The Wrestling Match, Written by my Husband

The Wrestling Match, Written by my Husband Mel

Gal 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

We are all participants in a wrestling match. For our fleshly nature is contrary to God’s Spirit, and the two natures are in opposition to one another. Our flesh wars against God’s Spirit, and must be brought into subjection to God’s will. Many people say that we are only human and God understands, as well as, tolerates our carnal nature. This false belief is a lie and is contrary to God’s Word. God’s Holy Spirit is more powerful than sin and He has equipped us with the power to live a holy life, separated from the world. The battleground is our mind and our will is all that stands in the way from totally surrendering to Christ. If we purpose in our heart to love God more than the world, and are willing to yield our minds to the convictions of the Holy Spirit, then God will transform us into a new creation. All things are possible with God, if you will surrender  your will to his.

 Christ said, that if you love him you will keep his commandments. Paul said, that if you continue in sin you do not know the Father or the Son. No one is perfect by any means, for we have all sinned and fallen short of his glory. Paul is speaking of habitual sins, also known as bondages. A sinful lifestyle will lead you down the broad road to Hell. Christ made atonement upon the cross for sins committed in ignorance, as well as, for sins that are repented of. Grace is not automatic, grace follows repentance only. Repentance means that we are sorry for our sins and are turning away from them. If we stumble and fall, we should not get discouraged. We should get back up, dust ourselves off, and press forward in Christ. There is grace to help us overcome our fleshly nature. God does not expect a new believer to grow up overnight. God gives us time to grow in him. We enter the Kingdom of Heaven as babes on milk, but we are expected to grow up to strong meat in time. God is calling His children to bear much good fruit for His Kingdom. Galatians 5, lists the works of the flesh, as well as, the fruit of the Spirit. The works of the sinful nature will bar a person from entrance to God’s Kingdom. Gal 5:19-21 states that those who practice these sins, will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Christ said, that any tree that does not bear good fruit, will be cut down and thrown into the fire. God’s Word, states that some will produce thirty, sixty, and one hundred fold fruit. As we grow in Christ, we will produce different levels of fruit, but we must produce good fruit if we are truly born again. To be born again, is to become a new creation in Christ, through submission to the working of God’s Spirit.

Many years ago, I worked as a security guard in a large office building. I had a conflict with the cleaning crew over security issues. This conflict caused me to have a great amount of bitterness toward these people. The Lord gave me a dream about the bitterness that I was contending with. I dreamed that I was walking through a building and the lights went out. Later the lights came back on. The angel of the Lord walked up to me and said, “You could have been injured, or killed, when the lights were out.” I was told to remain plugged in to the power source, which is the Holy Spirit. I was then seated at a large banquet table, with candles and good food. The lady, who was the supervisor of the cleaning crew approached me and looked very irritated. I was eating a red pepper, which is symbolic of anger. I spoke to her with kindness and forgave her. I understood that when we have bitterness, or hatred, toward others, we are walking in darkness rather than light. Bitterness, or hatred, will cut you off from God, as well as, his protection. God cannot look upon sin, it will cut you off from His provision, until you repent. Ephesians 5, tells us to be imitators of God, and to walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. Ephesians 5, also tells us that no unclean person has any inheritance in the Kingdom of God. That is why it is crucial, that we allow God’s Spirit to purify us, and separate us, from the sinful world. Without holiness, no man shall see the Father. We are told to walk in the light, bearing the fruit of God’s Spirit, as well as, to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light." 

Who will you serve?

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Mystery Babylon, Written by my Husband

This is the article I mentioned in my "Revelation, Part 5" video that I said I would share.

Mystery Babylon, Written by my Husband, Mel

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Rev 18:4-5  

In Revelation chapters 17 and 18 we read about mystery Babylon. I believe that this prophecy is in reference to both spiritual Babylon (harlot church), as well as physical Babylon (Rome, United States).  Bible prophecy tends to be multi-layered, which means it may have dual or tri significance. First, we will examine the spiritual meaning of the harlot who sits upon the back of the beast. 

