Zephaniah 3: Heed the Warnings and Embrace God's Promises

 

Zephaniah 3: Heed the Warnings and Embrace God's Promises

My commentary on Zephaniah 3 is about how we can apply this message to our lives today, not about what was historically happening at the time it was written.  We can all heed the warnings and embrace God's promises.  Let's start with the first two verses:

(Zephaniah 3:1-2) Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God.

This starts off with God saying judgements are coming for those who rebelliously live in sin.  He will also hold all accountable who oppress the poor, fatherless, widows, and those who are of a different race than them.  We need to treat everyone with love and respect and care for those in need. (You cand read more about that here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/the-oppression-of-poor-written-by-my.html )

(Hebrews 3:7-8 & 10-15) Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, "Today if ye will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts..." Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God... while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation [this means we should not be provoked to disobedience]."

When we refuse to obey the voice of God and push Him away with hard hearts, we will be held accountable. Yet look at it from the positive side.  When we do soften our hearts and let our ego go and humbly ask God to forgive our sins, then we can enter not His holy rest! Read that from Hebrews again and read it with a hopeful heart and not from an angle of doom and gloom.  When we endure to the end, it will all be worth not giving into peer pressures and the lusts of the flesh. 

(Zephaniah 3:3-4) Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow. Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.

Oh how I could write an entire series on the corruption of the leaders in all positions in this and other countries.  They are truly wolves that are devouring everything and everyone around them through acts of war, oppression (as mentioned above), as well as through their sinful lifestyles.  Most truly are brute beasts out to feed their lust for power.

The spiritual leaders are no better as many have perverted the Word of God for their gain.  The sanctuaries have indeed been polluted with ungodly music, provocative clothing, and especially with a lukewarm, greasy grace messages.  As Zephanaiah says, this perversion of grace brings violence to the True New Covenant laws of God.  

Here is a whole list of verses to read on that subject: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/advice-from-apostle-paul-do-not.html

(Zephaniah 3:5 & 7) The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

I [God]said, "Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off," howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

God is just and merciful.  You and I deserve so much less mercy than we receive.  Those who love righteousness accept God's chastisements but those who walk in the dark hate correction.

(Proverbs 1:7) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

God wants to extend His love to all of us, but too many refuse His free gift of salvation and continue to live in corruption rather than give up their sinful lifestyles. 

((Romans 13: 11-14) And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly (other versions say "decently" or "honestly"), as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.) 

Let's jump ahead to verse 12.

(Zephaniah 3:12-13) I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

There will always been a faithful remnant serving God. When you see all others around you are watching filthy movies, going to bars, embracing false religions, celebrating the occult, and loving all that God hates, and you are not participating in their sins, you (not just people from a certain country or race) are part of God's remnant.  You may be the only one you know who still believes the Bible needs to be obeyed and God should be trusted and reverenced.  God will honor you, faithful pilgrim. Read on.

(Zephaniah 3:14-15) Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

Once again, we can all apply this message to our lives today.  God is no respecter of persons.  All true sons and daughters of God can rejoice in how much God loves us and that He will acknowledge our faithfulness to the Holy Trinity. 

(Acts 10:34-35) I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 

(Galatians 3:27-29) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

The Lord takes away our judgements only after we repent of our sins (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.), then when we get to heaven, and all enemies have been defeated, we will never again see evil but live in God's kingdom of eternal peace.  Read all of Revelation 21, but here is just one verse:

(Revelation 21:4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

(Zephaniah 3:17) The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in his love, He will joy over thee with singing.

I truly cannot fathom the Creator of the universe singing over me!  This is such a beautiful and powerful verse it is humbling and increases my love for the Kings of Kings! "What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see! When I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace! When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised land! What a day, glorious day that will be!" (Lyrics in quotes by Jim Hill- Song posted at the end with Jim Hill as the soloist.)

(Zephaniah 3:18-19) I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.

As I said before, my commentary is not based on what was happening historically at the time Zephaniah wrote this prophecy, so I therefore see verses 14-20 as a parallel to our future in paradise. 

