Hebrews 6:13-15 & 18-19: God Keeps His Promises

 

Hebrews 6:13-15 & 18-19: God Keeps His Promises

As with Abraham (and his wife Sarah*), there are often times we have to wait for God's promises to be fulfilled.   

In verse 18 it reminds us that it is impossible for God to lie (see also Titus 1:2).  So when God says He is going to do something, He is faithful to fulfill all promises.  

We know Abraham waited many years for this promise of children.  After he had patiently endured, he then obtained God's promise.  

I wonder if the more patiently we wait, the bigger the blessing?  Either way, whenever we must endure waiting, let's not get discouraged or lose faith in God.  Trust in God's perfect timing and remember He never lies, and He will take care of His faithful children! 

*If you want to read my writing on Abraham's wife Sarah (Profile of a Doubter, Part 1: Sarah), you can do so here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/02/profile-of-doubter-part-1-sarah.html

(Hebrews 6:13-15 & 18) For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, He sware by Himself, "Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee."

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.

Philemon, Verses 17-20: Put That on my Account

 

Philemon, Verses 16-19: Put That on my Account 

Philemon is not one of Paul's instructional books on Godly living.  One might even wonder why it is included with his other letters.  Yet, every book in the Bible is important.  Even this seemingly irrelevant book taught me a valuable lesson. 

In verses 8-21, Paul speaks of his fellow believer Onesimus.  In verses 16-19, Paul mentions that Onesimus owes Philemon money.  Paul shows compassion for his friend and "brother" in Christ.  He says to place all of Onesimus' wrongs and financial obligations on his own account.  He is willing to take on His friend's debt.

May we all have such compassion and do what we can to "Bear... one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2).

(Philemon, Verses 17-20) If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

How much more so Jesus took on our debt of sin out of His amazing love for us!  He paid our price with His precious blood and death on the cross!  Because of this, those who repent of their sins and continue to live clean lives will be spared the punishment of hell.    

(Colossians 2:13-14) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 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.

Around a year or so ago, I was listening to the song, "Sinner saved by Grace" sung by The Gaither Vocal Band.  I was praising God with my eyes closed.  When the words, "I'm just a sinner save by grace" were sung, I saw Jesus holding a large red, heart-shaped box that said "Grace" on it.  He was handing it to me and said, "Handle with care." Then they sang, "When I stood condemned to death, He took my place." I clearly saw myself with a crowd of people ready to arrest me for my sins, but Jesus was there and stood between me and the crowd with his nail-scared hand stretched out, protecting me.  He said, "Take me instead."  The tears streamed down my face, and I can still feel the emotions of that vision every time I hear that song.   

I drew a VERY rough sketch of what I saw because I never wanted to forget it:

This side of Heaven, I don't know if we will ever be able to fully grasp that Jesus took our place when He became sin on the cross. But we can always praise Him for His sacrifice.

May we never take Jesus' precious gifts of grace and salvation for granted and never abuse them (Romans 6:1-2 - What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?).  And may be show this same mercy and compassion to others as Jesus would want us to do.  

I don't remember which version of this song I was listening to when the Holy Spirit gave me the vision, but here is one version of the song.  I also love The Cathedrals' version, but since I was listening to the Gaither Vocal Band at the time, I thought I would share this one. "Now I GROW and breathe in freedom!"

Titus 1:14-16, 2:11-14, & 3:5-9, & 14: The Message of Both Grace and Works in a Nutshell

 Titus 1:14-16, 2:11-14, & 3:5-9, & 14: The Message of Both Grace and Works in a Nutshell 

Reading Titus can seem contradictory. In fact, Paul often seems to go against his own teachings and appears to go back and forth saying we need no works to be saved and then, yes, we do. 

However, reading Titus quite a few years ago suddenly clicked for me.  Paul is not contradicting himself - we must read each verse in its entire context! God does save us by His grace simply out of His love for us.  We do not have to earn His love with works.  But it does not end there.  Once saved, we must "maintain good works" to remain saved.  Works produce good fruit and righteous living.  

God will never cease loving us, be we cannot live unholy lives if we want to spend eternity with a Holy God! That is the message of both grace and works in a nutshell!  

