Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?

Originally written in 2015, With New Edits

This blog was motivated by an older cousin of mine.  He made some statements a few days ago that I am sure go through a lot of people's heads.  He does not believe the Bible is really the inspired Word of God, but a mass of confused stories all put together by ordinary men.

It is easy to be confused by the Bible if you do not understand how to read it.

First of all, let me just say that I have no theology degrees, nor do I consider myself an expert in any way, shape, or form.  What I have is 43 years of experience either listening to or having the bible read to me (as of September 11, 2025, it will be 53 years). I was a preacher's kid for the first 12 years of my life, and my Dad has always been a spiritual influence on me (my Dad lost his battle with cancer in 2022 and is now in perfect peace with Jesus).  Since getting married in 2012, my husband became my greatest spiritual influence as well as my fellow student in the Lord's School of Holiness.  I study the Bible almost every day as well as read commentaries and devotionals by others who practice what they preach and do not try to pervert God's Word for gain.  I particularly like to focus on those with a clear understanding of the history of Biblical times, not those trying to promote a specific religion, but whose only goal is to glorify God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

One of the things my cousin pointed out has confused many.  In Exodus 20:13, God clearly commands the Israelites not to kill.  And yet, God expects them to kill their enemies to defend their territory.  Is this contradictory? 

In order to understand this (and most areas of the Bible) we must take a look at history.  There are a lot of wars throughout the Old Testament.  The reason why is because people were not much different then than they are today.  They were very territorial and constantly in a state of claiming land.  It was truly an era of "kill or be killed" or be made into slaves.  In most cases, the wars of Biblical times were a matter of survival since they could not all live peacefully in separate countries.  One nation wanted to rule them all.  God still hated the killing, but also hated to see those serving Him enslaved or tortured if captured,

If you are wondering why God seemed to choose one race over the other, it was not a race issue, it was a holiness issue.  (The Israelites chose to follow the ways of God's commands, while to others chose to spit in God's face and live demented and perverted lives.  They were extremely brutal and loved to torture others.  Some even believed in live human sacrifices, particularly of babies and children.  And remember, the Israelites were not exempt from their own punishments when they sinned.  God punished the Israelites within their own communities as well whenever they recklessly rebelled. 

(Acts 10:34-35) Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him."

(Colossians 3:11) There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Which brings me to another point.  There are a lot of laws and regulations in the Old Testament that seem to have ridiculously harsh punishments.  Not all these laws were created by God.  A lot of them were man-made.  Read through the New Testament and you will continually read Jesus' own words condemning the man-made laws.  You can read more about that issues of Jesus' New Covenant in my blogs "Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy:  Jesus Made a Surety of a Better Testament" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/06/leviticus-numbers-deuteronomy-jesus.html   & "Matthew 5: Jesus Teaches us a Better Way" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/01/matthew-5-jesus-teaches-us-better-way.html  as well as  this blog by my husband "Understanding  The New Covenant" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2015/12/understanding-new-covenant-written-by.html

There are other issues in the Old Testament that may seem contradictory to God's 10 commandments.  In Genesis 38, Jacob's son Judah promised his daughter-in-law in marriage to his youngest son (after her first 2 husbands, his sons, died).  He later changes his mind.  Tamar tricks him by pretending to be a prostitute, Judah sleeps with her, she steals his signet, bracelets, and staff to later use as blackmail, and she becomes pregnant.  Judah was going to have Tamar murdered for her sin, but she shows him his belongings, and realizes he is the baby's father.  The hypocrite then changes his mind.  My point is that this is just one example of very bad behavior.  Many mistakenly believe that just because a story is in the bible that it is saying the behavior is justified.  Of course not!  The bible is a history book and it is telling us the history of those that lived during those times, the good, bad, and despicable behavior is all included.  It is merely a statement of the facts, not a justification of sin!
  
Now let's explore some of the New Testament that confuses people. 

One of the ways people love to try and discredit the Bible is by saying that it is inconsistent.  One example is that Matthew 27 says that Judas Iscariot (the man that betrayed Jesus) hanged himself out of guilt.  But Acts 1 (written by Luke), says that Judas died when he fell and his bowels gushed out.  Big difference.  
  
Consider this:  Neither Matthew nor Luke were present when Judas died.  What they are writing about was based on someone else's account.  They were both told two different stories, and there were probably many legends going around concerning the man that betrayed the King of Kings.  This does not mean one of them was a liar, or that we can disprove the whole Bible, it simply means one of them unknowingly received the account of Judas' death from a false witness.

