II Chronicles 16:1 – 19:3 (Continued)

July 15, 2014

Jehoshaphat (king of Judah), became entwined with Ahab (king of Israel) because his son married Ahab's daughter. Ahab—who rarely followed God's teachings; and Jehoshaphat—who followed God's teaching. In Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) Bible she has written: danger ahead. Indeed. When you align yourself with those who are not like-minded with you, there is danger ahead.

Jehoshaphat knew he was going against God's commands, but he did it anyways.

Ahab wants to go to war and he wants Jehoshaphat to join him. Jehoshaphat wants to make sure it is God's will. Ahab just wants to do what he wants to do. He has a group of 400 "prophets" that will tell him whatever he wants to hear. Ahab despises the one prophet who is honest about what God wants. Jehoshaphat wants to hear what the LORD'S prophet has to say. Micaiah (the Lord's prophet) says—don't do it. Don't go to war. Your plans won't work. In fact, what you don't understand is this: God is fed up with your refusal to follow his teachings. You think those 400 men are just telling you what you want to hear. Wrong. They are being used by God to fool you into going into battle because of your refusal to submit to His authority. Ahab became angry. He refused to listen, and put Micaiah in jail. Ahab (in his typical arrogant fashion) said to only give Micaiah bread and water until he returned safe from the battle. Micaiah replied, "If you come back safely" then the LORD hasn't spoken through me.

"Remember my words, all you people."

So, Ahab does what Ahab wants to do and he goes into battle. But Ahab wasn't completely confident in his victory. Somewhere in the back of his mind there was some doubt and fear. So he tells Jehoshaphat to wear his royal clothes, but Ahab wore other clothes so no one would recognize him. How nice of him. He set up his "friend" as a means to protect himself. Ahab's plan most likely would have worked, but God stepped in and intervened. The only person the king of Aram wanted was Ahab. When they saw Jehoshaphat in royal clothing they were ready to attack him. But Jehoshaphat shouted, "... and the LORD helped him." And then, by chance, (God) a soldier shot a random arrow and it struck Ahab between his pieces of armor. Ahab was dead by sunset.

By chance, was actually the Hand of God. The army that was ready to attack Jehoshaphat was stopped by God. II Chronicles 18:31 - "The LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him." (KJV) God protects those who call on Him; He holds accountable those who have turned their backs on Him. We control whether we submit ourselves to the authority of God and obey His teachings. God controls all the rest.

Jehoshaphat returns. God sends a seer to him and asks, "Why did you help evil people? Why do you love those who hate the LORD?" Because of the choices Jehoshaphat made, the LORD was angry with him and he was faced with new troubles and the same problems of aligning himself with those who were not like-minded.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 19:4 – 21:3

Revelation 20:1–15

August 26, 2013

The thousand year reign of Christ begins. An angel came down from heaven. He had the key to the bottomless pit and a large chain in his hand. It was his job to grab Satan, tie him up, and throw him in the bottomless pit. Satan was now powerless and his ability to deceive and trick the people of the world was suspended until the thousand years ended.  

During the 1000 year reign of Christ, those who during the seven year tribulation refused to follow the beast and the false prophet and instead chose to follow and be faithful to the message of Christ (and therefore were put to death), came back to life. Their souls joined Christ and ruled with Him and the other believers who had died before or who had been raptured by Jesus at the first part of His second coming.

After the 1000 year reign of Christ is completed, Satan will be loosed from the bottomless pit for a brief period of time before eternity begins. During this time he sets out to do what he has always done—deceive and trick people. He gathered an army so large that they were like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the earth full of pride and arrogance. They were determined to destroy God's people. They surrounded God's people and the city (Jerusalem) God loves.

They were full of confidence and they were in control—or so they thought. But they were deceived. They only thought they were in control. God was in control! Fire came down from heaven and burned them up—which was only the beginning. Judgment was going to happen. Satan's reign was over. Satan, the beast, and the false prophet were thrown into the lake of burning sulfur to be punished day and night forever and ever.

The Great White Throne—the final judgment of all those who refused to surrender to Jesus/God.

