Doors, Part 2: Doors of a Prayer Closet, Heaven, & the Empty Tomb

Doors, Part 2: Doors of a Prayer Closet, Heaven, & the Empty Tomb

(Matthew 6:6) But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

 
A literal closet is not necessary, but symbolically speaking, when we approach our heavenly Father for prayer, we must shut the door in our hearts and minds to outside distractions. I highly recommend praying with your spouse and children, but I also believe individual prayer time alone with God is vital to your spiritual walk. Sometimes all we do is a quick prayer at bedtime or over our meals, but we must not neglect time on our knees. I know this is not always easy when we are rushed or, in my case, are not sure what to pray. When I do not know what to say, I take this time to thank God for His love and the blessings in my life. I ask Him to empty me of me and fill me with Him; make me clean and use me. I do not usually ask for anything at this point (prayer requests are saved for prayer time with Mel and at bedtime). My personal alone time with God is for repentance as well as for praise and being willing to listen to what God has to say to me.

If I had to sum up the best attitude of prayer for a prayer closet, I would choose Psalm 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Exactly! Use this door to shut yourself in with God and humbly acknowledge Him and all He has done.

 
Spending time alone with God in prayer opens up the doors of repentance, faith, and renewal.

(Matthew 25:10-13) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'

(Luke 13:23-27) Then one said to [Jesus], “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate [or door] for many I say to you will seek to enter and not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where you are from,' then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.' But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.'

The above doors are symbolic of heaven’s door. The first example in Matthew is the parable of the ten virgins, representative of those who are spiritually pure (the entire parable is Matthew 25:1-13). The wise virgins who kept enough oil on hand to keep their lamps lit while waiting for the bridegroom demonstrate those who remain faithful in their walk with Christ and endure to the end. The foolish virgins who run out of oil, then must leave to go buy fuel and miss the bridegroom when He comes, are those who get tired of living righteous lives and give up on their faith.

There are many reasons people backslide and run out of oil to fuel their spiritual lamps. The main reason is that they blame God for their pain and disappointment. Loved ones die, illness and diseases happen, spouses cheat, children suffer, the church lets you down, and the list goes on. People also fall as the foolish virgins because they have grown impatient in waiting for a specific event and they walk away, saying they will return only after things go their way. In other words, they may say, “God when you bless me with a husband, then I’ll commit my life to You.” The list of items one may be waiting on could be anything from a good health, a baby, a job, money, fame, and on and on.

Leaving to buy oil can also represent leaving the paths of righteousness to seek forbidden pleasures because they feel being a Christian is too boring. They will return to God only after they have had their “fun,” never stopping to realize they could die at any age, and then it will be too late to buy oil. The foolish women represent backsliders and not simply non-believers because they chose to meet the bridegroom (Jesus) in the first place. Also calling them “virgins” implies they were once pure before God. They once had the faith to want to be a bride of Christ, or they would not have joined the wise virgins to begin with. They are the shallow Christians also seen in the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 (You can read my blog on that topic here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/01/mark-41-20-parable-of-sower.html

The example in Luke 13 is saying the same thing as the end of the parable about the virgins. We must live righteous lives and work hard to enter through the gate (or door) to heaven, or God will say He does not know us and will send us away. Salvation is a free gift we can never earn, but we have to be very careful we don't lose our salvation with foolish actions.

All other doors in your life will ultimately lead you to the final door of to Heaven where we face God’s judgment throne. Only then can we confidentially say we endured to the end as we fall at the feet of Jesus and lay our crowns at His feet. I pray you want as much as I do hear the Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; come and dine with Me,” and not, “Depart from Me, I do not know you.”

(Matthew 27:59-61 & 28:2-7) When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead!"

Hallelujah! Jesus is risen! This is such an exciting door and is the cornerstone of our faith. Jesus came to Earth in human form and willingly allowed Himself to be tortured and crucified for our sins. His blood on the cross paid the debt we owe God for our sins. But the story doesn’t end there. When Jesus rose from the dead, He removed the sting from death and swallowed it up in victory! Not just the sting of His death, but ours as well. Because we serve a risen Savior, we have the opportunity to live with Him in paradise for all eternity. Don’t waste such a precious gift by living a life of sin. Repent and live for Christ, embracing His death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb!

(1 Corinthians 15:50-55) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 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. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"

Doors, Part 1: Doors of Sin, Faith, & Doubt

 

Doors, Part 1: Doors of Sin, Faith, & Doubt

When you see this title, you may be thinking I have come up with a random theme for a sermon, or that I have run out of topics, and I am just grasping at straws. However, this is a subject that came to me after praying on what to write about. Mel and I were discussing dreams, and the issue of open doors seems to be a common theme in his dreams. It was then I knew what I needed to blog about: the positive and negative doors in our lives.
When I looked up scripture references for the word “door,” 164 matches popped up. As I read the many different times this simple word is used, I realized I could delve much deeper into the subject than I originally intended. I am certainly not going to list all those scriptures, but this will be a four-part series.

