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Friday, November 29, 2024

Upcoming Changes to the Blog/Facebook Page

 


Upcoming Changes to the Blog/Facebook Page


Starting in December, I will share mostly Christmas-themed writings, but beginning January 2025, I will change the name and the theme of this blog and Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/juliesbiblejourney ). The name will only slightly change from "Julie’s Bible Journey", to "Julie’s Bible Journal".


I have decided to share the writings I have done in the margins of my Bible Journal (with a few edits here and there and the insertion of the scriptures mentioned in the writings) as well as some of my artwork. I am not a very good artist, but I wanted to share the inspiration reading my Bible has brought.  I will do my best to post multiple days a week, so that it does not take too long to post the entire Bible. I will begin with Matthew-Revelation and then Genesis-Malachi.  


And, of course, I will still be sharing my husband's wonderful writings!


Thank you for reading!

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Are you Empty Inside, or Have you Been Filled with God's Holy Spirit? Written by my Husband

 

 

Are you Empty Inside, or Have you Been Filled with God's Holy Spirit? Written by my Husband, Mel

(John 3:5-7) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Christ said that the Kingdom of God resides within us. You must be filled with the Holy Spirit to be a citizen of God's kingdom. Salvation is not complete without being indwelt (baptized and filled) with the Holy Spirit. Many churches teach that when a person accepts Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit immediately. The truth is that a person must seek after and ask God for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:9-13).

(Luke 11:9-13) And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

The Holy Spirit not only empowers us to spread the gospel, He also transforms us into a new creation (born again). God is the potter, and we are the clay that he molds into his own image. It is impossible to live a holy life separated from the sinful culture, without the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. 

There are nine gifts, as well as nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to a believer according to God's will (1 Corinthians 12). The fruit of the Holy Spirit should be present in the lives of all believers (Galatians 5).

Please read my teachings on the Holy Spirit from these links. 

Final Hour Holiness Ministries: Speaking and Praying in Tongues

Final Hour Holiness Ministries: The Message of the Full Gospel

(Acts 8:14-17) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

(Acts 19:1-6) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

(Acts 2:1-4) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

(Acts 2:14-20) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.  I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Even When They Will Not Listen

 


As a Christian, sometimes the hardest thing to do is not t0 give up on spreading the True gospel message and praying for other people. We can feel very alone and isolated when so few of our family, friends, co-workers, and even fellow Christians believe the way we do.  When others find every opportunity to make a jab at our expense, and even sometimes go out of their way to turn a conversation into an insult about our holiness beliefs, it is very difficult not to give up wanting to speak the Truth. You will wonder, "Am I making a difference?"  And you will ponder, "What's the point of standing up for my beliefs if no one listens?"  We can cling to our own ego of wanting to be accepted and liked by the world more than wanting to cling to the pleasing of God. 

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

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

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

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

When I am feeling discouraged about the lack of change I see in people I pray and weep over, and when I do not feel as if any of my efforts I put into sharing the love and True grace of God that must be accompanied by daily repentance (see Luke 9:23), I get discouraged. I sometimes want to quit writing.  However, when I feel as if I have not helped even one person, I first remind myself that only God knows if a person is being challenged, but spiritual warfare is very real, and many choose the ways of darkness rather than yield to the Holy Spirit prompting them to change.  Next, I often think of the prophet Jeremiah.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Speaking and Praying in Tongues, Written by my Husband

Speaking and Praying in Tongues Written by my Husband, Mel

The gift of speaking in unknown tongues comes in two forms. There is a prayer language that benefits the believer only, and there is the giving of a message in tongues to an assembly that must be interpreted. Here are scriptures concerning the prayer language.

(1 Corinthians 14:2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

(1 Corinthias 14:14) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Tongues are an unknown language that is spoken by those who have been filled with God's Holy Spirit (also known as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit). Tongues may be the languages of men or of angels.