Oh my! Whenever I hear the words "Great White Throne" I immediately picture in my mind the events of the day in April of 2007 when my husband and I met with a lawyer to seek advice on how to remove ourselves from any business connections with my sister and brother-in-law. Our lawyer had just finished explaining the convoluted meaning of the documents my brother-in-law deviously created and deceitfully had us sign. I sat across the conference table from our lawyer. My husband sat on my right (our lawyer's left). I had just asked our lawyer if he felt my sister or brother-in-law would ever be held accountable for their vile actions. He didn't say anything. Instead, he took a plain piece of paper and wrote three words. He then picked up the paper, turned it over, and held it up for me to read. In large letters it said:

GREAT

WHITE

THRONE

I knew the Great White Throne meant judgment but I didn't understand the full meaning of it. Now that I have studied end-time prophecy and understand more about the Revelation of Jesus, the reality of what it means is even more disturbing than what I realized on that eventful day in our lawyer's office. While those three words were our lawyer's opinion, I'm so grateful that God is Faithful and True; we bear no responsibility for the choices and actions of others; and we can trust Him to make His judgments according to His righteousness.

There are two end-time judgments described in Revelation.

The Judgment Seat of Christ—is for believers. It is when Christ-followers will stand before Christ and be judged for the things they have done and given crowns for the works they did while on earth. This judgment is for believers only and happens after the rapture of the Church.  

The Great White Throne—is the time when all those who have refused to confess that Jesus is Lord are judged. It is too late. There are no arguments and there is no defense. Their choice was made when they refused to change their hearts and lives, and the sentence has already been determined. Their names are not written in the Book of Life. They are judged for the things they did and the sentence is sure—eternity in hell.

I just can't imagine the horribleness of this. It is absolutely beyond human comprehension and words. But, even though it is difficult and painful to think about, it does not change this fact: IT IS TRUTH.

So, why don't we live as if we believe it is Truth? Understanding what the Bible says is going to happen should make us want to live each day as if it were our last. Do the important things—TODAY! Tell your lost family members and friends about Christ—TODAY! Live your life the way Christ would want you to live—TODAY!  

Do you believe God's Word? Do you believe Jesus could return at any time? If you believe that, then how does that belief change your life? What would you do differently? Even if Christ didn't return for another thousand years, what if you only had a few months or weeks to live? What would you do differently if you knew when your earthly life would soon end and your eternity was ready to begin?

• What is it that you are doing now that you would stop doing?
• What are you not doing now that you would start doing?

The truth is ALL of our lives are terminal. Whatever it is you would change—DO IT NOW! 

Philippians 2:10–11 says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord. DO IT NOW—while there is still time. Change your hearts and lives and surrender your life to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Surrender your life to Master Jesus—TODAY!  


Next Entry: Revelation 21:1 – 22:21

Revelation 19:1–21

August 23, 2013

The human part of me reads about these judgments and my heart just breaks for those who are being judged guilty for refusing to surrender their wills to God's will.   

A couple of days ago, while I was out and about running errands, I caught a few minutes of a sermon on the car radio. The Pastor was talking about Isaiah 54:17 which I referenced in my Revelation 17 journal entry. One of the comments he made shocked me. This Pastor said that at the end time judgment we, as Christ followers, will personally condemn those who wrongly condemned us if they do not repent and change their hearts and lives. My mouth literally dropped open and I heard myself shout—NO! The thought of being the one to pronounce condemnation on those who wrongfully condemned us is a horrible sickening thought and incomprehensible to me. It felt as if I had been punched in the gut.

It was the first time I had ever heard that preached and I really had to process and think about this brand new (to me) thought. What is this Pastor saying? More importantly, what does God say about this? So, I started asking, "What does this mean Lord?" I went back to Isaiah and re-read the verse (Isaiah 54:17) and its context in different versions to try and understand the TRUTH of what God is saying.

This is what I've learned.

During our life on this earth we are not to judge, condemn, seek revenge, or avenge what others do to us. That is for God to do and we should have no part of it. However, as part of the righteousness of God at the end time judgment, God gives us a voice and we will refute, expose, condemn, and be victorious from their false accusations. God gives us the voice to vindicate ourselves, expose the truth, and pronounce their condemnation. It will not be an "I got you" moment. Not at all. It will be a holy moment where the righteousness of God is revealed and proclaimed. It will be a God moment, and it will bring HIM honor and glory. It is His plan.

