Wednesday, June 10, 2015
It Won't Be Long Now
Unfortunately every time someone does that date setting about the rapture, a part of me says in my heart, "I hope they are right." LOL I want to be useful until Christ comes, knowing that no one should think they will know the exact day, but I yearn to be out of this ever increasingly wicked world. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 is here right now, it is so hard to watch.
It seemed as though most people thought in rational and sensible ways when we were children, that the irrational and self absorbed were the fringe elements that mainstream society looked down upon.
Now the rational, sensible and empathetic person is the rare fringe that the general populous looks down on, or perhaps it is just my limited view in this part of the country.
Every day I see more foolishness in the news pertaining to government legislation, more foolishness in the apostate church and few people who act as though they care about anything except their own pleasure and prosperity.
The professing Christians seem to have little concern about the plight of anyone else and have targeted believers for rejection, who speak boldly and openly against sin. Sin is rampant in the organized church, so much so that if it were dealt with, more than half the congregation would retreat while the other half would usher the prophet out of the gathering to be shunned for administering correction or rebuke.
When silly phrases like "don't judge" are used by leaders in the church and correction is seen as rude, we know there is little time left before the return of Christ.
Judges 17:6 "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Proverbs 16:5 "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished."
Proverbs 26:12 "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Why do believers write so often about the last days? I believe it is because they are watching the end times scenario as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-7, almost in disbelief knowing what they are seeing, is from the Word but feeling dismayed at the meanness of this stretch in history. I am sure those in Hitler's Germany who were believers had the same sense that we do today. That was one region of the world, now we are dealing with the entire world engaging in evil.
We were all taught to be kind as we were growing up, and most people had some semblance of decency in our communities, but now indecency has been cannonized as a right and anyone who shows irritation at it is treated as though they are legalistically insane.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 is a passage that I write about frequently, perhaps to show the discouraged believer that they are not alone in their assessment of the condition of the world, but also that what they see in their families is the condition of the last days. They are not insane, they are not paranoid or strange, but they are the sane ones seeing things the way they really are and feeling grieved about it.
Matthew 10:35-36 "35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household."
May I encourage those who see with their eyes wide open, that others are seeing it too, we did not cause it as believers walking with Christ and it is going to get worse. Keep hanging on to Christ, meditate on His Word, know His will in your hearts and you will be encouraged, even excited that we are almost home, the journey is almost over and Christ is waiting to be sent to take us with Him.
A believer who loves the Lord so much that he/she desires to talk about little else, that Christ and His ways consume their thoughts continually, will be discarded by those who want to have one foot in the world, enjoying this life more than they enjoy Christ. A dedicated believer can think of nothing else except Christ and His Word.
When we know what is in store for us as born again believers we can rejoice!
It seemed as though most people thought in rational and sensible ways when we were children, that the irrational and self absorbed were the fringe elements that mainstream society looked down upon.
Now the rational, sensible and empathetic person is the rare fringe that the general populous looks down on, or perhaps it is just my limited view in this part of the country.
Every day I see more foolishness in the news pertaining to government legislation, more foolishness in the apostate church and few people who act as though they care about anything except their own pleasure and prosperity.
The professing Christians seem to have little concern about the plight of anyone else and have targeted believers for rejection, who speak boldly and openly against sin. Sin is rampant in the organized church, so much so that if it were dealt with, more than half the congregation would retreat while the other half would usher the prophet out of the gathering to be shunned for administering correction or rebuke.
When silly phrases like "don't judge" are used by leaders in the church and correction is seen as rude, we know there is little time left before the return of Christ.
Judges 17:6 "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Proverbs 16:5 "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished."
Proverbs 26:12 "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
Why do believers write so often about the last days? I believe it is because they are watching the end times scenario as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-7, almost in disbelief knowing what they are seeing, is from the Word but feeling dismayed at the meanness of this stretch in history. I am sure those in Hitler's Germany who were believers had the same sense that we do today. That was one region of the world, now we are dealing with the entire world engaging in evil.
We were all taught to be kind as we were growing up, and most people had some semblance of decency in our communities, but now indecency has been cannonized as a right and anyone who shows irritation at it is treated as though they are legalistically insane.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 is a passage that I write about frequently, perhaps to show the discouraged believer that they are not alone in their assessment of the condition of the world, but also that what they see in their families is the condition of the last days. They are not insane, they are not paranoid or strange, but they are the sane ones seeing things the way they really are and feeling grieved about it.
Matthew 10:35-36 "35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household."
May I encourage those who see with their eyes wide open, that others are seeing it too, we did not cause it as believers walking with Christ and it is going to get worse. Keep hanging on to Christ, meditate on His Word, know His will in your hearts and you will be encouraged, even excited that we are almost home, the journey is almost over and Christ is waiting to be sent to take us with Him.
