THEN They Will Know!

November 6, 2017

I am continuing to read in Exodus and I feel as if God is taking me on a journey down memory lane.

See this? Do you remember when I showed you this before?
See over here? Have you forgotten the things I did in the past?
Do you remember I Kings 18:36? Do you remember why you prayed those exact words?
Do you need to be reminded of what MY purpose is? Have you forgotten the very first thing I showed you as you began this journey?
Have you lost sight of who I AM? I AM faithful.
Are you going to trust MY plan? I AM in control.
Do you see? Keep your eyes on me.
Do you remember? Trust me. Keep your faith in who I AM.  
Are you beginning to understand? I AM the LORD. There is none beside me. 

I see, LORD.
I remember.
Thank you, for the reminder of WHO you are. My trust is in YOU and YOU alone.

God gave Moses (and then Aaron) very clear, detailed, and specific directions on where to go, what they would find, what to say, what to do, and what was going to happen. God clearly knew the complexities of the entire situation and He left nothing to chance or happenstance. He didn't leave Moses and Aaron stranded out on a cliff to fend for themselves. He was step-by-step directing their paths and the Israelites' path to freedom.  

1. "I will lead" my people on their journey to freedom.
2. "I will punish" those who are holding my people captive.
3. "I will bring" my people out of their captivity so they can worship me."
4. "THEN THEY WILL KNOW I AM THE LORD."

The phrase—"Then they will know I am the LORD"— just keeps repeating over and over in my mind.

THEN they will know I am the LORD.
Then THEY will know I am the LORD.
Then they WILL KNOW I am the LORD.
Then they will know I AM the LORD.
Then they will know I am THE LORD.

It's the purpose!! It's the reason for everything. It's ALL about Him. HE is the LORD. It is HIS story. And HE, in HIS great power is the ONE who will save us from the captivity of this lawsuit which will then allow HIS story to be told. Then ALL will know HE is the LORD. That has been our prayer and continues to be our prayer. May it be so, LORD. May it be so.

Do you remember? Are you beginning to understand?

Thank you, LORD, for the journey down memory lane. I remember. I understand. It's ALL about you, LORD. It's All about YOU.    


Next Entry: The Proof Came—AFTER

Brick by Brick!

November 01, 2017

The first initial years of "the storm" were overwhelming and time consuming, but once all the legal filings were submitted to the courts, things became quiet. The wait for the judge to issue his rulings began. Months passed. And then years passed. We became accustomed to the lull in the nastiness. And then a few weeks ago, the judge sent out a notice to both parties soliciting available dates for a trial to be scheduled for the Spring or Summer of 2018.

What?? A trial?!? Is there going to be a trial?!? For YEARS, I have been absolutely sure that this lawsuit would never go to trial. SURE! There are many, many reasons why I have felt so strongly about there not being a trial. You can read about some of them here and here. To get a letter from the judge requesting available dates for a trial was a complete surprise and rather disconcerting. It temporarily threw me off balance. I had a lot of questions and no answers. Feeling discouraged, on October 20th, I sat down and wrote my feelings out in a prayer to the LORD.

LORD,

What is it YOU want? What is YOUR will for our lives? Is it YOUR will for this ugly battle perpetrated upon us to go to trial? Is that YOUR will? Is it YOUR will for my journals and the story of Jane to be made public? Is that the way you want YOUR story to be told?

I have so many questions. So many. I'm not doubting you, LORD. I am doubting me. I have been sure for years that this battle was not going to trial. I still believe that. But am I crazy? Was it just wishful thinking? Is it something I have conjured up in my own mind? I really don't believe so. I really don't. But LORD, I want to be sure. I want to be sure that I am surrendered to YOUR will and following YOUR path.

LORD, I have absolutely NO doubt that you are going to protect us from my sister and brother-in-law's vicious and false accusations. NO doubt whatsoever. I guess what confuses me is the path. Do you want this battle to go to trial? Do you want the blogs to be made public? How does that work? Things have changed. The wait for the resolution of the lawsuit has been open ended with nothing in sight, so waiting wasn't that hard because there was an open ended time frame (in my mind) for you to complete your will. But now things have changed. Lawyers from both sides have agreed to set June of 2018 aside for a trial. There is now a point in time set aside for a decision and it is nine months away. Am I starting to doubt? I'm not losing faith in the end result, but I am really confused about the process. Did I misunderstand? Am I wrong? Last night I was reminded of what our Pastor always says. "Don't doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light."

The blogs are for the most part done and ready. As far as I know I have completed the journey I felt YOU directed me to take. Is YOUR story really going to just sit idle for over nine months? Is there something else I am supposed to do? Am I losing my faith?

In the end it doesn't matter. You are God and I am not. So what is the problem?

I am ashamed. Why am I struggling? Nothing has changed. Am I worried about being wrong in what I have so passionately written about? Is it my pride that is suffering? Am I fearful of looking like a fool and trying to explain why everything I said I felt God was showing me was wrong and (evidently) a figment of my imagination?

LORD, I confess to you my fears. I confess to you my doubt. I confess to you my need to know what is going on and how you plan on doing things. I am weary. I surrender all to you. I surrender it all to you. My hands are open. You are God. I will continue to trust you. I do trust you. If I'm made to look like a fool—then so be it. The only thing that matters is YOU. I bow my need to know how you are going to protect us to your authority and sovereignty. I'm sorry, LORD. A planned date doesn't mean anything. I will still follow your footpath no matter where it leads. Help me to only look ahead at each next step and not start looking into the future. One step at a time, LORD. One step at a time. May YOUR will be done in whatever way YOU choose. 

Writing my thoughts down always has a therapeutic effect for me. It calms my mind and soothes my soul. It brings me back to Truth and to what I KNOW.

