ as He really is. What a day that will be!! While we eagerly await that day, it is a foreign concept to people who have not accepted Christ as LORD.

Until that time, we have the responsibility to live as Christ taught.

• Christ is love—we must show love
• Christ is pure—we need to keep ourselves pure
• There is no sin in Christ—we cannot go on sinning
• Christ is all that is right—we must do what is right
• Christ is light—we cannot have darkness in us

Those who are God's children do not continue sinning because the new life from God is in them. I John 3:9 - "They are not able to go on sinning because they have become children of God." I John 3:6 - "Anyone who goes on sinning has never really understood Christ and has never known him."

Those two statements are very clear. If Christ is truly living in you, then He is Master and you are not able to continue in sin. The reverse is also true. If you do not change your hearts and lives and you continue to sin and live a lifestyle contrary to God's Word, then the truth is you never really understood Christ; you've never truly known Him; you are not a child of God; and He is not your Father. The narrow road is in fact—narrow. I John 3:10 - "Those who do not do what is right are not God's children, and those who do not love their brothers and sisters are not God's children."

It doesn't get much plainer than that.

From the very beginning of the Bible there has been one clear message: you must love God and you must love others. And from the very beginning, both teachings were broken. Cain killed Abel because he was jealous of him. Cain was corrupt, his heart was evil, and he was out to destroy his brother who had done nothing against Him.   

Our actions reveal the truth about our hearts. Sin (darkness) and Truth (light) cannot co-mingle. It should be no surprise that people of the world (as slaves of Satan) seek to harm you and hurt you. However, it was shocking to us when our own family members purposely set out (using trickery and then this lawsuit) to seek our destruction, especially since we thought we were like minded with them. What we now know (by the evidence of their actions and by searching God's Word) is that my sister and brother-in-law's actions show the truth about their hearts. I John 3:15 - "Everyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderers have eternal life in them." Jesus taught in Matthew 5:21–26 that hating someone in your heart is the same as the act of murder.

Hatred. Is there another way to describe the actions of my sister and brother-in-law. I wish there was. To purposely deceive and trick us and then file a lawsuit to try and ruin us—is hatred. Oh, they've couched it as "business" or "unfortunate" or whatever, but the bottom line is that in their interest of self-promotion, everything is on the table and nothing is sacred even if it means the destruction of others. There is a whole of list of other family and friends (as evidenced by my brother-in-law's list of broken relationships) who were victims of the same thinking, and there are others who are still unaware of the truth behind the scenes. I'm sure my sister and brother-in-law don't see their actions as a hatred of others. Whatever happens to the other person is just collateral damage to what they want or think they deserve. But, it is hatred. I've witnessed first hand the clenched teeth, the pointed fingers, and the squinted eyes.

God in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New Testament taught the same message. They commanded that we love one another. I John 3:18 - "We should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring." You cannot be a child of God and seek the harm of other people. Cannot. I John 3:23 - "This is what God commands (not suggests): that we believe in his Son, Jesus Christ (Him as Master and we as servants) and that we love each other, just as he commanded."  (Emphasis and comments mine.)

You cannot purposely and intentionally choose to go against God's teachings and Jesus' clarifications and still have the blessing of being at one with God. I John 3:22 - "God gives us what we ask for because we obey God's commands and do what pleases him." This verse isn't referring to selfish "things." When we do what He commands and when we do what pleases Him, THEN our desires align with His desires and God gives us what we ask for, and we are in fellowship with him. I John 3:24 - "The people who obey God's commands live in God, and God lives in them. We KNOW that God lives in us because of the Spirit God gave us." Reminds me of the old camp song, "We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.... they will know we are Christians by our love."

Matthew 22:37–39 - Jesus said (quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18), "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and most important command. And the second is like the first: Love your neighbor as yourself."


Next Entry: I John 4:1 – 5:21

I John 2:1–29 (Continued)

July 16, 2013

I don't know where the line is. How much leeway is there between saved and lost? How narrow is the narrow road? 

After carefully reading, studying, and writing about God's Word for these past 44 months, it seems as if the road is even more narrow than I thought. What I know is this: I want to be as close to the center of that road as I can get. I do not want to flirt with the ditches and become accustomed to the edges.

