Awake, you sleeping giants!

 

Awake, you sleeping giants!

A dream my husband had in 2014 inspired the artwork I made for this blog.  The dream was as follows: As far as Mel could see, giants slept in ditches spanning the vast landscape (the giants represent today’s churches).  A large lion soon appeared and began approaching each of the giants.  He threw his head back and roared an ear-shattering rumble.  Yet, no matter how loud The Lion of Judah (Jesus Christ, see Revelation 5:5) roared, the giants would not wake.  A few sleepily opened their eyes, but none of them arose from their ditches.  A group of people dressed as construction workers then appeared.  They were impatient for the giants to awaken because they had a lot of work to do.  The angels in Mel’s dream did not have wings as I drew, but the angels in his dreams are often dressed as builders, police, firefighters, etc., so it was easy to interpret that these construction workers ready to build for the Kingdom of God, were angels.  The angels long for genuine followers of God’s Truths to join them and work side by side, not lukewarm Christians asleep in their sins.

Although Mel did not see a pile of secular items surrounding the giants in his dream, I added those to my drawing because the churches no longer teach such things are immoral.  Watching and reading items infused with witchcraft will separate you from the Lord, as well as addictions to pornography, alcohol, and cigarettes or other drugs.  In other words, if you refuse to give up such vices, you are sleeping to the will of God.      

In our dreams God often shows both Mel and me people we know sleeping, and one or both of us is trying to wake them.  They are asleep to the Truths God so desperately wishes to share with all His children.  They are shown to us as sleeping with their backs to us and refusing to wake up, just as the giants refused to wake. Some sleep in lazy ignorance because they refuse to study the Bible on their own, but most choose to sleep to the Truths of what the Bible teaches because they are filled with stubborn pride. I know that sounds harsh, but it is what God wanted me to write. 

Most people are so steeped in their religious boxes and misinformed theories that it is a struggle to attempt to wake them.  I used to have a deaf roommate whose alarm clock would go off for an hour or longer before she would hear it and get ready for work.  Because she had some hearing left, she would eventually hear the alarm, rise, and go to work.  We must be like an alarm clock for those who are spiritually deaf.  Somewhere deep down they can still hear what we say and want to know the Truth.  It will eventually sink in, and they will be ready to rise and go to work for the Lord.  We must not cease praying for God to open their eyes and soften their hearts, so they are receptive to hearing the Truth. 

It is very difficult for anyone to swallow their pride and admit they have been wrong for many years, especially if this person sees him or herself as a leader or expert.  We must pray for patience and understanding for these people.  As a former preacher’s kid, I was once stubborn enough to believe I knew it all. Ultimately, and very gratefully, my daily Bible study opened my eyes to the many contradictions taught in most churches.  I was at a point in my life where I was spiritually sensitive enough to hear God’s voice and accept correction.  My Bible studies continue to keep my eyes wide open to the Truths in the Bible rather than sleeping in man's so-called wisdom.  A typical prayer for me is that God will reveal any errors in my theologies so I may adjust them.  I pray you will also have an open heart to hear all that God wishes to teach you. 

In today's modern church, pastors have quit preaching lessons of repentance and holiness.  I am not saying every single pastor out there is preaching a lukewarm message, but sadly, the majority are. 

They are preaching feel-good sermons that are putting the church to sleep.  I am going to briefly touch on some of the dangerous, but common messages taught.

Even the once on-fire holiness preachers have begun speaking less on righteousness and more on praying and feeling blessed.  While prayer is vital to our walk with God, our actions outside of the prayer closet matters even more.   

(Ephesians 5:8-14) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore, He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” 

The first topic I would like to touch on is the issue of the rapture.  My husband, Mel, has pretty much said what I would have said in his blog, "The Truth About the Second Coming of Christ." https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-truth-about-second-coming-of-christ.html  Here is an excerpt from that blog, but I encourage you to read the entire blog, which includes multiple links about the timing of the rapture.

"There is much controversy as to the timing of the rapture, but God’s Word is very clear on this subject and we will explore what it really teaches. This is not a subject that should divide us, but it is critical that we be informed of the truth. The pre-tribulation rapture viewpoint is very dangerous because it teaches people that there is no need to prepare for the tribulation, or hard times ahead, because God is going to rapture you up to Heaven for seven years, then return again to establish His kingdom. This man-made doctrine is contrary to God’s Word, and was created by taking scripture out of context, as well as making scriptures jump through many hoops in order to bring about a man- pleasing belief.

"The Lord Jesus Christ himself told us exactly when he will return, as well as when he will send forth his angels to gather the elect. Christ said that immediately after the tribulation of those days he would return and gather his elect unto himself.

(Matthew 24:29) Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  

"Christ said what he meant and was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints, but Christ said that at this time, he would send out his angels to harvest the elect. This passage alone is enough to establish that the rapture and the second coming of Christ are the same event and that this will occur immediately after the tribulation...