(Titus 1:14-16) Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

(2:11-14) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

(3:5-9& 14) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

2 Timothy 4:3-4: Itching Ears to Hear a False Gospel, Part 2 Written by my Husband

 

2 Timothy 4:3-4: Itching Ears to Hear a False Gospel, Part 2

Written by my Husband (Mel)

Truly saved believers are those who walk in the light of Jesus saving grace and not in darkness. Scripture states that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. 1 John 2:1-12 states that if you claim to know Christ and keep not his commandments you are a liar, and the truth is not in you.

However, those who keep His word the love of God is perfected, and we know we are His. To walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Unless you yield to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit you will remain in darkness. Living in obedience to scripture is necessary for spiritual growth. You must be indwelt/baptized/filled with the Holy Spirit to be truly saved. The Kingdom of God dwells within us. If you are not filled with the Holy Spirit, you are not part of the Kingdom of God.

(1 John 2: 1-12) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

True Grace is for those who walk in the light and not for those who love darkness and are apathetic toward righteousness. Many profess to know Christ but refuse to give up the darkness in their lives. There is no grace for the majority of television shows and movies that people watch, God Himself spoke this to me more than once. Television shows, pornography, adultery, fornication, substance abuse, homosexuality, lying etc. are examples of darkness that will lead to damnation. However, God will forgive these sins if you repent and turn away from them. 

Cheap grace or greasy grace is a term used to describe the junk food gospel being taught in many churches today. Most churches are teaching their people that there is grace for all of their sins and the need to be transformed (purified by the Holy Spirit) is not necessary because we are all sinners. Repentance, as well as holy living is not taught due to the fear of losing church members and big tithers.

 Another false doctrine is the unconditional eternal security doctrine; this belief teaches that a saved believer cannot lose their salvation. This doctrine is contrary to scripture and leads many people to Hell. Hebrews 10:38-39 states that a believer can drawback unto perdition (Hell) if they do not remain in the faith. Revelation chapters 2 and 3 state that if you return to sinful living your candlestick may be removed from its place or you may be vomited out of God's mouth. There are Christians who have lost their faith and died as atheists, Buddhists, agnostics etc. these will not enter the Kingdom of God. 

Salvation begins with repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle, as well as a desire to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. To be truly saved, you must hunger and thirst for righteousness and turn away from the old rebellious life you once knew.  When you repent and put your faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross you are saved from perdition (damnation) and have been given eternal life. We are justified by faith alone and saved by grace alone (unmerited favor). Christ will wash you clean and remove all of your sins and grant you a clean slate. Because of Christ's atonement made upon the cross you walk perfectly before him as long as you remain in the light. God gives us grace to grow in him. We come to him as babes on milk and learn to walk by his Spirit.

If you are truly saved, then you are clean as long as you remain in Christ. You do not need to repent over and over because you are given the power of the Holy Spirit to live a sanctified (set apart) life. When you were saved bankruptcy court occurred, and you were declared debt free! Yield to the Holy Spirit and give him the reins of your life. Make him the governor of your life and he will produce good fruit. You cannot produce good fruit apart from the vine of Jesus Christ (John 15). The love of Jesus will be poured into your heart by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to walk by faith and walk away from sin.

(2 Corinthians 6:17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

(2 Corinthians 7:1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

(John 3:5-7) Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

(Revelation 12:13-17) Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.  So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.  But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.  And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

(Romans 10:9-13) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(1 Timothy 6: 11-12) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

(2 Corinthians 7:10) For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

(Luke 15:7) I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

(1 Peter 4:7-8) But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 

(Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

(John 15:1-4) “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

(Hebrews 10:38-39) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 

(Galatians 5:4 NKJV) You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

 (Romans 7:4 NKJV) Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. 

2 Timothy 4:3-4: Itching Ears to Hear a False Gospel, Part 1

 

2 Timothy 4:3-4: Itching Ears to Hear a False Gospel, Part 1

One of the common themes pastors love to preach about is a great revival, or a great awakening.  They love to preach this message because it makes you feel good about yourself and makes you happy.  The happier the congregation, and the less convicted you feel about your sins, the more money you will place in the offering.  Will a mass amount of people come to or return to the Lord before the end?  I will answer this not by my theory, but by scripture.  However, let me quickly state that before you think this is a negative post, please read all the way through to know I am offering you a message of hope, not of doom and gloom! 

