There’s Hope For All Who Follow The Instructions

There’s Hope For All Who Follow The Instructions 

**Fellow believers, please let's not divide on this issue. Prayerfully study God's Word and love one another whether you agree or disagree.**

Tomorrow I am also going to repost my husband's excellent writing that gives some excellent advice as well, not just for the sake of being overly redundant, but to help you all understand what the Bible tells us about the end of days. I pray for all to be safe.

Here is the excerpt from chapter 15 in my (unpublished) novel, "The Visionary" that I mentioned I would post.  It was previously posted with more from this same chapter https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/questions-and-answers-about-rapture.html , but here is the conversation about how we can best prepare for the tribulation. 

Chapter #15

“I dreamt about concentration camps for Christians,” Jubilee stated in a near-whisper, “I know you have too. Does that mean that those of us that refuse the Mark of the Beast are all doomed to suffer?”

Her eyes were so round and expression so fearful, Peter instinctively wanted to comfort her. “Don’t worry, J.B., there’s hope for all who follow the instructions. Right after Jesus tells His disciples that hearts will fail from fear, He goes on to say in Luke 21:27-28, ‘Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.’ If you then read Revelation 12, verse 6 mentions a woman who flees to the wilderness, ‘where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.’ The woman represents the True church and the Christians who are being persecuted by the Anti-Christ, the one referred to as the dragon in this chapter. Although Revelation is full of symbolism, we can take verse six literally. If we flee to remote locations and make certain to stockpile enough food for a minimum of 1,260 days, or roughly three and a half years, we stand a good chance of surviving to see the Lord’s return where we will be transformed and meet Him in the air. Turn now to Revelation 12 and read verses 13-17.”

She read, “’Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.’” She silently reread the verses again before saying, “I see the symbolism again of the Antichrist and the woman’s child representing believers. I’m guessing that the ‘time and times and half a time’ also refers to three and a half years of safety in the wilderness areas.”

“Honestly, I’ve heard many theories about the meaning behind ‘time and times and half a time,’ but when you compare it with the above 1,260 days as you just did, logic states this also means three and a half years,” he agreed.

“What you are saying makes so much sense. You’ve cleared up a lot for me, but I still feel like I have a million more questions,” she said with a sigh.

“I know there’s a lot to discuss, but we don’t have to talk about it all in one night,” Peter reminded.

“You say seven years of the tribulation just as Revelation suggests, but why are only the last three and half years the most dangerous?” Jubilee wondered.

“The entire seven years will be fraught with danger, including the time before the official start of the tribulation. In Mark 13:8 Jesus says, ‘For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.’ So even before the beginning of the end, this world will be in great peril,” Peter answered, “I don’t know exactly when during the actual tribulation period that we’ll move, only that the last half is when the Bible mentions fleeing for safety’s sake. All I know is that God has promised to make it clear to let me know when the time is right. If I had to guess, the move will happen one and a half to three years into the tribulation so that we have time to prepare the area for the people we will help feed and protect,” Peter went on to explain, “I also believe the reason why the last half of the tribulation will be the worst part for believers is because of what those verses in Revelation 12 tell us, that the dragon will be warring his worst against us, and it will be crucial to flee before the Mark of the Beast is mandatory.”

Please Do Not Let Fear Influence What You Believe

Please Do Not Let Fear Influence What You Believe

Please do not let fear of what will take place during the Tribulation influence what you believe what he Bible actually says concerning pre- or post-tribulation rapture.   I truly believe that many people want to believe in a pre-trib rapture not because they are too lazy to read the Bible on their own and just want to rely on what someone else has convinced them it says, but because they are afraid to face the atrocities written about in the Old Testament and Revelation. 

Please be assured that you have no need to fear; God will be with you when you obey Him.  Yes, it will be a very scary time (Luke 21:26 - Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.), but if you follow the instructions from the Bible, God will keep you safe during the tribulation.

