"Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of power...It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intentions. There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters." -Daniel Webster
It isn't easy to accept the fact that we have been lied to by the mainstream media, politicians, and even some medical "experts." On top of that, we then recognize that the deception of the Coronavirus pandemic is global in scope, which makes the notion of a conspiracy of such magnitude even harder to accept. Yet that is indeed what has happened, and it's not the first time-but it's the worst time.
There is an agenda in all of this, and there is a lot to lose. But there is a simple way to win, and it's not that profound. All we have to do is stand up for the truth. For your convenience,this blog has assembled a few links in order to shed better light on the false claims that we are being subjected to.
First of all, you need to know that the mainstream media is controlled-there isn't any objective journalism. To get a bit more in tune with that notion, I recommend watching OutofShadows.org.
The Coronavirus has been around about 60 years, and there are 36 types, of which Covid-19 is one. There is nothing notable about this illness to make our response to it so much greater than anything else that we've faced. Even my state representative expressed this in an e-mail;
"When the H1N1 flu was rampant, killed 525,000 people and reached 1.4 billion cases worldwide by 2009. I never recalled a mention of it in any school board meeting around here and no special sessions called to discuss that deadly virus."
You may also wonder why it's hard to find doctors, politicians, and scientists not speaking out in greater numbers. For this I'd like to especially emphasize Judy Mikovitis and her ordeal.
There are also quite a few that will point out the "agenda" aspect of all this. Some of them are;
A Fairly Obvious Reason to Revolt, Within the Next Few Weeks, Why They are Lying to Us, Urgent! Full Disclosure from Inside, and This Will Affect Everyone.
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny is also a great source of insight and Vaxxter.com is one of her sites. You may also review articles on the use of face masks, social distancing, and more Real Covid Data with the links provided.
Hopefully these articles can help you start searching out the truth. It is a sad, and alarming place that our world has come to in 2020. Yet if we will simply stand up for the truth in our own sphere of influence, we can defeat the advance of the goals meant to happen through this Covid-19 agenda. For your own sake, and your neighbors' sakes, choose wisely.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. -II Thessalonians 2:11, 12.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Monday, May 25, 2020
Losing the World
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. -Hebrews 11:7.
God called Noah and his family to come out of the world. For about 100 years Noah very much epitomized the believers' call to be in the world, but not of it;
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. -John 17:15, 16.
Today God is calling us to come out from the world again. It is the same call He has given to us all along, but now with far greater urgency, as we are on the brink of "Noah's 2nd day."
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. -Matthew 10:39.
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. -Luke 14:33.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, -II Corinthians 6:17.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. -I John 2:15-17. Bold type added.
So what does God mean when He says that the world passes away? I think most of the time we regard this in a spiritual sense only-that our souls are eternal, and that all we currently know in this present world will fade away from our memories over time. But when our priorities aren't in proper order, as Christians, we end up living for the world-and the world literally becomes our confidence. I tell you now that not only is the world's passing away a spiritual application for us, but it will soon become a quite literal thing. When Jesus is telling of what will be in the last days, He declares that heaven and earth shall pass away in each account (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33).
How are your spiritual preparations going, brethren? Where are your affections? Are they with the things of this world and its values, or are they with God through Jesus Christ? It is not without cause that Jesus tells us that if we want to follow Him we must DENY ourselves, and take up our own crosses daily in order to be His disciples (Matthew 16:24, 25).
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. -Luke 21:34-36.
In the next few months there is an event coming upon us which stands to be a catastrophe for the United States, and could be the fulfilling of Revelation 8:7, the first trumpet of seven that are set to sound. I think we have already seen at least the beginning of fulfillment for Revelation 7:1, which speaks of 4 angels holding "the 4 winds" of heaven. This scripture seems to me to prophesy the stopping of the main steering winds which drive the overall weather patterns, rather than a stopping of all wind and breeze. First, I learned that it is the Arctic ice that is a main driver of these steering winds, and this ice has been shrinking greatly. Then I also learned that the Gulf Stream has stopped, and it is the Gulf Stream that fuels the jet stream. Other than that, it may be difficult to find out more from the controlled main stream media.
But the event coming upon us is said to be that the earth is entering into a debris field in space, starting through about late May and into June, and then escalating. All of this data is coming through Stephen Ben-Nun of IsraeliNewsLive.org. I have been somewhat slow to report on this, wanting to be more certain, rather than to add needlessly to causes for alarm. It does appear now that this prediction is for real. Not every area of the world will be affected the same way, but I grant you that this is all a prediction. The event looks to be certain, but the effects can only be estimated. Please look into this for yourself, but remember that this is being kept secret from the general public. I believe that this is all a part of the Nemesis-Nibiru system that we are encountering, and is part of God's judgment.
It is amazing to me how very few professing Christians recognize that the world we have known will come to an end, even though this comes straight from the Bible. The scriptures have told us repeatedly to separate from the world and its affections, but we usually only emphasize the more spiritual aspects of this important truth. Let's review this by looking at a few relevant verses;
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. -Matthew 13:45,46.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. -John 12:25.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:1-3.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. -James 4:4.
But now it is time for us to face the physical end of the world, and I am quite discouraged by what I've seen in the professing "church" over the last few decades. Even so, I think this can be a great time for each believer to refresh and solidify their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It has been said that it took 3 days for God to lead Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of the children of Israel (in the wilderness). As we are now approaching the physical end of the world, let's take this time to cast out the world from our hearts and minds; let's prepare to meet the Lord, as the following scripture instructs us to do;
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. -Luke 12:33-37.
Unfortunately, Jesus tells that the prevailing attitude in the world at this time will be one of unpreparedness, reflecting an unhealthy love for the world, with confidence in it;
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. -Luke 17:26-30.
