Category: priorities

Time, Talent and Treasure (2025 Goal Setting)

There are only a few more days of 2024, then the calendar rolls to 2025. So what will next year be like? What’s in store? And most importantly it’s time to think about: what can I do with what I’ve been given? How will I make what I have grow?

TIME

Time is limited here on earth, there is a “time for everything”, time is a God given “resource” that isn’t replenished, once it passes, it’s gone; so how we spend our time is important. The Book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon was given both great wisdom and wealth and wrote about “time.” His conclusion is this:

When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:13 written ~970-930 BC

The Book of Ecclesiastes has valuable insights we can apply to our own life, it’s a quick read, only 12 brief chapters. Here is a link to chapter 1: Ecclesiastes 1

Jesus reminded his disciple, John, of this “reward” in the vision when Jesus appeared to him on the island of Patmos after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus said:

“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”- Revelation 22:12-13 written ~90 – 96 AD

Every year of life we are given by God has a purpose; seek Him (pray to God) to understand the purpose He has for us; don’t waste time while living because we will be rewarded according to what we have done. God gave us free will to choose what we want to do with our time, but the wisdom is knowing that God ultimately gives us: what we choose. He allows us to choose evil rather than good, or good rather than evil, and one day we will get the “reward” for this (good or bad). So be intentional with choices; understand what the future holds and plan for this today.

TALENT

Each of us is created uniquely and gifted by God with a distinct personality, talent, ability, skill, etc. How are we using that talent we’ve been given (for God’s kingdom ultimately)? If we CHOOSE (of our own free will) to ask God for the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will start to change us so that we love what God loves and hate what God hates. (Yes God actually hates 7 things: here’s the list.) Once we willingly agree to “surrender” to God’s will (here is the surrender prayer Jesus taught), if we ask for the Holy Spirit, we will receive. The Holy Spirit gives us “gifts” as He determines what we are ready for, so these are God given spiritual talents. We know from Paul that these spiritual talents (gifts) are given for the following reason:

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:7

In other words, not for our benefit, but for the benefit of others.

The Use of Spiritual Gifts

1Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. 3Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

4Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 7But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. 8To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; 9to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; 10and to another the working of [a]miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. 11All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

12For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so [b]it is with Christ. 13For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed–united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

14For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs]. 15If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 16If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function]. 19If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be? 20But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary; 23and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.

27Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. 28So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love].

[a] 10 I.e. wonderful events or occurrences beyond human capability which manifest the supernatural power of God and fulfill His purpose.
[b] 12 Lit is Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12 (Amplified Version)

Jesus told this story also:

Parable of the Talents

14“For it is just like a man who was about to take a journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his possessions. 15To one he gave five [b]talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey. 16The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he [made a profit and] gained five more. 17Likewise the one who had two [made a profit and] gained two more. 18But the one who had received the one went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19“Now after a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20And the one who had received the five talents came and brought him five more, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted to me five talents. See, I have [made a profit and] gained five more talents.’ 21His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’

22“Also the one who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have [made a profit and] gained two more talents.’ 23His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’

24“The one who had received one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a harsh and demanding man, reaping [the harvest] where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter seed. 25So I was afraid [to lose the talent], and I went and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is your own.’

26“But his master answered him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap [the harvest] where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed. 27Then you ought to have put my money with the bankers, and at my return I would have received my money back with interest. 28So take the talent away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

29“For to everyone who has [and values his blessings and gifts from God, and has used them wisely], more will be given, and [he will be richly supplied so that] he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have [because he has ignored or disregarded his blessings and gifts from God], even what he does have will be taken away. 30And throw out the worthless servant into the outer darkness; in that place [of grief and torment] there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger]. Matthew 25 (Amplified version)

TREASURE

God gives wealth to some, He gave it to Solomon, He gave it Job, but just like “talents” and other gifts of the Holy Spirit, wealth is a resource, to be used for the benefit of others. When we have a healthy relationship with wealth, it will be used for the good of others. But if we love wealth more than God, it will lead us into evil. (For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. Not money itself, but the love of it more than God. Here is a link to this topic in scripture.) This truth is the same for the gifts of the Spirit: if we don’t use the gifts properly for others and use it selfishly for our own benefit, it will lead us into evil. Gifts and wealth are “resources” to be used for a purpose and nothing more than that. Job is aware of this when he says:

Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked I will return.

The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away.

Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

In all this, Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing. – Job 1: 20-22

This first chapter of the Book of Job is insightful: (link)

Jesus gave this example:

The Parables of the Treasure and the Pearl

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it. Matthew 13: 44-46

Reading these verses again today, this stood out: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Treasure (when we discover it, we will give all we have to keep it) but also The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Merchant (a person) looking for “fine pearls” – God’s children (believers) are the “fine pearls” and Jesus is like the Merchant who gave his life (all he had) to “purchase” us (by Jesus’ death on the cross) from evil.

No greater love is this than for someone to give his life for another. – 1 John 15:13

God is looking for believers who love Him back. Jesus said this:

Treasures in Heaven
(Luke 12:32–34)

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus also said this:

I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.

Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches? And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?

No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:9-13

As we roll into 2025: What are your plans for the Time, Talents and Treasure God has given you?

I pray for abundant blessings to you, from God, for all who read and take this post to heart truly seek God’s will and purpose! Happy New Year!

by Categories: bible study, FAITH, FAMILY, GOALS, God, Improvement, Make It Count, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPSTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

The Gift and Power of The Holy Spirit

Here we go again: I’m not only awakened at 4:30 am with “Holy Spirit” on my mind, but wide awake. Immediately, the thought of interrupting my ongoing Bible Study podcast (which is currently covering the Book of Judges) and sharing what I’ve learned the past five years about the Holy Spirit with others. But then I thought: I have all this in my head and people will not believe what I’m saying if I don’t reference scripture. But that’s how it is with me today: it’s in my head, I know it’s in scripture, but I need to search to find the book, chapter and verse. That’s why the written form is helpful: for those who want to confirm what I’m saying; because we shouldn’t “blindly” trust anyone! This article is for EVERYONE seeking a closer relationship with God, wanting to be in God’s Kingdom.

WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The most important reason to care about receiving the Holy Spirit is because Jesus/Yeshua said this is the way we enter the Kingdom of God. I’m not forgetting that Jesus/Yeshua said “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through me.” John 14:6 but this is our ticket to get into God’s literal, physical and spiritual Kingdom: receiving the Holy Spirit! Jesus/Yeshua also said: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3, “born of the Spirit” and John the Baptist said: “As for me, I baptize you [only] with water; but One who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I is coming, and I am not fit to untie the strap of His sandals [even as His slave]. He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit and [you who remain unrepentant] with fire.” Luke 3:16, John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. Mark 1:4 Jesus/Yeshua is the one who will ask the Father and send the Holy Spirit to us. John 14:16

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Jesus/Yeshua also said: 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:11-13

FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:21-23 (It’s helpful to study this entire Chapter 5)

In the AMP version, it helps us comprehend this more clearly: But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Evidence of the Holy Spirit: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. 2 Timothy 1:7

WHEN DOES THIS HAPPEN?

This is up to Jesus/Yeshua. He will give us the Holy Spirit without asking, by surprise either BEFORE: 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message [confirming God’s acceptance of Gentiles]. 45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them talking in [unknown] tongues (languages) and exalting and magnifying and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone refuse water for these people to be baptized, since they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” Acts 10:44-47

or AFTER water baptism: 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that [the people of] Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 They came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for He had not yet fallen on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus [as His possession]. Acts 8:14-16

But as mentioned earlier, Jesus/Yeshua told his followers: 12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name [[a]as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it. John 14:12-14

DO YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT? ASK JESUS/YESHUA!

All we need to do is ask Jesus/Yeshua because we know this IS according to God’s will! Remember that even Jesus/Yeshua prayed when he was in the garden before he was crucified: saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.” Luke 22:42 The Holy Spirit will not be given to someone who is not fully surrendered to God. Remember the story of Simon the Sorcerer?

Simon the Sorcerer

9 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.” 11 They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

24 Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

25 After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages. Acts 8: 9-25

BENEFITS OF HAVING THE HOLY SPIRIT

18 He [Jesus/Yeshua] said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning. 19 Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on [a]serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20

RESPONSIBILITY AFTER RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT

10 Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every city and place where He was about to go. 2 He was saying to them, “The harvest is abundant [for there are many who need to hear the good news about salvation], but the workers [those available to proclaim the message of salvation] are few. Therefore, [prayerfully] ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; listen carefully: I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not carry a money belt, a provision bag, or [extra] sandals; and do not [b]greet anyone along the way [who would delay you]. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘[c]Peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God] to this house.’ 6 And if anyone of peace is there [someone who is sweet-spirited and hospitable], your [blessing of] peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not move from house to house. 8 Whenever you go into a city and they welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 and heal those in it who are sick [authenticating your message], and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you [breaking all ties]; yet understand this, that the kingdom of God has come near [and you rejected it].’ 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable in that day [of judgment] for Sodom than for that city.

13 “Woe (judgment is coming) to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented and changed their minds long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes [to show deep regret for sin]. 14 However, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades (the realm of the dead).

16 “The one who listens to you listens to Me; and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and the one who rejects Me rejects Him [My heavenly Father] who sent Me.”

The Joyous Results

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18 He said to them, “I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning. 19 Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on [d]serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

21 In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the [e]wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight. 22 All things have been transferred and turned over to Me by My Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”

23 Then turning to His disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see, 24 for I say to you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and they did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

25 And a certain lawyer [an expert in Mosaic Law] stood up to test Him, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this habitually and you will live.” 29 But he, wishing to justify and vindicate himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Parable of the Good Samaritan

30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he encountered robbers, who stripped him of his clothes [and belongings], beat him, and went their way [unconcerned], leaving him half dead. 31 Now by coincidence a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite also came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road]. 33 But a Samaritan (foreigner), who was traveling, came upon him; and when he saw him, he was deeply moved with compassion [for him], 34 and went to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them [to sooth and disinfect the injuries]; and he put him on his own pack-animal, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 On the next day he took out two denarii (two days’ wages) and gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I return.’ 36 Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to the man who encountered the robbers?” 37 He answered, “The one who showed compassion and mercy to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and constantly do the same.” Luke 10

THE PRAYER JESUS/YESHUA TAUGHT

9 “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 
‘Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 
‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 
‘And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].
13 
‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.

This is a powerful prayer, taught by the Son of God. With the Power of the Holy Spirit, we pray that God delivers us from evil, protects us. Pay attention: unforgiveness and continual sin stands in our way of receiving this power. The enemy knows this and wants to keep you from power and authority over evil! That’s why “and do not lead us into temptation” is important- protect us because we are weak. Repentance (a full surrender to God’s will) comes first, then the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 6:9-15

PROTECTION: THE SPIRITUAL AMOR OF GOD (HAVING THE HOLY SPIRIT) – PAUL EXPLAINS:

The Armor of God

10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. 14 So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist and having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart), 15 and having [c]strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news]. 16 Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

18 With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people. 19 And pray for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news [of salvation], 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. And pray that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly and courageously, as I should.

21 Now, so that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know how we are, and that he may comfort and encourage and strengthen your hearts.

23 Peace be to the [f]brothers and sisters, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible love. Ephesians 6:10-23

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“Once Saved Always Saved” – or Not?

Three years ago (in 2021) this question made its way to me. I guess every person seeking God comes across this question at some point when exploring beliefs.

My Early Life as a “Christian”

To be honest, as a person who called myself a Christian every since I can remember, I never even thought of this question, it wasn’t a statement in the faith community I was part of. I never personally considered that question, but also wasn’t certain about my eternal destination. I didn’t spend much time thinking about this but considered God’s judgment as something that would happen one day, when I died: I’d be in front of God and I hoped for the best, but believed it was ultimately up to God’s decision, so I’d just have to wait and see what happened. (Looking back, I honestly didn’t understand salvation completely).