Luke 17 is a strong reminder that God keeps His faithful safe.  These verses point out Noah and Lot because God did not rapture them from off the planet, He provided a way of safety for them.  Noah had to be proactive by building the ark and Lot had to trust the angels to lead him to safety.  If we also follow God's words, we too can be safe when the time comes.

(Luke 17:26-30) And as it was in the days of [Noah], so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

It does not say they were taken away but were present on the earth when the punishments were dealt out.  They survived because they heeded God's warnings.

Let me give you a few scriptures to show you what I am referring to, then I will give you the same links from a recent writing, "Discerning the Signs of the Times."  Then tomorrow I will post another excerpt from "The Visionary" that will give a little more information.

This first portion of scripture tells us we will be safe if we go into hiding (enter our chambers), while the tribulation takes place (indignation, other versions say wrath, which is another word to describe the end of days).  Also note the end of that section that says only after this will Jesus' return. (You can read all of chapters 26-27 for the full context.)

(Isaiah 26:20-21 & 27:13) Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land... and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

The woman represents the True church going into hiding during the tribulation, where she will be protected by Giod for roughly 3.5 years.  This correlates with Daniel 12:8-13.  You can read all of chapter 12 in both Revelation and Daniel for full context.

(Revelation 12:6) And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Links to other writings on the subject of the timing of Jesus' return:

Discerning the Signs of the Times https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/discerning-signs-of-times.html

"When shall these things be?" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/01/mark-133-8-13-14-21-27-32-37-when-shall.html

The Great Day of the Lord, Written by my Husband https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/zephaniah-23-great-day-of-lord-written.html

Where the Eagles Gather https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/01/luke-17-22-where-eagles-gather.html

Questions and Answers About the Rapture https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/questions-and-answers-about-rapture.html

The Truth About the Second Coming of Christ, Written by my Husband https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-truth-about-second-coming-of-christ.html

Dream of the Return of Christ and Preparation for his Coming, Written by my Husband https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2017/04/dream-of-return-of-christ-by-mel.html

The Seven Churches: Part Two, Written by my Husband https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/04/revelation-31-22-seven-churches-part.html

The Slow Backslide

The Slow Backslide

Last night, after watching a Gaither Homecoming playlist, one of my favorite songs sung by Russ Taff kept coming back to my mind.  The song was "More Than Ever," written by Bill & Gloria Gaither and Woody Wright. I have always loved that song as it seems like it was written about me (lyrics posted at the end of this writing and you can watch that song below).

As a child, I had such a close walk with Jesus and wanted so much to please my Lord.  I thought about how I was so conscientious as a young girl to obey the Bible and I would feel true guilt when I sinned.  I also began to wonder when all that had changed.  

I was never a rebellious child, I never drank, did drugs, or slept around (even though the majority of my friends did).  My worst offense as a teenager was breaking curfew a few times during my senior year when I was 17.  In spite of the fact that I wanted to fit in with my peers and was not a perfect kid by any means, I ultimately still wanted to honor my Christian beliefs by not straying away from the morals I grew up with.

Even as an adult, I still abstained from drugs, alcohol, and premarital sex, but somewhere along the way, grieving God was not oh so important. Although I cannot pinpoint an exact time frame, as I look back now, I can see that I had been slowly backsliding away from my close walk with Jesus.   

There are so many things I can blame on my slowly callusing heart.  The deep pains of circumstances or working massive hours combined with socially demanding friends that kept me away from Bible study and prayer.  But those are excuses to try to justify my actions, and true repentance does not blame anyone or any circumstance for their choice to sin.  We are all responsible for the choices we make and actions we take.

My choices became less and less about making sure I pleased God and more about pleasing my flesh - in my case I am referring to my entertainment choices.  I chose the rockiest music to match my anger issues, and I was drawn to Fantasy movies/books and police/crime dramas full of the occult and violence respectively.  Did my soul cry out a warning as the Holy Spirit convicted me?  You bet!  I felt a deep sense of conviction as I watched witches and wizards perform spells, read sex scenes in novels, and sang along with the Satanic beats in the music.  But did I heed those warnings?  Nope!  I continued to watch, read, and listen to the ungodly things God hates.  And I continued to feel oppressed, angry, bitter, and distant from God.