(1 Corinthians 13:1) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
When a person prays in the Spirit and with understanding, they are praying in tongues with the understanding given by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is making intercession for them and others through this unknown language. Tongues are both a sign to you in prayer, as well as a sign to unbelievers within an assembly where a message is given.
(1 Corinthians 14:14-15) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
(Isaiah 28:11) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
Intercessory prayer is standing in the gap for others. It is praying for their needs, protection, health, as well as spiritual condition. It is important to also pray in tongues in intercession for others. You may not fully know what to pray for on behalf of others, but the Holy Spirit does.
Praying in tongues is also beneficial when a person is engaging in spiritual warfare. When you are under any form of attack it is good to pray in tongues. If you have a nightmare, or a person is persecuting you at work, school, home, or everything seems to be going wrong, it is good to take a moment and pray in tongues, either silently, or vocally.
(Mark 16:17-18) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
The gift of tongues is also given to some for giving a message within an assembly of believers. If a person gives an audible tongue, it should be interpreted by one or more people within the congregation. See 1 Corinthians chapter 14 for how to use tongues decently and with order.
The Bible is clear that not all speak with tongues, or interpret, these are gifts of God's Spirit given as he wills to those who have been baptized and filled with his Holy Spirit. Many churches teach that the gift of tongues is the evidence that a person has been filled with the Spirit. Tongues are normally the evidence of the baptism in the Spirit, but not always.
The apostle Paul said:
(1 Corinthians 14:18 ) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.
(1Corinthians 14:5) I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is the that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
There are people filled with the Holy Spirit that don't understand or believe in tongues, or other spiritual gifts. Many within holiness churches and groups experience the infilling of the Holy Spirit without many of the manifestations. Many live a transformed life, full of good fruit, which is the most important evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Many Nazarenes, Wesleyan, Free Methodists, Church of God etc. testify to the life-transforming power of the Spirit in their lives.
In order to receive the gift of tongues, you must seek God for the baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said to ask the Father for the Spirit because the Father gives good gifts to those who ask. If you feel tongues coming into your spirit and mind, you need to open your mouth and speak by faith. God will not force tongues out of your mouth because it comes from faith. Allow yourself to babble until a distinct language comes.
Many Christians have never been taught that there is more to their spiritual walk. In order to live an overcoming Christian life in these dark times, it is essential that we be filled with God’s Holy Spirit (Baptism in the Holy Spirit). You cannot be saved unless you have been filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit. The atonement of Christ provided for the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Trinity is received by faith alone in the finished work of Christ.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a second act of Grace, and it is when a believer is filled and becomes indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Baptism is an immersion of power that is accompanied by spiritual gifts according to God's will and must be sought after by faith. The Holy Spirit is God, he is the third person of the Holy Trinity, and he indwells us, as well as ministers to us. It is God’s will that we all experience the fullness of God and that is only possible by receiving the baptism in the Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the hands of the Apostles within Scripture. It was first given on the Day of Pentecost to those seeking God in the upper room. You may receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit by earnestly seeking God in prayer, or through the laying on of hands.
(Acts 2:1-4) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
There are nine gifts and nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is God's will that we seek him for the fullness of his Spirit. The strivings of the flesh are worthless. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we may become a new creation (set apart people). Only through the Holy Spirit is the love of Jesus poured into our hearts. We cannot walk, live, or bear good fruit apart from the Holy Spirit. If you love Christ, you will keep his commandments. This is only possible by being transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. To live and walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin.
I'm an old school Christian that is not into Christian entertainment, but into God's Word. I believe that we are saved by God's Grace alone and Not by our works. However, many churches are Not teaching their people about sincere repentance and getting the sinful bondages out of their lives. After we are truly saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, we need to learn to Walk in the Spirit and bear good fruit (Galatians 5). You cannot walk in the Spirit by your own merit. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that you are able to live an overcoming life and bear good fruit. You must turn the reins of your will and life over to God and let him refine you and make you into a reflection of him. If the Holy Spirit dwells within you then you must allow him to manifest the attributes of God. You can only put down sin in your life by surrendering to God's Spirit.
The true gifts of the Spirit should be commonplace within the church today. A healthy church that teaches sound doctrine, will not quench God’s Spirit, but will allow God entrance to their services. God should not be put into a box, he should be allowed to speak, teach, as well as lead the service.
(John 3:5-7) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
(1 Corinthians 14:22) Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
(1 Corinthians 14:3) Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues
(Acts 8:14-17) Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 19:1-6) And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
(1 Corinthians 14:2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

(1 Corinthians 14:1) For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
The apostle Paul teaches that the gifts of the Spirit must be done in an orderly manner.

(1 Corinthians 14: 26-33) How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
Here are some more scriptures on the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:1-4) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
(Acts 2:14-20) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

Friday, November 8, 2024

2017 Prophecy: Donald Trump is America's Final President, Written by my Husband



Note from Julie:  After Donald Trump lost the election in 2020 (his second run for office), many people made fun of my husband Mel because he had previously reported that God had told him Donald Trump would serve two terms as president.  However, as soon as Mr. Trump announced his bid to run a third time, I knew he would win.  I had faith that God doesn't lie, and that my husband is a true man of God that hears from the Lord. 

Below are two writing from my husband, the first is what he wrote yesterday, and following that writing is the link to what he wrote in 2017 (showing proof of what God told him) as well as the writing for those who would rather not click on the link.  I know it is a lot to read, but you can read it a little at a time if you need to.

