Wednesday, July 30, 2025
This World is not My Home, I am here on a Mission Ordered by My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
In these last days, I am struck by those who think they can change what is going on in the world when we know it was prophesied.
The end is coming, the world is destroying itself, dominated by devils influencing people to do horrendous things, embracing and enabling sin as though it were perfectly alright.
There isn't anything we can or should do to change it except the gospel and edifying one another right before Christ comes. We are watching prophecy.
Imagine if Noah said, "We have to do something to stop the flood." or Lot deciding to "save Sodom from God's judgement. We would think that was silly, and yet it is exactly what many "Christians" are doing when they have more interest in politics than they do in obeying Christ, His Word and His principles.
Most Christians are cultural without a desire to obey God. They use His name while attempting to create a world according to their own version of righteousness, but disobey much of Scripture, even being hostile toward those who use the Bible to show them their error.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 "…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
This is where the world rests right now; there is no changing it. We can share the gospel where and when the Holy Spirit leads for individuals, and we can warn believers about mixing their ways with the ways of the world; this is our calling. However, we are not called to make a better place for us to dwell so we can slide into ease and happiness for the rest of our lives.
Keep speaking the truth of the gospel, keep warning believers to obey Christ, but know that most will not listen, and we are not responsible for their lack of interest, their response or for their salvation; we are only responsible to do what God told us to do, always speaking the truth.
The end is coming, the world is destroying itself, dominated by devils influencing people to do horrendous things, embracing and enabling sin as though it were perfectly alright.
There isn't anything we can or should do to change it except the gospel and edifying one another right before Christ comes. We are watching prophecy.
Imagine if Noah said, "We have to do something to stop the flood." or Lot deciding to "save Sodom from God's judgement. We would think that was silly, and yet it is exactly what many "Christians" are doing when they have more interest in politics than they do in obeying Christ, His Word and His principles.
Most Christians are cultural without a desire to obey God. They use His name while attempting to create a world according to their own version of righteousness, but disobey much of Scripture, even being hostile toward those who use the Bible to show them their error.
2 Timothy 4:2-4 "…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
This is where the world rests right now; there is no changing it. We can share the gospel where and when the Holy Spirit leads for individuals, and we can warn believers about mixing their ways with the ways of the world; this is our calling. However, we are not called to make a better place for us to dwell so we can slide into ease and happiness for the rest of our lives.
Keep speaking the truth of the gospel, keep warning believers to obey Christ, but know that most will not listen, and we are not responsible for their lack of interest, their response or for their salvation; we are only responsible to do what God told us to do, always speaking the truth.
Becoming a New Creation in Christ
When we are born again, Christ changes us into a new creation. We no longer think the same way; we hate sin and love righteousness, whereas before salvation, we loved sin and resisted righteousness. The way we think drives our actions.
If someone has cleaned up their act enough to be seen by others as a better person, this is not salvation; it is a person trusting in themselves instead of Christ. The self-will remains, and the actions are better, but the heart is not dependent on Christ for cleansing and salvation.
Many people want to be better people because it brings a better life for them, but without Christ it is still the road to hell.
When we admit our sinful nature and desire to be changed by Christ into a new creation, He responds by changing our mind toward sin and comes to live in us simultaneously.
The sin we used to enjoy becomes repugnant to us and the righteousness that used to embarrass us is a delight to us.
We cannot change our own hearts; Christ must do that. We can only change some outward actions, but the heart remains in rebellion against God.
Those who remain dedicated to their own way of thinking while ignoring the commands and principles of the Bible were never born again; they are pretenders who must be born again for the first time.
The authentic Christian life is one of difficulty because it brings with it hostility from the world around us, but that hostility pales in comparison to the joy and peace Christ works in us.
Those who live a self-righteous life, full of pride and self-will, do not experience peace and joy, but must continually strive to feel good about themselves while impressing others. These are those who spend more time judging others than they do self-reflecting to correct the errors in themselves. They are full of pride about how good they think they are, as well as dedicated to many rules God never made, but they sound superior to them.
A discerning person can spot those who are self-righteous phonies, they lack joy and are deeply dedicated to hiding their true selves. They never share anything negative about themselves and never admit to a need for further spiritual growth. They are resistant to correction or rebuke that might help them better understand the way of Christ.
Those who love Christ authentically, who have been changed by Him, have no need to impress others; they are full of the fruit of the Spirit and grow in character and holiness the more they submit to God's Word. Those who love Christ more than themselves will continually evaluate themselves according to the word of God and pray for cleansing. Their Spiritual growth is constant as they seek Christ in everything.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Those who are pretenders lack the love of Christ, because everything they do is about self when it comes to good deeds. They wish to elevate self as they denigrate others. They are all about the rules more than they are about Christ's commands and principles.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
The more an authentic believer confesses their flaws, the more they grow in Spiritual maturity. Those who are pretenders do not grow, remaining spiritual and emotional infants as they attempt to fool everyone around them. Often, they lack joy that can be seen by Authentically Spiritual Christians. Their happiness is based on circumstances, and they are fiercely competitive with others.
Those who wish to be changed by Christ will be humble desiring to know their flaws to be cleansed of them.
1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
This confessing and being cleansed should be occurring regularly as we examine our own hearts. Every sin begins in the heart before it ever becomes an action. Eventually, that sin will show its ugly head if only in subtle ways, while the pretender attempts to hide it from others, they will engage covert means to judge and demean others to elevate self.