" 'This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and is their vindication from me,' declares the Lord." Isaiah 54:17b

As much as the thought of pronouncing their guilt makes me want to say—NO! I won't do it!—that response is an earthly answer. In the heavenly realm we will recognize it as just, fair, and right.

Blessed be the name of the LORD. It is not about us, it is ALL about HIM.


Next Entry: Revelation 19:1–21 (Continued)

Revelation 17:1–18

August 21, 2013

God made us in His image. His plan was for us to live in fellowship with Him, but the sin of Adam and Eve changed all of that. Because of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins we have each been given a choice. We can choose to live in fellowship with Him—OR—we can choose to prostitute ourselves and align our life and actions with the evil one that is against God.

If we aren't in fellowship with God, we are aligned with what is against God. There is no middle ground. It really is one or the other. 

Revelation 17 describes an evil world system which is hostile towards God. This system had prostituted itself away from Truth and appeared to be in control. However, while evil may appear to be in control, the "control" is only temporary. God is in control and the final victory is His. Revelation 17:14 - "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings. He will defeat them with his called, chosen, and faithful followers."

This is referring to the final battle, but it is truth in ALL areas and ALL times. People will battle against us, but Isaiah 54:17 says:

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their righteousness is from Me,"
Says the LORD.

The Message says it this way (Isaiah 54:11–17)

"Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I'm about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your children will have God for their teacher—what a mentor for your children! You'll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! Far from terror—it won't even come close! If anyone attacks you, don't for a moment suppose that I sent them, And if any should attack, nothing will come of it. I create the blacksmith who fires up his forge and makes a weapon designed to kill. I also create the destroyer—but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God servants can expect. I'll see to it that everything works out for the best." God's Decree.

God is in charge. He used wicked kings in the Old Testament to accomplish His will. He can take any situation, even what appears to be disastrous, and make the end result His will. Revelation 17:17 - "God made the ten horns want to carry out his purpose by agreeing to give the beast power to rule, until what God has said comes about." (Emphasis mine)

Until! Evil thinks it is in control, but that is only until God says enough is enough. In the end ALL will know that Christ alone is King of kings and LORD of all lords.

"We should not be surprised when the righteous suffer.  It conforms us to the image of Christ. It gives us power in witness. It instills the valuable strength of God-sufficiency and reduces the risk in our ministry for God. It refines us to make us capable and usable. It catches the attention of a watching world so that God's glory may be seen as He becomes credible and visible through our suffering. It may even be used in a sphere far beyond ourselves to glorify God in the universe. 

Don't pity the righteous who suffer. They have a divine edge. Their resource in pain is the reality that God is there and they only experience what He permits. And all that he permits is guaranteed by the kind of God He is. The righteous suffer with the knowledge that Christ has conquered and gives grace, growth, and glory in the midst of pain." ~ From The Upside of Down by Joseph M. Stowell 

Powerful, powerful, words that we can absolutely attest to from personal experience. Suffering should not be avoided, denied, or ignored. It should instead be embraced. It is during times of suffering that God molds us into becoming more like Him.


Next Entry: Revelation 18:1–24

Revelation 16:1–21 (Continued)

August 20, 2013

The seventh angel and bowl—The bowl was poured out into the air, then a loud voice came out from the throne in the temple, saying, "It is finished!" When Jesus was crucified and the Plan for Salvation was completed, Jesus said "It is finished" and the ground shook. Now the time for salvation is over, and this time God said, "It is finished!" and flashes of lightning, noises, thunder, and the worst earthquake ever experienced by man, happened on the earth. The cup of God's anger was forced upon those who refused to surrender to His Lordship. Cities were destroyed, mountains and islands disappeared, and giant hailstones weighing about 100 pounds each fell from the sky upon the people. And still—people cursed God, because this disaster was so terrible. Yet all these horrible disasters combined, pales in comparison with the eternal punishment awaiting those who refuse to change their hearts and lives. 

