Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit, Part 1: Love and Longsuffering, Written by my Husband and Me

 

Pursuing the Fruits of the Spirit: Love and Longsuffering

Written by my Husband (Mel) and Me

Now that I am up to the book of Galatians, I thought I would repost the Fruits of the Spirit series my husband and I co-wrote.

(Galatians 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. 

When we display the fruits of the spirit, we automatically invite a spirit of harmony into our home and outside relationships. 

The root of all the other actions is love.  Think of it as the tree that grows all the other fruits from its magnificent branches.  When you love one another, your actions will (or should) reflect your feelings.  For when your love is sincere, you care more about another person's happiness than your own, and you would never do anything to cause someone else harm, especially when you consider how much God loves that person.

(Matthew 7:12) Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.  

As Christians, we are called to be a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we are indwelt with God’s Holy Spirit, then we should have God’s divine nature and attributes present within our lives. As the moon reflects light from the sun, we should reflect the light of the Son. The greatest of all of the fruits of the Spirit is love. It is impossible to be truly saved without love in your heart. For God is love, and those indwelt with his Holy Spirit will be people of love. God’s Word tells us we should love God, as well as love our neighbor as ourselves. Christ is our example of selfless love. Although Christ was God, He left His throne in glory, became a man, and humbled Himself to the death upon the cross. Upon the cross He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Christ taught us to love our enemies, and to do good to those who wrong us. We should imitate Christ and have this same selfless love for our neighbors.

 Christ told us that in the last day’s lawlessness would abound, and the love of many will grow cold. 

(Matthew 24: 12-13) And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 

Many, within our modern culture consider hardness, and coldness toward others, as a strength to be admired. It is considered fashionable not to smile, but rather to look hard when being photographed. Television, movies, books, as well as our public schools, teach that the strong must walk on others to get ahead in this life. Love, kindness, selflessness, as well as charity, are frowned upon as weakness. It is popular to have sculls and crossbones on adult, as well as children’s clothing. I don’t understand why anyone would want this symbol of death on their clothes, or in their home.

It is truly as the days of Noah today, and the attributes of Satan are visible in most people’s lives. As Christians, we must go against the grain of our cold society and let the love and light of our Lord Jesus Christ shine through us. 

Longsuffering is another form of love, and it means that we are to be patient with those who are difficult.  The bullies, those who are purposefully antagonistic, the bad drivers, and poorly trained or just plain rude customer service people, etc.   It is learning to have mercy on someone who you want to retaliate against. It is learning to see them through God's eyes of love and compassion.  It is learning to put Matthew 5:43-45 into practice.

(Matthew 5:43-45) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

It is sometimes hard to have love for our fellow humans, but with Christ, all things are possible. We live in a fallen world, and we all have faults, that is why it is important not to be critical of others. Longsuffering is love in action. Love keeps no record of wrongs but endures all things. The patient enduring of the character or personality flaws of others is demonstrating true Christ-like love. However, in order to maintain peace, as well as to avoid conflicts, it is sometimes necessary not to associate with certain people. Nevertheless, we are to continue to love that person, and not to allow bitterness into our heart.

If you have bitterness in your heart toward others, I urge you to let the love of Christ melt away the ice on your heart. Even the roots of bitterness are an open door for the devil to have a stronghold in your life. If you have animosity toward someone, let it go, and let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind. Sometimes, it is better not to even speak about a person who stirs up hard feelings. Silence is golden and will help you forgive the person who has offended you. Praying for the offender is the best way to bring a release to your heart.  

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8 & 13) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 & 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: Living in the Strength of Jesus

 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 & 2 Corinthians 12:9: Living in the Strength of Jesus

These two passages may seem unrelated, but they both have to do with living in the strength of Jesus.  The verses in chapter 10 revolve around letting the Holy Spirit be your strength to walk away from doing the wrong things, while verses in chapter 12 focus on physical strength.