"God did not rapture Noah out of the earth, nor did he build the ark for him, rather he instructed him how to build the ark.  Noah was obedient to God and although it took him 120 years to build the ark, he did not give up. Because of Noah’s obedience to the Lord, we are here today. Like Noah, we need to be making preparations for the soon coming tribulation. I believe that the Lord is instructing people to prepare communities in remote wilderness areas for the time of trouble ahead. We all need to be seeking the Lord with much fasting and prayer concerning where to relocate. The cities, as well as populated areas are destined for judgment. This is not a time for fear but action. If we trust God as Noah did, then we will be obedient to him and follow his voice."

I would like to add that the church also uses Luke 17 to explain that these verses refer to a rapture.  But if you read the entire section, you will see this does not mean people are being raptured, but the opposite, they are being killed.  It was reading the book of Luke during a personal bible study in 2012 when I came to the conclusion that I had been misled all my life.  No one had to explain it to me, but daily Bible study opened my eyes.  That is why it is so important to read your Bible every day. 

I am not going to include all the verses, but please read all of Luke 17.

( Luke 17:34-37) I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. “Where, Lord?” they asked.

He replied, “Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather.” 

If you want more info, you can read more on this subject from my blog "Questions & Answers about the Rapture" here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/questions-and-answers-about-rapture.html

which also includes other kinks in this topic.

The bible warns against not preaching about holiness. Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to make sure their followers are striving to live holy lives. Paul even predicted that there would be a time when people would refuse to listen to the Truth.  Pastors, wanting to be popular, have begun to tell the people what they want to hear so they do not lose their offerings.  It is not about souls being saved, it is all about the amount of money that goes in the plate.

(2 Timothy 4:1-5) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 

Another popular message of the church is that there is grace for everything, without ever repenting of your sins. (Romans 6:1-2)  Yes, grace and salvation are free gifts.  Yes, God is full of mercy, love, and grace, but we must ask for forgiveness, repent of our sins, give up habitual sins, and make the daily decision to continue to walk down paths of righteousness (Luke 9:23).  Salvation is more than a simple sinner’s prayer.  It is the beginning of a wonderful walk with the Lord, but, as with any relationship, we must nurture it and work at producing good fruit.  We must continually make the effort to put down our sinful nature until we cross the finish line at the end of this life. (Philippians 2:12)

Some people may never set foot in a church, but they will listen to Christian music or at least attend a concert.  Therefore, Christian artists (as well as authors who market themselves as “Christian”) have the same responsibility as pastors to preach sound doctrine in their songs. There are many Christian artists I enjoy; they are talented singers and songwriters with what appears to be a genuine desire to serve the Lord.  However, very few songs are about holiness.  The word “grace” is more likely to appear in their songs than the word, “repentance.”  They also care more about being popular and making money than convicting people of their sins.  

The theory of eternal security is a lie of the devil in order to put Christians to sleep.  When we think there is grace for everything, and that our actions suffer no consequences because our salvation is guaranteed with one simple prayer, we can easily slip into a life of sin and comfortably stay there.

It is very true that Christ accepts us as we are and He gave His life on the cross for our sins so we can have eternal life.  Yet it is also very true that, though we may come just as we are with all our faults, God expects us to change.  Jesus is a loving Father who readily forgives our sins as long as our repentance is sincere and we do not continue to live in sin. He is holy and it is His desire that we live holy lives if we are to follow Him.  That does not mean we have to be perfect, but we must seek out to destroy our sinful nature.

Let's be honest, the devil loves it that the church has been spiritually put to sleep.  He loves that they are teaching that there is no devil and/or Hell.  Therefore, and this goes along great with the greasy grace message, there are no consequences for your actions

There are too many references in the bible on Hell to list them all, but reading all of Revelation 20 reveals a lot.  Please read the entire chapter.

There are several more topics that come to mind as far as what the church is teaching to put people asleep.  However, as I am writing this, I feel God is telling me, that instead of listing all the areas in one blog, I am to write about these issues individually in separate blogs.  Therefore, I will do my best to continue to write God's Truths as they are laid upon my heart.  These are not my self-righteous theories, but topics inspired by God by reading His Holy Word.

So how do we arise from our sleep?  As I mentioned above, studying God's Word daily is a wonderful start, or at least once a week.  Really devouring what you read and making sure you understand it will help you avoid falling for false teachings.  When you know what the Bible says on a certain subject, then you are less apt to fall for man's doctrines. 

(2 Timothy 2:15) Be diligent [work hard] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  

I never want you to take my word for anything.  Study on your own.  I am overly logical and highly skeptical on most subjects; I always want second and third opinions on everything.  There are a lot of very cunning and manipulative people that will try to force you to believe their way is the only way.  I am not one of those people.  God's way is the only way, so read His words and really let them sink in. Pray before and/or after you read the Bible that God will reveal His Truths to you.  Also, if you attend church, do the same.  God has revealed to both my husband and me when there are false doctrines being taught by spiritual leaders as well as individual people in our lives.  Although Mel is more gifted in prophecy that I am, God speaks to both of us through dreams and visions.  If your heart is pure (you don’t have to be perfect) and you are humble and willing, God may speak to you as well, so be willing to listen.  