I try to keep politics off my ministry pages, but this is not political, it is Biblical as well as critical information for survival.  You will see the warnings from God in my husband's writings.  God has also showed me some visions of the future that I will not share here, but I can concur that we must be very cautious in the days ahead. It is only by the power of God that we have visions and dreams pertaining to the future, not by our own might. We give God all the glory! 

(Revelation 13:9) If any man have an ear, let him hear.
 
2017 Prophecy: Donald Trump is America's Final President
Written by my Husband, Mel

In early 2016, before Trump won the GOP nomination, God spoke to me in a vision and told me that Donald Trump would be president. The following year in 2017, The Lord spoke to me that President Trump would be America's final president. When Trump lost the election to Biden, I lost over 50 followers on my main ministry page. I posted that I believed that Trump would run again and win the next election, and I was laughed at for stating this. However, that is exactly what happened.  Although I am politically conservative, I don't support Trump. The Lord has showed me the darkness that surrounds him.

World War 3 will begin with China, and later Russia, as well as other nations will join them in war against the United States. America will be defeated and occupied by China and Russia. Prior to the great war to come, there will be major acts of terrorism in the USA, and some will eclipse 911. Iran, and other jihadist groups will attack many areas within the United States. There will also be nuclear bombs set off in some American cities prior to the final, total, nuclear apocalypse. Atomic bombs on the scale of the Hiroshima bomb will be set off. These smaller yield bombs will be suitcase or backpack nukes. Toward the end of the Great Tribulation, there will be total intercontinental nuclear warfare. Immediately after the Tribulation, Christ will return and rapture the elect (see Matthew 24, post tribulation return). Many will be protected by God and kept out of the Tribulation in remote wilderness locations (see Revelation 12).

 In 2017, the Lord gave me a dream of the 2020 Covid pandemic, as well as dreams of the rioting that went on across our country at that time. All of these dreams came true in detail. I say this to give all the glory to God and to give proof of authenticity of the visions given by the Holy Spirit. Please pray and consider all of this.

A number of years ago the Lord showed me a pronounced vision of the nuclear destruction of my former hometown of Kansas City. Although this vision was about Kansas City, it also pertains to many other cities within America as well. This was Not a dream! I was working as a security officer at a bank in downtown Kansas City Missouri. I was making a foot patrol around the outside perimeter of the bank. I noticed some construction workers were standing around a manhole in the street that was taped off with barricades and flashing lights. I thought that this was strange since it was after ten p.m. I then heard a loud explosion and witnessed a large mushroom cloud ascend hundreds of feet into the air. I was terrified and ran for cover. I then looked into the street and noticed that there were not any construction workers, nor had any explosion occurred. I then walked over to the area of the street where I saw the manhole and barricades with flashing lights. To my amazement, there was neither a manhole, nor barricades. I then realized that I had seen a vision. Several months later, I had a second vision. I was looking out the window from the Twelfth floor upon Kansas City. I was thinking of how beautiful the city looked at night. I then saw the city in rubble. Flames were ascending from the remains of destroyed buildings, and ash was falling from the sky. This ash was nuclear fallout. The Lord had given me two visions concerning the nuclear destruction of Kansas City.

Feb 19, 2024, I dreamed that I was in a tall building in a large city looking down upon the traffic below. I saw the reflection of a mushroom cloud produced from a nuclear explosion on the windshields of every car passing below. Dozens of cars passed by, and I knew I must warn people about the nuclear war that is coming. I ran outside and began yelling, "Nuclear War is Coming, Wake Up!" I repeated this several times, but nobody seemed to listen they walked by oblivious to God's warning. I then shouted several times, 'The United States of Sodom and Gomorrah will be judged! Then I woke from the dream. In the past the Lord told me to continue to warn people about the coming war, as well as to prepare for the coming tribulation. The Lord said, "Most people won't listen to you but warn them anyway." Jeremiah warned his nation of the coming Babylonian captivity, and most did not listen to him either.

In a dream, the angel of the Lord pointed out a window. I looked out the window and saw nuclear bombs going off, as well as nuclear missiles being launched. The angel said, “The west coast of California has been destroyed.” Another dream, I was driving my car through Utah at night. I witnessed a large nuclear explosion that was to my west. My car then stalled, and the lights of a nearby town went dark. I also had a dream about a group of people hiding in a bomb shelter in Paris France. I witnessed a large mushroom cloud ascend from behind the Eifel Tower. The Lord said that Paris was ground zero and no one would survive. I also had a dream that the nuclear bombs would cause the sun to scorch people with intense heat. I saw people hiding in caves, as well as holes in the ground to escape the intense heat. The nuclear war will most likely destroy the earth’s ozone layer. Rev 16:8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.

