The Proof Came—AFTER

November 07, 2017

I have read Exodus many, many times before, but because of our current situation, I am reading it with new eyes. Moses felt very inadequate for the job God was giving him. God was asking him to go see the king and to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The problem was (in Moses' mind), he wasn't an important person! How was he—just an ordinary man tending sheep for the past 40 years—going to get an audience with the king? And how in the world was he supposed to lead a group of people who weren't even looking for a leader?

You have to love God's response to Moses' questions. Even though God is a God of details, He didn't give Moses some play-by-play description and written-in-stone proof of how this was all going to work out. Instead, He tells Moses that the proof will come after he is successful and when they are all worshiping God on the mountain.

God said, "I will be with you. This will be the proof that I am sending you: After you lead the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship me on this mountain." Exodus 3:12

The proof came—AFTER! 

AFTER—Moses completed everything God asked him to do; AFTER—the people were set free; THEN—they would worship the Lord on the mountain; and that would be the proof. The proof of God's faithfulness came AFTER Moses chose to believe God's promises and AFTER he chose to follow God's path of obtaining the Israelite's freedom.

The proof came—AFTER.  

There is another "after" referenced in Exodus 3.

But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go. Only a great power will force him to let you go, so I will use my great power against Egypt with all the miracles that will happen in that land. After I do that, he will let you go."  Exodus 3:19–20

Their freedom came—AFTER!  AFTER—God used His great power, AFTER—God did everything He said He was going to do; THEN—His people were freed; and all would know that He is the LORD.

The proof came—AFTER.

We all like to live our lives in the land of "before." We like having concrete evidence of something and knowing exactly how everything is going to come together BEFORE we begin. We like to know everything that is expected of us BEFORE we start. But here God is saying the freedom comes AFTER He uses His great power; and the proof Moses isn't crazy will come AFTER God frees them and they worship HIM on HIS mountain.

AFTER. We have a lot of "after" situations in our lives. The only way to prove we aren't crazy when we say we believe this lawsuit is not going to go to trial—is AFTER it doesn't go to trial. The only way the story of Jane E. Wolfe can be proven authentic—is AFTER everything she said comes true. The only way we will ever be truly free from our accusers—is AFTER God uses His great power to free us. The only way for HIS story to be told and Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead) or Walking By Faith: A True Story of God's Faithfulness to be made public—is AFTER we are somehow released in a permanent way without any risk of appeal of the current lawsuit or any future lawsuit, which my brother-in-law has already threatened to file.

Why "after"? The answer is found in the first few verses of Exodus 10. God used the Egyptians stubbornness to give them proof of HIS great power. "I have made him and his officers stubborn so I could show them my powerful miracles." I love the next verse. "I also did this so you could tell your children and your grandchildren how I was hard on the Egyptians. Tell them about the miracles I did among them so that all of you will know that I am the LORD."

AFTER—His promises have proven true, THEN—all will know that HE is the LORD. It all goes back to the very first chapter Jane asked me to read and the very first step in understanding why we have been taken on this long journey. Purpose. It is all about HIM. This is HIS story. All honor and glory belong to the LORD.

So, we are going to remain standing on the edge of the precipice even if it means we don't have a safety net or rope to save us should we fall. God has a purpose for this journey we have been on these last ten and one half years. He is either going to fulfill His promises and free us in a miraculous way by HIS great power—or—we are going to look like fools. Either way, we choose to stand firm in our beliefs and we will remain faithful to HIS purpose.

We will wait for—the AFTER.


Next Entry: The Purpose: To Bring Honor and Glory to the LORD!

Revelation 13:1–18

August 08, 2013

The Holy Trinity       
God the Father                
Jesus the Son                  
Holy Spirit

The Unholy Trinity     
The Dragon—Satan
The Beast—The Antichrist
2nd Beast—False Prophet

The dragon stood on the seashore and a beast came up out of the sea. On it was a name against God. The Dragon/Satan gave the Beast/Antichrist all his power, his throne, and great authority.

Satan is a counterfeiter. He always attempts to counterfeit the real thing—God and the Holy Trinity. To counterfeit THE Christ, the Antichrist had a mortal wound that was healed. The whole world was amazed by this and they followed after him and worshiped the beast and the dragon.

Revelation 13:5 - "The beast was allowed to say proud words and words against God, and it was allowed to use its power for forty-two months."  It used its mouth to:

• Speak against God
• Speak against God's name
• Speak against the place where God lives
• Speak against all those who live in heaven

The beast had the power to war against God's people and to defeat them. He controlled every tribe, people, language, and nation. All the people whose name was not written in the Lamb's Book of Life worshiped him. BUT! The Lamb is the One who died for our salvation. The beast could/can only do what he is allowed to do, and his power is only allowed for a set period of time. God's will is God's will. Try as he might, there is nothing Satan can do to circumvent it.

Revelation 13:9 - "Anyone who has ears should listen." Now is the time to listen. 

"If you are to be a prisoner,
     then you will be a prisoner.
If you are to be killed with the sword, 
     then you will be killed with the sword.
This means that God's holy people must have patience and faith." 

Then a second beast came. This time it came from the earth. It looked like a lamb (again, trying to look like and counterfeit the Holy Trinity) but it spoke like a dragon. It had the same power as the first beast. Its purpose is to have people worship the beast/dragon. It/he performs miracles, even calling fire down from heaven to earth while people watched. (This time trying to counterfeit what Elijah did.) Revelation 13:14 - "It fools those who live on earth by the miracles it has been given the power to do."

Imagine how easy it will be for people to be fooled. Most people have heard "the stories" in the Bible. The world goes through tremendous tribulations, wars, disasters, and chaos. Now what is happening sounds vaguely familiar. Is this what I heard about as a child? Is this God? You can see how people will be easily fooled.

The whole purpose of the second beast/false prophet is not to just promote the Antichrist, but to force all people to worship the Antichrist/Satan. If anyone refused to worship the beast he had the authority to have them killed. The false prophet also forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free or slave, ALL people to have a mark on their right hand or forehead. Without that mark you cannot buy or sell anything. Total dominance. Total control.

All the people who were unwilling to surrender to Master Jesus and accept his free gift of salvation are now forced to be a slave and worship the false Antichrist. Forced! What deep sadness I feel when I think about those who chose to reject God's lamb and refused to surrender their lives. Because of their choice they are now slaves to Satan and they subjected to cruelty and a nightmare that is only beginning. It makes me want to do ALL I can do to make sure the sphere of people within my influence have ALL the knowledge and every opportunity to accept Christ's free gift. There is just nothing more important than that. Nothing.

It used to be hard to fathom how the logistics of what John says the false prophet would have the power to do could possibly happen. How could people be forced to have a mark? How could the buying and selling process possibly be controlled? But now, with the advancement of technology, you can see how this could so easily happen. Almost no one uses cash any more. We drive under the toll road entrances and it automatically "reads" our information. The world economic system could be taken over so easily, and it probably won't even look like a hostile take over.