(2 Corinthians 10:3-5) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

I will explore spiritual warfare in greater depth when we get to Ephesians, so for now, please read the above portion and pray for spiritual protection as you walk with the Lord.  Jesus will send His angels to help you battle the strongholds of Satan.  Note the last phrase; it is an active decision to recognize when our thoughts are wrong and correct them before we follow through with bad actions. The Holy Spirit will always give us strength to walk away and do the right thing. (1 Corinthians 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

If you don't mind, I am going to get a bit personal.  Since at least 2018, I have been battling an unknown neurological condition.  I will not list all my symptoms but in a small nutshell, I suffer from weakness in varying stages from head to toe. Beginning in late 2019, I finally found a doctor who wanted to try to get to the bottom of my illness.  Unfortunately, she was not a neurologist, and the specialist that I saw off and on from 2019-2022 eventually gave up on trying to come up with a diagnosis and released me from his care. I still do not have a title for my condition, but it matches all the symptoms of (and considering the lesions in my brain, it probably is) Multiple Sclerosis.  

On top of dealing with a long list of neurological symptoms, in 2023 I had two surgeries to remove two cancerous tumors from my body, as well as a complete abdominal hysterectomy, lymph node dissection, and had my omentum removed (layer of tissue that covers abdominal organs).  I praise God these tumors were diagnosed as synchronous ovarian and endometrial cancers, which means they were supposedly independent of each other, and both were considered to be stage 1.  It was, however, a painful and frightening process to go through.  I should have stayed in the hospital for at least a week but talked them into releasing me on day five.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul mentions that he has been dealing with a thorn in his flesh that he had repeatedly asked God to remove.  We do not know what this issue was.  Some say it was persecution while others think it was a physical ailment, which is what I tend to believe, but we do not know for certain.  Perhaps it was both issues. What we do know is that God would not release Paul from this thorn, but instead empowered Paul with His strength to endure the trials so that the name of Jesus could be glorified.   

Through all my thorns (including the emotional ones), 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 has become another one of my favorite verses (last two sentences below), along with Psalm 73:26 (My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.), Nehemiah 8:10 (The joy of the Lord is your strength.), and Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)  These verses are not just empty words to me, but are my strength, joy, and hope.  

Whether stuck inside an MRI listening to the head-splitting clanging and banging sounds (I have had 5 MRIs, an uncountable number of CT scans and blood panels, and even a failed - long story- lumbar puncture), or laying on an operating table knowing that when I wake up, I will be in a lot of pain, or waiting for the results to see what stage cancer I had, I truly was and still am able to find joy and peace in the Lord's strength.

If what I have gone and may still go through helps encourages even one person to put their trust in the Lord and brings glory to the name of Jesus, it is all worth it!

Around a year ago, while dealing with another wave of extreme weakness, pain, and fatigue, I had a vision of God placing His hand on my heart and telling me to take His hand.  He said that no matter what was wrong with me, that He was with me and that I would be okay.  With tears streaming, I grasped His fingers and held tight.  No matter what I face, I will cling to His promise to continue to be by my side. Even when not physically fine, I am whole in mind and spirit. Since that experience, I am continually reminded to hold to God's hand and never let go because He will always be my strength. I pray you allow Him to be yours as well.

(2 Corinthians 12:7-10) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

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.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18-7:1, Part 2: Unequally Yoked

 

 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18-7:1, Part 2: Unequally Yoked

I know I already posted a writing on this same passage of scripture, but I wanted to now look at it from another angle.

God does not want us to fit in with the world.  Yes, we are to be kind-hearted to all, but there needs to be a limit with how close we become to the world. In other words, God does not want us to be unequally yoked with those who rebelliously choose to walk in the dark. (I will address marriages at the end of this writing.)

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18- 7:1) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness...  for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 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. 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. 

 

It is not wrong to be friends with unbelievers, but you should not be overly involved in their lives lest they drag you down. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 says, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not." You cannot blame anyone if you backslide, you are responsible for your own actions, but why tempt yourself to give in to doing things you know are wrong that go against the will of God?  It is better to keep relationships shallow with those who practice things that you know go against the principles of Jesus Christ.  In other words, we should not be so closely knit with the world we become "unequally yoked."  