If anyone has told you that the time of the end is unknowable, that is a lie, whether or not it was deliberate on their part. Have you heard it said that the day of the Lord will be as a thief in the night? God doesn't want that to be the case for His people;
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. -I Thessalonians 5:2-6. Bold type added for emphasis.
If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. -Revelation 3:3B. Bold type added for emphasis.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. -Matthew 24:32-34. Bold type added for emphasis.
God gives us warnings from His Word so that we will have time to prepare. Things can change very suddenly. Please don't let a preoccupation with the world bring you into spiritual ruin. The world that we have known will end, you can count on it-God's Word has declared it.
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. -Luke 10:38-42.
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. -Hebrews 1:10-12.
God called Noah and his family to come out of the world. For about 100 years Noah very much epitomized the believers' call to be in the world, but not of it;
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. -John 17:15, 16.
Today God is calling us to come out from the world again. It is the same call He has given to us all along, but now with far greater urgency, as we are on the brink of "Noah's 2nd day."
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. -Matthew 10:39.
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. -Luke 14:33.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, -II Corinthians 6:17.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. -I John 2:15-17. Bold type added.
So what does God mean when He says that the world passes away? I think most of the time we regard this in a spiritual sense only-that our souls are eternal, and that all we currently know in this present world will fade away from our memories over time. But when our priorities aren't in proper order, as Christians, we end up living for the world-and the world literally becomes our confidence. I tell you now that not only is the world's passing away a spiritual application for us, but it will soon become a quite literal thing. When Jesus is telling of what will be in the last days, He declares that heaven and earth shall pass away in each account (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33).
How are your spiritual preparations going, brethren? Where are your affections? Are they with the things of this world and its values, or are they with God through Jesus Christ? It is not without cause that Jesus tells us that if we want to follow Him we must DENY ourselves, and take up our own crosses daily in order to be His disciples (Matthew 16:24, 25).
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. -Luke 21:34-36.
In the next few months there is an event coming upon us which stands to be a catastrophe for the United States, and could be the fulfilling of Revelation 8:7, the first trumpet of seven that are set to sound. I think we have already seen at least the beginning of fulfillment for Revelation 7:1, which speaks of 4 angels holding "the 4 winds" of heaven. This scripture seems to me to prophesy the stopping of the main steering winds which drive the overall weather patterns, rather than a stopping of all wind and breeze. First, I learned that it is the Arctic ice that is a main driver of these steering winds, and this ice has been shrinking greatly. Then I also learned that the Gulf Stream has stopped, and it is the Gulf Stream that fuels the jet stream. Other than that, it may be difficult to find out more from the controlled main stream media.
But the event coming upon us is said to be that the earth is entering into a debris field in space, starting through about late May and into June, and then escalating. All of this data is coming through Stephen Ben-Nun of IsraeliNewsLive.org. I have been somewhat slow to report on this, wanting to be more certain, rather than to add needlessly to causes for alarm. It does appear now that this prediction is for real. Not every area of the world will be affected the same way, but I grant you that this is all a prediction. The event looks to be certain, but the effects can only be estimated. Please look into this for yourself, but remember that this is being kept secret from the general public. I believe that this is all a part of the Nemesis-Nibiru system that we are encountering, and is part of God's judgment.
It is amazing to me how very few professing Christians recognize that the world we have known will come to an end, even though this comes straight from the Bible. The scriptures have told us repeatedly to separate from the world and its affections, but we usually only emphasize the more spiritual aspects of this important truth. Let's review this by looking at a few relevant verses;
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. -Matthew 13:45,46.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. -John 12:25.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. -Colossians 3:1-3.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. -James 4:4.
But now it is time for us to face the physical end of the world, and I am quite discouraged by what I've seen in the professing "church" over the last few decades. Even so, I think this can be a great time for each believer to refresh and solidify their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It has been said that it took 3 days for God to lead Israel out of Egypt, but it took 40 years to get Egypt out of the children of Israel (in the wilderness). As we are now approaching the physical end of the world, let's take this time to cast out the world from our hearts and minds; let's prepare to meet the Lord, as the following scripture instructs us to do;
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. -Luke 12:33-37.
Unfortunately, Jesus tells that the prevailing attitude in the world at this time will be one of unpreparedness, reflecting an unhealthy love for the world, with confidence in it;
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. -Luke 17:26-30.
If anyone has told you that the time of the end is unknowable, that is a lie, whether or not it was deliberate on their part. Have you heard it said that the day of the Lord will be as a thief in the night? God doesn't want that to be the case for His people;
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. -I Thessalonians 5:2-6. Bold type added for emphasis.
If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. -Revelation 3:3B. Bold type added for emphasis.
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. -Matthew 24:32-34. Bold type added for emphasis.
God gives us warnings from His Word so that we will have time to prepare. Things can change very suddenly. Please don't let a preoccupation with the world bring you into spiritual ruin. The world that we have known will end, you can count on it-God's Word has declared it.
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. -Luke 10:38-42.
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. -Hebrews 1:10-12.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Seek to Focus on Faith, and not Fear
NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. -Hebrews 11:1, 6.
We can see that the end of life as we have known it is at hand, and there is a lot to be discouraged about. Yet even in light of the trouble at hand, and the greater trouble that lies ahead, our GOD IS STILL THE SAME! He is still faithful, and full of might. We still have ample time to seek Him, and to reveal His hand of outreach to an unsaved world. The scripture tells us that even Noah did this, and called him a "preacher of righteousness" in II Peter 2:5. Right now we ought to emulate Noah in both faith, and works.
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. -Hebrews 11:7.