(Acts 2:17-21) And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.


Now here is a link to my husband's blog post from January 17, 2017 that is proof that God spoke to him before Trump won a second term as president.

Also here is repost the writing for those who don't want to go to the link:

Visions and Dream of President Trump and the Coming Nuclear War! Written by my Husband, Mel

On Friday Jan 13, I had a vision of two, dark red, blood moons. This vision was followed by a second vision of fireworks in the sky over Washington DC, and flags flying on inauguration day. Blood moons are symbolic of judgments and war. I believe that the war with China and Russia will begin during the end of our final President’s administration.  Donald Trump will be America’s final President.

Today, Tuesday Jan 17, I had another dream from the Lord about the coming war. I dreamed that I was at a gas station filling my tank with gas. A very large transport truck pulled in carrying a nuclear missile, there was a large picture of Donald Trump on the side of the truck. I heard a voice say, “Trump is going to make more nuclear missiles.” I noticed that the workers at the service station, were mostly Russians, but a few Americans were working with them. Some of the workers were riding on American made bicycles. I believe that this indicates that there will be a short time of peace, with working harmony, between America and Russia. I then entered the station to pay for my gas, and I noticed that the Russian workers were very busy and seemed to be preoccupied with something. I said to them, “War is coming soon with China and Russia.” I also said, “The wise will prepare now!” End of dream.

I am reposting this vision from Nov 21.  On Saturday, the Lord gave me a vision. I saw an opened magazine and both the pages were black, with a picture of Donald Trump in the upper right hand corner. I saw a profile of Trump’s face turned to the right, facing the edge of the magazine. Trump had a fierce countenance and appeared very stern. Above Trump’s head, was a full, very dark red, blood moon.  I also heard a female voice singing, “Halleluiah, Jesus is coming!”

This vision indicates that President-Elect Trump, will play a major part, in end time events. The black pages of the magazine, indicate a time of both spiritual, as well as, physical darkness. The two black pages, may also represent, two terms in office, or possibly the start of the Great Tribulation. The dark red, blood moon, probably indicates the great war to come. Trump’s profile, was facing the edge of the right side of the magazine, this may indicate that, Trump will be America’s final president. I am going to pray more for the interpretation of this vision. The good news is that Jesus is coming back immediately after the Great Tribulation! Those who endure unto the end, will be given the crown of everlasting life!             
 (Joel 2:30-31) “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
(Revelation 6:2-13) And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see." Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine."  When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken.   

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Salt or sugar?

 

If you have been through the Bible multiple times, you may think it is not necessary to still read it on a regular basis.  I have either read the Bible or had it read to me for 52 years, and when my heart is open, I still see verses from a new light   The other day, my husband and I were listening to the gospel of Luke, when chapter 14, verses 34-35, spoken by Jesus, stood out to be as never before.

"Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:34-35

I said to my husband something like, "For some reason, I never really stopped to consider those verses before, but that is really standing out to me.  I see it as a warning not to lose our fire for God or our fire for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ."

My husband and I began talking about this and agreed it would make a good blog topic, so here I sit today to share my thoughts for whoever " hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Often when I am writing on a topic I know has been written about by many others, I intentionally do not go back and read anyone else's writings. I pray to only be influenced by the Holy Spirit.  I know there are several different angles from which I could write this blog, but I am choosing to focus on the issues most infusing my heart today.

I am a person who loves words and their meaning, so I looked up the definition of the word "savor."  I will use the definition in another version of Luke also mentioned in Matthew.

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour [a characteristic taste, flavor, or smell, especially a pleasant one]... it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."  Matthew 5:13

First, I want to touch on not losing our fire for the Lord. Revelation 3:16 says, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue [spit] thee out of my mouth."  If you feel you are growing cold toward the Lord, spend more time in praise, prayer, and Bible study.  Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you anything that may be hindering a closer walk with Him and be obedient to let go of the things He brings to your heart (see Psalm 139:23-24).

 Next, lets' talk about not losing our salty fire for sharing the message of salvation.  In a world where people plug their ears to holiness messages, and make fun of/reject the True believers, it can be very discouraging to want to give up and quit speaking out for righteousness.  Let me encourage you that even if it seems no one is paying attention, God is, and His opinions matter more than anyone else's.  Stay faithful to the call, fellow Christian.  You are not alone; you have the Holy Trinity in your corner, and my husband and I as well!

