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

 

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

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

(2 Thessalonians 2:3, 10-12) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Resurrection, From Pastor Leonard Ravenhill

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

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

Jesus Christ Our Sacrificial Lamb, Written by my Husband

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord Jesus Christ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please consider these Scriptures in regard to salvation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prayers of Jesus Christ, Part 5

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

The Prayers of Jesus Christ, Part 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prayers of Jesus Christ: Part 4

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

The Prayers of Jesus Christ: Part 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We love him, because he first loved us.

Colossians 3:1-17: Set your Affection on Things Above

 

 

Colossians 3:1-17: Set your Affection on Things Above 

(Originally posted in January 2021) I woke up this morning with the words, "Colossians 3:2" repeating in my head.  This lasted for several hours until I got out of bed.  I knew God wanted me to look up this scripture (as I am horrible at memorizing what verses are where), so as soon as I got up, I opened my Bible and read, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

My theme this month has been humility, and let me tell you, I was humbled by this verse!  Just yesterday I was complaining to my husband that it seems as if we are always struggling, nothing is ever easy, and blah, blah, blah, whine, whine, whine!

I know God was gently chastising me for my grumbling and reminding me to be thankful, number one, for my salvation and His amazing love! And then for my precious husband, and all the necessities of life that we do have.  My perception of lack and God's reality of lack are two entirely different things!  Materialism is not important; God's love is what matters most! 

To add to this message of learning to be grateful for my spiritual life and not to focus on the world, when I went to Bible Gateway a few minutes ago to copy and paste Colossians 3:2, Matthew 6:19-21 were their verses of the day, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Wow! That is no coincidence!

And here is a third confirmation from God on where He wants my focus to be.  When I logged into Facebook about an hour ago, the first thing that showed up in the home feed was a post with the lyrics, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." And I just happened to be listening to the music duo Shane and Shane at that exact same moment singing that exact same song!  I am not making this up!  God is beyond amazing!  

I realize I could easily turn this into a holiness message on not having affection for the world and its sinful pleasures but for Christ alone.  This is also very, very true, but for now, that is all I will say on that angle.  However, please read the first 17 verses of Colossians chapter 3 posted at the end of this writing and you can read a good holiness message written by the apostle Paul!

Short message today but I just want to dwell on praising God for His goodness!  As well as to encourage any of you who are also struggling to keep your eyes on Jesus because of circumstances or worldly distractions. To me and to you, let's shift our affections off of materialism and off all that is happening in the world right now and just praise the Lord for the beauty of His holiness! It is always only about the love of Jesus and not about what He can do for you. Love Him no matter what and no matter where.  Our treasures lie in eternity with Jesus and that means more than anything or anyone.

I am so deeply grateful to God for speaking to me today and reminding me to shift my focus off of what I do not have!  I love You, Lord; You are all I need, the air I breathe, the strength for my weakness, the light in the dark corners, and the joy in all things! 

(Colossians 3:1-17) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.  

Colossians 1:9: Advice on How to Help a Hurting Friend

 

Colossians 1:9: Advice on How to Help a Hurting Friend

 

(Originally posted in June 2018)

A woman named "Barbara" (not her real name) started working in the office around a week after I did.  I almost immediately felt a kinship with her in part to her friendly nature, in part to both of our prior law enforcement backgrounds, but mostly because she is a fellow believer.  

Barbara & I are both shy in nature and private people; we do not like to share personal information to those who are practically strangers.  Yet, one morning when we had a spare minute or two between tasks, she confided in me that due to depression, she struggles with issues of faith.  She feels as if her mind is a battlefield between Christ and Satan and she is painfully struggling not only to win the spiritual war, but also to understand why this is happening.  My heart went out to her, and I told her I fully believed she was indeed involved in spiritual warfare and quoted to her Ephesians 6:12 (For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.).  I also told her that we have a God that intercedes on our behalf and reminded her of Luke 22:31-32 (And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.").