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,  with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. Rev. 17:1-6

 

And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. Rev 17:18 

 

Rev 17:18 states that the harlot is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth. I believe that this is a reference to both Rome, as well as the Roman Catholic Church. She is depicted as an adulterous woman clothed in purple and scarlet, scarlet is symbolic of sin, and purple is symbolic of royalty, as well as is the official color of the Roman Catholic Church. This adulterous woman sits on many waters and commits  fornication with the kings of the earth.  This is a depiction of the harlot church which rides upon the back of the beast (anti-Christ, as well as his beast empire).  The biblical term Babylon is used many times within the old testament as a reference to sin and wickedness. There is also a similarity between the adulterous wife of Yahweh, mentioned in Ezekiel, and the harlot of Revelation. Just as Israel was unfaithful to God many times within the old testament, so much of the church is unfaithful to Christ today. To live in un-repented sin is to commit spiritual adultery. Mystery Babylon, is referred to as the mother of all harlots, I believe this is a reference to the Roman Catholic Church, as well as her offspring, the many protestant churches that preach a lukewarm  apostate message of compromise (grace without repentance). God commands his children to come out of the harlot churches.   

And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Rev. 18:4-5

The dragon is a symbol of Satan, and it is interesting that many of the popes use the symbol of the dragon on their coat of arms, medals, shields, as well as grave guardians. In fact, dragon art work, as well as statues of dragons are found throughout the Vatican in Rome. I believe that this clearly shows that Satan is the god of the popes. I will post some pics of the Papal medals depicting satanic artwork. 

The Lord has given me many dreams, in which he refers to the modern church as Babylon.  Within the dream of the lukewarm church, the Lord showed me many Christian congregations within a Roman Catholic Church building. The Lord referred to these harlot churches as the offspring of their mother church. The number one concern of the Lord is the sin in peoples lives. Many who profess to know Christ, are adulterous in God's eyes, because of sinful bondages in their lives, they are slaves to sin, instead of allowing the Lord to set them free. Here is a link to my dream of the lukewarm church.  http://twelfthhourendtimeministries.blogspot.com/2014/08/dreams-of-history-of-lukewarm-church.html

There are many similarities between Babylon, Rome and the United States. I believe that Rev 18 has a duel prophetic meaning, in which the modern Rome of the end times (United States) is depicted.  The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John while he was imprisoned by the Romans on the isle of Patmos. At that time, Rome was the most powerful empire in the world, as well as the richest, through it's merchant trade. Today, the United States is the most powerful nation, as well as the richest economy in the world. 

And according to Rev 18 it will burn in a single hour. This may refer to nuclear warfare. Rev 18 also states that the merchants of the world will mourn over her, because they were made rich through their commerce with her. Babylon, Rome, as well as the United States were melting pots of many ethnic groups. In fact, our federal government is based off of Rome's government which was the world's first democracy. Our Senate and House of Representatives are also modeled after Rome's equivalent. Even many of the buildings in Washington D.C. are of Greco-Roman architecture, including Capital Hill. The seal of the Caesars was the eagle with arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. And the motto of Rome was "E Pluribus Unum" meaning, out of the many one. Look on the back of your one dollar bill and you will see the same. I believe that only the United States meets the criteria to be the Rome of the end times. Like I stated before, Rev 17 and 18 depict both spiritual, as well as physical Babylon, and that is defined as wickedness.    

After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow.’ Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. “The kings of the earth who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will weep and lament for her, when they see the smoke of her burning, standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’  “And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore: merchandise of gold and silver, precious stones and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, every kind of citron wood, every kind of object of ivory, every kind of object of most precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; and cinnamon and incense, fragrant oil and frankincense, wine and oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and bodies and souls of men. The fruit that your soul longed for has gone from you, and all the things which are rich and splendid have gone from you, and you shall find them no more at all. The merchants of these things, who became rich by her, will stand at a distance for fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’ “They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate.’ “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her!” Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth.” Rev 18:1-24

  

 

Being a Doer of the Word

 

It's funny how none of the images I searched online for the phrase, "Be doers of the word," included verse 21 from James, chapter 1 (which was why I made my own graphic). So, let me include it now, in fact reading verses 21-27 really helps one understand these verses better:

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:21-27

I obviously did not look at every image or read every sermon, but from what I found, most people interpreted the words, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only," as doing kind things for people as Jesus commands. While I whole-heartedly agree with that sentiment as well, that is not what these verses are about.  However, I will explore that issue as well.