(2 Thessalonians 2:3, 10-12) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 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. 

2 Thessalonians clearly tells us that there will be a great "falling away" before the Anti-Christ comes, not a revival.  It says people will be easily deceived by the evil leader (or leaders) because they love unrighteousness and have failed to follow the Truths of God.  The more people rebelliously say they don't want to be told how to morally live their lives, the less they will follow any of the rules of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, the farther they will fall away from the true gospel. (NOTE: I wrote this several years ago, but today, in 2026, I fully believe we are in those last days as exactly as Paul described.)

Believers and unbelievers alike have solidly plugged up their ears to the holiness message of daily repentance (see Luke 9:23).  If they do not think there is no need to change, then revival is not possible.  Because they have itching ears to only hear a false gospel, one that makes them feel comfortable in their sins, they are blocking the Holy Spirit from sending a true revival. 

(2 Timothy 4:3-4) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 

True revivals are more than singing pretty songs, crying and hugging.  True revivals involve repentance and changing your ways and allowing the Holy Spirit to help you stay a "new creation" (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). 

(1 Timothy 4:1-2) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; 

1 Timothy also states Christians will "depart from the faith" and give into the "doctrines of demons." What are these false doctrines leading people astray?  

(Jude 1:4) For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

This means that false teachers have perverted the Truths about holiness taught by Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and others and have twisted it to a false grace message.  They say we only need to say just one single prayer and never again need to repent for any future sins.  Salvation and grace are absolutely free gifts, but we need to quit using it as an excuse to sin (Romans 6:1-2 - What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?) We need to give up habitual sins and live for Jesus, not for self.  

If people believe we never need to repent, then how could a revival even be possible?  People will no longer listen to the holiness message and call all of us who preach about righteousness judgmental or legalistic.  They said the same of the aforementioned Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and others.

Make no mistake, God will remove your candlestick from heaven as well as vomit the lukewarm church out of His mouth (See Revelation 2:5 & 3:15-16).  

God has and will continue to give mankind many chances to repent and return to Him.  The signs are all around is that this world is coming to an end.  Yet, people say Mother Nature is responsible and refuse to acknowledge the power of Almighty Father God.  Revelation 9:20-21 tells us that even in the midst of the terror of the tribulation, that people will still refuse to change (And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.)  The same theme continues in Revelation 16:9 & 11:  And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Pretty brazen and foolish behaviors to still refuse to repent when God's power is so obvious, and yet it is happening today.

With all this said, does this mean I believe a worldwide revival is unlikely?  Only God knows the answer to that, but the Word of God says more will fall away than repent. However, I am not saying that we should assume all are lost to the Truths of the gospel message.  I am not saying we should cease praying for individual revival for our friends and family.  The word revival essentially means "an awakening," and I strongly believe we should never cease praying for those we love to have their eyes opened and ears unplugged. 

(Acts 6:4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 

I also very strongly believe that we need to focus on our own personal revival.  Even if you daily lay down your cross and repent of your sins, there is always room for growth in your walk with the Lord.  We need to pray the prayer of King David, and work at actively changing our "wicked ways."

(Psalm 139:23-24) Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Bottom line is that I am saying that the Bible predicts there will be a great falling away in the last days, not a great revival.  However, we can still have hope and pray for individuals as well as for the condition of our own souls.  I will leave this post with Psalm 51, that we can also use as a daily prayer. 

(Psalm 51:1-17 ) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest... Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee... O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 

1 Timothy 3:2-3 & 6:9-11 & 17-19: The Love of Money

 

1 Timothy 3:2-3 & 6:9-11 & 17-19: The Love of Money

One of the biggest idols in people's lives is money. The majority of television evangelists are obsessed with it. They are not doing the Lord's work; they are heaping riches upon themselves while very little money goes to help the poor. Their messages are watered-down feel-good sermons that never make one uncomfortable because they want happy listeners to write big checks. If they told you the Truth that one must remain grafted in the vine (Jesus) lest they risk losing their salvation (see John 15:1-10), they would lose viewers who do not want to be condemned for their sins. More importantly, they would not be able to afford their material possessions. Why do they deceive the masses? Simple: they worship money, not God. 

