Whole Heart (The Gift)

Last month was the time of the year when we traditionally celebrate God's gift of His Son to us.  I would like us to consider that we believers are part of God the Father's gift to His Son, Jesus, our Savior.  What kind of gifts are we? Will He be happy to receive us?  Do we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength?  I think we would all agree that He deserves nothing less!

"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out." John 6:37

The other part of the gift is the Kingdom, where those who belong to Jesus, who is High Priest in the everlasting order of Melchizedek, will rule with Him as part of a royal priesthood, forever.  If we have been given by the Father to the Son, then we have the Holy Spirit within us and are His temple.  Wow.  Is that profound or what?  Let's be the best present EVER, starting NOW.  Let's give Him our WHOLE hearts, just as He gave His LIFE for us.  He alone is worthy. (Bible verses are below.)

Let's also bear in mind that the Israelites who refused to go into the promised land due to lack of faith did not get another chance.  They all died in the desert except for Joshua and Caleb, who were the only ones who wanted to go in.  Joshua (a name almost identical to the Hebrew name for Jesus) and Caleb had to wander in the desert, enduring hardship for forty years before they could enter.  That is a picture of our "wilderness" experience and walking by faith while we wait for our turn as believers to enter the "promised land."

I'd also like to share with you something I recently learned.  Many people have said that the name "Caleb" means "dog."  This bothered me because Caleb was faithful and dogs are usually mentioned in a derogatory manner in the Bible. I discovered that the word for dog is "celeb,"  whereas the name Caleb is a combination of two words (just as Yeshua means Yah is Salvation).  The first part of Caleb's name means "all" and the second part means "heart."  Caleb means "whole-hearted," which God verifies for us when He said:

"And the LORD heard your words and was angered, and he swore, 35  ‘Not one of these men of this evil generation shall see the good land that I swore to give to your fathers, 36  except Caleb the son of Jephunneh. He shall see it, and to him and to his children I will give the land on which he has trodden, because he has wholly followed the LORD!’" Deuteronomy 1:34-36 

Let's "wholly follow the Lord" like Caleb--a worthy companion of Joshua, who took the people into the promised land--just as we belong to Jesus, who will take us in after we have followed Him whole-heartedly through this wilderness.  Let's not be like the ones who wandered in the desert and then died, never going in to the promised land.  How sad is that?  Be like Caleb.

Bible Verses:

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:44

“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7  Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8  For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9  I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10  All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them." John 17:6-10

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30  I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6  as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:5-6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7  Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5  you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5

Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things
that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a Son.
And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our

boasting in our hope. Hebrews 3:5-6

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10  Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18  Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20  for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:17-20

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15  What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16  What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17  Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18  and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Notice that Jesus tells the scribe that he is "not far from the kingdom of God" when he agrees with Him on the two greatest commands.  God wants our WHOLE HEART and ALL of us--following in deed not just words, DOING as He says, not only hearing.  (John 4:23, 1 John 3:18, James 1:22)

And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33  And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34  And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. Mark 12:32-34

[Caleb said] "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart. 8  But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9  And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’" Joshua 14:7-9

Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 14  Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel. Joshua 14:13-14

Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the LORD our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.” 1 Kings 8:61

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3  who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! Psalm 119:2-3

Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 3  and said, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Isaiah 38:2-3

I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

This article was posted on Layout for Today on December 17, 2016, entitled "The Gift."

The Glass Fence

We’ve all heard of people who are “sitting on the fence” with God--not quite believing and yet not sure enough to completely not believe either.  They think they can hop into the kingdom of God at the last moment when they see with their eyes that it’s real, without having had to give up anything in this life for it. They’re dead wrong–everyone will confess Jesus as Lord and bow to Him one day, but faith is the assurance of what is unseen. However, what I would like to consider today is the people who think they are on the fence or on the "right side" of the fence, but they are actually on the "wrong side" of the fence.

In this picture, the fence is glass and so the people on the "wrong side" of it are receiving the benefit of the light that filters through from the "right side" of it. They have no idea that the dimmer view that they have is not all there is and is not what the people on the "right side" of the fence are experiencing.  They think it seems pretty good where they are, but they don’t realize that once the light on the other side of that fence is taken away, they will find out what it is really like where they are--but it will be too late.

I have to apologize at this point for all Christians (myself included), because if we were living as we should then there would be a very obvious difference between the two sides of the fence. That difference was meant to draw unbelievers over to the “right side,” the side where God blesses those who love Him. He is good and trustworthy. When those who are His blend in with the “wrong side” (those who don’t know God) with their behavior, are discontented or fearful, they are not living out their faith. They are not making disciples as they were told to do.

People these days live in fear of many things.  They are willing to give up their freedom in an attempt to trade it in for safety.  They are willing to pay top dollar for assurance that they are safe and insurance that things will be made right if anything goes wrong.  My message today is that the only safety is in God. Instead of being afraid and trying through our own means to protect ourselves from every possible scenario, we should rely on Him.  Instead of protecting ourselves FROM the truth, we should protect ourselves WITH the truth.

We have security systems or at least locks on our doors to keep out intruders, but we’ve banned God from our schools and Christians have been asked to keep their “narrow-minded” views to themselves.  We have filters on our email, phones and social media to keep out unwanted intrusions--views that disagree with ours and offend us.  Have you ever thought that possibly some of those views are being shared by people who have the good of our souls in mind?  We might think we are sheltering ourselves from a “hateful” message, but actually the ones doing the “hating” are those who refuse to tolerate truth over their own opinions and preferences.

Jesus’ message was never about tolerating sin or lies.  He had very harsh words on those topics.  His message was on repentance and truth, with love.  Love and lies do not go together--neither do truth and hate.  The message is to share the truth in gentleness (not name calling, holier than thou attitude of wanting to correct others while ignoring our own sin, or despising others) so that everyone can receive salvation.  To accept sin is deceitful because after we choose to follow Christ, we must walk as He walked, in purity, faithfulness and righteousness.  He has purchased and redeemed us with His precious blood and we are His.

When darkness sets in after God has returns in the clouds to gather to Himself those who love Him, many people will wonder how a loving God could leave them behind in that utter evil that encroaches upon the world from that point on. Why didn’t He warn them?  I’m here to say that He speaks all day, every day to anyone who will listen.  He speaks through the wonders of all He created, through His amazing word in the Holy Bible, and through those who have already heard Him.  We are without excuse if we have protected ourselves from the truth in favor of our own fake version of it.  The truth is free, but many people will pay good money for lies instead of receiving it.

This is your wake-up call if this applies to you.  Take a closer look at that fence you think you’re on the right side of.  Be sure that you know where you stand. Those who are saved and will be spared from the coming wrath of God are walking in the fullness of the light of the truth.  They are not just associated with someone else who is or merely benefitting from the proximity of believers. You have to own this for yourself.  Be sure that you do.  Do it now if you haven’t already.

Being saved means you have put all of your hope in Jesus and He is the Lord of your life now and forever--not that you were baptized as a child or you belong to a church.  We must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.  Baptism and joining a church congregation (a church is not a building--believers are God’s house) do not save--we do them because we are already saved--to obey God and grow in our faith.  To pretend that God doesn’t know the difference between a true and fake believer is pretty insulting, don’t you think?  That’s not what someone who truly understands how great He is would try to get away with.

God sees everything and knows your very heart and mind.  He can hear you when you cry out to Him.  If you do that, then listen to Him--read the Bible, which was inspired by God, and do what He says.  Put all of your trust in Him. He’s worthy and able to save.  All sins are forgivable, but they must be given up. You won’t be disappointed even if things don’t always go your way--this life is short and then comes eternity!

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 

For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;  for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”  So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10-12 

Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the people of old were commended.  By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3  (The passage continues with many excellent examples of true faith put into action.)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 

When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.  Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.  Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them.  And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.  Acts 16:27-34 

And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”  And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”  He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,  Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?”  Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.  Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”  But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”  Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:16-30

But when [John the Baptist] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham.  Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:7-12

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all  ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress  the truth.  For what can be known about  God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal  power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of  the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.   For although they knew God, they did not  honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their  thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools... Romans  1:18-22  

This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder,  that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles,  knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.  They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”  For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,  and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.  But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.  Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,  waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!  But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 2 Peter 3:1-14 

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?  Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:  he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.  But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46-49

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:21-27

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Do all things without grumbling or disputing,  that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16 

Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.  If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.  But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.  If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48 

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Luke 6:35

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

But godliness with contentment is great gain,  for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:31-34 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3 

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.  Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.  For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.  But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.  For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.  So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.  But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.  For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,  who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood,  and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.  The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.  Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains,  calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,  for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Revelation 6:12-17 

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious,  you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5

Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,  but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a Son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Hebrews 3:5-6

“The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16 

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17 

His Anointing

I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as He has taught you, abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.  1 John 2:26-29

Wow - this passage really has a lot packed into it, doesn't it?  It basically summarizes why I write devotionals. There is rampant deception not only in the world, but even within the church. False teachers are telling people that they themselves hear directly from God and that people need to listen to them (and send them money). People aren't reading their Bibles so that they can be taught for themselves, so they can recognize lies when they hear them.  People are confessing faith with empty words, with no intention to follow Jesus, and then wondering why their lives are the same as before.