It wasn't until I was let go from a job that was downsizing the company in December 2011 (17 days before Christmas) that I began to finally get back into daily Bible study.  I was inactive enough with my free time of unemployment that I could actually pay attention to the Lord calling me back to Him. I don't know how long it had been since I had read my Bible outside of church, but I began a daily commitment to Bible study and prayer.  For perhaps the first time in my life I began really reading the words, not just rereading what I had heard or read for 39 years.  The Holy Spirit opened up the Bible as never before to me, and I was able to see what the Bible truly said versus what other people had been saying.  My heart was softening, and my soul was being renewed. 

Then I met Mel in March 2012!  I had given up on ever getting married, but I knew pretty quickly that he was the Godly man I had been waiting so many years for.  97 Days later, we were married!  Together we delved deeper into God's word, were set free from all false religious beliefs from our pasts and learned to be Biblical Christians truly wanting to please God and not man.  We eventually gave up all tv/movies and purged our home of a wide variety of books and music.  We have embraced true salvation without legalism or greasy grace, but through Bible study and prayer, have learned to walk in the light, love, and True freedom in Jesus Christ!  I can truly say "Now more than ever, I cherish the cross" and crave "sitting at His feet."

My point in this tale is that backsliding away from your walk with Jesus may not be something blatantly obvious like an affair, committing a crime, etc., but can happen a little bit at a time as you allow yourself to believe that the so-called harmless sins are no big deal. The more you harden your heart, the easier it becomes to turn a blind eye to nudity in a movie, dance to the beat of the "Christian" music that mock's the holiness of Christ rather than reveres Him, or shrugs off the witches casting real spells in your books and movies.  

So please, listen to the Holy Spirit telling you to walk away from the things God hates.  Do not ignore the sick feelings you get in your spirit when listening, reading, watching, or participating in ungodly activities.  If you find yourself in a slow backslide, quickly reverse gears and come back to God today! 

(Hebrews 4:7) Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.

I know I have posted these links before, but here they are again on further writings on backsliding: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/what-bribes-have-we-taken-to-crucify.html , https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/hosea-141-9-hope-for-backslider.html , &  https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/ezekiel-1823-33-when-righteous-turn.html

More Than Ever

Written By Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, Woody Wright

When I started my journey in fresh child-like trust

I believe that the Lord's way was best
I would read in His word how He mothered the bird
And grieved when it felt off its nest

How I felt His delight when I chose to do right
And I prayed I would not make Him sad
We would meet on the way in the cool of the day
What a pure sweet communion we had

Oh, but now more than ever I cherish the cross
More than ever, I sit at His feet
All the miles of my journey have proved my Lord true
And He is so precious to me

The road I have travelled has sometimes been steep
Through wild jagged places of life
Sometimes I've stumbled and fallen so hard
That the stones cut my soul like a knife
But the staff of my shepherd would reach out for me
And lift me to cool pastures green
With oil of the Spirit, anointing my wounds
Then I rest by the clear healing stream

Oh, but now more than ever I cherish the cross
More than ever, I sit at His feet
All the miles of my journey have proved my Lord true
And He is so precious to me

Is love's old sweet story too good to be true?
Do you find all this hard to believe?
Has the cruel world we live in so battered your heart
That the hurt child inside you can't grieve?
I can't say I blame, I've been where you are
But all I can say is, it's true
You're wanted, you're precious, you're the love of His heart
And the old rugged cross was for you!

Oh, but now more than ever I cherish the cross
More than ever, I sit at His feet
All the miles of my journey have proved my Lord true
And He is so precious to me

Oh, but now more than ever I cherish the cross
More than ever, I sit at His feet
All the miles of my journey have proved my Lord true
And He is so precious to me

Oh, He is so precious to me

Yes, He is so precious to me 

When you Pass Through the Waters

Because I just finished posting my series on Biblical angels, I wanted to also repost this blog from in March 2020.  It is a fictional writing I did based on 2 true stories of angelic protection.

