Is it okay to be a silent witness only?

Is it okay to be a silent witness only?

This writing is inspired by two devotionals I recently read. I will not say which two writers I disagreed with in reference to this blog topic.   One of the women, I enjoy the majority of her writings.  Moreover, I believe they are both Godly women but were a bit off on these two teachings. Their two writings were not purposefully related, but together they prompted my blog today.  

I am not one of those people who just reads a Bible passage or devotional and closes the book.  I overanalyze all I read.  I take every Biblical and modern-day writer to say what they mean and mean what they say.  It is possible I am misinterpreting what these two female writers were getting at, but since I cannot ask them, I will just have to move on with my own writing. 

The first writer stated that her family never read the Bible together, but she concluded this was just fine because just watching her parents' examples was enough.  The second writer states, "We don't have to take Jesus to the world. He has come already." 

Is it okay to be a silent witness only?  Is a compassionate example enough?  Even people seeped in witchcraft exhibit good examples of kindheartedness.   Not everyone with morals believes Jesus is the only way to salvation. We need to let people know which side of heaven we are promoting, not make them guess.  Let's explore what the Bible says.   

(Mark 16:15) And [Jesus] said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

That passage alone should be enough to show us that Jesus wants us to preach His message.  No, it does not have to be verbally, but it needs to be more than by silent example, we need to tell people the good news and, in spite of what the 2nd writer I mentioned above said, we DO need to take Jesus to the world.

Not everyone owns a Bible, or if they do, they have not read it.  And those who have read or heard the Bible may not explore more than a few scriptures and never dig any deeper.  How will they know what the Bible truly says about salvation and sin if we don't point them to the Truth?  Yes, if you have access to a Bible, you are 100% accountable for knowing what it says, but since so few read on their own, we need to study God's Word and teach the (forgive me for saying so) purposefully ignorant and lazy person who refuses to do their own Bible studies.  We can plant a seed of faith and a hunger for God and holiness.

(Romans 10:13-15) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

We never know what seeds we plant, or are helping to water.  It is good and beautiful to share the gospel.

(1 Corinthians 3:6-11)I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We need to do more than just let our lights shine by actions, but with words.  Notice in the below verses how Paul mentions speaking for God's glory.

(2 Corinthians 4:4-6 & 13-15) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

We do not have to get behind a pulpit or speak words out loud but at least write a blog or other social media page that somehow conveys the gospel of Jesus Christ.

These verses below say so much in addressing another reason why we should preach (labor) the message of both Heaven and Hell. We need to point people to what the Bible says about the sins that will keep them out of heaven.

(2 Corinthians 5:9-11) Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

(Revelation 20:12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Another important reason we need to speak the Truth is because there are so many out there speaking a false gospel.  Whether they will listen or not, we need to show people what the Bible really says about sin, True grace, repentance, and salvation.  The church, Hollywood, and their buddies are putting people to sleep to what it means to be truly saved from hell.  Don't let their false messages drown out the Truths of Jesus Christ.  Speak louder and be bolder.  Like the apostle Paul said of himself, I also am not a great speaker, but I am a bold writer.  I am so very shy, but I have a computer and I will write. Skill or no skill, audience or no audience, I will always share the message of the Holy Trinity! 

(2 Corinthians 11:3-15) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him... But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?...The truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting... 

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

I want to be clear that I am not asking you to place yourself in danger.  I say this because the world is growing more perilous for True believers and will only get worse.   God had not called us all to be martyrs for our faith and if the Holy Spirit warns you to be silent in a situation that could cause someone to harm you, it is better to heed His warnings and be silent.

 I will end with these two verses that show it is good to always be ready to preach the gospel to anyone anywhere.  Be it Walmart, a hiking trail, or in line somewhere.  Pray God gives you wisdom, discernment, knowledge, and boldness to proclaim His mighty name.  Though there are many who will not tolerate the Truths of Jesus Christ, we still must do our best to safely speak the Truth in love and share the goodness of Jesus.

(2 Timothy 4:1-5) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

(1 Peter 3:15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

If you are interested here is another blog I wrote on speaking out for Jesus: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/now-is-time-to-speak-out-for-jesus.html

I Surrender All

I Surrender All

Whether in dreams or audibly, usually when God speaks to me it is early in the morning just before or after I wake up. I think it is because my mind runs 100 miles per hour and this is about the only times my brain is still enough to really listen to God. Several mornings ago, shortly after waking, I clearly heard the Lord ask, "What are the three most important words?" Before I could even contemplate an answer, I then heard, "I surrender all."