"His anointing" is the Holy Spirit.  He abides in us and we in Him.  (John 14:15-21, Romans 8:10-11, 1Corinthians 3:16, 1Corinthians 6:17-20, 2Corinthians 1:21-22, 2Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 3:14-16, Galatians 4:6, Galatians 5:24-25, 2Timothy 1:14, James 4:4-5)  His Spirit teaches us to understand the Scriptures, helps us to remember what we have learned, gives us the desire to please and power to obey God and so much more.  (John 14:26, 1Corinthians 2:10-14, Philippians 2:12-13)  He even "translates" our inadequate prayers so they can be acceptable to God, saying what needs to be said when we don't know.  (Romans 8:26-27)

If we walk in the Spirit, then we will abide in Christ (and the result will be fruit of the Spirit).  (Luke 8:15, John 15:1-17, Romans 6:22, Colossians 1:9-10, Galatians 5:22-25, 1John 2:1-6)  If we don't, then we are walking in darkness not light (and our fruit will be bad).  (Matthew 7:13-27, Luke 6:43-49)  The Bible teaches that if we're content to walk in darkness, then we are not born of God. (Matthew 6:22-23, Luke 11:33-36, John 3:19-21, John 8:12, John 12:35-36, Romans 13:11-14, 2Corinthians 4:6, Ephesians 5:5-21, 1Thessalonians 5:4-8) Children of the living God love light, not darkness.  (Light is the truth of the Bible, not new age deception claiming to be light. 2Corinthians 11:12-15)

We need to always bear in mind that only those who are born again (and thus indwelt by the Holy Spirit, known to God, IN Christ) will enter the kingdom of God.  (John 3:3-8, 1Peter 1:23, John 1:12-13, Matthew 25:8-13)  It matters. Whoever teaches that it does not matter what we do after we are saved is deceiving people.  (2Peter 1:9-11)  We show who we are by what we practice, our deliberate deeds show what we are like--are we regenerated by the Holy Spirit or still enslaved to the sinful nature?  Do we reflect the nature of our heavenly Father or don't we?  (John 8:31-36, Romans 6:1-7, Romans 6:19-22, 1Corinthians 6:12, Galatians 6:7-9, Titus 3:1-11, 2Timothy 2:19-22, 1Peter 3:18-4:5, 2Peter 2:19)

Do we care or are we just looking for a future insurance policy against hell with the freedom to do as we please for now?  (Galatians 5:13, 1John 2:15-17)  Even demons believe in God, but it doesn't stop them from doing evil. (James 2:19) They can't be redeemed, nor can they be indwelt by God's Spirit as we can. Their fallen nature can't be restored and regenerated--so in a way they have an excuse that we don't have (if we claim to know God).  (1John 2:1-6)  Our salvation is nothing to take lightly or for granted. It needs to be treated as the profound miracle that it is. (Hebrews 2:1-3, Hebrews 10:26-39, Ephesians 2:19-22, 2Thessalonians 1:9-12)

Remember, justification (being declared innocent because Jesus lived the perfect life on our behalf and yet took the punishment for OUR sins on the cross) by faith is the first step.  Jesus fully completed it almost 2,000 years ago and we receive it for ourselves when we believe.  (John 19:30, Mark 16:16, John 1:12-13, John 3:16-18, 36, John 5:24, John 6:47, John 11:25-26, Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10, 1Corinthians 15:1-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 1:3-4, 1John 2:23)  There are two more steps:  sanctification (being made holy - 1Thessalonians 4:2-8, Romans 6:19-22, 2Thessalonians 2:13-15, Hebrews 12:14) and glorification (the changing of the corruptible to the incorruptible, the perishable to the imperishable - 1Corinthians 15:50-55, Romans 8:16-17) occurs when our physical bodies are taken to be with the Lord.  (1Thessalonians 4:16-18, Philippians 3:20-21, John 14:2-3)

Like our salvation through faith, our sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit and will be fully complete when this life is over and we receive our glorified bodies. Through our cooperation with Him, progress will be made during our earthly lives, as time permits, toward our being more like Christ.  (Romans 8:29-30, Romans 12:2, 1John 2:1-6)  There should be continuing improvement.  (2Peter 1:5-11) Our sins should bother us, causing us to confess them and ask forgiveness so that we can be washed clean.  (1John 1:5-2:6)  If we have no concern whatsoever about pleasing God, and if He does not discipline us for our disobedience, that is not something to celebrate.  It means there is a problem.  (2Peter 2:20-22, Hebrews 12:5-11, Revelation 3:19)

People like to point to the "thief on the cross" to show how simple salvation is, but he would have been expected to follow Jesus and develop into a mature disciple if he had lived longer.  (Colossians 1:28, Luke 8:11-18, 1Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 4:11-13, Philippians 3:7-19)  God sees inside our hearts and knows our thoughts, and thus, Jesus knew his change of heart was sincere.  He then assured him that he would be with Him in paradise that same day.  (Matthew 27:44, Mark 15:32, Luke 23:39-43, 1Chronicles 28:9, Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 2:23)  This gives us comfort about our loved ones who put off "getting right with God" until the last moment.  But for those of us who claim to know the Lord now, let's make sure that we work OUT our salvation so that it can be easily seen to be genuine. (Philippians 2:12-13)  There should be enough evidence to "convict us" of being a follower of Christ.  We may be able to fool others and even ourselves with empty words, but we can't fool God.

This should not scare anyone who is genuinely seeking to know and please God. If we really love God and care about pleasing Him, then He will help us.  (Hebrews 2:18, Hebrews 7:25, 1Corinthians 10:13, 2Peter 2:9-10, Luke 17:5)  If we are liars and only want excuses for our sin so we can continue in it, then He may just let us go our way.  If we behave like a child of the devil, then maybe we should examine ourselves in light of the Scriptures to be sure that's not exactly what we are! (2Corinthians 13:5, 1John 3:4-10, John 8:44)  If this has anyone worried, they should consider the following:

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. James 4:7-10 

Don't quench the Spirit.  He is our only hope of overcoming this world.  (1Thessalonians 5:19-22)  We needn't have any reason to fear His return, but can look forward to that day with great anticipation if we just love Him enough to do as He says, with His help!  (1John 2:28-29)  Let's encourage one another to keep our lamps full of oil.  (Luke 12:35-40, Matthew 25:3-4)  Let's not listen to false teachers, but believe God's own words in the Bible.  Let's be wise, not foolish.  (Matthew 25:2, Luke 6:46-49, Ephesians 5:15-21)

(Expanded upon from Layout for Today, January 9, 2017)

Diligence in Love

These days as we see society moving farther and farther away from God, there is almost a sense of desperation in some ministries to do something about it.  Sometimes they want results so badly that they are willing to settle for much less than God intended and call it "success."  I wrote about this topic on Layout for Today.

Spirit of Christ

Have you ever pondered the indescribably beautiful and immeasurably great miracle that God lives inside of those who are born again?  I wrote about it in my devotional on Layout for Today.

Called To Repentance (Bait and Switch)

It has become popular again (everything happens again, as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:9) to say that repentance is not a requirement to be saved.  That's not what the Bible actually says, though.  If you would like to see why I believe that, please feel free to read my article on Layout for Today.  I can't say for sure, but it seems to me that the problem is a misunderstanding of what it is to believe.  It's one thing to SAY we believe, but if we REALLY believe God is who He says He is, that He sees and knows everything, then we won't play games with Him.  We'll care about what He cares about in light of the unfathomably great cost of our freedom from eternal damnation, won't we?

Maybe it's just me, but all of a sudden one day it just clicked--God is AMAZING--look at all He has done!  And what a miracle that He could love even me--enough to give His only begotten Son to save me.  Jesus' suffering began (mentally) at the time Judas left the Last Supper and continued (in every imaginable way) without a break until He gave up His Spirit on the cross, having endured excruciating physical and mental pain and humiliation for OUR sin.  This is not a small thing, to be taken lightly, is it?  I don't see how anyone could possibly think so.  My thought process when I consider how profound the salvation our great God has offered to those who believe usually progresses something like this:  "I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you, please make me worthy."  How about you?

If we ask God to make us worthy, I hope we mean it and cooperate with Him as He does so, no matter the cost.  After all, He spared no cost to make us His own; and He is worthy of anything and everything we can give back--because we ARE saved.  Our desire to obey God is not an effort to earn salvation or repay what could never be repaid, but because He loved us first before we even knew Him, and we love Him.  Right?  I can't answer for everyone, but for me the answer is YES, I DO.

As Christ Loved the Church

Today I am sharing a post written last month for Layout for Today about God's design for families, including male and female roles.  These days a great many people, including many Christians, support equal rights.  This devotional looks at that topic from a biblical view.  My purpose is to speak the truth, not to tell people what they want to hear even if it doesn't line up with the Bible.  The intention is not to step on toes or lump all situations together, but to simply summarize what God said.  My job is not to force anyone to do God's will or examine anyone else to determine their compliance.  That is between each believer and God.  This is a resource for use by those who desire to know what God had to say on the topic.  In behaviors where it is not a matter of choice, but sin if we go against it, then that is for the believer's local church body to handle in love and gentleness.

If anyone is offended, I hope they will pray about it so that if God is convicting them of something that He would like them to change, they don't miss the opportunity.  If anyone has a clear conscience, then they should have no reason to feel judged or any need to defend themselves.  God sees inside our hearts and knows our intentions.  I would use caution, though, if we have accepted the ways of the world and think that He has made an exception for us.  He is known to be consistent and orderly, not showing favoritism and not changing.  If we are not disciplined when we go astray, then the Bible says that we are illegitimate children.  Better to be corrected and accept it, most definitely!

Purposes of the Heart

There are many verses in the Bible that have been taken out of context by those wishing to overlook the sin of others in the name of "love" (which must be paired with truth to be genuinely loving). Often they wish for their own sin to be overlooked as well, but sometimes they just don't read the Bible for themselves and don't realize those verses are being misused. The unacceptable result of tolerating deliberate, unrepentant sin is that it permeates and infects the Body of Christ.  My post from last month on Layout for Today, entitled "Purposes of the Heart (Unity in the Body of Christ)," attempted to address some of these commonly abused verses in their proper context.

Be Sincere

I thought I would share this post from a month ago on Layout for Today, entitled "Artificial Love," where I look into how we have come to accept artificial versions of things in this world--sweeteners, for example.  However, God is faithful, true and genuine.  He has no use for artificial worship, professions of faith or "love."  If we think about it, neither do we want people to be fake with us, do we?

Days of Deception

I watched Steven Bancarz' testimony today. Wow, that is exactly what young people today are up against. I have heard so many of these same beliefs expressed by someone I know who has become entangled with the "new age" despite being raised Christian (just like this man was.) And it’s just like he said he used to feel—they think their views are “superior” to “foolish” Christian beliefs. He barely touches on the influence of higher education, but for a great many, that is a BIG factor as well. Please watch this video to see what kinds of deceptions are luring people away from the one, true God and how God is perfectly able to meet anyone who seeks Him from their heart. (Isa. 55:6-11) I know from personal experience with loved ones that these sites he mentions are indeed very popular with young people.