It is very rare for me to allow anyone to read even one page of a novel I am working on before the entire store is done and been through several edits (except for my hubby).  Yet, I feel like I would like to share the prologue from the novel I was working on in 2014 titled "And the Two Shall Become One" (not finished yet, but I have finished writing 3 other novels since then).  Keep in mind that the details are not exact.  Such as, I don't remember the exact name of the lake where my story occurred.  And I have been told two different versions of the same story, but this is my memory.  This novel is going to be fictional accounts mixed with factual ones.  What is very true is that Mel (Paul) & I (Elizabeth) were both...  Well, you'll see.

Prologue :When you Pass Through the Waters

 
(Isaiah 43:2)When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  

 

The summer of 1970 was his best year so far.  At just five years old, Paul knew this would always be one of his favorite vacation memories.  His family had left Kansas City, MO in their Coachmen motorhome a week ago to see the countryside.  The ultimate goal was to see Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park.

Mt. Rushmore had been such a mesmerizing site he knew would never forget it.  He may have already forgotten which president was which, but the view of four large faces carved into the side of a mountain would always be a cherished image. Tomorrow they would see Yellowstone!  He was so excited he bounded out the doors of the motorhome as they stopped for lunch.

Paul asked his parents if he could play on the swings while the adults prepared the meal.  His father looked around, saw all was safe, and told his young son not to be too long as lunch would be ready soon.

The little brown-haired, blue-eyed boy with a big, dimpled grin thanked his dad and trotted off toward the swings.  He carried his red fire engine in his little hands.  He loved the yellow ladder on the back that moved up and down.  He often wished the truck was bigger or he was smaller so he could climb the ladder.

If the weeds growing behind the swings had not been so high, Paul’s father would have seen the swift-moving canal and never would have allowed the precious son of his old age to play near such a death trap.

Paul spotted a cement culvert and decided this was much more interesting than your every-day swing set.  He climbed aboard a pipe but was off-balance as he still clutched his fire truck.  Trying to catch his balance, the plastic engine slipped from his tiny hands. Without hesitation, Paul leaned down from atop the pipe to grab for his favorite toy.  He landed headfirst into the rapidly moving water of the canal.  He was in over his head and could not yet swim.  The current was pulling him under toward the pipe.

It was strange, he realized, that he could breathe.  It was as if an invisible pocket of air had been placed around his nose and mouth and gave him aid.

Let yourself go into the pipe, and you will be able to get out.

Paul was not sure where the voice had come from, but it had an unholy echo to it, and something inside him hesitated to trust the advice.  Yet, he knew he had to act soon.  

Just as soon as he moved closer to the opening in the underwater pipe, a different Voice spoke. This one sounded like silky honey.

Paul, look up!  I am going to save you!

There was something more familiar in the second Voice.  Something safe.

Just as Paul felt himself being sucked into the pipe, he looked up and two strong hands grabbed his wrists.  They pulled until Paul was safely back on dry ground.  He looked around.  Who had saved him?  There was no one to be seen in any direction.  The only sight before his eyes was his family’s motorhome.

There was no mistaking what had just occurred.  He excitedly ran back to the large vehicle.

“What happened?” his mother cried as she saw her beloved son standing before her drenched from head to toe.

Paul’s face beamed and his eyes glowed as he declared, “Jesus saved me!”

“What do you mean?”

“Jesus pulled me out of the water.”

There was no question in his parents’ eyes as they embraced their boy.  Young Paul had a calling on his life and Jesus had indeed saved their son from death.

  *********************************************************************

            To look at the small girl with platinum blonde hair and big blue eyes, one would assume she was three or possibly four.  They never would have guessed Elizabeth was just two months away from celebrating her sixth birthday.  Yet, her petite stature never hindered Elizabeth from trying to keep up with the bigger kids.  She was adventurous and hated being under-estimated.