Revelation is full of so much imagery. Imagery that often times just gets lost, glossed over, or ignored. People are accustomed to watching fictional graphic movies on TV or going to the theaters and seeing 3-D movies of horrific events. When the show is over they either just switch the channel or leave the theater and return to their normal daily routines without thinking anything about it. The imagery of Revelations is often treated the same way. Read it (if it's read at all), put it aside, and then forgot about it. But the events John saw in the Revelation of Jesus are not part of a fictional horror movie. It is Truth. It will happen. And it should cause us to change our hearts and lives.

Don't read it and go back to your normal daily routine. 

Read it—and change your hearts and lives.
Read it—and reach out to the lost and dying.
Read it—and praise the name of the One who is, was, and is to come. 


Next entry: Revelation 17:1–18

Revelation 14:1 – 15:8

August 15, 2013

God's judgment arrives. The time has come; the time for patiently waiting (as in the time of Noah) is over; and the time for judgment is here. Only those who are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb are protected from God's anger. 

John looked—and before him was the Lamb and 144,000 of the redeemed who were saved out of the tribulation. They were singing a new song of praise to the Lamb. Then John saw three angels.

The first angel proclaimed the Gospel of Christ. This happens right at the end of the tribulation and immediately before the judgment of the nations. This message is not about grace and salvation—it is about judgment. The only people it is "Good News" for is Israel and the 144,000.

The second angel announced the destruction of Babylon—false worship. (Revelation 17 & 18 tells us more about Babylon.)

The third angel—accountability happens! Anyone who went along with, followed, and/or worshiped the beast (this boils down to everyone who does not obey and worship Christ as Master) "will drink the wine of God's anger which is prepared with all its strength in the cup of His anger. And that person will be put in pain with burning sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. And the smoke from their burning pain will rise forever and ever." (Revelation 14:10–11) There will be no rest, day or night, for those who worship the beast and his idol or who get the mark of his name.

I'm sure there will be plenty of people who think they would never worship the beast so they think none of this applies to them. But wait! Let's examine what the Truth is. 

As a true believer (one who has surrendered their will to God's authority and accepted His free gift of Salvation) 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. As a repentant believer, your actions show there has been a change in your life.

BUT! There are "religious" unbelievers (people who say they believe but their actions show otherwise) whose bodies are synagogues of Satan. 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 cannot be a temple of the Lord. Instead, because there has been no true repentance and change of life, their bodies become a synagogue and gathering place of Satan. 

Unless you are surrendered by word and deed to Master Jesus, and your body is the temple of the Lord because He lives in you as the sacrifice for your sins—you are living in the "synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9; 3:9) and John's message does apply to you!

John says, "This means God's holy people must be patient. They must obey God's commands and keep their faith in Jesus."(Revelation 14:12) Then John heard a voice from heaven saying, "Happy are the dead who die from now on in the Lord... they will rest from their hard work, and the reward for all they have done stays with them." (Revelation 14:13)

Rest and reward—verses—the cup of God's anger that never ends. Psalm 75:8 - "The Lord holds a cup of anger in his hand; it is full of wine mixed with spices. He pours it out even to the last drop and the wicked drink it all." (For other verses that speak of the Lord's cup of anger see: Jeremiah 25:13–15; Isaiah 51:23; Jeremiah 49:12; Ezekiel 23:32; and Luke 22:42–43.)

Then John looked—another angel came out of the temple and said to the One who looked like the Son of Man, "Take you sickle and harvest from the earth, because the time to harvest has come, and the fruit of the earth is ripe." (Revelation 14:15) So, the earth was harvested by the One. The final believers are now removed from the earth.

Then another angel came out of the temple and he also had a sharp sickle. And then from the altar came a third angel who had power over fire, and he told the second angel, "Take your sharp sickle and gather the bunches of grapes from the earth's vines, because its grapes are ripe." This isn't a harvest of redemption. This is a harvest for destruction. The angel swung his sickle and harvested the grapes, "and he threw them into the great winepress of God's anger."

Total. Violent. Destruction.

Addendum: 3/7/2017 ~ Revelation 14:10–11 - "...will drink the wine of God's anger which is prepared with all its strength in the cup of his anger. And that person will be put in pain with burning sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. And the smoke from their burning pain will rise forever and ever."

What a horrible, horrific thought. I don't think I ever thought specifically about the source of the smoke from Hades/Hell before. But this verse says the smoke comes from "their burning pain." Oh. my. goodness. An eternity of pain, “their burning pain," evidenced by the smoke that arises from the pit of hell!!