Seeking God

I believe God “calls” a person. He sends questions we don’t know the answer to into our thoughts and the “search for answers” begins. (That’s what happened to me.) This involved years of me getting closer (through prayer to God), a little bit at a time, praying about the questions I had and having a desire to become a “better person” until bad things started escalating to high levels in my life and this shocked me. Thankfully I believed in God and didn’t doubt His existence when this happened, but asked Him “WHY?!” is all this happening and especially now at the time I was seeking Him more. I still hadn’t read the bible at this point, but I knew some scripture from what was read in church. I had recently bought a study bible, but it lay unopened on my nightstand. I was pretty upset about the bad things happening in my life at this point and I decided to open that book to a randomly chosen section and start reading. Guess what book it was? Job! This was the first book within the Bible that I read. If you haven’t read Job, it’s about spiritual warfare and God allowing Job to be tested by Satan. Job loses everything, but God restores it later. WOW! That was what I was experiencing (losing everything) but I didn’t understand “why” until I read this. It was a dark time of struggle for me, but reading this helped me so much. It was months later that I finally decided: I need to see what else is in this book! I had more specific questions so I began searching and read the Bible in 3 months (August through October 2019).

Convicted

That’s what happened: scripture convicted me! This interesting part of this is in 2017, I prayed and “surrendered” my life to Jesus one day at church. I wanted God to take control of my life because I wasn’t happy with how my life was going. I prayed morning and evening, but still hadn’t read the bible until 2 years after this “surrender.” (2019) God is patient! But now that I knew the Truth found in scripture, it convicted my way of living and I had a choice to make, I could no longer plead “ignorance” because I knew what scripture said. I had a tough decision to make: continue my way of living or change because it doesn’t align with scripture? I chose God and I knew that decision was good, but it was hard and painful living with that decision. I had to live differently. I tried to bring others on this “journey” with me (that would have been helpful and easier for me if I had someone to join me), but I was rejected by them. I had to do this on my own if I wanted to do this. So I did, my life became more isolated and revolved around consuming a deeper understanding of the Bible and that’s when this statement “Once Saved Always Saved” came across my path.

Once Saved Always Saved

You would think that I would have celebrated when I came across this statement, right? As in, I didn’t need to worry about what I did, how I lived because I was “saved.” The work was done by Jesus on the cross, it doesn’t require anything from me! “Yay!” But that wasn’t my reaction. Just like when I read the Bible and felt that personal conviction about the way I was living, this statement “sounded alarms” to me. How could this be: Christians can do anything and still be assured of salvation? That didn’t line up with what I read in the Bible! The people who share this belief remind others of how loving God is and that grace covers it all; it’s a free gift! There is nothing to fear, God is love. (Wow! Who wouldn’t embrace this with wide open arms, am I right?! That’s exactly what I WANT to hear! What a relief!) Then this scripture pops into my mind:

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3

I dug into scripture. What is truth? God is love. God is patient. God is merciful. God is Forgiving. (All this is true). So all we have to do is “believe”? Well that’s easy, because I always believed, I never had a problem for some reason believing in God. Then this scripture pops into my mind:

“You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!” James 2:19 AMP version

So demons believe, they know who God is, so why do they need to shudder? How is that Christians get special treatment from God? They can get into God’s holy kingdom because Jesus died on the cross but it doesn’t require a changed life? What is a changed life? Isn’t a changed life “turning away from sin” in repentance and toward God, becoming holy? Isn’t that us doing something? What makes a Christian different from a demon who does evil besides the obvious spiritual aspect? (The surrender to God’s will, right? What does God say? “be holy because I am holy”) Doesn’t being holy mean stop sinning? Doesn’t Jesus say unless we are “born again” (John 3: we need the Holy Spirit dwelling within us) or we cannot enter the kingdom of God? How can one be “born again” and willingly continue to sin? If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. So doesn’t that also mean, if you are not led by the Spirit, you are under the law? There is a difference between a momentary weakness, when we mess up (and as soon as we are “convicted” by the Holy Spirit, ask for forgiveness, then stay away from that sin- that’s repentance) but continuing an ongoing defiance to what we know is in God’s word but willingly choosing to do what we want rather than what we know God wants is rejecting God. Evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit is “self-control.” (Galatians 5) Ongoing defiance is an act of rebellion and rejection of God. Think about this: does that rebellion or defiance show others that we “believe”? Are we showing others that we are “in Christ”? Do we believe God is just, powerful, holy? If we believe God is just, don’t we also believe those who live in rebellion to God will experience wrath? If we are living in rebellion, why would we be excluded from wrath? Because we believed, yet chose to disobey?! Doesn’t God require us to “be holy”? Throughout the entire Old Testament, God says “be holy because I am holy”- search that and you will see for yourself! Some may say, yeah, but that was in the Old Testament before Jesus died on the cross and people had to do that…hold up…the New Testament says it multiple times too and God established the testimony of Truth by 2 or 3 witnesses, so here it is:

Peter acknowledges this: because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” 1 Peter 1:16

The author of Hebrews says: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrew 12:14

And Jesus said: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the [f]Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”14 Blessed are those who [g]do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 [h]But outside are dogs (kyon – this was a metaphor meaning a man of impure mind, an impudent man) and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” Revelation 22 (Sinning is breaking the commandments, but what did Jesus say in verse 14 above?)

The Gift of the Holy Spirit and Obedience

If a person is born again, they desire to keep God’s commands because of the Holy Spirit residing within them, not of their own doing, this is a “gift” from God. “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13 and Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (notice “repent” and understand what that means: metanoeō: click here for the meaning) “We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:12 (the Spirit is given to those who choose to, surrender our will to obey Him) “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” Romans 8:14

So another question is can the Holy Spirit leave a person? Here’s what scripture says:

Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:11

Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them. Isaiah 63:10

“14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.” 1 Samuel 16:13-15

I just presented 3 witnesses found in scripture that talks about the Spirit departing from a person because they were doing evil things. God established this 2-3 witnesses establishing truth within His word. Jesus affirmed this when he said: “But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” Matthew 18:16. If you want more verses about truth coming from 2 – 3 witnesses, here’s the link. So in my opinion, scripture establishes that the Spirit can depart (from an unrepentant person).

32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:18-32 (link in context)

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. Proverbs 29:10

“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
    in quietness and trust is your strength,
    but you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15

I will destine you for the sword,
    and all of you will fall in the slaughter;
for I called but you did not answer,
    I spoke but you did not listen.
You did evil in my sight
    and chose what displeases me.” Isaiah 65:12

“Therefore, son of man, say to your people, ‘If someone who is righteous disobeys, that person’s former righteousness will count for nothing. And if someone who is wicked repents, that person’s former wickedness will not bring condemnation. The righteous person who sins will not be allowed to live even though they were formerly righteous.’ Ezekiel 33:12

Repentance

God is patient, merciful and forgiving and wants all to come to repentance. If people believe “once saved always saved,” do they believe ongoing repentance is required? What happens if they die while they are in rebellion to God? (We can’t know the answer to this question, only God knows and decides that, but do we really want to risk being eternally separated from God?) Does one really believe that obedience to God’s commands doesn’t matter?