I found it especially interesting that this young man became aware of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit not immediately after he BELIEVED as his eyes were opened to the truth, but after he ACTED UPON that belief by doing everything in his power to obey, out of REVERENCE for God (not thinking he was saving himself, but because He truly believed in God and recognized His infinite worthiness. He sought to do His will because of his awe of God).  (Note: The Holy Spirit is HE, not “it,” but I believe this video was made before this person making the video realized this.)

I found this delayed awareness of God's indwelling presence to be true in my own walk with God. When I held back and was unwilling to give God of all of my life—was stingy in how much love I gave Him, I didn't feel His presence enabling me to resist temptation to blend in with the world as much. I'm quite sure that is what is meant by grieving and/or quenching the Spirit. He gives us the desire to please Him when we reach out to Him in faith. (Jer. 29:13, Phil. 2:12-16) To the one who has, more will be given. To the one whom much was given, more will be expected. Faith without works is dead and no amount of works will save anyone without faith. We need both, and the works need to be a result of salvation--not an attempt to earn it. (Jam. 1, 2)

God would rather have a handful of people worshiping Him in spirit and truth than multitudes "worshiping" by rote and ritual or because they like the music and activities, etc. He wants people on fire for Him, not lukewarm. He is a jealous God, a consuming fire. If we think of Him as being more like cold, hard marble, then we don't know Him very well. He is reliable and holy, but by no means impersonal. All glory and honor belongs to Him, so if we're holding back anything or giving it to someone or something else, we are making a horrible mistake. If we think God doesn't see what we do or know what we say or think, then do we really believe in Him as He is (instead of the way we would prefer Him to be in our own mind--and what kind of "god" is that)? (Heb. 4:12-13)

The parables of the servants in Matthew 24 and 25, as well as others, warn us that Jesus will be judging His own and giving rewards accordingly. All judgment has been given to Him by His Father. Jesus said those who love Him will OBEY and they are the ones to whom He will reveal Himself to and make His home with--not to the whole world, as one of His disciples asked Him to clarify. (John 14) Just saying we believe is not enough because God cannot be FOOLED. He knows what is in our hearts--even the unsaved world can see how hypocritical "Christians" are if they say Jesus had to die for our sins that we did in ignorance or defiance of our holy and mighty God so that now that we're no longer in darkness, it's okay for us to sin deliberately???

Only those who are born again will enter the kingdom, and we need to ABIDE IN JESUS and bear fruit in order to please God. (John 3, John 15) We do this by abiding, because it's His work in us as we desire to please Him and yield to His will that produces fruit. If all we need to do to enter the kingdom is to confess faith, then why all of the exhortations to abide, persevere, endure, etc.? Because it's our choice, just as it was when we accepted the only way of salvation, offered through Jesus, and acknowledged Him as OUR Lord.

This young man is now working in Jesus' vineyard. He did NOT go back to the way he was before, without any care about pleasing His Lord and Savior. Whoever puts their hand to the plow and looks back is not fit. (This is not to say we're all called to do the same thing or that one person has to serve in the exact same way their whole life, but we are all called to FOLLOW Jesus in deed not only in word.) Let's all serve God with everything we have, by His power within us, FAITHFULLY until He returns. He's worthy (and ONLY He is worthy)!

Bad Company

Today I would like to share a recent post from Layout for Today. We are called to share the gospel with unbelievers, but that does not mean that we should get so comfortable with the world that unbelievers influence us more than we influence them...

Letter of Encouragement

To the woman at Wal-Mart yesterday with the screaming little boy:

I heard you throughout the store having trouble with your son melting down, and I felt bad for you and your children. People were giving you that "look" of disapproval over your son's behavior as if they all had perfect children (even the ones who never had any, I'm sure--or maybe those people were saying that's why they never had any children. LOL) When you turned up behind me in the checkout line, I wanted so badly to offer you some helpful advice, but you wouldn't make eye contact. Your face was so flushed and you kept your head down and your eyes averted in embarrassment. After a few attempts to make eye contact so I could get my foot in the door to say something encouraging, I gave up out of worry that I might make the situation worse if you were sure I was judging you. I prayed for you instead, but I can't get you and your family out of my mind. So here's what I would have said if I could have gotten a chance.

I'll start with the small piece of advice that I hoped to have time to get in yesterday. (It takes way more words to explain when typing than to actually just say.) I have no way of knowing, but I suspect that your son is tired and hungry. Based on the time of day, I'm guessing that you may have just picked up your kids from school and/or daycare after working and all of you are tired and hungry. You are probably being efficient by combining the trips and getting what needs to be gotten while you are already out, but it's not working out so well. Can I suggest that if this is the case, that next time you drive through somewhere and get something from the dollar menu to tide everyone over after picking them up and before shopping? For a few dollars, the crisis might be averted.

I used to do this with my kids when I had to do shopping after picking them up. We had a blast sitting in the car at Wal-Mart eating our little snack, talking about the day, laughing about how silly it was that we were eating in the Wal-Mart parking lot. (We still laugh about it sometimes now that they're grown, but it adds stress to try to take kids inside a restaurant the same as shopping does.) Your kids miss you when they're away and things happen that they might want to share--sometimes good things and sometimes things that cause them to really need reassurance that their mom loves them and everything is going to be fine. Maybe the teacher or daycare provider scolded them or their best friend played with someone else. Whatever--it's important to a kid. Anyway, it's so hard to behave when you feel tired and hungry, isn't it? I bet you had a headache, too, and a little snack can sometimes help with that as well. Be sure that the kids understand that this fun thing you're doing is conditional upon their being good during the shopping to follow--that you will do this again (maybe next week?) but NOT if they misbehave.  (But if that ends up being the case, then try to bring a little juice box and packet of crackers to head off the potential crisis.)

Now DURING a melt down, there is a technique you can try that I had success with. First, empathize with the child by saying that you understand he is not happy or he is upset about something, no matter how ridiculous it seems to you. This will get his attention and at that point, reiterate that you care about how he feels and acknowledge that he is having a problem. At this point, the child will hopefully be defusing and you can then ask them what they think needs to be done to solve the problem. They may have an absurd idea, but rephrase it back to them in a way that is acceptable. That could be the end of it. Sometimes we just need to be acknowledged and reassured. I used this more than once on my kids and was shocked to see it work, but I'm not making any guarantees.

Here is a sample conversation:

Child: I hate everything! My socks are uncomfortable! (throwing a tantrum) Mom: I agree that is so horrible when socks are uncomfortable, how awful. Child: Yes, socks should always be comfortable. I hate socks! (still upset, but not making a scene anymore) Mom: What a problem this is, I feel bad for you that your socks are uncomfortable. Child: Yeah, and this isn't the first time this happened to me. (less upset, glad to be listened to) Mom: What do you think we could do about this? Child: We could throw my socks in the fire! Mom: I hear you saying that you never want to see those socks again. How about if we donate them to charity and wear different socks next time? (child is no longer acting out)

This will not work in an all-out screaming on the floor tantrum, but it will hopefully help prevent the situation from escalating to that point (along with the trying to make sure the child is not on the brink of having no self-control to begin with by trying to time the shopping trip when they are not tired, hungry, sick, etc.)

Another thing that you can practice at is to catch your children being good. If they only get attention when they do something wrong, they will do things to get your attention. They NEED your attention. So reinforce the behavior you want to see. Your son wanted to help you put the groceries on the conveyor belt and got upset when you took the glass jar from his hands. He then put something unbreakable on the conveyor belt (you may have handed it to him--I wasn't staring but I saw in my peripheral vision). I wanted to tell him "good job." He needs to know that even though he was naughty, you still love him. The more you give him attention when he is good, the more he'll see that is the way to get your attention. He'll want to please you and get that positive reinforcement. This goes for both (all) of your children, of course. And be careful not to place one child in the "good" category and the other in the "bad." The "good" child may take delight in seeing the other punished constantly, even egging him on when you're not looking...

I saw you very quickly swat your son in the head after you put him in the basket of the cart. He barely reacted and so I assumed he was used to it, which is sad. I know you didn't hit him hard, but I have to say that hitting in anger is not discipline (and never hit your child in the head).  All it does is to make the child feel angry and probably unloved, and it makes you feel like a bad mom. You may have been raised as many of us were, with plenty of spankings. If you want a disciplined child, hitting is not the way (unless he does something dangerous where he needs the lesson to really sink in quick for his own good). A child needs to learn SELF-control and so enforcing their behavior with violence does not lend itself to that end. The Bible does say that if you don't discipline your child, he will bring you shame. However, I would like to point out that there is a right and wrong way--indiscriminate hitting is abuse.

Try to break the cycle if there was a lot of physical "discipline," yelling, name calling, etc. in your house when you grew up. Your kids are going to be parents someday and you will want them to be happy adults (not scarred and broken) with healthy children. You will care how your grandchildren are treated, but by then you will probably forget that the way your kids parent is how you taught them. Believe it or not, and I'm sure everyone tells you this, the time when your kids are little is going to fly by. Each phase that you think is difficult will be replaced by a more difficult phase until they are parents. (I'm just being honest here, each time you'll look back and wonder how you thought the previous phase was difficult.)

Hopefully you'll have a loving, mature relationship with them when they are adults, where they respect you and you are supportive to them (but you will always be their parent first--people who say that they become "friends" are exaggerating--we always need our parents even when we're grown). In this selfish age we live in, that is not easy to achieve for anyone. People these days equate getting their own way with love and make way too many comparisons with others. (The grass is always greener on the other side.) It will be very difficult to reach that peaceful point of harmony unless the groundwork for it is laid down along the way. (Think therapy if things continue as they are--the teen years are coming before you know it and they are NOT easy.  Learn coping strategies now.)

A lot of people think they know a lot of things about raising kids (despite there never having been a perfect parent, ever, and that most definitely includes me), but these are your kids. Your gifts from God and your privilege to raise. (Psalm 127:3-5) They actually still belong to Him, as do you. He owns the earth and everything and everyone in it. (Psalm 24:1) We become His children when we believe in His Son for salvation (John 1:12-13), but whether we do or not, He owns everything He made and that includes us. He sees everything we do and we will answer to Him. (Psalm 94:9-11, Hebrews 4:13)

Now is a good time to be forgiven and call on God to help you in this tough challenge of raising kids. (Joshua 24:15, 2 Corinthians 6:1-2) We all need forgiveness (Romans 3:23-25) and we all need help surviving in this world. Great news--God loves us! Even though He knows everything about us, He still does. Amazing! Call on Him when you're at your wit's end. Even if He doesn't intervene directly by giving you peace or wisdom or strength just when you need it, it pleases Him that you put your trust in Him. (Psalm 9:9-10) He will bless you for doing that (Jeremiah 17:7), and during the time you pray, you are not doing anything you regret.