A prime focus of this blog is to keep you alerted to Satan's advances in the scheme to bring about a world government under the rule of the Antichrist. There are many aspects to this plan, and they are very evil (although some do not appear that way). This doesn't mean that they will all be fulfilled in the way that the devil desires! Our God puts limits on what Satan is allowed to do, and our believing prayers will cause him yet to stumble more! God wants us to be aware of the evil around us, but not to be overcome by it. The purpose of this particular article is to help you to focus on faith instead of the fear which seems to be so prevalent.To "shore up" our faith we'll look at some scriptures, and a personal example God brought to my mind.
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. - Isaiah 59:19b. This is a great promise to claim in the midst of this flood of evil.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. -I Corinthians 10:13. Don't believe Satan's lie that your situation is unique to you; others have gone through it as well! And God won't allow more to come upon you than He will enable you to bear.
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. -II Kings 6:15-17. Pray that we receive this kind of faith-based vision! God is invisible by nature, but His presence is tangible for those who believe.
One account that has encouraged me greatly is found in the book of Acts, chapter 12, primarily the first 19 verses. This is about the deliverance of Peter from Herod. Herod had killed the Apostle James, and he intended to kill Peter also. Peter was miraculously delivered from this death by an angel, but what had made the difference? The answer to that question is found in verse 5;
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Bold type added to emphasize.
It was the prayers of the church that brought the victory! God's answer was so miraculous that the believers had trouble accepting it (verses 14 & 15). We must earnestly seek to pray much, much more. Please read this entire account-the praying believers were stunned that God had actually brought Peter to their door!
Again, it's easy to get discouraged for the times we are living in. The Word of God doesn't sugar-coat it, but instead tries to warn us about it in advance, and in TRUTH. The scriptures that God provides for us contain not only warnings of the bad, but encouragements of the good;
AND at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. -Daniel 12:1 & 2.
The underlining and bold type have been added for emphasis. God is at once warning us of a time of great trouble, but also of the Christian's deliverance. It may cost us our fleshly lives, but we will end up eternally safe with our God. Please see Isaiah 57:1 & 2, Revelation 12:11, and 14:13.
And while we may see the terrible nature of these days, we should not be discouraged from prayer; for God has limited the activities of Satan (Job 1:9-12), and also limited his knowledge. Even the sin-atoning death and resurrection of Jesus himself was hidden to the devil and his lackeys;
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. -I Corinthians 2:7 & 8.
We will even find encouragement to continue in our Christian fight of faith right in the book of Revelation itself. We know that a remnant of believers will be here until the very end; when God raptures the Church and brings judgment at Armageddon on the same day (Luke 17:29 & 30, Revelation 19:7-21). There is a promised "place in the wilderness" for Christians to flee to found in Revelation 12:14. Please also read the note of timely encouragement in Revelation 16:15, as the 2nd coming of Jesus draws near. And in Revelation 18:4 God is calling to HIS people to come out from mystery Babylon (Likely the United States) before it is judged. If God is calling to us in this way, brethren, at this time in 18:4, then we can rest assured that He will never leave us or forsake us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38 & 39.
As we have already looked at in recent blogs, this Coronavirus scare is a false-flag event. The sickness itself is nothing, but the destructive counter-measures of the governments are sobering. This is a sign that there is a fast approaching storm which will engulf the world. But even now, along with this current troubling circumstance, there is opportunity for good. This Covid-19 clampdown could have been much worse. And with the unjust restrictions that have been forced upon us, we now have time; time which we might not have taken otherwise. Time to PRAY. Time to study the BIBLE. Time to make certain that we and our loved ones are ready to MEET GOD. And it is a great time to do your own research to uncover the TRUTH about Covid-19, and what's really been going on in the world.
Years ago I was working part-time at a nearby department store, about a half mile from my home. On this particular day I finished at 1 p.m., and began walking home. It was a hot summer day, and there was a chance of thunder storms in the forecast. Right from the start of my walk I was hearing thunder, coming from the west, but I saw nothing-the sky was clear and sunny.
But there was no mistaking what I was hearing. By the time I had gotten home, the thunder had grown louder, and there was a small area of dark clouds on the horizon (We live on a hill, so there is a good view of approaching weather). Because I was hearing such profound thunder, yet not seeing much, it occurred to me that this might be a very strong and dangerous storm. And so upon arriving home, I prayed prayers of protection for us, and for the mobile home park we are in.
When the storm finally overtook us, we had about 40 minutes of a very nice rain. There was no severe wind, lightning, or even thunder. To the outward appearance, there hadn't been anything to worry about, right? But we need to remember that when we pray, things can be happening that we may never be aware of. God let me see it this time, for the encouragement of future prayer...
The next day we received word on the damage. The local paper said that there was an estimated $2 million damage from the storm in our county. One woman had heard a crash in her yard, and when she went outside to investigate, she stepped on fallen electrical wires, and was killed. At my wife's workplace, a tree had fallen on the home of a co-worker. Another man at her work said that over 100 trees had been knocked down on his property. All of this was sobering information.
We need to start praying about the time we are in, and what awaits us in the near future. Even if this present crisis seems to pass by us with little damage, it is a forewarning of greater troubles ahead; troubles which the Bible assures us will come. Yet as sure as these troubles are, just as certain are the promises that God has given us to rest on. He is always the same, praise God!
And so when you see the storm in the distance that threatens to overtake us, close your eyes in prayer, and catch sight of Him whom the wind and sea obey. Remember His faithfulness, and His mercy. He may well choose us in the furnace of affliction (Isaiah 48:10), but He will be with us in that trial; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego bear witness for us in Daniel chapter 3. After having these three cast into that fiery furnace, King Nebuchadnezzar testified that he saw a 4th man in the fire with them, and His appearance was like the Son of God.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. -I Peter 5:8-10.