As it is in my nature to do so, God knew I would over analyze this, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized these three words are the foundation for two other very important three-word phrases we need to say to God: "I love You" and "Please forgive me."

First, I will explore the phrase given: "I surrender all."

After I told my husband about my experience, we had a discussion about what it means to surrender your all to Jesus and how this is even possible. It may seem like an obvious point, but it is very true that to surrender all is to say to Jesus, "Take my life and do with as you will. I give you full control." This is a very important first step. The best way to do this is by praying that God will shut all doors in your life He wants shut and open all the door He wants opened. And then to not fight His decisions but trust His sovereign will.

I am guilty of praying that the Lord's will be done and when He has shut the door, I stubbornly have forced it back open and suffered the consequences. For example, in 2017, before a scheduled job interview I prayed that if the job was not within His will that He would somehow find a way to cancel the interview. The morning of the interview the boss called and cancelled because his wife was sick. I praised God for answering my prayer, but a year later, still unemployed and desperate, I reapplied and was hired on the spot. Going after a job God had initially shut down had its consequences. I became very sick due to the chemicals used at the facility. God knew there were dangerous chemicals there that would affect me, and I should have surrendered my will and not pursed that job a second time.

(Isaiah 55:8) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

So many people try to open God's closed doors to relationships that are just as harmful as toxic chemicals. These people may physically, emotionally, or spiritually harm you and God is gracious enough to send you warning signs (and even dreams) that tell you to walk away. Out of loyalty to the person, instead of loyalty to God, you stay and get hurt deeper and even risk your walk with God. Listen to God when He tells you someone is harmful. Being lonely is better than risking your life or soul. Besides, we are never alone as God will always bring us comfort even in the hard times (see also 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).

(1 Corinthians 14:33-34) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not.

Another area I have had to learn to surrender has been allowing God to heal me from past pains.  Once, when I was listening to the song, "I Surrender All," and really praising God, not just mindlessly singing, I heard the Lord ask me, "Have you surrendered ALL?"  At first, I thought I had, but I knew God was asking me because He wanted me to really examine my heart.  I realized that there were past griefs in my life of which I had not let go.  I wept and prayed and asked God to help me heal the wounds I knew I could never heal on my own.      

Another way to surrender all to God is by following what the Bible says we need to do. In my opinion, this is even more important because when we choose to do the moral thing, God is more likely to protect us, and we also become more sensitive to the voice of His Holy Spirit. When we know what the Bible says about sin and chase after it anyway, like I chased after a toxic job, we suffer the consequences. The rules of Jesus are not put in place to harm us, but to protect us (see also Matthew 19:16-19 & Revelation 21:8).

(Galatians 5:19-21) 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.

This brings me to the next phrase, "I love You." I am not referring to a generic human "you," but God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. When we truly love the Holy Trinity, it makes it so much easier to surrender.

When I was single, I used to believe I could never fully love someone because it is impossible for me to trust people. You cannot love someone you do not trust. Because God sent me the perfect man, I fall was able love and trust the man I married. He is the only person I can trust.

My trust issues applied to God as well. Yet, the more I learned about the character of Jesus (by reading my Bible and praying), the more I love Him and that trust He wants only the best for His children. If we cannot trust Him enough to lead our lives, we cannot ever fully love Him.

(1 John 2:3-5) 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.

And the more we love God and see how kind and gracious He truly is, the more we want to do the right things.

(Romans 2:4) The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.

If you are interested, you can read more about trust in my blog here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/trust.html

Maybe love comes first and then surrender, but they definitely go together. As does this last phrase: "Please forgive me."

When we make mistakes, which we will all do, and usually daily, don't give up and say being a Christian is hopeless because you will never be perfect. You don't have to be, but you do need to strive to do your best!

(Luke 13:23-24) Then said one unto him, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" And He said unto them, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."

Jesus shed His blood and gave us the free gift of salvation we do not have to earn. It would truly be impossible for us to earn such an amazing gift as our righteousness is as filthy rags (see Isaiah 64:6). This absolutely does not mean we use God's precious grace as an excuse to shrug it off when we sin. We confess our sins to Him and ask for His forgiveness, and He will always forgive.