Hiding sin only delays Spiritual and emotional growth. Many people remain immature spiritually all their lives into old age. Eventually, one has hidden so long that they can no longer even know their real selves.
Thank God He has a solution to this problem of sin and pretense, which is to humbly admit sinful attitudes, trust in Christ for changing and cleansing, and then the one who does this is on the road to Spiritual and emotional growth.
If someone has cleaned up their act enough to be seen by others as a better person, this is not salvation; it is a person trusting in themselves instead of Christ. The self-will remains, and the actions are better, but the heart is not dependent on Christ for cleansing and salvation.
Many people want to be better people because it brings a better life for them, but without Christ it is still the road to hell.
When we admit our sinful nature and desire to be changed by Christ into a new creation, He responds by changing our mind toward sin and comes to live in us simultaneously.
The sin we used to enjoy becomes repugnant to us and the righteousness that used to embarrass us is a delight to us.
We cannot change our own hearts; Christ must do that. We can only change some outward actions, but the heart remains in rebellion against God.
Those who remain dedicated to their own way of thinking while ignoring the commands and principles of the Bible were never born again; they are pretenders who must be born again for the first time.
The authentic Christian life is one of difficulty because it brings with it hostility from the world around us, but that hostility pales in comparison to the joy and peace Christ works in us.
Those who live a self-righteous life, full of pride and self-will, do not experience peace and joy, but must continually strive to feel good about themselves while impressing others. These are those who spend more time judging others than they do self-reflecting to correct the errors in themselves. They are full of pride about how good they think they are, as well as dedicated to many rules God never made, but they sound superior to them.
A discerning person can spot those who are self-righteous phonies, they lack joy and are deeply dedicated to hiding their true selves. They never share anything negative about themselves and never admit to a need for further spiritual growth. They are resistant to correction or rebuke that might help them better understand the way of Christ.
Those who love Christ authentically, who have been changed by Him, have no need to impress others; they are full of the fruit of the Spirit and grow in character and holiness the more they submit to God's Word. Those who love Christ more than themselves will continually evaluate themselves according to the word of God and pray for cleansing. Their Spiritual growth is constant as they seek Christ in everything.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Those who are pretenders lack the love of Christ, because everything they do is about self when it comes to good deeds. They wish to elevate self as they denigrate others. They are all about the rules more than they are about Christ's commands and principles.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
The more an authentic believer confesses their flaws, the more they grow in Spiritual maturity. Those who are pretenders do not grow, remaining spiritual and emotional infants as they attempt to fool everyone around them. Often, they lack joy that can be seen by Authentically Spiritual Christians. Their happiness is based on circumstances, and they are fiercely competitive with others.
Those who wish to be changed by Christ will be humble desiring to know their flaws to be cleansed of them.
1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
This confessing and being cleansed should be occurring regularly as we examine our own hearts. Every sin begins in the heart before it ever becomes an action. Eventually, that sin will show its ugly head if only in subtle ways, while the pretender attempts to hide it from others, they will engage covert means to judge and demean others to elevate self.
Hiding sin only delays Spiritual and emotional growth. Many people remain immature spiritually all their lives into old age. Eventually, one has hidden so long that they can no longer even know their real selves.
Thank God He has a solution to this problem of sin and pretense, which is to humbly admit sinful attitudes, trust in Christ for changing and cleansing, and then the one who does this is on the road to Spiritual and emotional growth.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
They Know What They are Doing
The reason we know the narcissists know what they are doing is because they are careful with those they wish to impress and rude to those they think are inferior to them, but in private, when no one can see, they are rude and mean, even if only covertly, so they can deny it if anyone exposes them.
The narcissist favors those who elevate them as special and superior. The one who lives in honesty and integrity intimidates the narcissist.
There is something about the righteous that convicts the narcissist of their sin that they do deliberately but hide it to fool those they wish to impress.
Narcissists are highly self-impressed, thinking that they are above anyone who does not live up to their idea of being special. They are truly legends in their own minds.
Bullies search for things wrong in others to avoid looking at their own character flaws. These people never apologize. They are only embarrassed when they are caught, but will give an excuse to wiggle out of their tactics of shaming and demeaning others.
Proverbs 4:14-19 "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not go the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on".
Bullies are never good companions! Not only will they cause continual conflict they will also draw us into conflict with others.
They are a mess waiting to happen. The only recourse is to chastise them when we encounter them and then avoid them after that. Remember the following passage to decide whether or not to say anything to them.
Proverbs 9:8 "
Do not rebuke a scoffer, or he will hate you; Rebuke a wise person and he will love you."
We need the counsel of the Holy Spirit to discern when to chastise and when to remain silent.
The narcissist favors those who elevate them as special and superior. The one who lives in honesty and integrity intimidates the narcissist.
There is something about the righteous that convicts the narcissist of their sin that they do deliberately but hide it to fool those they wish to impress.
Narcissists are highly self-impressed, thinking that they are above anyone who does not live up to their idea of being special. They are truly legends in their own minds.
Bullies search for things wrong in others to avoid looking at their own character flaws. These people never apologize. They are only embarrassed when they are caught, but will give an excuse to wiggle out of their tactics of shaming and demeaning others.
Proverbs 4:14-19 "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not go the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on".