Start your day by asking God to help you and make you more like Jesus. End your day thinking about what didn't go right, asking and receiving forgiveness from God for it and asking Him to help you do better tomorrow so that you can sleep in peace. (He hears your thoughts, so you don't have to say anything out loud if you don't want to.) Pray (aloud) a blessing over your children before they get out of the car and before they go to sleep. It will remind them how they are special and God is always with them. Tell them you love them and God loves them. Take them to Sunday School* or at least get a children's Bible to read them. (The one who learns the most from Sunday School is the teacher as she prepares for class. You are their teacher 24/7/365.) Train a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

God cares about you and your children. (Matthew 13:14-15, Matthew 6:25-34) He knows why you react to stress the way you do, what all has happened, what struggles you face, even what you're going to do next. You can trust Him. You are loved and you are not alone. You are my "neighbor" and I love you. (Matthew 19:19, Romans 13:8-10) I hope that you will be my "sister" in the Lord someday. (Galatians 6:10) God doesn't want anyone to perish, and neither do I. (John 3:16, 1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9) (And I am not trying to judge here, I realize you may be a believer having a particularly bad day, but better to err on the side of giving more support than less.) I will keep praying for you. If you read this, please pass on any of the advice that you try if it works for you. And hold your head up high. Your children got born and that wasn't easy or pleasant, but you did it. Congratulations!

*PLEASE, stay away from any denomination that has a "special" version of the Bible and/or relies on "authority" from other sources. God wrote it exactly right the first time. There is no need for additions--unless someone is trying to deceive others.

To everyone else: Wouldn't it be a much more beautiful world if everyone prayed for others who are struggling instead of giving them dirty looks? Let's repent of our self-righteousness and selfishness, and do that the next time we get an opportunity to show the world what our great God is like. God is love. 1 John 4:7-11

Be Holy

I'd like to share my post Be Holy from a couple of days ago on Layout for Today. As believers, it's important for us to understand that the encouragement and also warnings in the Bible to live for God, wholeheartedly devoted to serving Him, is for us. If those words were directed to unbelievers, then that would be working for salvation. Salvation is FREE, but it costs your life to be a disciple of Jesus. He couldn't have made it any clearer than He did. Let's take Him at His word and DO what He said, out of love, gratitude and respect for Him, our Beloved. Let's be faithful to Him as He is to us. Let's watch and be ready for His return. ❧

My Song

I would like to emphasize that none of us are going to be perfect until the moment Jesus has finished His perfect work in us. (Philipp. 1:6) He told us not to worry. (Matt. 6:34) We can only live one day at a time. If we try to relive the past or handle tomorrow in advance, it will only result in frustration and stress, which is not helpful at all, but detrimental. We need to deal with one moment at a time, always keeping the goal in mind. (Philipp. 3:12-15) So I hope that when I am trying to encourage people (including myself) to live for Christ, whole-heartedly devoted to Him, that the message being received is just that--encouragement. If anyone is convicted by the Holy Spirit of changes they need to make, I hope they will feel relieved to have "woken up" from that slumber in time to make changes--but not scared. He knows us better than we know ourselves. His timing is perfect, and He loves us. My point is that we should love Him back, not that we should be afraid.

All we really need to do is abide in Him (John 15) and He will do the rest. ❦ The reason for this blog is that the distractions of the world are so overwhelming that most people don't stop and think about whether or not they ARE abiding. (Matt. 13:18-23) Ruth is one of our best examples of the bride of Christ. Her mother-in-law Naomi during parts of the story appears to represent the Holy Spirit. Ruth pledges her faithfulness and devotion to her and her God. (Ruth 1:16-17) Ruth didn't say this and then turn back to Moab. She continued on with Naomi to Bethlehem, lived with her there and ended up working faithfully in Boaz' field. (Ruth 2:23) She followed the advice of Naomi. (Ruth 3:5) As we know, she ended up marrying Boaz, who was a type of Christ. (Ruth 4:10, 13) Notice Ruth was “purchased” by Boaz, as Jesus bought us with His precious blood. (1 Cor. 6:19-20, 1Pet. 1:17-19)

Boaz "went into" Ruth (often referred to as "knowing" in the Bible - Gen. 4:1, 25), which is what the Holy Spirit does with us (spiritually, of course–this is why our bodies are temples of the Lord–our spirits are contained in our bodies -  Eph. 2:19-22). (John 14:15-16, 20-21, John 15:1-8, Rom. 8:9-11) Remember, Jesus doesn't know the five foolish virgins who were not ready to go in to the wedding and realized it too late (Matt. 25:10-13, Rom. 8:16-17). The foolish virgins thought they were ready. They thought the bridegroom knew them, but he didn't. Their lamps went out due to neglect–they thought one "filling with oil" (a one-time profession of faith, not backed up by works which are the fruit of the Spirit and evidence of saving faith) was all they needed. Faith comes from hearing the word. (Rom. 10:17) It’s also how we come to KNOW our Lord and how to please Him. (Matt. 25:3-4, 8, 1Thess. 5:14-24, Col. 1:9-12, Heb. 2:1) They were justified (declared innocent) when they believed, but they didn’t pursue holiness (sanctification) without which no one will see the Lord. (Heb. 12:14-28, Eph. 5:1-12)

We were told to hold fast our confidence and persevere in our faith. (Luke 8:15, Rom. 5:3-5, 1Cor. 13:6-7, 1Cor. 15:1-2, 2Thess. 1:3-5, 1Tim. 6:11-12, 2Tim. 3:10-17, Heb. 3:5-6, 14, Heb. 10:35-39, Heb. 12, James 1, 2Pet. 1:5-12, Rev. 2:2-3, 3:2-3, 2:19, 3:10, 14:12-13) Our relationship with our Lord is like a marriage, which was intended to last forever, in faithfulness. (Eph. 5:22-32, 1Cor. 6:12-20, 2Cor. 11:2-4, Rev. 19:7-8, Mal. 2:13-16, Matt. 19:8) In our earthly physical examples, does it bode well for the marriage if a couple has no relationship after the ceremony, or is unfaithful to one another? God does surely sanctify us and is the only one who can, but our part is to love and serve Him until the end, which includes obeying. (Luke 6:46-49, John 14:15-18, Rev. 2:4) When He tells us to love one another with our deeds not only our words, would He expect anything less from us toward Him? Let's repent of being lukewarm and return to our first love! (1John 3:16-18, James 2:14-17, Rev. 2:4-5, 3:15-17)

Ruth bore a son who was King David's grandfather (Obed, father of Jesse, who was the father of David). We bear fruit of the Spirit. (Matt. 13:23, John 15:16) We later hear Jesus say similar words as Ruth said to Naomi, in a reversal of roles, to Mary of Magdalene--the first to see Him after He rose from the dead. (John 20:17-18) In case you're interested, there are other similar "mirrors" in the Bible as well. The bride in Psalm 45 is wearing a colorful robe, bringing to mind Joseph's coat. (Psa. 45:13-15, Gen. 37:3) I'll do an article on Joseph being a type of Jesus in a future devotional. In Revelation 22:17, both the Spirit and the bride invite people to come and drink of the free water of life, as Jesus does more than once. (John 4:13-14, John 7:37-39, Rev. 21:6)

We have another example in Rebekah, who was invited by Abraham's servant to come follow Him to go and be Isaac's wife (sight unseen--sound familiar? John 20:29, Luke 10:23-24) Another picture of the Holy Spirit doing the work of the Father to obtain a bride for His Son. (Genesis 24) Please read it all--it's so beautiful! Remember, we already know that Isaac is a type of Jesus from when Abraham's faith was tested. (Genesis 22) Please read it to refresh your memory of this amazing event. I would like to point out that Rebekah is even mentioned in Genesis 22:23. Abraham told the servant NOT to bring Isaac to where Rebekah lived, but to go and get her (and he didn't force her, which we also have a choice). (Gen. 24:8, Josh. 24:15, Matt. 6:24, John 12:26) Her family had wanted her to stay another ten days, but she had agreed to go right away. She didn't just SAY she would go--she left her family and went. She followed the servant representing the Holy Spirit. (Gen. 24:55-58, 67) That's what we're supposed to do–follow and heed the Holy Spirit's guiding as we serve and obey our Lord and Savior, which is what He became when we drank of the cup of the new covenant. (Matt. 10:37-39, Matt. 26:26-28, Rom. 10:8-10, 1Cor. 11:23-32) Many people say that you don’t have to serve Jesus to believe in Him, but I think that anyone who calls Him Lord but does not obey Him is a liar–in other words, do they really believe? (1John 2:4-6) Is He the Son of God, deserving of all of our allegiance, devotion and love, the One who died to save us, or not?

We are not all called to physically leave our families as Rebekah was, but we are not to put ANYONE or ANYTHING before God. (Matt. 22:36-38) It's not popular to say today, but that DOES include our families if they would come between us and God. The bride in Psalm 45:10-11 is told to forget her family. You will love Psalm 45, which is about Jesus and his bride, if you haven't read it before. We have verification that it IS about Jesus in Hebrews 1:8-9. (Ps. 45:6-7) Nevertheless, the point is not that we should neglect our families (1Tim. 5:8), but to be careful just as in everything else that they don't take God's place in our lives or hearts. Jesus said His family is the one who does the will of His Father. (Matt. 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 11:27-28, John 15:14)

Saying we will go with someone or "have their back" but not actually doing so shows a lack of integrity doesn't it? Regardless, it's not the kind of loyalty God deserves from us. (Luke 9:62, John 6:66-69) Saying we love someone but not showing it is pretty useless, isn't it? Some people grow up without hearing the words "I love you," but their parents or other caretakers do things for them that show it. We would all like to hear those precious words often, but the truth is that if we hear them constantly and yet our basic needs are not taken care of, or we are physically mistreated, then what good are those words? Could they even be TRUE in that case? So with Christ, professions of faith and adoration are nice, but if they're not backed up with our actions and attitudes, then what good are they? (John 14:21) We are the salt of the earth, which is a preservative. (Mark 9:49-50, Ex. 30:34-37, Lev. 2:13) Sugar can be used as a preservative as well (anyone who makes jams and jellies out of fruit knows this), but Jesus didn't use that example. Probably because He didn't want us sugar-coating the truth to the point that it rots people's teeth (or souls).  Let's encourage each other even if it seems as though most people don't care. (Matt. 24:12-13, 2Cor. 13:11, 1Thess. 5:11, Heb. 3:13, Ezek. 3:21)

I also would like to share my post from January 1 on Layout for Today, entitled My Song with anyone who hasn't already read it. You can download a pdf version of it, as well as many other devotionals, here.