(Romans 6:1) 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?

(1 John 1:5-10) This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light... and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Admitting we have done wrong is surrendering our ego by asking for forgiveness and then doing our very best not to repeat the same mistakes. Just as we cannot save ourselves, we also cannot conquer sin on our own. We must surrender our sinful desires to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to give us the strength to walk away from what we know He hates.

(John 15:4-5)[Jesus said,] "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

(1 Corinthians 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

As I mentioned above, part of this blog is based on a conversation I had with my husband as we discussed how to surrender. One of the things we talked about, and I have done in the past, is to write a list of things you are having difficulty surrendering to God. This can be a situation such as future plans or a past hurt as well as sins you are having difficulty conquering. For me this was private and I didn't even share it with Mel, but it is up to you if you want to share it with a loved one or not. After you very honestly search your heart and write this list, pray over it and surrender it to God and then let these issues go by either ripping up the list or safely burning it. Trust me, this symbolic act will make your heart feel freer.

Claim the victory in Jesus' powerful name that He has and will help you make the right decisions, help you heal from past wounds, and help you conquer your sins.

(There are a lot of beautiful versions of the song, "I Surrender All," and here is one of my picks: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=xUBrxRFYUVY&list=RDxUBrxRFYUVY&start_radio=1 )

Having a Tender Heart

Having a Tender Heart

When the idea to write this blog on being a tenderhearted person came to me, I assumed I would just write it from the angle of the way we are to treat others.  However, as I was looking up scriptures for this blog, I realized this theme needed to have a dual message.

I will begin with the verse in Ephesians: 

(Ephesians 4:32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 

In general, I have a tender heart toward others. I desire to help all I can and am frustrated when I cannot.  We should all put into practice the words of James 2:14-20: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works... But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?)  and help those in need.  

Where I sometimes lack in tenderness of heart is not in the willingness to help others, but in the area of my own pride. 

After studying the Psalms again, I began the practice of starting each morning praying that God would take control of my day and that His Holy Spirit would enable me to produce the nine fruits if His spirit (see Galatians 5:22-26) as well as to be fully clothed in the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). 

I cannot be the person God wants me to be on my own; I need the power of the Holy Spirit.  Also, I cannot be the Christian I should be unless I ask God to change me.  Therefore, I have asked God to show me where I need to change and wept in repentance of my sins while striving to better please my Lord!  

Luke 13: 23-24 - Then said one unto him, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" And He said unto them, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." 

(Romans 12:1-2)) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  

God showed me that I needed to learn to soften my heart toward others.  To be less reactive and more forgiving; less critical and more compassionate.  I tell you this not to be self-deprecating, but to encourage any of you also striving to be more tenderhearted.  And to know that if it is possible for someone as stubborn as me to become more tender, than you can too!

What I learned is that the biggest thing standing in my way of having a more tender heart is my own ego.  I am learning to let go of the need to be right or the need to be heard.  I am putting into practice the words of Jesus from Matthew 5:38-39 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." and turn the other cheek when offended and walk away.  

I now pray more, forgive more, and am more compassionate. I desire to reflect the attributes of Jesus Christ, the peacemaker. 

This next verse brings me to the second part of this theme: 

(2 Kings 22:19 & 2 Chronicles 34:27) Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou heardest what I spake... and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the Lord. 

Unless I allow my heart to remain tender and humble, I will never be able to permanently change. I will never be a vessel God can use. 

So many pastors like to teach that we are all called by God to be used by Him.  While this is true, these pastors leave out a crucial part of what the Bible says.  In Luke 11:39 (And the Lord said unto him, "Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness."), Jesus tells the Pharisees (and you and me) that we cannot just look clean on the outside (or use the title, "Christian") if we are dirty on the inside.  Saying you want to be used by the Lord is honorable, but if you are backbiting, quarreling, getting drunk, having sex outside of marriage, dressing provocatively, participating in false religious practices, glorifying the occult, or acting like the world in any other way, you better clean yourself up first!  Yes, this includes me!  I have learned to daily ( Luke 9:23 - And He said to them all, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow me".) soften up my heart toward others and be clean inside and out so that I can work for God not as a hypocrite, but as a humble servant allowing God to mold me into the servant He wants me to be.

(Galatians 5:15-21)B ut if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 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. 