The very first time the word door occurs in the bible is in Genesis 4:7, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." This is after God confronts Cain after he has given God a less than satisfactory offering. God obviously knew Cain’s heart very well, for sin was indeed lying at his door. The next action of Cain is murdering his brother Abel.

 
When we willfully choose to disobey God and have no desire to please Him, we invite sin to rule our actions. We open our heart’s door to evil ways and are more apt to do the wrong thing. Although we can never be perfect, when we do our best to please God and have a sincere desire to walk down paths of righteousness, it is much easier to resist temptations and do the right thing.

I am not going to sequentially go through all 164 occurrences of the word door, but before I move to the New Testament, I would like to mention two more important doors in Genesis. In contrast, the door of faith and the door of doubt.

 

First, the door of faith to which I am referring is the door on the ark that Noah spent 120 years building. In Genesis chapter 6, God instructs Noah to build an ark so that he and his family will be spared the coming judgement upon the wickedness of humankind. In faith, Noah spends 120 years building the ark. Noah further obeys the Lord by gathering pairs of animals onto the ark.

 
(Genesis 7:1 & 13-16) Then the Lord said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.” On the very same day Noah and Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark-- they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut [the door].

 
Notice that Noah and his family are spared because God sees they are righteous. Which correlates well to Cain's door of sin. If we obey Jesus and shut the doors to sin in our lives, God will protect us.

 
Next, notice it is God who shuts the door to the ark. Due to Noah’s faith and obedience combined with holy living, God used His door of protection not only to spare Noah, but also to assure future generations could continue after the floods.

It is easy to see the beautiful symbolism here that Jesus is the only door we should do through that brings us to salvation. (More on this later!)

The door of doubt to which I am referring is the door Sarah stood next to as she learned she would have a child.

(Genesis 18:1-3, 9-14) Then the Lord appeared to [Abraham]... as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, "My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?... I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son." Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore, Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."

In spite of hearing the Lord Himself tell her she would have a son at the age of 90, she refused to believe. This was not the first time she refused to believe God’s promises. As you know, two chapters earlier she insisted Abraham marry her servant Hagar in order to supply him heirs. She could not be convinced God was going to use her to be the mother of all nations and acted outside of God’s will. Yet, God is gracious and forgave Sarah’s faithlessness and stubbornness.

 
(Genesis 21:1-2) And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

You can read more about Sarah in my blog, "Profile of a Doubter, Part 1: Sarah" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/02/profile-of-doubter-part-1-sarah.html

There the good news lies. Even when we stand by our own doors of doubt and obstinately refuse to believe God’s promises, He is faithful to still do just as He says. However, this is not to encourage you to doubt, but to believe that God is the ultimate promise keeper.

 
This is all I am going to explore for the Old Testament. Part 2 will explore the New Testament.

Isaiah 61

 Isaiah 61

As I was reading through the book of Isaiah last week, chapter 61 was so beautiful, I knew I wanted to do a short commentary on a few of the verses. I will mostly let Isaiah's words do the speaking.

(Isaiah 61:1-3) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord... to comfort all that mourn... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Please realize I am in NO way comparing myself to the great preacher/prophet Isaiah, but I can relate to why he felt called.  I too wish to share a message of hope to the hurting.  Every single thing Isaiah says he wants to share with others is also in my heart for you!  Please read those above verses again. May they wash over you. May you remember them in your darker times and know that Jesus loves you and cares about your broken heart.  May you remember that God is calling you away from the sins that are holding you captive so you can be released from the dark confines of the jail you created through your rebellion. He will always forgive you and set you free when you repent! May you remember that God will help you find heavenly joy even in the midst of mourning. And may you remember that when you praise Jesus while your spirit is heavy, you will find His peace as His name is glorified.

(Isaiah 61:10) I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. 

I realize that Isaiah lived before Jesus walked on this earth in human form, but as a prophet, he very likely had some idea of salvation and holiness beyond the empty rituals of his time.  Afterall, he wrote many Messianic prophecies (approximately 61!). To me, verse 10 paints a beautiful picture of salvation in Jesus Christ.  When we truly accept God's free gift of salvation and live for Him, we can find peace and joy. 

In this verse the garments are symbolic of the new garments we wear as Christians (you can read more about that in my blog "New Garments" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/zechariah-34-7-new-garments.html), but when we get to haven, the pure bride of Christ will be given new robes!