John describes the enemies of Christ. These were people who used to be part of the group of "believers" but they left the group which showed that they weren't "believers" at all. What they said they believed and the truth about their lives, were polar opposites. I John 2:21b–22 - "No lie comes from truth." He goes on. "Who is the liar? It is the person who does not accept Jesus as the Christ. This is the enemy of Christ: the person who does not accept the Father and his Son."

This is the point where people start going through a check list to convince themselves that they are OK.

1)  Have no other gods
          ✔  I don't do that
2)  Don't take the Lord's name in vain
          ✔  I don't do that
3)  Don't grieve the Holy Spirit
          ✔  I don't do that
4)  Accept Jesus as the Christ
          ✔  Yup—I've done that

WAIT A MINUTE!! WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?!?

We say we have no other gods, but is anything in my life more important than Him? Self? Work? Family? Christian "service"? Anything? We say we don't take the Lord's name in vain, well maybe you aren't swearing, but what about the times you should have told someone about Christ and you didn't? What about that? You say you don't grieve the Holy Spirit by cursing His name, but any time you choose to not follow God's commands and instead do things your way, you are indeed grieving the Holy Spirit. You say you accept Jesus as the Christ—really? Is He Master of all areas of your life or are you using Him for (what you think will be) your get-out-of-hell free card?

Much of modern Christianity has made Jesus into this feel-good, lukewarm, I-just-want-you-to-be-happy guy. Where do you hear Him being talked about as Master and how often do we hear messages about being a "servant" of Christ? We don't want to hear that! We want to be our own master. Jesus is our back-up plan. We are capable. We will be in charge—thank you very much.

The problem with that way of thinking is that it is heresy. It is not God's teachings. We sure have messed things up. We strive to teach our children from little up to be self-confident, independent, and critical thinkers. Where is that scriptural? Scripture says our confidence comes from Him, it is in whose we are not who we are. Our dependence should be on Him, that is where freedom comes from. Our thoughts should be like His thoughts.

Where on earth did this Americanized view of Christianity come from? Certainly not the Word of God. World view says make it to the top—Christ says serve. To confess Jesus as Lord does not mean mere lip service. He must be LORD!

God has given us everything we need. Jesus clarifies everything in the Old Testament. His teachings show us how to live. His Holy Spirit is in us. I John 2:27 - "Christ gave you a special gift that is still in you so you do not need any other teacher. His gift teaches you about everything, and it is true, not false." He is Truth and His Spirit guides us. I John 2:29 - "If you know that Christ is all that is right, you know that all who do right are God's children."

I've still been thinking about II Peter 2 and the concept of servants—verses—slaves. Jesus is to be our Master Jesus. If He is Master we are servants. If we aren't HIS servant, we are a slave to whatever controls us, our own lusts, selfish desires, and ultimately—Satan. Hmm. Servant to Christ—OR—slave to Satan. We are one or the other. We are not our own boss. We are either surrendered to the Lordship of Christ and we are HIS servant, or in our futile effort to remain in control, we have relinquished ourselves to Satan and we become his slave.

Master Jesus—kind, loving, compassionate, Father, gentle, patient, etc. As His servant we are the beneficiary to all those things and we in return live our lives in service to Him. We bend our knee and allow Him to guide us and direct us, and our hearts desire is to follow His commands and to bring honor and glory to Him.

Satan on the other hand is a cruel dictator that seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. Like a roaring lion he devours. And while you think you are independent and master of your own domain, you are not. Instead you are a slave to a cruel dictator whose only mission is to destroy your soul.

Servant to a Loving God

OR

Slave to a cruel dictator

It truly is one or the other. I choose to surrender and bow my knee in submission to Master Jesus, to live my life in service to Him, to listen and accept His instructions, and to do everything I can to bring honor and glory to His name. When my life on this earth is over, I want to hear the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21–23)  

Being a servant to Christ brings freedom. Selfish desires only brings bondage. 


Next Entry: I John 3:1–24

II Peter 3:1–18

July 12, 2013

Jesus will come again. Just because it is 2013 and it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it isn't going to happen. To the LORD, one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day.