Clothe Yourselves

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! Luke 12:27-28

Many people relate the above passage to only being about trusting God to physically provide what we need, but there is more to it than that.  We are in the habit of dividing up the Scriptures into pieces and many times it causes us to fail to connect related concepts. It continues as follows:

For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him apart and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." Luke 12:30-48

So in context, the message is a warning to be ready and not to let the cares of the world worry us or distract us from serving our Lord and Master faithfully, even if His coming appears to be delayed. These words are directed at people who should be waiting, because they are servants of the Lord, not to the general population which is totally unaware of these things.  The parables of the sower and of the wise and foolish virgins, among others, carry the same warnings.  (Matt. 13, 25)  We must clothe ourselves in, and remain clothed with, the righteousness of Jesus, our Savior.  (Rom. 6, Eph. 4:17-24, Eph. 5:6-11, Eph. 6:14-15, Philipp. 1:9-11)  Jesus said that we can do nothing unless we abide in Him.  (John 15:1-10)  In Revelation 3:4, Jesus commended SOME of the believers in the church at Sardis who had not soiled their garments.   The others received a warning.

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.  Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’" Revelation 3:1-6

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:11-14

Does that sound like He wants us to feel free to wallow in the mud again each time He cleanses us with His precious blood?  Definitely not!  (2Pet. 2:22)  ALL of the exhortations to live a holy life are directed at people who are already saved.  (2Tim. 2:3-7, 1Pet. 1:14-16, 1Cor. 5:12-13)  People who are not saved have no hope of pleasing God no matter what they do. Faith must come first. (Heb. 11:6)  If we don't believe (or perhaps we say we do, but our lives prove that He is NOT our Lord because we don't sincerely believe in our hearts), then we are NOT saved.  (Rom. 10:8-10)  There is no amount of good behavior or deeds that can save us.  Jesus is the only way. (Acts 4:12)  Once He is our Lord, then we are meant to behave like it, all of the time, until He returns (whether for us personally or for all who belong to Him).  He died to set us free FROM sin, not TO sin.  (Rom. 6:1-2)  If sin is acceptable to God at some point, for anyone, then why would Jesus have to suffer and die to wash ours away?

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:22-23 

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:5-10 

Let's be clear on this--there is NO WAY anyone can win the battle against sin UNLESS they are born again, indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  (Philipp. 2:12-13) It's by HIS power that we can overcome.  When we slip, He will forgive us and cleanse us when we confess it to Him.  That is a far cry from willfully living a sinful lifestyle without a care in the world about repentance or forgiveness. (Heb. 10:24-31, 1John 3:4-10) The point is not to scare anyone who is sincerely doing their best according to the strength given to them by God, but to wake up people who have bought the lies of the enemy, who delights in causing us to stumble or sleep when we should all be watching and waiting.  (Eph. 6:12, 1Pet. 5:8, Matt. 25)

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

I am not here to point fingers at individuals or groups and decide who is ready and who is not.  We are all works in progress, with the key word being "progress."  (2Pet. 1:5-11)  Even Paul said he was determined to finish well, not giving up until the race was over.  The "race" is our Christian walk after we receive the Holy Spirit, since obviously we don't "race" or do anything else in an attempt to earn salvation.  (1Cor. 9:23-27, Philipp. 3:8-21)  Each of us needs to listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit as He reminds us of what the Bible tells us about how we should live (John 14:26) - assuming that we love God enough to read it after He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him after our fall into sin, at excruciating cost to Himself, and all of the care He went to have what He wanted us to know recorded for us.  (2Tim. 3:16-17)

If we continue sinning (again, this is not the same as stumbling, but a way of life) and claim to be born of God, then the Bible says we are liars.  (1John 1:5-10, 1John 2:1-6, 1John 3:6)  Another thing we need to make sure to understand is that there is a BIG difference between trying to earn salvation by obeying the ceremonial law out of fear of punishment, and behaving as a person who, in gratitude and love, understands that Jesus purchased them back from the dead with His very blood.  (1Cor. 6:19-20, 1John 4:18)  It is insulting to suggest it's possible to add anything to Jesus' perfect work OR that it's acceptable to revert to living like a heathen who doesn't know God at all after coming to faith.  (Gal. 2:21, Jude 1:4-5, Rom. 3:8, Eph. 4:17, 1Thess. 4:2-8, 1Pet. 2:12, 1Pet. 4:3)

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:14-19

The "tolerance" that the world claims we must show to sinning believers is NOT taught in the Bible in the way they would like it to be and claim it is. This is not "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."  We're not to sin against anyone, cause anyone to stumble or even approve of sin--let alone celebrate it!  (Matt. 5:19, Matt. 18:7)  Jesus said "go and sin no more" to the adulterous woman he saved from a literal stoning to death (not merely a rebuke meant to bring her back to her senses), and to a crippled man whom He healed, He added "so that nothing worse may happen to you."  (John 5:14, John 8:11, 1Cor. 15:34, 2Tim. 2:22-26)  Jesus also told us to REBUKE our brother if he sins against us, but to forgive him if he REPENTS, no matter how many times he sins against us.  (Matt. 18:15-17)  

Did Jesus say we should behave violently or use threatening or foul language, etc.?  Absolutely NOT, but as Paul said, we must speak the truth in love, caring more about each person's soul than whether or not we are comfortable or popular. (Eph. 4:11-32, Eph. 5:4, Titus 3:9-11, Rom. 12:17, Matt. 5:11, 1Pet. 2:21-23, 1Pet. 3:14-17)  Remember, this is about believers, not the world.  We who belong to Jesus are to be LIGHTS to the world, and there is NO WAY to do that if we exhibit the same unenlightened behavior that unbelievers display. (Matt. 5:13-15, Luke 6:43-49)  It's both hypocritical to expect more of others than ourselves, and deceitful to let people think that is how a child of God should behave.  (1Pet. 4:15, Eph. 5:3, Matt. 7:3-5, Rom. 2:3)  

Paul told us we are to be gentle in trying to restore to fellowship a brother or sister in Christ who has strayed, all the while being careful not to fall into sin ourselves.  (2Tim. 2:22-26, James 5:19-20, 1Thess. 4:3-8, Gal. 6:1, Jude 1:23)  If they refuse to repent (and we're talking about actual sins here, not differences in opinion on fine details of how to serve God), then they are to be as an unbeliever to us, NOT one of us. (1Cor. 5:11) It's better for people to know the truth about their condition than to be deceived into thinking they are fine when they are not. (1Cor. 5:5, 2Pet. 3:9)  

If the church is "a hospital for sinners," then we need to do our job and CURE people of it (by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit--preaching the full word of God and praying earnestly and continuously) rather than let the plague spread throughout the entire Body of Christ.  (Acts 20:26-27, 1Thess. 5:14-22, 1Cor. 5:6, 13)  We need to stand firm in the word, unashamed of ALL of the Scriptures, not just the parts we "like" and not only when it's convenient for us.  (Mark 8:38, Eph. 6:13)  

We will be held accountable for what we did with the gifts God gave us for the building up of the Body of Christ.  (Matt. 25:14-30, Rom. 12:4-8, Heb. 10:26-31, 1Pet. 4:3-5, 1Pet. 4:11, 1Pet. 4:17, 1Pet. 5:14-23, Gal. 6:2-5, 1Cor. 3:11-15, Rev. 11:18)  Let's focus on Jesus and help each other to be ready for when He returns, working in our Lord's vineyard, so that we can all rejoice with Him in the honor that He receives from the way we devoted our lives to His glory.  Let's work while it's day.  (John 9:4)

And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11  Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” 12  “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 14  Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15  Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16  “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17  The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. 18  I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19  and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. 20  He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21  The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:10-21

Things to Come

Please note that this article has been revised since its original publication on 1-1-17. (11-4-17)

Hello, welcome back! Continuing from yesterday, it is my belief that the event in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) occurs prior to the end of the great tribulation and is what is referred to by most as "the rapture." (1Cor. 15:51-51) Notice that there is a loud shout in Matthew 25:6 and they go to MEET Him as in 1Thess. 4:16-17? Also, the door is closed on those who were not ready (Matt. 25:10), whereas the Church at Philadelphia was given an open door; and John also saw an "open door" to heaven in His visions. (Rev. 4:1) Others who were met with a closed door were told that not everyone who calls Jesus Lord will enter the kingdom. He can't be fooled by fakers--he knows what's in our hearts and even our very thoughts. (Matt. 7:21-27, Luke 6:46-49, Heb. 4:12, Ps. 139:2, Rev. 2:23)

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. 10  Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.'" Revelation 3:7-8, 10-11

Notice below that the two groups of believers that Jesus includes in His statement to Martha--the dead and those still living. In fact, this is acted out somewhat in the fact that first sister (possibly representing those dead in Christ typologically) meets Jesus outside of town and then the other (possibly representing typologically those believers who are still alive at His coming) rises up quickly to go meet Him there, where He remains until she arrives. So then in this scene, possibly the Jews seeing Jesus and His raising Lazarus from the dead would represent their being unblinded/unhardened at the time of the rapture, when the fullness of the Gentiles have come in (and the Body of Christ, including Jews who were not hardened against believing, is complete). (Rom. 11:25) I can't say for sure, but it's something worthy of more consideration and study, in my opinion.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”  When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. John 11:25-30 