May we all be tenderhearted t0ward others in the name of Jesus Christ, but more importantly, we need to first be tender toward the Lord's correction and obey the principles of the Bible.

(1 John 1:6-10) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

Serving others won't mean much anything if we are denying the Father and living a Godless life. And serving the Lord will not please Him unless we can learn to love our fellow humans. 

(1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

Doors: Part 4

 

Doors: Part 4

When I originally decided to write a blog on doors (before I realized how many times the word is mentioned in the bible), I wanted to write about two drastically different doors: the one we invite evil to enter through, and the one we open for blessings.

(Ephesians 6:11-12) Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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.  

Spiritual warfare is very real.  In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus tells Peter, "Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail."  Satan wants to tear all of us apart and separate us from the Father as wheat is separated from the chaff.  We may or may not realize how easy it is to open doors that allow Satan and his demons to enter into our homes.  By watching television and movies as well as listening to music with satanic beats and reading ungodly books (which often includes so-called Christian artists and authors), we give Satan a foothold and allow him to affect us with nightmares, bad tempers, sinful desires, and in some cases even physical, emotional or mental ailments.

I am speaking out of experience.  I too was once obsessed with television shows, movies, and books filled with the occult, violence, and carnality.  I was plagued with bad dreams, bad moods, and bad decisions.  After marrying Mel, we let go of a large number of books, as well as giving up television and movies. 

In 2017, Mel and I did a lot of praying to reveal the objects still in our home He wanted us to place in the garbage.  Although all of our movies were gone, we were still giving Satan an open door through objects.  Any item symbolizing a false god (superheroes etc. which also represent violence and carnality), demons (dragons/fairies), and depicting anything related to television or movies had to go.  Trust me, this was sometimes a difficult process as collectibles, jewelry, household items, clothing, and other miscellaneous items were bagged and placed out with the garbage.  Some of the items were innocently held onto, as we had never connected the image to an idol or demon, while others we had previously felt convicted over but had stubbornly held onto because they were sentimental or had been expensive.  Yet we were obedient to all of God’s promptings.  The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and did not reveal the objects all in one day.  He allowed us to get rid of items in stages so we would not be overwhelmed. 

I tell you all this very personal information to help show you that even those of us who do our best to walk down paths of righteousness can still be blinded by worldly objects.   I feel that Christians should share personal experiences to help each other grow in the Lord.  It is very important to share with others what we learn so they may learn along with us and not repeat our errors.  We learned a very valuable lesson not only to be very careful of anything we allow into our home, but also to listen to the Lord when He tells us not to purchase certain items.  

We also found that it will always be good practice to pray on a regular basis that God will reveal to us any items in our home that give Satan an open door.  Evil spirits will attach themselves to objects and when we bring them in our house, we are giving them permission to enter.  When you rebuke the devil in Jesus’ name, he must flee, but as long as you have an occult item in your possession (even innocently), the demons are free to return. 

(James 4:7-8) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

If you are not certain what items are considered open doors, pray God gives you wisdom.  When you have a check in your spirit about something (Do your fingers burn or tingle when you touch the article?  Do your eyes burn or itch when you look at it?  Do you feel a tightening in your chest or unexplained nausea when the item is near?), either throw it away or do your research.  Look it or similar objects up on-line and review its origins.  Or ask a trusted spiritual friend or leader.  My general rule of thumb is simple, “In doubt?  Throw it out.”  Better safe than sorry.  My salvation means a lot more to me than inanimate objects.

1 Peter 1:16 says, "Be holy, for I am holy."  Besides this being an excellent verse to remind us to live righteous lives, it also reminds us that a holy God cannot tolerate sin.  If you are asking God to bless you in any way, be it a health, spiritual, financial, emotional, or mental issue, you cannot be wallowing in sin and expect Him to answer your prayers.  If you feel your prayers are being blocked, it may be that God wants to help you, but the ungodly objects in your home are hindering his blessings.  

I want to stop here for a moment and make it very clear that God has always been very good to us.  We have had many of the items we threw away before and after we married, but that does not mean we have spent our entire lives in turmoil.  For one thing, Mel and I have a very peaceful and loving marriage, so it is not as if the objects affected our relationship.  God has taken care of us and communicates to both of us.  The point of this blog is that we can shut the door on God’s blessings when we stubbornly refuse to let go of the world.  When we attempt to gain the world, we literally risk losing our souls.    