And, no, not all four gospels tell the exact same story the exact same way.

Now consider this:  I worked as a civilian in law enforcement for more than 7 years.  Talk to any police officer who receives four different witness statements at a crime scene, and they will receive four different accounts.  One will say the suspect had blonde hair and was short, while another will swear he was tall with brown hair.  No two people see or experience the same incidents exactly the same way.  That does not make one of them a liar.  My husband and I often see colors differently.  He sees blue where I see green.  He sees pink where I see orange.  In our eyes, neither one is wrong, it is purely based on perception.

Consider this as well:  Ever play the game telephone?  It's where you sit in a circle of say a dozen people.  One person whispers, "Bees live in trees" to the person on his left, but by the time person #12 repeats the message he received, he will probably say something like, "Don't put cheese on my keys."  The bible has been re-written and re-translated many, many times.  Not every translation is going to be perfect.  Even the original words hand-written on scrolls were often written by a scribe, not the actual writer.  We will never know this side of heaven what the 100% exact translation should be.  

Also, oftentimes some religions try to tell you the entire Bible was written in Hebrew, and you need to consider the Hebrew meaning only to understand the Bible.  However, most of the New Testament books were originally written in Koine Greek or Aramaic. If you stick with the King James Version, this is historically proven to be the most accurate of them all, and you can pretty much take it as face value without trying to interpret it from a different language or try to find "secret codes" in between the words.  

And remember there are many "religious" leaders who like to change translations of the Bible and add or subtract words to suit their beliefs and to get more money in the offering plate.  Please always read the Bible on your own apart from church. 

(2 Timothy 3:13-16) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

    
Another thing that so clearly confuses people is so-called Christian entertainment.  The popular trend of the past several years has been making so-called Biblical movies.  They are so way far off base, that it is disgusting.  There is nothing wrong with trying to fill in the gaps, but these movies go beyond mere gap-filling, they are blasphemous and confuse those that have never read the bible.  My word of advice: read the book (The Bible), and always, always skip the movie!  

I hope some of this helps clear up a few things.  Asking questions is a great way to better understand the Bible.  Don't take man's word for it (not even mine), do your own homework and really seek the Truth!  Keep reading, keep studying, and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit!   He will help you understand.   

For more on the Word of God, you can read my blogs "The Power of the Word of God" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-power-of-word-of-god.html  & "The Armor of God, Part 6: The Sword of the Spirit" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-armor-of-god-part-6-sword-of-spirit.html

The Reason why God's Judgements are Falling, Written by my Husband

 

The Reason why God's Judgements are Falling, Written by my Husband (Mel)

We live in dark times, and most people are very cold hearted and self-centered. God desires for his children to be a set apart people full of love and good works. While most of the world is selfish and consumed with the desire to obtain worldly goods, power, and fame, we should be selfless and desire to meet the needs of others. The Law and the prophets are fulfilled when we love God, as well as others as ourselves. God is the potter, and we are the clay. If you are filled with God's Holy Spirit, you will be transformed into a new creation (born again). However, you must knock, ask, as well as seek after God for His Spirit as Christ taught (Luke 11:9-13). We must yield our will to the Holy Spirit by walking in obedience to the holy scriptures (1 John 2 1-12). Unless we are a set apart people (new creation in Christ) we will be consumed by God's judgments along with the rest of those who also live in darkness. Live and walk in the light and God will both protect you, as well as receive you.

(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? 

(1 John 2: 1-12) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

(Ephesians 5:-14) Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 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. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 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. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 1And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

(Galatians 5:19-25) 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. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

If we Only Love God When He Answers our Prayers, we are Missing the Point

If we Only Love God When He Answers our Prayers, we are Missing the Point

I originally wrote this on February 5, 2022, but due to a conversation with my husband Mel today, I was inspired to post it again.

When we go through difficult times, such as the death of a loved one or an illness, it is easy to fall into the trap of being angry with God because He did not answer our prayers the way we expected Him to.  If we only love God when He answers our prayers, we are missing the point of what it truly means to be a Christian. There is an old saying that states God will always answer your prayers; sometimes it is "yes," sometimes it is "no," other times it is "wait."  This is a basic concept, but still true.  What is most important to remember is that God will only answer according to what is best for us, according to His perfect will, not ours.  I know it sometimes takes more faith to believe than our bruised and wounded hearts can muster, but it is true, nonetheless. If all we have is faith the size of a mustard seed to believe, it is enough (see Matthew 17:20). 