Too often Christians who are on fire for the Lord allow the cold influences of the world to cause them to temper their desire for the holy things of God.  Whether it is out of wanting to fit in with those who make fun of you because you refuse to go to the bars, laugh at you because you walk away when the conversations become lewd, or make sarcastic jabs at you because you have given up movies, television, and secular music.  Whatever the reason, you have given in to peer pressure and compromised your holiness beliefs just to be liked by the world. 

(Romans 12:1-2) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

As Christians, our goal should not be to please the world, but the please the Lord.  Notice in Romans 12 it says that not conforming to the world is "good and acceptable and perfect."  Not that anyone can be perfect, but God honors our efforts.  Considering the amazing gift of salvation Jesus graciously died to give us, striving for holiness truly is our "reasonable service."  

Galatians 1:10 puts it this way, "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."

I know it is not easy sticking to your values when you feel rejected by those who you care about.  However, and I do not say this to be cruel but bluntly honest, your true friends will not make fun of you for your morals, and if they do, they are the wrong friends.

Don't forget, Jesus was despised and rejected by His family and friends and ridiculed by the very people He came to die for.  And He is still mocked today.  We can endure the criticisms and remain steadfast in our beliefs when we remember our Lord and Savior went through the same rejections, only on a much, much larger scale.

The goal of every blog I write is always to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.  The biggest frustration some of you face is trying to be Godly in an ungodly world. You get tired of being the odd one out in groups and not getting invited to join others because your morals prick their conscience.  But if you are truly desiring to please your Creator, the best way to feel strengthened is to consider what the Bible says. Think of it this way: would you rather be uninvited to parties, family gatherings, etc. because of your stand for Jesus, or uninvited into heaven because you compromised and gave into ungodly behavior just to be liked?

I have seen too often people praise the Lord on Sunday, curse with their friends on Monday, go the bar on Friday, and to a movie full of violence, sex, and/or the occult on Saturday.  Then when back in church on Sunday, guilt sets in, and they repent and feel on fire again.  However, as soon as they try to speak about the Lord to family members or friends, they are made fun of, and their fire gets doused with the coldness of the people they care about. Make no mistake, God will spit you out of His mouth if you cannot make up your mind whether you want to please Him or the world! 

(Revelation 3:13, 15-16) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 

Your buddies did not die for you so you can have eternal life (John  3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.).  Nor will not be the ones judging you after you die (Revelation 20:12 - 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.).

Now is the time to choose Jesus over the world and repent for all the times you have allowed the world to douse the fire you had for the Lord and quench the flames you had for pursuing righteousness. Now is also the time to be bold for the Lord and be the influencer for His name, not the other way around! Jesus ate with the sinners, but He was not the one changed, the sinners were!

(Joshua 24:15) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. 

If you are interested, for more on unequally yoked relationships, you can read my blog, Doors, Part 4 here, where I list more scriptures: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/doors-part-4.html

Now I want to also address the issue of being unequally yoked in marriage. What do you do if the unbeliever you are unequally yoked with is your spouse? If you are currently married to an unbeliever, it is clear that the Lord does not expect you to get a divorce, but just the opposite (Malachi 2:16 - For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence, Says the Lord of hosts.).

(1 Corinthians 7:10-16 & 27) Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him... But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. 

Also consider:

(1 Peter 3:1-2, NIV - all other verses listed are KJV) Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 

Live your life by a good example, and you very well may lead your mate to Christ.  Do not be a nag when it comes to differing beliefs because that will just drive a deeper wedge between you.  Stand firm in your faith and do not compromise in your love for the Lord.   Most importantly, do not give up praying for him/her.  There have been many instances where the believer’s kindness and patience paid off, and their loved one eventually became a Christian as well.  Unless your partner is doing something immoral, illegal, or causing you and/or your children harm, stick to your wedding vows and follow the principles of the Bible to be type of spouse God wishes you to be.    