(Romans 12:9) Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

I know there are some already resistant to what I have said because you are too attached to material possessions.  Well, I am going to make even more of you upset when I say there are also some people we may need to let go.  When we allow people with poisonous personality traits or ungodly beliefs in our lives, we are asking for trouble.  These people already have open doors they have allowed Satan to walk through, and he very well may connect us to them and begin to harass us.  This is not my concept, read the below verses as well as: (Proverbs 22:24-25) Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.    & (I Corinthians 15:33-34) Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.  Awake to righteousness, and do not sin.  

You may meet a seemingly nice person who just happens to be into Wicca.  Make no mistake, there is nothing nice about witchcraft; just being around this person can invite the demons attached to her to follow you home and oppress you.  

(2 Corinthians) For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  11:14  

We are to treat everyone with kindness and respect, but when we willingly let a person involved in Satanism in our lives, we are mixing dark and light when they are clearly meant to be separated.  There is a fine line between witnessing to an unbeliever and becoming their friend.  By all means, please share the love of Jesus, but do not cross the unholy line and become unequally yoked even in a mild friendship.   

I'm not saying all our friends have to believe the same; most of ours do not, but just be careful not to allow their negative influences to harm your spiritual walk. And if they are into any form of witchcraft, I am indeed saying it is better to let them go.

Read the following verses to see that God does not want us to closely associate with those who are actively choosing to live in rebellion against God whether by way of sinful desires or false religious practices.  No, it will not be easy to have little to no contact with people you care about, but Jesus Christ died for your sins so show Him honor and respect by choosing Him over ungodly influences that can bring an open door to Satan and a closed door to the Holy Spirit.

(2 Corinthians 6:14-17) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people. Therefore Come out from among them And be separate,” says the Lord. “Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you."  

(1 Corinthians 15:33-34) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God

(1 Corinthians 5:9-1) I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat... Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

(Romans 16:17-19) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

It is not just outside influences that give Satan an open door to harass us.  When we give into negativity, critical attitudes, grumbling toward God, and sinful desires, we are saying we are more fleshly-minded than spirituality in-tune.  We make it easier for the enemy to plague us with depression, anger, bitterness, un-forgiveness, and other sinful actions.  I am talking of oppression, not possession.  We must bind and cast the evil spirits out of our homes in Jesus’ name and trade our poisonous attitudes for a heart of repentance and praise.  Worshiping the Lord (not just singing a pretty song but really honoring Jesus with your heart and soul), brings down the strongholds of sin. 

This brings me right to the door you want wide open in your life: the door of God’s blessings, which includes praise and worship, Bible study, and choosing to live righteously.    

When we strive to enter in at the narrow gate and live separated from the world (Luke 13:24 & 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1), it is much easier to open the doors to blessings.  The bible says we should work for the Lord because it is our duty, not for reward (Luke 17:7-10), so I am certainly not suggesting our goal for living clean lives should be for our own personal gain.  We do the right thing simply because it is the right thing, and we love the Lord.  Our motivation should be to please God, not man, and definitely not ourselves.  However, with that said, God is very generous and loves to bless His children.  The types of blessings He may bestow are endless: a romantic & blissful marriage, well-adjusted & spiritual children, a fat bank account, the perfect job, good health, and the list could go on.  God is a good Father and (as long as you are within His will), He will grant you the desires of your heart (as long as they are within His will).

(Ephesians 1:3-4) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ... that we should be holy and without blame before Him.

Mel and I have a rule: whenever one of us is feeling negative, we will ask for prayer and change the subject to focus on positive issues.  We may even take the time to sing a praise song or two.  This shift not only allows us to display the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23) with one easy change in attitude, but it invites the Holy Spirit to bless us with God’s presence.  We open the door even wider for God’s bounty when we refuse to let pessimism fester.     

We have all walked through this life wounded by someone we love.  The closer the relationship to that person, the more difficult it is to forgive him or her.  However, Jesus expects to forgive those that have caused even our deepest scars.  When we allow ourselves to let go of anger, and start to see the offender as God’s child, we can begin to replace the bitterness with compassion.   Releasing these negative emotions will indeed make it much more likely that God will bless us.