1 John 4:19, sums up all I will to say so very simply, "We love Him, because He first loved us." Combined with John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life," we really need no other reason to love and serve God! 

We love Him because only He created the universe and all that is in it, and only He is worthy of all power and praise. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11 & And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Revelation 5:9 & 12 

I know that the simplest of ideas can become very complicated when we are suffering.  We make it so by our unbelief. We overcomplicate God's love because we cannot see around our own hurt. The deeper and fresher the pain, the harder it is to remember that God's love is enough to sustain us.  

Bad things happen because Adam and Eve chose their own selfish wants over fellowship with their Creator (see Genesis 3).  We live in a fallen world because God chose to give us free will.  Adam and Eve betrayed this gift and chose to listen to the serpent’s lies rather than God’s warnings simply because the serpent’s lies were more appealing than God’s Truth.  This is why we live in a world full of death and tragedy, not because God is cruel, but because man chose to alienate us from God by using his free will out of the desire of wanting to be like God.  Humans do not want fellowship with God, nor do they want His advice, protection, or correction, they want to be gods!  They want to be independent.  They want to use their free will to do whatever they so please, then cry out, “God save me,” when it’s convenient.  Or curse at God even though they have made no effort to live a holy life and only pray when they want something. Therefore, “He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45) not because He is cruel, but because man chose to defy God.  Man caused this fallen world and wel all suffer because of it. 

Jesus said in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." He honestly tells His disciples they, and us too, we will all have hard times.  But He gives us the good news that we can find perfect peace in Him, and that He has overcome the world! In the light of eternity, this life won't matter much.  What matters is that Jesus freely died for our sins.  When we make Jesus the Lord of all our actions and choose to walk down paths of righteousness, we can live with Him eternally in Paradise. Amen, that is more than enough!

People who believe God will prevent bad things from happening end up hating God.  Christians can walk around with joy in their hearts, in spite of tragic circumstances because we have a hope of eternal happiness. For no matter what “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)   We know God grieves with us and does not intend for bad things to happen.  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) states, “'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"  Does that mean God does not have any control? No, this means we will never fully know why things are allowed to happen because there is a war going on we cannot comprehend.  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

My favorite verse is 1 Corinthians 13:12, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." This means that we cannot understand why things happen as they do because we cannot see the big, eternal picture, but when we get to heaven, it will all be crystal clear.  This senseless world will make sense.

My message s brief today, but just a reminder to you, as well as to myself, that loving God only when things go our way is not truly loving the Lord. Remember that God does not stop loving you when you do not do what He expects. Romans 5:8 says, " that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Yes, our actions can absolutely keep us out of the kingdom of Heaven (see Galatians 5:16-21 & Revelation 21:8), but God's love for us will never wane.  It is His profound love that sets rules because He does not want any of to go to Hell (The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9)  Romans 8:38-39 reminds us "that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Since God will not stop loving us, how dare we be so arrogant as to say we will stop loving or serving Him when we face loss, illness, or other tragedy? 

The Junk Food Gospel, Written by my Husband

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2 Peter 2:17- 22) These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

The Lord of the Harvest, Written by my Husband & Will You Answer the Call? Written by Me

 

The Lord of the Harvest, Written by my Husband (Mel)

(Luke 10:1-2) After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

The entire world is a mission field and if you belong to Christ then you are called to share your faith with those who are perishing. You do not need to be a pastor or have a degree in theology to be a missionary for Christ, only faith. The Lord is looking for willing hearts who will be vessels that he can work through. God is not pleased with manmade denominations or seminaries, because they tend to stifle the work of his Holy Spirit. God is looking for humble people who will reflect the love of Christ. Peter and John were uneducated men but they were vessels that God's Spirit could speak, as well as work through. 

(Acts 4:13)  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 

Peter and John were not trained with the theology of man, but by the Master himself. God's Word teaches us that we need to study to show ourselves approved, a workman not ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. This means that we are not to only just read God's Word, but to study it, so that we may interpret the scriptures correctly and teach others sound doctrine. We should consume God's Word, because it is spiritual food that will teach us God's ways and lead us to Christ, our only hope of salvation. If a person is truly filled with God's Holy Spirit, then his Spirit will teach us his ways and open up our minds to understand scripture.