• I KNOW God has a plan for our lives.
• I KNOW God has promised us His protection.
• I KNOW I am to tell HIS story.
• I KNOW this lawsuit will not accidentally go to trial.
• I KNOW that while God may allow the "world's" court system to set us free, it cannot be His revealed moral will because the filing of this lawsuit violates His written words.
• I KNOW God has given my sister and brother-in-law ten plus years of Grace.
• I KNOW there will come a day when accountability for our life choices WILL happen.
• I KNOW that HE is in control—and that is enough.

We will STAND on the promises of God. We will continue to believe and hold on to HIS Truth.

There have been some other new developments pertaining to the lawsuit as well. Three of the four attorneys (including the lead attorney) representing my sister and brother-in-law are now no longer with their law firm. To us this is huge news. We felt their lead attorney was just plain vicious in his actions, words and tone. He didn't appear to be interested in facilitating any kind of negotiation or reconciliation and gave my sister and brother-in-law free rein in trying to cause strife and discord among our immediate and extended family members. Nothing appeared to be sacred or off-limits to either him or my sister and brother-in-law. We are SO grateful he is gone.

The timing of his departure seems rather remarkable. He literally left the firm just days or weeks before the judge sent the notice out asking for available dates from each side for a trial. He took a position as an in-house lawyer for a large company so he will NOT be able to assist my sister and brother-in-law again on their case. This is a huge blessing! We never need to see him again and we are very grateful. The scheduled dates for the trial are still up in the air. Some time in June 2018 is what the attorneys for both sides agreed upon but my sister and brother-in-law would not agree to those dates, so we are waiting to hear what the judge decides to do.

Shortly after the news about these new developments broke, the phrase "Brick by Brick" came to my mind early one morning and it got me to thinking.

In the beginning of this conflict, my sister and brother-in-law put up a brick wall of their own doing. Every effort we made to bring our conflict to a peaceful end (by using biblical principles) was blocked by a brick wall of resistance. They thought they were in complete control of their destiny and ours. While my sister and brother-in-law were building a brick wall of resistance, God was building a brick wall for our protection. "Brick by Brick" obstacles to block their plans and intents have been put in their way from the very beginning and the obstacles continue to build as they try to take us down financially by using the "world's" court system. Losing their lead attorney, ten years into the legal process and immediately before the judge requested spring and/or summer trial dates from both sides, is certainly another brick placed in their way. It will now cost them a considerable amount of more money to continue to pursue us. It will take a new lawyer many billable hours to be brought up to speed on the sheer amount of volume and details of the case.

Brick by brick.

Even the scheduling of a date appears to be a brick in their path. In their letter to the judge they stated the only times they would be available for a trial would be in very early spring because a trial later than that would cause their seasonable businesses hardship. I'm not sure if the judge will grant their request or not. Our lawyer is scheduled to be out of town and then has two other trials scheduled and the judge is typically in Florida in the time frame my sister and brother-in-law proposed as the only time they would be available. To read their claims of hardship and their basic refusal to consider other times was rather astonishing. They are pursuing us, we are not pursuing them! You would have thought their response would have been something along the lines of, "you name the date and time and we will be there." Instead, they had the audacity to tell a judge that his time frame for dates was not acceptable to them. Incredible. Their own words have caused more bricks to be added to the wall being built for our protection.

Brick by brick.

LORD, our prayer for my sister and brother-in-law remains the same. May they understand that without you they are nothing, and may they desire nothing but you. LORD, thank you for patiently giving them time to change their hearts and lives. Thank you, for granting them ten more years of Grace. LORD, we have always said they cannot pursue you and pursue us at the same time. So, Lord, I come boldly before you and ask in the Almighty name of Jesus for you to build the brick wall of protection around us so high they can't climb over it and so wide they can't go around it. LORD, I pray you would knock down their brick wall of resistance. LORD, I pray you would block the path of disobedience they are on to the point where the brick wall of protection you have built around us is insurmountable and they cannot successfully go forward in their desire to pursue us. LORD, we pray the words of Psalm 140:8 - "Do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed or they will become proud." LORD, their planned intentions were clearly demonstrated when they chose to go against your written words and instead filed this lawsuit in an attempt to use the "world's" court system as the means to further their false accusations and their evil intentions. LORD, I pray that brick by brick you would block their ability to pursue this case to trial. LORD, may YOU release us through YOUR power and YOUR might. May all know that is was the LORD God Almighty who stopped the avenger and saved us from the lion's mouth. We pray this in Jesus' holy name. Amen.

Brick by brick.

Addendum: 2/19/19 ~ A light bulb of further understanding went on as I was reading this today. Jesus is three types of stone: 

• Cornerstone—someone to build your life's foundation upon
• Stumbling stone—someone who puts or allows obstacles in your path for the purpose of getting your attention and letting you know you need to change your heart and life 
• Crushing stone—someone who will eventually hold those who refuse to follow Him accountable for their life choices.

I Peter 2:6–8 - " 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.' (Quoting Isaiah 28:16) Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,' (Quoting Psalm 118:22) and, 'A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' "(Quoting Isaiah 8:14) 

Matthew 21:42–44 - "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?  (Jesus quoting Psalm 118:22,23) 'Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.  He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.' "

Many of the decisions my sister and brother-in-law made throughout "the storm" just didn't make sense. My husband and I (and others) would often just look at each other and shake our heads. How many times did we (and others) say, "Why on earth did they do that?? How does that make any sense?!"

I thought my sister and brother-in-law were (all on their own) building strong walls of resistance and they thought they were in complete control of their destiny and ours, but now I am starting to see things a little differently. I am beginning to understand God's hand has been in even the smallest of details. I now believe God-planned and God-allowed stumbling stones were put in their path; obstacles which were meant to get their attention and change their course of actions. 

So many situations are running through my mind. So many things that just didn't seem to make good business or logical sense. The disturbing thing is this: my sister and brother-in-law think they are building a wall of resistance against us when in reality, their wall of resistance is a fight against the authority of God. Because my sister and brother-in-law refused to change their hearts and lives, God allowed them to continue to build a wall that ultimately prevented them from owning our joint project which in turn prevented them from realizing any eventual profits from their deceitful practices. They also didn't make any money from the large sum of money they removed from the project; they lost the entire amount they removed and much more. 