This just became very personal. "THEIR burning pain..." Who is the "their" in your life? Who do you know that is at risk for being part of this group of people whose burning pain will create the smoke that arises from Hell? There IS eternal accountability!    

Do we believe this or not? Because if we believe this then we CANNOT remain the same. We first need to make sure we are living our own lives surrendered to Master Jesus. And then we need to make sure we are doing everything possible to lead others in our sphere of influence to the Path to Salvation.

There is nothing more important. NOTHING!! Eternal accountability is at stake. 


Next Entry: Revelation 14:1 – 15:8 (Continued)

Revelation 13:1–18 (Continued)

August 09, 2013

In Jane's KJV Bible, Scofield lists the cosmic principles of Satan.

• Force
• Greed
• Selfishness
• Ambition
• Pleasure

They all boil down to one thing: The love of self above the love of God and a violation of God's very first commandment. Self = Master instead of Jesus = Master. 

The love of self and the promotion of self ALL end in naught. Those who refuse to surrender to Christ are in the end forced to surrender to the beast/Satan. Jesus won't force us to surrender to Him. Christ offered Himself as the final sacrificial Lamb and He offers us full forgiveness and undeserved grace. Offers, but does not force. He gives us every opportunity to accept His free gift of salvation, but He will not force us to accept it.

Satan on the other hand will throw everything in your path to keep you from surrendering to Christ. He will appear to be the answer, but later the truth will be exposed and he will FORCE you to become his slave and worship him.

TODAY, while there is still time, change your hearts and lives and surrender your love of self to Master Jesus.


Next Entry: Revelation 14:1 – 15:8

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 10:1–11

August 06, 2013

Then John saw a powerful angel come down from heaven. He held a small scroll in his hand. He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. He shouted like a roaring lion and the voices of seven thunders began to speak.

John began to write down what he heard when a voice from heaven interrupted him and said, "Keep hidden what the seven thunders said, and do not write them down." Then the angel raised his right hand to heaven and he made a promise by the power of the One who lives forever and and ever; the One who made the skies and all that is in it; the One who made the earth and all that is in it; and the One who made the seas and all that is in it.

The angel promised: "There will be no more waiting!"

7th Trumpet—When the angel is ready to blow this last and final trumpet—it will be finished. God's secret of His Good News will be realized and Jesus will return for the final battle on earth and then eternal heaven will begin.

We have a choice. We are either:

• Entering through the small gate or the wide gate (Matthew 7:13–14)
• Traveling the narrow road or the wide road (Matthew 7:13–14)
• Building on the rock or sand (Matthew 7:24–27)
• Wise or foolish (Matthew 25:2)
• Prepared or unprepared (Matthew 24:45–51)
• Fruitful or fruitless (Matthew 25:14–27)
• Heaven called or hell bound (Mark 16:15–16)

~ From Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado.

Next Entry: Revelation 11:1–19 

The Path to Salvation

February 10, 2017

All throughout scripture there is a recurring theme: Change your heart and life. But what exactly does that mean?

Our hearts are sinful by nature. Sin entered this world because of the actions of Adam and Eve. Eve chose to believe Satan's lie and she chose to go against the authority of God. Adam chose to follow her example and by doing so he also chose to disregard God's authority. They both chose to not listen to TRUTH and instead chose to listen to the lie. Because of their choices, all of mankind is now born with a bent towards sin.

You don't have to teach a child to lie, to take from others, or to say MINE! Mine—the original sin and the cause of most (if not all) other sin. I will be in control; I will get what I want; I will do what I want; and I want it so I will have it. Pride. It's all about "I."

P

R

S I N

D

E

Notice what letter intersects pride and sin. The letter "I." Notice also the shape created when pride and sin intersect. It is the shape of a cross.

In the Old Testament, God's very first commandment laid the foundation for all the others. Exodus 20:3 - "You shall have no other gods beside me." Nothing! Not ourselves, not others, not things—NOTHING. The first four commandments all deal with our relationship with God. The rest of the commandments all deal with our relationship with fellow man. Vertical commands: how we relate to God. Horizontal commands: how we relate to our fellow man. When you put a vertical line (｜) and a horizontal line ( ─ ) together you once again get the shape of a cross.