When we truly have hearts full of repentance, God will honor our humble hearts.  Spending time in prayer and seeking His face with hearts wide open to hear all He has to say.  When we pray, “Mold me, Lord, to be the vessel you want me to be,” and mean it with every ounce of our being, we open the doors wide open for God’s mercies.  The day you claim you are not in need of God’s correction and do not need to change, is the day you can assure no blessings will come.  When you feel you are not worthy, and cannot quite grasp why God has chosen you to serve Him, then He will smile and know you are ready to work for Him; you are ready to receive His countless blessings.  The more repentant and humble you are the more God can trust you will not waste His gifts. 

(Isaiah 57:15) For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” 

We can choose to open the door to Satan’s harassing oppression or to God’s bountiful blessings.  Choose today whom you will serve.  

Doors: Part 3

 

Doors: Part 3

(John 10: 1-4 & 7-11) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear His voice; and He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.  Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”  

In 2017 I read a book by Phillip Keller titled “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.”  I have not enjoyed a non-fiction book as much as this one (not counting the bible, of course).  Keller preaches the Truth so eloquently that it struck me to the core. Keller opened up the world of shepherds I never knew.  

After reading his book, the 23rd Psalm, and the fact that Jesus refers to Himself as our Good Shepherd, makes this comparison so much more meaningful.  Real sheep 100% rely on their shepherd to properly care for them.  A bad shepherd has underfed sheep full of parasites living in dying pastures.  Just like Jesus, a good shepherd takes care of His sheep’s every need.  He takes great care moving his sheep from pasture to pasture in order to assure they always have plenty of green grass.  He anticipates their every need.  (Please read Keller’s book, he says it so much better, and you will see the bible in a completely new light.)

Only our True Shepherd may enter through the correct door to our hearts.  The thief and robber, Satan, may try to gain access, but the sheep (the true believer) will not recognize his voice, and will not let him in.  Or should not let Satan enter.  When we first submit to God, then resist the devil in the name of Jesus, Satan will flee.

(James 4:7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 

Our Good Shepherd protects not only the doors to our heart but literally laid His life down for us. 

Jesus is the door of life.  Jesus longs only for good things for our lives (see Jeremiah 29:11), and desires that we may lie down in green, lush, beautiful pastures next to still waters.  He longs for a life full of abundance, or full of plentiful blessings.   

Satan is the door of death.  Why would you choose to walk through a dark and twisted door that would only steal, kill, and destroy your soul? 

Do not waste your life waiting to decide whom you will follow and allow access to the door of your heart.  Choose today whom you will serve.  Make Jesus Lord of your heart, mind, body, and soul.  Lock the door of your heart to the sins of this world and do your very best to walk down paths of righteousness.    

(James 5:9) Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 

As I have previously mentioned, my blogs are not just for the sake of lecturing strangers.  What I write often ministers to me as well.  I do my very best to practice what I preach.  Therefore, I will not be a hypocrite as I attempt to preach how vital it is for us not to grumble. Instead, I will admit this is a huge flaw of mine that the Lord wants me to change.

Although the passage in James specifically mentions grumbling against one another, I am going to go a step farther by stating any type of complaining against the Lord is a sin.

(Philippians 2:12-15) 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. 

I am not talking about getting annoyed because you live in an area that is far from being your dream town or feel frustrated when you get injured or become ill and are forced to quit a decent job.  These feelings are normal.  The Bible says it is okay to be angry as long as we do not sin in our anger (see Ephesians 4:26).  It becomes a sin when we take our anger out on God and have the nerve to address the Holy of Holies with, “How dare You do this to me!”  Or, “Why did You allow this to happen?”  In the midst of physical or emotional pain, it is often difficult to see the hand of God in the situation.  Nevertheless, God is always there.  

Remember how I just wrote a few moments ago that our Good Shepherd only wants the best for us?  Of course you do!  God does not will for us to have an injury that will affect you for the rest of your life, develop a neurological condition, or get cancer.  Bad things happen because we have a free will and life happens at a normal pace. We do not live in a bubble. Just because God did not prevent a much beloved person or animal from being taken away from you, does not mean He wanted your heart to be shattered.  Psalm 56:8 tells us that God keeps our tears in a bottle.  This means He sees us weeping alone in the night and has compassion for His children.   