Rev. 19:7-8 describes the attire of the bride of the Lamb and just a few verses later, Rev. 19:14 describes virtually identical attire of those who are returning WITH Jesus at the end of the tribulation. For those who say the reference is to angels, despite the uncanny resemblance to the bride of Christ, then we have Rev. 17:14 to clarify that these are not only angels, although I agree that other verses clearly indicate angels will also be present at that time. (Matt. 16:27, Matt. 25:31, Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26, 2Thess. 1:7) Then, we can refer to what else has been said about the "called, chosen and faithful." (Matt. 22:11-14, Matt. 25:21, Luke 16:10-12, Luke 19:17, John 15:16, Heb. 3:5-6, Col. 3:12-17, 2Peter. 1:10-11)

"They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." Revelation 17:14

Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. Zechariah 14:3-5 

Your people will volunteer on Your day of battle. In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, the dew of Your youth belongs to You. Psalm 110:3

"And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn." Zechariah 12:9-10

"Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen." Revelation 1:7 (Also see Matt. 24:30, Mark 13:26)

One reason I believe the rapture (or if you prefer, the gathering of those who belong to Christ to Himself) takes place before the end is that we are not appointed to wrath. (Mal. 4:1-3, 1Thess. 5:9-11 - the previous discussion in that chapter refers to the Day of the Lord, or the Great Tribulation and Paul again exhorts them to "comfort and encourage each other with those words.") Plenty of wrath occurs before the end of the great tribulation, but not all wrath is the wrath of God. We know both from Revelation and many other passages in both the Old and New Testament that much of the wrath IS from God, and regardless, He is always in control--whatever He allows has a good and just purpose. (Is. 13:6-13, Joel 2:30-32, Joel 3:13-16, Amos 5:18-20, Zeph. 1:14-18, Zech. 14:12-14, Acts 2:19-21, 1Thess. 5:2-3, 2 Pet. 3:10, Rev. 6:12-17, Rev. 14:9-12, Rev. 14:19, Rev. 15:7-16:1, Rev. 19:15)

We see inhabitants of heaven referred to in a couple of passages. How did they get there and who are they? (Rev. 12:12) If there is no such thing as the rapture and the verses thought by many as referring to it are actually referring to the end, with no millennial reign before it, then why is a "first resurrection" mentioned? Why does Paul say he doesn't want to be disqualified--from what? He certainly taught as Jesus did that everyone WILL be raised again, but not all before the millennium, not all to glory. (John 6:35-40, 1Cor. 15:19, Rev. 20:12-13) In fact, Martha made the assumption that Jesus was referring to the last day right before He raised Lazarus that day. (John 11:24) If no one is raised until the end, then who are those who are WITH Jesus at His return?

And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:5-8  (Also see Dan. 7:21-22)

Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain. Isaiah 26:20-21

Don't those "chambers" sound just like the "rooms" that Jesus said were in His Father's house, that He would go to prepare a place for us? (John 14:1-3) This wrath also sounds just like that in Revelation 15:8. We may suffer MUCH in our lives, as Jesus did as our example, but it is for our good--it's NOT God's wrath. (1 Pet. 1:3-9, Heb. 2:10, Acts 5:41, 1Pet. 2:20-24)

Throughout the ages, believers have been tested, purified and refined through suffering. Just ask Job! Some say that the Church (congregations of called out, set apart believers) going through any part of the tribulation would be like "Jesus beating up His Bride." I find that line of thought utterly offensive. Tell that to the early disciples. Did Jesus not love them? Does He love the pampered believers in these modern times (particularly in this country) more? No, and only the Church at Philadelphia was promised to be spared the "hour of trial to come on the whole world." (Rev. 3:10) That is what I personally consider to be the reign of the beast, since whoever does not worship it or take the mark will suffer greatly, even unto death. (Rev. 13:9-10, Rev. 13:15-18, Rev. 17:12) That is most certainly a TRIAL. It really is a time when, as Jesus said, those who love their lives will lose them (by taking the mark to survive and becoming a child of the devil in the process), and those who lose their physical lives, will gain them for eternity. (Luke 17:33)

It's my feeling that how we respond to Jesus' advice for His church (which is made up of us believers) in the letters of Rev. 2-3--whether we trust, serve and obey faithfully out of love (or not)--will determine how we are dealt with. The reason given for sparing those at Philadelphia was that they had already persevered, so there was no need to test (not tempt) them further. I can't honestly say that seems to apply to the majority of professing believers in this current time, including myself--although for His sake I wish it were so. (2Thess. 1:4-12)

So for myself, I cannot say that the entire church is spared all tribulation, (except I do agree that not everyone who claims to believe is born again). That would not make sense to me in light of the other six letters to the churches. In fact, Smyrna was told they WOULD suffer tribulation and to be faithful unto death. However, there are SOME in the churches at Thyatira and Sardis who are said not to be guilty of the sins of their congregations that are said to displease Jesus. I believe the warnings and promises contained in each letter apply to every believer--that they are both historic and (at least partly) prophetic. The rest of the churches were told to endure (and even the Philadelphia church was told to hold fast to their crowns). They were given severe warnings against being unfaithful and great promises of reward for overcoming through persecution and trial.

Some seem to think that the Body of Christ cannot be divided, and therefore, the entire "true Church" belongs to the church of Philadelphia. That doesn't make sense to me. If those addressed in the other letters are not all believers and therefore not all saved, then why is Jesus referring to them as churches and giving them direction as to how to overcome? No one can overcome without the power of the Holy Spirit. (1John 4:4, Gal. 5:16-25) People who don't believe can't please God no matter what they do. Period. (Heb. 11:6)

On the other hand, if the church body is not to be divided, but some members of the Body have not yet been purified and refined, then everyone would go through the hour of trial and that is not what it says. One possibility that doesn't rely on either of those scenarios would be that those of the church of Philadelphia are not raptured, but they are kept from it some other way until all are gathered to Jesus, prior to returning with Him. (Rev. 17:14) (An alternative viewpoint held by some is that the church at Philadelphia is prophetically represented by our time period and the one after the rapture is represented by Laodicea.)

So my next question is BY WHEN do those in the other churches need to overcome? By the time that Jesus returns for the Church of Philadelphia (if that is how they are kept out of the hour of trial--essentially removing the objection that they are not ready, like the 5 foolish virgins)? By the time of His second coming? Does the "fullness of the Gentiles coming in" before the unbelieving Jews are unblinded form a sort of "deadline"?  (Rom. 11:25) Will believers who fail to overcome (repent of the sins Jesus lists and hold fast until He comes or until the end) be resurrected after the millennium, or are they false converts? I'm not sure, but I tend to think that all believers enter eternal life, but some "as through the fire" without the rewards they would have and should have earned if they had been better servants of God. (1Cor. 3:14-15, Luke 19:11-27) I am not positive if one of those rewards is entering the millennial kingdom, but it seems as though if many enter due to having lost their heads for refusing the mark, then those who do not overcome (fail to live in a manner worthy of their calling in a time period prior to the hour of trial) are probably not resurrected until after it's over. The "last day" Jesus referred to appears to me to be the second resurrection, as the "rest of the dead" are not raised until after the millennium. (John 6:39-40, Rev. 20:5, Rev. 20:11-15)

Another question is what happens to the five foolish virgins? I used to think that they went through the tribulation - a sort of way for "Laodicea" to "buy gold refined by fire" from Jesus. (Rev. 3:14-22) However, some other thoughts recently occurred to me. They go and "buy from those who sell," but when they return LATER (we don't know how much later - Matt. 25:1-13), that is when Jesus tells them He doesn't know them. How strange, right? We certainly know we can't buy faith or the Holy Spirit, which are gifts of God from hearing the Word. (Psalm 119:105, Rom. 10:17, Acts 10:45, Eph. 2:8-10) But here's the disturbing thing IF the wise virgins went through that open door as the "hour of trial" was about to begin. (Rev. 12-13) IF that were the timing of this parable, no one could buy ANYTHING unless they took the mark of the beast! That would certainly explain how Jesus didn't know the foolish virgins when they returned (presumably with their "purchase"), seeing as how whoever takes the mark belongs to the devil, not Him. How sad! (I actually hope that I'm wrong about this idea, but if they had "purchased" oil with "gold refined by fire"--as in being refined by tribulation--then He would know them, right?) We know that whoever's name is not in the Lamb's Book of Life WILL be deceived by the beast. This is not something I would take chances on! The signs and wonders are going to be VERY convincing and the pressure to take the mark, extremely strong. Make SURE your name is IN His Book of Life now!!

Jesus said salt (and that is us) that loses its saltiness is no good except to be thrown out and trampled, whereas John wrote that the outer court will be trampled for 42 months. (Matt 5:13, Mark 9:49-50, Luke 14:34-35, Rev. 11:1-2) Notice that there are "those who worship in the temple at that point and they are measured, but not those in the "outer court," who presumably have not been abiding IN Jesus but maybe only "hanging out around" Him? I believe these passages go together and both refer to the hour of trial, since it matches the length of the reign of the beast. (Rev. 11:1-2, Rev. 13:5, Dan. 7:25, Dan. 12:7) That is going to be the scariest time there ever was or will be on earth! MANY will lose their lives for refusing to worship the beast and take the mark in order to buy and sell, but the other option is ETERNAL punishment. (Rev. 14:9-13)

Many say the entire church has to be raptured before any of the tribulation, because the Body of Christ cannot be divided, even for a limited time. I have a couple of thoughts on that. One is that Eve (the bride of the first Adam, whereas the church is the bride of the "last Adam") was made from just one of his ribs. Did you know that there are seven pairs of "true" ribs, whereas there are seven churches in Revelation and only one (whole church without exceptions) was given the promise to be kept from the hour of trial? Interestingly, there are an additional five "false" ribs, for a total of twelve pairs (like the twelve tribes and twelve apostles, which reminds me of the 24 elders surrounding the throne, as ribs surround our heart - Rev. 4:4). This may be irrelevant to the topic, or it may not. The other thought I have is that Jesus said to cut off whatever part of your body causes you to sin. (Matt. 18:8-9) Cutting off in this instance would be spiritually, for the good of the body, to protect it from defilement, but with the end result of purification and restoration. (Is. 48:10-11, 2Cor. 2:6-8, Dan. 12:9-10, Rev. 22:10-15) As we know, Paul speaks on behalf of Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, when he gives us these warnings. (2Tim. 3:16)

What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? 1 Corinthians 4:21 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 1 Corinthians 5:3-6 (Also Matt. 18:20)