My sister and brother-in-law's covert strategy to take over the project—failed. Their scheme to keep all profits for themselves—failed. Their plan to make a large profit off of the money they removed from the project—failed. All their best laid plans and strategies—failed. Not only did all their strategies for ill-gotten gain fail, but now their insistence on moving forward with a lawsuit has cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. We absolutely believe their attempt to have the courts enforce the "agreement" they deceitfully obtained as a way to financially ruin us for their own gain will fail as well.  

We always wondered, but now we see more clearly. Their decisions weren't just bad business practices or illogical thinking—it was God's hand at work. Stumbling stones were put in place and brick by brick a wall was built to thwart their plans. God has given my sister and brother-in-law opportunity after opportunity to change their hearts and minds, to surrender, to turn from their self-centered ways, and to build their lives upon the Cornerstone. For that I am very thankful. However, there comes a time when "time" runs out and accountability happens.

The stumbling stone becomes a crushing stone.

None of us like to think about judgment. We would all much prefer to talk about the wonderful Grace of God and sit around a campfire singing, Kum Ba Ya. But TRUTH is the truth. Some day we will all stand before our Maker. At that time He will either be the Cornerstone on which we have built our lives—OR—He will be revealed as the stumbling and crushing stone. He is either Lord of our lives—or He isn't. 

Oh LORD, we are still learning so much. While we have understood much of what YOU have done, we at the same time have understood very little. I am just amazed at even the glimpse we have been given. LORD, we trust you and ask that you continue to put obstacles in their path that will prevent their plans from succeeding. Thank you, for building walls of protection around us. LORD, there are not enough words to adequately thank you for all you have done these past twelve years. Thank you, Father.

Brick by brick. Stumbling stone by stumbling stone. Obstacles ignored. Walls of resistance built.


Next Entry: By HIS Great Power

II Chronicles 34:1–33

July 23, 2014

Josiah becomes king at eight years old. By the time he was sixteen, he began to remove all the idols and places for worshiping other gods from the land. He broke up the wooden and metal idols and beat them into powder. He sprinkled the powder over the graves of those who worshiped the idols. (The golden calf the Israelites made while Moses was on the mountain with God was broken and made into powder as well. The Israelites were forced to drink it, and it ended up on the ground—useless.) Josiah rendered the idols useless, dust on the ground—gone. The people returned to dust and what they put their faith in returned to dust. It brought them nothing, totally destroyed and useless.

At the age of 26, Josiah made Judah and the Temple pure again. In the process of doing so, Hilkiah the priest, "found the Book of the LORD's Teachings that had been given through Moses." God's words—lost in His own Temple. God's words that were supposed to be given to each king—lost. God's words that were supposed to be read every day—lost.

When Josiah heard what was in the Book of the LORD's Teachings he was very upset. He wanted to know more. What does this mean? He sent Hilkiah and four other men to, "go and ask the LORD about the words in this book that was found." So Hilkiah and those the king sent with him went to talk to Huldah the prophetess. She was a simple woman, the wife of a man who took care of the king's clothes, yet she was used by God to be a prophetess.

Huldah tells the men that God's word is true. God will do what is written in his Book of Teachings. Accountability for personal actions will happen. There are blessings for those who humble themselves before the LORD; there are curses for those who refuse to surrender their will to His. There are blessings for obedience; there are curses for disobedience. (See Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34; Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34 (Continued); Leviticus 26:1 – 27:34 (Continued); Deuteronomy 27:1 – 28:68; and Deuteronomy 28 (Continued) ) "I will bring all the curses that are written in the book that was read to the king of Judah. The people of Judah have left me and have burned incense to other gods. They have made me angry by all the evil things they have made. So, I will punish them in my anger, which will not be put out." Then, Huldah continued. Because Josiah had humbled himself and sought after the ways of the LORD, God promised to honor him and to not hold him accountable for his ancestors actions. God also told Josiah he would let him die in peace.

God's Word is true—period. He will do what He says—period.  

The men took Huldah's message back to Josiah. Josiah gathered all the people and went to the temple. There he promised to obey the LORD with his whole being and to obey the words in the Book of the LORD's Teachings. Josiah was doing God honoring things even before he knew what was in the book of God's laws. When he found out what was in God's Word (by seeking and searching) he sought to follow hard after the LORD; a blueprint for how we should live our lives. God fulfilled his portions of the prophecy He gave through Huldah.

Seven years ago, Jane (Her Name Was Jane) prophesied, and told us to read Psalm 150, Psalm 140. Jane then prayed a strong prayer of blessing over my life. I never thought of it as a prophecy until I heard my daughter-in-law telling someone that ... and I realized she was right.

I decided to research women prophets in the Bible. There are five listed specifically with the title of prophetess in the Old Testament. A prophetess is a female prophet called by God to be the mouth piece of the One who sends her. She speaks on behalf of the sender. A prophet (prophetess) is considered a seer because God has given them the gift of foreknowledge. God reveals His secrets to the prophet (prophetess). True prophecy is initiated by the Holy Spirit.

I absolutely believe God used Jane to prophecy to us. There can be no other explanation. Her prophecy about praising the LORD taught us a brand new principle/concept. Her prophecy of Psalm 140 describes two kinds of people: 1) people who refuse to obey the LORD's teachings; and 2) those who choose to rely on the LORD for His protection. The same basic principles prophesied by Huldah. Blessings—verses—Curses. Jane's subsequent prophecies of Psalm 1 and Isaiah 30 give the same message. We have a choice. You can choose blessings or you can choose curses. Jane's last prophecy to us was Jeremiah 33—God's promise of restoration. God chose Jane to speak His Holy Spirit inspired words because of her years of faithfulness, her godly character, and her surrendered heart.