God isn't slow—He is patient—and I am so grateful that He is. He doesn't want anyone to be lost. He wants ALL people to change their hearts and lives. So, He patiently waits. He patiently waited until Noah finished building the boat. He patiently waits—and for six years He has extended "days of Grace" to my sister and brother-in-law while having a judge withhold judgment.

Our prayer continues to be that my sister and brother-in-law would change their hearts and lives and that they would become servants of the Master Jesus. Whether we live or die, the only thing that truly matters is how we lived our lives for Him. Whether He comes in 2013, whether we live to a ripe old age, or whether today is our last day—none of that matters. The ONLY thing that matters is HIM. 

We don't know when our time is up, so "you should live holy lives and serve God" (II Peter 3:11) as you wait for Him. II Peter 3:13 - "We are waiting for a new heaven and a new earth where goodness lives." We are waiting for Him. While we are waiting we should not be idle. We need to grow in grace and knowledge; we need to be without sin and without fault; we need to be actively pursuing Him; we need to be doing our part to build His kingdom; and we need to be ready.

LORD, I pray that you will actively pursue my sister and brother-in-law. Get in their face. Make it impossible for them to ignore YOU. Please continue to be patient with them. Give them another opportunity to surrender to YOU. Amen.


Next Entry: I John 1:1–10

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

James 4:1–17

June 26, 2013

Do you want to know where fights and arguments come from? James tells us. They come from our selfish desires that war inside of us and spill out to those around us. It's that simple. Selfishness. And selfishness is breaking God's first commandment of—"No other gods" and His royal law of—"Love your neighbor as you love yourself."

I like how James describes it when he says "(it) wars within you." I don't think I've ever noticed that before. But it's true. Selfishness harms you first before it strikes out at others. You want things → you don't have them → it makes you mad → you are jealous → you are ready to do whatever it takes to get them → you argue → you fight → you try to be in control → if you can't have it then you try to make sure the other person doesn't have it either → it grows → it festers → it wars within you → it destroys your joy → it destroys your relationships with other people → you strategize and maneuver → you use whatever means necessary to get what you want → nothing you try works → you don't give up → you try all the harder → and the turmoil within you grows. You should know better. You know the truth and you know the truth will set you free, but you want what the other person has, whether it be their "things" or their peace and joy. You don't want your peace, you want their peace.

And it doesn't work.

When you love the world/self it actually means you are hating God and you become God's enemy. Did you hear that? God's enemy!!! Do you understand the seriousness of that? Is your desire for selfish control worth being an enemy of God? James 4:5 - "Do you think the Scripture mean nothing that says, 'The Spirit that God made to live in us wants us for himself alone?' " Of course there is going to be a war going on within you when you are trying to fight against the way God made you. James quotes Proverbs 3:34 - "God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble." There is only one way to have peace. James 4:7 - "So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. Come near to God, and God will come near to you."

• Give yourself to God. You have to "give" yourself. God will not take you by force.
• Stand firm against the devil. With God on your side the devil cannot harm you.
• Come. The closer you go to God the more He comes to you.

You can't follow God and the world/self at the same time. It won't work. You need to make your thinking pure and clean out the sin from your lives. Repent. Be sorry—truly sorry—for what you have done. Humble yourself before God and HE will make you great. Don't concern yourself with what others are doing. Only be concerned with your relationship with Christ. You are not the lawmaker or the judge. James 4:12 - "God is the only Lawmaker and Judge. He is the only One who can save and destroy." Leave it ALL up to Him. Let go—let God. God is a fair and just God. Trust Him to make things right.

Our lives are but a mist. It is not about our agenda. It IS about God's will. We cannot claim ignorance. James 4:17 -  "Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning." It really is that black and white. Disobedience = sin. Delayed obedience = sin. It is faith + action. Our walk MUST match our talk.

I find great comfort in knowing that God is our Judge. Our faith and trust is in Him alone. 

"As you confess that God is in charge, you admit that your aren't. As you proclaim that God has power, you admit that you don't. And as you give God all the applause, there is none left to dizzy your brain." ~ From The Great House by Max Lucado. 