Oh LORD, the Church needs to wake up!! We as believers need to wake up! Whether Christ's return is today, tomorrow, or hundreds of years from now—time is short. Surrender to Master Jesus today!!

Addendum: 11/1/23 ~ 2020 showed us what we couldn’t have imagined. The world wide reaction and COVID rules and shutdowns revealed how total control could be forced upon us all. 


Next Entry: Revelation 13:1–18 (Continued)

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) 

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

I Peter 4:1–19

July 08, 2013

Change your hearts and lives. You WILL have to give an account of your life and explain your actions to the only Judge that truly matters. Be done with the old, get rid of sin in your life, and LIVE for the will of God. Think clearly, control yourself, pray, love each other, be giving, serve others, give grace. Don't serve for recognition of self. Serve so that God will be honored and praised. ALL power and ALL glory belong to Him forever and ever. 

Don't be surprised or upset by troubles that come your way. I Peter 4:12 - "Do not think that something strange is happening to you." Be happy and full of joy!

When people insult you because of Christ you aren't hurt—you are blessed. If you are suffering because your problems are coming from sin in your life, there is no happiness, joy, or blessings. I Peter 4:15–16 - "Do not suffer for murder, theft, or any other crime, nor because you trouble other people. But if you suffer because you are a Christian, do not be ashamed. Praise God because you wear that name."

Judgment will happen for all people. We will all be held accountable for what we have done in our lives, whether it be the good we did for the cause of Christ or the evil acts we did against Him. "If it is very hard for a good person to be saved, the wicked person and the sinner will surely be lost." (I Peter 3:18 and Proverbs 11:31)

I Peter 4:19 - "Those who suffer as God wants should trust their souls to the faithful Creator as they continue to do what is right."

Continue on. Stand strong. 


Next Entry: I Peter 5:1–14

I Peter 2:1–25 (Continued)

July 02, 2013

I Peter 2:20–21 - "But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased. This is what you were called to do..." Wow. How do those who support the idea of a "feel good, God just wants you to be happy" religion reconcile that "belief" with what Peter says about suffering? "This is what you were called to do..."

Christ suffered for us and gave us an example of how to suffer and be patient. I Peter 2:21 - "So you should do as he did."

• He was innocent—He had not sinned
• He was truthful—He did not lie
• He was insulted—but He did not seek to strike back at those who accused Him
• He suffered—but He did not threaten

I Peter 2:23 - "He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him." He let God. What a powerful statement and a creed we should all live our lives by and be known by.

He let God!

Christ suffered and took our sins so we would:

STOP—living for sin

START—living for what is right 

When we suffer we need to examine our lives.

1. Is there anything I need to stop doing?
2. Is there something I should begin doing?

If you have wandered away—accept God's healing, and return to the Shepherd and Protector of souls. If you are falsely accused and suffering unfairly—hold on, be patient, endure the pain, and LET GOD TAKE CARE OF IT!

As my husband and I were talking about this passage, my husband began to reflect back on what happened to him while we were on a missions trip to El Sembrador boy's school in Honduras. I don't think I've written about it before. I want to make sure it gets written and not lost so I am recounting it here.

We arrived in Honduras on a Saturday. On Sunday we went to their church service in their simple but beautiful chapel. All the boys sat up front. We sat on the hard wooden pews towards the back. The worship songs were in Spanish and the preaching was also in Spanish. We understood little to nothing that was spoken, however the Spirit of the Lord was there and we understood much.

During the service my husband became very emotional. He sat there and wept with tears running down his face. I put my arm around him. I didn't know what was happening. Was he thinking about his brother who had just passed away a few weeks earlier? What was going on? What was causing him to become so emotional?

Later my husband shared with the group what was happening. God was running the events of the last six and one half years of "the storm" through his mind and God was grilling him with questions.

"You wanted to go on mission trips but because of the lawsuit you thought it was impossible. Where are you sitting? You thought there was no way your business could pay for its portion of the expenses caused by the lawsuit. What did I do for your business in 2007? What am I still doing today? You thought because the economy tanked and because of the lawsuit and the loss of revenue for services rendered that your business wouldn't be able to survive. Look at what I have done!! You are now in a specialized field and busier than ever!"  

And the tears rolled as God replayed the events of the last six and one half years through his mind. Jane, our walks, the sky opening up, witnessing the hand of God, and on and on. You thought—verses—the reality of God's power and His plan. God is so good. I Peter 2:19–20 - "A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased... if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased."

Christ suffered. But He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of Him. We have chosen to let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of us.

He has proven Himself faithful!!


Next Entry: I Peter 3:1–22

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)

Hebrews 12:1 – 13:25

June 17, 2013

So, how do you live by faith? You follow Jesus' example; you put one foot in front of the other; and you hold on. Hebrews 12:1 - "So let us run the race that is before us and never give up."

To be successful at living a life of faith you first have to remove anything in your life that would block your relationship to Christ. You must remove any and all sin. You can't be successful if you allow those things to continue in your life. You have to look only to Christ and not to your own abilities or to the abilities of others—only to Christ. He is the One who began our faith and He is the One who helps us to live it out. He is our example. He suffered death on a cross, but he accepted the humiliation and shame as if it were nothing. "He held on" even while wicked people were doing evil things to Him. Hebrews 12:3 - "So do not get tired and stop trying."

Our struggles and sufferings are against sin. Don't give up. Don't try to avoid the pain.

Hebrews 12:7 - "So hold on through your sufferings..."

God will change you and grow you, and He will be faithful to His promises. What God puts in our lives or allows in our lives is meant to help us to become more like Him. It isn't easy, and it isn't always fun, but it is meant for our good.

Hebrews 12:11 - "It is painful, but later, after we have learned from it, we have peace, because we start living in the right ways."

So be careful how you live. Try to live in peace with all people. You cannot control the actions of others, but you can control yourself. Be careful not to allow sin to creep into your life.

Hebrews 12:14 - "Anyone whose life is not holy will never see the Lord." Be careful who you associate with.

A "religious unbeliever" can cause many problems for you. Be careful not to get caught by the trap of sexual sin or to believe the lie that wealth is the answer. Eternal rewards are worth far more than any short term discomfort.

Our lives should be different from those around us because we have met Jesus. Hebrews 12:22–24 - "You have come to Mount Zion...you have come to thousands of angels gathered together with joy... you have come to the meeting of God's children... you have come to God... you have come to Jesus... you have come to the sprinkled blood..." So, you really have no excuse.

Be careful! Hebrews 12:25 - "Do not refuse to listen when God speaks." To refuse to listen to Him before you knew Him is bad enough. But to refuse to listen to Him after you have met Him is SO much worse. So, hold on—and be thankful. God has prepared a kingdom for us that cannot be shaken. God is in control and we can trust Him. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Deuteronomy 31:6 - "I will never leave you. I will never forget you."   