 (John 14:25-26) “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 

All a person needs is the Holy Spirit to teach them God's Word, not the schools of manmade doctrine which are Spiritless. 

If you pray for divine appointments, God will bring people to you so that you may share your faith with them. I have witnessed to people in Wal-Mart, on hiking trails, as well as to my neighbors. If you make the most of every opportunity to share your faith when engaged in a conversation, you may plant a seed of faith in someone. You may plant the seed, then God may raise someone else up to water the young plant, then yet another person to reap the harvest. God's Word teaches that everyone who sows faith into another's life will share in the reward for their salvation. 

I have noticed that people get very defensive, as well as sometimes hostile, when you share your faith with them, this is because their conscience is being pricked by God's Spirit. Quite often you are getting through to them when they become agitated, so don't be discouraged by their reaction. We are living in a lost and dying world, and you may be the only reflection of Christ that someone will see, so always keep this in mind when someone is being offensive. 

If you were on a boat and saw someone drowning, wouldn't you throw them a life preserver, or even possibly dive into the water to save them? Or if you saw a young child playing in the middle of the road and a semi-truck was heading their way, wouldn't you try to save them? True love warns people of danger even if they don't want to hear it. People all around us are dying spiritually, and it is up to us to share our hope of salvation which comes only from a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ with them. So, I encourage everyone who is born again, to become a worker in the fields of the Lord, for they are truly ripe for the harvest!

Will You Answer the Call? Written by Me (Julie)

How many of us pray, "Here I am, Lord, use me?"  Now really be honest; how many mean it?  If God said, "Wonderful, now go serve Me in homeless shelters and retirement homes," would you do it?  If God asked you to go overseas on a mission trip, would you quickly pack your bags?  Not so easy to literally answer the call, is it?  The harvest being "truly great" means the whole world is our mission field.  Schools, workplaces, grocery stores, and the Internet are all places we can witness to people.  But what about spending time with the homeless, incarcerated, and mentally ill?  What about telling the homosexuals their lifestyles are wrong, but non-judgmentally tell them that God loves them and wants to see them repent, change their sinful ways, and come to His Kingdom?  Are we willing to be bold for Christ and go against the popular opinion?  Would you travel to Africa (or other countries) and risk your life to witness to the starving people whose lives are terrorized by war?  

Here's the truth: God will not call you to a place you are unwilling to go.  What He will do is soften your heart and gently try to encourage you to go where He needs you to serve.  God is a gentleman; He will not make you go anywhere you feel uncomfortable.  If you really have zero desire to go overseas, chances are that is not where God wants you to go.  We are not all called to be missionaries in foreign countries.  We can and should minister right where we live.  I am very shy.  Therefore, it is not likely God will call me to public speaking.  However, I can write for the few that read my blogs as well as serve dinners for the homeless and work with children.  I can show the love of Christ to co-workers and even strangers.  However, If God did call me to a more outspoken ministry, I am certain He would gift me with boldness.  My husband has been involved in street ministries in New Orleans during Marti Gras as well as ministering on the streets of Kansas City, MO and Little Rock, AR.  He is also a gifted pastor and preaches bold sermons.  

Ministry does not have to involve money. At the moment, I am not able to bless others monetarily, but I would if I could. What I can give is my time.  

Therefore said He unto them, "The harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few: pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest."  Luke 10:2

There are many examples in the bible where God called His children, and they answered the call.  I am not using myself as an example to follow, but these Godly saints.  Here are just a few:

When Mary was called to be the mother of Jesus Christ, it is easy to assume she was terrified.  Yet, she said, "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."  (Luke 1:38) She had one of the greatest responsibilities in the world, and yet she said was willing to serve.  She did not question the reality of a virgin becoming pregnant with the Son of God.  Her faith was truly great as she was quick to be willing to serve God.

In Mark 1:16-20, Jesus meets Simon (Peter) and Andrew, and asks them to follow him.  Verse 18 says, "straightaway they forsook their nets, and followed Him."  Then Jesus meets James and John.  When Jesus asks them to join, verse 20 says, "they left their father... and went after Him."  In Mark 2:13-14, Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) who, when Jesus asked Him to follow, Matthew "arose and followed Him."  Notice there was no hesitation in these first five disciples that were called. 