Bullies are never good companions! Not only will they cause continual conflict they will also draw us into conflict with others.
They are a mess waiting to happen. The only recourse is to chastise them when we encounter them and then avoid them after that. Remember the following passage to decide whether or not to say anything to them.
Proverbs 9:8 "
Do not rebuke a scoffer, or he will hate you; Rebuke a wise person and he will love you."
We need the counsel of the Holy Spirit to discern when to chastise and when to remain silent.
Avoid Trouble Makers
We cannot change people, and it will be hard to interact with someone rude merely because they can. The best course of action is to allow them to be themselves without us.
Pray for them sure, but indulging them by remaining with them would be enabling and detrimental to our own walk with Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Difficult Times Will Come
"3 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
What was God's command in that last verse? Yes, that's right, we are to avoid such people.
Pray for them sure, but indulging them by remaining with them would be enabling and detrimental to our own walk with Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Difficult Times Will Come
"3 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these."
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these."
What was God's command in that last verse? Yes, that's right, we are to avoid such people.
Excusing Sin Using Scripture out of Context is Itself Sin
I have heard the excuse before, that we cannot judge someone because we cannot know their heart.
I was told I was judging their heart and could not know them when I expressed dismay that a Christian group of girls were frolicking on the beach in string bikinis.
Not only were they wearing them, but they were also making pyramids with young men climbing on top of them. The "youth leader" chastised me for rebuking their clothing and behavior as though I was doing something wrong. She said, "You do not know their heart."
I replied by saying; "a person's heart cannot be different from their actions." It is better to watch what they do instead of listening to what they say.
Stop addressing what people say and pay attention to their actions, which reveal their hearts. Anyone can "say" anything they want to think well of themselves, and it is common for people to assess themselves as good even when they are bad.
Prisoners in jail for all kinds of heinous things will claim they are basically good, even when they are not repentant over their evil, but say they are not the sum of what they did. They excuse themselves instead of repenting.
This is the state of our youth leaders today, and the total lack of teaching on modesty and proper decorum for young women. I don't bother to address the clothing of those who are not Christians, but these girls claimed to be Christians.
What good is a youth leader if they are not going to teach the principles of God to help the youth grow in holiness? Perhaps they don't teach them because they are as rebellious as the youth they are guiding, and wish to be the heroes of the youth instead of their Biblical mentors.
We live in a culture that sees correction, rebuke, and admonishment as evil rather than the actions of rebellious, lawless mean mean-spirited sinners.
So in the interaction with the youth leader, she managed to enable, encourage, and facilitate sin in the hearts of her girls while beating up on the one who cared more about the souls of the girls than whether or not they were having "fun."
Imagine the witness of the Christianity of the girls on the beach, showing the world how great it is, and there is no need for Christ?
Their message to the world through their actions was that you can be and do anything you want, it doesn't matter what God thinks of it.
This is one reason I do not appreciate "youth groups" today, because most of them are led by young people who want to be liked and praised by the ones they should be mentoring in holiness.
Hebrews 3:13 "13But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."
Colossians 3:16
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
The only way to have discernment about life in all circumstances is to know the word of God, ask Him to give you His min,d and there will be little question about what is right and what is wrong.
I was told I was judging their heart and could not know them when I expressed dismay that a Christian group of girls were frolicking on the beach in string bikinis.
Not only were they wearing them, but they were also making pyramids with young men climbing on top of them. The "youth leader" chastised me for rebuking their clothing and behavior as though I was doing something wrong. She said, "You do not know their heart."
I replied by saying; "a person's heart cannot be different from their actions." It is better to watch what they do instead of listening to what they say.
Stop addressing what people say and pay attention to their actions, which reveal their hearts. Anyone can "say" anything they want to think well of themselves, and it is common for people to assess themselves as good even when they are bad.
Prisoners in jail for all kinds of heinous things will claim they are basically good, even when they are not repentant over their evil, but say they are not the sum of what they did. They excuse themselves instead of repenting.
This is the state of our youth leaders today, and the total lack of teaching on modesty and proper decorum for young women. I don't bother to address the clothing of those who are not Christians, but these girls claimed to be Christians.
What good is a youth leader if they are not going to teach the principles of God to help the youth grow in holiness? Perhaps they don't teach them because they are as rebellious as the youth they are guiding, and wish to be the heroes of the youth instead of their Biblical mentors.
We live in a culture that sees correction, rebuke, and admonishment as evil rather than the actions of rebellious, lawless mean mean-spirited sinners.
So in the interaction with the youth leader, she managed to enable, encourage, and facilitate sin in the hearts of her girls while beating up on the one who cared more about the souls of the girls than whether or not they were having "fun."
Imagine the witness of the Christianity of the girls on the beach, showing the world how great it is, and there is no need for Christ?
Their message to the world through their actions was that you can be and do anything you want, it doesn't matter what God thinks of it.
This is one reason I do not appreciate "youth groups" today, because most of them are led by young people who want to be liked and praised by the ones they should be mentoring in holiness.
Hebrews 3:13 "13But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."
Colossians 3:16
"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
The only way to have discernment about life in all circumstances is to know the word of God, ask Him to give you His min,d and there will be little question about what is right and what is wrong.
Causing division over Questionable Things is Sin Since God said not to do it!
I find it amazing that "flat earthers" think that all science is wrong, but they are right. All they have is the ideas placed in their heads by false articles and videos on the internet that have not been vetted.