Thank you, LORD, for using Jane to be YOUR mouth piece and messenger to us. LORD, Jane spoke words to us that she could not have said within her own ability or knowledge. They were YOUR words, LORD, and we thank you. LORD, we choose to surrender our hearts, lives, and whole beings to YOUR authority. We praise YOUR name LORD, for being the King of all kings and the LORD of all lords. How majestic is YOUR name in all the earth. We humble ourselves before YOU and we claim YOUR promises. Blessed be YOUR name. May all honor and all glory go to YOU for all that YOU have done and will do. Amen.


Next Entry: II Chronicles 35:1 – 36:1 

II Chronicles 19:4 – 21:3

July 16, 2014

NCV - "You won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the LORD save you... don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow."

NIV - "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you... Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.

KJV - "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you... fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

The reference for that verse is found in II Chronicles 20:17 and it is our prayer. Oh LORD, may it be so. May ALL know that it is YOU who saved us from "the storm." We have done all You have commanded us to do. We have taken up our positions. We are standing strong. We are putting our faith and trust in You. We are Walking by Faith, first and foremost praising Your name. Hear our prayer. Save us we pray. Amen.

Jehoshaphat repents for getting off track. He goes back to Jerusalem. He again does what he can to turn the people back to God. He appoints judges to settle disputes. He tells them to, "watch what you do..." the job you are doing is not for people, it is for the LORD. He says again, "watch what you do..." God wants you to be fair and he doesn't want your decisions to be influenced by money. He goes on to tell them, "You must always serve the LORD completely, and you must fear him... have courage. May the LORD be with those who do what is right."

Jehoshaphat is doing what is right and minding his own business when the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites banded together and set out to make war against him. It was unexpected and Jehoshaphat was afraid. "So he decided to ask the LORD what to do." He gathered all the people together to ask the LORD for help. Jehoshaphat prayed. "LORD, you are God... you rule... you have power and strength... no one can stand against you... you forced out the people... you promised... you gave this land... IF trouble comes upon us we will come before you... we will cry out to you... THEN you will will hear and you will save us." LORD, here is the problem: people are coming against us. It is people you allowed to remain! Now they have come to force us out of your land that you gave us. "Oh God, punish those people." We have no power against those who are coming to attack us. "We don't know what to do, so we look to you for help."

Then Jahaziel stood up to speak. "Listen to me... the LORD says this to you:

'Don't be afraid or discouraged because of this large army. The battle is not your battle, it is God's.' "

Then God gave specific details. "Tomorrow go down there and fight those people. They will come up through the pass of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the ravine that leads to the desert of Jeruel." And then the promise found in II Chronicles 20:17 -

"You won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the LORD save you... don't be afraid or discouraged, because the LORD is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow."

All the people bowed before the LORD in worship. Then some Levites stood up and started praising the LORD. (Psalm 150) The next morning the army headed out. Jehoshaphat stood before them and said, "Listen to me. Have faith in the LORD your God, and you will stand strong. Have faith in his prophets (the words He gave us through Jane), and you will succeed." And then Jehoshaphat did an amazing thing. He listened to the people's advice; he chose men to be singers of praise to the LORD (Psalm 8); and he put them in front of the army. As they marched out they said:

"Praise the LORD: for His mercies endureth forever."

And when they began to sing and to praise God, the LORD took over the battle and secured the victory. II Chronicles 20:22 - "As they began to sing and praise God, the LORD set ambushes... and they were defeated." They praised the LORD before the actual battle was won. They believed in God's promises. They praised the LORD before and after the battle... and ALL knew it was the LORD who secured the victory. (Psalm 140:12 - "I know that the LORD secures justice....")

Addendum: 11/14/14 ~ "You won't need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the LORD save you..." I believe this. I truly believe this.

Addendum #2: 6/22/16 ~ HE will secure justice. HE will protect us. HE is the answer. HE is the One. What does the end of "the storm" look like? I have no idea. But it will be in HIS time and in HIS way. ALL will know it was the LORD who secured our justice. (Psalm 140:12) We absolutely STILL believe this.

Addendum #3: 4/26/18 ~ See the following updates:

By HIS Great Power
The Purpose
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!


Next Entry: II Chronicles 21:4 – 24:27

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 8:1 – 9:21 (Continued)

August 02, 2013

6th Trumpet—Destruction was unleashed. One-third of all the people on earth were killed by fire, smoke, and sulfur. Revelation 9:15 - "And they let loose the four angels who had been kept ready for this hour and day and month and year so they could kill a third of all people on the earth."

There is an hour, day, month, and year planned and already determined for this judgment to occur. Judgment WILL happen. There is no avoiding it. One-third of ALL people were killed by fire, smoke, and sulfur—and their hell was just beginning.

INCREDIBLY, the "people who were not killed by these terrible disasters still did not change their hearts and turn away" from their own selfish ways. Revelation 9:21 - "These people did not change their hearts and turn away from murder or evil magic, from their sexual sins or stealing."

I want to scream WAKE UP!! Now, before it is too late, CHANGE YOUR HEARTS AND LIVES!!!  Please!! There is an hour, day, month, and year planned. I Peter 3:20 says that God waited patiently for Noah to finish building the boat before His judgment happened. Just because judgment hasn't happened yet doesn't mean that judgment it isn't going to happen. God waited patiently for Noah to finish the boat, and THEN judgment happened.

God is waiting patiently. He wants you to surrender and repent. But there comes a time when the waiting is over and accountability happens. Do it now. Change your hearts and lives TODAY while there is still time. 

Addendum: 2/10/17 ~ Today, while reviewing and editing Revelation 8, I suddenly realized I need to explain what I mean when I talk about "change your heart and life." When my journals were written they were for my (and my family's) personal use so no explanation of what I meant was needed. But now that God has revealed His plan for how He wants HIS Story told, and my private writings are going to be made public, I suddenly realized not everyone will understand what "change your heart and life" means; who the message is for; why it is such a prevalent theme all throughout scripture; and how you go about changing your heart and life.