If we heed the warnings from the beginning of this chapter, we will indeed have the supreme privilege of singing with Jesus in His Kingdom forever!

When we Will Study War No More

When we Will Study War No More

(Song: Down by the Riverside / Study War no More)

We are living in violence as we have never seen before and it will only get worse.  Won't it be wonderful when all wars will all be over? No one will study war anymore!  Death and destruction of innocent people will be over, and we will live in perfect peace with the True King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

(Isaiah 2:4-5) And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more... let us walk in the light of the Lord.

(Micah 4:3) And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

(Isaiah 11:6) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

(Psalm 46:6 & 9-10) The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

(Revelation 21:1-8 & 27) 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. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Zephaniah 2:3: The Great Day of the Lord, Written by my Husband

 

 Zephaniah 2:3The Great Day of the Lord, Written by my Husband, Mel

Great Tribulation such as never been seen before or ever will be again is coming upon this world soon. Are you prepared to be hidden by the Lord in his refuge during this coming storm? 

(Zephaniah 2:3) Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.

(Isaiah 26:20-21) Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

Revelation 12 teaches us that God will hide and protect many of his children in remote wilderness locations during the Tribulation. Zephaniah 2:3 and Isaiah 26:20-21 also states that God will hide many during the appointed day of his wrath. 

Many are being falsely taught that God will rapture them out prior to the tribulation and are not taking steps to prepare for the coming storm. This false doctrine is responsible for putting many to sleep and will ultimately result in their deaths, and many others will fall away. The pre-tribulation rapture doctrine requires misleading people by making scriptures jump through many hoops in order to form a man pleasing doctrine. In Matthew 24, Christ taught that immediately AFTER the tribulation he will return and gather his ELECT from the four winds of heaven. The second coming of Christ occurs after the tribulation, that is when the dead are raised and the remnant that remain will be raptured. If Christ returned prior to the tribulation, then all of those martyred in the tribulation would have no resurrection. God's Word teaches that those killed will have part in the FIRST RESURRECTION. Christ will return at the LAST TRUMPET, also known as the SOUNDING of the SEVENTH ANGEL in the book of Revelation. At the sounding of the seventh trumpet, it is announced, " it is finished!"

(Matthew 24:29-31) “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

(1 Corinthians 15:51-53) Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

 (Revelation 10:7)  But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. 

(Revelation 11:15)  Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 

As you can see, God’s Word clearly teaches that the dead are raised, as well as the living are transformed, on the last day, at the last trumpet.

(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.

(Zephaniah 1:2-3) I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the Lord. I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked: and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the Lord.

(Zephaniah 1:14-18) The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

The prophet Joel wrote that there will be pillars of smoke before the great Day of the Lord, this will be nuclear warfare. Here are some scriptures about the Coming Nuclear Tribulation.

(Joel 2:30-31) And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.

(Isaiah 26:20-21) Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

(Revelation 8:5-11) And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.  And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

(Revelation) 9:15-21 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. 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.

For more writings on this topic: 

Discerning the Signs of the Times https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/discerning-signs-of-times.html

Please do not let Fear Influence What you Believe: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/please-do-not-let-fear-influence-what.html

"When shall these things be?" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/01/mark-133-8-13-14-21-27-32-37-when-shall.html

Where the Eagles Gather https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/01/luke-17-22-where-eagles-gather.html

Questions and Answers About the Rapture https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/questions-and-answers-about-rapture.html

The Truth About the Second Coming of Christ, Written by my Husband https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-truth-about-second-coming-of-christ.html

Dream of the Return of Christ and Preparation for his Coming, Written by my Husband https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2017/04/dream-of-return-of-christ-by-mel.html

The Seven Churches: Part Two, Written by my Husband https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/04/revelation-31-22-seven-churches-part.html

There’s Hope For All Who Follow The Instructions  https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/theres-hope-for-all-who-follow.html

Advice From the Apostle Paul: Do Not Tolerate False Gospels (And from Jesus, Peter, John, & Jude)

Advice From the Apostle Paul: Do Not Tolerate False Gospels

(Colossians 2:8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 

(Galatians 1:6-12) I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

(2 Corinthians 11:2-4) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

(2 Thessalonians 2:4 & 6-8 ) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

(And Advice from Jesus, Peter, John, & Jude)

(Matthew 7:13-23) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

(2 Peter 2:1-3 & 18-19) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

(1 John 4:1-3) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

(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.