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 10  For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. 11  Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:9-11  

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4  that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5  not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6  that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7  For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8  Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

I think that the foolish virgins' lamps went out when they were trimmed because there was so much trimming that needed to be done from living like the world.  There would also be very little oil left in the lamp from failing to treasure God and His word while waiting for His "delayed" return. Maybe they "fell asleep" by getting so engrossed with the world that they scarcely remembered He would be returning at all. (Matt. 13) We are to abide IN Jesus and obey Him IF we love Him. (John 14-15) I think the foolish virgins are like the church in Ephesus who lost their first love. (Rev. 2:4-5) Let me tell you, that is the message that "woke me up." A few years back, I kept having that verse pop into my head (by the grace of God), and so I made a list of the things I used to do when I was first saved and started doing them again. I "refilled the oil in my lamp" by reading the Bible (the oil represents faith, which comes by hearing the word - Rom. 10:17 - the Holy Spirit, who indwells, helps and teaches us, producing fruit for God - we are told not to quench or grieve Him - 1Thess. 5:9, Eph. 4:30), praying selflessly and more often (1Thess. 5:16-18), worshiping and praising God for who He is and what He's done, without always asking for something, and refraining from sins even if the world finds them acceptable, such as gossiping or grumbling. (Philipp. 2:12-16, 2Cor. 12:20-22)

I also "trimmed the wick" of my lamp by getting rid of most of the secular media in my home, such as listening to music that doesn't contain Christian morals, and viewing movies and television shows that portray sin as normal, making people who don't join in out to be "uncool jerks," etc. (Jam. 4:4, 1John 2:15) The idea was to get rid of anything that I didn't feel Jesus would approve of, or that didn't build up faith and so therefore had the potential to tear it down. (Prov. 14:1) It was really like going from night to day, but this did not happen overnight--it took time to change my ways, but I found the more I sought God, the more I wanted to seek Him.

There is no "formula" that applies to every person, and it can't be done in an instant (thus the foolish virgins who were not able to prepare once they heard the shout). This is NOT meant to suggest that I am "ready to go" and everyone else isn't. My message is for us ALL to care enough about this to prioritize Jesus in our lives. Notice that Jesus doesn't say He never knew them as he does in Matthew 7:23, but that he doesn't know them. It seems that their mistake may not have been of rejecting Jesus or being false believers who never even had any oil in their lamps, but their GRAVE error was in failing to maintain their lamps properly. We are not told what happened to them, but I'm sure there were heart-wrenching tears, just as Esau wept when he realized he had lost not only his birthright, but the blessing as well. (Matt. 25:11-12, Heb. 12:14-17, Luke 12:35, 1Cor. 4:20-21, Gen. 27, Heb. 12)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:19-24

The Bible tells us over and over again to stay awake and keep watch! (Matt. 26:41, Luke 21:36, Mark 13:33, Rom. 13:11-14, 1Cor. 15:33-34, 1Thess. 5:6-11, Rev. 3:2-3, Rev. 16:15) That is not working for salvation, that is obeying our Lord and Savior. If He's not already that to us, then no amount of "staying awake" will help us because we're spiritually DEAD--we must have new spiritual birth to receive eternal life. (Matt. 8:22, Eph. 2:1-7) (That happens when we repent of unbelief in our heart and confess Him with our mouth, then transformation from the inside out will occur, with our cooperation, through the power of the Holy Spirit.) We all need to be CLOTHED, unlike the man in the Garden of Gethsemane who fled away naked at the first sign of persecution. (Mark 14:51-52, Rev. 19:7-8)

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Revelation 3:14-22

(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) Revelation 16:15

If you're reading this, try to be sure that you are on the right side of that "door" when it closes (after the "church at Philadelphia" and/or the 5 wise virgins have gone in?) (Luke 13:22-30, Matt. 7:23-27) I'm not saying this to scare anyone, but that would actually be preferable to not being ready. We don't need to live in fear of being "shut out" every time we slip and make a mistake, but there is a difference between that and not caring at all whether God is pleased with how we behave or not. I think we should each look into these things for ourselves instead of going along with popular opinion that everyone who says they believe is raptured prior to the tribulation, or blending in with this fallen world because so many other believers do, or taking the word of others about such important matters.

I know that some people say that certain passages or even entire books of the Bible are directed at different entities than the church, but I notice that they are inconsistent in applying their theories, and even among themselves, they don't agree with each other. I understand about different audiences in various scenes, but I abhor the idea of dissecting the Bible into pieces to apply to this group or that group (or for people to keep the parts they like and discard the rest). In any event, whatever is going to happen will, and it's the right, best thing, because God is perfect.

I'm asking that you PLEASE read the Bible (a normal version, not paraphrase or specialized version) and see what Jesus expects of a faithful servant and DO it. Don't look around you and question what God said and whether or not He is serious because no one else seems to care. Trust God (and His true word), not men. (Luke 11:28, Acts 5:29, Is. 29:15-16, Is. 47:10, Jer. 23:17, Psalm 37, Psalm 73, Mal. 2:17, Zeph. 1:12, 1Cor. 15:33, Eph. 5:6-12, Gal. 6:7-9, 2Tim. 2:19-22, Jam. 1:14-16, 2Pet. 2:18-20) We are His temple if we are born again and NO ONE will enter the kingdom unless they ARE born again. (John 3:3-8) He feels the same about His good name and holiness now as He did when His temple was a physical structure and it was defiled. (Ezek. 9:4-6, 1Cor. 3:16-17, 1Cor. 6:19-20, John 2:13-17, Matt. 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45, Heb. 3:5-6, 1Pet. 4:17-18) He is holy and He never changes. (1Pet. 1:14-19, Heb. 13:8)

Let's be ready and waiting, happy to see Him when He comes--not painfully embarrassed by what we've been up to. (Matt. 24:42-44, Matt. 25:10, Matt. 26:41, Mark 13:35-37, Luke 12:35-40, Luke 12:47, Rom. 13:11-14, 1Cor. 15:34, 1Thess. 5:6, Eph. 5:15-20, Rev. 3:3, Rev. 3:18, Is. 48:10-11) It's not too late! Every sin is forgivable, and He's worth any sacrifice. If anyone has doubts about this, please read my article entitled "Beautiful". It's not really possible to love someone we don't truly know, or appreciate something someone did for us that we are mostly unaware of, is it? Let's get to know our Savior and show our love for Him in the way He told us to, by obeying Him. He gave us two simple rules to remember that ensure all of His commands are kept if we just do the two from our hearts. (Mark 12:28-34)

And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 1 John 2:28-29

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:1-5 

God has been so merciful to us in telling us what is to happen beforehand. (Matt. 24:25) Whatever we don't understand, we can look to other parts of the Bible for clarification. For example, the future events described in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 match those in Revelation 12-13. Some translations say "rebellion" and some say "apostacy" (falling away from the truth). While the spirit of apostacy/antichrist has been around since Paul and John wrote those words (2 Thess. 2:7, 1 John 4:1-3), the rebellion in heaven when Satan is finally cast out and no longer can accuse us day and night is a one-time event. (Rev. 12:10) It is no coincidence that the abomination that makes desolation occurs very shortly thereafter. (Rev. 12:12, Rev. 13:1-4, Rev. 13:11-14, Dan. 7:25) The passage about the King of Tyre where Satan is cast out is partially prophetic, in my opinion. (Is. 14:12-15) Satan was already "fallen"/evil when he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, but he was still allowed in heaven during the time of Job. (Job 1:6-12) (Remember, God is patient. A thousand years are as a day to Him. Ps. 90:4, 2Pet. 3:8-9)

Also, there were NO nations to deceive yet when Eve sinned, and no one has physically seen Satan and stared at his disgrace due to being punished by God. (Is. 14:16-17) He has deceived the nations throughout history and he will do so even more so after he is cast out until the beginning of Christ's millennial reign. Furthermore, Satan was present in the fore-enactment by Joshua, the high priest, of Jesus appearing before the Father after He took our sins upon Himself. It is no coincidence that Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua, which means the same and is virtually the same name as Joshua--"Salvation is (or is from) Yah (God)". (Please read all of Zechariah 3.) I actually wonder if that is why Mary didn't recognize Him until He said her name--because His garment was filthy from our sins that were laid on Him before He ascended to the Father? Just a thought. (John 20:14-17, 2Cor. 5:21) 

Finally (on the topic of Satan), the angels referred to in Jude 1:6 who are bound are the same ones in Genesis 6:4. They left their appointed place and mated with human women, producing giants. This does not refer to Satan himself. The Book of Enoch, also referred to in Jude 1:14-16, explains that the spirits of those children (whose bodies died) are what we know as demons and familiar or unclean spirits - they drive people to the most evil of behavior and they are the ones people think are "ghosts" (whether familiar to them or not--it's NOT anyone's loved one - they know things because they've been around since before the flood!) (Matt. 4:24, Matt. 8:16, Matt. 8:28, Matt. 9:32, Matt. 10:1, 8, Matt. 12:22, Matt. 12:43-45, Matt. 15:22, Matt. 17:18, Mark 1:32-34, Mark 7:25-30, Mark 16:9, Luke 4:33-37, Luke 4:41, Luke 8:26-39, Luke 9:1-2, Luke 9:42, Luke 10:17, Luke 11:14) The demons knew who Jesus was and feared Him during His ministry on earth. They didn't want to be punished before the appointed time. We don't need to fear them and should NOT try to communicate with them, but we shouldn't deny their existence either. (Rom. 8:38-39, 1Cor. 10:19-22, 1Tim. 4:1-3, Jam. 2:19, Jam. 3:15, Rev. 9:20-21, Rev. 18:2)

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. 2  And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. 3  He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, 4  for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. 5  Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. 6  And when he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and fell down before him. 7  And crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” 8  For he was saying to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9  And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10  And he begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. 11  Now a great herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, 12  and they begged him, saying, “Send us to the pigs; let us enter them.” 13  So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. 14  The herdsmen fled and told it in the city and in the country. And people came to see what it was that had happened. 15  And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 16  And those who had seen it described to them what had happened to the demon-possessed man and to the pigs. 17  And they began to beg Jesus to depart from their region. 18  As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. 19  And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20  And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. Mark 5:1-20