Change your heart and life is not referring to the need for a personal self-improvement course so you can become a better person. It's not about what we change—it is about who changes us. It's about accepting God's free gift of Salvation given for all mankind. The gift is free and available, but it is something each one of us must accept for ourselves. It's the only way to change your heart and life. 

Read about The Path to Salvation here or click on the next journal entry.


Next Entry: The Path to Salvation

I John 4:1 – 5:21

July 20, 2013

John continues to drive home the point: God is love and if we have God living in our lives, God's love will be reflected in us and through us. Love comes from God. He sent His son to die so that we may have life. Real love is not our love for Him, it is His love for us. Psalm 8:4 - "What is man that you are mindful of him?" Because God is love we can trust Him. When we confess Him as Lord (Master) we live in His love, and He lives in us. I John 4:17-18a - "This is how love is made perfect in us: that we can be without fear on the day God judges us, because in this world we are like him. Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect love drives out fear."

Our lives (actions) reflect the truth of who we are. If we have God's love in us, that is what we reflect. If we are instead fueled by our own desires (own = evil) we may try to mask it, but it IS what we reflect and it will be revealed. After John talks about there being no fear if you are living in God and in His love, He makes a statement I never noticed before. I John 4:18b - "It is punishment (KJV says torment) that makes a person fear." And why is it punishment? Because when someone refuses to surrender to God they do not have God's perfect love that drives out fear. The refusal to surrender becomes a punishment as fear runs rampant in their lives.  

God's perfect love is available to us. When we refuse to submit to it we are punished by living in fear. You would think people would "get it" and choose to live in God's love. But selfish pride (the very core of sin) gets in the way. They would rather live a miserable existence and think they are in control (and be punished for it) than to unconditionally trust God.

I used to think fear is what kept some people from trusting God, but my thinking was all wrong. My "aha" moment came when I finally understood what John was saying. Fear is not the cause that prevents someone from surrendering their life to the Lordship of Christ; it is the result of refusing to surrender your life. It is punishment received for choices made. How sad. What a waste of precious time, energy, and effort, and what a shame to live in fear when God has provided us His perfect love.  

John goes on. I John 4:19 - "We love because God first loved us." You can't say you love God and hate your brothers or sisters. The two actions cannot mix, and John says that person is a liar. I John 5:3a - "Loving God means obeying his commands." His commands are not hard to follow IF you are surrendered to Him, but they are impossible to follow if you are controlled by your own selfish desires.

As a child of God you can conquer the world. It has nothing to do with who you are. It has everything to do with whose you are. The ability to conquer the world comes from having faith in the One who created the world, sent His Son to save the world, and will return again to rule the world. God's Spirit, who is in us, is greater than the spirit of this world.

II Kings 6:16 - "The army that fights for us is larger than the one against us." I John 4:4 - "My dear children, you belong to God and have defeated them; because God spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world."

It is God who gets the victory and God who gets ALL glory.


Next Entry: I John 4:1 – 5:21 (Continued)

II Peter 2:1–22

July 11, 2013

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

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

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

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

Peter describes the attributes of a false teacher:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Next Entry: II Peter 3:1–18  

II Peter 1:1–21

July 10, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jane can be explained in no other way.


Next Entry: II Peter 2:1–22

I Peter 5:1–14

July 09, 2013

Continue to do what is right—no matter what. Don't give up. Stand firm and continue to do what is right. Be humble and serve others. "God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble." (I Peter 5:5 and Proverbs 3:34)

Your humility should not come from a "I'm no good" attitude. That isn't humility. Humility is understanding the awesomeness of God and the

God

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man

relationship. It's ALL about Him. I Peter 5:6 -"Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes." He will do the rescuing. It isn't us who have to pull ourselves up to save ourselves. The key is to let Him (surrender) and wait for Him. Only He knows the "right time." In the meantime,  I Peter 5:7 - "Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you."

Don't hold on to worries or fears because that is a reflection of you trying to assume control. Let go and trust Him. Control yourself—NOT the situation. Be careful to keep yourself grounded in God's Word. The devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. He is "like a roaring lion." There are times your head is in the mouth of the lion because you are doing the right thing. It is not your power that saves you, it is God's power that prevents the mouth of the lion from shutting and harming you. Our responsibility is to stand strong and refuse to give in to him (the evil one) or the fear he wants to create.

I Peter 5:10 - "After you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever. All power is his forever and ever. Amen."

So stand strong. He is in control. Pass it on. Share who HE is and what HE has done. Mentor others. I Peter 5:2 - "I beg you to shepherd God's flock, for whom you are responsible. Watch over them because you want to not because you are forced." Do it because it is the right thing. Be happy to serve. Don't do it because it is a way to make a monetary gain or to bring notoriety to yourself. Don't do it to be in charge. As a servant of Christ—serve. As a recipient of Grace—give grace. "This is how God wants it." (I Peter 5:2) In everything you do, please God—not self.

"When the temptation of pride comes knocking... as it will... we must lock the door against it—whatever that takes... The best protection I have discovered is accountability. Since we all have blind spots, we must, as we mentioned earlier, submit ourselves to those who can see the logs floating in our eyes." ~ From The Body by Charles Colson

Next Entry: II Peter 1:1–21

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 3:1–22

July 03, 2013

Do your part to get along. Be kind. Be humble. Be understanding. Be loving. Be agreeable. Don't repay a wrong with a wrong. Don't repay an insult with an insult. When others seek to hurt you do not respond with anger.