(Revelation 7:9-10) After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

Keep Your Fire Even When They Will Not Listen

 

 

Keep Your Fire Even When They Will Not Listen

As a Christian, sometimes the hardest thing to do is not to give up on spreading the True gospel message and praying for other people. We can feel very alone and isolated when so few of our family, friends, co-workers, and even fellow Christians believe the way we do. When others find every opportunity to make a jab at our expense, and even sometimes go out of their way to turn a conversation into an insult about our holiness beliefs and other Biblical viewpoints, it is very difficult not to give up wanting to speak the Truth. You will wonder, "Am I making a difference?" And you will ponder, "What's the point of standing up for my beliefs if no one listens?" We can cling to our own ego of wanting to be accepted and liked by the world more than wanting to cling to pleasing God.

Did you know that the Bible tells us if we refuse to share the True message of the Bible (not some watered-down version), and the people we know go to Hell, we are responsible? Yet, on the other hand, if we warn them and they refuse to listen, we can wash our hands clean of their wrong choices. Pretty serious responsibility when you look at sharing the message of holiness from that angle.

(Ezekiel 33:8-9) When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Whether speaking casually to people you know, sharing a message over the Internet, or preaching behind a pulpit or on a street corner, you will ask yourself, "How often do any of my words help others think about God and holiness differently? Does anyone read their Bible more because of my encouragement? Has anyone considered giving up even one sinful habit or unbiblical viewpoint because they listened to what I reminded them what is in God's Word?" When you see little to no fruits of your labor, you will want to give up. Out of a desire to and be liked rather than be ignored, you will want to be silent about what the Bible says concerning issues that are shutting believers and nonbelievers alike out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

(Galatians 1:10) 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.

When I am feeling discouraged about the lack of change I see in people I pray and weep over, and when I do not feel as if any of my efforts I put into sharing the love and True grace of God that must be accompanied by repentance has helped anyone, I get discouraged. I sometimes want to quit writing. However, when I feel as if I have not helped even one person, I first remind myself that only God knows if a person is being challenged and it is NEVER my place to determine if someone is being affected or not. Also, it is not my job to change people as ONLY the Holy Spirit can do that, but I am called to challenge others and plant the seeds that point them to Jesus Christ. I must also remember that spiritual warfare is very real, and many choose the ways of darkness rather than yield to the Holy Spirit prompting them to change; many stubbornly push away God's tugging upon their heart and soul. Quite I often think of the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah was called to preach repentance to a very obstinate people. In Jeremiah chapter 7, God is very honest with the prophet and tells him that the people will not listen to his message, in verses 27-28 God says, "Therefore thou shalt speak all these words unto them; but they will not hearken to thee: thou shalt also call unto them; but they will not answer thee. But thou shalt say unto them, 'This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.'" God tells Jeremiah to keep preaching the Truth even though He knows Jeremiah will be ignored, ridiculed, and persecuted. Jeremiah did not give up because He loved the Lord and he was willing to please the Lord, even if no one listened and he suffered greatly for it.






In Jeremiah 20, Jeremiah is feeling very discouraged and frustrated with God and with people. In verses 8-9 he says, "For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the Lord was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name." He was determined to give up, but, and I love this verse, He says also in verse 9, "But His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones." And in verse 10 adds, "For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it." Therefore, in spite of being overwhelmed by constant abuse and rejection, the fire to serve God is stronger and he knows he cannot give up and will continue to report God's messages.

Ezekiel was also told very bluntly by God that the people to whom he was called to preach would not listen to him in Ezekiel 3:7, "But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted." Yet, God grants the man of God a gift I know we all wish we had. In verse 9 of the same chapter, God tells Ezekiel that He will make Ezekiel's forehead stronger than flint so he can bear the abuse without fear or bitterness. I literally also pray for a head so strong that I do not care if I am ignored or ridiculed, but that I can preach on in spite of my ego being bruised. So, you see, this writing is meant to encourage me as well!

Again, with the prophet Isaiah, he is warned no one will listen to him. In chapter 6, right after the beautiful scripture where the angel cleanses his lips with coal (verses 5-7), and Isaiah says in verse 8, "Here am I; send me," God lets him know what he has signed up for. In verse 9 God tells Isaiah the people will "...understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not." Then Isaiah asks in verse 11, "Lord, how long?" And God tells Him in verses 11-12, "Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land." It sounds to me as if God is saying people will refuse to listen to all prophets' warnings until the end of time. But Isaiah continued forward in his ministry writing the most powerful and beautiful books in the Old Testament.

In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul also warns, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." This verse, along with all the others I have listed can seem very discouraging and make you want to give up. However, I do not want to discourage you from preaching through your actions and your words. I am not saying that we should assume all are lost to the Truths of the gospel message. I am not saying we should cease praying for individual revival for our friends and family. The word revival essentially means 'an awakening,' and I strongly believe we need never cease praying for those we love to have their eyes opened and ears unplugged.