We can be confident in Him because He is trustworthy. Psalm 118:6 - "I will not be afraid, because the Lord is my helper. People can't do anything to me." Hebrews 13:15 - "So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak his name."

PRAISE—what keeps everything else in perspective. It keeps your heart calm even in the midst of "the storm." It keeps your focus on what is important. Praise keeps the

God

↓

Man

relationship in the correct order. It is what allows you to live a life of faith. So, hold on. Do good to others. Share the faithfulness of Christ with those you meet. We can be assured that the God of peace will give us every good thing we need so we can do what He wants.

Hebrews 13:21 - "I pray that God will do in us what pleases him, through Jesus Christ, and to him be glory forever and ever. Amen."

It is all about Him. May our lives bring honor and glory to Him. May this lawsuit (which was begun in direct violation of God's principles but which has been used by God to strengthen and purify us and to take His message forward) continue to be used to bring honor and glory to His name.

*****

Jane as the following written in her Bible after Hebrews:

Enoch 
  - pleased God - had faith - brought blood sacrifice
  - walked with God
  - walked contrary to world - a separated life of holiness
  - a supernatural walk - "step by step"
  - our trust is in God, not Social Security
  - walked in same direction as God - don't take a vacation from God - be consistent
  - game Methuselah as example of godliness

Prayer - "confidential conversation with God"; "a fellowship of our thought with His thoughts."


Next Entry: James 1:1–27

Hebrews 11:1–40 (Continued)

June 14, 2013

I went back and found the letter I wrote to our lawyer in 2008. Here is a portion of what I wrote:

"At the risk of you thinking we have lost it, we want to share with you how we feel. We truly would not change a thing. We feel so blessed. While this whole process has been painful, it has also filled us with great joy. Our faith in the faithfulness of our God has increased beyond measure. We absolutely believe the lawsuit will never go to trial. We will admit to you that there is no logic behind that statement. It is just an absolute belief. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." We are certain. Not because of the possibility of mediation or because of the skill you and our team of lawyer's possess, even though we are grateful for all of that. Our faith is in the Lord and His promises. Psalm 112 is a promise we claim. We will wait upon the Lord. We are praying for His guidance. We will wait upon the Lord."

Psalm 112

Praise the Lord!

Happy are those who respect the Lord,

   who want what he commands.

Their descendants will be powerful in the land;

   the children of honest people will be blest.

Their houses will be full of wealth and riches,

   and their goodness will continue forever.

A light shines in the dark for honest people,

   for those who are merciful and kind and good.

It is good to be merciful and generous.

   Those who are fair in their business

will never be defeated.  

   Good people will always be remembered,

They won't be afraid of bad news;

   their hearts are steady because they trust the Lord.

They are confident and will not be afraid;

   they will look down on their enemies.

They give freely to the poor.

   The things they do are right and will continue forever.  

They will be given great honor.

The wicked will see this and become angry;

   they will grind their teeth in anger and then

      disappear.

   The wishes of the wicked will come to nothing.

Beside Psalm 112 in my Bible I have written: April 2008—God's Promise. I wrote the letter to our lawyer (which included Psalm 112) three days after writing "God's Promise" beside Psalm 112. The very next day, Jane spoke her final God-given words to us when she said "Jeremiah 33," a promise of restoration and freedom. Exactly one year later—to the day—God incredibly fulfilled His promise of restoration and protected us from the mouth of the lion. There will come a day when the threat of "the storm" will be over and we will be free once again.

Amazing to look back now and realize the order of events. We believed God's promises FIRST. Then we went way out on a limb and proclaimed those promises to our lawyer. AFTER we believed and took the leap of faith, God sent us His final message through the lips of Jane E. Wolfe. Jeremiah 33—A promise of restoration and freedom. Incredibly, one year to the day later, God fulfilled the first part of His promise. He restored us in an amazing way

We believe. We are sure. We are certain. Our faith is in Him and HIM alone.

*****

Jane has the following written in her KJV:

Faith CREATES afresh today – "Brings into being."
"God was ABLE" – See Matthew 9:28–29
Faith is assurance... evidence of things not seen.
1) he was righteous (Abel)
2) he pleased God (Enoch)  See Jude 14
3) moved with fear (Noah)
4) obeyed and he went (Abraham)
5) she judged him faithful who had promised (Sara)
6) were not afraid (Moses)
7) choose to suffer instead of conform (Moses)
8) had respect for the goal (Moses)
9) out of weakness was made strong, stood strong to the end (heroes of faith)
God has a better plan.


Next Entry: Hebrews 12:1 – 13:25

Hebrews 10:1–39

June 12, 2013

Okay, so yesterday I write about what this lawsuit is all about and how it isn't just about the money but it is also about either forcing our home (and business) away from us or taking our home for themselves. After I finished writing I did what I always do and I read the next chapter. Hebrews 10. And I read verse 34, "...and you even had joy when all that you owned was taken away from you, because you knew you had something better and more lasting." Hmm. "When all you own has been taken from you..."

Well, I have to tell you—that got my attention!!

Is God trying to tell me something? Is this insight into what is to come? Why am I reading this immediately after I write about the purpose behind my sister and brother-in-law filing this lawsuit and what the end result would be if they are successful? For a brief moment "what if" fears set in. But then truth and faith returned.  Praise the Lord!

Some things I KNOW:

• When this all started we opened our hands and surrendered ALL to God and His Will. ALL! Our home, business, lives—everything. A stake was driven in the ground (literally) and it remains there today. Our joy does not come from anything we possess. We could have nothing and still be happy individually and as a couple.
• We specifically sought (and still seek) God's plan for our lives. Was His plan to move us out of our home so we were available to serve Him elsewhere? We have listened carefully. When we went to Honduras we met a couple who gave up everything to go and volunteer at the farm. They talked about how God stirred in their hearts for months, as a couple and individually, and they knew God was calling them to this ministry. We have had no inner stirrings of God calling us to a different life and asking us to leave our home and business to "go." None. In fact, the exact opposite is true. He has given us additional ministries right where we are. He has opened our eyes to those around us. He has given us many confirmations that our ministries are effective and blessed by Him. He has grown and expanded our business. We have not sat on our hands and been idle while we wait for an official outcome to the lawsuit. We have worked hard in our ministries and we continue to work hard to improve our home and business.
• God gave us Jane. Meeting Jane can only be described as a God-ordained appointment. I met Jane on the very day the verbal attacks from my sister and brother-in-law and their plan to implement their hostile take over of our joint project began. During our very first meeting, Jane prayed an incredible prayer of blessing on my life. And then, even though I went to see her every Monday morning, there was nothing—for six months. During that same time period, my husband and I walked and prayed together every day; I went every week to visit Jane even though she was often not aware I was in the room; and my husband and I surrendered ALL. We were reading God's words, we were seeking godly counsel, we were praying, and we continued to live and love. We were open to whatever direction God was leading us. Then just three days after the lawsuit was filed (on my normal Monday morning visit with Jane), God gave us instruction (Praise me first); a promise (I will protect you in court); and an incredible second prayer of blessing on our lives. For ten more precious months, God continued to use Jane to speak words of instruction, encouragement, promise, and blessing to our lives.
• God closed the mouth of the lion and totally protected us exactly one year to the day that Jane spoke and gave us His last words. Jeremiah 33—A promise of release and restoration.
• God is faithful.
• God is just.
• God cannot lie.
• We are safe in His hands.