I agree with those who say that the rapture described in 1Thess. 4:16-18 and 1Cor. 15:51-51 is pictured in Rev. 4:1-2 but it appears to me that we are not understanding the chronology perfectly. It looks to me like some scenes are being retold from different perspectives (but you need to do your own study and decide for yourself, with the help of the Holy Spirit). We have been told about one event happening after the tribulation and before the Day of the Lord/God's wrath: the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. This would seem to say that the tribulation and Day of the Lord are not the same thing--that perhaps the tribulation up until that point is not the wrath of God.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other." Matthew 24:29-31

"And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls." Joel 2:30-32 (Also see Zech. 14:5) 

So I'm saying I don't know for sure, but in any case it would be best if we would all strengthen our faith (Luke 8:15, Rom. 10:17, 1Cor. 15:1-2, Heb. 4:14, Heb. 6:18, Heb. 10:23, Rev. 2:5, Rev. 2:25, Rev. 3:2, Rev. 3:11), set ourselves apart from the world (John 17:17-19, 2Cor. 6:16-18) and be prepared to endure whatever need be. (Matt. 5:10-12, 2Tim. 3:12-13, Heb. 10:32-39, 1Pet. 4:12-19, 1Pet. 5:6-11) God is good all of the time and He knows what He's doing. He's worth it - this life is so short and then comes eternity when we will SEE Him. (Some say that it is the hope itself that purifies us in the passage below, but in context, John goes on to say that we must STOP sinning or stop claiming to KNOW Jesus. 1John 3:4-10)

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24  Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us. 1 John 3:23-24 (Also Rom. 13:8-10)

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. Hebrews 12:12-17

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4-6  

It's my hope that we will be in that group, the one that Paul said he hoped to attain to. Paul was not referring to salvation, since he obviously was already saved and NO ONE works for salvation--it is a free gift. (Rom. 3:23-25, Rom. 5:15-17, Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8-9, Rev. 21:6, Rev. 22:17) But as we see in the parables, Revelation and throughout the Bible, God is looking for FAITHFUL servants. The New Testament exhorts BELIEVERS to give their ALL for God and to seek the kingdom first, realizing this world is only temporary. (Matt. 6:33, 2Cor. 4:16-18, 1Pet. 1:17, 1Pet. 2:11) Jesus repeatedly told His followers that only those who actually do as He says and put Him FIRST are worthy of Him. (Matt. 10:37-39, Matt. 16:24-27, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:62, Luke 14:25-33, Luke 18:28-30)

And Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. Luke 20:34-36

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:8-21 (Also 1Cor. 9:24-27)

The rest of the dead will not be judged until after Christ's millennial reign. (Rev. 20:5) For those who say there is no such thing because Christ is already ruling spiritually, seated at the right hand of the Father--see Hebrews 2:7, which speaks of how we have yet to see everything in subjection to Jesus. We also see Him using His great power to rule in Revelation 11:16-17. Some say that there is no literal millennial reign because that is a limited time frame of one thousand years, but Christ will reign forever. Jesus' kingdom is given to Him by the Father. (Ps. 2, Luke 19:12) We have a typological example of this in the story of Joseph. Pharaoh put everything under the control of Joseph, but Pharaoh was still Pharaoh. In fact, Pharaoh even gave Joseph a wife (as the church is given to Jesus by the Father - John 6:37, John 6:44) and Joseph was 30 years old when he entered into Pharaoh's service (whereas Jesus was "about 30" when He was baptized and began His ministry - Luke 3:23). (Gen. 41:39-46 - There are a multitude of other correlations to be made with Joseph as well.  I'll write more about that subject another time.)

Solomon's prosperous, peaceful kingdom is also typological of the millennial reign. People came from far away to hear Solomon's wisdom, bringing gifts. Jesus will settle disputes between nations and tribute will be brought to Him. (1Kings 4:21, 1Kings 10:1-13, Matt. 12:42, Is. 2:2-4, Is. 18:7, Is. 60:11-12, Zech. 8:20-23, Micah 4:1-4) After the great tribulation, Jesus will judge the nations and survivors from all of the nations will come from everywhere to worship. (Matt. 25:31-46, Zech. 14:16-19) It is not yet the eternal kingdom, because there is still death even though there is peace, prosperity and long life. (Is. 65:17-25, also see Is. 11:1-10 below.) The last enemy to be destroyed is death, which is thrown in the lake of fire after the millennial reign. (1Cor. 15:26, Rev. 20:14) Earth and sky fly away from God at the great white throne judgment. (Rev. 20:11)

See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:25-29

For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’” Haggai 2:6-9

Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 (Also see Psalm 110.)

And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.’ Daniel 7:27 

Don't forget that our God is ONE. The Father is in the Son, the Son is in the Father, they are in us by the Holy Spirit and we are in them (if we are born of God). (Deut. 4:35, Is. 44:6-8, Is. 45:5-6, Is. 45:18-23, Is. 46:8-11, Joel 2:27, John 14:10-11, John 15:4-10, Rom.8:1, Rom.12:4-5, 2 Cor. 1:21-22, 2Cor. 5:17, Gal. 3:25-29, Eph. 1:3-14, Col. 1:28-29)

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." John 14:15-26

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:20-26 

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. Hebrews 3:12-14 

There is a clear difference between the "end of [this] age" when Jesus comes to reign and the "end of the [subsequent] age," after which the second resurrection occurs and all who were not resurrected prior to the millennium will be judged and Jesus will hand the kingdom over to the Father. (1Cor. 15:24-28, Rev. 22:3-4) If we read what it really says, then we understand that Jesus is already reigning on earth at the time that Satan is released from his thousand-year prison sentence and surrounds the holy city with armies (there are survivors of the tribulation who repopulate the world - Joel 2:31-32, Isaiah 65:20), at which time fire comes down from heaven and destroys the armies. This is not the same scene as at the end of the tribulation when Jesus returns with His armies from heaven. One thing to understand is that time itself was created by God and it will cease to exist during eternity. The very last day will never end, as there will be no more night. (Gen. 1:5, Rev. 22:5)

Here are some passages to help put the events in order:

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-16

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a Son of Man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. 14  And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed." Daniel 7:13-14 

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-10

And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh. Revelation 19:20-21

“I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire."  Daniel 7:11

As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time." Daniel 7:12 

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:1-3 

Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4

And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:7-10

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15

“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. 10  A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened." Daniel 7:9-10

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2  through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3  No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5  And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5

On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. And 
the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one. The whole land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. But Jerusalem shall remain aloft on its site from the Gate of Benjamin to the place of the former gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses. And it shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Zechariah 14:6-11 

Many of the people who object to the Bible's teachings on the rapture, great tribulation and millennial reign of Christ in the teachings of the Bible seem to have a view that God has permanently forsaken Israel. There are many unfulfilled promises and they think that all of them will be given to the church. My view on it is that we are GRAFTED IN to Israel, but the "olive tree" hasn't become a wild tree instead of cultivated now. Paul warned us not to boast, because most of them are temporarily blinded or hardened against seeing the truth about Jesus and believing it. He said our branches could be cut off like theirs were and God is perfectly able to graft them back in. The mercy shown to us will result in mercy being shown to them once the fullness of the Gentiles comes in. Please read all of Romans 11. It just couldn't get any clearer.

I have a concern about people who want to say that there is not going to BE a great tribulation, even though Jesus said there would be the worst period of tribulation ever since the beginning, that ever will be. (Matt. 24:21-22, Mark 13:19-20) My concern is this: Jesus said that whoever takes away from His words of Revelation, He will take away their share of the tree of life and the holy city! (Rev. 22:18-19) Some people also try to dissuade others from reading Revelation or from investing any time in trying to understand it. I do agree there is such a thing as overdoing it, since we are to love one another on His behalf and there is not time for that if we spend all of our time studying. I think we also need to bear in mind that God did not give every member of His body the same gifts or calling. We are not to judge our brothers and sisters for how they serve the Lord. He will do that. (Matt. 10:41, Rom. 12:3-8, Rom. 14:4, 1Cor. 3:8, 1Cor. 3:14, 2Cor. 10:7, Col. 3:23-24) In addition to the warning, Jesus also gave a blessing for those who hear and keep the words of Revelation. (Rev. 1:3, 22:7) The book is for our WARNING on what to expect and what is expected of us. (Rev. 2, Rev. 3, Rev. 13:10, Rev. 14:9-13, Rev. 22:14) There will be unprecedented deception and He wants His people to be ready for it. (Matt. 24:23-27, 2John 1:7-11)

So getting back to the focus of this message, what will we miss out on if we decide that we value Jesus and His honor and glory more than the temporary pleasures of this world, more than being popular or blending in? What if we abstain from participating in evil and do everything we can to obey and please God, through the power of His Holy Spirit within us, out of love and gratitude for our salvation? Will we at some point look back and say we were cheated, like Lucy waiting in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin instead of trick-or-treating for candy in the Peanuts animated special? Absolutely not--not even if the "candy" were gold and precious gems! Whoever puts their hope in the Lord will NEVER be put to shame. (Jer. 17:13, Rom. 10:11) If we want to compare a fictional character to our life, we should be like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz--I want to go HOME! There is no place like home! (Philipp. 3:20-21, 1Pet. 2:11) We don't need to find the way. Jesus will come back for us because we are His. (1Thess. 4:16-17, Rom.8:9, 2Cor. 6:17, Eph. 1:13-14, Titus 2:11-15, 1Pet. 2:9)

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-7

There is NOTHING this world has to offer that is better than what God has prepared for those who LOVE Him. (1Cor. 2:9) Everything this world has to offer is rubbish compared to the utterly immeasurable value and unimaginable beauty of our great God. (Philipp. 3:8) There is NO ONE like Him, nor will there EVER be. Have you looked around lately and noticed all that God made, how amazing His creation is? What a wonderful Designer, and He loves us! WOW! I don't know about you, but I can think of lots of reasons why we are not very lovable. Yet He gave His only begotten Son, who willingly suffered and died on the cross to save us from our deserved punishment, and so that we could be adopted as God's children. That is genuine, proven LOVE. (1John 4:8-10, John 10:18, John 1:12-13, Rom. 8:23, Gal. 4:4-7) Let's love Him back, with our lives, not empty words or half our hearts. 💝 (Matt. 15:8-9)