We preach by action and deed (not just in sermons) because we love the Lord and want to be obedient to Mark 16:15, "And He said unto them, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.'" As I often say and write, I teach, not out of a self-righteous heart, but because I also wish that none should perish in a lake of fire. Although it is often tempting to give up, I press forward, choosing to believe that even when it seems as if none if my messages on holiness are getting through, that a seed has been planted. If even one person I have witnessed to in a random place (such as in a doctor's office, on a hiking trail, or at a grocery store) or on-line softens his or her heart enough to let that seed grow, then I have done my job. I want to please God above all and glorify His holy name. To help people understand the great love and mercy of God and then to teach them what the Bible says about walking down the narrow path that leads to Heaven. I pray to stay on fire for God and for you to feel the same urgency that time is short, and we need to keep trying to point people to Heaven.

You can also be encouraged as Isaiah was later encouraged in chapter 55, when he was told in verse 11, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." God can use your words too to help fulfill His will.

Also, remember that when you choose to witness, you very well may be part of the other person's spiritual journey. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 is speaking of our acts of spreading God's message to others, it says, "Now he that planteth and he that watered are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are labourers together with God:" It goes on to say in verse 11, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." We are not the master builders God is, and we never know what He is doing behind the scenes. So please don't give up!

Bottom line here is not to give into discouragement and doubt but keep on preaching and praying for those you love and for those you don't even know. Luke 19:13 tells us "To Occupy till" Jesus comes. In other words, being a Christian is proactive, and we should continue to work for His kingdom until we die or until the end of the Tribulation. Even when it is emotionally, physically, and even financially difficult. God will provide all you need when your desire is to glorify His name.

Encourage your fellow believers as well in their faith and share with one another when you feel like giving up. Even when others will not listen, remind each other of all those in both the Old and New Testaments that were not well received, including our dear precious Jesus, and know we are not better than they and we are sure to be rejected as well. In John 15:18 Jesus says, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." And yet, in spite of being rejected Jesus was "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). So please be encouraged and, again, do not give up! Be like Jesus and be obedient to the will of God in your life and continue to share the Truths about holiness what it takes to walk down the straight and narrow path. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the strength to not give in to compromise or fear but press forward and be a light in the darkness!

Song: "Just one more Soul" by Greater Vision https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSKHFK_jGCQ&list=RDbSKHFK_jGCQ&start_radio=1  Amen!!

Are you being a good Christian Example?

 

 

Are you being a good Christian Example?

I was going through some old papers a few days ago and found this that I wrote in January 2006. 

 (Isaiah 53:6) We all, like sheep have gone astray... 

What exactly does it mean to be "like sheep"?  Well, sheep, though adorable, are very gullible and will follow pretty much anyone anywhere.  As someone who calls him or herself a Christian, we should never be like sheep in this way.

 

(Zechariah 8:16-17) "Speak the truth to each other...  do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not swear falsely.  I hate this," declares the Lord. 

To listen to someone else's gossip and fall into their trap of lies (especially when the gossip is tearing down a fellow believer) is careless.  It is better to stop and consider all the facts than to blindly believe all you hear.  

Whether you are telling or listening to gossip does not matter.  If you publicly call yourself a Christian, you should not be involved with such.  Gossip is usually full of lies, almost always stems from jealousy, and is hurtful to the victim of gossip.  It creates hard feelings against the target even when the person is innocent.  If you truly have an issue with someone, then have the decency to go to him (or her) her and tell him (preferably in private) rather than talk behind his back!  The Bible prefers us to speak the truth in love, not gossip in lies and spite. 

Key to remember: if you're talking about someone who is not in the room, more than likely, it is gossip!  The dictionary definition of gossip is, "a report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people," & "a person given to gossiping and divulging personal information about others [syn: gossiper, rumormonger]."  Let me repeat that: "often malicious."

(Proverbs 8:13) "I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior, and perverse speech."  

Besides being caught up in the trap of gossip, Christians quite often become involved in raunchy conversation.  Whether it is a dirty joke, insinuation of sexual content, or outright saying what you mean, it is unacceptable.  Especially talking of such things with someone who is not your spouse.  I am not trying to be crude but commenting on someone else's body parts is not only inappropriate but displeasing to God.  Even if you're not involved in the telling of the joke or comment, but you laugh at what is being said, you are condoning the bad behavior. 

(Romans 13:13) Let us behave decently...  not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality, and debauchery, not in dissention and jealously. 

(Proverbs 20:1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

(Proverbs 23:20-21) Be not among winebibbers... For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and... shall clothe a man with rags.

These verses are a clear warning foe what very well could happen to those who drink alcohol:

(Proverbs 23:29-35) Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. "They have stricken me," shalt thou say, "and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again."