Christ teaches us to love, and when we respond by following His teachings we are blessed. That doesn't mean the offense committed against you is excusable. It means you understand what Jesus taught when He said (through Paul in I Corinthians 6), "What's wrong with being wronged?" It means you've decided to follow Christ's example of enduring the pain and, "He let God, the One who judges rightly, take care of him." (I Peter 2:23)

Scripture gives such clear guidelines. Do you want to be happy and enjoy life? Then don't say evil things; don't tell lies; stop doing evil; do good; don't look for fights; do look for peace; and pursue righteousness.

The Lord sees the good people (eyes are on them)
     and listens to their prayers (ears are attentive)
But the Lord is against (face is against)
     those who do evil.

I want to live my life so the Lord's face is turned towards me. What a mental picture of the Lord leaning in, interested, and listening closely. I never want to experience what it would be like to have the Lord against me with His face turned away and refusing to listen. What a horrific thought.

When you live your life according to God's teachings who can harm you? No one. You may suffer from those who seek your harm, but they cannot truly harm you, and you are instead blessed. You do not need to be afraid of their threats and you do not need to be frightened by them. Make sure Christ is Lord of your life. Always be ready to answer anyone and everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have which is found in Christ! Answer in a gentle respectful way. Keep a clear conscience "so that those who speak evil of your good life in Christ will be made ashamed." (I Peter 3:16) There is no shame in suffering because of doing the right things. Christ suffered for our sins so we would be eternally protected from evil. We can (and should) be patient and wait upon the Lord.

Sometimes we wonder... hmm. Why six years? Why has "the storm" lasted six years and counting?

God showed me something new today. In Noah's day the world was evil. Messengers were sent to warn the people that accountability was going to happen. God provided a plan for their salvation. He offered, but He knew few were going to listen. He instructed Noah on what to do. Noah obeyed. And then—God waited patiently while Noah built the boat. God waited for years to fulfill HIS plan to hold the people accountable. He knew what He was going to do; He promised Noah His protection; He warned people to change their hearts and lives; and then—He waited patiently—while Noah built the ark.

Why six plus years? I don't know, but He does. He has promised us His protection. His words declare what happens to those who refuse to obey Him. He has a plan and He is waiting for whatever needs to be finished. At the right time He WILL fulfill it. We will be faithful and wait for Him. It isn't a judge who has delayed a ruling, it is God patiently waiting for something in HIS plan to be completed.


Next Entry:  I Peter 3:1–22 (Continued)

I Peter 2:1–25

July 01, 2013

So, how do you live your life making sure you are focused on doing things that have eternal value? You start by getting rid of all the evil in your life. Get rid of all lying, get rid of all hypocrisy, get rid of all jealousy, and get rid of all evil speech. Get rid of the old and desire the pure and simple teachings of God. Build your life on the "cornerstone" of Christ. I Peter 2:5 - "Let yourselves be used to build a spiritual temple." We are to be holy people whose lives bring praise to His name. Christ is to be the cornerstone, the very foundation, for us to build our lives upon. When we build our lives on Him and not upon our own giftedness, abilities, finances, or desires, we will never be disappointed. Isaiah 28:16 - "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed." NEVER!

To those of us who trust Him, He gives the understanding of what a valuable gift He has given us. But to those who have chosen not to put their trust in Him, a shield is over their eyes and they cannot even begin to understand the concept of trusting in Him alone. To them He becomes "a stone that causes people to stumble, a rock that makes them fall." (Isaiah 8:14) What a difference. To those who trust in Christ He becomes the solid cornerstone that cannot be moved but for those who do not trust and obey Him He becomes the very thing that trips them up, "which is what God planned to happen to them." (I Peter 2:8)

I cannot imagine being on the receiving end of God's plan to make someone stumble. Who would want to trade God's blessings for God's punishment? Psalm 1 says it so clearly. There are two ways to live and two choices to make, but with two very different end results. We either believe, obey, and trust Him—and receive His blessings. Or, we instead rely on self, and we fool ourselves into thinking we are in control when in reality we are not—and we receive His punishment. When we are surrendered, God can use us for His glory. I Peter 2:9 -  "You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

We have a God-given testimony to share, and we need to share it. Not everyone will be supportive. Peter warns that people who do not believe (non-believers and religious unbelievers) are all around us and most likely will try to discount our testimonies or try to prove us wrong. Peter says not to stoop to their levels and to continue to do what you have been doing. Live good lives; live as free people; live as servants of God; show respect for all people; love others; and respect God. Continue to do good in spite of what others say. The truth will be revealed, and the truth brings honor and glory to God.

There is no shame in being falsely accused. We can personally attest to this. When "the storm" first began we thought we would feel shame, but that was very short lived. We soon discovered there is no shame when you are innocent before Christ. I Peter 2:19 - "A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair, but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased."

Peter goes on to say in verses 20–21, "If you are beaten for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for being patient in your punishment. But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased. This is what you were called to do..."

Addendum: 1/17/17 ~ "We have a God-given testimony to share, and we need to share it." A little over a year after writing this I realized for the first time how He wants me to share that testimony. It came as a complete surprise. As I look back over my writings, I can see how God was laying out the plan for years before He eventually revealed His plans to me. 

LORD – What Am I to Do?
The LORD Answers!
I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!!

We were totally unaware. The key is this: Be available and remain faithful. You never know how God may choose to use your life.


Next Entry: I Peter 2:1–25 (Continued)

James 5:1–20 (Continued)

June 28, 2013

James continues to teach. Be patient. Wait upon the Lord. A farmer plants a seed and then he waits. It has to go through the process. It needs cared for, fed, watered, and the weeds pulled.Then at the right time, the crop comes. We too must be patient, do the right things, not give up hope, and wait upon the Lord. Job went through the fire, but in the end God blessed him beyond measure. DON'T GIVE UP!! 

James 5:11 - "You know the Lord is full of mercy and is kind." Our hope, faith, and trust is in Him alone. No matter what happens in life—go to Him. Having troubles? Praise and pray. Things going well? Praise and pray. Ill? Praise and pray. Confess your sins to each other. Share praises. Pray for each other. James 5:16 - "When a believing person prays, great things happen." Elijah was a human being just like us and his prayers stopped the rain for three and one half years. It wasn't Elijah's abilities, it was his availability. It wasn't Elijah's strength and power, it was God's. Elijah understood that God was God, and he wasn't.