Next Entry: James 5:1–20 

James 3:1–18

June 24, 2013

The tongue. James teaches about the importance of controlling the things we say.

Just like a small bit in the mouth of a horse can be used to control its whole body and a ship can be controlled by a very small rudder, our tongues (even though small), can wreck havoc on those around us and start wars among friends, families, and even countries if not brought under the Spirit's control. Our tongues of course cannot without our permission control us or say harmful things, but the actions of our tongues are a window to our souls. Our tongues reveal who we truly are.

We have a choice. Our tongues can be used to inflict harm on people and start a fire around us, or our tongues can be used to build others up and to teach others how to live. Our tongues reveal the truth of our lives. If our hearts are pure our tongues reflect that. If our hearts are selfish and evil, the truth will eventually be revealed by our tongues. Man can tame a wild animal, but in our own power we cannot control our tongues. Our tongues can only be tamed by a changed heart.

"When we submit to the claims of Christ upon our lives, our untamed natures are brought under His control. We become meek, tamed, and 'fit for the Master's service.' " ~ From The Secret of Happiness by Billy Graham

IF—there hasn't been true submission to Christ and true repentance, and IF—our "changed" heart is for appearances only, THEN—"we use our tongues" to praise God on one hand and turn around and use that same tongue to criticize and abuse people. James 3:10 - "Praises and curses come from the same mouth." IF—that happens THEN—something is wrong!! Good water and bad water cannot come from the same spring. A fig tree cannot grow olives. A grapevine cannot grow figs. A well full of salty water cannot also produce good water. It just cannot happen. We are all created equal. You cannot say you serve God and then use your tongue to harm someone God created equal with you. 

Selfishness and bitter jealousy cannot come from God. Cannot. It is not spiritual and it is a lie straight from the devil. Using the tongue to brag "is a lie that hides the truth" of a selfish and jealous heart. James 3:16 - "Where jealousy and selfishness are, there will be confusion and every kind of evil."

Wisdom and understanding does not produce confusion and strife. It instead shows itself by living right and doing good things with gentleness. The wisdom that comes from God is:

• Pure (first and foremost)
• Peaceful
• Gentle
• Easy to please
• Always ready to help others
• Always ready to do good
• Always fair
• Always honest

James 3:18 - "People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a crop of right-living." Even if those who are outside of your control rage against you, you can live at peace and peacefully.

It all comes back to DO. Do the right things. Be real  Be genuine. Our tongues are a reflection of the attitude of our heart. The only way to change the tongue is to change the heart. That is not to say that we can never make a mistake. We can and do make mistakes, but a mistake is different than a way of life. 

As teachers, we need to be very careful with the words we say. We need to make sure ALL we say aligns with God's Word and is not part of a personal agenda. We will all be held accountable for the things we say. Guard your heart. Guard your mind. Guard your mouth. It all starts with our hearts and minds.

We all need to be careful. If we are not growing in Christ then we are reverting back to our sinful nature and our tongues will reveal the truth about the condition of our heart.   


Next Entry: James 4:1–17

James 2:1–26

June 22, 2013

James 2:6–7 - "The rich are always trying to control your lives.  They are the ones who take you to court. And they are the ones who speak against Jesus who owns you."

As believers, we are "owned" by Jesus. The rich (and the wannabe rich and live-as-if-we-are-rich) see themselves as being in control, and they totally disregard the authority of Jesus and instead decide they will be in charge and make the decisions. They view themselves as "owners" and others as subservient. 

I should make a disclaimer here. Not every "rich" person fits this description and there are also plenty of people who do not have great wealth but still live their lives trying to be in control. What God is talking about here is the temptation for the wealthy to rely on themselves and their own capabilities rather than being God-reliant. It is extremely difficult and rare for the very "rich" to remain totally dependent on God and not fall into the trap of self-sufficiency.