I know there are countless more ways Christians allow themselves to be dragged along, as sheep with the crowd, and one issue is alcohol.  True, the bible does not say you cannot drink, but it does say not to drink to the point of drunkenness.  Talking about enjoying any alcoholic drink implies that you do not have an issue with drunkenness and therefore, it makes you appear as if the rules of conduct in the Bible are meaningless to you.  It's the reflection of your words others will assume are your beliefs.

(Haggai 1:5) Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways."  

Be careful of how you allow yourself to be portrayed.  Non-believers are waiting to tear apart every Christian they see and quickly sneer, "She calls herself a Christian?" as soon as you display one of these behaviors.  They don't care about your so-called good intentions. All they see is that you care more about following the herd than being accepted by them than you do in following the Shepherd himself.

So, please remember, if you use the word "Christian" when referring to yourself, be sure to walk the walk and talk the talk.  Otherwise, you are blowing your testimony, and you will be dubbed a hypocrite.  It only takes a second to turn someone off to the Christian lifestyle, but could take weeks, months, or longer to repair the damage to try and convince others you are a man/woman of God.

(Galatians 2:12) By their hypocrisy... [he] was led astray. 

If you truly cannot remove yourself from gossip, filthy talk, and boasting about the alcohol you drink, then please do not label yourself a Christian, and turn others astray.

(Psalm 34:13) Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies. 

I know no one is perfect, but perfection is not the goal.  Trying to be a good Christian example and trying to emulate and glorify Jesus Christ, in spite of your humanness, is the goal.  Controlling your tongue is just one way to achieve this.

And don't be a sheep and follow along just to be accepted.  Trust me, it is far better to be rejected because you removed yourself from an ungodly environment than it is to be likes by people quick to stab you in the back as soon as it is turned.  Sheep are not loyal to one another, but the Shepherd gave His life for all His sheep.  Which would you rather follow?

(Ephesians 5:1-10) 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 savour. 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. 

The Junk Food Gospel, Written by my Husband

 

 

 

The Junk Food Gospel, Written by my Husband (Mel)

We are living in the last days and the great falling away from the truth is here. Most Christians will not endure sound doctrine but prefer to have their ears tickled with man pleasing doctrines. The biggest deception is the greasy grace doctrine. Churches are serving up spiritual junk food to their congregations and people demand it. I have met many people who claim to be saved, however they told me they were living with their partner unmarried. They would also use the worst profanity, and some would even use God's name in vain and tell dirty jokes while claiming to know the Lord. Sadly, this is not a few, but many.

The churches have replaced the teaching of true grace with greasy grace. Preaching against sin and teaching holiness has been replaced with the grace for everything without repentance doctrine. We are not to be joined to the harlot (Mystery Babylon), but to be faithful to Christ. Salvation begins with repentance of sins. This means that you have a change of mind and heart in regard to your old sinful lifestyle. Christ accepts you just as you are, and if you put your faith in him and make him Lord you will be saved. When we are truly saved and baptized for the remission of sins we receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit. However, there is a second act of grace known as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Baptism in the Holy Spirt also known as being filled with the Holy Spirit is when you are immersed in power with spiritual gifts given. It is only through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit that you can be transformed into a new creation.

When a person is truly saved, they are born again. Your sins are 100% forgiven and your slate is wiped clean. Your spiritual garments are washed clean and made white by the blood of Christ. You are saved by grace alone according to the finished work of Christ who made atonement for your sins. You walk perfectly before him because of the blood of Christ. In regard to salvation the righteousness of Christ is imparted to you. HOWEVER, God's Word teaches us that we must keep our garments clean, and they can become defiled through unfaithfulness to Christ. God's word also states that our names can be blotted out of the Book of Life. A lukewarm church will be vomited out of God's mouth (Revelation 3). Without holiness no man shall see the Father, according to Hebrews.

When a person is truly saved God gives them grace to grow in him. A new believer takes baby steps at first and grows with the nurture of the Holy Spirit. God is patient and gives us grace when we fall down and scrape our knee. God picks us up and carries us when we cannot walk. However, you must keep your faith until the end and walk in the light. God spoke to me once and said, "My grace is sufficient for the morning light."  When it is dawn, the sky has a little light, the light becomes brighter as the morning progresses until the sun shines brightest at noon. God gives grace to those who have a little light as they grow with the help of his Holy Spirit. However, God does Not give grace to those who love darkness and are apathetic toward righteousness. The Unconditional Eternal Security Doctrine (once saved, always saved doctrine) is a doctrine of demons and is responsible for sending many to Hell.

(Revelation 3:1-6) And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.:

(2 Peter 2:17- 22) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 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. 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.