Jesus said: Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35

Hebrews 14 says: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. Revelation 19:15 (Is this the word of God (scripture, what God’s commands) that ultimately brings about Judgment on us? But if we are “in Christ” we are protected, “in Christ” meaning God’s spirit residing in us.

Love and Grace

Doesn’t Jesus equate love with obeying God’s commands?

Jesus said: “If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15

Doesn’t Paul tell us that we don’t abuse His grace and keep on sinning?

6 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Romans 6:1-3

Let’s look closely, in context, about the scripture that people like to quote, but only a portion of it:  “8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2. But let’s look closely at the entire chapter!

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live (NOTICE THIS MEANS FORMERLY LIVED THIS WAY, PAST TENSE, NOT CURRENTLY) when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (NOTICE IT IS GOD’S ENEMY/SATAN WHO IS THE ONE AT WORK IN THOSE WHO ARE DISOBEDIENT) 3 All of us also lived among them at one time (WE ALL STARTED OUT SINFUL), gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive (HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? BY RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT PERHAPS, BEING BORN AGAIN AS JESUS DESCRIBED IN JOHN 3? GOD LOVES US AND IS LOOKING FOR A COMPLETE SURRENDER TO HIM) with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works (OUR WORKS CAN’T SAVE US, ONLY JESUS CAN, BUT OUR WORKS ARE EVIDENCE OF FAITH- JAMES 2), so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (The point is our faith and what we do because of our faith will be how we are judged. We can’t separate the two just because we like to do good works/service for others, but then we don’t want to give up this one sinful thing that we know God wants us to give up- that shows us we are not surrendered, if we are not surrendered, can we have God’s Spirit residing in us? Didn’t the apostles refuse Simon the Sorcerer because he had bad intentions but wanted the power of the Holy Spirit. God knows when we are sincere and have good intentions/motivation behind our request for the Holy Spirit)

Grace and those who “keep on sinning”

The Greek word for grace is charis– defined as: the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues. We are protected when we are “in Christ”- grace doesn’t mean we can keep on sinning:

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” Hebrews 10:26-27 (doesn’t it sound like…we’re on our own if we deliberately keep on sinning- Jesus’ sacrifice isn’t applicable?)

“No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.” 1 John 3:6-7

Lukewarm Christians

My concern is for “lukewarm” Christians, those who don’t fear God and believe they are saved because they said a “sinner’s prayer” or because “they believe,” but their life never changed, repentance doesn’t even cross their mind, some churches cowardly abstain from mentioning repentance and I don’t know why because it is critical to salvation, look at this in scripture:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (repentance LEADS to salvation)

The “lukewarm” Christians- those are the people that I’m concerned for, they don’t have a full understanding of God’s word and are risking their eternity with God because they may think they are saved but there is “no fruit,” no evidence of a changed life. (Galatians 5) If a person has truly surrendered, their life will change.

Truly Saved

I haven’t met a truly saved Christian who fears or doubts their salvation because they know their heart is turned to God, they know the sacrifices they make for God, to be within God’s will. God is their priority, they’ve made the hard choices to be led by the spirit rather than conforming with the world or chasing after sinful desires. They feel the Holy Spirit’s presence. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Do people occasionally mess up? Yes, but the difference is remorse, seeking forgiveness, repentance; a daily surrender to the will of God. No one truly saved believes they are perfect or without sin. If someone thinks that, they are not truly saved. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8. So this “Once Saved Always Saved” doesn’t seem to be needed encouragement for the truly saved, so who was the intended recipient? Upon searching this, I found it was for those who said the sinner’s prayer or were baptized! But what about receiving the Holy Spirit?! Scripture is clear that the Holy Spirit can be received before (Acts 10:47) or after baptism (Acts 8:16-18). John baptized with water (for repentance- Mark 1:4) , but Jesus baptized with fire (testing) and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). And Jesus said we must be born of the Spirit/born again to enter the Kingdom of God! (John 3)

Lukewarm Christians – not fully surrendered

But I do feel like it’s the lukewarm Christian who knows they have ongoing sin in their life but they are not remorseful about it, they are not doing anything about it, not repenting or turning to God but yet they want reassurance that they will still be in God’s kingdom, so they cling to this statement- see the itching ears scripture (2 Timothy 4:3)- seeking what they want rather than the truth. They have not fully surrendered, they are still clinging to something they know is sin, but refuse to give that sin up. But they need to know: All it takes is a willingness to give it up, turn it over to God and ask for the Holy Spirit to battle it. God is more powerful, God is sovereign, God can do the impossible. We just need to be willing and welcome God’s spirit into our lives, be willing to be changed by Him. Remember:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

“my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” Hosea 4:6

I believe the Parable of the 10 Virgins is about Lukewarm Christians, the oil is about the Holy Spirit anointing, Christians receive the Holy Spirit, but then don’t maintain the Holy Spirit and will be shocked when Jesus returns and says:  ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ Matthew 25

If you need more encouragement from scripture to surrender to God/become obedient to God, or to repent whenever you mess up, here are some additional verses and Chapters for reading and reflection:

Luke 13: 23-24 (repent or perish, the narrow door), Luke 14:16,18,24 (don’t make excuses), John 8:34 (Everyone who sins is a slave to sin- the bondage hasn’t been broken with Satan), Romans 2 (an unrepentant heart brings on wrath at judgment day), 1 Corinthians 6 (wrongdoers do not inherit the kingdom of God), Ephesians 5 (For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God), Colossians 1:21-22 (it starts in the mind), Colossians 2:8 (Deceptive Philosophy), 1 Thessalonians 4 (If you reject this instruction you’re rejecting God v.8, Acts 17:30-31(In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.) 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (wrath comes on the disobedient when Jesus returns), 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.) 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (refusal to submit to God brings condemnation), 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (reaching those trapped by the devil), Titus 2: 11-12 (Grace teaches Christians how to say “no” to worldly desires), 1 John 2:15-17 (If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.) 1 John 5: 18-19 (We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin), Jude 1: 18-19 (Those who follow ungodly desires)

God gave us freedom to choose who/what we follow. We can be led by the Spirit or led by our own desires/controlled by God’s enemy. If we are led by the Spirit, we begin to change and desire what God desires, we do not continue to choose sin. If we are choosing sin, we need to figure out if we are truly saved, we need to repent, ask for forgiveness and ask for God to help us; He will give us the Holy Spirit if we are sincere in this request. Remember most importantly: God loves us and wants us in His Kingdom.