We can see that the end of life as we have known it is at hand, and there is a lot to be discouraged about. Yet even in light of the trouble at hand, and the greater trouble that lies ahead, our GOD IS STILL THE SAME! He is still faithful, and full of might. We still have ample time to seek Him, and to reveal His hand of outreach to an unsaved world. The scripture tells us that even Noah did this, and called him a "preacher of righteousness" in II Peter 2:5. Right now we ought to emulate Noah in both faith, and works.
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. -Hebrews 11:7.
A prime focus of this blog is to keep you alerted to Satan's advances in the scheme to bring about a world government under the rule of the Antichrist. There are many aspects to this plan, and they are very evil (although some do not appear that way). This doesn't mean that they will all be fulfilled in the way that the devil desires! Our God puts limits on what Satan is allowed to do, and our believing prayers will cause him yet to stumble more! God wants us to be aware of the evil around us, but not to be overcome by it. The purpose of this particular article is to help you to focus on faith instead of the fear which seems to be so prevalent.To "shore up" our faith we'll look at some scriptures, and a personal example God brought to my mind.
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. - Isaiah 59:19b. This is a great promise to claim in the midst of this flood of evil.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. -I Corinthians 10:13. Don't believe Satan's lie that your situation is unique to you; others have gone through it as well! And God won't allow more to come upon you than He will enable you to bear.
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. -II Kings 6:15-17. Pray that we receive this kind of faith-based vision! God is invisible by nature, but His presence is tangible for those who believe.
One account that has encouraged me greatly is found in the book of Acts, chapter 12, primarily the first 19 verses. This is about the deliverance of Peter from Herod. Herod had killed the Apostle James, and he intended to kill Peter also. Peter was miraculously delivered from this death by an angel, but what had made the difference? The answer to that question is found in verse 5;
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Bold type added to emphasize.
It was the prayers of the church that brought the victory! God's answer was so miraculous that the believers had trouble accepting it (verses 14 & 15). We must earnestly seek to pray much, much more. Please read this entire account-the praying believers were stunned that God had actually brought Peter to their door!
Again, it's easy to get discouraged for the times we are living in. The Word of God doesn't sugar-coat it, but instead tries to warn us about it in advance, and in TRUTH. The scriptures that God provides for us contain not only warnings of the bad, but encouragements of the good;
AND at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. -Daniel 12:1 & 2.
The underlining and bold type have been added for emphasis. God is at once warning us of a time of great trouble, but also of the Christian's deliverance. It may cost us our fleshly lives, but we will end up eternally safe with our God. Please see Isaiah 57:1 & 2, Revelation 12:11, and 14:13.
And while we may see the terrible nature of these days, we should not be discouraged from prayer; for God has limited the activities of Satan (Job 1:9-12), and also limited his knowledge. Even the sin-atoning death and resurrection of Jesus himself was hidden to the devil and his lackeys;
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. -I Corinthians 2:7 & 8.
We will even find encouragement to continue in our Christian fight of faith right in the book of Revelation itself. We know that a remnant of believers will be here until the very end; when God raptures the Church and brings judgment at Armageddon on the same day (Luke 17:29 & 30, Revelation 19:7-21). There is a promised "place in the wilderness" for Christians to flee to found in Revelation 12:14. Please also read the note of timely encouragement in Revelation 16:15, as the 2nd coming of Jesus draws near. And in Revelation 18:4 God is calling to HIS people to come out from mystery Babylon (Likely the United States) before it is judged. If God is calling to us in this way, brethren, at this time in 18:4, then we can rest assured that He will never leave us or forsake us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38 & 39.
As we have already looked at in recent blogs, this Coronavirus scare is a false-flag event. The sickness itself is nothing, but the destructive counter-measures of the governments are sobering. This is a sign that there is a fast approaching storm which will engulf the world. But even now, along with this current troubling circumstance, there is opportunity for good. This Covid-19 clampdown could have been much worse. And with the unjust restrictions that have been forced upon us, we now have time; time which we might not have taken otherwise. Time to PRAY. Time to study the BIBLE. Time to make certain that we and our loved ones are ready to MEET GOD. And it is a great time to do your own research to uncover the TRUTH about Covid-19, and what's really been going on in the world.
Years ago I was working part-time at a nearby department store, about a half mile from my home. On this particular day I finished at 1 p.m., and began walking home. It was a hot summer day, and there was a chance of thunder storms in the forecast. Right from the start of my walk I was hearing thunder, coming from the west, but I saw nothing-the sky was clear and sunny.
But there was no mistaking what I was hearing. By the time I had gotten home, the thunder had grown louder, and there was a small area of dark clouds on the horizon (We live on a hill, so there is a good view of approaching weather). Because I was hearing such profound thunder, yet not seeing much, it occurred to me that this might be a very strong and dangerous storm. And so upon arriving home, I prayed prayers of protection for us, and for the mobile home park we are in.
When the storm finally overtook us, we had about 40 minutes of a very nice rain. There was no severe wind, lightning, or even thunder. To the outward appearance, there hadn't been anything to worry about, right? But we need to remember that when we pray, things can be happening that we may never be aware of. God let me see it this time, for the encouragement of future prayer...
The next day we received word on the damage. The local paper said that there was an estimated $2 million damage from the storm in our county. One woman had heard a crash in her yard, and when she went outside to investigate, she stepped on fallen electrical wires, and was killed. At my wife's workplace, a tree had fallen on the home of a co-worker. Another man at her work said that over 100 trees had been knocked down on his property. All of this was sobering information.
We need to start praying about the time we are in, and what awaits us in the near future. Even if this present crisis seems to pass by us with little damage, it is a forewarning of greater troubles ahead; troubles which the Bible assures us will come. Yet as sure as these troubles are, just as certain are the promises that God has given us to rest on. He is always the same, praise God!