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Part 2: Transcript of Video Version, Which Includes the History of Halloween

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Part 2: Transcript of Video Version, Which Includes the History of Halloween

This is a short historical account of the origins of Halloween as well as Bible verses for you to decide whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween.

This is actually a video I made a few years ago, but the video won't load to blogger.  However, you can view it on my Facebook page; this link should take you directly to the video, so you do not have to search for it: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1QnZi2Aqmy/

You may not want to click on the link, so if you do not, here is a transcript of the video I made (I have not included the ums, the stammers, fumbled words, etc.):

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? (Video Transcript)

Hi, and welcome to Julie's Bible Journey. Thank you for joining me again today. I wanted to do a special themed video and today I wanted to do a subject called "Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?" because a lot of people they just don't know whether or not they should celebrate Halloween. They don't know what's safe and what's not safe, so I wanted to point out historically what the origins of Halloween are because you just may not know. And I also want to go through Biblically and explain to you my theories for why Christians should or should not celebrate Halloween.

Now, before I start, going over the history of Halloween, I want to say that there are some really good videos out there if you want to do some research on YouTube, or whatever source you use, to find people who used to be witches or wizards to show this is not just a fantasy thing out there, this is not make believe, they celebrate the occult and worship Satan. Some people may not think they are worshipping Satan, but they are if they are involved in anything witchcraft or wizardry. There are really good videos out there by people that used to be heavily involved what Halloween means to them and how the people involved in Satanism really love Halloween.

One of the things I did not know was that the people, the Satanists, would literally put a curse on the Halloween candy. Which is why I won't even buy Halloween candy anymore, even if you get the good day-after sale where you get big discounts. But I don't need the sugar anyway, right? But if it's in a Halloween bag, I won't buy it anymore and the reason why is because, and it's not just one person I have heard say this, but multiple people that have been set free from the blood of Jesus Christ, which is the only way you can be set free is from the blood of Jesus Christ, not one your own, that they would tell you that they would curse the candy. Whether it was somebody working in the grocery store, or whether it was somebody handing it out from their home, or whether it was someone who worked in a candy factory, whoever it was, they would literally put a curse on the candy. So you are putting these curses into your body and allowing these curses into your homes. For that reason alone I won't buy Halloween candy anymore besides the fact that a lot of the candies have pictures of ghosts or goblins or something which is not really pleasing to the Lord. And it's not just candy. You don't know who has put a curse on it, so why take that chance and invite that into your home.

If you are familiar with my videos, I am not judging anybody, I am not condemning anybody. I am not the judge, Jesus Christ is. I make these videos to try to set people free from the bondages that can bring about depression, that can bring about anxiety, people have chemical imbalances and I understand that, but there some depressions are because they are allowing evil spirits to come into their homes. Whether they are doing it out of rebellion or whether they are doing it innocently, but the thing is, it is there, and unless you plead the blood of Jesus to get those spirits out of your house, you are going to keep on bringing on nightmares, depression, and anxiety. You know there are normal nightmare you have just because of a deep sleep, but there are nightmares you have that you know are from a Satanic influence, you know the difference because those dreams are usually extra creepy, bloody, gory, and frightening.

The thing about Halloween too is that people like to promote the scary movies even for children. What does the Bible say about fear? It says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and a sound mind. So He doesn't want us watching movies that purposely bring about terror and fear. He wants us to have power and love and a sound mind. He wants us to be joyful and live lives abundantly through Him. And that's why I make these videos, because I want you to be set free and I want you to find that joy. We are going to go through sorrow in our lives, but when we understand what God wants, what He considers to be right and wrong, and we willingly choose to give those things up rather that stubbornly and rebelliously holding on to them, that is where we can find the joy even in the hard times.

So, this is an historical report of where Halloween comes from. I am not into conspiracy theories, just so you know, a lot of those things are just meant to distract people from the Bible and meant to distract you from the Word of God and to get you to follow down these trails that are leading you away from Jesus. So, this is definitely not a conspiracy theory, I am telling you literal history.

I was going to read something to you, but it takes too long to read, so I am just going to explain it. You can look up your own research. The actual name of Halloween was called Samhain, but it was pronounced Sowen (sough-in), and it was started about 2,000 years ago by the Celtic people. They created these festivals. They considered November 1 their New Year so they celebrated on October 31, and they held huge festivals with bonfires where they sacrificed crops and animals to the dead. So knowing right there that they were sacrificing to honor the dead, and they were actually sacrificing to evil spirits, to their false gods. They wanted to ward off other evil spirits because they felt like October 31 into November 1 was the day they believed the line was blurred between the living and the dead, and they felt like those evil spirits of the dead would pass over into our world. So they would have these big festivals and bon fires, which is why you see a lot of bon fires on Halloween. And sacrificing, even if you are sacrificing a piece of paper, if you are sacrificing in the name of a false god or to an evil spirit, it is wrong. Obviously, animals makes it more creepy and disturbing, but even crops or a piece of paper as a sacrifice is not right.