There are a lot of verses in the bible warning about the love of money. Jesus clearly tells us in both Matthew 6:24 & Luke 16:13, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."  Could it be clearer? If one loves money, he will hate God because God wants us to give money to those in need, not keep it all for ourselves.

 There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a beautiful home, nice vehicle, nice clothes, etc.; God often blesses those that genuinely serve Him with wealth and the good things in life. The problem is not being wealthy, but when we ignore the needs of those literally and spiritually starving, we are not using that money to glorify God. I am currently very far from wealthy, but if I was ever to obtain wealth, I would donate to charity before buying the things I wanted. Yes, I would also have some nice things, but materialism will never prevent me doing my best to honor God with a clean lifestyle, and I would still work for God. The balance is not to become obsessed with inanimate objects over people's souls.

I am not just speaking of false evangelists, but also of people who embezzle, steal, run business that sell immoral products, cheat, etc. When one compromises their beliefs or goes against the principles of the bible to unethically or illegally obtain money, it is also an affront to God.

When you worship money while attempting to serve God, your heart is divided between God and greed. Paul says it so much better than I do, so remember his words, not mine. In 1 Timothy 3, when Paul lists the qualities of a deacon, he says that he "must not [be] a lover of money." (verse 3) That goes for all wanting to be leaders but is also great advice for non-leaders as well. 

Paul goes on in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 to warn, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds if evil. Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." And for those who are wealthy, Paul says in verse 17 of the same chapter, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything." Paul continues in verse 11 with a list of things we should pursue rather than money: "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." Amen!

Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have." And in 1 Peter 5:2, Peter says that the "shepherds of God's flock" should "not [be] greedy for money, but eager to serve." Additionally, Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived says in Ecclesiastes 5:10, "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income." I would go on to add that loving God may cause you to feel like you can never be in His presence enough, and yet loving and serving God will always leave you satisfied.

(1 Timothy 3:2-3) A bishop then must be blameless... Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre [money]...

(1 Timothy 6:9-11 & 17-19) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

The Resurrection, From Leonard Ravenhill & The Same Power that Raised Jesus is Available to You, From David Wilkerson

The Resurrection, From Leonard Ravenhill & The Same Power that Raised Jesus, From David Wilkerson

I was planning on writing about the power of the resurrection of Jesus, but after listening to these two messages from my two spiritual mentors, the late preachers Leonard Ravenhill & David Wilkerson, I knew I wanted to share their powerful sermons instead. Please listen to both of these messages sometime this week. Very few preach like this today, and if you want to hear soul stirring messages that will change you and not just entertain you, please listen to these mighty men of God.

The Resurrection, From Pastor Leonard Ravenhill

The Same Power that Raised Jesus is Available to You, From Pastor David Wilkerson 

Note: There is a small section in this video about 20-25 minutes in that is very quiet, but it only lasts a few minutes, so keep listening!

Jesus Christ Our Sacrificial Lamb, Written by my Husband

Jesus Christ Our Sacrificial Lamb, Written by my Husband (Mel)

There is no greater love than a man that is willing to lay down his life for a friend. Our Lord Jesus Christ left his throne in Heaven, clothed himself in the frailty of human flesh, and died a horrible death in order to provide redemption for us.

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, so that whosoever believes in him, should not perish but have everlasting life.

It was no small sacrifice that our Lord made upon the cross of Calvary, for he gave his very life, so that we may live with him in the eternal Kingdom of God. Redemption means to redeem or purchase something. Christ was literally buying us back from Satan through his sacrifice upon the cross.

Because of the disobedience of Adam, the earth fell from perfection into corruption, and Satan became the prince and power of this fallen world. However, Christ became the second Adam, in that through his obedience to the Father, he provided eternal life to all who will make him Lord of their life.

Jesus Christ is our sacrificial lamb. On the day of preparation, when the Jews killed, as well as prepared the lamb for the Passover meal, our Lord was crucified. Through the shed blood of our Lord, provision was made for sins to be passed over.