In Exodus 3, God dramatically calls to Moses from a bush that is on fire but does not burn.  When God says, "Moses, Moses," he says, "Here am I," but then argues with God that he is not worthy to serve God due to being poor of speech.  Perhaps he was shy or stuttered, we don't know.  What we do know is that although God was angry with Moses' impertinence, He agrees to send Moses' brother Aaron as his mouthpiece.  God chose Moses (as He chose all before and after) because God sees a broken vessel willing to be used by and for God.  God would not take no for an answer, and reminded Moses that He would be with His servant and Moses would be more capable than he could ever imagine.   God knew Moses was the right man for the job not just to go before Pharaoh to demand he free the Hebrew slaves, but also to be the leader of those he helped escape from Egypt.

Also consider the prophets that were willing to prophecy even after being badly mistreated: Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, (etc.) as well as Paul, Silas, Peter, and Barnabas (etc.).  They were all willing to answer the call even though they did not all see their predictions come to fruition in their lifetime.

There are so many others I could name that willingly said, "Here I am Lord, use me," such as Samuel, David, and John the Baptist, (etc.) in some form or another, but for the sake of time, I will move on.

God does not demand perfection.  What He expects is one who is willing to be obedient not only to what he/she is called to do, but to follow the laws of Jesus Christ.  No matter how willing you may be to serve, God wants vessels that are clean inside and out. 

And the Lord said unto them, "Now do ye make clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness?  Ye fools, did not He make that which is without make that which is within also?"  Luke 11:39-40

In other words, wearing a three-piece suit and sporting an expensive haircut are not requirements for serving the Lord.  Having the lifestyle to back up the words you want to preach is much more important.  I have many flaws, but if I try to tell you not to cheat on your spouse while lusting after a man not my husband (which I would never, ever do), I am merely a hypocrite and have no place writing a blog.  Why do you think the false "grace for everything without repentance" message is so popular? Sadly, it is because so many that stand behind the pulpit are into pornography and other habitual sins of which they do not want to let go.  We must clean up our act before serving the Lord.  And not just by our moral actions, but by our attitude.  Don't walk into a homeless shelter and sit at a table with them and witness about the love of Christ than walk outside and insult the people inside.  Most of us are all one or two paychecks away from being in the same situation, so please do not judge them for losing their homes.  Do not go into the inner cities if you cannot love your fellow man no matter what color his skin is. 

Don't minister with a condemning heart, but with a heart of compassion and a goal as a healer, not a criticizer.  I see my job as attempting to lead people down paths of repentance while making a daily choice to continue down the roads of righteousness based on the teachings of Jesus, not based in the teachings of Julie or anyone else.  I want people to understand God's grace and salvation are free, but we still need to keep our garments clean less we fall away and wind up in Hell.  (Backsliding away from salvation is in the Bible, readers, these are not my theories.) I want to see my fellow man in heaven worshipping at the feet of their Maker, not tormented by flames. 

If your goals have anything to do with fame or money, then shame on you!  Serving God is all about bringing glory to God.  We should want to decrease so God can increase.  When I pray that God would empty me of me and fill me with Him, I am sincere in my prayers.  I do not want to shed the light on what I have done, but on the Love of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  Obviously, if you are behind a pulpit, you will receive a lot of attention.  If you publish books or end up on the radio, or television you may get some semblance of fame.  As long as you use your notoriety for God's kingdom and do not heap riches on yourselves as the television evangelists do, God very well may bless your life with wealth.  But keep the focus off yourself and keep your ego in check.  Give glory where glory is due.  It is difficult for me to put it into words so this paragraph makes sense, but I think it's pretty obvious there are lines that can be crossed when we preach, write, or serve just to get attention and make ourselves look holy. 

If you are willing to answer the call to be a servant of Christ, serve God with a pure heart, pure motivations, and pure lifestyle.  Whatever your motivation is to serve, God knows your heart, always keep that in mind.  

Faith to Embrace That God is all His Word says He Is

 

Faith to Embrace That God is all His Word says He Is

I believe that the biggest reason people have such a difficult time accepting that God unconditionally loves them, trusting He forgives and forgets, and submitting to God is because they try too hard to place Him in a human box. 