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: persevere! (see James 5:11) There are many different beliefs of people who call themselves Christians, but what we want to believe doesn’t matter; the Truth matters: What does it say in the Bible? Each of us has the decision on what we believe, we will have different opinions on some topics especially where scripture is unclear, but this topic seems clear to me and most importantly relates to our relationship with God, it’s worth researching and asking God about it if you are still unsure.

by Categories: bible study, Face Fear, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, God, Healing, Improvement, Love, Make It Count, Parents, prayer, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, Sex, spiritual warfare, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

You’re Invited!

The most valuable conversation I will have with you is to let you know: “You’re Invited!” Maybe we didn’t have that conversation because of lack of time, not being in a conducive environment, or simply my hesitation? No matter what the reason is, I’m glad you’re here reading this now. Reflecting on the past 9 years of my life, I realize now, God employs willing people to reach others and “coincidences” are not truly coincidences, but rather moments God allows at times in our life, when we need it most, to draw us to Him and to “wake us up” out of our sleep. I’m thankful for Andy, Michelle and Chris who impacted my life and “woke me up.” And if you are reading this now, I believe: it’s no coincidence!

YOUR INVITATION TO BELIEVE

I became aware of this, so this applies to me as well, but I chose to write “you” because this is written for you: “Your Invitation.” God wants you to know He is real. He witnesses everything happening in your life (the good and the bad) and both rewards and justice will prevail before you enter this Kingdom Jesus has been preparing for you. God created you to live eternally in His Kingdom, but unfortunately God’s enemy introduced evil to separate you from God and keep you out of His eternal kingdom. Most importantly know this: God is defined as Love and God truly loves you and wants you to live in His Kingdom. He loves you so much that He sent His only Son: Jesus/Yeshua to make it possible for you to be in God’s Kingdom. Jesus accomplished this task and this is how you have the opportunity to live within God’s future coming Kingdom on earth. God is well aware of His enemy’s deception, manipulation and trickery affecting you to convince you this is not reality. The enemy does that to everyone, so God sends people as messengers to reach others before it is too late. (Understand, there are no coincidences when you meet someone who shares this with you.)

GOD’S KINGDOM

Let me tell you about God’s future Kingdom; this is where “You’re Invited!” It will be here, on earth, not “up there somewhere,” and not the current earth as we know it. Before His Kingdom comes down to earth, there will be a separation of those who received this invitation and prepared and those who refused or ignored the invitation and will not be admitted into God’s Kingdom. It is an invitation available to ALL (thank God!), but what we do after receiving the invitation determines if we are admitted or turned away from entering the Kingdom.

EVERYTHING will be new! We will physically (in new eternal bodies) be living with God. Death will no longer be something we experience, nor crying, nor sadness. We will “inherit” this Kingdom and be considered a child of God. The physical attributes of God’s Kingdom are beyond what our imagination can comprehend, but one of the original followers of Jesus/Yeshua, John, saw a glimpse of it when Jesus visited him (after Jesus had died and risen from the dead). John was told by Jesus to make this known to others. The city itself (the New Jerusalem) will be like a cube: The city is 1,400 miles (2,200 km) in width, length and height! Not anything like what we see today on the earth today: Jerusalem will be as tall as it is wide! The brilliance of the materials God builds this Kingdom with are described by John like various precious stones and jewels, with 12 gates, each made of an enormous pearl, each having a name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The wall surrounding the city is 200 feet (65 meters thick) made of jasper (if you click on the link and read about jasper, notice that in ancient days it had a translucency- can you imagine that?) The city is made of pure gold (God makes everything so beautiful!). Each foundation of the city has a name of one of the 12 disciples. I’m not sure if my understanding is accurate, but if the city is approximately 1400 miles tall, then each level will be approximately 117 miles tall! The 12 foundations are described as follows:

“19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.[a] 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.” Revelation 21:19-21

There will be true peace and safety in God’s Kingdom because nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in Jesus’ Book of Life.’

A river is described flowing down the center of the “great street” from God’s throne. On each side of the crystal clear river water is “the tree of life,” scripture says, there are 12 crops of fruit that come from this tree every month and the leaves of the tree are for “healing the nations.”

HOW TO ENTER GOD’S KINGDOM

Many people are confused (I believe it’s due to the enemy’s influence) about how to KNOW that you will be accepted for entry into God’s Kingdom. Jesus told us very clearly:

17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 (one of Jesus’ followers documented Jesus saying this in the gospel)

14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14-15 (a friend of Peter, one of Jesus’ followers documented Jesus saying this in the gospel)

“I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 (a Doctor who interiewed hundeds of witnesses documented Jesus saying this in the gospel)

“Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (one of Jesus’ followers documented Jesus saying this in the gospel)

“Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5

UNDERSTAND WHAT KEEPS A PERSON FROM ENTERING GOD’S KINGDOM

This section will be tough to accept for most people (this is the humbling part, where we see things listed here that apply to our own lives)! But this is SO IMPORTANT because if we don’t deal with this, it will have eternal consequences and keep us from enjoying what others will: the Kingdom of God. It is possible for every person reading this to overcome ANY of these things (with the help of the Holy Spirit). Jesus acknowledges this is like carrying a cross for us, but said:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

But Jesus also offers help in overcoming these things that affect or have affected many of us at some point in our lives: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another (advocate, intercessor, comforter) (aka the Holy Spirit) to help you and be with you forever”—John 14:16

Warning: here’s the tough part to hear, but better to know the truth now than to suffer the outcome on Judgement Day!