A believer who loves the Lord so much that he/she desires to talk about little else, that Christ and His ways consume their thoughts continually, will be discarded by those who want to have one foot in the world, enjoying this life more than they enjoy Christ. A dedicated believer can think of nothing else except Christ and His Word.
When we know what is in store for us as born again believers we can rejoice!
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
The structure of the Cross A Distraction
I see the structure of a cross as a representation of Christianity, as a distraction. We owned a business, a customer came in wearing a huge gold cross, I asked him what he thought that cross did for him. His answer was that it protected him from the police. He was clearly a drug dealer flashing around a large wad of bills. He used that symbol as an amulet like a magic charm that did his bidding.
Objects always get perverted because mankind cannot seem to believe in anything unless they have something to look at. Remove their idols and watch them self destruct. It is best to preach "walking by faith", forcing them to turn to an unseen God rather than trusting in an inanimate object that has no power at all.
Many people who are not born again feel safe because there is a cross in the room. Remove their object of perceived safety and they will better hear the gospel.
We see no command in the Word of God to place a cross as a representation, what we do hear God say is this: "walk by faith not by sight."
It is human nature to place our trust in things we can see. Eliminate those objects and one is force to look to the unseen Holy God instead.
Objects always get perverted because mankind cannot seem to believe in anything unless they have something to look at. Remove their idols and watch them self destruct. It is best to preach "walking by faith", forcing them to turn to an unseen God rather than trusting in an inanimate object that has no power at all.
Many people who are not born again feel safe because there is a cross in the room. Remove their object of perceived safety and they will better hear the gospel.
We see no command in the Word of God to place a cross as a representation, what we do hear God say is this: "walk by faith not by sight."
It is human nature to place our trust in things we can see. Eliminate those objects and one is force to look to the unseen Holy God instead.
We Have Heard the Death Rattle
We have heard the final death rattle of America!
Our nation has delivered the ultimate and deliberate blow in the acceptance and endorsement of same sex unions not only by the public institutions but at the highest levels or our government right up to the presidency.
This opens the door for apostate churches to embrace what God clearly condemns. Very few people think for themselves and even fewer people actually seek God on the matters of morality.
Those who claim to be believers, but have not been born again, have always had their toe over the line, now they have removed the line entirely, going so far as to rail against true born again believers, for speaking God's truth, expecting believers to actually desire and follow the principles of Christ as written in His Word. Even more sadly those who agree with the born agains, stand silently in the corner, too cowardly to come along side those who would speak truth, allowing the apostate to believe they have rallied to the side of the reprobate.
When we as a nation validate wickedness even punishing those who refuse to accept it, we have crossed over into arena of total rejection of God.
There were a number of years "Christians" basically ignored God and His principles, now they have become hostile toward Him and arrogantly incensed at anyone who would suggest them as a way of life.
Galatians 6:7 "7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Those who desire to believe themselves to be good or special are the hardest to reach, they have elevated their own status in their own minds to such a degree that they are gods unto themselves.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 For those who have been reading my page, you already know what this passage says, for those who have not been reading this page, please read from your Bible this passage, it may shock you that we are in the middle of what is described in these passages.
Our nation has delivered the ultimate and deliberate blow in the acceptance and endorsement of same sex unions not only by the public institutions but at the highest levels or our government right up to the presidency.
This opens the door for apostate churches to embrace what God clearly condemns. Very few people think for themselves and even fewer people actually seek God on the matters of morality.
Those who claim to be believers, but have not been born again, have always had their toe over the line, now they have removed the line entirely, going so far as to rail against true born again believers, for speaking God's truth, expecting believers to actually desire and follow the principles of Christ as written in His Word. Even more sadly those who agree with the born agains, stand silently in the corner, too cowardly to come along side those who would speak truth, allowing the apostate to believe they have rallied to the side of the reprobate.
When we as a nation validate wickedness even punishing those who refuse to accept it, we have crossed over into arena of total rejection of God.
There were a number of years "Christians" basically ignored God and His principles, now they have become hostile toward Him and arrogantly incensed at anyone who would suggest them as a way of life.
Galatians 6:7 "7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
Those who desire to believe themselves to be good or special are the hardest to reach, they have elevated their own status in their own minds to such a degree that they are gods unto themselves.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 For those who have been reading my page, you already know what this passage says, for those who have not been reading this page, please read from your Bible this passage, it may shock you that we are in the middle of what is described in these passages.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Amulet Mantra Praying My New Phrase
I have coined a new phrase:
Amulet Mantra Praying: definition: Praying the words of someone else to effect a certain result we desire, usually material wealth or physical health.
Those who would "pray the prayer of Jabez", are using this form of praying, neglecting how Christ told us to pray, in favor of the prayer of a man.
Notice Jabez never asked anyone else to pray his way?