They want to believe something because it makes them feel smarter than others; they need to feel superior and start fights over something that negates God's Word.
Romans 14 and 15 are clear that we are not to cause division over disputable matters. Those who are weak in the faith argue over things that have nothing to do with following Christ, character building, or supporting brothers and sisters in Christ.
So, ok, flat earthers, what does your believe in the shape of the earth do to further the gospel or support fellow believers? NOTHING!!! In fact, it causes division just as the devil wants it to do.
What are you flat-earthers going to do about your belief that the Earth is flat? Are you going to store your food differently, is there anything you would do differently today because of this belief?
NO, its only an idea in your head to promote a sense that you are smarter and superior. I have never met a flat earther who was not full of pride and divisive in their exchanges. Fine, if you want to believe this silliness, go ahead, but why not just keep it to yourself since it does nothing in the physical world to change how you live and it brings anger and division with only one purpose, to cause frustration in our brothers and sisters.
Promoting an idea that has no effect on our lives and is dividing Christians is against God's word that tells us to not engage in debate about "questionable things."
If the devil can get people to fight over silly things, even making them believe lies, he loves it, knowing it distracts from the gospel and turns people against one another.
One of the clues of a false doctrine is the arrogance and demeaning way in which it is presented, as though anyone who does not believe what they believe is stupid or in some way disobedient.
Please stop debating over something you cannot prove yourself, stop believing internet disinformation that only serves to cause problems where there need not be any.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant.
5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered,
6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
They want to believe something because it makes them feel smarter than others; they need to feel superior and start fights over something that negates God's Word.
Romans 14 and 15 are clear that we are not to cause division over disputable matters. Those who are weak in the faith argue over things that have nothing to do with following Christ, character building, or supporting brothers and sisters in Christ.
So, ok, flat earthers, what does your believe in the shape of the earth do to further the gospel or support fellow believers? NOTHING!!! In fact, it causes division just as the devil wants it to do.
What are you flat-earthers going to do about your belief that the Earth is flat? Are you going to store your food differently, is there anything you would do differently today because of this belief?
NO, its only an idea in your head to promote a sense that you are smarter and superior. I have never met a flat earther who was not full of pride and divisive in their exchanges. Fine, if you want to believe this silliness, go ahead, but why not just keep it to yourself since it does nothing in the physical world to change how you live and it brings anger and division with only one purpose, to cause frustration in our brothers and sisters.
Promoting an idea that has no effect on our lives and is dividing Christians is against God's word that tells us to not engage in debate about "questionable things."
If the devil can get people to fight over silly things, even making them believe lies, he loves it, knowing it distracts from the gospel and turns people against one another.
One of the clues of a false doctrine is the arrogance and demeaning way in which it is presented, as though anyone who does not believe what they believe is stupid or in some way disobedient.
Please stop debating over something you cannot prove yourself, stop believing internet disinformation that only serves to cause problems where there need not be any.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant.
5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered,
6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
Monday, July 28, 2025
The Devil's Attacks Subtle and Obvious
The devil's tactics are stubborn oppression, manipulation, or constant confusion, subtle attacks that are denied later, and creating a spiritually hostile environment.
When we encounter these things with people we know, those people are controlled and manipulated by demons. Even if they are not possessed, they are influenced by demons, justifying their attacks with false thoughts and reasons placed there by the devil's minions.
1 Peter 5:7-9 "…7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
James 4:7
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
1 John 3:8
"The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil."
The takeaway from all the verses is that when we encounter people who are rude, mean, and stubborn, we are really experiencing the influence of the devil on them. Yes, it is possible for someone to be like this because of their fleshly attitude, but it is still the influence of the devil placing thoughts in their minds that motivates them to act as they do.
Our culture as a whole encourages terse and disrespectful responses to intimidate those they wish to control, so the culture is also an influence on the way people act regularly.
John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness."
The devil loves it when he can destroy family relationships, cause community division and promote anger for no good reason.
He managed to turn Eve against God when all God did for Eve was perfect and wonderful.
As human beings, we question ourselves when we do something with good in mind that is helpful, but are met with distrust and a temper tantrum, whether subtle or blatant, as though we did something wrong.
2 Timothy 4:17-18
"But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
Our response to what we encounter with people in the world ought to be one of kindness and patience, but never without discernment. It is important that we show respect and love to those who did not give us the same respect.
2 Corinthians 2:11
"in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
The key to living the Christian life is to be different from those who do not know Christ. It doesn't matter what they do to us, except that it may be a test to see if we can rise above the abuse and remain the person we should be no matter how unkind or rude others are to us.
We know what the devil it attempting to do, that is to cause division and anger. We never have to respond in a vengeful way, we can leave room for God's chastisement.
Romans 12:18-20 "…18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head."
We are to be the opposite of the wicked person, returning love for their rudeness. Sometimes the best way to do this is to not respond at all. Allow your silence to be your answer.
Hebrews 10:30
"For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
1 Peter 3:9
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
We must not expect or desire blessings from people, knowing that our reward for obedience to Him will be blessings from Him that is enough and the best.
When we are confident in the Lord and secure in knowing we did not retaliate, we will walk in freedom from guilt and strength to endure whatever the world has to offer.
Romans 12:19 "19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord."