The Book of Jonah: When we Stray From His perfect Will

 

The Book of Jonah: When we Stray From His perfect Will 

Have you ever known God was calling you to do or not do a specific task, but refused?  Were you thinking the same thing I was as I typed those last words.  Jonah.  Remember how he refused to go to Nineveh?  Did God protect him when he disobeyed God’s instructions?  Nope.  When a storm brewed aboard the ship he tried to use to escape God, his fellow sailors tossed him overboard (after he admitted the storm was directly due to God’s anger toward him).  The book of Jonah tells us that the Lord “had prepared a great fish” specifically to punish Jonah’s insubordination.  While we may not go through something so dramatic and smelly, it is clear by this example that God will allow bad things to happen when we stray from His perfect will.  Of course, God also had mercy on Jonah after he humbly spent three days in prayer repenting of his sins.  Only then did God allow the fish to vomit Jonah out alive.

I love what Jonah says in 2:8 "They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. " The amplified version puts it this way, “Those who regard and follow worthless idols. Turn away from their [living source of] mercy and lovingkindness." That really perfectly sums up all of our stories.

If we are honest, we can all admit that there have been numerous times in our lives we purposely chose to disobey God’s voice.  I am including myself here.  In essence, we are making an active choice to separate ourselves from God and hinder our prayer life.  Just as God was gracious to Jonah after he repented, He will show the same kindness to us.  Yet, why put yourself in a rebellious situation in the first place?  We are always full of excuses, aren’t we?  I know I shouldn’t take this job, but I need the money.  I know I shouldn’t date him/her, but I’m lonely.  I know I shouldn’t watch this program, but it’s a good storyline.  I know I shouldn’t drink alcohol or do drugs, but I’m depressed.   I know I shouldn’t have relations outside of marriage, but God didn’t answer my important prayer.  And the list of justifications goes on and on.

Would you expect a boss to keep you on the job if you kept stealing?  No! Nor should you expect a holy God to turn the other way when you willfully choose to do the wrong things.

Not only are we breaking God’s heart by our disobedient actions, but we are also choosing to walk by sight rather than faith.  We do not truly believe in Romans 8:38 or Jeremiah 29:11 when we choose to earn money in a dishonest or immoral fashion.  For example, serving alcohol at a bar, even when you do not drink the alcohol is still wrong.  Or selling ungodly entertainment items, cigarettes, marijuana, occultic items, or other products you know God hates, is displeasing to our Holy God. Handing someone else these items you know God is against should bother your conscience.  That's why after just 5 days, I had to quit a job working for a library in 2017; every time I checked out a book to a patron on witchcraft, violence, or sexual immorality, it literally made me sick to my stomach.  We needed the money, but pleasing God is always worth more than money.  

When any of us accepts such a job that is morally compromising, we are stubbornly saying we do not believe God will supply all of our needs.  When we date someone completely out of line with our morals, we are saying we do not believe God will bring us the right mate in His perfect timing.  We are acting like Sarah when she stepped outside of God’s will by asking Abraham to marry Hagar.  She did not have faith enough to believe God would grant them a son through her womb (see Genesis 16).

I would like to add that God may still use us when we make poor choices.  We should still show love to people and attempt to be a Light for Him.  However, if you choose to work at a location that sells items God says to avoid, do not expect your testimony to be effective.  Instead, you will mostly come across as a hypocrite and others will not take your Christianity seriously.  That does not mean you cease attempting to produce the fruits of the Spirit and become rude and unkind.  Showing love towards others is always the best choice before, during, and after our moments when walk outside God’s will.  Overall, the best scenario is to repent and start over, but do not add insulting behaviors to your list of rebellions.   

When you truly love God, you should want to do your very best to please Him.  I want so much to make my Lord happy, that when I know I am failing, it causes me to weep.  I want to please my Maker and Friend.