In the New Testament, Jesus gives us the Great Commandment. Matthew 22:37-38 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." Jesus teaches that it requires a change of heart and life to obey the Great Commandment. When our hearts are surrendered and when the sin which pride produces is confessed and repented of, we can then live the second part of the Great Commandment. Matthew 22:39 - "And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."

P.r.I.d.e is what keeps us from obeying God's commandments and surrendering ourselves to His authority. Obedience requires a change of heart and life.

To change your heart and life doesn't mean you take a self-improvement course in an effort to become a better person. We can't do it on our own. No self-effort will ever be enough. The only remedy is the cross. God gave his Son Jesus to take the penalty for our sins. He lived, died, and was raised from the dead so that we might have eternal life.

To change your heart and life means:

• you understand you are a sinner;
• you admit you need a Savior;
• you repent of your sins and seek forgiveness; and 
• you surrender your life to Master Jesus. 

It's all about surrendering your life and being willing to follow HIS footpath wherever it leads. Salvation cannot be obtained through good works or by being or becoming a good person. There is only one path to Salvation, and that is through the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price with His death on the cross. Because of His Grace, salvation is a free gift available to all mankind.

 

 

 

God's amazing gift of Grace can be yours. You don't have to change yourself. When you accept Jesus Christ as God's free gift of Salvation, HE will change your heart and life. HE will free you from the bondage of sin (which leads to eternal death); HE will give you the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation. When you follow the path God provided, you can be absolutely assured of your salvation.

Here is how you follow HIS footpath which leads to Salvation:

ADMIT you are a sinner and because of man's sinful nature you deserve eternal separation from God.  Romans 3:23 - "All have sinned and are not good enough for God's glory."

ACKNOWLEDGE it is only by His sacrificial Grace that you have been offered the free gift of Salvation.  Romans 5:8 - "But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners."  

BELIEVE by faith that God took on human form in the virgin birth of Jesus, and that although He was innocent of any sin, Jesus took on your sin and accepted death on a cross so you could choose eternal life.  John 3:16 - "God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life."

ACCEPT by faith that God provided the final sacrificial lamb and that He raised that Lamb—His Son, Jesus Christ—from the dead.  HE has the ability to save you from a life of sin and eternal death when you believe and call upon Him.  Romans 10:13 - "Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved."   

CONFESS that Jesus is Lord.  Confess your sins and believe by faith that you are indeed saved.  Because of your confession, Christ Jesus through His Spirit now lives in you.  Romans 10:9-10 - "If you use your mouth to say, "Jesus is Lord," and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.  We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God.  And we use our mouths to say that we believe, and so we are saved."  

LIVE your new position. You are a child of the King. You are no longer guilty of the sins in your past. You are free from the penalty of sin. You are saved.  Romans 8:1 - "So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty."  

If you have never followed God's footpath to salvation, why not do it now?  You simply follow the path. Here is a prayer of confession. Read it. Think about it. If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior, consider sincerely praying this prayer. Make it your own.

Lord, I admit I am a sinner. I acknowledge it is only by Your Grace that Salvation is available to me. I believe You sent your Son Jesus Christ to be born of a virgin. I accept that Jesus died for my sins and that He arose three days later so that I might have eternal life. Lord, I confess to you my sins and I repent of them. Please forgive me by the blood you shed on the cross. Please change my heart and mind. Give me a new way of thinking through your Holy Spirit. With the Spirit's guiding, help me live my life in a way that is pleasing to you. I surrender ALL to you. I will follow you on Your footpath wherever it leads. Thank you, Jesus, for your promise of Salvation. Thank you, Jesus, for giving your life for me.  Amen.

If you've prayed this as your prayer of confession then Hallelujah! By faith, you have accepted God's free gift of Salvation. Praise the LORD!! I John 1:9 - "But if we confess our sins, He will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done." God is a promise keeping God. When He says He will—HE WILL!!

Now what?   

REMAIN in Him. Read His Word. Continue to grow. Obey His commands. Continue to surrender your will to His will. Get plugged in to a local church where a body of Believers will encourage you and hold you accountable. Tell others. Do what His Word says. At some point you will want to follow God's instructions on baptism as a symbol of your new faith. Doing all these things is not what brings you salvation because we cannot earn our salvation. You do these things because of your salvation.