Those are all things I KNOW! I know... that I know... that I know. We can go to God with a sincere heart and a clear conscience. God is real. He is available to us, and we can draw near to Him. So, Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he has promised." That is our life. We have chosen to believe and to follow His leading—no matter what.

But, there is a flip side for those who have known the truth and turned their backs on it. Jesus is no longer their High Priest and there is no longer a sacrifice for their sins. Hebrews 10:27 - "There is nothing but fear in waiting for the judgment and terrible fire that will destroy all those who live against God." What an awful reality! The writer of Hebrews quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 - "I will punish those who do wrong; I will repay them." and Psalm 135:14 - "The Lord will judge his people." Hebrews 10:31 - "It is  terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Hebrews 10:36–39 - "So do not lose courage... you must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised. For in a very short time,

"The One who is coming will come and will not be delayed. The person who is right with me will live by trusting in me. But if he turns back in fear, I will not be pleased with him." Habakkuk 2:3–4 

But we are not those who turn back and are lost. We are people who have faith and are saved."

We believe! Just two words, but it says it all.

WE BELIEVE!!

Addendum: 11/30/16 ~ There are times when you read the Bible that something just jumps off the page at you. It happened today as I was reading this chapter. Actually, it happened twice.  

The first phrase is found in Hebrews 10:13 - "But after Christ offered one sacrifice for sins, forever, he sat down at the right side of God. And now Christ waits there for his enemies to be put under his power." I've never thought about it that way before. I obviously knew scripture talks about Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father, but I never thought about Christ sitting there and waiting for His enemies to be put under His power and held accountable for their actions.  

The second thing that stood out to me is found in Hebrews 10:26–31.

"If we decide to go on sinning after we have learned the truth there is no longer any sacrifice for sins. There is nothing but fear in waiting for the judgment and the terrible fire that will destroy all those who live against God. Anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was found guilty from the proof given by two or three witnesses. He was put to death without mercy. So what do you think should be done to those who do not respect the Son of God, who look at the blood of the agreement that made them holy as no different for others' blood, who insult the Spirit of God's grace? Surely they should have a much worse punishment. We know that God said, "I will punish those who do wrong; I will repay them." And he also said, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (emphasis mine)

Hebrews 10:13 - "And now Christ waits there for his enemies to be put under his power."  

Hebrews 10:31 - "It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Accountability is real. God is a God of amazing love and righteous wrath. We (people) tend to want to make God into someone who is warm and fuzzy and a god who just wants to bless our socks off. We (people) don't want to face the reality of judgment if we decide to insult God's grace by continuing to sin. There IS accountability.

I'd like to grab some people by their collars, shake them, and say—WAKE UP!! Don't you get it?!? God is a God of love and wrath!! Our choices dictate which attribute of God we will receive. A day of accounting WILL come!! Today, before it is too late, stop being stubborn and change your heart and lives. Please!

But yet, I know it is a decision only they/you can make. I cannot make it for them/you or I would. I have made my decision. I choose to believe. I choose to obey. I don't ever want to face the wrath of a righteous God. I want to hear the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

TODAY!! Before it's too late. Please listen! Please accept God's gift of Grace.   


 Next Entry: Hebrews 11:1–40

Hebrews 9:1–28

June 11, 2013

Jesus became the sacrifice—the perfect sacrifice. Hebrews 9:12–14 - "His sacrifice was his own blood, and by it he set us free... he offered himself through the eternal Spirit as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will make our consciences pure from useless acts so we may serve the living God." Hebrews 9:26–28 - "But Christ came only once and for all time at just the right time to take away all sin by sacrificing himself. Just as everyone must die once and be judged, so Christ was offered as a sacrifice one time to take away the sins of many people. And he will come a second time, not to offer himself for sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."

God is an "on-time" God. A friend of mine and our church choir used to sing a Black gospel song about God being "on-time."

"He may not come when you want him, but he'll be there right on time.  He's an on-time God... yes he is." (You can listen to Dottie Peoples singing it here.)

We are soon approaching the six year anniversary of my sister and brother-in-law filing the lawsuit against us. Six years. I look at the pictures of the special group of Sunday School girls who walked this journey with us and I think—Wow! What a change from when they were 6th and 7th graders to graduating seniors. Six years is a long time but God is an on-time God, and when "the storm" is supposed to be over it will be over.  I thought for sure it would be over before this special group of girls graduated. Even though it isn't over, I still had the awesome opportunity to meet with them one last time before they headed off to college and to share with them what God has done these last six years.

Six years.

We have made so many changes to our home and land during this time of waiting. As I was working outside today it just became clear all over again what this lawsuit is really about. More than the money they are seeking, my sister wants this house and our property for herself, or at the very least, she wants it away from me. That speaks volumes. Who could actually want to take something from someone else? I don't get that.

It's been six years, but I can still vividly recall what my sister said to me while I was standing in our kitchen. She walked up to me, put her thumb and first two fingers together, pointed them at my face, and then through clenched teeth said (while using her fingers to punctuate each word for emphasis), THIS.IS.MY.HOUSE! I remember saying, "excuse me"? My sister quickly back tracked and said what she meant to say was this is where she stayed when she visited. But her words revealed the truth and the hatred she was hiding spilled out. She wants what I (we) have.

This lawsuit is about more than just money. If money were the only motive it would have ended long ago. What they are doing just doesn't make logical or economical sense. They are spending far more than they could ever possibly recoup even if they "won." It can't be just about the money. Her Freudian slip, said at a moment of weakness through clenched teeth, revealed the truth.

Who could actually take something that belongs to someone else? They can. No one appears to be safe from their actions. Not friends, and not family. Nothing appears sacred or off-limits, and anything and everything appears acceptable if it benefits them.

What I know for sure is this: God cannot lie; and God is on-time. He will bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

Addendum: 11/30/16 ~ God not only brings salvation to those who are waiting on Him, He also brings accountability and justice to those who are living for themselves.