9 “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men[a] 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”  (Paul warns the Corinthians of this: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

19 “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Paul warns the Galatians of this: Galatians 5:19-21)

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Jesus said this to John to warn “the churches” of this in Revelation 21:8)

“Outside are the dogs (this was a word used for a man of impure mind, an impudent man, a male prostitute) those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Jesus said this to John to warn “the churches” of this in Revelation 22:15)

RESPONDING TO YOUR INVITATION

(Again, this applies to me to also, but because this is “your invitation” I will write this stating “you” in place of “me” or “us.”) Fully accepting this requires you to humble yourself and admit: You are not perfect and even when you try, you still mess up but that doesn’t mean you can’t enter God’s Kingdom because God made a way for you. The way is through Jesus, the sacrifice he made for you on the cross when he defeated death and rose from the dead and then appeared to hundreds of people; scripture tells of a crowd of 500 that saw him after death. There were many witnesses to this. To understand how the death of Jesus makes it possible for you to be in God’s kingdom, it’s important to understand the meaning behind the animal sacrifices that the Israelites made. There is a law of death as a result of sin, but God allowed a “substitute” life taken to preserve another, and He allowed animals to be used for that, but God didn’t like these “sacrifices” and they were only a temporary solution, until Jesus arrived and became the final living sacrifice for ALL mankind so that animal sacrifices are no longer required. It’s helpful to understand Passover and how that event symbolically represented what Jesus would do for all mankind: the protection by his blood from his death on the cross and resurrection thereafter. You need the understanding of how truly important what Jesus did is for you. If Jesus hadn’t done that, you could never live in God’s presence (because of sin) and would be eternally outside God’s Kingdom. Understanding that your natural inclination is towards sin, and if you keep choosing sin, you will not be allowed to enter God’s Kingdom, but there’s help available. Sometimes a person gets so deep into a sinful life that it seems impossible to get out of it, and that is true, if you only rely on your own abilities. This is where your “surrender” comes in: by talking to God acknowledging that you need His help. When you are sincere: asking for forgiveness for what you’ve done and seeking God’s help to avoid it in the future (true repentance) Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to you to help you each day.

All this information is important, but sometimes the details clutter up the steps: What do I need to do? Hopefully this is simple enough:

  1. Believe what is written in the Bible about God the Father, His only Son (Jesus/Yeshua), the Holy Spirit (that God loves you so much that He sent His son, Jesus, who made it possible for you to be in God’s Kingdom by his death on the cross and resurrection afterwards and in receiving the Holy Spirit you are “born again,” evidence of the Holy Spirit is a changed life when you can see these qualities in the way you live and interact with others: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) –This is found in Galatians, Chapter 5.
  2. Repent – ask God for forgiveness of past sins, willfully deciding to give them up in the future (Baptism is a public action indicating a personal commitment to God- a turning towards God and away from a sinful life, putting sin to death)
  3. Receive the Holy Spirit, become “born again,”a “new creation,” “a changed life”- in addition to these qualities of someone truly born again: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; the Holy Spirit will also give special gifts to people (IMPORTANT: not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of others), the possible gifts are: wisdom, knowledge, faith, ability to heal others, to do miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in tongues (a spiritual language), and interpretation of tongues. The Holy Spirit determines what gifts are given and gives them as he chooses. Not everyone receives the same gifts. (This is found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12 ) But despite having one or more “gifts” of the Spirit, if we don’t show LOVE with that gift, it looses its effectiveness and doesn’t benefit others and that is the reason a person is given the gift!

God is Love and Love is the greatest of all, it’s important to know the truth about what love is (again, God’s enemy has caused confusion and deception for us and made us equate or confuse “lust” with “love”) They are different. To identify “Love” look for these qualities or characteristics in a person: patience, kindness, not envious of others, nor boastful, nor proud, nor rude, not demanding their own way, not irritable, not keeping records of being wronged, rejoicing when truth wins over injustice, never giving up, never loosing faith, always remaining hopeful, and enduring through every circumstance. (That is the true definition of Love.) (This is found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13)

RSVP

Now that you’ve been invited, please respond to God. Then share this invitation with others if you’ve RSVP’d to be in God’s Kingdom!

by Categories: bible prophecy, bible study, FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, God, HAPPINESS, Healing, Improvement, Letting Go, Love, Make It Count, priorities, RELATIONSHIPS, Sex, spiritual warfare, WellnessTags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments

The “Mark” – Prophecy

I’m seeing some speculation among those who study Eschatology (the end times) about something big possibly happening in 2024, which prompted me to write this. Even if something “big” doesn’t happen in 2024, it is beneficial for all of us to be mentally prepared ahead of time for whenever it does happen.

The warning in this writing is DO NOT TAKE THE MARK- whenever it is rolled out because this is UNFORGIVEABLE and will absolutely separate us ETERNALLY from God. Here is the scriptural proof of this statement:

9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, 10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Revelation 14:9-13

I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Revelation 20:4

THE MARK DESCRIPTIONS

So what is this “Mark”? It’s best to NOT SPECULATE, but simply know what scripture tells us and then apply this criteria to anything you may question in the future! Here’s the criteria:

15 The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man.[e] That number is 666.

Revelation 13:15-18

Here is another thing that will happen to the people who take the mark:

The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

Revelation 16:2

THE SECOND BEAST DESCRIPTIONS

This second beast is symbolic in description as “the beast” but scripture clarifies who this second beast is here:

But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

Revelation 19:20

The second beast is a “false prophet” who will be working in tandem with the “first beast.” 

It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.

Revelation 13:12

And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.

Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.

Revelation 13:13

The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.

Revelation 13:15

It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads,

Revelation 13:16

so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

Revelation 13:17

THE FIRST BEAST DESCRIPTIONS

Who is the first Beast? Scripture gives us criteria to look for on that as well! Here it is:

The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.

Daniel 7:24

Notice that there are 10 kings but that 1 of them subdues (3) kings. 10 – 3 = 7 remain…now look at what Revelation describes:

The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.

Revelation 13:1

Coming out of the “sea” in Greek is: ”thalassa” and the biblical use of this word is:

  1. the sea
    1. used of the sea in general
    2. used specifically of the Mediterranean Sea or the Red Sea

This Beast was seen by Daniel as the last entity to rule the earth, and it will have control over the entire earth. Does this make anyone think about “global governance”? Here is the scriptural support:

“He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it.

Daniel 7:23

It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

Revelation 13:7

One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.

Revelation 13:3

People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

Revelation 13:4

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

Revelation 13:8

Jesus (Yeshua) is the “Lamb” who was slain and from this scripture above, we see that it it HIS “book of life”- Does this make more sense of why Jesus said:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

THE ANTI-CHRIST DESCRIPTIONS

My understanding is the Anti-Christ is a member of the first beast.