I will end by reminding us all (me too) to really think twice when making important decisions.  Money, pleasure, entertainment, or peer pressure should never out-weigh your love for God or His love for you.  Even if you are at a place where you feel God has let you down or you feel ignored by God that does not mean your feelings are reality.  It is often very difficult to wait patiently and allow God to do what He is planning to do in His perfect timing.  Getting ahead of God and going against His will rarely produce positive results.  The consequences usually come when we choose to follow our own will instead.   I am not speaking of unintentionally going against God’s will (which can be easy because God can be confusing), but I am speaking of blatant rebellion. 

So, when you think about going against God's will, think of Jonah.  And if you have disobeyed and suffered the consequences, also think of Jonah.  Repent, do what God asked you to do, and you very well may be vomited out of the fish created because of your rebellion. And when God sets you free from the circumstances your stubborn actions caused, praise Him for His mercy and His grace!   

This entire book of Jonah is long to post, so please read the short 4 chapter book on your own.  Here is a brief excerpt: 

(Jonah, Chapters 1-2) Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah... saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me."

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken...

Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. "Why hast thou done this?" For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them...

And he said unto them, "Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you..."

 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging... Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly, And said, "I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice... The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord."

And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Joel 2:28-29: Does God still speak to people today? Written by my Husband & Me

 

Joel 2:28-32: Does God still speak to people today? Written by my Husband (Mel) & Me

Does God still speak to people today? Many churches teach that God only speaks through the Bible and not personally to anyone. However, God's Word says otherwise. According to the Bible, God has given spiritual gifts to His church for the equipping of the saints.

This passage is from the prophet Joel.

(Joel 2:28-32) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 

In Acts 2:16-20, Peter repeats these same words verbatim. Both Joel and Peter agree on this statement from God. Note these words say ALL flesh, both genders, all ages groups, and includes maids and servants. The gift of prophesy is not exclusive to only young, rich, white, or males.

Many churches misuse scripture to justify their position, however, there is not one verse in the entire Bible that states the gifts of prophecy will cease. The gifts of the Spirit will continue until the Lord returns. 1 Corinthians describes the beautiful gifts of The Holy Spirit.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-12) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

Many people will not allow God to speak to them because they don't have the faith to believe it. Their churches have taught them that God only speaks through His Word and have stifled God's Spirit.

Search out Scripture and use discernment. God wants a clean vessel He can speak through. If someone says, "God told me..." but their lifestyle does not reflect Biblical principles, you can usually dismiss them, even if they seem "spiritual." Remember, even the Devil can quote scripture (see Matthew 4:1-11) and masquerades as an angel of light (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). All experiences must line up with the Word of God or they should be rejected. However, even if someone who seems to be walking with the Lord tells you God spoke to them, it is still okay to ask God for confirmation.

(1 John 4:1-3) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God.

God speaks to both of us in dreams, visions, and words. He shows us prophecies as well as gives as personal messages. And yes, we just said it is okay to ask for confirmation from God from anyone who says they hear from God, and we are not so arrogant that we think we are the exception to that Biblical rule. With that said, we have received many confirmations from the headlines in the media, we have the same or similar words/visions/dreams on the same night, as well as others experiencing similar things we have seen that show the prophesies God have revealed to us are from Heaven. Yet, we still believe it is okay for you to confirm God's Truths to you as well. While strangers often see the fruits of our messages, people we personally know are doubters because what God shows us often conflicts with what they want to believe outside of Biblical boundaries, they think they are the spiritual authority over us, and/or they have false dreams that contradict what we have seen, so they dismiss us. Therefore, be prepared for those who think they know you the best to be the most skeptical. It truly does not matter, however, as we only need God's approval to share what is revealed and we know it is not our power, but from the Holy Trinity that we hear and see things before they happen. Our goal is to help others and glorify God, not uplift ourselves.

(Matthew 13:57) But Jesus said unto them, "A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house."