"True repentance is not just confession of sin, but a sincere willingness to not do that sin again. If your conscience is not clear toward God in even one area of your life, repent, and ask God to cleanse you because of his shed blood." ~ From Life Lesson Application

Addendum #2: 7/28/18 ~  Five  more years have passed since I originally wrote this journal entry. It has now been eleven years since my sister and brother-in-law filed their ruinous lawsuit against us—and the lawsuit continues on. Our faith remains strong. God cannot lie and He is on-time. The lawsuit will be over when the time is right. Until that time, we rest on His promises and we wait on His timing.

When this journal entry was first written, I thought I was only keeping a record of my personal thoughts for myself and my family members so no explanations were necessary. But when reading this entry today, I realize an explanation needs to be written so a wrong impression is not given. When I wrote that my sister wants what we have (our house and property) it could give you the impression that we have a large expensive home/estate. That is not the case.

We choose to live our lives simply. We built a small cabin type home on a secluded piece of property we bought twenty years ago. This piece of property (which includes a woods and large pond) had been abused and neglected for years. We don't view our home and property as "ours." We understand we are simply the caretakers of what God has given us. For the past twenty years we've enjoyed working hard to respect the land and show the beauty of God's creation by landscaping, building stone walls, and planting hundreds of pines and other trees. It is a quiet, serene and peaceful place (partly because of the surroundings), but mostly because we are at peace.

When my sister and brother-in-law filed the lawsuit against us they owned multiple high end homes and properties. Wanting to take what we have wasn't fueled by their lack of possessions. Their actions can only be described as actions that are fueled by anger, revenge, and jealousy—wanting what someone else has. There is no other way to explain it. It's a twisted way of thinking, but my sister and brother-in-law's attempt to force us to pay them hundreds of thousands of dollars (and therefore lose what we have) isn't so much about achieving a monetary gain or the "value" of something. It's about trying to take away from us what they resent the most—our inner peace and happiness. It's irrational, but if they can "win" then they think they can project upon us in their position and they can take our position. What they don't understand is this: inner peace and happiness does not come from the things you "own" because money can't buy it. Inner peace only comes from knowing whose you are, surrendering your all, and putting your faith and trust in HIM.    


Next Entry: Hebrews 10:1–39    

Hebrews 5:11 – 7:28

June 06, 2013

Hebrews 7 explains how Jesus is a priest forever like Melchizedek in the Old Testament. God (through Jesus) has done His part. Hebrews 7:27 - "Christ offered his sacrifice only once and for all time when he offered himself." Forgiveness is available to all mankind because of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Hebrews 6 deals with what we do with the sacrifice Jesus gave. Christ's sacrifice was never intended as just a "get out of hell" free card. While freedom from eternal damnation is one aspect (and certainly an extremely important one), the sacrifice Jesus made was meant for so much more than saving us "from" something. His sacrifice should save us "to" something. Our salvation should be noticeable. It should change our way of thinking, our hearts, and our way of life. We are to be continually growing and maturing in Christ.

The writer of Hebrews talks about how the people "were slow to understand." They were still like babies, understanding very little when they should have learned enough to become teachers. Hebrews 5:14 - "But solid food is for those who are grown up. They have practiced in order to know the difference between good and evil." (See Philippians 1:9–11) To not learn and to not grow is to take God's grace for granted. It is an abuse of His sacrifice and puts you in danger of falling away from His true teachings.   

If you are not turning towards God and learning from Him, you are turning away from God and getting farther away from His will. Our lives should be changing to become more like Him. That is not something that just happens. We need to be intentionally seeking Him and following His teachings. Again, if you are not turning towards, you are turning away. Psalm 78:40–43 - "They turned against God... they grieved him... they did not remember his power... they forgot..."

Hebrews 6:4–6 records what I believe to be some of the most disturbing words in the whole Bible. It makes me incredibly sad to read it because I recognize this happening in people I know. May it never be said about me.

"Some people cannot be brought back again to a changed life. They were once in God's light, and enjoyed heaven's gift, and shared in the Holy Spirit. They found out how good God's word is, and they received the powers of his new world. But they fell away from Christ. It is impossible to bring them back to a changed life again, because they are nailing the Son of God to a cross again and are shaming him in front of others."

Wow! What disturbing words to read. They were in God's light; they enjoyed all of God's gift of salvation; but they fell away; they lost it all; and there isn't a thing we can do about it. And because of their stubbornness and refusal to change, "they are nailing the Son of God to a cross again and are shaming him in front of others."

Oh, how that brings tears to my eyes. The choices we make MATTER!! Be careful! There are consequences for the choices (both the good and bad) we make! Hebrews 6:7–8 - "Some people are like land that gets plenty of rain. The land produces a good crop for those who work it, and it receives God's blessings. Other people are like land that grows thorns and weeds and is worthless. It is in danger of being cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire." (See Psalm 1)

Be patient. God is fair. He will not forget the things you have done by helping His kingdom. It is through faith and patience that you receive what God has promised. There are two things that God cannot change:

1. God cannot lie when He makes a promise, and
2. He cannot lie when He makes an oath.

CANNOT! It's not that God doesn't lie or that He won't lie, HE CANNOT LIE! Hebrews 6:18–19 - "These things encourage us who came to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong."

God has promised us His protection and He cannot lie. We are sure of His promise. We do not doubt it in any way. We are especially grateful for the way He gave us the promise because it was not in a way we could have expected, concocted, or manipulated. We didn't look through the Bible to try and find something we could claim as God's promise. We weren't even anxiously looking for or seeking a promise. That is why His promise was even more special. It was totally unexpected. Who (even in their wildest dreams) could ever have imagined that God, in His Sovereignty, would choose to use an elderly woman with dementia in a nursing home as His chosen way to deliver His prayer of blessing, and His messages of Purpose (Psalm 8), Praise (Psalm 150), Protection (Psalm 140), Provision (Isaiah 30), Path (Psalm 1), and Promise (Jeremiah 33) to us? It was humanly impossible. It could have only been the Hand of God, and we are so grateful.

We didn't know we needed a promise, but we sure have appreciated ALL of the promises HE has given us these past six and one half years. It has been an encouragement just like the writer of Hebrews penned. God cannot lie when He makes a promise and He cannot lie when He makes an oath.  Hebrews 6:18 - "These things encourage us who come to God for safety. They give us strength to hold on to the hope we have been given."

Thank you, Jesus for your sacrifice given once and for all. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for giving us your blessings and protection. Thank you, LORD, for your promises and for your "rest." For all these things and more—we thank you!


Next Entry: Hebrews 8:1–13

I Thessalonians 1:1–10

May 14, 2013

Paul's message to the people of Thessalonica (and God's message to all of us): Continue strong; your hope comes from Christ; God loves you; you were chosen by him. You've suffered much, but you've accepted all He is teaching you with the joy that can only come from the Holy Spirit. Because you surrendered your will to His, you've become an example for others and what the Lord is teaching you has spread. Because of this your faith in God has become known everywhere. You've done your part, so now wait. Wait for God's Son to come from heaven. Continue strong. Wait!