We have all been repeatedly hurt by those who love us, so it is hard to grasp the concept that God would be any different.  It is hard to wrap our brains around the fact that when God says He will keep His promises, He actually will.  In order to help us (me too) be able to better embrace that God truly is all His Word says He is, and He will do all His Word says He will do, we need to remove human attributes from a holy God.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," saith the Lord." For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Let me back up just a bit to make it clear I fully believe Jesus Christ came to this earth in human form (And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8) but after He ascended back into Heaven, all those human weaknesses disappeared. However, His compassion has never waned.  

Now, back to Isaiah 55.  We cannot ever truly comprehend the mind of God, and the sooner we accept that fact, the more we can just sit back and relax and surrender all to Him.  I know that it so much easier said than done, again, because we have difficulty seeing Him in a different light that the humans around us.

When God says He will forgive us when we repent (Then Peter said unto them, "Repent... for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38), and then will actually forget those sins, then they are forever under the precious blood Jesus shed for us.  

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19

It is a difficult concept to grasp because not only do we find it hard to forget wrongs that have been done to us, but we also do not always forgive the people we claim to have forgiven. In our mind we may say we do, but it is easy to dredge up past hurts to the point it can be harmful to our spiritual health. On the flip side, others also tend not to forgive and forget when it comes to our offenses.  But God truly does forget our past and washes us white as snow.  Please note the first five words in the below verse are "If we confess our sins."    

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

It is also difficult to accept unconditional love. Precious few people in our lives love and accept us without rules.  "If you will conform to my ways, then I will accept you." or "I love you, but I really do not want to be around you."  But when God says He loves us and will never stop loving us, and that He wants as much more time spent with us than we give, we can believe it is true. He will not reject us when we make mistakes, nor will He cast us aside when someone more interesting comes along.  He will always love us and find us worth His time and affection. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35, 38-39

However, a holy God cannot tolerate sin and even though we can never be separated from His love, we can be separated from His heavenly kingdom if we refuse His rules (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.)  

Read also all of Romans, chapter 6. Here are verses 1-2: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

This is why "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)  Because God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).  He compassionately wants all of us to join Him in the beautiful paradise He prepared for us (John 14:2-3).  The rules are in place so we can have a blissful eternity with our savior, not to keep us in chains, but to set us free from those chains!

Even if we cannot fully understand how it is possible, when we have faith enough to accept God will not break His promises (also 2 Peter 3:9), He will not lie to us (Titus 1:2), He will forgive and forget our sins (Mark 2:10), His love is free (Romans 5), and He truly wants the best for us (Jeremiah 29:11), then we will be more willing to surrender our heart, soul, and strength to Him (Luke 10:27).  

...God is love. 1 John 4:8

Let's face it, most of us have had to deal with an abusive authority figure either in the form of a teacher, military instructor, boss and/or parent. When we have lived through someone with power over us not treating us with the love and respect Jesus expects us to treat all people, it makes it even harder to trust that God's authority is just, fair, gentle, and good (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 18:25, 2 Corinthians 10:1).  It can be near impossible to see God as a kind Heavenly Father if your earthly father and/or mother was cruel.  Again, it is why it is so vital to not place God in a human box.  If His thoughts and ways were like frail, cruel, unforgiving, cold, stubborn, rebellious humans, He would never have sent His only son to die for us so we could be cleansed from our sins by the blood of Jesus, and be healed by the stripes Jesus took on His back (Isaiah 53:5), nor prepared a place of peace and joy with Him forever (Revelation 21:4).

I pray this all sinks in.  I know it is not easy to see God outside of our limited human eyes. I will leave you with my favorite scripture verse.  This verse is saying the same as Isiah 55 above, that we cannot fully understand the mind of God because we see this world through dark sunglasses, not through the bright light of the Throne of God.  But when we get to heaven and see God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, then it will all make perfect sense. Until then, we can rely on faith to embrace that God truly is all His Word says He is, and He will do all His Word says He will do.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 

Jesus will Hold you Fast and Carry you When you Cannot Walk, Written by my Husband

 

Jesus will Hold you Fast and Carry you When you Cannot Walk, Written by my Husband (Mel)

The Lord gave me a dream of his love, care, and devotion for his children. I dreamed, that when I was a young man, the Lord found me lying in a ditch all wounded and dying. The angels picked me up and carried me and nursed me back to health spiritually. The Lord spoke to me while I was awake and said, "I will hold you fast." 