If you choose to follow God with all your heart, mind, and lifestyle, He can speak to you as well. Pray to the Holy Spirit for His gifts. Be ready to obey whatever He tells you do to be ready to receive His gifts. If you need to get rid of something hindering a closer walk with Jesus, then you must get rid of it before He will use you. Also be prepared to be obedient to share what He tells you to share, even when it is difficult and you very well may be rejected. Also, ask for discernment for your experiences to be able to determine what is from God, what is from Satan trying to play God, and what is from your own imagination. Again, it is okay to ask God for confirmation on what you receive that may be from the Holy Spirit.

(2 Timothy 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The better you know the Holy Trinity and what the Bible truly teaches by reading it on your own, the more you will know and understand what is and what is not from God. God will never tell you to do anything immoral, illegal, or unscriptural. Know God. God will never give you a message that is self- serving, that only bring you attention and honor. He will tell you How much he loves you in some beautiful ways, but He will not give you messages with the goal of fame or fortune. The messages are (for you or someone else) usually for correction, warnings for future events, insight on what someone else may be going through spiritually or physically (but God is not a gossiper, this is so you can pray) a word of encouragement, or (as I just said) to let you know you are a beloved child of the King. Choose to live a holy life, study His holy word, and The Holy Spirit very well may choose to use you for His glory!

Hosea 14:1-9: Hope for The Backslider

 

Hosea 14:1-9: Hope for The Backslider

You and I know that God's salvation is a free gift that we do not have to earn, but too often, God's beautiful gift of grace is abused, and people do not think they need to be responsible for their actions. However, God's Word is very clear that grace is not an excuse to sin.

(Romans 6:1, 2, & 6) 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? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

When one uses grace as a reason not to live a Holy life, they are in danger of backsliding away from their salvation. Not every mistake we make automatically causes us to lose our salvation, of course, but living in habitual sins we refuse to get rid of and repent from, will risk losing our place in paradise with God. It is open rebellion that keeps us separated from a Holy God.

(Revelation 20:12 & 21:8) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

There are many verses in the Bible that speak of the backsliding Christian, and also many verses that offer hope for those who have fallen away from the Truths of Jesus Christ. I am going to let the Holy Word of God tell you the story with just a few of these scriptures.

The verses in Hosea were written for the rebellious people of Israel, but we can all apply it to our lives. The hope here is that God will heal all who have backslidden away from Him and wants them to return to His ways of holiness.

(Hosea 14:1-9) Return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity... and turn to the Lord: say unto him, "Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves [confession] of our lips." 

[And God will answer,] "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him... His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree... They that dwell under His shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine..."

[And they will say], "What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard Him, and observed Him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found."

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Both 2 Peter 2 and Hebrews 6 give great picturesque examples of what it means to backslide. It is a very devastating thing when one has known the Truth of the Bible and even lived according to the ways of Jesus Christ, but for whatever reason, be it peer pressure or blaming God for the bad things that happen, they have chosen to give up on God and backslide back to the world, to do those things they know go against Biblical principles. Peter described it so boldly by saying when we choose to turn away from God and go back to the world, we are like a dog eating his own vomit!

(2 Peter 2:20-22) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Hebrews 6:6 should be a huge eye opener for a reason not to go backwards in our walk with the Lord. I know that verse shakes me to the core!

(Hebrews 6:6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Our hope is in 1 John 1, notice the first 5 words. God is so very gracious to always respond to our sincere prayers of contrition.

(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.

You can find more hope for the backslider in Jeremiah 3. Again, notice that one must first acknowledge their sins. It is a beautiful passage of scripture that lets us know that God wants so deeply for us to return to Him (2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord... is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.).

(Jeremiah 3:13-15) "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God... and ye have not obeyed my voice," saith the Lord. "Turn, O backsliding children," saith the Lord; "for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family... And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."

Finally, let's look at God's words to the church in Ephesus,

(Revelation 2:4-5) "Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Without a change of heart and allowing yourself to become and stay a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.) we absolutely risk losing our salvation, having our "candlestick" removed from "out of his place" if we refuse to do what we know is right in the eyes of God.

I will leave you with more hope and good news:

(Revelation 2:7) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh [destroys sin] will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

In other words, true repentance of sins will lead to eternal life with the Holy Trinity in Heaven!