"I have found that the casual Christian has little or no influence upon others. I am finding that it is only the Christian who refuses to compromise in matters of honesty, integrity and morality who is bearing an effective witness for Christ. The worldly Christian is prepared to do as the world does and will condone practices which are dishonest and unethical because he is afraid of the world's displeasure. Only by a life of obedience to the voice of the Spirit, by daily dying to self, by a full dedication to Christ and constant fellowship with Him, are we able to live a godly life and have a positive influence in this present ungodly world." ~ From Unto the Hills by Billy Graham  

Addendum: 10/17/16 ~ "Because of this..."  Because is a theme that runs throughout scripture. The people of Thessalonica had a testimony to share because they were faithful and totally surrendered to God's teaching and His Will even though they suffered much. We have the story of Daniel standing strong in his faith because he was betrayed and falsely accused. Because. It is often BECAUSE. It is the same in our situation as well. We have a story to tell because of the betrayal by loved ones and their subsequent filing of this lawsuit. "Because of this..." HIS story is going out in a way I could never have imagined. 

Don't try to avoid the "because" situations in your life and don't waste any time regretting them. It is often those very situations that God uses to bring honor and glory HIS name.


Next Entry: I Thessalonians 2:1 – 3:13

Philippians 1:1 – 2:30

May 02, 2013

Philippians 1:9–11 - contains the prayer I prayed for our daughter during her time away from God's will for her life. It also became my prayer for each one of the 6th and 7th grade Sunday School girls I taught over the years.

"This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; that you will do many good things with the help of Christ to bring glory and praise to God."

It's just the perfect prayer. It covers everything. I'm so grateful our daughter's life is back on track.  Philippians 1:6 - "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again."

God is always faithful to us. We are the ones who don't always live our lives in a pleasing and faithful way to HIM. I think that's one of the reasons I love this prayer so much. It is all about personal responsibility—our part of the equation. To grow in love, knowledge and understanding; to have discernment between right and wrong; to choose to do what is right; to be pure and without wrong until our last breath or until Christ comes again; and to do much for God's honor and glory and the furthering of His Kingdom—ALL in praise to Him.

May my life be such that it reflects this prayer. Then no matter what, my life will be an honor to Him.

Addendum: 9/23/16 ~ It took ten years before we saw the answer to our prayers for our daughter. Ten long years. No matter what, we kept praying. We didn't know if we would live to see the answer, but we were not going to quit praying.

When you are faced with this type of situation, there is nothing you can do but pray, and wait. If we would have known it was going to take ten years we would have known the end was in sight and counted down the days. But it doesn't work that way. It is by faith alone that you continue on... and continue on... and continue on. 

If you are praying for a wayward loved one, don't give up!! Keep praying for them. Keep asking God what He wants to teach you while you are waiting. No matter what, don't quit praying. 


Next Entry: New Beginning: Wait for His Justice

Galatians 6:1–18

April 18, 2013

If we know of someone who is doing something wrong, we are to go to them and gently help them to do right again. Gently. Not in an attitude of "look at me... see what I am doing?" If you go in that kind of attitude you are at risk for being brought down in the same way. We are not to stand by and watch others fall. It brings honor to Christ to gently bring others back to obedience. You have to do your part. They may listen, or they may not. (See Ezekiel 2)

Our responsibility isn't to obtain the end result, it is to try. This is why I am so grateful my journals (from Genesis to II Chronicles 11) went to my sister and brother-in-law, even though it seemed like a disastrous invasion of my privacy at the time. There was no other way for them to see my heart and for me to have a voice. Yes, they chose to twist my words and make more false accusations, but God's words went out to them. It wasn't "my" words, it was God's.

"If anyone thinks he is important when he really is not, he is only fooling himself. Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself to others. Then he can be proud for what he himself as done. Each person must be responsible for himself." Galatians 6:3–5

IF—you are learning and growing, THEN—you must share that with others. It is impossible to keep it quiet.

Paul began to conclude his letter. Galatians 6:7–8 - "Do not be fooled: You cannot cheat God. People harvest only what they plant. If they plant to satisfy their sinful selves, their sinful selves will bring them ruin." What part of that very clear statement do people not understand? Insist on your own selfish sinful ways and you reap the results—ruin. But, if you plant to please the Spirit you receive eternal life from the Spirit. So, do not become tired of doing good. Galatians 6:9 - "We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time IF we do not give up." Paul goes on to say that if we have the opportunity to help anyone we should, especially those in the family of believers. God has a plan, and it will be done.

Interesting side note at the end of Paul's letter. Paul said that those who were trying to add things to the Gospel of Christ (in this case circumcision) weren't trying to convince others it should be done because it was the right thing, or because it was something they believed in and obeyed themselves. They did it so "they can brag about what they forced you to do." (Galatians 6:13) The same motive as today. The Bible isn't some antiquated and outdated non-relevant book. The sins in the Bible are the exact same sins of today. The Gospel of the Bible is still the only way to Christ. The Bible truly is—the Living Word.

My sister and brother-in-law are hoping to brag about what their lawsuit "forced" us to do by trying to enforce their fraudulent schemes. BUT! you harvest what you plant. You cannot explain it any other way. And Paul says it brings ruin.

LORD, our prayer for them remains the same. May they understand that without you they are nothing; and may they desire nothing but you.

Addendum: 5/3/16 ~ From the Life Lesson for this section:

"The Bible reveals that God has a plan for every life, and that if we live in constant fellowship with Him, He will direct and lead us in the fulfillment of this plan.  

Many of us have God's second or third best. However, if you have substituted the good for the best, do not despair. Wherever you are at this moment, yield your life unconditionally to God, and He can still make it a thing of beauty and an honor to His name. 

You cannot know the will of God for your life unless you first come to the cross and confess that you are a sinner and receive Christ as Lord and Savior. If you want the perfect plan that God has for your life, you will have to go by way of Calvary to get it. It is only through Christ that we can be on speaking terms with God and know God's plan for our lives." ~ From Unto the Hills by Billy Graham

Next Entry: Ephesians 1:1–23

Romans 11:1–36 (Continued)

February 20, 2013

The funeral for our close friend (and my husband's first cousin) was today. It's so hard to believe someone so young and vibrant is gone. We also found out today that our friend with the brain tumor evidently had a stroke during surgery. His wife has decided to let them put in a feeding tube and respirator for a few days to see if he will be able to survive. So much heartache and loss. It is just absolutely mind boggling to me that the pursuit of ill-gotten gained money could possibly be worth six plus years of your life.

Random thoughts:

The Life Lesson Exploration verses for Romans 11 sent me to read Deuteronomy 9:4–5.  I have written beside that passage, "Keep perspective." The battle isn't ours. The victory isn't ours.