            This particular hot July day in 1978 was no exception.  The tiny five-year-old raced behind her cousins and older sister as the group went splashing into Seneca Lake in New York.  It was the perfect day for a swim at their annual family reunion.  All the aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents were there.

            Elizabeth giggled as her older cousin Jennifer tossed her a bright rainbow-colored beach ball.  The ball slipped through her small fingers, and she decided to chase after it. 

            The sun stung her sensitive eyes, bouncing off the shiny water and making it difficult for her to see.  She blinked as her vision blurred and she knew something was not right.  She no longer felt sand beneath her bare feet.  She kicked at the nothingness and felt herself sinking.  

            Elizabeth’s swimming skills were barely passable, and she was not strong enough to fight the water pulling her down.  As her head went under, she saw her mother and father on the beach.  They were talking.  Everyone was talking.  No one was watching.  They all assumed the older kids would look after the younger ones.

            Something terrible was happening and Elizabeth knew she should fight, but her immature mind could not quite grasp the seriousness of the situation.

It happened so fast!  She sank below into the clear blueness.  She bobbed back up for a quick gasp of air.  No time to scream.  Yet, she felt no need to scream.  She felt peace.  She felt calm.  She felt two strong arms grab a hold of her and carry her high into the air.  The man was so large she felt as if a tree was carrying her.

There was no tightness in her lungs.  No panic.  No fear.  There were none of the usual symptoms associated with a typical near-drowning experience.  Elizabeth felt safe in the stranger’s arms as he gently laid her on a plastic beach lounge chair.  She looked up into his face.  He had shoulder-length blonde hair, no, make that gold hair and kind eyes.  She squinted as the sun shining from his face blinded her just as the sun reflecting off the water had done moments ago.

Suddenly family surrounded Elizabeth as they now realized what had occurred and that they had almost lost the little girl.

Elizabeth turned to the stranger, but he was gone.

“Who was the man that saved my daughter?”  Elizabeth’s mother cried, “I want to thank him.”

Yet, no one could answer.  It was as if the tall man had come from nowhere just to rescue Elizabeth and just as mysteriously disappeared.

As Elizabeth’s mother wrapped the child in a towel, the tiny girl could see the concern mixed with confusion in the adults’ eyes staring at her.

“I’m okay,” Elizabeth reassured them, “The angel saved me.”  

And then she fell into a peaceful sleep.

Follow the Light of Jesus, Part 2

 

Follow the Light of Jesus, Part 2

I have been praying about what God wanted me to write about next.  He gave me two phrases: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." And "They traded the truth for a lie." God also told me very clearly not to be afraid of anyone who might reject me for my writings because it is important to share the Truth.

(Isaiah 5:20) Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

Keep those words in mind as they go along with the theme of this blog.

The second phrase God gave me I knew I had heard before but could not remember where it was in the Bible nor what the context of that scripture was.  I had to look it up.  It is in Romans 1.  Because the context of scripture is long, I will post it at the end of this writing.

I realize that a portion of Romans 1 has to do with the sin of homosexuality, but I do not believe that is what God is specifically calling me to write about at this time.  The theme God wants me to focus on is the backsliding of saints. Those that have been taught the Truth and have rejected it. Those who have left the Light of Jesus for the darkness of the world.

If you have taken the time to read part one of this blog, then you know that I am just as guilty of knowing not to watch things God considers evil even though I knew better. 

So, if we are taught at an early (or not-so-early) age to avoid witchcraft, drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, etc., then why do we choose to sin?  It is because we have been hurt to the very core and we blame God.  We think He should have intervened and saved us from cancer, a miscarriage, a divorce, a death of a loved one, the loss of a home, etc.  We may think we have gotten over the anger towards God, but in all reality, we choose to rebel against the scriptures we have heard for many years, and probably even memorized.  We choose this the same way a child rebels against a parent they think is being unfair.  