"God's power was seen, not through the ability of the instrument, but through its availability." ~ From Usefulness insert in my NCV Bible

God used a stick, rocks, spit, and man to do His will, and He can use us. We sometimes think that the patriarchs of the Bible somehow had special abilities, and we forget that "Elijah was a human being just like us." (James 5:17)

LORD, we don't have a trove of special abilities, but we are available for YOUR use. Use us however you would like to bring honor and glory to YOUR name.

"If any of you wander away from the truth, and someone helps that person come back, remember this: Anyone who brings a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinners soul from death and will cause many sins to be forgiven." James 5:19–20

*****

From Jane's KJV:

God never promised to give knowledge, but wisdom. Living faith realizes all trials are permitted of God, designed "just for you" for our good and His honor and glory.

More of Jane's notes written in her KJV:

Humility of James. James 1:1 - not brother of Jesus but servant; a bond (love) slave (Exodus 21:1–6) no pay but all needs met by Master. He exalted Lord Jesus Christ. A Jew writing to Jews in a dispersion undergoing persecution (1st New Testament written), do not grumble in trial. Purpose: to produce steadfastness in our testimony, burn out impurity and become a vessel of praise to His Glory. James, a brother of Jesus our Lord (Galatians 1:19)
Matthew 13:54–56  "brothers and sisters"
Mark 3:31
Luke 2:7 - her "firstborn son"
Matthew 1:18–25
Luke 2:40 - child grew. He understands youths' problems at every age.
Mark 6:1–6 - attitude of people
I Corinthians 15:7 - He appeared especially to James, his brother
John 7
Acts 15 - Peter out of jail, go and tell James
Pastor of church at Jerusalem
Last man to stand up in Jerusalem council and summarize convictions.

"Ask in faith!"


Next Entry: I Peter 1:1–25

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

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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

June 13, 2013

Faith. It's all about faith.

Hebrews 11:1 - "Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it." This is the verse I quoted in a letter I wrote to our lawyer early in the process of the lawsuit. Sometime I'll go back and look up the date. We told him that in our hearts the lawsuit is over. God promised us His protection and we believe Him. 

It was because of their ability to have faith in the unseen that we remember the great people of the past. Faith—being sure and knowing, even when it is not yet visible or tangible.

It is by faith—we believe the world was created by God.

It is by faith—we understand that what we see was made by a God we cannot see.

It was by faith—Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain. God was pleased with Abel because of his faith.

It was because of his faith—his testimony lives on.

It was by faith—Enoch was taken to heaven without dying.

It is by faith—we please God. Hebrews 11:6 - "Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real.."

It is because of faith—"...that he rewards those who truly want to find him." (Hebrews 11:6)

It was by faith—Noah heard and believed God's warning about things he could not yet see.

It was by faith—Noah obeyed God and built a boat to save his family.

It was by faith—Noah proved the world wrong.

It was through faith—Noah was made right with God.

It was by faith—Abraham obeyed God's call.

It was by faith—Abraham left his own country to go to another place even though he had no idea where he was going.

It was by faith—Abraham could live like a foreigner in tents in a strange land while he was waiting for God's promise to come true.

It was by faith—Abraham was able to become a father as an old man.

It was by faith—Sarah was able to conceive.  

It was by faith—Abraham trusted God.

All these great people lived (and died) in faith. They lived by looking forward → to God's promises. Hebrews 11:15 - "If they had been thinking about the country they had left, they could have gone back."  To live by faith you cannot be looking back. You must look forward and believe.

It was by faith—Abraham was willing to give up the one thing that could fulfill God's promise.

It was by faith—Abraham believed that even if he gave it up, God could give it back.

It was by faith—Isaac blessed the future of Jacob and Esau.

It was by faith—Jacob blessed each one of Jacob's sons as he was dying.

It was by faith—Jacob, while weak and dying, still worshiped God while leaning on the top of his walking stick.

It was by faith—Joseph, when he was dying, made sure everyone knew and understood God's faithfulness and promises. God took him to Egypt so he could save his entire family. God turned evil intent into blessed redemption.

It was by faith—Joseph wanted to make sure his bones were returned to God's promised land.

It was by faith—Moses' parents hid him for three months in disobedience to the king's order.

It was by faith—Moses didn't take the easy way out as the son of the king of Egypt's daughter. He didn't deny his heritage. Hebrews 11:25–26 - "He chose to suffer with God's people instead of enjoying sin for a short time. He thought it better to suffer for the Christ than to have all the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking for God's reward."

It was by faith—Moses left Egypt and was not afraid of the king's anger. Hebrews 11:27b - "Moses continued strong as if he could see the God that no one can see."

It was by faith—Moses prepared the Passover and spread the blood on the door posts believing the angel of death would pass-over.

It was by faith—the people crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do it under their own power they all drowned.

It was by faith—the walls of Jericho fell after the people had marched around them for seven days.

It was by faith—Rahab was saved because she willing to risk everything in order to do the right thing.

It was by faith—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets defeated kingdoms. They were weak, and yet they were made strong. Hebrews 11:33 - "They did what was right, received God's promise, and shut the mouth of lions."

All these people are known for their faith. It wasn't easy and it wasn't always pretty, but they persevered. Hebrews 12 gives us the blueprint for how to run the race and and run it well.

From the Life Lesson:

Faith is more than a belief in God. It is also a way of life.

"Faith is the belief that God is real and that God is good... It is a choice to believe that the one who made it all hasn't left it all and that he still sends light into the shadows and responds to gestures of faith... Faith is the belief that God will do what is right... God says that the more hopeless your circumstances, the more likely your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. The darker the room, the greater the need for light... God's help is near and always available, but it is only given to those who seek it. Nothing results from apathy... do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God WILL RESPOND. He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith. Never!" ~ From He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado.