Jane (Her Name Was Jane) has written in her Bible the following note for Romans 12:13 - "Your home "a hospital" for strangers, needy, infirm—restoring them in mind, spirit, and body, as need may be!" Pretty cool.

Our lives are absolutely crazy right now. Organizing my husband's parent's medicines has been disastrous. What a mess! It has literally required setting up spreadsheets to organize all their meds. We are doing everything in our power to grant them their desire to remain in their home for a long as possible. When we get back from Florida we are going to start managing their bills and finances as well. We still have much to do with assisting my husband's widowed sister-in-law with her finances, living arrangements, etc. Without God's help all we are doing would be impossible. What we know is this: God has given us these responsibilities and we will do them to the very best of our abilities. 


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

Acts 21 – 28 (Continued)

January 02, 2013

Felix made a sign for Paul to speak. It was Paul's turn to defend himself. Unlike the lawyer, he did not start out with long lines of flattery. There was no manipulation on Paul's part. He simply said, "I know you have been a judge over this nation for a long time. So I am happy to defend myself before you."

Here was Paul's defense:

• You can learn for yourself that I went to worship in Jerusalem only twelve days ago
• Those who are accusing me did not find me arguing with anyone in the Temple
• I was not stirring up the people in the synagogues or the city
• They cannot prove the things they are saying against me now
• But I will tell you this: I worship God and am a follower of the Way of Jesus
• I went to Jerusalem to worship and help my people

Paul had done nothing to warrant their anger or their pursuit of him. Their pursuit was based entirely on their own sins of envy, revenge, anger, and refusal to surrender to the Way of Jesus.

Paul continued on:

• When they found me in the Temple I had just finished the cleansing ceremony
• I had not made any trouble
• No people were gathering around me

Paul was minding his own business inside the temple while the leaders were outside the temple working themselves up into a frenzy over what Paul "might" be doing until they convinced themselves to believe their own lies. There was no stopping them. Not facts; not reality; and not truth. Acts 24:5 - "We have found him to be a trouble maker."

Paul was not afraid or ashamed. The accusations were false. Acts 24:20 - "Ask these people here if they found any wrong in me when I stood before the council in Jerusalem." Paul was saying this isn't about what I have done. This is about who I am—a believer and follower of the Way of Jesus. This was a battle between evil forces and good, and it was an attempt to block the message of Christ from going forward. Felix understood much about the Way of Jesus. He stopped the trial and said he would give his ruling when the commander of the army came.

Paul was taken back under guard but was given some freedom even though he was still a prisoner because of their continued false accusation against him. Paul's friends were allowed to bring him what he needed. The support of his friends was an encouragement to him, and his steadfastness was an encouragement to the fellow believers who were watching. 

Because Paul was in prison he had many opportunities to share his faith in Christ with Felix, his wife, and anyone else who would listen. Felix was interested (his wife was Jewish so he had some knowledge of Jesus), but he was also afraid. He really didn't want to hear about living right, self-control, and the reality of God judging the world. Felix would often send for Paul so he could listen to him and talk with him, but he had an ulterior motive. He was hoping Paul would pay him. But ulterior motive aside, God's plan was working. He was hearing about Christ.

Two years passed. Felix was replaced as governor. Festus was now in charge—and Paul was still in prison. Felix found no wrong with anything Paul had done but left him there in prison to please the Jews. Even after two years the Jews did not give up in their pursuit of Paul. Their desire to "get Paul" did not wane, it only increased.

All of this "appeared" disastrous for Paul, but it was actually God's plan at work.


Next Entry: Acts 21 – 28 (Continued)

Mark 4:1–41

July 19, 2012

AFTER Jesus was accused of being crazy; AFTER the very people who claimed to be religious (and should have KNOWN he was God's Son and that His power came from the Holy Spirit) accused Him of being controlled by and used by evil spirits; and AFTER all the false accusations, what did Jesus do? Did He retreat into a shell so no one could hurt Him again? Did He be come angry? Did He seek revenge? Did He quit teaching and healing? NO!! Mark 4:1 - "And he began again to teach..." He began again! He didn't sit back. He didn't lose His mission. "He began to teach..." He did not let the accusations of others (including his family) keep Him from what He was called to do. He did the right thing no matter what anyone else said or did. He persevered. The people gathered around him again, and He began to teach them—again.

Jesus told the story about seeds that:

1. Fell by the road—and birds ate it up;
2. Fell on rocky ground—and did not last;
3. Fell in the weeds—and were choked out;
4. Fell on good ground—and produced good crops.

Jesus told his followers why He told stories. He explained that those who "knew" him would understand what He was saying. Those who didn't "know" him wouldn't get it. If they could understand and "get it" all on their own, then there would be no need to "know" Jesus. The secrets about the kingdom of God are available to those who seek to "know" Jesus. They are not available to those who have chosen to live by their own abilities. Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9–10, "They will look and look, but they will not learn. They will listen and listen, but they will not understand. If they did learn and understand, they would come back to me and be forgiven." Jesus wants us to come to HIM, believe in HIM, trust HIM, submit to HIM, obey HIM, and surrender ALL to HIM—then HE will teach us the secrets of the kingdom of God.

The farmer who plants the seed is like the person who plants God's message. The seed on the road is like people who hear but don't repent and the teachings is lost. The seed that falls on the rocky ground is like someone who hears God's message and quickly repents, but they don't follow through, it was words only so it lasts only a short time. The seed among the thorns is like people who hear the teaching, but the desire for wealth (the desire for getting what they want when they want it), and their need to be in control keeps the seed from ever maturing and/or producing fruit. "I" was still on the throne; there was never a complete surrender to God's will; and the seed becomes useless. The last seed, the seed on good ground, is like the people who hear the teaching and accept it. It isn't enough to just hear the message. The message must be accepted and followed.

Jesus goes on to say that we should be faithful in using the understanding and gifts He has given us. We are to tell God's message no matter where the seed falls. We are not responsible for how people respond. We are responsible to tell God's message. You don't hide a lamp under a bowl or bed. The light you've received must be shared. Mark 4:24 - "The way you give to others is the way God will give to you, but God will give you even more."


Next Entry: Mark 4:1–41 (Continued)

Matthew 24:1–51

June 27, 2012

Jesus prophesies about His second coming in this chapter. Several month ago while talking to my Sunday School girls about Hunger Games and the similarities between that story and what the Bible says about end times, it became very apparent that they were totally unaware of what the Bible says about Jesus' second coming, the tribulation, and the Great White Throne judgment. So, I spent a lot of time studying it myself so I could teach it to them. The end result was four pages of information for them. End Time Prophecy 101 is included in this journal. The girls were very interested. We've since shared it with our daughter and son-in-law and will soon be sharing it with our son and daughter-in-law. Many other people have requested a copy of it as well.