Also, they used that time to call upon their Satanic priests, known as druids, to predict the future. Yes, Satan can imitate God, and sometimes he is right when people will consult a psychic. Sometimes they are correct because Satan can masquerade as God, the Bible says Satan masquerades as an angel of light. You shouldn't even worry about consulting, not even asking the True God what our future is because all that matters is that God knows our future and that we can trust Him because He knows what the outcome is. We don't need to be consulting a Satanic psychic or tarot cards or Ouija boards, those things are all consulting Satan. It is one thing to ask God for wisdom concerning your future, it is another thing consulting a person who works for Satan and asking them what they think your life is going to be like.

So, trick or treating evolved into people dressing up to celebrating, now Halloween, and they used to also dress up in costumes at these Samhain festivals because they felt like if they disguised themselves, the evil spirits wouldn't be able to find them or recognize them if they wore a disguise to protect them from the evil spirits.

They would bring the fire from the bon fire and bring it to their house and put it in their fireplaces in their homes so they could hopefully continue to ward off the evil spirits, and that's where the jack-o-lanterns came from. They would decorate the jack-o-lantern by putting in the candle, also hoping to continue to ward off the evil spirits. You know you do not need fire or rituals to ward off evil spirits, you need the blood of Jesus Christ. You need to plead the blood of Jesus Christ over your household or over yourself to ward off the evil spirts and to live a clean life and not to invite them into your home in the first place.

So trick or treating, that is when people kept the traditions of the costumes and eventually started going door to door and eventually started asking for candy or money. And the words trick or treat, and a lot of people don't know this, which is why I am trying to educate you, so you know, I didn't know all this stuff until a few years ago. If they said, "Trick or treat," and you say, "I don't have anything to give; I don't have any candy," then the trick would be that they would put a curse on you. In their mind, they were sending an evil fairy after you to put a curse on you. So fairies are not at all innocent and all pixie dust, they are actually evil spirits. And that is what fairies are based off of, evil spirits, not some imagination of a creative writer, they are literally evil spirits.

The other thing that women would do, they would use on Halloween, the bobbing of apples, this sounds kind of strange, but it had to do with them trying to predict who they would marry. It was another Satanic ritual hoping the apples would somehow help them predict who they would marry. How that was supposed to work, I'm not really sure, but just know that bobbing for apples also has to do with Satanic rituals.

I'm going through this quickly, but I tend to talk fast as my brain works a lot faster than my mouth so hopefully I am not going too quickly.

So now I am going to go to pointing out scripture because though this is called Julie's Bible Journey, this is not the theory of Julie, me, they are the theories of the Bible and the Godly men that were inspired by God Himself.

Because this says, "I am the Lord Your God," you know this was God speaking, not a man-made tradition. And it still applies today because you know God said it and God's word is eternal.

Leviticus 19:31, "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God."

So, we don't want to seek after familiar spirits. We don't want to have seances, or consult psychics, or Ouija boards, tarot cards, or any of those nasty things. Seeking after wizards. If you are reading a book or watching a movie that has any form of witchcraft, even if it seems like an innocent cartoon, if it has witchcraft in it, then God is saying you are defiling yourself by watching or reading these things.

I know it's going back quite a ways, but "Bewitched," the hand signals she did were actually coached by real witches, I don't know if you knew that, but they were real signals that were really calling on evil spirits, they were real spells and real hand motions. Even in Disney, a lot of the words they would say, like Cinderella or Mary Poppins, people don't think of Mary Poppins as a witch, but she was, that the wording, and hand signals and a lot of other things really literally are calling on demons.

God is not rigid, He doesn't want you to be oppressed, or He doesn't want you to be brought down. He doesn't want you to go to hell, number one, but He wants you to find joy in your life by not calling on wizards and by not allowing incantations into your home. That is how you find joy, that is how you get rid of the nightmares and depression. That's what God wants for you. It's what I want for you even though I don't know you, but I still desire for people to find joy.

Now obviously, we are not having our kids walk through fire.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12, "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer." A necromancer has to do with dead people. "For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee."-

So anything that has to do with witchcraft, wizardry, the occult, consulting evil spirits, or allowing spells into your home, that all is an abomination to the Lord, and He hates it.

And if you are wondering why I am talking so much about witchcraft, it's because, once again, the origins of Halloween has to do with evil spirits and witchcraft. Anything that has to do with evil spirits, even if they are trying to ward off evil spirts because they thought there were ghosts walking around everywhere on Halloween, and also because they consulted their druids who were supposed to predict the future.