If you are unequally yoked with your mate, do not give up praying for him/her!  Continue to be a witness without being a self-righteous or judgmental nuisance that only pushes your loved one farther away from the things of God.  Also, if you have not done so in a while, consider offering to pray for your mate’s specific prayer requests (silently or out loud, it is up to you) to show your love and compassion for his/her needs.  If it would not cause dissention, consider hosting or leading a Bible study group at your home for a few weeks or months (even if it is for youth or a gender-specific group) as your mate may be more likely to attend (or at least overhear) what it being taught in the safety and privacy of his/her own home.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18-7:1, Part 1: Is it unclean?

 

 

 2 Corinthians 6:14-18-7:1, Part 1: Is it unclean?

For advice on how a Christians should interact with the ungodly things of this world, I possibly quote 2 Corinthians 6:14-18-7:1 more than any other verses:

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18- 7:1) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness...  for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 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. 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.

To me, this really is not that complicated. God does not want us to be involved with situations, items, or people that openly oppose of His Holy scripture. I will explore more on relationships in part 2.

If you are confused, follow this same rule for all decisions in your life. Look to God's Word, not to your "religious" leaders who have an agenda for you to give them money to help them pay for their luxury items. Not to your buddies who will only be your friends when you agree with them; they do not want to give up their secular lifestyles so they will lead you to stray with them. And not to Hollywood which is dripping int the filth of all the things that are unclean. Only look to scripture.

Here are some prime examples of what is considered unclean, according to laws of Jesus Christ. Whether you are actively participating in them or watching/reading about someone else doing it, it is still an affront to God to glorify such behaviors:

(Galatians 5:19-21) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

I have done a more extensive writing on how much God hates witchcraft if you want to read about it here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/should-christians-celebrate-halloween.html

Again, when in doubt, always consult your Bible.  If your conscience is being pricked and you feel guilt when you touch, watch, or listen to something unwholesome, thank the Holy Spirit for His love in prompting you to change your entertainment choices.  Then repent for your disobedience.  And finally, give it up and do not go back to it.  

In my past, I have been guilty of watching and reading stories with witchcraft and violence in them.  I praise God I listened to the heaviness in my conscience and threw away a large collection of movies, books, and even music that was not as "Christian" as it claimed to be.  I knew they were wrong, and yet I had chosen to listen/watch/read them all anyway.  After repenting and tossing the unclean items, the nightmares stopped, the unexplained anger disappeared, and I began hearing more and more from the Lord.

Hollywood is full of violence, over-sexualization of children, perversions of every sort, glorifies the occult, and goes against all the Bible teaches in general.  Even the so-called Christian or Biblical movies are inaccurate to history, and still show the characters dressed provocatively, swearing, and drinking alcohol, etc.  Realizing that no matter how "innocent" the program, if it comes from Hollywood (or any other entertainment city), it is coming from an unclean source. In 2015, my husband and I gave up all television and movies.  Please prayerfully consider doing the same.   When you give up the unclean things, then you can praise God that you can be considered His son or daughter!

I will leave you with one last verse to consider when you are making choices for your entertainment.  Are your choices true, honest (based on Biblical Truths), just, pure, lovely, good, or virtuous?  If God doesn't even want you thinking on such negative things, then He definitely does not want you filling your eye and ears with them.

(Phillipians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 & 17-21: A New Creation

 

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 & 16-21: A New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:10-11 and 16-21 are such a powerful verses that it seems pointless to try to add my own commentary, so I will keep it brief.

When you read verse 10 you will see that the Bible is proof that all we say, think, and do matters.  We will indeed all be judged before the Lord.  Revelation 20:12  also states, "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." So make no mistake in believing after you say a prayer asking Jesus in your heart, you are no longer accountable for your actions.  Having this knowledge encourages us to do the right things.  Because we are always known to God, it should affect our consciences and help us to stay on the narrow paths of righteousness.  