Jesus prophesied about His second coming while sitting on the Mount of Olives, exactly where the prophet Zechariah predicted the Messiah would stand when He comes to establish His kingdom. It is just amazing how scripture is intertwined with prophecy foretold and prophecy fulfilled. See End Time Prophecy 101 for a summary of His second coming.

A few things stand out in this chapter:

1. Don't be afraid
2. Those who keep their faith will be saved
3. Always be ready

We don't know the "when" of His second coming, but Matthew 24:32–33 says we can determine the "season." Don't be afraid. Keep the faith. Always be ready.   

"Simeon reminds us to "wait forwardly." Patiently vigilant. But not so patient that we lose our vigilance. Nor so vigilant that we lose our patience." ~ From When Christ Comes by Max Lucado

Next Entry: End Time Prophecy 101

Matthew 17:1 – 18:14

June 1, 2012

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain by themselves. While they watched, Jesus' appearance changed. His face became bright like the sun and His clothing appeared white as light.  Then Moses and Elijah appeared and were talking with Jesus. Just imagine! Talking with Jesus!

Peter, James, and John were with Jesus in the present. Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus from their future. Someday we will meet Him face to face from the past. Whether past, future, or present—just imagine—meeting and speaking with Jesus face to face. You just have to love Peter's reaction. His first response was to break into action, to "do." He wanted to build them all a tent. Isn't that what we often want to do? Sometimes God doesn't want us to be busily "doing." He just wants us to "be." Be still... and KNOW that I am God. A cloud covered them, and out of the cloud spoke a voice. Matthew 17:5 - "This is my Son, whom I love, and I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!" Before we "do" we should listen and "be." When they heard the voice they were afraid. Jesus went to them, touched them, and told them, "Stand up.  Don't be afraid." Then Jesus begins to tell them about His death.

When they came back down the mountain, a man brought his sick boy to Jesus. The disciples had tried to heal him but they were unsuccessful. Jesus spoke the words and the boy was healed. His disciples asked, "Why couldn't we do this?" Jesus answered that their faith was too small. "I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you." (Matthew 17:20) It isn't about demanding things we want. It is about searching for and understanding God's heart. It's about taking His truth, believing it, and putting it into action. It's all about God and what HE wants. It is NOT about us and what we want unless what we want lines up with and mirrors what God wants.

"To the One who sets on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever." Revelation 5:13

The disciples didn't get that. They started asking who would be the greatest in heaven. What does that matter? ALL honor, and ALL praise, and ALL glory, and ALL power belongs to God. Jesus answered them by saying, "I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children... the greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who make himself humble like this child." (Matthew 18:2–4) You have to make yourself humble like a child. It does not come naturally. We need to understand the

God 

↓

Man

relationship. God IS God—and I am not. We "make" our self humble by giving up our self and humbling and surrendering ALL to God. Jesus goes on and tells about the importance about not doing anything that would cause an innocent child who has not been tainted by the world to sin. Sin will happen. Matthew 18:7 - "But how terrible for the one who causes them to happen!" How terrible! Get rid of whatever is causing you to sin. Get rid of it! Put safeguards in place. Make yourself accountable to someone else. Do whatever it takes! Humble yourself like a child. DO IT!!

Addendum: Today is the Settlement Conference.  There is so much I want to say this morning but I don't have the time to write it right now. When I get back I will write about the call we received last night and where God sent us to read in one of my old journals.

My notes about the Settlement Conference are in my next entry. But now, to finish what I didn't have time to write this morning. If you have read other parts of my journal you know that we have always felt that we were to memorialize in a tangible way the faithfulness of God during this now nine year faith journey we have been on. In the Old Testament God told the Israelites to take stones from the Red Sea and the Jordan River and to set up a memorial for the themselves and the generations to come. From those references we knew we wanted to do something with stones. We've talked about how our whole family, from the oldest to the youngest will come together to gather stones. We've talked about engraving the promises God gave us through Jane (Her Name Was Jane) on the stones. And then, almost exactly one year ago while I was reading about the Feast of Shelters, we KNEW what we were to do to memorialize what God has done!! (See Nehemiah 8:1–18 – Feast of Shelters)

So, we started to plan. How would we build it? What would it look like? We wanted something simple for both the cost factor and the purpose but most importantly for the purpose. We wanted something that pointed to what God has done and not something that distracted from what HE has done. I found one design that I loved, but then decided that wasn't it. I then came up with an idea for a much simpler design with very simple construction. We found a local Amish man who cuts wood using timber peg construction like they used in the construction of barns years ago. We took him my drawing and he used ash trees that had died because of the destructive ash borer and cut the beams and posts for timber peg construction.

This gentleman's brother was experienced in constructing buildings using timber pegs so we contacted him. The wood was ready. All we needed was to have it put up, but we had no idea when the builder would be able to begin the construction of our shelter. And then, the night before the Settlement Conference, at about 9:00 at night (unusually late for the Amish to be making phone calls) we received the call. "Would it be okay for us to come and start constructing your shelter tomorrow?"

We of course said, YES!! And then my husband and I looked at each other and just smiled. Are you kidding me? Thank you, God. We are heading to a Settlement Conference and the night before God reminds us that—I'VE GOT THIS! Don't worry about anything. The shelter is going up. There WILL come a day when this portion of your journey WILL be over and this shelter of simple timber peg construction with a floor made of cobblestone engraved with my words WILL memorialize that day.

Thank you, Jesus. We went to the Settlement Conference with peace, contentment, and joy in our hearts.

After that phone call, I decided to look up a journal entry my sister referenced in their Settlement Offer Letter. (The courts had ordered the two parties to try and negotiate a settlement for the three months prior to the Settlement Conference. We asked them to respond to our last offer which we had never gotten a response from. The three months passed without them responding to anything we sent. And then the day after the deadline set by the courts for negotiating, we received their offer. Pay them about three quarters of a million dollars.) In the Settlement letter my sister referenced one of my journal entries and was implying that I was somehow crazy and listening to voices from God in my head and who knows what I would do. I thought the date she referenced was 5/10/10. So I got out the journal and began to read it aloud to my Mom. (I should explain here that my 86 year old widowed Mother was staying with us because she was fearful my sister and brother-in-law would show up and want to stay at her house while they were here for the Settlement Conference. My sister is notorious for showing up unannounced and it would have been very upsetting to my Mother.)

I began to read the 5/10/10 journal entry to my Mom. Oh my goodness. Crossing the Jordan... and gathering stones. You can read my journal entry here. After I finished reading, I realized the entry I just read didn't have the account of what my sister referred to so I went to get the letter and discovered the actual journal date she referenced.

Wow! A thousand times—Wow! Never in a million years would I have went back to read both of those entries the night before Settlement Conference. God used the words my sister wrote (in a negative way) to get me to go back and to read about HIS faithfulness. Thank you, Lord. Your faithfulness is beyond measure. I stand in awe of your Amazing Love.   


Next Entry: Matthew 18:15 – 19:30