In all honesty, I was a good kid.  But, when my parents set a curfew I did not agree with, I simply chose to come home whenever I wanted and suffer the consequences later.  Sound familiar?  Our attitude may sound something like this, "God, I think it was pretty heartless of you to allow my wife to cheat on me, so therefore, I am going to smoke this joint."  or "God, I don't understand why I have lost (insert name, job, or other losses here), and since you don't seem to care, neither do I."

Satan absolutely loves it when we allow our minds to wander down such paths of what we consider logical rebellion.

But don't be fooled...  God does care!  He does not will bad things to happen to us.  Bad things often happen due to poor choices we make, and God will not save us when we jump off a cliff without a parachute just because we say we have faith.  He expects us to be proactive.  You cannot expect God to heal you of health issues if you continue to snack on chips and ice cream.  You cannot expect God to save your marriage if you refuse to put down the sin of pornography.  Or bless your business if you treat your employees unfairly.  We have to take care of our marriages, our bodies, and other people if we want God's blessings.  

We cannot hold someone responsible that did not pull the trigger.  Typically, our mistakes can cause other people harm.  If you refuse to have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis and it breaks down on your wife and she gets stranded in the middle of nowhere, that is not God's fault.

I am well aware that bad things happen to people who live life as clean as they can.  They are devout in their faith and love God with all their hearts.  Do they have a reason to be mad?  Sure.  In fact, even those that are victims of their own making have reason to be mad.  The bible says it is okay to be angry as long as we do not sin in anger (Ephesians 4:26).  But don't stay mad; pray that God helps you heal by the power of His Holy Spirit as it is impossible to heal on our own.  

We live in a fallen world where man chooses to alienate God.  Therefore, God does not always intervene.  I had two cancer surgeries in 2023.  Is that my fault or God's?  No.  Did God chosen to heal me?  No.  But He led me to the proper doctor and proper treatment, and I have been cancer free for 2 years, 4 months.  If I was still obsessing over "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and knowingly watching a show that was displeasing to God, I would have no right to even ask God to heal me.  Any more than you could expect a boss to give you a raise if you are always late to work and have a bad attitude. 

Anyway, my point was that we choose to dishonor God with our rebellions because we blame Him for our unfortunate circumstances.  We justify glorifying witchcraft or drinking alcohol because it is fun or makes us feel better.  I have heard people often say, "Oh, I know there's swearing, violence, and sex in that movie, but overall, I really loved it."  And they watch it again and again.

(Romans 1:20-21) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

This sounds to me like they were well aware of God's power, rebelled, and God was absolutely going to hold them accountable because they knew better.  In fact, I believe God holds us more accountable when we know the Truth and trade it for a lie than when our sins are a little bit more ignorant. 

(Hebrews 6:4-6) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.  

Romans 1:22 states that, Professing to be wise, they became fools.  To me, this sounds like they knew better and justified their actions with false logic, and therefore, became foolish.   

But there is good news for those that have rebelled and chosen to backslide.  I see a lot of people who choose to do wrong still going to church, calling themselves Christians, and reading their Bibles.  The hope lies in prayers. We can pray this all sinks in once and for all.  That God will ultimately open their eyes, or re-open as the case may be.  Or if it is us that has fallen away, we need to repent and start over.

(Revelation 2:4-5) I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.  

You can read more about hope for backsliders on my blog here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/hosea-141-9-hope-for-backslider.html

Please prayerfully consider all I have said.  Remember my goal is never to condemn anyone, but if the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and convicts you, please listen and obey.

(Romans 1:18-32) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;  being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.  

Follow the Light of Jesus, Part 1

Follow the Light of Jesus, Part 1

We know that Jesus calls himself the "Light of the World."

(John 8:12) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  

We also know that, just from observing with our own eyes, that even the smallest flicker of light eliminates the darkness.  In other words, light and dark cannot coexist.  They cannot coexist in the other's space because one will destroy the other's exclusivity.  