We live in an imperfect world and struggle with a fallen nature; however, God has brought us hope and redemption through the cross of Christ and help through his Holy Spirit. If after we are truly saved by his grace, we stray from him down a path of false doctrine or sin, he will come after us, as well as fight for us. Jesus will leave the 99 sheep to go after and rescue the one that is lost. The Lord chastens the son he receives and brings the rod of correction to the ones he loves. The Lord will hold you tight in his hand and will do anything to bring you back to him! The Lord loves us too much to let us remain backslidden from him. However, if you refuse to allow his Holy Spirit to correct you and choose to continue living in darkness, you may fall from grace and be blotted out of the Book of Life. A dead, or lukewarm church, will be vomited out of God's mouth (Revelation 3). Christ compares an unrepentant backslider to a dog that returns to his vomit, or a sow who after being washed clean returns to the mire (mud). 

(2 Peter 2:20-22) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

Salvation begins with repentance of sins. Repentance is a change of mind and heart in regard to the old sinful lifestyle, as well as a desire to become a new creation in Christ Jesus. To be truly saved, you must hunger and thirst for righteousness, and turn away from the old rebellious life you once knew.  When you repent and put your faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross you are saved from perdition and have been given eternal life. We are justified by faith and saved by grace (unmerited favor). Christ will wash you clean and remove all of your sins and grant you a clean slate. Because of Christ's atonement made upon the cross you walk perfectly before him as long as you remain in the light. God gives us grace to grow in him. We come to him as babes on milk and learn to walk by taking baby steps. Through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are transformed from the inside out. 

Grace is for those who walk by faith in the light and not for those who love darkness and are apathetic toward righteousness. Cheap grace or greasy grace is a term to describe the junk food gospel being taught in many churches today. The unconditional eternal security doctrine teaches that a saved believer cannot lose their salvation. This doctrine is contrary to scripture and leads many people to Hell. Hebrews 10:38-39 states that a believer can drawback unto perdition (Hell) if they do not remain in the faith. There are Christians who have lost their faith and died as atheists, Buddhists, agnostics etc. these will not enter the Kingdom of God.

We must deny ourselves daily, take up our cross and follow after Christ. If we love him, we will obey him. Christ taught us how we should conduct ourselves in this world. The sermon on the mount, also known as the beatitudes, are instructions that we should all live by.

Christ taught us the parable of the prodigal son in (Luke 15: 11-32). The son was tired of his rebellious life for he squandered his inheritance with riotous living. He returned home and his father ran to him, held him, and kissed him, put a robe on him, and a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. They killed the fatted calf for his son and the father said, "For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

(Luke 15:11-32) Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 

But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." ' 

And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.' "

No Cure? Why Write a Poem? & Things I Will Never Know (Poems)

No Cure? Why Write a Poem? & Things I Will Never Know (Poems)

To some, poetry may not seem like a particularly profound or spiritual thing to share.  However, like the book of Psalms, I see poetry as a way to praise the Lord as well as being spiritually and emotionally healing.  

I am not a very good poet, but I recently felt the need to write these three poems. I do not believe that God gives me ideas for poems to keep to myself, so even if I only help one person, I pray my words will inspire, uplift, and encourage others.  

I plan to someday illustrate more of my poems and someday create a book of poems combined with short writings that I may or may not try to get published.  

I have included links to my other poems at the end of this writing.

Note: This poem is based off a real experience of feeling devastated after my doctor told me the pain and weakness in my body will never improve and will probably only get worse.  He was very blunt in telling me treatments would not help and the best I could hope for was to try to manage my symptoms as best as possible.  You can see my reaction by reading the poem.  

What is also true is that I had requested my Echo speaker to play music by The Gaither Vocal Band right before the doctor had called me.  I had walked out of the room to take the call (I often request phone appointments to receive medical results, so I don't have to waste gas going back to the doctor's office), and when I went back into the bedroom, the music was still playing.   It had already been a physically difficult day, and now my head was reeling after the conversation.  I was trying to simply change my sheets, but my body was rebelling, so I literally laid on the floor crying as pain was making it difficult to move.  The songs sung by one of my favorite bands truly washed over me in such a wave of God's comfort and love that by the fourth or fifth song, I was feeling emotionally, mentally, and spiritually strong in the power of Jesus!  

Yes, the Word of God should be our number one source of Biblical encouragement, but God also truly uses Godly men and women to write, sing, and play instruments that can minister to a hurting soul.  I am very grateful for such writers and musicians!

(1 John 1:3) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.