The Passover lamb had to be spotless and without defect, or God would reject it. The blood sacrifice of the lamb was symbolic of the sacrifice of God’s sinless Son upon the cross. Christ was tempted in every way that we are, yet he remained the only sinless man ever to walk the earth. Christ was the only man who could take our place upon the cross.

To repent, means to turn away from sin and to become a new creation in Christ, a person that is set apart from the sinful world. Many churches fail to teach people that they must be truly born again. Christ taught that we must remain in the vine, in other words in him, as well as bear good fruit, or the Father will cut our branch off, and throw it into the fire.

When a person is truly saved through repentance and placing their faith in Christ, their spiritual garments are made white by the blood of the Lamb. All of our sins are passed over and we are saved by grace, apart from our works. However, God's Word teaches us that we are to keep our garments clean, for they can be defiled by living in a backslidden state and we can lose our salvation.

(Isaiah 53:4-7) Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

When Christ died upon the cross, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. The temple veil covered the entrance to the Holy of Holies. Only the Levitical priest was permitted to enter this most inner chamber. The Ark of the Covenant was kept there. The priest would sprinkle blood upon the mercy seat, between the two cherubim, on top of the Ark. This was done to cleanse the tabernacle, as well as make atonement for the sins of the people. The high priest would offer up an animal sacrifice for himself, as well as the people. When Christ made atonement for our sins upon the cross, his blood was sprinkled upon the mercy seat in Heaven. Christ, our high priest made the final sacrifice for sins. Since the veil was torn from top to bottom in the temple, we now have access to the Holy of Holies (God). The veil of separation between God and man has been removed forever.

The atonement of Christ also provided for the healing of our bodies. God’s Word states that He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and by His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). Christ was scourged with the Roman cat of nine tails. This device had nine leather straps with bone and metal in each strap. Many men died from this type of torture, but our Lord endured it. His stripes provide healing for our physical bodies. God’s Word says that if there be any sick among you to call for the elders, to anoint with oil and pray over the sick, and the prayer of faith will restore them, and if they have committed sins they will be forgiven (James 5:14,15).

The Lord is willing to forgive us of all of our sins, no matter how big they are, if we will repent and turn from them. The Lord is very patient, as well as merciful with each of us; he gives us time to grow in our Christian walk. Will you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior? There is Heaven to be gained, as well as Hell to be avoided. If we repent of our sins, as well as make confession of our faith in Christ, we shall be saved. If you would like to accept Christ into your heart, then please pray with me.

Lord Jesus Christ,

I believe that you are the Son of God, the creator of all things.

I believe that you died upon the cross for my sins, and I ask you to forgive me of all of my sins, as I turn from them to everlasting life.

I believe that the Father raised you from the dead, and that by accepting you as my Savior, you will also raise me from the dead when you return.

Please help me to allow your Holy Spirit to transform me into a new creation.

Lord Jesus, please send your Holy Spirit now to live within me.

In the most holy name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!

This prayer alone will not save your soul, unless you pray with sincerity, as well as conviction. Accepting Christ into your heart is the beginning of your Christian Walk, not the end. You must remain in the faith, study your Bible, as well as grow spiritually. The Holy Spirit is our helper, counselor, and friend, he is the portion of God’s Spirit that indwells us.

Please consider these Scriptures in regard to salvation.

(Romans 10:9-13) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

( 1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(John 15:1-4) “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

(1 Timothy 6: 11-12) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

(2 Corinthians 7:10) For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

(Luke 15:7) I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

The Prayers of Jesus Christ, Part 5

NOTE: In honor of Resurrection Day this Sunday, I wanted to repost parts 4 (posted yesterday) and 5 from my Prayers of Jesus Christ series.

The Prayers of Jesus Christ, Part 5

To be technical, one may not consider the last words of Jesus as a prayers. However, He was addressing His father, so I would call them prayers:

(Luke 23:32-34) There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

All the words and teachings of Jesus Christ are powerful, but none give me chills as much as the words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” He was tortured in a way none of us can fathom, humiliated, broken hearted, and yet, He could look down at the men that had committed such acts and ask His heavenly Father to forgive them? It did not take Him months or years to work through His issues, no He was able to forgive his abusers and forsakers, which included friends, that same day! I know we have all heard many sermons preached on this subject, but can we ever hear it enough? 