1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us that our human knowledge is dimmed, and we very well may never understand the bad things that happen to us (and others) this side of eternity, but when we see Jesus face to face, all things will be made clear.  It is hard to imagine such clarity, but I have heard several testimonies of those who have died, went to heaven, and then were sent back to earth, say that while they were in heaven, all things suddenly made perfect sense.  Never had they felt such an amazing awareness and understanding of all things.  Yet, once they came back to their mortal body, the crystal clear knowledge left them.  My point is that God is fully aware of all that happens, and we can have peace knowing all things truly do work together for our own good because God is in control.  When I let this sink in, I grumble a lot less and can simply rest in knowing God has had the details of my life worked out since before I was born (see Psalm 1391:16 & Jeremiah 1:5). 

Now back to what James says about grumbling against others.  I am intolerant of those who are intolerant.  I am critical of those who are critical.  I want to change those who always want to change everyone else.  I cannot stand self-centered people because they don’t care if they hurt my feelings.  Why it took me 44 years to realize how hypocritical my grumblings are is a testament to just how stubborn I can be (I am now 53 years old).  I try to justify my hard heart by saying these people do not care whom they hurt and besides, God does not call me to like everyone.  While both these statements are true, God does expect me to love His creation, and this is difficult to do when all I see are their flaws.  I have a heart of compassion for people in general and care deeply about their souls (which is why I write a blog), so I am not saying I ever cease to care about someone’s spiritual condition, nor do I ever want anything bad to happen to anyone (even those who have hurt me).  I am not a cold person and typically care about other’s feelings, and have often been told I am too soft and tender-hearted.  With that said, there are certain personality traits I try to avoid.  Moreover, the list of people I would rather not be in the same room with is a bit too long.  In short, I spend too many hours grumbling to my husband about past and present wrongs and personality flaws of others.

(Matthew 5:21-22) “You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.' But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' [or dumb head] shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire.” 

When a reckless driver nearly causes an accident with you or someone else, I doubt the first words out of your mouth are, “Well, God bless him.”  Mine either.  It is usually something more like, “Idiot!”  The bible makes it very clear that we are not to use such insulting language.  I know this is not an easy command to follow.  For 4 1/2 years we lived in the mountains with narrow, windy roads (we no longer love there).  To top it off, there were two very popular lakes in our county (the one that was within walking distance from our house at the time is the third most popular in the state).  Therefore, the treacherous roads and excessive traffic create a deadly combination.  I once had a deputy sheriff tell me that our county had a very high mortality rate on the roads due to this issue.  Not only do we hear and see Life Flight helicopters anywhere from two to seven times a week (the small hospital was behind our house), but when we are on the roads, would see and experience near-accidents almost every day.  Therefore, I will say it again, it is difficult for the cruel words not to shoot out of my mouth when a careless driver nearly costs someone their life. I learned to replace my words of anger with a prayer of thanks that no one was injured.  Focus on the positive, not the negative.  (By the way, Mel and I always prayed for the person requiring helicopter transport and their family each time Life Flight landed behind our house.)

The truth is people in general are rude, selfish, greedy, jealous, dishonest, and full of carnality.  We have all been wounded by people close to us based on all the above reasons.  The cruel and heartless actions of others are the excuses we use to justify the anger and resentment that is so difficult to get rid of.  But we are not responsible for any one’s sins other than our own.  We cannot control our friends’, co-workers’, or family members’ actions.  Instead, we can allow the Holy Spirit to guide and control our own hearts and forgive those that have harmed our spouse or us.  We do not have to let harmful people back into our lives, but we do have to remove the root of bitterness choking out our relationship with Christ.  This is very difficult, and we can only be successful when we admit and confess that this is an issue of sin in our lives, repent, and then allow the love of Jesus to rule our hearts and let Him change us.   

God is always dealing with me on the heart issue of grumbling. With His help, I know I can have a softer heart.  I fully accept that God the Judge is always standing at the door to my heart, and I will always be held accountable for my negative attitudes.   

(Psalm 139:23-24) Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

(Psalm 51:7, 10-12 ) Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  

Doors: Part 2

Doors: Part 2

(Matthew 6:6) But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.  

When doing a search to find a photo of a prayer closet for this writing, I found quite a few interesting photos (which you can also do if you are interested in creating a prayer closet and need ideas).  If I had an unused closet (or small space) in my home, I would love to do something similar.  I do not know who took this picture so I cannot give them credit, but this was my favorite of the examples I saw (I added the verse and my own words). I would only change a few things such as trade the word "dream" for "faith" and add a white or bulletin board for keeping track of prayer requests.  