This king that subdues (3) kings is what has been described as “the AntiChrist.” Again don’t speculate on WHO this is, but know what scripture tells us about this one. Here are the scriptural references:

“While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being and a mouth that spoke boastfully.

Daniel 7:8

The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months.

Revelation 13:5

Note: 42 months is 3 1/2 years!

It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven.

Revelation 13:6

But this one will eventually be destroyed. We know this from scripture:

“Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire.

Daniel 7:11

As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them,

Daniel 7:21

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

15 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’[a] spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. 18 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 19 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 20 Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.

22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. 23 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time.

26 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Matthew 24:15-27 (the words of Jesus)

14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.

20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

Mark: 13:14-23 (words of Jesus)

20 “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:20-28 (words of Jesus)

He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time.

Daniel 7:25

This time, times and half a time has become understood through Bible scholars as 3 1/2 years, it’s confirmed by scripture too. Here is the confirming scripture:

The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.

Revelation 12:14

The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.

Revelation 12:6

And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Revelation 11:13

1260 days divided by 360 days in a year from biblical times = 3.5 years

The use of the 360-day year for accounting and administration lasted until the Old Babylonian period. The same number was used in cuneiform literature for astronomical calculations even later, throughout the first millennium BCE.

Cambridge University

THE DRAGON DESCRIPTION

He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:2

From this scripture, we know that the dragon is Satan, the devil. Satan is the spiritual force empowering the First and Second Beast. (Good to understand if you’re wondering why are world is becoming so corrupt in every way: Is the first Beast forming now?)

The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

Revelation 12:9

THE FINAL OUTCOME

But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

Revelation 19:20

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:10

As I was preparing to write about “the mark” I noticed the prophet Ezekiel wrote about similar events. After studying the bible for the past 5 years, I learned that some earlier events in history are sometimes the “foreshadowing” of future events. I definitely see a connection between Ezekiel’s visions and John’s visions (found in the book of Revelation). 

In Summary, someday in the future, there will be a global governing authority who will rule the world and there will be a false prophet who will deceive many people into taking “the mark” – be aware of this. It is in Bible Prophecy, it will happen someday. Know what scripture says so you are not deceived because you will loose your inheritance in God’s kingdom, if you accept and take this mark. Please share this with others to warn them too.

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2024- What’s Your Word Heading into this Year?

This “Tradition” started a couple years ago (in 2022) with a group of friends from a Bible Study group I unexpectedly joined in October 2021. I say “unexpectedly” because I wasn’t looking for a group to join, I only went to be supportive of a friend who wanted to check it out, at the last minute one evening. So I went and ended up joining the group. Reflecting on this and knowing who God is, this wasn’t a coincidence; I needed this in my life.

2019 Words: ”Being Called” (Making God my Priority)

2019 was the year I decided to make God my priority (my last summary post for 2019) after reading the Bible for the first time. I didn’t have “a word” for that year but looking back, it would have been: “Being Called” – this was my 3rd “faith” related post on this website: see “Being Called” link in August 2019. 

2020 Words: ”Wake Up”

2020 was a year of isolation for most of us in the world, and as a result, I had more time to explore the Bible. I had so many questions about life, I was seeking TRUTH, in January 2020, I wrote about Love, but abruptly by March 2020, I felt we were experiencing a “Wake Up Call” from God, collectively as the world, but also personally in my life, I reflected on many aspects of life this year (Posts #10-21) but what impacted me most was Bible Prophecy: facing judgement and end times/the last days prophecies.

2021 Word: Death

Even though I didn’t have a word for this year, in hindsight, this reflected reality: my 14 month old nephew suddenly died, the mother of my son’s best friend died suddenly, and my dog suddenly died within a span of 4 months. Not only that, but the closest person to me unexpectedly rejected me in a humiliating public way at the time when I needed support the most. (When it rains, it pours!) But only days later, I was asked to go with a friend to this Bible Study group (See what I mean? No coincidences, God provides.) It was a tough year. All the death made me question, what happens after death, for real? I realized I didn’t have a clear biblically based understanding- only what I had been told throughout life. I plan to write about this later because I think others might have this question too. Ironically- in hindsight, after all this “death” surrounded me, late summer when I was on my phone an email came through with something to the effect of “last notice to sign up for baptism”- I felt like it was time I committed and did this, so I signed up and was Baptized on September 12, 2021. Baptism is symbolic of the death of our sinful past and rebirth, a new life, “born again”- it was both symbolic and literal for me. I wrote (posts 22 – 38) during this year. I didn’t post about the dreams I started having the night of my Baptism, I was confused by them at the beginning, but the “name of Jesus” was featured heavily and sometimes verses from scripture and the dreams involved various people in my life: friends, family and former business colleagues. I know there is significance to these specific dreams because I would see something specific from my dream, that day, weeks or months later as I was going about the day- completely unexpected when it would occur, but I would immediately recall: I dreamt that! It still continues but I often don’t have the understanding of the symbolism until I see it happen. It’s hard to explain this to anyone, unless you experience this, you won’t understand, but it heavily contributed to the faith and belief I have in Jesus. Even though my word for 2021 would have been Death, it was changed to Life. Death is no longer permanent becauses of Jesus’ death and resurrection, death is a transition, a going to sleep because those who believe and turn away from sin will be changed and become immortal when Jesus returns. Jesus said that unless we are “born again” we will not see the kingdom of God. (John Chapter 3)

2022 Word: Joy

After the experiences of the prior years, I wanted Joy! I chose the word: ”Joy.” Looking back, God brought joy into my life through a supportive, Christ focused group of friends from this new Bible Study group that I unexpectedly joined in October of 2021. I think God may have had something to do with that too. I continued exploring God’s word through scripture and how it relates to living life (posts 39- 66). I often was inspired to write in the morning just as I wake up from a thought that didn’t seem to leave or from a prior conversation I had with someone. As much as I wanted “joy” to be my entire focus, I couldn’t ignore what I found through Bible Prophecy and it, weighed heavily on me. Too many world events were/are lining up with Bible Prophecy and many people (just like me) didn’t even have this “on the radar.” I didn’t come from a religion that focused on this, so this was all new to me, I only discovered it after reading the Bible. This is why it is so important to know what’s in the Bible: so we’re not blindsided by reality when it happens. There is nothing to fear (if we are “spiritually” prepared in advance- meaning “born again”).