When we encounter these things with people we know, those people are controlled and manipulated by demons. Even if they are not possessed, they are influenced by demons, justifying their attacks with false thoughts and reasons placed there by the devil's minions.
1 Peter 5:7-9 "…7 Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
James 4:7
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Ephesians 6:11-12 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
1 John 3:8
"The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil."
The takeaway from all the verses is that when we encounter people who are rude, mean, and stubborn, we are really experiencing the influence of the devil on them. Yes, it is possible for someone to be like this because of their fleshly attitude, but it is still the influence of the devil placing thoughts in their minds that motivates them to act as they do.
Our culture as a whole encourages terse and disrespectful responses to intimidate those they wish to control, so the culture is also an influence on the way people act regularly.
John 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness."
The devil loves it when he can destroy family relationships, cause community division and promote anger for no good reason.
He managed to turn Eve against God when all God did for Eve was perfect and wonderful.
As human beings, we question ourselves when we do something with good in mind that is helpful, but are met with distrust and a temper tantrum, whether subtle or blatant, as though we did something wrong.
2 Timothy 4:17-18
"But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
Our response to what we encounter with people in the world ought to be one of kindness and patience, but never without discernment. It is important that we show respect and love to those who did not give us the same respect.
2 Corinthians 2:11
"in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
The key to living the Christian life is to be different from those who do not know Christ. It doesn't matter what they do to us, except that it may be a test to see if we can rise above the abuse and remain the person we should be no matter how unkind or rude others are to us.
We know what the devil it attempting to do, that is to cause division and anger. We never have to respond in a vengeful way, we can leave room for God's chastisement.
Romans 12:18-20 "…18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head."
We are to be the opposite of the wicked person, returning love for their rudeness. Sometimes the best way to do this is to not respond at all. Allow your silence to be your answer.
Hebrews 10:30
"For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
1 Peter 3:9
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
We must not expect or desire blessings from people, knowing that our reward for obedience to Him will be blessings from Him that is enough and the best.
When we are confident in the Lord and secure in knowing we did not retaliate, we will walk in freedom from guilt and strength to endure whatever the world has to offer.
Romans 12:19 "19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord."
The Word of God in Context, Nothing Else will Do!
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is called the Word, His Word is the very essence of Who He is and He never changes.
Those who ignore, negate, or change the Word of God are walking in rebellion, and yet most Christians today do this very thing.
I cannot count the number of times scriptures are taken out of context and given meaning from the cultural mind rather than what Christ said.
I have also seen people apply to Christians today what was given only to Israel in the Old Testament.
These things happen because people like to shape into their own image what God said rather than seeking Him for His truth.
2 Timothy 4:3 "…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them, the way of truth will be defamed. In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep."
If you want to know the truth about anything pertaining to God, read His word and ask Him; do not go to people for answers. God may bring others to clarify things, but do not seek them out for yourself.
Often, I have read a passage and, through prayer, God told me the meaning, then later someone else came along and confirmed what God already told me.
John 16:13-14 "13 However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you."
Notice in this passage, God tells us that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, not men, and what we speak from the Holy Spirit will glorify God.
If we listen to a preacher and he brings attention to himself, while entertaining the people to be liked by them, then he glorifies himself. The Holy Spirit will always glorify God.
God said be prepared, this can only mean one thing, that we are in constant prayer and know the Word of God through continual Bible study, then we will be prepared when we are asked a question.
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We cannot go wrong when we are led by the Holy Spirit, pray and read God's Word.
Those who ignore, negate, or change the Word of God are walking in rebellion, and yet most Christians today do this very thing.
I cannot count the number of times scriptures are taken out of context and given meaning from the cultural mind rather than what Christ said.
I have also seen people apply to Christians today what was given only to Israel in the Old Testament.
These things happen because people like to shape into their own image what God said rather than seeking Him for His truth.
2 Timothy 4:3 "…2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. 4 So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them, the way of truth will be defamed. In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep."
If you want to know the truth about anything pertaining to God, read His word and ask Him; do not go to people for answers. God may bring others to clarify things, but do not seek them out for yourself.
Often, I have read a passage and, through prayer, God told me the meaning, then later someone else came along and confirmed what God already told me.
John 16:13-14 "13 However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me by taking from what is Mine and disclosing it to you."
Notice in this passage, God tells us that the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth, not men, and what we speak from the Holy Spirit will glorify God.
If we listen to a preacher and he brings attention to himself, while entertaining the people to be liked by them, then he glorifies himself. The Holy Spirit will always glorify God.
God said be prepared, this can only mean one thing, that we are in constant prayer and know the Word of God through continual Bible study, then we will be prepared when we are asked a question.
Matthew 28:19-20
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
We cannot go wrong when we are led by the Holy Spirit, pray and read God's Word.
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Changed by Christ and Him Alone
We are rejected by those who call themselves Christian, who have not been changed by Christ, but thought they would become saved merely by saying they are a Christian. They don't understand that salvation through Christ is not about what we say, but about what Christ does in us in response to our repentance for our sinfulness and a desire to be changed by Him.
What is meant by God in His Word is always determined by the context of the passages. Those who are not authentically born again will interpret the Bible in terms of their fallen mindset because they have not been changed by Christ into a new creation. They do not have the mind of Christ and continue to think in flawed cultural terms rather than in what God actually said.