And so when you see the storm in the distance that threatens to overtake us, close your eyes in prayer, and catch sight of Him whom the wind and sea obey. Remember His faithfulness, and His mercy. He may well choose us in the furnace of affliction (Isaiah 48:10), but He will be with us in that trial; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego bear witness for us in Daniel chapter 3. After having these three cast into that fiery furnace, King Nebuchadnezzar testified that he saw a 4th man in the fire with them, and His appearance was like the Son of God.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. -I Peter 5:8-10.
Friday, May 8, 2020
Repaying Our Debt; the Consequence of Sin
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. -Romans 8:12, 13.
When I was led to share this article about our debt, I had no idea that this was actually the 40th day since our final debt was paid. It was a confirmation to share this article now; it is a type of thank offering for God's mercy and provision.
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. -Colossians 2:14.
Sometimes there are consequences for our sins; even if we have already genuinely repented, and have received forgiveness. We can see this clearly in examples such as King David's fall with Bathsheba, found in II Samuel 11 & 12. I know this is an extreme example, and fairly obvious. But in this "age of grace" it isn't always easy yo see or accept that we may yet have to face consequences after God has forgiven us. This is NOT an atoning for our sin, for only Jesus provides that. What this amounts to is a chastening. And even though this can be a great grief to us, God is treating us as His own children.
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons... Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. -Hebrews 12:5-8, 11.
We began taking serious debt about 11 years ago, although our home mortgage was then a big debt already in place. It took me a long time to realize how I had failed God in this regard. There were some times, when I thought I had understood, and repented, but my actions testified against it. From the time that I first thought I understood what God was showing me about debt, until the time that I REALLY understood, was about 28 months! God had led me to the study of George Mueller of Bristol, a renowned saint from the 1800's (1805-1898). Through this I had come to believe that taking debt was a sin, as he did. Yet even after I had accepted this truth, I took even more debt, to make payments on the other debts. How could I have been so blind as not to see this hypocrisy? A test would shortly overtake us, but let me first sidetrack a bit...
In America, debt is more or less expected, and is seldom thought of as wrong. Please don't take this blog to be a condemnation of yourself or any other person. You must work this out between God and yourself. But debt does hurt us as Christians, and we ought to strive to avoid it. George Mueller's conviction rested on Romans 13:8; (bold type added)
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
It really is a common sense thing. I came to put a lot of weight on the following verse;
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. -Proverbs 22:7. Again, bold type was added for emphasis.
Jesus is our savior, and is meant to be our LORD, as well! Borrowing money puts us in bondage and makes us servants to men, and handicaps our potential service to God. But now I'll go back to the main story...
Within 3 months of realizing my own hypocrisy, the test came; our water heater gave out; we had no money to afford a repair, or replacement. Several options were available, but each one involved taking some debt. This was a time for faith. If debt was a sin, and I was indeed still so sorry for it, we had to trust that God would make a way somehow, without taking more-but there was no help in sight to the natural eye.
God helped us in temporarily getting by with things as they were; we employed towels, a fan, and turning the water supply on and off. To save up the money needed would take at least 2 months. So we "hunkered down" in prayer, and rested on God's Word of promise in Matthew 6:6;
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How would God move? Who would He send to help us? We expected to get unforeseen money, or maybe to see a Christian plumber moved to help us. No one ever came. But after a few days, some unexpected things started happening. The towel was drying up; the puddle on the floor was no longer re-forming. After 3 days, my wife said, "I think God has healed our water heater." And how right she was! It took me 3 more days of cautious watching, but we then resumed the normal use of our water, including use of the washer.
We had determined that a new water heater was the real need. The Lord told me that He had indeed healed the unit, and He would uphold it for use until we could afford another one. It was to be just like the cruse of oil, and barrel of meal was for the widow who cared for Elijah, as found in the book of I Kings 17:14. Why did God answer this way? He could have sent someone, but I think it was just to encourage a purer trust in Him; for God cannot be limited by His creation. The water heater worked normally for 22 more months. It then began leaking again, but it was very manageable, and within 2 weeks we could afford the replacement.
My wife recently reminded me that when we were deep in debt I had promised to write a song in thanks when God had delivered us. I'm sure she's right, but I don't specifically recall that. I know that I was expecting a big and sudden deliverance, but that wasn't what God's had in mind. I had made the commitment of a song because I wanted to be sure to adequately thank and praise Him when the time came. But now, in place of a song, I want to honor the Lord through a brief sharing of the account. Songs are rather limited in the scope of their coverage. This way the account should be deeper and more edifying, but only by God's blessing. I believe He moved me to do things this way.
Instead of granting us a pile of money, God tutored us as His stewards, and had us kind of work it off over time. We didn't work ourselves into oblivion, either, keeping adequate time for our walk in Christ, and meeting the needs for our spiritual growth. The real press for debt payoff started about September 2015, and finished 3/30 of this year. We prioritized the debt payoff according to scripture;
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. -Romans 12:17.
God doesn't want us to take debt, but if we have, we must repay it, as a testimony for Christ.
Although we didn't receive a great sum of money that would meet all of our debt at once, we certainly experienced added monetary blessings which were well above what our "sight" would tell us to expect. We would accrue the amount needed for a debt, but then to fully pay it off, our finances could get quite low. But God would soon replenish us. This can be a challenge, when our visible circumstances seem to tell us it would be better to hold on to the money (still making a smaller payment to get by) than to use it up in a much larger payoff.