The #1 trap for any of us is to become self-reliant instead of God-dependent. Having monetary riches exacerbates the temptation and many will start relying on their own means to get what they want. It isn't just that they have money and so therefore can afford to use the world's court system to exert their control. The problem is they have also developed the attitude of "I am in control... I will get what I want." The problem is "I." I want and therefore I will get! I... I... I... and so they go against God's teachings and do whatever they want. They may not use actual words to "speak against Jesus" but their actions speak volumes. Hebrews 6 graphically describes how their actions "are nailing the Son of God to a cross again and are shaming him in front of others."

God's teachings, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself" means nothing to the self-reliant person. God saying that if you love others as yourself "you are doing right" doesn't matter to them either. God says to never think some people are more important than others. We are all created the same and are equally important.

God says in James 2:4 - "What are you doing? You are making some people more important than others, with evil thought you are deciding that one person is better." If we don't show mercy God will not show mercy to us. James 2:13 - "The person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment."

James talks about faith AND good works. It is not faith "or" good works, it is not faith "because" of good works, and it's not faith "instead" of good works. It is faith AND good works. James 2:14 - "If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?" James 2:17 - "In the same way, faith that is alone—that does nothing—is dead."

Those are strong words. We can say whatever we want, but it is our actions that will show what we truly believe. We can say Jesus is Lord, but if we insist on being in charge and in control, then he is not Lord. We can say we love others as our self, but IF—we do things to harm others so we can benefit ourselves, THEN—we are not only lying to ourselves and others, but we are lying to the God of creation. Our actions reveal the heart of the matter and if our walk does not match our talk, then he is not Lord. We can say we believe there is one God, but even the demons believe that, and they tremble in fear. IF—our actions don't show that we believe there is only one supreme God, THEN—we are worse off than the demons who tremble with fear because we are in effect thumbing our nose at the One and only true God. 

What arrogance. What foolishness! Faith that does nothing is worth nothing! Abraham believed and acted before he saw the fulfillment of God's promises "and his faith was made perfect by what he did." We have no excuse. We have God's Word and we have the benefit of being able to look back and see God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. We must believe and act. Our walk must match our talk. Talk is easy and walking can be difficult, but walk we must!! James 2:26 - "Just as a person's body that does not have a spirit is dead, so faith that does nothing is dead!"

Faith—AND—Good Works. Not one or the other—BOTH! 

Addendum: 3/24/19 ~ Our value is not determined by who we are, what we do, or what we own. Our value comes from who we are IN Christ.   


Next Entry: James 3:1–18 

James 1:1–27 (Continued)

June 20, 2013

Temptation doesn't come from God and you can't blame your bad decisions and your evil actions on the devil. The devil didn't make you do it! It is our own evil desires that leads us away and traps us. It is our own evil desires that leads to sin, "and then the sin grows and brings death." We can't blame anyone or anything else. No one forced you to do anything. You have control over your choices.

We are all going to face temptations. "Self" always tries to rear its ugly head. The question is not if it raise its head, the question is how long you let it stay raised! James 1:12 - "When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all who love him."

In our own strength we can't live like God would desire us to live But in His strength we can do all things. We have to be willing to listen and slow to speak. We have to be willing to not become easily angry which shows that "self" is not in control. We need to be willing to put out of our life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. We need to accept God's teaching without complaining. And we need to DO what God's teaching says. James 1:22 - "When you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves."

It is not enough to just "know"—you must also DO! TRUTH does not stick and it does not last if you do not act upon it. To be truly happy you must carefully study God's WORD. You are set free when you know and obey His word. Then (and only then) can you can be truly happy. Little or much, lawsuit or no lawsuit, it really doesn't matter. You understand, no matter what your circumstance, that it is not about you. You understand that "every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These gifts come down from the creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows."  (James 1:17)

God has equipped us with every thing we need to follow Him and He knows who His true followers are. James 1:26–27 - "People who think they are religious but say things they should not say are just fooling themselves. Their "religion" is worth nothing. Religion that God accepts as pure and without fault is this: caring for orphans or widows who need help, and keeping yourself free from the world's evil influence."

Caring for others and keeping yourself pure = DOING!

From Life Lesson Observation:

"God allows tough situations in our lives in order to refine us and bring us closer to him. We should approach these times with a right attitude and seek wisdom from God."

"Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks. There is nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of the heart." ~ From On the Anvil by Max Lucado

Next Entry: James 2:1–26

James 1:1–27

June 17, 2013

James lets us know that troubles are something we should embrace and not try to avoid. Yet in our culture, the exact opposite attitude of "avoid trouble at all cost" is the norm. Listen carefully the next time you hear prayer requests being shared. The prayer "requests" are often about some sort of trouble someone is trying to avoid. It is through our troubles that we grow and become more like Christ.  

"Deep water" times in our lives is where we best learn patience and perseverance. During difficult times we begin to understand the totality of our inabilities and our need for complete dependence on Christ and wisdom that can only come from God. When we empty ourselves of "self" and fill ourselves with Christ, we have complete joy in spite of our circumstances.

James 1:5 - "But if any of you need wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people so he will give you wisdom." It isn't that you just flippantly ask God for wisdom and—voila—you have wisdom. When you seek wisdom you must be willing to:

• Open yourself up to examination
• Surrender yourself to God's will
• Believe
• Hold on and not doubt

James describes someone who asks for wisdom and then doesn't believe and starts doubting as a "wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind." When you are wavering back and forth you cannot make any progress and you will not "receive anything from the Lord." You have to ask; listen; and then act.

*****

Jane has written in her Bible:

Wisdom—"The quality of judging rightly and following soundest course of action."
Heavenly Wisdom—"Able to discern divine dealings of God in your life and able to relate joyfully to them in order to profit to the fullest from them."

"Ask in faith!"


Next Entry: James 1:1–27 (Continued)

Titus 3:1–15

May 30, 2013

Once you've surrendered your will to the will of the Lord, you will never be the same again. You cannot be. With His mercy HE saved us. What we do after that reflects our gratitude to Him. Our works reflect the change in our lives. It is in that order. It (works) never makes the change, works is instead the result and evidence of the change. Titus 3:5 - "It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit."

Now that you are changed, GO—DO! Paul tells Titus to make sure people understand these things. Believers should be careful to use their lives for doing good. Titus 3:8b - "These things are good and will help everyone."

Then Paul adds a qualifier. Titus 3:9 - "Stay away from those.." people who just want to argue and cause division. They focus on things that are not important (useless family histories, the law, etc.) and "stir up war everyday. The poison of vipers is on their lips." (Psalm 140). Their actions do not help anyone. Titus 3:10–11 - "After a first and second warning, avoid someone who causes arguments. You can know that such people are evil and sinful; their own sins prove them wrong."

Someone who loves to argue causes division wherever they go. We have witnessed this first hand. It is the effect of the Peanut's character who has a dust cloud surrounding him wherever he goes. When I was close to my sister, there was division between myself and my Mom, Dad, and my brother. When the ties between my sister and myself were broken, the division between myself and other family member completely disappeared and peace was restored. Sometimes it is only when you step back from a situation that you can begin to see the effect of someone who just wants to argue and cause division.

The forced separation between my sister and myself is one of the things I am grateful for. The lawsuit my sister and brother-in-law brought against us was intended to put us into bondage, but what it actually did was free me from a very unhealthy relationship with my sister. For that I am grateful. Thank you, LORD. 


Next Entry: Philemon 1:1–25

II Timothy 3:1 – 4:22

May 28, 2013

What a contrast between II Timothy 2 and 3. II Timothy 2 talks about what kind of life we should live, how God can use us, and what it looks like to be a worker who is pleasing to God. Then in II Timothy 3, Paul describes the person who is not a follower of God, and whose actions bring much trouble.

• Lovers of themselves
• Lovers of money
• Want what others have
• Brag; are boastful
• Proud
• Abusive
• Say evil things against others
• Will not obey (honor) parents
• Are not thankful
• Are not filled with gratitude
• Refuse to be the kind of person God wants
• Without empathy; does not love others
• Holds grudges; refuses to forgive; truce breakers
• Slanderous; false accusers
• Without self-control
• Cruel; brutal; fierce
• Despises those who are good
• Traitors; will turn against their friends
• Rash; acts without thinking
• Conceited; high minded
• It's all about them, not about God
• Will act as if they serve God, but do not

II Timothy 3:5b - "Stay away from those people. Have nothing to do with them." Paul goes on: These people are always learning new teachings but they are never able to understand truth fully... because "these people are against the truth. Their thinking has been ruined, and they have failed in trying to follow the faith. But they will not be successful in what they do... everyone will see that they are foolish." (From II Timothy 3:8–9. See Psalm 1 as a Cross Reference.)