Amulet Mantra Praying: definition: Praying the words of someone else to effect a certain result we desire, usually material wealth or physical health.
Those who would "pray the prayer of Jabez", are using this form of praying, neglecting how Christ told us to pray, in favor of the prayer of a man.
Notice Jabez never asked anyone else to pray his way?
Do Not Believe the Miracles Alone
Just this morning I listened to a talk given by Jonathan Cahn on his book the "Harbinger", that sounded very convincing, but brought up questions in my mind. The first question was, "could this be a violation of the scripture that says not to add to God's Word", the second question was, why do we need new revelation when the Bible has all that we need.
Sadly many people will be drawn into this "signs and wonders" mentality through the cleverness of its delivery. I was enticed myself the first time that I heard a small portion of Mr. Cahn's talk. As I listened I was struck with the fact that a believer in Christ has no need of warnings such as this, we already know the plight of a nation that rejects God from the warnings already written in the Bible.
Mr. Cahn used a phrase that I believe was a clue as to his particular belief bent. He said; "the real name of Jesus, in referrence to the name "Yeshua." That is a phrase that many "Hebrew Roots" movement proponents use. Then there is the problem of assigning miracles for and pertaining to Israel directly to the United States. While Mr. Cahn may not be involved in the Hebrew Roots mess, he definitely has a legalistic view of the name of Christ.
There are those who like to take the events in the Bible and make them applicable to modern day, which is often a mistake. We understand that the events of the past teach us principles about how God deals with sin and rebellion, but attempting to recreate the exact same events that occurred in Israel applying them to America today is problematic.
There were people a few years ago who began praying "the prayer of Jabez", as though we should do just what Jabez did, to avoid appearing materialistic, since the prayer of Jabez was a prayer to enlarge his property, those who wanted to be blessed prayed his prayer, spiritualizing it to mean spirital blessing. They felt a need to do exactly what Jabez did, hoping to get what he got. However, they perverted the prayer of Jabez, claiming to pray what he prayed while changing the purpose and meaning of his prayer. Guess what...I think they were spiritualizing verbally, but secretly inside they wanted to "enlarge their borders" materially. They thought if they prayed this prayer, their mantra would bring them a cushy and happy life. Had they been spiritual, they would have ignored the frenzy of popularity toward the prayer of Jabez. Another clue, is when a particular act or prayer becomes popular among apostate churches, they have no spirituality or personal relationship of their own with God, so they must borrow from other ancient writers.
Christ gave us the way to pray in His Word, principles in ways to express ourselves, without repeating the exact words of Christ. The prayer God gave us was given to understand an attitude toward God that would please Him. No where in the Word does God say to pray the prayer of Jabez, He tells us to pray in this way, not exactly the Words, but in our own words based on these principles:
Matthew 6:9-13
"9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
We know that God does not want us to just repeat the words of the Lord's prayer because He said this:
Matthew 6:7
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
He wants us to address the Father in great reverence, accept His will, ask for what we need, forgive others as He has forgiven us, keep us from temptation; perhaps being specific about which temptations plague us, keep us from all evil and then praise Him for His love for us, His protection and provision for us. All prayer should be in our own words deeply from our own heart, and never a mantra repeated over and over, never someone else's prayer.
Any time someone comes forward with a "vision" or a "dream" or a word from the Lord for others, I am highly suspect. We have the Word of God, the principles in that Word and how God operates in nations. We have the character of God to show us right from wrong, there is no need for new visions or dreams to warn the people of disaster coming, it is already in the Word.
I have known for some time now that our nation is in danger of God's judgement, I didn't need a dream or vision, I had the Word and the Holy Spirit that informed me of what would be coming if we continued to dishonor and spurn God. If the Lord leads, I tell others of this warning, using His already written word and my own voice through the power of the Holy Spirit to convey the warnings for this country.
One more vision or dream will not convince the people, if they would not hear the Word of God, they will not listen when another miracle happens they will simply misinterpret it or explain it away.
The Word of God is what God gave us to speak boldly, any new visions or miracles are not need and even often distract people from knowing God. Far too many people are looking for miracles because they lack faith, they already don't believe God through His Word, why would they believe another miracle. They might show temporary interest, but it quickly dissipates as they feel no immediate consequence from the warning. Many get excited as they did with the movie, "The Passion of Christ", but when the emotions die down, they go on their merry way to continue as they always have. When God works in the hearts of men through the Scriptures and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that is what makes true born again believers.
Pentecostals are often looking for visions or a special Word for two reasons, they love to appear special by getting a word for someone else, while neglecting their own superficial lives. The second reason they love these things is because they lack faith. They walk by sight and must have continual miracles to keep them on their superficially spiritual high.
Do not trust in dreams and visions, satan is going to use them to distract us, pervert our view of Scripture and dumb down our walk. Those who are not born again, must hear the gospel to be born again, all the miracles in the world will not make them more interested in the gospel.
Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
God never told us to look for miracles for our wisdom and truth or warning, He told us to know His Word.
Matthew 12:39 "But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;"
Those who desire signs and wonders, are those who have pride and lack faith!
The definition of faith;
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Sadly many people will be drawn into this "signs and wonders" mentality through the cleverness of its delivery. I was enticed myself the first time that I heard a small portion of Mr. Cahn's talk. As I listened I was struck with the fact that a believer in Christ has no need of warnings such as this, we already know the plight of a nation that rejects God from the warnings already written in the Bible.
Mr. Cahn used a phrase that I believe was a clue as to his particular belief bent. He said; "the real name of Jesus, in referrence to the name "Yeshua." That is a phrase that many "Hebrew Roots" movement proponents use. Then there is the problem of assigning miracles for and pertaining to Israel directly to the United States. While Mr. Cahn may not be involved in the Hebrew Roots mess, he definitely has a legalistic view of the name of Christ.
There are those who like to take the events in the Bible and make them applicable to modern day, which is often a mistake. We understand that the events of the past teach us principles about how God deals with sin and rebellion, but attempting to recreate the exact same events that occurred in Israel applying them to America today is problematic.
There were people a few years ago who began praying "the prayer of Jabez", as though we should do just what Jabez did, to avoid appearing materialistic, since the prayer of Jabez was a prayer to enlarge his property, those who wanted to be blessed prayed his prayer, spiritualizing it to mean spirital blessing. They felt a need to do exactly what Jabez did, hoping to get what he got. However, they perverted the prayer of Jabez, claiming to pray what he prayed while changing the purpose and meaning of his prayer. Guess what...I think they were spiritualizing verbally, but secretly inside they wanted to "enlarge their borders" materially. They thought if they prayed this prayer, their mantra would bring them a cushy and happy life. Had they been spiritual, they would have ignored the frenzy of popularity toward the prayer of Jabez. Another clue, is when a particular act or prayer becomes popular among apostate churches, they have no spirituality or personal relationship of their own with God, so they must borrow from other ancient writers.
Christ gave us the way to pray in His Word, principles in ways to express ourselves, without repeating the exact words of Christ. The prayer God gave us was given to understand an attitude toward God that would please Him. No where in the Word does God say to pray the prayer of Jabez, He tells us to pray in this way, not exactly the Words, but in our own words based on these principles:
Matthew 6:9-13
"9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
We know that God does not want us to just repeat the words of the Lord's prayer because He said this:
Matthew 6:7
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
He wants us to address the Father in great reverence, accept His will, ask for what we need, forgive others as He has forgiven us, keep us from temptation; perhaps being specific about which temptations plague us, keep us from all evil and then praise Him for His love for us, His protection and provision for us. All prayer should be in our own words deeply from our own heart, and never a mantra repeated over and over, never someone else's prayer.
Any time someone comes forward with a "vision" or a "dream" or a word from the Lord for others, I am highly suspect. We have the Word of God, the principles in that Word and how God operates in nations. We have the character of God to show us right from wrong, there is no need for new visions or dreams to warn the people of disaster coming, it is already in the Word.
I have known for some time now that our nation is in danger of God's judgement, I didn't need a dream or vision, I had the Word and the Holy Spirit that informed me of what would be coming if we continued to dishonor and spurn God. If the Lord leads, I tell others of this warning, using His already written word and my own voice through the power of the Holy Spirit to convey the warnings for this country.
One more vision or dream will not convince the people, if they would not hear the Word of God, they will not listen when another miracle happens they will simply misinterpret it or explain it away.
The Word of God is what God gave us to speak boldly, any new visions or miracles are not need and even often distract people from knowing God. Far too many people are looking for miracles because they lack faith, they already don't believe God through His Word, why would they believe another miracle. They might show temporary interest, but it quickly dissipates as they feel no immediate consequence from the warning. Many get excited as they did with the movie, "The Passion of Christ", but when the emotions die down, they go on their merry way to continue as they always have. When God works in the hearts of men through the Scriptures and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that is what makes true born again believers.
Pentecostals are often looking for visions or a special Word for two reasons, they love to appear special by getting a word for someone else, while neglecting their own superficial lives. The second reason they love these things is because they lack faith. They walk by sight and must have continual miracles to keep them on their superficially spiritual high.
Do not trust in dreams and visions, satan is going to use them to distract us, pervert our view of Scripture and dumb down our walk. Those who are not born again, must hear the gospel to be born again, all the miracles in the world will not make them more interested in the gospel.
Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
God never told us to look for miracles for our wisdom and truth or warning, He told us to know His Word.
Matthew 12:39 "But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;"
Those who desire signs and wonders, are those who have pride and lack faith!
The definition of faith;
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
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