Philippians 2:5 "5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: "
1 Corinthians 2:15-16 "15The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
Those who never repented and decided on their own to present themselves as Christians are not able to understand the commands and principles of God; they remain ignorant of the ways of God, no matter how much they read the Bible. These people are the most dangerous people in the church gathering.
Those who are pretenders lead people to believe they are saved because of their own decision, gaining influence in the gathering while misinterpreting much of God's Word while judging others for not following their prescribed human rules and standards that God never commanded.
In these last days, we are witnessing more convoluted interpretations of Scripture by those who have never been born again but think they are going to heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23
I Never Knew You
21 “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. 22 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?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
Many false doctrines have emerged because of the fallen mindset of those who are pretenders and don't know they are pretenders. The devil has convinced them that they are still in control of themselves, and they must save themselves and think without the mind of Christ.
One of the sayings I hate the most is "God gave us a brain", as though thinking with our fallen mindset is alright because God gave that brain to us. What this tells me is the person using this phrase denies the need to trust in Christ and be changed by Him.
If someone thinks we must figure things out for ourselves and not bother asking God, then I have to believe they never trusted in Him and remain dedicated to their own way of thinking with their fallen mind.
I notice, too, that those who think like this often demonstrate a prideful stance in many things, unable to be taught. They do not change their entire lives because they rely on their own idea of things instead of consulting with God for His truth.
In other words, those who have entered the church gathering, thinking simply by deciding to be a Christian, they are going to heaven, they are fooled by the devil, while on their way to hell. These people must be told the way of salvation through repentance and faith in Christ so that they will become broken over their sinfulness and desire to be changed by Christ. Only then will they be transformed into a new creation and begin to think with the mind of Christ.
Ephesians 2:9-10 "…9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. "
Transformed by Christ not by Changing Ourselves to Glorify Self
Anyone who still wants to live in sin without a desire to be changed by God was never born again. Christ transforms those who want to be changed by Him; they are no longer the same person and no longer think the way they used to think.
If you hear a Christian say to you, "I am the same person I've always been", you have reason to be concerned.
When we have trusted in Christ, expressing our sorrow over our own sinfulness, He then changes us into a new creation. We are no longer the same person, nor do we want to ever return to the old again.
Those who think they became saved by deciding to join a Christian church remain unsaved and still headed for hell. It is only brokenness over our sinfulness and crying out to God to change us that He will work in Us.
Ephesians 2:10 "…9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!"
Philippians 2:13
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose."
Titus 2:14
"He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."
Colossians 1:10
"so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"
James 2:17-18
"So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
It is Christ's work in our hearts that results in righteous actions. Any work of our own that results in actions is dead works, not evidence of salvation, but willful deeds to elevate the self.
Christ wants to guide us in every way; only when we want this is the evidence of a changed heart. Those who still want to take credit for their actions and changed behavior in their own efforts are not born again until they confess this sinful stance and pray to be transformed by Christ.
Psalm 100:3 "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
If you hear a Christian say to you, "I am the same person I've always been", you have reason to be concerned.
When we have trusted in Christ, expressing our sorrow over our own sinfulness, He then changes us into a new creation. We are no longer the same person, nor do we want to ever return to the old again.
Those who think they became saved by deciding to join a Christian church remain unsaved and still headed for hell. It is only brokenness over our sinfulness and crying out to God to change us that He will work in Us.
Ephesians 2:10 "…9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."
2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!"
Philippians 2:13
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose."
Titus 2:14
"He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."
Colossians 1:10
"so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,"
James 2:17-18
"So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. / But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
It is Christ's work in our hearts that results in righteous actions. Any work of our own that results in actions is dead works, not evidence of salvation, but willful deeds to elevate the self.
Christ wants to guide us in every way; only when we want this is the evidence of a changed heart. Those who still want to take credit for their actions and changed behavior in their own efforts are not born again until they confess this sinful stance and pray to be transformed by Christ.
Psalm 100:3 "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
Saturday, July 26, 2025
The Pride of a Nation will bring it Low
As for the pride I see in those who think they have chosen the man for the hour, I have this to say;
It seems to me that the Lord has left the American people to their own choices and devices. It does not mean He is not in control, a part of God's control is to take His hand of protection off of our country and allow us to do our own thing our own way without Him.
Then we will see the foolishness of our own thinking and doing things our own way. Attributing to God the election of our president is like saying God has relinquished His power to us.
He has merely given us what we want, that is, "a government for the people and by the people." It is definitely not a government "for God and by God." Think about it.
It seems to me that the Lord has left the American people to their own choices and devices. It does not mean He is not in control, a part of God's control is to take His hand of protection off of our country and allow us to do our own thing our own way without Him.
Then we will see the foolishness of our own thinking and doing things our own way. Attributing to God the election of our president is like saying God has relinquished His power to us.
He has merely given us what we want, that is, "a government for the people and by the people." It is definitely not a government "for God and by God." Think about it.
God Puts Leaders in and Takes Them Out
For years, I have been hearing Christians quote from scripture that "God puts in power those He wishes and takes out those He wishes."
Here might be a wiser way of looking at this that most have never thought about.
It seems to me that the Lord has left the American people to their own choices and devices.
It does not mean He is not in control, a part of God's control is to take His hand of protection off of our country and allow us to do our own thing our own way without Him.
Then we will see the foolishness of our own thinking and doing things our own way.