(Luke 13:23, AMP) And someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few be saved [from the penalties of the last judgment]?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door [force aside unbelief and the attractions of sin]; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.

I love how in verse 11, Paul explains so beautifully that we should not live for ourselves but unto Him which died for us and rose again.  When you think of it that way, it makes you want to do better to live a life pleasing to Jesus.  Just as it says in Romans 2:4 "that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."  God's amazing love makes me want to be a better person.

I am sure you have heard verse 17 many times. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  The meaning is really not complicated, but the act to become new may be.  To be a new creation in Jesus means to give up your sinful choices.  To not do the things you did before you became a Christian such as getting drunk, having sex outside of marriage, stealing, celebrating the occult, etc.  

The act of putting sins behind you can be a long and difficult process, especially when struggling with an addiction that is a stronghold from Satan such as alcohol/drugs, pornography, sex, violence, or witchcraft.  Pray to the Holy Spirit to help you conquer these sins and get connected with a good Christian friend or counselor.  Someone with holiness beliefs that will not try to justify your sins but help you overcome them and who will help hold you up and pray with you when you struggle.  Stay grounded in the Word of God and stay away from false preachers that say sin is no big deal (remember verse 10 I just mentioned above).  But don't give up when you make mistakes!  Don't let the devil win by staying backwards in sin. Ask for forgiveness and keep pressing forward to always try to do the right things.

These last verses in 18-21 speak about reconciliation. The word reconcile can mean restoring relationships or making two views compatible with each other.  You can see where both definitions fit.  God wanted us to be compatible with Jesus, so He sent His son to die for our sins.  When we repent of our sins and try to stay a new creation, we restore our relationship with God and can walk in sweet communion with Him!   

Prayerfully read over the verses below and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and soul as you seek His guidance to be clean and renewed in body, mind, and spirit!

(2 Corinthians 5:10-11 & 17-21) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

1 Corinthians 13:12: For Now we See Through a Glass Darkly

 

 

1 Corinthians 13:12: For Now we See Through a Glass Darkly

My above rough artwork is the best way I could think of to describe my favorite scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."  The top shows me saying that I do not understand why certain circumstances occurred.  I am wearing dark glasses because my earthly mind cannot fully see the eternal picture.  

The middle section is supposed to represent me in Heaven and seeing Jesus as He is welcoming me Home. In reality, we will not be so brazen when we first see the King of Kings face to face; we will fall on our own face in reverence!  Yet based on people's near-death experiences and visions of heaven, we will all have one-on-one time with Jesus and commune with our precious Savior face to face!  What a day that will be! 

In the bottom drawing, I am saying that I now understand all that was confusing to me before.  Referring again to what I have read and heard of Christians' near-death experiences, they all say that when in Heaven, everything from creation to the end of this world all makes perfect sense with a clarity no one with this mortal mind can ever comprehend.  When they were revived (saved from death) and back in their earthly body, they no longer had the clarity that existed in Heaven.  This actually brings me great comfort to know that when this earthly life is over, and I am with the Holy of Holies, I will no longer be confused about anything.  Knowing that God has been and always will be fully in control is what helps me have hope and joy.  

I know it is not easy to see God outside of our limited human eyes. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," saith the Lord." For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."  This verse is saying the same as 1 Corinthians 13:12, that we cannot fully understand the mind of God because we see this world through dark sunglasses, not through the bright light of the Throne of God.  But when we get to heaven and see God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, then it will all make perfect sense. Until then, we can rely on faith to embrace that God truly is all His Word says He is, and He will do all His Word says He will do.

 If you are interested, you can read more of what I wrote on this subject in my blog, "Faith to Embrace That God is all His Word says He Is."  https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/08/faith-to-embrace-that-god-is-all-his.html

1 Corinthians 9:24-27: Running the Race for Jesus

 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27:  Running the Race for Jesus

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul talks about running the race to obtain a prize.  This race, of course, is our walk in the Lord and the prize at the end is not just a crown but is an eternal life spent in peace and joy with the King of Kings!  