Jesus knew his abusers and betrayers were filling prophecy as well as fulfilling His destiny. They were acting according to the plan of God the Father. They may not have realized they were murdering the Son of God and did not understand how their acts had to happen, but they must have known that causing another human being so much pain was wrong! Jesus knew their hearts and I am sure He saw the blackness there, and yet, He still asked God to forgive them! Let me emphasize it again: He did not have to go through years of counseling to get over a rejection complex.  He did not have to wait years for His memories to soften the hurt. No, Jesus was able to forgive them while the splinters of the cross dug into his deep wounds in his back they had caused with their cruel whips. Even while in agonizing pain from the huge nails driven into his hands and feet and the thick thorns sticking into his skull, He could see His torturers in danger of Hellfire and feel compassion for them.

And yet, when someone hurts our feelings, we brood over it for weeks, maybe even months or years? Can we really be so weak and shallow? We need to start praying that the Holy Spirit will enable us to see our fellow men through the eyes of Jesus Christ. I have been praying, "God, please increase my compassion and decrease my criticism." The more we can see people as souls in danger of Hell, and people hurting and in need of a Savior, the less we will hold onto our pride and hurt feelings.

Remember in my previous blog I said that Jesus' last words to His disciples were to remind them to love one another. We need to etch Jesus' words and teachings into our hearts. The next time we want to curse a bad driver, get angry when we don't get the attention we want on social media, someone doesn't say the exact words you expected them to, or some other trivial issue, picture Jesus humbly praying for His tormenters' souls, and maybe we can finally start learning to be less petty! We need to forgive all blunders committed against us and move on, even forgiving the more serious offenses. We need to follow the example of the One who forgave the unforgiveable.

(Mark 11:26) But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”





(John 19:28-30) After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

 
When Jesus said, "It is Finished," He was referring to His time on earth as a man. He had fulfilled what He had come to fulfill. His final act as a man was finished.  He was born to die for our sins, and now that He had shed His blood, we could now be allowed claim His free gift of salvation and ultimately spend eternity with the blessed Trinity. 

Instead of using the words of Jesus Christ, the sacrificial lamb as an excuse to sin (Romans 6:1-2) we should be praising Him for such an amazing love. We can never truly fathom how much He loves His children! We should be on our faces in awe of such a love, not trying to wiggle our ways out of ignoring the commandments (Matthew 19:16-21) and the sins of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17)!

What also is interesting is in the book of Revelation, it mentions that all will be finished after the seventh angel sounds his final trumpet.  The world we know it will be over, and a new one will be created.  This earthly age will be finished, and our hope will be complete as our eternity begins!

(Revelation 10:7) But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished.

(Revelation 21:1-3) And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Praise God He gave His Son to endure such a brutal death so we can choose to live righteously and have eternal life with Him! Praise Jesus for such a heart full of compassion that He still asks for forgiveness for those that had abuse Him - you and me! Praise the blessed Trinity that Jesus' acts on earth are finished and yet have scarcely begun! Someday we will be able to thank Him in person for such an awesome sacrifice and blessed future to come!

The Prayers of Jesus Christ: Part 4

NOTE: In honor of Resurrection Day this Sunday, I wanted to repost part 4 today and part 5 (will be posted tomorrow) from my Prayers of Jesus Christ series.

The Prayers of Jesus Christ: Part 4

Right before Jesus was about to be cruelly executed, He wanted to spend one last night alone with His beloved disciples. During their last meal together, Jesus again reemphasized His message to them on how it is more important to be a servant TO all than to be served BY all (Luke 22:24-27). He takes it a step farther to prove His point by washing their feet (John 13:4-17). What a beautiful last message He gave to them! I have always loved how Jesus' last moments with them as a man (before He appears to them in the resurrected form of God's Heavenly Son), is to remind them to love one another.