2023 Words: Trust and Obey

Many things in life “don’t make sense” to us, so this is when I need to “Trust and Obey” God. Ironically this was the first faith post I made: Trust and Obey –  I struggled/still struggle with this sometimes, but it’s getting easier! I guess God is making sure I comprehend this, because those words came back to me from 2017- 6 years later! Now, I trust God always, despite the circumstances, I know how it all will ultimately end, so I have peace in knowing what life holds in the future. We just need to get through the “tests and trials” until then. Often when I choose to obey (especially when I don’t want to), some “reward” seems to happen afterwards. I thank God for that when it happens because it is encouraging.

2024 Word: Love

What gets thrown at us in life and happens in this world can make “doing everything out of love” challenging, but this is important for those who claim to be Christians. I’ll be honest, I feel like 2024 may be a rough year ahead. It would be wonderful if I’m wrong, and I hope I am! But if these bible prophecy events keep moving forward like they have been, that’s going to be the reality; we’re not going to stop what God has foretold. I also know that what we focus on becomes our reality so my focus this year is love. I wish I could fast forward and get to the end of this year right now, honestly if I could fast forward to 2026 that would be even better!

2023 New Year’s Eve (12/31/23)

As I often do, even though I knew I wanted my word for 2024 to be “love” (because I need to be more loving) I wanted guidance from God. I prayed and asked God to show me something in scripture, pertinent to 2024, so I thought I would open the bible to scripture in the front, middle and back part of the bible for a more comprehensive understanding, possibly a common theme, so I could understand better. These are the pages I opened to:

Front Part of the Bible: 1 Samuel 4:4 through 1 Samuel 6:4 (1 Samuel 4, 1 Samuel 5, 1 Samuel 6)

This seemed significant to me because of what’s happening in the middle east land right now. This scripture references: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron. A battle is going on between the Israelites and the Philistines (the land of Gaza). While this is historic, not prophetic, we can learn from history: when God is with someone, they will not be defeated. God is just and will punish (in this scripture, tumors broke out on the Philistines because they stole the Ark of the Covenant and Eli died because his sons blasphemed God and no one restrained the sons). God is to be respected. He is not to be mocked. 

None of us know what will happen as a result of this current war happening, but we know from scripture that Israel will not cease to exist. I’m praying for all in the Middle East, that spiritual blindness is removed, that people turn away from sin and that many come to faith in Jesus Christ so they may truly have eternal life.

Middle Part of the Bible: Isaiah 59:5 through Isaiah 60:4 (Isaiah 59, Isaiah 60)

Isaiah 59’s summary is: Sin, Confession and Redemption- isn’t that interesting?! This is about the return of Jesus! (By the way, I do not believe Jesus is returning in 2024, but this is where our focus should be- getting prepared before he does return!)

Truth is nowhere to be found,
    and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The Lord looked and was displeased
    that there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no one,
    he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm achieved salvation for him,
    and his own righteousness sustained him.
17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
    and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
    and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
18 According to what they have done,
    so will he repay
wrath to his enemies
    and retribution to his foes;
    he will repay the islands their due.
19 From the west, people will fear the name of the Lord,
    and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory.
For he will come like a pent-up flood
    that the breath of the Lord drives along.[a]

20 “The Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.

21 “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.

Isaiah 59:15-21

Then Isaiah 60 talks about the Millennium Reign of Jesus Christ and what it will be like, this is only an excerpt, but the link above is the entire chapter. Isaiah the prophet foretold this to the Israelites. Does this not inspire all of us to prepare spiritually?

No longer will violence be heard in your land,
    nor ruin or destruction within your borders,
but you will call your walls Salvation
    and your gates Praise.
19 The sun will no more be your light by day,
    nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
    and your God will be your glory.
20 Your sun will never set again,
    and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
    and your days of sorrow will end.
21 Then all your people will be righteous
    and they will possess the land forever.
They are the shoot I have planted,
    the work of my hands,
    for the display of my splendor.
22 The least of you will become a thousand,
    the smallest a mighty nation.
I am the Lord;
    in its time I will do this swiftly.”

Isaiah 60: 18-22

Back part of the Bible: Galatians 5:17 through Galatians 6:18 (Galatians 5 and Galatians 6)

Galatians 5 is summarized as “freedom in Christ” – does that not also suggest getting prepared?! Then it talks about living by the Spirit (this is how “born again” people live life) and to me personally, the word I chose for 2024 was “love” look at verse 22- and this is the page I opened to after prayer! I don’t believe in “coincidences” – God is in action always, sometimes we don’t understand, but later we will. God is doing something, we just need to be receptive to His plans for us, His communication with us!

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians 5:16-26

And Galatians 6 ties all this together from the front part of the Bible verses (God is not mocked) to the middle verses (eternal life, new creation) and back verses (How we should prepare spiritually- becoming the new creation, born of the spirit!)

Doing Good to All

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[b] the Israel of God.

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Galatians 6

This prayer to God and the resulting verses made an impact on me, that is why I shared this. If you haven’t already been “born again” (turning from sin and receiving the Holy Spirit)- what is keeping you from this? You can do this right now. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, was born sinless because it was through the Holy Spirit that he was conceived, he died on the cross for our sins (to break the curse of death and give us life- the one and only, final sacrifice needed to make it possible for us to be in God’s future kingdom- here on earth, not up in the sky) then resurrected, ascended to Heaven where he lives until he returns to deliver justice, wrath and then reign as our king from Jerusalem in Israel. If we believe this and turn away from sin, Jesus will give us the Holy Spirit. Jesus was baptized and told his followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, however the man next to him on the cross did not get baptized but Jesus told him he would be with him in paradise. Baptism is important because Jesus told his followers to do this: it’s an outward sign of belief and turning away from a sinful life, but God is mostly concerned about what’s happening inside us: Repentance (turning away from sin) and Receiving the Holy Spirit are necessary. I was baptized as an infant, but I wasn’t sure if that “counted” because that wasn’t my choice, that was my parents’ choice. So I was baptized as an adult in 2021 and I think I made the right choice because after that is when I started having spiritual dreams and seeing visions of things in the future- I have no other explanation, than this baptism must have been what made this happen. Our relationship with God is personal, our parents or no one else can force this or make it happen. It is a personal choice, and a very important one. Is 2024 your year to be “born again”?

I pray for all who read or share this with someone they care about: May God’s love for you be known! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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