Notice in verses 26-27 that Paul reminds his readers that he too must discipline himself in order to be successful.  He must keep his body under subjection (which means not giving into the temptations to sin).  Just as a runner must train for a race, a Christian should study the Word of God to know what it says.  Think of the Holy Trinity as your coaches to help correct and guide you when you are unsure of what is right and wrong, comfort you when you feel exhausted or defeated, and forgive you when you make a mistake.  

Paul was a very prominent apostle appointed by Christ, placed in prison multiple times, beaten for his faithfulness, and extensively traveled to spread the good news of the gospel.  Yet Paul reminds us that even he is not exempt from running his own race and could even be cast away from Heaven if he is unsuccessful.  This is another good example to remind us that eternal security is a lie, and anyone can lose their salvation.  If anyone fails to follow the rules of Jesus Christ they could be disqualified from the race.  We could lose our crown of salvation if we actively choose to live in rebellion against what the Bible teaches.

May we all be successful by reading the Bible in order to know what Jessus, not man, expects of us.  May we then strive to obtain the prize and not give in to sin.  May we someday lay that golden crown at the feet of Jesus as He welcomes us to our eternal Home of glory.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

1 Corinthians 3:13, 16-17 & 6:9-10 & 19-20: Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?

 

1 Corinthians 3:13, 16-17 & 6:9-10 & 19-20: Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?

Anyone else sick of the saying, "my body, my choice?" In the matter of abortion where we so commonly hear this term, the unborn baby growing inside a woman is not her body but the baby's body, and she has no right to cause harm to that child.  In terms not related to pregnancy, is it still only our choice in what we do with our bodies? Yes, God gave mankind a freewill, but as 1 Corinthians clearly states, once you choose to become a Christian, you are welcoming Jesus to dwell in you, and therefore, you must do your best to keep your body (temple) holy as God is holy.  

For people who claim there is nothing in the Bible that speaks against drugs (such as marijuana), consider these verses.  There is no such thing as a harmless drug.  Also, the Bible does say not to get drunk which is the equivalent of getting high (Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk..., wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. See also Galatians 5:21).

God is not being a controlling bully by giving us rules, but He wants to protect us from harmful substances and lifestyles that cause cancer and other diseases. He also wants to protect others from harm, so the rules are also meant to prevent us from hurting other people.

As old as the saying may be, it will always ring true: "What would Jesus do?"  Think of that saying (or imagine Jesus is sitting beside you because He is always in the room) before you watch that violent, sexual, occultic program (or read a novel), pick up a harmful substance, are prepared to have sex outside of marriage, steal, etc...       

I will let the scriptures below speak for themselves, so please carefully and prayerfully consider all you read.

(1 Corinthians 3:13, 16-17) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-10 & 19-20) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Romans 13:9-14: The Armor of Light

 

 

Romans 13:9-14: The Armor of Light

Growing up as a preacher's kid, my Dad used to say that you can find a sermon in anything.  While this became a common joke in our family, there is a lot of truth to my Dad's statement.  In fact, this blog proves that theory!  

When I noticed a black smudge on my foot, I assumed that the soap and hot water would simply wash it off, but it remained.  I had to use the washcloth and scrub to remove the mark. That got me to thinking how sin in our lives is just like that!  We may think it is something that will go away without any real effort on our part, but in reality, we need to work on certain issues to permanently remove them from our life.  Just like I needed the aid of the washcloth, I will always need the aid of the Holy Spirit to help me conquer my sins.  

Philippians 2:12 reminds us that we cannot just go on our merry way and ignore the sins in our life, we must, "work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling."  In other words, like that stain on my foot, we have to put forth the effort to be clean before the Lord.  Not just ignore them and hope they will go away.

To be clear, I am not saying I believe in a works-only salvation, Jesus' death on the cross is a free gift we do not have to earn, but based on what the Bible says, it is clear we can fall away from our salvation if we actively live in rebellion against the rules of Jesus Christ. Working on our salvation means we must daily ask for The Lord's Help in conquering our sins.  We cannot do it on our own. 