This happened with our last debt. Just when we were about to pay it off, this Covid-19 debacle ensued. Finances would be tough, right? Shouldn't we just keep our comfortable $100 per month payment, and hold the larger amount until the economy was more secure? This matter caused an almost 3 week delay for us, but in the end the lord moved me to take care of it quickly; it was the right thing to do, and we rested on God's promise from Matthew 6:33;
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
But life has other expenses along the way, and not just the debs to payoff. We saw such expenses as a cracked tooth ($1,000), a new roof ($4,200), a new water softener system ($2,000), a kitchen floor ($1,000), a 2nd vehicle ($2,000), and a home heating system ($6,800). All of these things were paid in full without debt along the way to paying our other debts. There are other lesser expenses as well, such as a new computer, tires for the car, new work shoes, a new sofa, and various other smaller needs that arise occasionally. I am just amazed at what the Lord has provided. Oh, what mercy!
When we were taking the debt, we meant to serve the Lord with our various objectives-but it was a prideful presumption that led us to this, and we didn't understand the position of God's Word regarding debt. God needed to teach us about this. We came into a very poor state, and at times we went with little or no food, and nearly lost our home. In the end, we needed to borrow money (no interest) from a relative to stay afloat. It was a praise that God had moved this man in advance with respect to our request.
During this time of poverty, God used it to increase our faith, and to teach us how to be content with adequate provision over material wealth;
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. -I Timothy 6:6-8.
We were forgiven for our sins regarding debt quite a while ago, but God still had to teach us. It is easy, perhaps, for a Christian to be shown his wrongdoing-and then to ask quickly for forgiveness. We know intellectually that this is the correct course. But are we REALLY sorry? Do we have any understanding of why our actions were wrong, or the consequences they can bring? There are good reasons why the Lord allows or disallows certain actions, and it really is for our good. The path He has led us on has caused me to truly understand the ungodly bondage debt can cause. Once we were in debt to men, we were truly inhibited as to what service the Lord might have used us for.
It grieves me incredibly that I have so grieved my beloved savior by my actions regarding the taking of debt. Yet God has promised to work all things for our good (Romans 8:28), and today I can declare with confidence that I wouldn't trade this time for anything, in light of all the growth the Lord has brought about through it. I know Him a lot better today because of the poverty this situation caused than I ever could have with abundant riches. We are the richer for it, and that will be eternal.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:12-14.
When I was led to share this article about our debt, I had no idea that this was actually the 40th day since our final debt was paid. It was a confirmation to share this article now; it is a type of thank offering for God's mercy and provision.
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. -Colossians 2:14.
Sometimes there are consequences for our sins; even if we have already genuinely repented, and have received forgiveness. We can see this clearly in examples such as King David's fall with Bathsheba, found in II Samuel 11 & 12. I know this is an extreme example, and fairly obvious. But in this "age of grace" it isn't always easy yo see or accept that we may yet have to face consequences after God has forgiven us. This is NOT an atoning for our sin, for only Jesus provides that. What this amounts to is a chastening. And even though this can be a great grief to us, God is treating us as His own children.
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons... Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. -Hebrews 12:5-8, 11.
We began taking serious debt about 11 years ago, although our home mortgage was then a big debt already in place. It took me a long time to realize how I had failed God in this regard. There were some times, when I thought I had understood, and repented, but my actions testified against it. From the time that I first thought I understood what God was showing me about debt, until the time that I REALLY understood, was about 28 months! God had led me to the study of George Mueller of Bristol, a renowned saint from the 1800's (1805-1898). Through this I had come to believe that taking debt was a sin, as he did. Yet even after I had accepted this truth, I took even more debt, to make payments on the other debts. How could I have been so blind as not to see this hypocrisy? A test would shortly overtake us, but let me first sidetrack a bit...
In America, debt is more or less expected, and is seldom thought of as wrong. Please don't take this blog to be a condemnation of yourself or any other person. You must work this out between God and yourself. But debt does hurt us as Christians, and we ought to strive to avoid it. George Mueller's conviction rested on Romans 13:8; (bold type added)
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
It really is a common sense thing. I came to put a lot of weight on the following verse;
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. -Proverbs 22:7. Again, bold type was added for emphasis.
Jesus is our savior, and is meant to be our LORD, as well! Borrowing money puts us in bondage and makes us servants to men, and handicaps our potential service to God. But now I'll go back to the main story...
Within 3 months of realizing my own hypocrisy, the test came; our water heater gave out; we had no money to afford a repair, or replacement. Several options were available, but each one involved taking some debt. This was a time for faith. If debt was a sin, and I was indeed still so sorry for it, we had to trust that God would make a way somehow, without taking more-but there was no help in sight to the natural eye.
God helped us in temporarily getting by with things as they were; we employed towels, a fan, and turning the water supply on and off. To save up the money needed would take at least 2 months. So we "hunkered down" in prayer, and rested on God's Word of promise in Matthew 6:6;
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
How would God move? Who would He send to help us? We expected to get unforeseen money, or maybe to see a Christian plumber moved to help us. No one ever came. But after a few days, some unexpected things started happening. The towel was drying up; the puddle on the floor was no longer re-forming. After 3 days, my wife said, "I think God has healed our water heater." And how right she was! It took me 3 more days of cautious watching, but we then resumed the normal use of our water, including use of the washer.
We had determined that a new water heater was the real need. The Lord told me that He had indeed healed the unit, and He would uphold it for use until we could afford another one. It was to be just like the cruse of oil, and barrel of meal was for the widow who cared for Elijah, as found in the book of I Kings 17:14. Why did God answer this way? He could have sent someone, but I think it was just to encourage a purer trust in Him; for God cannot be limited by His creation. The water heater worked normally for 22 more months. It then began leaking again, but it was very manageable, and within 2 weeks we could afford the replacement.