(John 11:9-10) Jesus answered, “...If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.  But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”  

Think just a little compromise is harmless?  Think again.  Jesus said even if you have darkness in one small part of your body, such as your eye, you corrupt your entire soul.  This is also symbolic of what we allow before our eye gates such a books/movies/tv/plays/concerts (etc.) with even a "small" amount of violence, sexual content, and images glorifying and promoting the occult. 

(Luke 11:34-35) [Jesus said,] "The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness."

If Christians claim to walk with Christ, that means that are attempting to live a life in the Light.  There are many, many areas that could be considered "dark," but today, I am going to focus on just one.  Christians should not compromise in the area of witchcraft. 

We all know that people who practice witchcraft will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.

(Revelation 21:6-8) He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” 

But I am not just referring to the art of practicing witchcraft.  I am also referring to the compromise of watching movies and reading books filled with magic.  Before anyone thinks I am being self-righteous, I want to make it very clear that I once compromised in this area in a big way.  That is why I am so compelled to warn against it now.  I will admit that I was a huge "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" & "Angel" fan as well as "The Lord of the Rings" being my favorite movie trilogy.  I loved fantasy fiction.  I owned the above mentioned TV shows/movies and watched them all the time.  Whenever I would watch episode after episode, I found myself in a bad mood all the time.  I knew it was because I was allowing demonic influences into my home, but I did not care because those shows were an addiction to me.  (This was before I was married and I gave them all up in 2012.)  

The Bible makes it very clear that we are not to call the dark things of this world Light:

(Isaiah 5:20 ) Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

When we watch movies like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Frozen, The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe, or even Cinderella and other fairytales, we open up our hearts and minds for all sorts of evil to walk through our door. 

I have been criticized for speaking against C.S. Lewis' well-loved novels (mentioned above) that I also read many numerous times before 2012.  But make no mistake, the entire series promotes witchcraft (magic rings, magic wardrobes, books of spells, etc.) and a large variety of demonic creatures. Therefore, please do not be fooled into thinking there is anything innocent about even so-called "Christian" fairytales.   

By the way, did you know that even the term "fairytale" indicates the story revolves around demonic influences? In most cultures, fairies are often associated with demons and fallen angels and were said to also be cast out of heaven.  They are often associated with mischievous spirits and cruelty and other traits of demons.  Even the non-cruel ones are considered spirits, which is basically a "nice demon."  

(Ephesians 6:12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  

This verse lets us know that angels and demons are very real, and the dark forces of this world will try to influence us.  We must keep up our guard by not allowing the darkness into our homes.  These "cute" animated movies may seem innocent, but anything involving a witch, wizard, incantations, magic wands, potions, telekinesis, telepathy, fortune telling, levitating, demon possession, communing with the dead, false gods, shapeshifting, and even certain hand motions should not be allowed in a Christian home.

It was difficult, at first, to throw away all my movies and books that contained any form of witchcraft because I like to be entertained as much as you do, but I knew it was a necessity if I wanted to please the Lord (Romans 8:8 - So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.) and have peace in my home.  I did not want nightmares or any other negative influences harassing me and especially not my husband.  I indeed noticed the peace as soon as they were all gone, and I was able to hear God's voice much more clearly.

Reading tarot cards, playing with Ouija boards, having your palm read, & séances are all things are also extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

(Deuteronomy 18:9-14) “When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.  There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.  You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you. 

There is only ONE light we should follow.

(John 12:46) I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

You cannot serve both Light and dark.  Just as one cannot love two spouses, one cannot love both light and dark.  Choose today whom you will serve. 
   
(Joshua 24:15) And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, the gods... in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Here are a few more scriptures on this subject:

(Philippians 4:8-9) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.  

(Philippians 2:12-16) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.  Do all things without complaining and disputing,  that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a  crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 

(John 1:1-5) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.  And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

(John 1:6-13)  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.  He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.  But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  

(Galatians 4:16-25) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law [of Moses]. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

(Ezekiel 13:18-23) ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own? You have profaned me among my people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live. “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.’”