The book of James was written by one of Jesus' half-brothers. If  you jump ahead to the second chapter, you can better find the meaning others are searching for in chapter one.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:14-24

Again, other people tend to leave out the holiness message in these verses and focus just on doing good deeds.  And, of course, most modern pastors leave James 2 out of their sermons altogether! But yes, make no mistake, faith without works is dead! And works without righteousness is in the grave right next door! We need both for salvation!  

Back to James 2:15-16.  How often do people who call him/herself a believer do the exact same thing? They see someone in need and say, "I'll pray for you," but simply walk away. Praying for people is a powerful act, but when we have the ability to help and do nothing, then those prayers are hypocritical.  Do not drive past the same beggar on the street every weekend and refuse to offer him your extra coat or buy him a burger for lunch!  Do not see a lonely widow weeping for her husband and refuse to find time in your busy schedule to take her to dinner or simply visit her in her home and chat for a while.  Do not watch a struggling mother try to afford daycare and work and refuse to babysit for free or slip her some money.  There are so many, many ways we can help people!  It does not have to cost you any money.   Homeless shelters need blankets and clothing, donate what you don't use. I am by no means a wealthy person, but I can (and do) still find ways to help to the best of my abilities and resources.  And, there is still so much more I can do.

I think you get the idea, so I'll move on.

Let's go back to James 1, verse 21. James encourages us to "lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word."  Becoming a Christian is much, much more involved that saying a simple sinner's prayer.  We must continually give up our sinful ways and embrace the Word of God and the principles of Jesus Christ.  I so love James' illustration in verses 23 & 24.  When we read the Word of God and maybe even weep over it and feel guilt for our sins, but then walk out the door and start swearing, going to movies, get drunk, look at pornography, etc., we are just as foolish as someone who forgets his/her own reflection. Why bother reading the Word of God or going to church (or better yet, listening to a true holiness preacher on YouTube), if you have no intention of following God's rules?  When James called the Word of God, "the perfect law of liberty" in verse 25, he did not mean (as most of the preachers now falsely teach), that we are at liberty to sin!  When one obeys God's laws one is liberated and free because he is not bound in chains by sinful actions. That is true liberty! When you sin and disregard the ways of the Lord, there is no liberty except in your own rebellious mind. The truth is, your sins are dead weights holding you back. Now don't pretend you don't feel that way when your guilt make you feel shame.  You can read more when shame is healthy at my blog, "When is Shame not shameful?" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2019/07/when-is-shame-is-not-shameful.html The only way to be free is to repent of your sins and then do your best not to repeat them! Make Jesus Lord of your life and do your very best to walk down paths of righteousness! 

I could probably write for another several hours on this topic but I will wrap this up.  Please reread the above verses from James 1 & 2 and let his message sink in.  Yes, it is absolutely our duty to help others in need, so find at least one person or organization you can help this week.  But if you truly consider yourself a Christian, your works must be backed up with a righteous lifestyle. 

Justification by Faith Alone, Written By my Husband

 

Justification by Faith Alone, Written by my Husband, Mel

Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Salvation is a free gift that can never be earned by our good works. No one can ever be good enough to save themselves, it is prideful to boast in ones ability to obtain salvation through themselves, or ritual. Ritual, liturgy, works, observing new moons , sabbaths, or festivals, cannot save your soul. You are either married to the Law, or the New Covenant. Grace is defined as unearned favor. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

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

Christ, became the sacrifice to pay for our sins. His atonement upon the cross provides redemption to fallen man-kind if we will truly make him Lord of our lives. Christ was the spotless lamb of God who took the sins of the world upon himself to bring salvation to many. His blood will wash you white as snow if you will repent, and turn from your sins, and have faith in Him. For we are saved by faith alone. However, the Lord desires obedience more than sacrifice. Come as you are to Christ with a sincere heart and let him purify you. No one is perfect, or without sin, but we must allow God's Spirit to sanctify us and set us apart. If you are truly saved, the love of God will be in your heart, and good fruit and works will be the natural result. Grace is defined as unearned favor, however, grace follows repentance. We must be born again to be saved and that means to become a new creation in Christ. A lukewarm church will be vomited out of God's mouth according to Rev 3. It is possible to back-slide and lose your salvation if you do not remain in the vine, Jesus Christ. Please consider these scriptures.