Although a literal closet is not necessary, symbolically speaking, when we approach our heavenly Father for prayer, we must shut the door in our hearts and minds to outside distractions.  I highly recommend praying with your spouse and children, but I also believe individual prayer time alone with God is vital to your spiritual walk.  Sometimes all we do is a quick prayer at bedtime or over our meals, but we must not neglect time on our knees.  I know this is not always easy when we are rushed or, in my case, are not sure what to pray.  When I do not know what to say, I take this time to thank God for His love and the blessings in my life.  I ask Him to empty me of me and fill me with Him; make me clean and use me.  I do not usually ask for anything at this point (prayer requests are saved for prayer time with Mel and at bedtime). My personal alone time with God is for repentance as well as for praise and being willing to listen to what God has to say to me.

 If I had to sum up the best attitude of prayer for a prayer closet, I would choose Psalm 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!  Exactly!  Use this door to shut yourself in with God and humbly acknowledge Him and all He has done. 

Spending time alone with God in prayer opens up the doors of repentance, faith, and renewal.

(Matthew 25:10-13) And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 

(Luke 13:23-27) Then one said to [Jesus], “Lord, are there few who are saved?”  And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate [or door] for many I say to you will seek to enter and  not be able.  When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where you are from,'  then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.' But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.'

The above doors are symbolic of heaven’s door.  The first example in Matthew is the parable of the ten virgins, representative of those who are spiritually pure (the entire parable is Matthew 25:1-13).  The wise virgins who kept enough oil on hand to keep their lamps lit while waiting for the bridegroom demonstrate those who remain faithful in their walk with Christ and endure to the end.  The foolish virgins who run out of oil, then must leave to go buy fuel and miss the bridegroom when He comes, are those who get tired of living righteous lives and give up on their faith.  

There are many reasons people backslide and run out of oil to fuel their spiritual lamps.  The main reason is that they blame God for their pain and disappointment.  Loved ones die, illness and diseases happen, spouses cheat, children suffer, the church lets you down, and the list goes on.  People also fall as the foolish virgins because they have grown impatient in waiting for a specific event and they walk away, saying they will return only after things go their way.  In other words, they may say, “God when you bless me with a husband, then I’ll commit my life to You.”  The list of items one may be waiting on could be anything from a good health, a baby, a job, money, fame, and on and on.  

Leaving to buy oil can also represent leaving the paths of righteousness to seek forbidden pleasures because they feel being a Christian is too boring.  They will return to God only after they have had their “fun,” never stopping to realize they could die at any age, and then it will be too late to buy oil.  The foolish women represent backsliders and not simply non-believers because they chose to meet the bridegroom (Jesus) in the first place.  Also calling them “virgins” implies they were once pure before God.  They once had the faith to want to be a bride of Christ, or they would not have joined the wise virgins to begin with.  They are the shallow Christians also seen in the parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 (You can read my blog on that topic here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/01/mark-41-20-parable-of-sower.html

The example in Luke 13 is saying the same thing as the end of the parable about the virgins.  We must live righteous lives and work hard to enter through the gate (or door) to heaven, or God will say He does not know us and will send us away. Salvation is a free gift we can never earn, but we have to be very careful we don't lose our salvation with foolish actions.  

All other doors in your life will ultimately lead you to the final door of to Heaven where we face God’s judgment throne.  Only then can we confidentially say we endured to the end as we fall at the feet of Jesus and lay our crowns at His feet.  I pray you want as much as I do hear the Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; come and dine with Me,” and not, “Depart from Me, I do not know you.”     

(Matthew 27:59-61 &  28:2-7) When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead!"

Hallelujah!  Jesus is risen!  This is such an exciting door and is the cornerstone of our faith.  Jesus came to Earth in human form and willingly allowed Himself to be tortured and crucified for our sins.  His blood on the cross paid the debt we owe God for our sins.  But the story doesn’t end there.  When Jesus rose from the dead, He removed the sting from death and swallowed it up in victory!  Not just the sting of His death, but ours as well.  Because we serve a risen Savior, we have the opportunity to live with Him in paradise for all eternity.  Don’t waste such a precious gift by living a life of sin.  Repent and live for Christ, embracing His death on the cross and resurrection from the tomb!

(1 Corinthians 15:50-55) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed-- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting?  O Hades, where is your victory?"