(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. 

Romans 13 emphasizes the theme of this blog:

(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. 

Just as 2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that "now is the day of salvation," so do the verses in Romans. And as Ephesians 5:14 instructs, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light," so the words in Romans also remind us to wake out of the darkness of sin and walk into the light of holiness!

Make no mistake, dear readers, the time is short!  Surely with all the end-time events happening, you have to be aware of it!  How much time do you think we have left on this planet? I sincerely doubt we have more than 7 to 11 years before the end of this world.  The signs are here: the political powers in place, pandemics, wars, plagues of insects, unusually strong weather, droughts, unexpected tornados, earthquakes, and other natural disasters in strange locations, even supernatural dust clouds appearing, rioting and chaos, the list goes on...  

(Mark 13:8) "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places [many different places], and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."

My point is that now is not the time to play around with fire, now is the time to wake up and walk into the light.  Work out your salvation and get rid of the sin in your life!

We need to purge ourselves of pride, racism, deceitfulness, bad language, unforgiveness, the occult etc. "The night is far spent," and the there is precious little time left! If you love the Lord and care about where you spend eternity, pay close attention to the condition of your soul!  Now is the day to make your heart right with God! 

I will close with more words from 2 Corinthians 6 and also from Ephesians 5, please let these words sink into your heart and soul! ("Not to receive the grace of God in vain" means not to take advantage of God's favor by living a life full of sin, read on...)

(2 Corinthians 6:1-7, 14-18 & 7:1) We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God... by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left...

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," Says the Lord Almighty.” 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. 

(Ephesians 5:1-20) Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” 

Romans 12:1-2: Our Reasonable Service

 

Romans 12:1-2: Our Reasonable Service

This is an excerpt from my (unpublished) novel, "The Visionary." It is from a sermon preached by one of the main characters, an African American preacher named Jonah Alexander.  Here is the abridged version from Chapter 25:

Due to the tornado and Jubilee’s accident, the flyers for the church Rose and Rebecca made had been forgotten and were never distributed throughout the county. However, due to the newspaper article mentioning Jonah’s new church location, a crowd of more than two hundred people showed up at the Townsend’s farm that Sunday morning.

Gratefully, all the pews were in place and ready for the parishioners, but seating was tight and crowded. Children sat either on their parents' laps or on the floor. He anticipated having the hayloft transferred into a children’s church area within a month.

The piano was still in the basement, but Jonah played his guitar as Janessa led the group in worship.

After the songs were sung, Micah gave a brief welcome to their guests and invited them all to stay for the homemade desserts provided by Rose, Janessa, and Rebecca. He listed the church’s known prayer requests, including healing for Jubilee. He asked for any other petitions, and surprisingly, at least fifteen other people voiced their needs. Micah wrote down all that was said and brought each need before the Lord as he led the congregation in prayer time. When he was finished, Jonah took his place behind their father’s pulpit.

After greeting old and new members, Jonah began his sermon.

“Romans 12:1-2 says, ’I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’ Another word for reasonable is logical. It is logical that we work at presenting ourselves as holy to a holy God. It is logical that we do not conform to the ways of the world but live in a manner acceptable to God.” 

He paused and realized the majority of the congregation was already squirming uncomfortably in their seats. He smiled a compassionate smile as he silently reminded himself his goal was not to be popular, but to preach the Truth. 

“When I think of the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 1, I feel as if they could easily be my own. In verses 6-10, he writes, ‘I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- which is really no gospel at all. Evidently, some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned… Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ,’” he looked up from his Bible and back at the congregation, “I too have felt astonished when those who have been shown the Truth of the Gospel turn away to a more secular message. To follow a pastor that tickles their ears and makes them feel good rather than feel convicted of their sins.” 