RESULT: You have a changed heart and your life changes. You are not who you once were. You have a new way of thinking. Your desire is to follow the Master and not your own selfish pride. You choose to turn from the sinful nature you were born with and instead make decisions which are God-honoring. If you fall, you pick yourself back up and confess your failure. You repent of it and make amends if necessary. Your changed heart produces a changed life.

The only way to salvation is by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. If you have any questions or would like help in any way please contact me. I would love to help you. If you have prayed a prayer of repentance for the first time, please let me know. I would love to pray for you as you begin your own personal journey of:

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

Still on the fence? Still deciding? Why? What on earth is worth risking your destiny for all of eternity? Don't wait any longer. Do it today while there is still time. A day of accountability IS coming. There IS a heaven and there IS a hell. Eternity IS at stake. Nothing on this temporary earth is worth holding onto at the risk of your eternal soul.

Pride keeps us from wanting to surrender. But while you are deciding understand this: You WILL be a servant or a slave to something. You will either be a servant to Master Jesus—a kind, loving, faithful, generous Savior, OR, you will be a slave to Satan—a conniving, lying thief, and destroyer. There is no middle ground. It IS one or the other.

There are only two paths with two very different end results. The path you choose to take determines your eternal destination. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but the truth is the TRUTH. What would be harsh is for me not to tell you the truth and to stand aside while knowing you were following a path that WILL lead to your destruction.

It is a decision only you can make. Jesus is waiting—but time is of the essence. There is a year, a month, a day, and an hour planned for when accountability WILL happen. No one will escape it. There is coming a day when our lives on this earth will be over and eternity will begin.

Change your heart and life. Surrender your will to HIS will. Follow the Path to Salvation. Do it today. The reward is eternal life. Obedience is a decision you will NEVER regret!

If you have any questions please contact me: walkingonhisfootpath@gmail.com


Next Entry: Revelation 10:1–11

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 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

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

Jude 1–25

July 23, 2013

It's been six years since Jane told us to read Psalm 150 and then Psalm 140. It was the Monday after we learned my sister and brother-in-law filed a lawsuit. God knew the viciousness of their attack and He knew how long this "trial" was going to last, so He gave us hope and encouragement in the most unlikely of ways—an elderly woman in a nursing home. Jane E. Wolfe (who had been unresponsive for months) clearly, succinctly, and without effort spoke God's words of promise and then prayed a prayer of blessing over my life without faltering one single time. We are so grateful and so thankful for God's hands upon our lives. You can read the story of Jane here.

Jude was going to write about salvation but he instead felt the need to write about something else.  Verse 3 - "I want to encourage you to fight hard for the faith that was given the holy people of God once and for all time." Watch out—fight hard.

Watch out—because people had secretly entered their group and if they weren't careful they were in danger from the inside out. The classic frog in the kettle syndrome. If you put a frog in a pot of hot water, he recognizes the danger and immediately jumps out. But put the frog in a pot of tepid water and slowly turn up the heat and he doesn't recognize the threat and he dies without realizing the water became hot.

As Christians, we are more at risk with things we allow in, or things that have maneuvered themselves in, than from a blatant attack from the outside. Jude says be careful. These people (who act one way, but whose hearts are evil) sound good, but it's just a cover-up. Their motives are to destroy. They are against God's authority and are ruled by their own selfish desires. They do not understand "truth" and they think that their own knowledge and self learning is all the truth and wisdom they need.

It is that very way of thinking that will destroy them. Verse 11 - "It will be terrible for them." (See the "How terrible it will be" statements in Isaiah.) These people are like Cain, who because of anger, jealousy, and revenge went after Abel. Like Balaam, their desire for profits and ill-gotten gains led them to do wrong. And like Korah, they have rebelled and fought against authority and God sovereignty which ultimately leads to destruction.