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Now I want to explain what I mean when I say there is a difference between a salty message and a sugary one. To most people, a pleasant gospel would be one that tells them it is perfectly fine to sin as much as they like because God gives us grace for everything.  We just have to say a prayer one time to ask Jesus into our hearts and then never again worry about right or wrong because we are now eternally secure.  That, my friends, is a sugar-coated gospel!  

We are not being called to politely lead people to hell, we are called to escort them boldly to heaven's throne!  

Salt was considered very valuable in the days when Jesus walked, but if something valuable gets broken, tarnished, or damaged in any way, the value dramatically declines.  And as Jesus puts it, if that something valuable loses its potency, you could even say, if it gets watered down, it deserves to be thrown out and even trampled under people's feet.  

The same is absolutely true with the most valuable asset on the planet, the message of salvation that can show one the way to eternity in Heaven.  If it is damaged, it is useless to your soul.  

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 [turns it into something inaccurate and unholy], and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude, verse 4

Now I finally get to it, here is my salty message speaking out against a sugar-coated gospel:

To be clear, I believe Jesus' death on the cross, our salvation, and grace are free gifts we do not have to earn. However, a salty message will encourage you to treat these precious gifts with the utmost care and not neglect them, because they and your soul can be lost.  

But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die. Ezekiel 18:24 & 26

Pretty clear cut, don't you think? Ezekiel was a mighty profit who heard directly from God.  He tells us when the righteous, or the Christian, turns his back on God and intentionally chooses to sin, he will lose his salvation - die in his sins! This is not speaking of minor offenses, of course, but as Ezekiel says, "abominations," or rebelliously refusing to do what you know is right in the eyes of God.  Just as when we sincerely repent from our sins, they are blotted out by the blood of Jesus (Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ezekiel 18:27-28), the exact opposite is true. Righteousness is canceled out by sin until we sincerely repent again.   (These same words are repeated in Ezekiel 33 as well.) 

Now let's look at the words of Jesus:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:1-6

The definition of the word abide is "to remain; continue; stay."  Therefore, Jesus is telling us that if we leave our fellowship with Him (cease abiding with Him) we will be "cast forth... into the fire and burned."  Obviously, He is speaking of the fire in Hell. In other words, if you give your life to Christ and become a Christian, but then refuse to follow the ways of Jesus by leaving your morals behind, you are no longer bearing good fruit, and you will be cast away.  Jesus does not say that you can stay grafted into the vine no matter what, and that you will be eternally secure. No, if you make the choice to leave, you will be cast off!

The more you abide in Jesus: read the Bible, pray more than just when you are asking for a favor, and worship Him with a contrite heart, the more it will be clear what He expects of you.  The more you will understand His character and His will and you will want to do what is right (...the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance. Romans 2:4).  The Holy Spirit will convict you of your sins and testify to your spirit what must be done to see the face of God for all eternity (I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1).

Let's go again to the words spoken by Jesus:

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

This is obviously about someone who is calling himself a Christian, otherwise why would he be calling out to the Lord and prophesying, casting out demons, etc. But Jesus says that even if you call on Him and work for Him, you can still be in danger of losing your salvation if you are doing all these things while living in sin.  No, eternal life with Christ is not automatic just because you use the name of Jesus or work for Him; you must keep the sin out of your life or He will tell you to "depart from" Him.  In other words, He will send you to hell.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  2 Timothy 4:4; 7-8

There are many more verses I can list where it says in the Bible that all people will be judged according to their works. That Truth alone shows we are not automatically eternally secure.  If so, there would be no reason for God to judge our works.  Finishing the course and keeping the faith means the same as abiding in the vine.  In order to obtain the crown from Jesus, you must not let go of your righteous ways or give in to sin.

Here are a few more verses on obtaining crowns from God, our judge.  No where does it say the crown of righteousness will be given to every single person that says some version of the sinner's prayer.  There are conditions that must be met! In the below verse, Paul makes it very clear that even he, an extremely faithful servant of Christ, could be cast away from heaven if he falls into sin.

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I Corinthians 9:24-27

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Phillipans 4:1

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. II Timothy 2:5

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

The messages of these verses are: stand fast in the Lord, strive lawfully, endure temptation, and you will receive a crown of righteousness.  Stray away from the Lord and holiness, and you will be cast away.

The last verses below are the easiest way to point you away from sugar and to the salt of the gospel: Note the list of sinful actions does NOT say, "If you call yourself a Christian you can do all these things and still go to heaven," NO!  It says, if you commit the sins listed, you will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God.  There are no exceptions to that rule. You must daily repent of your sins, and strive to be holy as the Lord is holy, or you will not have eternity with the Father - not my words, this is scriptural as you will see below.   

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: I Peter 1:14-17

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14

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

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:7-8