My wife recently reminded me that when we were deep in debt I had promised to write a song in thanks when God had delivered us. I'm sure she's right, but I don't specifically recall that. I know that I was expecting a big and sudden deliverance, but that wasn't what God's had in mind. I had made the commitment of a song because I wanted to be sure to adequately thank and praise Him when the time came. But now, in place of a song, I want to honor the Lord through a brief sharing of the account. Songs are rather limited in the scope of their coverage. This way the account should be deeper and more edifying, but only by God's blessing. I believe He moved me to do things this way.
Instead of granting us a pile of money, God tutored us as His stewards, and had us kind of work it off over time. We didn't work ourselves into oblivion, either, keeping adequate time for our walk in Christ, and meeting the needs for our spiritual growth. The real press for debt payoff started about September 2015, and finished 3/30 of this year. We prioritized the debt payoff according to scripture;
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. -Romans 12:17.
God doesn't want us to take debt, but if we have, we must repay it, as a testimony for Christ.
Although we didn't receive a great sum of money that would meet all of our debt at once, we certainly experienced added monetary blessings which were well above what our "sight" would tell us to expect. We would accrue the amount needed for a debt, but then to fully pay it off, our finances could get quite low. But God would soon replenish us. This can be a challenge, when our visible circumstances seem to tell us it would be better to hold on to the money (still making a smaller payment to get by) than to use it up in a much larger payoff.
This happened with our last debt. Just when we were about to pay it off, this Covid-19 debacle ensued. Finances would be tough, right? Shouldn't we just keep our comfortable $100 per month payment, and hold the larger amount until the economy was more secure? This matter caused an almost 3 week delay for us, but in the end the lord moved me to take care of it quickly; it was the right thing to do, and we rested on God's promise from Matthew 6:33;
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
But life has other expenses along the way, and not just the debs to payoff. We saw such expenses as a cracked tooth ($1,000), a new roof ($4,200), a new water softener system ($2,000), a kitchen floor ($1,000), a 2nd vehicle ($2,000), and a home heating system ($6,800). All of these things were paid in full without debt along the way to paying our other debts. There are other lesser expenses as well, such as a new computer, tires for the car, new work shoes, a new sofa, and various other smaller needs that arise occasionally. I am just amazed at what the Lord has provided. Oh, what mercy!
When we were taking the debt, we meant to serve the Lord with our various objectives-but it was a prideful presumption that led us to this, and we didn't understand the position of God's Word regarding debt. God needed to teach us about this. We came into a very poor state, and at times we went with little or no food, and nearly lost our home. In the end, we needed to borrow money (no interest) from a relative to stay afloat. It was a praise that God had moved this man in advance with respect to our request.
During this time of poverty, God used it to increase our faith, and to teach us how to be content with adequate provision over material wealth;
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. -I Timothy 6:6-8.
We were forgiven for our sins regarding debt quite a while ago, but God still had to teach us. It is easy, perhaps, for a Christian to be shown his wrongdoing-and then to ask quickly for forgiveness. We know intellectually that this is the correct course. But are we REALLY sorry? Do we have any understanding of why our actions were wrong, or the consequences they can bring? There are good reasons why the Lord allows or disallows certain actions, and it really is for our good. The path He has led us on has caused me to truly understand the ungodly bondage debt can cause. Once we were in debt to men, we were truly inhibited as to what service the Lord might have used us for.
It grieves me incredibly that I have so grieved my beloved savior by my actions regarding the taking of debt. Yet God has promised to work all things for our good (Romans 8:28), and today I can declare with confidence that I wouldn't trade this time for anything, in light of all the growth the Lord has brought about through it. I know Him a lot better today because of the poverty this situation caused than I ever could have with abundant riches. We are the richer for it, and that will be eternal.
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:12-14.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Christians, Beware of Project Blue Beam
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. -II Peter 1:16.
In the past, I have not said much about NASA's Project Blue Beam, but I now feel that I must. This threatens to be an unimaginable deception, and a very likely one, and so I will warn.
There are several good reasons (as it seems to me) for not spending much time on this topic; First of all, I realize that to most people this notion is utterly fantastic, and therefore not very credible. And so most would automatically write off this suggestion as a fearful imagination. Yet I assure you that this technology is real, and has existed for some 25-30 years. Seeing as how it is intended to be a global deception, it has needed to be developed to accommodate such a grand scale. And as for it being kept a secret, that shouldn't be hard to fathom, either. It is common for nations to hide the contents of their arsenals from one another, in order to have a greater, and surprise advantage in any conflict that might arise. I suppose that this whole notion was also almost unbelievably fantastic to me as well, when I first heard of it about 9 years ago.
Secondly, there are many evil plans that could possibly be hatched by those seeking to bring about a world government-but what will actually happen? I don't like the idea of inducing worry, especially about uncertain future events, into the body of Christ. I think most believers would find that our daily walk with the Lord brings enough challenges. Yet I think that there is also a danger in ignorance.
Third, at times I have thought that if a person were in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ that they will most likely be spiritually "okay" no matter what comes. Perhaps I shouldn't burden them with what are only possibilities that may not amount to much. Yet I think to rest on such presumption is to disbelieve the broader testimony of scripture...
We know by the Word of God that these last days are a time of deception such as the world has never seen before. With all the warnings that we have been given regarding spiritual deception, it is simply arrogant and presumptuous to think that we will automatically overcome it all.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. -Matthew 24:24 & 25.
Jesus had told His disciples beforehand what was going to happen to Him regarding His suffering, death, and resurrection-Peter even rebuked Him for it (Matthew 16:22). They were warned about it more than once. But when all of the bad had come to pass, they were distraught beyond words. They had walked with the creator of the universe for 31/2 years and witnessed all the power that was within Him. It was power to heal all that came to Him, to cast out evil spirits, to raise the dead, and to calm the raging sea. How could anyone harm Him? They were sure, and it was obvious, that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. We know how it ended, but at the time the disciples were utterly perplexed with what their senses told them had happened...