(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.

Consider the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matt 18:21-35). Peter asked the Lord how many times we must forgive our brother, Christ replied, "Seventy times seven." In the same way that God grants us Grace we must also forgive others. In the parable Christ taught of a king who forgave the debts of his servant. However, the forgiven servant refused to forgive the debts of one who owed him and cast him into prison. The master became angry with the wicked servant and delivered him to the torturers. In the same way, if we do not forgive the trespasses of others, we may fall from grace and be delivered over to Satan. Consider also the Lord's prayer, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Christ's commandment is that we love one another. If we love God, we will keep the commandments of Christ, and that is to love and bear good fruit toward others.

Matt 18:32-35 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

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 (John 3:16).

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Real Walt Disney

Week 20 Short Video, From my Other Blog

I wanted to share this video with this blog as well from my marriage blog, "The ABCs of a Joyful Marriage" https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/

Blessed are the Humble, Meek, Merciful, & Peacemakers

 

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

 

As Jesus was referred to as "The Prince of Peace" even before His birth, I want to explore how I can be more like this desired personality trait.  However, rather than focus on the act of feeling peaceful (I will save that subject for another day), God has placed it on my heart to write about what it means to act as a peacemaker.

 

I have often been criticized for being too timid, too quiet, and too passive. I am a firm supporter and admirer of my husband's boldness and ability to stand up for his beliefs, and wish I was much more brave.  However, I am learning to accept that I am a shy person and not be ashamed of it.  Especially since my peaceful personality makes it easier for my husband, friends, and co-workers to be around me.  They know I will not stir up dissention or quarrel (unless it is very, very important), and I will do my best to get along with everyone.  I am certainly not perfect, but I do try to make life easier on all those around me, which often includes being a peacemaker.  

 

 

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren... that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business...  I Thessalonians 4:9-11

 

My point, however, today is not about having a quiet personality.  In fact, I fully believe God gave us all different personalities for different reasons so that we can balance each other out.  Whether bold or shy, we are all called to be peacemakers and to treat each other with kindness and respect.  In fact there are so many scriptures on this subject, that I could not possibly list them all in one blog.  I will do my best to narrow it down.  Let's start with Christ's Sermon on the Mount.

 

 We've probably all heard all or most of what are often referred to as "The Beatitudes" that are part of Jesus' Sermon on The Mount.  Note how many of them have to do with having a gentle heart.

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, (or being humble in spirit)
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn,
    For they shall be comforted.Blessed are the meek,
    For they shall inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    For they shall be filled.Blessed are the merciful,
    For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,    For they shall see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,
    For they shall be called sons of God.Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."  Matthew 5:1-12

 

Wouldn't it have been amazing to be at the feet of Jesus as He taught this sermon?  I am so very grateful to have the bible and have access to the wisdom of Jesus and from the disciples who learned by His side.

 

 

One of the main themes of Christ was loving one another.  Some religions are so seeped in the old testament that they still believe in the "eye-for-an-eye" mentality, but I prefer to follow the advice of Jesus. * (See note at the end.) 

 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.   Matthew 5:38-39

 

By being called to be humble, meek, and peaceful we are also taught not to be quarrelsome and antagonistic.  There is definitely a time and a place to stand up for yourself and your beliefs, and I am proud of my husband for being such a person.  I am mostly referring to the people who refuse to respect others' beliefs to the point they become a troublemaker.

 

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.  And a  servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,  in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.  II Timothy 2:23-25

 

It is honorable for a man to stop striving,
Since any fool can start a quarrel.
Proverbs 20:3

 

How are we called to handle such a person? 