Paul's description of the person who is not a follower of God is an accurate (in my opinion) line-by-line description of the person I now know my sister to be. I didn't fully come to terms with the truth until the carefully constructed facade cracked and the truth was slowly revealed from late 2006 to today. My sister is in her sixties, yet she is still holding grudges and still falsely accusing and still seeking to harm innocent people. You don't "grow" out of sinful behaviors. The exact opposite is true. The more you don't change your ways, the more ingrained into you the evil behavior becomes, and the more it becomes part of your DNA.

I hate writing the word "evil" and relating it to someone's actions (especially my sister's) but her actions exactly mirrors Paul's description of one who is against God. The truth is the truth whether I want to face it or not. I recognized some of the actions on the list prior to the blow up in late 2006. My response was almost always, "Oh, that's just ______ (my sister's name)." I was wrong to overlook and excuse her actions away. Sin is sin, regardless of how much you love the person, and I should have called it that and confronted her about it years before. When I finally did try to speak up about her obsession with my brother it did not go over well, and my bringing up her obsessions became part of the final breakdown in our relationship.

Scripture says it very clearly. "Stay away from those people. Have nothing to do with them." I am grateful to God for the forced separation their lawsuit and "the storm" has caused. It would have been really difficult for me to break free on my own. I would have felt like I was abandoning my sister and I would have tried to hang in there and "fix" the problem. I now understand that I can't fix it. There is only one thing that can fix it, and that is true personal repentance which brings about a new way of thinking, and a changed heart and life.

Our prayer for my sister and brother-in-law remains the same. LORD, may they understand that without you they are nothing, and may they desire nothing but you.

As believers we will experience hurt. Paul suffered, but the Lord saved him from his troubles and the message of Christ still went out. II Timothy 3:12–13 - "Everyone who wants to live as God desires, in Christ Jesus, will be hurt. But people who are evil and cheat others will go from bad to worse. They will fool others, but they will also be fooling themselves." How incredibly sad to think you are wise, when in reality you are not aware, and don't know or understand what truth and true wisdom is.

But for you who believe—continue on. You know what truth is. You know that salvation is found through faith in Christ. You know that you have everything you need in God's scripture. II Timothy 3:16–17 - "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training in righteousness so the man of God can be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

We have everything we need to navigate living in this world—and that is the Bible. Paul used his life as an example and tells Timothy:

• Preach the Good News
• Be ready at all times  
• Tell people the Truth about what is right and wrong
• Encourage others
• Have great patience
• Teach carefully
• Control yourself
• Accept troubles
• Do the work
• Tell the Good News
• Complete ALL the duties of a servant of God
• Give your life as an offering to God
• Fight the good fight
• Finish the race
• Keep the faith
• Receive the crown

Paul finishes his letter by telling about the people who helped him. Then he talks about Alexander the metal worker, who did many harmful things against him. II Timothy 4:14b - "The Lord will punish him for what he did." It is up to God to deal with those who wrong you. It is not your (or my) place to avenge or seek revenge. II Timothy 4:17–18 - "The Lord stayed with me and gave me strength so I could fully tell the Good News... So I was saved from the lion's mouth. The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me, and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord's. Amen."

And I say—Amen. God has saved us from the mouth of the lion as well. And, He will continue to save us.

Psalm 22:21 - Rescue me from the lion's mouth.
Psalm 58:6 - God, break the teeth in their mouths! Tear out the fangs of those lions, Lord!
Job 4:10,11 - Lions may roar and growl, but when the teeth of a strong lion are broken, that lion dies of hunger. The cubs of the lion are scattered.
II Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.


Next Entry: II Timothy 3:1 – 4:22 (Continued)