You know you don't have to literally be out there consulting these seances or psychics or literally dressing like anything evil, you could just say you are going to a harvest party and dressing up like Bible characters but if you are doing it on Halloween, October 31, no matter what name you are giving it, you are still doing it on the Day of the Dead, you are still doing it on a day Satan loves.

I was saying earlier about those witches and wizards, I watched one on this gentleman, I wish I could remember his name, he is someone who is now a born-again Christian and spirit filled but he used to be heavily involved in witchcraft. He said they thought it was hilarious when Christians would celebrate Halloween and call it something else because the Christians were still celebrating a Satanic holiday and Satan, whether they acknowledged it or not. They actually thought it was funny and made fun of Christians who celebrated Halloween. So, if Satanists are making fun of Christians celebrating Halloween, what does that tell you? That it's not a good thing.

(Note: I say in the video, 2 Kings 33:6, but I made a mistake, it is 2 Chronicles.)

2 Chronicles 33:6, "And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger."

So basically, it is saying he provoked the Lord to anger by consulting enchantments and witchcraft, wizards, and evil spirits, and that is another reminder that if you do those sorts of things you provoke to Lord to anger.

Once again, I am going through this quickly. You can always write down these verses and look them up later. This has to do with the future, and not too far from where we are today. I'd say between 10-20 years, maybe less until this actually comes to be our present and not the future. This is talking about God's judgment on America, God's judgment on the entire world during the tribulation period. That's what this scripture verse has to do with.

Isaiah 47:9, "But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments."

So there are many reasons why God is going to bring judgments upon America and this entire world, but this is one of the reasons. because of people's obsession with sorceries, witchcraft, and enchantments. You may think it is innocent because it is a cartoon or because it's cute or involving a child, but none of it is innocent and it's one of the reasons why God is going to bring about judgment.

Once again, these are not my words, but the words of the Bible.

Now I am going to jump ahead to 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."

So why would you want to glorify witchcraft if you know people who are performing witchcraft are going to Hell? You don't want to glorify the murderers, or glorify those who are getting drunk or cheating on their spouses or those who are having sex outside of marriage. So witchcraft is lumped into that same category.

You don't want to glorify it, you don't want to participate in it, and by allowing evil spells into your home, dressing up as trick or treaters, or even allowing them to come to your door, my suggestion is to turn your light off for Halloween. By inviting them to your door you are inviting evil spirits to your home. You may think I am exaggerating, but that's what the Word of God says. He doesn't want us to participate in it in any form.

And now I am going to jump ahead to Revelation 21:8, "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." In other words, Hell.

So, this is pretty serious. As I was reading this, I noticed it was again talking about the murderers. The scary movies these people watch at Halloween have to do with people being murdered. Things that glorify murder should not be considered entertainment.

One of my favorite shows, because I used to be in law enforcement for 7 years as a civilian, I used to love the show "Law & Order." I know this is off the subject, but that glorified murder. Anything that promotes fear of being murdered, promotes the fear of being stalked, and teenagers and even adults being killed off. God doesn't want you watching that stuff either. It is glorifying murder and fear and God doesn't give us the spirit of fear. I know I said that earlier, but it's true. He wants us to have a sound mind, love, joy, and peace.

The whole reason I am telling you all this is because of these verses here, John 3:19-20, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."

People say there is no condemnation in Jesus. Well, there is no condemnation in Jesus for those who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, if you read the entire verse of Romans 8:1, not just the first few words of it. There is condemnation for those who love the darkness and repel Jesus.  They chase after the dark things of his world, things like Halloween and witchcraft and murders and fear and things that promote fear and hatred and sorcery. That's the stuff God hates, and you need to walk in the Light of Jesus Christ.

John 8:12 says, "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, 'I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.'"

He wants us to have that Light of His life. He wants us to have that Light from the inside out, even when things are hard, even when things are scary, even when things are uncertain, we don't need to be consulting a psychic to ask what our future is going to be like. We need to trust God that He knows our future, that He has it all under control, even when things seem out of control, that we trust in Him and that we will walk in His Light. That we will have His Light. The more we walk in His Light, the more we can have His hope and the more we can have joy and not live in fear. The more we love God the more we want to give up not just Halloween, but all the things God hates. And that long list in Ephesians, we don't want to pursue drunkenness, fornication, or lying, stealing, or any of those other things or envying or striving with people, we don't want to pursue those things either, they are all the same in God's eyes.

We want to walk in the Light of God and to walk in the Light of Jesus and to be a light to others and to not pursue the dark things of this world.

Obviously, you can tell the conclusion of mine. Should Christians celebrate Halloween? My answer to that is no, I do not believe Christians should celebrate Halloween because it glorifies Satan.

The goal of this video is to help you see the Light and to walk in the Light of Jesus Christ. Thank you very much and may God bless your day.