In John 13:34-35 Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Loving one another and treating each other with the love of Christ is so vitally important to our testimony that it was one of the last things Jesus spoke about before being crucified. He did not tell them to become famous and seek wealth. No, He told them to be humble servants and treat each other with love. To help out one another and be kind so that people will be drawn to them by the spiritual fruit they bore. Their love and humble attitudes were to shine the light on Jesus Christ and His love for us. When others see a heavenly light in you, it can lead them to asking you why you shine and you can lead them to Christ!

 
After the last supper with his disciples, Jesus takes them to the Garden of Gethsemane. In part because He wanted some time alone with them away from other people, but also because He knew this was where His destiny needed to be fulfilled; where He was about to be betrayed by Judas. He had one last message for them:

(Luke 22:40) Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

 
Remember in The Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:5-13 (posted in part 1 of this series https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-prayers-of-jesus-christ-part-1.html), when Jesus tells them to pray "And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one." Again, Jesus is reminding them to steer clear of temptation. May we also follow Jesus' advice and do our very best to avoid temptation of sin. May we strive to truly be born again and daily seek to walk down paths of righteousness. (Luke 9:23- And he said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.")

Although we can try to imagine what Jesus was feeling a few hours before He was about to be tortured to death, we cannot fully grasp His emotions. The best I can equate it to was the few moments before I was about to be rolled into surgery. I was willingly allowing myself to be cut open and have pain inflicted upon me. I was allowing this more so for my precious husband's sake than for my own because the tumor was cancerous, and I had to have it out (I actually had 2 cancer surgeries in 2023). I needed to live for Mel.

 
But I was fighting to live, not to die. I was unselfish for one person who loved me, not for billions that denied my name and betrayed me. It was one area of my body that would suffer pain, not head to toe. And though I felt a lot of pain afterwards, I had pain medication, and I was unconscious while the pain was being inflicted. See, my circumstance is not even a teeny tiny fraction of what Jesus willingly allowed Himself to go through. Why? Because He loves us and does not want even one soul in Hell (2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord... is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.)

(Luke 22:41-42) And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”

Can we be so brave and humble to pray those same words? How often do we demand our own way? How often do we scold God for not doing things our way? How dare the Creator of the Universe and all things living past, present, and future, not listen to our plans? How dare the King of Kings try to help us by choosing a different path we want to go down?

 
When I am on my knees, I try to make it a habit of saying, "Jesus, I surrender my whole life into Your hands. Do with me as You will." While there will be times in my life I will want to take those words back, I usually mean them with all my heart and soul. And will trust Him no matter what He chooses for me.

(Luke 22:43-44) Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 
Some people may try to tell you that fear is a sin. While I do believe that fear is the opposite of faith, it is not a sin. Jesus was sinless, and yet the above verse shows He was afraid. Of course, He was, He was willingly allowing Himself to be led like a sheep to the slaughter.

It is a scientific fact that sweating blood only happens in extreme cases of fear. You can read about it here: https://christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-t018.html Yet, Jesus still prayed that God's will would be done and He followed through on God's will not for His life, but ours! I repeat, not for His life, but ours!

 
(John 15:12-14) This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

 
And yet, He did not ask the angel to stay and fight for Him or to take Him away. He stood His ground and let His mission to beaten, bruised, and murdered be fulfilled.

(Luke 22:45-46) When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

 
Again, Jesus mentions falling into temptation. It is so very important that we not fall asleep in our spiritual walk with the Lord. We must pray every day that we do not fall into temptation to backslide. Jesus knew His disciples were about to be tested as they never imagined and that they would be tempted to fall way from their faith.

 
In order to stay grounded in Christ, we must not fall into the temptations of television or movies, not just because it takes us away from pursuing the things of Christ, but also because it is detrimental to the condition of our souls (please listen to this entire David Wilkerson sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4Fn0yMSwQc). We should not play computer games or read or spend hours on any other activity that take us away from reading the Bible and praying. There is nothing wrong, of course, with wholesome entertainment as Life is meant to be enjoyed, but let's not put anything before the Lord and neglect spending time with Him first.  He gave His sinless life for us and deserves our attention above all else. (Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.)

(1 John 4:7-11, 14-16, & 19) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

We love him, because he first loved us.