And such would seem to be the set-up for the time of Antichrist. The world will have just gone through World War III with all of its previously unknown horrors. Project Blue Beam will project the coming of the world's messiah in a sensory-captivating display, and people will even "hear" the voice of God speaking to them within their minds. After the great war, when it seemed like the earth was finished, it will look like God himself has come to finally save us. I hope you can see that such a deception would be very hard not to accept. This is why I must alert you to it now, before it comes. While I cannot know for certain what will happen, I think it likely that this technology will be used in some way to bring about the devil's desired outcome.
Our best way to overcome such deception is by knowing AND believing the Word of God, and for that you should use your King James Bible. The church organizations we are subjected to have done much to undermine our confidence in God's Word, and are continually re-translating the words our creator has preserved for our benefit. In God's holy Word lies our hope of eternal life, and we must love and trust it unto our death (Revelation 12:11). Please look into Project Blue Beam.
Without going into a lot of detail, here are a few points to remember for distinguishing the false Christ from the genuine; 1) Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6), and His is the only name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The false Christ will be for every religion. 2) When the real Jesus returns, all kindreds of the earth shall WAIL (Revelation 1:7). When the false Christ comes, mankind will rejoice. 3) Christians would know by scripture that WWIII happens in Revelation 9:13-19, and chapter 13 covers the rise of the Beast, or Antichrist. Chances are that the false Christ will claim to be bringing the 1,000 year reign, but Christians should know that this only comes about in Revelation 20. In other words, the false Christ's claim would be a bit premature. Get to know the Word, brethren, and seek earnestly to deepen your prayer life.
God is rich in mercy, and has given us this time to greatly prepare. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Let us love the Lord for all that He has done so that one day we may be with Him eternally.
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. -II Corinthians 5:6-9.
In the past, I have not said much about NASA's Project Blue Beam, but I now feel that I must. This threatens to be an unimaginable deception, and a very likely one, and so I will warn.
There are several good reasons (as it seems to me) for not spending much time on this topic; First of all, I realize that to most people this notion is utterly fantastic, and therefore not very credible. And so most would automatically write off this suggestion as a fearful imagination. Yet I assure you that this technology is real, and has existed for some 25-30 years. Seeing as how it is intended to be a global deception, it has needed to be developed to accommodate such a grand scale. And as for it being kept a secret, that shouldn't be hard to fathom, either. It is common for nations to hide the contents of their arsenals from one another, in order to have a greater, and surprise advantage in any conflict that might arise. I suppose that this whole notion was also almost unbelievably fantastic to me as well, when I first heard of it about 9 years ago.
Secondly, there are many evil plans that could possibly be hatched by those seeking to bring about a world government-but what will actually happen? I don't like the idea of inducing worry, especially about uncertain future events, into the body of Christ. I think most believers would find that our daily walk with the Lord brings enough challenges. Yet I think that there is also a danger in ignorance.
Third, at times I have thought that if a person were in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ that they will most likely be spiritually "okay" no matter what comes. Perhaps I shouldn't burden them with what are only possibilities that may not amount to much. Yet I think to rest on such presumption is to disbelieve the broader testimony of scripture...
We know by the Word of God that these last days are a time of deception such as the world has never seen before. With all the warnings that we have been given regarding spiritual deception, it is simply arrogant and presumptuous to think that we will automatically overcome it all.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. -Matthew 24:24 & 25.
Jesus had told His disciples beforehand what was going to happen to Him regarding His suffering, death, and resurrection-Peter even rebuked Him for it (Matthew 16:22). They were warned about it more than once. But when all of the bad had come to pass, they were distraught beyond words. They had walked with the creator of the universe for 31/2 years and witnessed all the power that was within Him. It was power to heal all that came to Him, to cast out evil spirits, to raise the dead, and to calm the raging sea. How could anyone harm Him? They were sure, and it was obvious, that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. We know how it ended, but at the time the disciples were utterly perplexed with what their senses told them had happened...
And such would seem to be the set-up for the time of Antichrist. The world will have just gone through World War III with all of its previously unknown horrors. Project Blue Beam will project the coming of the world's messiah in a sensory-captivating display, and people will even "hear" the voice of God speaking to them within their minds. After the great war, when it seemed like the earth was finished, it will look like God himself has come to finally save us. I hope you can see that such a deception would be very hard not to accept. This is why I must alert you to it now, before it comes. While I cannot know for certain what will happen, I think it likely that this technology will be used in some way to bring about the devil's desired outcome.
Our best way to overcome such deception is by knowing AND believing the Word of God, and for that you should use your King James Bible. The church organizations we are subjected to have done much to undermine our confidence in God's Word, and are continually re-translating the words our creator has preserved for our benefit. In God's holy Word lies our hope of eternal life, and we must love and trust it unto our death (Revelation 12:11). Please look into Project Blue Beam.
Without going into a lot of detail, here are a few points to remember for distinguishing the false Christ from the genuine; 1) Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6), and His is the only name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The false Christ will be for every religion. 2) When the real Jesus returns, all kindreds of the earth shall WAIL (Revelation 1:7). When the false Christ comes, mankind will rejoice. 3) Christians would know by scripture that WWIII happens in Revelation 9:13-19, and chapter 13 covers the rise of the Beast, or Antichrist. Chances are that the false Christ will claim to be bringing the 1,000 year reign, but Christians should know that this only comes about in Revelation 20. In other words, the false Christ's claim would be a bit premature. Get to know the Word, brethren, and seek earnestly to deepen your prayer life.
God is rich in mercy, and has given us this time to greatly prepare. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance. Let us love the Lord for all that He has done so that one day we may be with Him eternally.
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. -II Corinthians 5:6-9.
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