Jude says they are like dirty spots among you. They are like a cancer that starts small and then spreads. They know they are out to destroy you but they have no problem with sitting among you and eating with you. They only care about themselves. They are like a lion in wait. They are like clouds that should produce rain, but they don't. They are instead just blown about. They are like autumn trees that should produce fruit, but they don't. They are no longer useful and they are pulled out of the ground. Not only don't they produce fruit, but the tree itself is dead. They are like waves in the sea, bobbing up and down but getting nowhere. Their shameful actions are tossed in the air like foam. They are like stars in the sky that wander around not knowing where they belong. A day of judgment is planned and reserved for them.

But wait! Don't be proud and think you would never be in danger of falling and becoming the cancerous spot. Verse 5 - "Remember that the Lord saved his people by bringing them out of the land of Egypt. But later he destroyed all those who did not believe." Remember the angels who rejected Gods power. They did not escape God's judgment. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah. Their punishment was an example for all of us to see. Remember!  

Jesus is coming again and we will ALL be judged.

Believers will be judged for their works of faith and will be rewarded accordingly. The judgment for believers is called the Judgment Seat of Christ. But there is another judgment as well. This judgment is for all those who have rejected Master Jesus, and it is called The Great White Throne Judgment.

"Look, the Lord is coming with many thousands of his holy angels to judge every person. He is coming to punish all who are against God for all the evil they have done against him. And he will punish the sinners who are against God for all the evil they have said against him." Verse 14

Jude then describes the people who are against God. Jude 16–19 - "These people complain and blame others, doing evil things they want to do. They brag about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want... these are the people who divide you, people whose thoughts are only of this world, who do not have the Spirit."

While we need to be cautious that we do not allow any small cancerous spots to grow in us, we can have complete confidence in our position with Christ. Nothing can remove us from Him! That is nothing outside of ourselves. Only we can make the choice to be out of God's love. So, keep yourself in God's love. Build your faith up. Pray in the Holy Spirit. Wait for His mercies.

"God is strong and can help you not to fall. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and can give you great joy. He is the only God, the One who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen."  Verses 24–25

"The proof of religious conversion is to demonstrate that we have both added a relationship with Christ and that we have subtracted sin (repentance). And we multiply proof to a weary world by what we do—our deeds, our obedience. What we do must confirm what we say. Our deeds are the proof of our repentance." ~ From Walking With Christ in the Details of Life by Patrick Morley

Wow! How can it be? I'm done with 65 books of the Bible and tomorrow I start the last book—The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Addendum: 12/31/16 ~ Wow! Again! It's the last day of 2016; I'm recording my entry written six years after receiving God's promise of protection and "the storm"; the lawsuit is still ongoing (almost nine and one half years now); Jude clearly lays out and defines the reason for the lawsuit; a day of judgment is coming; I've just started Journal #13 (my last journal); and I'm soon going to be ready to begin recording my journal entries for Revelation. But before I begin the last book, the Revelation of Jesus Christ, I am going to return to where I stopped my earlier review back in May and complete the review and the edits from Philippians to Jude.

I didn't think it would take me this long to get to Revelations, but I've learned long ago not to question God's timing. I am Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead).


Next Entry: The Book of Revelation

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

II John 1–13

July 22, 2013

The Truth:

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."  John 14:6

"Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

You can deny it, try to ignore it, or even question it, but nothing changes the fact—the truth is the Truth—and it is the only thing that can set a person free.

I've often used the air in a beach ball as an analogy to teach this truth. The air in a beach ball represents God's Truth (the Trinity). If you try to push a beach ball down under the water it will put up a resistance and exhaust you as you fight to keep the ball (Truth) submerged. No matter how hard you try, it keeps popping up to the surface. It's a constant struggle. When you finally give up and allow the ball (Truth) to rest on the water, it goes from something you were struggling against to becoming something that saves you. As you hold on to the ball (Truth), you no longer need to work to stay afloat and it supports you and holds your head above water.   

Truth is the only thing that can set you free from the bondage of sin caused by selfish desires. 

In the Old Testament, the law commanded that we love. In the New Testament, Christ came to fulfill the law. Jesus is love and we are to love each other the way He loves us. II John 6 - "And love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love." II John 9 - "Anyone who goes beyond Christ's teaching and does not continue to follow only his teaching does not have God. But whoever continues to follow the teaching of Christ has both the Father and the Son."

"... The best way to keep the enemy out is to keep Christ in." ~ From Renewed Day by Day by A.W. Tozer

Next Entry: III John 1:1–15

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