Barbara also told me that the only time she ever heard the name of God or Jesus growing up, it was as a swear word.  I have no idea how long she has been a believer or any other personal details as she usually keeps up a pretty big wall.  I have done my best to encourage her, and I have been praying for her several times a day, but she still seems depressed.  I know part of her discouragement has to do with the fact that she is struggling to learn her new job, and she feels even worse when the bosses assign me the more complicated work and have her doing the more menial tasks.  Again, I try to encourage her, but the better I get at the job and the more recognition I get from the bosses, the harder it is to break through to her and try to witness to her troubled mind.  I fear she has become jealous of me, and this has caused her to be more distant from me and less friendly as if my success somehow is a betrayal to her.  I gave her a card yesterday in an attempt to further assure her of my desire to be her friend.  I let her know I was praying for her and wrote some verses in the card including Philippians 4:6-7 (Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.).  She accepted the card with tears and thanks and said life was hard right now, but then the wall came back up, and she said no more.

 

How does one handle it when trying so hard to encourage one who refuses to be comforted?  I feel as if I am failing the Lord because I cannot seem to help Barbara.  What can I say or do that will get through?  Am I praying the right prayers?  Should I spend a day fasting and praying for her and try harder to intercede on her behalf?  Does there come a time when we draw the line and say we have done all we can and do no more?  Do I simply give up on being her friend?  She has rejected my offers to go on a double date with her husband, Mel, and me (she said it sounded nice but never called after I gave her my phone number).  Again, she seems increasingly resentful with me for the positive attention I am getting at work, but I do not know what to do about that; I am not trying to upstage anyone, I simply believe in doing my best at any job.

 

I know you have probably been in this same situation at one time or another: trying to reach someone who feels unreachable.  Here is my advice on how to help a hurting friend.  This is very much for me as well as anyone reading this. 

 

First and foremost, place your friend in God’s very capable hands.  Trust that He did not bring this person into your life by accident.  Even when you believe you are failing, cling to 1 Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.  Sometimes it is our job to plant the seed, sometimes it is to water it, and others we are to help reap the harvest.  We very well may not be able to see all our efforts played out.  Just because we do not see a change, that does not mean the person to whom we are ministering is unaffected.  God promises in Isaiah 55:11, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.  Which also means that once someone hears the Truths of God (whatever level of faith they may have), God’s words will sink in.  If that person chooses to reject it, it is not God’s fault, but the stubbornness of the person’s hardened heart.  Also consider Luke 21:33, Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

 

Next, remember, it is NOT about you!  Even if they don't seem to want to be friends, get over your ego and do not take rejection personally, but realize their emotional turmoil probably started before they knew you.  When Galatians 6:2 instructs us to Bear one another's burdens, that means we are to try to understand what the other person is going through and not make it about our hurt feelings.  We are to Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another (Romans 12:15-16). We are not to say, “I’d weep with you, but I’m too happy right now.”  Nor do we need to wallow in depression with them.  Or the opposite by refusing to be happy for someone when you are struggling. Focus on their needs and show both sympathy ad empathy and let him/her know you are there to laugh, cry, and especially to pray with and for them.  Do not assume you know why your friend is depressed, distant, or broken, but ask for Godly guidance on how to help. You might be able to figure out the person is suffering from physical or mental illness, in a bad marriage, or any number of things that will take the focus off your own need to feel accepted and just be there when you are needed.  Sometimes we need to simply make the offer to be there but then stand back and wait for them to come to you when they are ready.  You can still be a friend and find many other things to talk about other than their difficult times.  

 

This is the key to it all: do not give up praying.  Think on Colossians 1:9, We… do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  Notice the words, “do not cease”?  Even if you lose the friendship because the person pushes you away, keep praying and trusting God.

Remember, that quite often your friends may not see a breakthrough because they may be surrounding themselves with bondages that hold them back.  Movies, television, alcohol, ungodly music, false religions, witchcraft/new ageism, and other lifestyle choices that go against the Bible will always hold a person back from receiving God’s blessings.  Until your friend is ready to let go of his/her bondages, it will be next to impossible to find spiritual healing.  But again, keep praying, and add to your prayers that the Lord will open the eyes of your friend wide to whatever it is that may be blocking the breakthrough he/she needs.  If there comes an opportunity to offer gentle advice on such matters, please give Godly counsel, but do not be judgmental or give unwanted advice that will further turn them away from the things of the Lord. 

My last bit of advice is to quote scripture as much as you can.  When trying to encourage someone else, I do not like to sound like I know it all, and I want to make it clear I am not dolling out my wisdom but the Lord’s.  If you do not know the exact reference, look it up or encourage your friend to look it up as a way to get him/her into the Bible.

There are hundreds (probably thousands) of good verses you can give, but here is just one more that may help your friend (beside the above ones I quoted): (Proverbs 3:5-8) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.  