You can read more on this subject in a blog written by my husband, "Backsliding Unto Perdition," https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/07/backsliding-unto-perdition-written-by.html

And also, what I posted a few days ago, "Ezekiel 18:23-33: When the Righteous Turn Away From Righteousness": https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/ezekiel-1823-33-when-righteous-turn.html

And there are also these links to writings I have posted before, but here they are again on further writings on backsliding: 

"What bribes have we taken to crucify Jesus all over again?" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/what-bribes-have-we-taken-to-crucify.html  

"The Slow Backslide" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-slow-backslide.html

Daniel 5:1-31: We Will All be Weighed on the Scales

 

 

Daniel 5:1-31: We Will All be Weighed on the Scales

Originally written in June 2023.

After two surgeries, I was finally declared cancer-free!  It has been a very painful ordeal physically, but also has been a test for me emotionally and spiritually.  I was asking God why I had to go through all this pain and fear.  Whether from my own mind or from the Holy mind of God, I felt very clearly that I was told I was being weighed.  I knew it had nothing to do with the literal weight of my body, but that God was telling me I was being tested. I knew, as with Belshazzar in Daniel 5, that I was being weighed to see how I would fare the trials coming my way. My circumstances were obviously different than Belshazzar, but the concept of being tested by God is the same. My physical trials have been tests of my faith.  I was weighed and tested to see if I would "honor the God who holds [me in] His hand." For this test and all the others that will surely come, I never want to be found wanting/lacking in faith or integrity.     

(Daniel 5:22-30 ) “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven... But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. “Here is what these words mean. Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting...  That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain. 

I believe the Bible when it states we will all stand before God and be judged for our actions (Revelation 20:12-13 - And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.).  That time will host the biggest scales of them all (see also Matthew 16:23) However, for the theme of this particular blog, I am just going to focus on the scales associated with physical, emotional, and spiritual trials.

Did God give me cancer? Probably not, but how I dealt with the diagnosis of the disease these past three months was a test of my spiritual character. Did I pass with flying colors? No!  I felt anger, confusion, and self-pity with all I had to go through.  Yet after much prayer and self-examination, I ultimately decided that if all the pain and suffering I was experiencing could bring glory to God, it was worth it. I would trust God. And like Job, I would not curse God and die, but bless God and live! Even if I had been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, instead of stage 1, I was and am determined I will always declare:  

(Job 13:15) Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 

In 2006 I had a dream that an angel of the Lord was handing me a beautifully intricate gold candlestick.  He said to me, "Through the fire, you will be refined pure as gold."  At the time, I was facing persecution at my job and was eventually forced to resign. I have faced more hardships since then. Facing cancer and two very painful surgeries has been probably my second biggest test (the biggest was in 2014).  I suspect the evaluations of my faith will continue throughout the rest of my life.  I want to be refined and made better, not melted down and deemed unusable.

(Zechariah 13:9) And I will... refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. 

So how do we keep the scales from tipping us right off of them?  We focus on the Holy Words of God! Jesus never promised us an easy life, but He did promise to hold our hand through it all.  If we can remember God will never leave us, it gets easier. 

(John 16:22) [Jesus said,] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  

The hard times will come to us all, no one is exempt.

(Matthew 5:45) For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

However, if we refuse to become bitter and trust God in the processes, these difficulties will only make us stronger. 

(Acts 14:21-22) They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples... strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 

The words from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 have become my new theme: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

For I am learning more and more that the name of Jesus will be best glorified when I am weak. 

Bottom line is that we will all be weighed on the scales more than once.  As for me, I am willing to be weighed and sent through the fire if it means the name of Jesus will be glorified. 

Although I am in the process of healing from cancer surgery, I still have an on-going neurological disorder that was once thought to be Multiple Sclerosis, but now none of the 3 neurologists I have seen can seem to come up with any kind of diagnosis, and therefore no treatment plans.  Even as I face the weakness with which this condition continues to plague me, I want to always have the same attitude as the apostle Paul:

(Philippians 4:11-13 ) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

And because Jesus Christ gives me strength, may His name be exalted and praised!

From this day forward may my prayer always and sincerely be:

(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.