Attributing to God the election of our president is like saying God has relinquished His power to us. He has merely given us what we want, that is, "a government for the people and by the people." It is definitely not a government "for God and by God." Think about it.
Sometimes it is overwhelming how much of Christianity is based on cultural thinking rather than God's Word.
Romans 13:1
"13 Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."
The question might be how God establishes governments. Perhaps through the hearts of the people, giving the people what they want, good or bad, will determine the course of a nation.
God gave Israel a king because they wanted one, like the rest of the world, instead of being satisfied with God as their ruler. So God gave them a king, one of their choosing, and it was a disaster in the end.
Once people have tasted the freedom of choosing their own leader, they rarely turn back to God to allow Him to do it.
Saul became consumed with pride and power, jealousy and disobedience led Him to eventually take his own life. He began to rely on his own ideas, his own power, and popularity from the people, and it caused God to come against him.
Saul began to depend on his own abilities and power, determined to control his own fate, he fell on his sword when he saw that he was defeated.
God allowed circumstances to punish Saul for his pride and rebellion. God didn't make him choose the wrong things or force him to fall on his own sword; he let the consequences of his pride determine his end.
As I see it, the ability to choose our own leaders does not mean we will be safe if we get the leader we want.
The nation still remains rebellious against God, the churches are preaching a man-centered gospel, and believers are disobeying the Bible more than they obey.
At this time, there is a false sense of safety in their choice of a man. As though the man will save the country, it's not about God at all, but the choice of the people based on their extreme sense of need for personal safety and prosperity and their worship of freedom above any dedication to Christ.
May believers stop trusting in a man and remember their home is in heaven, trusting in Christ is our mandate.
Emotionally Immature People
Emotionally immature people interpret feedback for their actions as personal attacks. It is impossible to resolve situations with someone who will not listen and only rejects the criticism out of hand to protect their ego.
A young woman was confronted by her mother with her rude behavior, and the answer that came back was, "I guess I am just the big, bad daughter." Notice she didn't deny what she had done, only that she saw the confrontation as a personal attack instead of an attempt on the mother's part to correct rude behavior. She misinterpreted the confrontation as hate and that the mother thought she was "all bad."
Since someone who is prideful needs to feel superior and all knowing without flaws, they cannot stand to be told they are wrong or in need of repentance.
This young woman didn't stop to consider what was being said at all; she immediately reacted to the challenge in defensiveness. Because there was no sorrow over her bad behavior, the stance of defensiveness over the years grew stronger than ever, causing a total breakdown in the relationship.
When a born-again believer has been confronted with a wrong they have done, their first response ought to be, "I am so sorry, help me understand what happened so I can make it right."
When there is an immediate rejection of the challenge with justification or denial, we know that intense pride is involved. Often, not only is there justification and denial there is also the subsequent punishment for confronting them, and next is the gossip to others their version of events.
This same person consistently demonstrated over the years an inability to say she was sorry to anyone; there was always an excuse, but never an apology. And, any attempt to resolve something was met with accusations and gossip to others.
When we encounter someone who will not resolve a problem with love in their hearts and a desire to build their own character through acknowledgement of sin and sorrow over the act, there is nothing more we can do to reconcile.
When there is no repentance for wrongs done, the heart grows harder and less likely to be able to humble themselves to admit the change needed in their behavior.
In my experience, those who love Christ and walk with Him daily rarely do mean things to others. If they make a mistake that harms someone else, it is not deliberate, and they quickly confess it because their heart loves the one who was harmed.
Born-again believers hate harming others even in the smallest ways. They live in a continual mindset of Christ likeness, desiring to be kind because they have the fruit of the Spirit of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Is the offended party forgiving of the one who did them harm? Since forgiveness is for the purpose of resolving a relationship when someone displays sorrow over the offense, the forgiveness in the heart of the offended party cannot be expressed to the offender. The offender is not expressing sorrow over the offense, so neither can forgiveness be expressed.
Luke 17:3-4 "…3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
However, when we love others who offend us, we treat them with the kindness and respect they never gave to us, this is not forgiveness. The relationship is not restored, and there may be a distance required to avoid being continually reoffended. Those who are not sorry are always repeat offenders because their mindset is one of control over others, never about reconciliation. Those who walk in sin, justifying it, will grow worse over the years until they realize their stubborn heart and repent to be born again.
Those who are confronted about sinful behavior and reject the one who is attempting to resolve things cannot be convinced by frequent or continual presence in their lives. We must walk away and leave them to God; He knows better than we what the offender needs to come to repentance.
Our goal and hope are always reconciliation, but this is not always possible with those who have elevated themselves above others. They have a drivenness to remain superior, which does not allow them close relationships and a repentant nature.
All of us must evaluate ourselves to see if we have any wicked ways in us. Those who do this will grow in holiness as they confess to God and those they offend regularly sinful thoughts before they become actions.
May every born-again believer pray for humility to walk in love and all the fruit of the Spirit continually.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
A young woman was confronted by her mother with her rude behavior, and the answer that came back was, "I guess I am just the big, bad daughter." Notice she didn't deny what she had done, only that she saw the confrontation as a personal attack instead of an attempt on the mother's part to correct rude behavior. She misinterpreted the confrontation as hate and that the mother thought she was "all bad."
Since someone who is prideful needs to feel superior and all knowing without flaws, they cannot stand to be told they are wrong or in need of repentance.