Next Entry: Hebrews 11:1–40 (Continued)

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 4:1 – 5:10

June 03, 2013

"By grace of God, I've come to place where I can't work up a worry (rest)." "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." ~ Written in Jane's KJV Bible.

Rest. God has offered to us a place of rest. There is of course heaven, a place of eternal rest. But in addition to eternal rest, we have also been offered a "place of rest" on this earth.

"Now, since God has left us the promise that we may enter his rest, let us be very careful so none of you fail to enter. The Good News was preached to us just as it was to them. But the teaching they heard did not help them, because they heard it but did not accept it with faith." Hebrews 4:1–3 

It wasn't the teaching that failed, the failure came from the choices they made. They "heard" the teaching but they refused to accept it with faith. They chose disobedience. The old hymn has it right when it says: "Trust and obey for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Hebrews 4:5 - "We who have believed are able to enter and have God's rest." Our choices determine our life results.

Obedience → Happy in Jesus → Rest

God rested on the seventh day, His perfect work of creation was complete. God made available to us His perfect work of redemption, and as believers, we can rest in that. God provided the Israelites a way of redemption from the Egyptians. They could have rested in His deliverance and protection, but instead, they chose not to trust and they chose not to obey, and as a result of their choices they lived 40 years wandering around in the desert and they never received His "rest." Those who did not obey and did not trust were not allowed into the Promised Land. Not only did they not get the future reward, they missed out on peace and "rest" in the present, their time on this earth.

The writer of Hebrew again says—TODAY. Hebrews 4:7 - "Today listen to what he says. Do not be stubborn." Stubbornness—the root of the problem. That is what keeps most people from surrendering to God and obeying Him. It's not ignorance—it's stubbornness. It's a refusal to let go of whatever you need to let go of (pride, selfishness, the need to be in charge, etc.) and let God be—God. Hebrews 4:10–11 - "Anyone who enters God's rest will rest from his work as God did. Let us try as hard as we can to enter God's rest so that no one will fail by following the example of those who refused to obey."

The phrase "try as hard as you can" does not mean we are working to earn our salvation. To enter God's rest is to finally "get-it"; to fully understand the

God

↓

man

relationship; and to daily live the "God is God, I am not" concept. If you don't daily commit to surrendering your will to the authority and Lordship of God, you will find the sin of self-sufficiency slowly creeping back into your life.

We can attest to what it means to find God's rest while on earth. Oh, what a change there has been in our thinking. Before we learned to surrender all I used to occasionally have "what if" fears about my husband's business. What if the economy goes bad? What if there isn't enough work? What if? What if? Our entire livelihood and our son's entire livelihood depends on this business. What if? What if? Then "the storm" happens, the economy goes bad, and all my prior "what if" fears which at times clouded my thoughts—happened. BUT! It did not bring fear.

What would have earlier created worry, fear, and angst in our lives, now has no power or control in our lives. We are living in God's rest and it is only because of one reason: we have committed to surrendering ALL to God. Oh, what peace (and rest) that gives. When the economy went bad, we didn't frantically go out searching for work—God brought the work to us. When the lawsuit threatened the very existence of my husband's business and took hundreds of thousands to defend our innocence—God doubled our gross revenues. God is in control and we can REST in that. 

We need to "work hard" at surrendering. God does ALL the rest. TODAY don't be stubborn! Listen to what He says! Hebrews 4:12 - "God's word is alive and working and is sharper that a double-edged sword." It convicts, it prunes, it does whatever is necessary to make us as believers more like Him. For the believer, it brings freedom and rest. For the non-believer, it condemns. "It judges the thoughts and feeling in our hearts. Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the way we have lived." (Hebrews 4:12b–13)

I've often wondered if people would change their hearts and lives if they understood that someday they will stand before Christ and have to explain the choices they've made and the way they lived their lives? Would it matter? Would they care? As believers we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and have to explain our choices and how we lived, and we will be rewarded accordingly. A non-believer will stand before Christ at the Great White Throne judgment, and they will be held accountable—eternally—for their stubborn refusal to surrender to Him.

Hebrews 5 - Jesus is our high priest, an intercessor between us and God. Because of Jesus we can "come before God's throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it." When Jesus was on this earth He prayed to God and "his prayer was heard because he trusted God."

Even though He was the Son of God, He learned obedience by what He suffered. The same can be said about us.We learned obedience because of our suffering, and for that we are grateful. Obedience and full surrender is often learned best during times of suffering.

Addendum: 11/29/16 ~ So many people try to avoid times of suffering by trying to "pray away" their problems instead of surrendering and learning from them. Charles Swindoll in Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life says it perfectly.

"Life is difficult... really very little more than an endless series of problems. Do we want to moan and groan about them or face them? Do we want to teach the next generation the disciplines involved in accepting and solving them or encourage them to run and hide? ... The tragedy, of course, is that the substitute itself ultimately becomes more painful than the "legitimate suffering" it was trying to avoid. And, adding insult to injury, the avoidance of legitimate suffering means we also avoid the growth that problems demand of us. Our determination to push pain away instead of meeting it head on creates a vicious circle. Could this explain why God's wisest saints are often people who endure pain rather than escape it? Like their Savior, they are men and women "acquainted with grief." I recall that Jesus "learned obedience from the things which he suffered (Hebrews 5:8) not in spite of those things. Do you have a problem? You're smiling back at me. "A problem? Would you believe several dozen problems?" If you listen to the voices around you, you'll search for a substitute—an escape route. You'll miss the fact that each one of those problems is a God-appointed instructor ready to stretch you and challenge you and deepen your walk with Him. Growth and wisdom await you at the solution of each one, the pain and mess notwithstanding."         

Well said.  


Next Entry: Hebrews 5:11 – 7:28