 

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.  Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,  knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.  Titus3:9-11

 

Yes, that means it is perfectly acceptable to eject such a person from your life if you have first warned him to quit being so argumentative.  We are called to live in peace, not to be doormats or be forced to have people in our lives who are always stirring up dissention.  People who always want to criticize and argue are not respecting who you are as a person, and are not a genuine friend. 

 

Jesus taught His own disciples that they were to leave the towns of the people who would not accept their teachings.  Rather than stay and argue, they were to leave that town and not return.  Jesus uses the symbolism of shaking the dust from their feet as if to say they are not to even take the town's negative attitude with them, but leave it behind in the dust.

 

And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet."  Matthew 10:14 

 

 

Jesus was referred to as "The Prince of Peace," because His ultimate goal is to bring us a life of peace.  Peace to our hearts, minds, and lives.  He also wants us to be kind, loving, and gracious.  I realize I am repeating myself, but I am trying to convey an important quality of Christ's that we should try to imitate.  Yet, He also states, that though He was a peaceful man, His ministry was not to bring peace in this world.  As you read in the quote at the end of "The Beatitudes," Jesus makes it clear that we will be persecuted for our faith. 

 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.  You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.  But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;  for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ " Matthew 10:16-20 & 34-36

 

Note that Jesus' advice that we are to be "wise as serpents and harmless as doves."  Again, there is nothing wrong with standing up for yourself, and being wise enough how to handle harmful people, but we are to be gentle when we deal with them.  The sad part about that scripture is that Jesus even warns us that there will be division among our own family members.  But Jesus goes on to say in this same chapter that we are to choose a life of Truth with Him even over our own family, if necessary.  Sadly, sometimes distancing ourselves from friends & family that are always antagonistic is a more peaceful solution than continuing to live in strife.

 

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.  Matthew 10:37-90

 

 

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.  Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  I Corinthians 13:1-7

 

The beginning of this verse is essentially saying that, even if we have love in our hearts, if we treat others with disrespect and bad attitudes, we are no better than a noisy hypocrite.  We should strive to not just be hearers of the Word, but doers as well. 

 

I want to be a gentle person who treats others with respect.  I want to let insults fall of my back like water off a duck.  I want to reflect the Light of Christ.  I know I will never be perfect, and I will often make mistakes, but it is my goal to be a peacemaker.  Not because I am seeking a blessing, but because I want to make my Heavenly Father pleased with my effort.

 

It makes me feel good when my co-workers compliment me by saying they are impressed with the fact that they don't see me angry, I don't have a bad attitude, that I don't let rude people bother me, and that  I always have a smile and kind word for others.  I am not happy to hear these things out of vanity, but because I know it is Jesus working through me, and I give Him all the glory!  Without Christ I struggle with patience and kind words.  But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I can see others in a different light and want to treat them as He would. 

 

Christians are to continue to grow in their faith, which also means living a life that reflects the Words of Christ.  That is why it is so important to never stop reading the bible, no matter how many years you have been reading it.  You will always be encouraged and reminded of the type of person Christ wants you to be.

 

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;  bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.  Colossians 3:12-13  

 

Hopefully, this is all making sense.  I will end with a few more scriptures.

 

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.  Matthew 5:9

 

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.  Romans 14:19

 

And you, [parents], do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4

 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.  Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.  Therefore“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:14-21

 

* Note:  My statement has to do with personal persecutions.  I am a firm believer in the justice system and people being properly punished for their crimes.

A Message of Comfort to the Fearful, Written by my Husband

A Message of Comfort to the Fearful, Written by my Husband, Mel

Many are fearful due to the corona virus pandemic, as well as the economic crisis. However, the Lord our God is in control, and His Word contains messages of comfort and protection. Psalm 91:1-16 is a message of both comfort and protection for those who walk in righteousness. Zephaniah 2:1 is a reference to God hiding those who seek righteousness and humility during the tribulation. This scripture is in agreement with Reflation 12.

Psalm 91:1-16 

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the ^[a]fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.

He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday

A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.

Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.

In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

Zephaniah 2:1-3

Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together,
O undesirable nation,
² Before the decree is issued,
Or the day passes like chaff,
Before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you,
Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you!
³ Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth,
Who have upheld His justice.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
It may be that you will be hidden
In the day of the Lord’s anger.