This young woman didn't stop to consider what was being said at all; she immediately reacted to the challenge in defensiveness. Because there was no sorrow over her bad behavior, the stance of defensiveness over the years grew stronger than ever, causing a total breakdown in the relationship.
When a born-again believer has been confronted with a wrong they have done, their first response ought to be, "I am so sorry, help me understand what happened so I can make it right."
When there is an immediate rejection of the challenge with justification or denial, we know that intense pride is involved. Often, not only is there justification and denial there is also the subsequent punishment for confronting them, and next is the gossip to others their version of events.
This same person consistently demonstrated over the years an inability to say she was sorry to anyone; there was always an excuse, but never an apology. And, any attempt to resolve something was met with accusations and gossip to others.
When we encounter someone who will not resolve a problem with love in their hearts and a desire to build their own character through acknowledgement of sin and sorrow over the act, there is nothing more we can do to reconcile.
When there is no repentance for wrongs done, the heart grows harder and less likely to be able to humble themselves to admit the change needed in their behavior.
In my experience, those who love Christ and walk with Him daily rarely do mean things to others. If they make a mistake that harms someone else, it is not deliberate, and they quickly confess it because their heart loves the one who was harmed.
Born-again believers hate harming others even in the smallest ways. They live in a continual mindset of Christ likeness, desiring to be kind because they have the fruit of the Spirit of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Is the offended party forgiving of the one who did them harm? Since forgiveness is for the purpose of resolving a relationship when someone displays sorrow over the offense, the forgiveness in the heart of the offended party cannot be expressed to the offender. The offender is not expressing sorrow over the offense, so neither can forgiveness be expressed.
Luke 17:3-4 "…3 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
However, when we love others who offend us, we treat them with the kindness and respect they never gave to us, this is not forgiveness. The relationship is not restored, and there may be a distance required to avoid being continually reoffended. Those who are not sorry are always repeat offenders because their mindset is one of control over others, never about reconciliation. Those who walk in sin, justifying it, will grow worse over the years until they realize their stubborn heart and repent to be born again.
Those who are confronted about sinful behavior and reject the one who is attempting to resolve things cannot be convinced by frequent or continual presence in their lives. We must walk away and leave them to God; He knows better than we what the offender needs to come to repentance.
Our goal and hope are always reconciliation, but this is not always possible with those who have elevated themselves above others. They have a drivenness to remain superior, which does not allow them close relationships and a repentant nature.
All of us must evaluate ourselves to see if we have any wicked ways in us. Those who do this will grow in holiness as they confess to God and those they offend regularly sinful thoughts before they become actions.
May every born-again believer pray for humility to walk in love and all the fruit of the Spirit continually.
Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Friday, July 25, 2025
Anger from those who live in Fear!
Those who are easily angered live under the bondage of fear. They fear loss of control over others. They fear being exposed for what they know is their real character. They fear being rejected by men and they fear not being respected. They do not care about being loved as long as people elevate them. They love it when others dread their disapproval.
Why do they fear all these things? They fear all this because they know how much they reject others, judge others, demean and mock others, and their attempts to dominate and control others give them special status in their own minds.
Those who walk in fear cannot feel whole or full of purpose unless others are fawning over them, elevating them to a level above everyone else.
Those who are like this do not love anyone and cannot stand for others to achieve something they cannot do. There is no appreciation for others, whether it be their God given personalities or their unique talents and qualities.
There is a complete lack of obedience to God's Word, leaving doubt that they were ever born again.
1 Corinthians 13:4-84 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
If we are to walk with Christ in authenticity, we will desire to be like Him. Valuing others' freedom to choose their path, even embracing the way God made them. We will love them, concerned about their walk with Christ, but never making rules for them that God never made, and never judging the small matters that are not sin, and that are none of our business.
Fear drives hate, it dominates and ruins the lives who are controlled by it as well as other relationships. Satan loves to instill fear and foster rebellion against God through busybodies and prideful self-promoters.
When our focus is Christ, we have little time to evaluate every nuance of the lives of others to diminish them to elevate self. No one who loves Christ with their whole heart seeks to elevate self, they are too busy elevating Christ.
Why do they fear all these things? They fear all this because they know how much they reject others, judge others, demean and mock others, and their attempts to dominate and control others give them special status in their own minds.
Those who walk in fear cannot feel whole or full of purpose unless others are fawning over them, elevating them to a level above everyone else.
Those who are like this do not love anyone and cannot stand for others to achieve something they cannot do. There is no appreciation for others, whether it be their God given personalities or their unique talents and qualities.
There is a complete lack of obedience to God's Word, leaving doubt that they were ever born again.
1 Corinthians 13:4-84 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
If we are to walk with Christ in authenticity, we will desire to be like Him. Valuing others' freedom to choose their path, even embracing the way God made them. We will love them, concerned about their walk with Christ, but never making rules for them that God never made, and never judging the small matters that are not sin, and that are none of our business.
Fear drives hate, it dominates and ruins the lives who are controlled by it as well as other relationships. Satan loves to instill fear and foster rebellion against God through busybodies and prideful self-promoters.
When our focus is Christ, we have little time to evaluate every nuance of the lives of others to diminish them to elevate self. No one who loves Christ with their whole heart seeks to elevate self, they are too busy elevating Christ.
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