One last note. More than once when my husband and I were praying for people, God told us each on separate occasions that we needed to let them go and trust Him to do the rest.  We need to heed God's instruction and step back when He tells us to and trust Him to do the rest.  God has told both my husband and me, "There is nothing else you can do; It is up to them - not you - if they want to change. But don't give up praying." 

Note: As I mentioned above, this was written in 2018. The job "Barbara" and I were working at was a seasonal job, and as soon as the season was over, she never had anything else to do with me.  I tried to keep in contact with her, but she was not interested.  I still think of her often and pray for her. God knows where she is and has her in His hands and heart. 

Philippians 2:12: How do we keep addictive sins from accumulating?

 

 

Philippians 2:12: How do we keep addictive sins from accumulating?

Do you ever see the dust on your shelves, sigh, and walk away?  "I'll deal with it tomorrow," you tell yourself.  Several days pass and the dust has not gone away but has accumulated even more and will require even more work to get rid of.  It will not disappear on its own and you must put forth the effort to eliminate the dust.  Not only that, but if you don't work at keeping a clean house on a regular basis, the dust will always return in large piles.  

What does this make you think of?  Sin.  The exact same principle applies. Philippians 2:12 says we must "work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling."  It does not say we can lazily sit back and expect sin to take care of itself. We cannot just ignore the sinful issues in our life and expect them to go away on their own.  Although in some cases deliverance can be instantaneous, realistically we must continually work at keeping habitual sins at bay.  

How do we keep addictive sins from accumulating as deep as the dust on a neglected bookshelf?  First, and most important to remember, you cannot do it on your own!  John 15:4-5, Jesus reminds us, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."   Apart from help from Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we are unlikely to have permanent success on our own.  That is why so many addicts return to their vices after claiming victory, because they do not allow Jesus to take control of their life and use His Holy Spirit to fill in the void that addiction has left.  They still feel empty and hopeless even after they have done their best to take control of their sin.  Because they are still denying the love of Jesus, the hole in their heart remains and therefore, they return to their sins.

2 Peter 2:22 puts it this way, "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."  

Although this verse has to do with those who have "known the way of righteousness" (in 2 Peter 2:21) and then backslidden, the same concept can be said for those who claim to have gotten rid of sin but still live in rebellion to the Lord.  You are allowing the dust to permeate your heart and soul over and over again until you surrender yourself to Jesus and allow Him to make you clean every single day!

Even when you allow Jesus to take control of your sinful nature, you still must be proactive in battling your temptations.  If your addiction is pornography, get rid of your source of porn (movies, Internet, etc.), just as you would remove the alcohol from your home if you were trying to quit drinking.  If you find yourself perpetually angry and fighting with others, stay off of social media if you feel it will tempt you to lose your temper and displease the Lord.

Remember what 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, "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."  Therefore, you never have an excuse to say you were not able to simply say "no" and walk away from your sin. 

You may need to seek personal or professional Godly council.  As Proverbs 27:17 says, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Which means it is always a good idea to find someone trustworthy to whom you can be accountable. And pray for one another and encourage one another in living for the Lord. 

If you are trying to claim victory over sin, especially ones that deal with addiction, you need to find something to fill in the gaps left by the sin you have purged yourself from or you will fall backwards and need to fill in the lonely, desperate, hopeless holes in your life.  First, admit you have a problem, ask God to forgive your sins and surrender your will to Him.  Daily make the decision to live a life of honor (Luke 9:23).  No one is capable of being perfect, but it is important that we all strive to walk down paths of righteousness (Luke 13:23-25).  God sees your effort and your heart and that is what pleases Him most.  Fill in the gaps with Bible study, Godly preaching, praise music, etc. Do not rely on ungodly entertainment to be of any assistance as it filled with all the issues that only contribute to the problem.  Secular and even "Christian" music, books, television, movies, and even most preachers will all tell you that your sins are perfectly normal and acceptable and never encourage you to give them up.  They do not care about your soul or if you succeed in cleaning up your life, but God does and He will be your champion in helping you find permanent victory over sin.

I will end this by posting Psalm 51:1-17.  Print it out or memorize it and make it your daily prayer as you work on keeping the sin from accumulating in your life.

(Psalm 51:1-4; 6-13; 16-17) Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight-- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.  Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.   For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-- These, O God, You will not despise.