He saw a few of his old church members look down as if embarrassed. “My goal is not to insult any of the churches you may regularly attend or even to convince you to attend this church. But I am here to tell you that we must not conform to the worldly ways the other churches insist are perfectly acceptable because God offers grace. Yes, grace and salvation are beautiful free gifts, but we must not abuse those precious gifts. Romans 6:1-2 tells us we are not to 'continue in sin,' just so 'grace may abound.' We should be 'dead to sin,' and not 'live any longer therein.' We must live holy lives with which the Lord can be pleased. When we make mistakes, we don’t just brush it off with a shrug of our shoulders and say God understands because we’re only human. No! We’re to get down on our knees and repent and make up our minds that we will not continue in sin.”

Several “amens” were shouted.

“The lie that is trying to tell you that one prayer will guarantee you a ticket to heaven is indeed a perverted version of the True gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus’ own words in Matthew 16:27 tell us that ‘the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.’ How can it be clearer that our works are noticed and we will be judged by them? Jesus also reminds us in Matthew 5:16 to ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Our works either glorify or dishonor our heavenly Father!”

More “amens” circled the group.

“Yes, God is a loving, gracious, and merciful God, but he is holy and cannot ignore our sin. We are not saved by works but through the blood of Jesus Christ. However, we can lose the amazing gift of salvation if we willfully live in rebellion against the Bible. We must repent of our bad works and strive for good works. If you are a regular attendee of my congregation then you have often heard me quote my favorite verses from 1 Peter 1:15-17, ‘As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.’ Again, note that yes, we are being called to strive for holiness because we are indeed being judged according to our works.”

This time a few “Preach it, brother!” affirmations were thrown out from new and old members.

“Being a good person is not enough. Striving to walk down the straight and narrow path and giving your heart, mind, soul, and body to the Lord is what is required of us. Good works also include helping our fellow man. For we read in the book of James chapter 2, verses 14-17, ‘What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.’ Therefore, we must combine action with faith.”

As more affirmative remarks made their ways through the parishioners, Jonah said a silent prayer that all he was saying was making a difference.

“2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that ‘”In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ Did you catch that? Now is the day you must choose. Don’t wait! In the span of six days there was an earthquake and tsunami in Brazil. A few days ago, we even had our own bizarre tornado in Ellsbridge that caused a friend of mine to almost die in a freak car accident. We never know when a disaster or tragedy will strike. Age, race, religion, wealth, none of it can protect you from meeting your Maker when He determines it is your appointed time to die. Are you ready to have your works judged today?” 

Jonah paused and took a deep breath. “Please come forward if you choose today to accept the wonderful gift of salvation and begin the most amazing journey of your life as you learn to walk with the blessed Savior. Yes, it requires spiritual discipline, but the love of Jesus will bring you immeasurable and unmatchable joy and peace in times of trouble that far outweigh any sacrifices you make for Him. My brother Micah, other members of our church, and I are here to pray with you. If you feel God tugging on your heart, don’t worry about what anyone else may think of you if you choose to come forward. Afterall, when you die, it won’t be your buddies judging you or rewarding you, it will be the almighty God.” 

Jonah stepped from behind the pulpit, his tall frame making the wooden slat floor creak beneath his feet. “If you do not want to come now, please contact one of us after the service and we will be happy to…” his voice broke as Rebecca stood from the pew and began walking forward, “Uh, we will be happy to pray with you in private.”

Rebecca’s caramel-colored eyes were filled with tears as she made eye contact with Jonah, but she went to Rose’s outstretched arms. The older woman helped Rebecca ease to her knees as they began to pray.

Jonah silently prayed and thanked the Lord for the twenty-nine other people that approached the altar. Someone behind him had picked up Jonah’s guitar and was playing “The old Rugged Cross.” He briefly caught a glimpse of Sam with the guitar when a penitent voice drew his attention forward.

“Jonah, will you pray with Carla and me?” It was Simon, Jonah’s former church landlord.

Jonah was so overcome with emotion, he could scarcely eke out the words, “Of course, I would be honored.”