No Cure? (2025)

Perhaps not the worst words one can hear,

But certainly ones that elicit fear,

“There is no cure for you,

Treatments won’t help much,

And you will only get worse.”

Panic. 

Hopelessness. 

Self-pity.

Tears.  

As I lay on the floor,

In too much pain to move,

And too distressed to breathe,

My heart cries for a song,

More than my broken body needs,

My soul craves healing.

I let the music play,

Surrounded by songs I love,

Resounding in a not-so-random order,

As if God planned this play list just for me,

To remind me of all that Jesus is.

Pain taker.

Mountain mover.

Path straightener.

Joy giver.

The songs continue to bless me,

To strengthen me,

To remember that some mountains are necessary,

And that God is always with me;

May I never forget I am a child of the King!

No cure for this mortal body,

But Jesus is the remedy for my immortal soul,

His blood has healed my sin-sick spirit,

His medicine I want to take daily,

To stay clean, joyful, and whole.

Peaceful.

Forgiven.

Loved.

Royalty.

His love has cured my despair,

His mercy has inspired my actions,

I desire only to live for Him,

And though I may be crooked in body,

I can forever soar in my soul!

(Psalm 45:1 AMP) My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my psalm to the King. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.

Why write a poem? (2025)

Certain things are too difficult to pen,

So why write a poem?

Why open a wound I try so hard to keep sealed?

Because scotch tape does not cure a broken heart;

After a while it loosens

And the pain seeps back out.

So why write a poem?

Will it create a permanent healing?
Will it change the past?
Can it bring back those lost,

Or fill an empty womb?

No, poetry is not a cure,

It is a process to increase my faith,

Writing words I cannot say aloud

Is a way to express,

A way to cry,

A way to scream

Without uttering a sound.

It is a way to say to God,

“I don’t understand,

But I love You anyway.”

He knows what my heart says 

In between the beats,

So why write a poem?

Because God wants to hear me,

Even when I cannot fully verbalize my heart,

He knows the way I process emotion,

He knows paper and ink are the path to closure,

He knows how to heal what I cannot.

Therefore I will praise,

I will trust,

I will tell God I love Him,

I will see beyond this life,

I will find joy and peace,

And I will write a poem.

This last poem is so very personal I almost didn't share it. The pain of never having children is something I have struggled with and know many of you can relate. I very clearly felt God tell me about a year ago that I needed to grieve this loss if I was ever to heal from it. Since God is never wrong, I knew He was right, but I wasn't really sure how or if I wanted to deal with this grief. Finally, a few months ago, I wrote this poem. If you struggle with this same pain, know you are not alone. I understand and God will hold you when you cry.

(Psalm 56:8) Thou tellest my misery: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

Things I Will Never Know (2025)

I will never know

The joy of a positive pregnancy test,

Never experience morning sickness,

Never thrill at a baby’s kick inside my belly;

WIll not keep track of the weeks and months

Until my baby is born.

I will never know

What is is like to feel that newborn in my arms,

And weep with joy as I become a mother

What it is like to see a tiny face

That is a beautiful blend of my husband and me,

To see dimples so like his father’s,

Or eyes just like mine;

To call him the name lovingly chosen.

I will never know 

What is is like to hold that little boy in my lap,

Reading him bedtime stories,

Praying with him and teaching him 

All about God’s love;

Will not hear him call me Mommy,

Or Mel called Daddy.

I will never know

How it feels to watch him grow,

To hear him giggle in delight,

As we take silly family selfies;

Will never see my child snuggle with a fluffy pet,

Or watch him grow up so fast I want time to slow down;

Will never see him delight in the love of God,

As he becomes more like Jesus every day.

No, this barren body will never carry a baby,

These empty arms will never snuggle with my child.

Yet I will always know

What it feels like to bask in the love of God,

To have my Heavenly Father hold me close,

To not know why He chose this path for me,

But to know Jesus calls me His own,

To feel His nail-scarred hands wipe away my tears,

To know He fills my empty heart,

And to know that His love will always be enough for me.

Links:

Poetry, Part 1: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2021/08/julies-poetry-part-1-1991-1994.html

Part 2: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2021/08/julies-poetry-part-2-1997-2003.html

Part 3: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2021/08/julies-poetry-part-3-2005-2017.html

Daddy's Girls & Hallelujah (Poems): https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/04/daddys-girls-hallelujah-poems.html