Now is the day of Salvation

 

New Introduction: I know I have reposted this blog more than any of the others I have written, but God is calling me to publish it again. I originally wrote this blog on June 6, 2014. It has been edited several times from the original and I have removed and added a few sentences.

The world is an even more perilous place to live in now, and it will only get worse from here. I fully believe we are in the "beginning of sorrows" as mentioned in Matthew 24 & Mark 13. In fact, I am writing a novel with that same title that will be part 2 to the novel I finished a few years ago titled, "The Visionary."

(Matthew 24:7-8) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers [many various] places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

Prayerfully this post offers some hope. I changed the title from, "How do we survive in this world?" to the current one as I feel the main point I want to get across is that time is short, and we never know when our time is up. NOW is the day to call on Jesus Christ. Don't wait! Let's acknowledge reality: we face our own mortality 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

(Note: I did my research on the issues mentioned below, and yes, they are all truly on the rise.)

Now is the Day of Salvation

The world is going crazy! How many of you feel this way right now? It seems we are not safe anywhere. They are even selling new “stylish” vests and backpacks that are bulletproof! Not too long ago we all experienced buying, selling, and wearing medical masks to try to stay safe from a deadly pandemic. Where we live, the stores are alarmingly bare of many common food staples and even pet food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, or if you can find them, they are triple the price (Even still true in 2026)!

(Ecclesiastes 1:9) That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. 

Violence (and even deadly pandemics) are nothing new. Since the beginning of time there was a homicide when Cain killed his brother Able (see Genesis 4). All of this because Adam and Eve chose their own selfish wants over fellowship with their Creator (see Genesis 3). We live in a fallen world because God chose to give us free will. Adam and Eve betrayed this gift and chose to listen to the serpent’s lies rather than God’s warnings simply because the serpent’s lies were more appealing than God’s Truth (Sound familiar?). This is why we live in a world full of death and tragedy, not because God is cruel, but because man chose to alienate us from God by using his free will out of the desire of wanting to be like God. Humans do not want fellowship with God, nor do they want His advice, protection, or correction, they want to be gods! They want to be independent. They want to use their free will to do whatever they so please, then cry out, “God save me,” when it’s convenient. Or curse at God even though they have made no effort to live a holy life and only pray when they want something. Therefore, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45) not because He is cruel, but because man chose to defy God. Man caused this fallen world and the good suffer because of it.

(Luke 21:25-26) And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

It is not your imagination, this world is growing more and more ferocious, and the storms are even growing more turbulent. Fires, floods, droughts, heatwaves, snowstorms, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, even volcanic eruptions are being reported in "many various places" and as the fiercest and most frequent in history. There have even been unprecedented plagues of locusts sweeping Africa, destroying their precious crops. 

Even animal attacks are on the rise.  There had been an increase in shark, crocodile, bear, and even domestic dog attacks killing or nearly killing people in areas that once were once thought safer. 

(Revelation 6:8) And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

No, the pale horse from Revelation had not officially arrived yet, but we can still admit these are dangerous times. Even deaths from heart disease (even in younger people) and cancers are on the rise (although medical interventions have greatly improved and are helping people to live longer when treated).

Crimes against children are on the rise as well. It is almost a daily occurrence to see a headline speaking about a parent or guardian who has killed or severely injured their own children.  As well as kidnappings of both children and adults from strangers is increasing. It is beyond disturbing. 

And it's no secret that as I update this post in 2026, that wars are on the rise as well.  We very well could see WWW III very soon.

So how do we endure such an aggressive environment where we feel threatened by people, weather, and even animals? Are there any easy answers? No. The sad truth is you could be a young college student who dies at the hands of a crazy gunman in CA simply because he felt rejected by girls. You could be an innocent 2-year-old in NJ whose father, in a jealous rage, decides to strap a car jack to your car seat and throw you off a bridge. A forest fire might force you out of your home. A hike in the woods might provoke a bear attack. Loved ones die from cancer and other deadly diseases. Life is unpredictable, scary, and unfair.

So how do we survive in this world?

(Matthew 10:28) And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.

Although God promises protection for His saints, I will not pretend that nothing bad will ever happen to us in this life simply because we are Christians. People who believe God will prevent all bad things from happening end up hating God. Christians walk around with joy in their hearts, in spite of tragic circumstances because we have a hope of eternal happiness. For no matter what “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  We know God grieves with us and does not intend for bad things to happen. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope,” which means God does not want tragedy to happen. Does that mean God does not have any control? No, this means we will never fully know why things are allowed to happen because there is a war going on we cannot comprehend.

(Ephesians 6:12) 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. 

(1 Corinthians 13:12) For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

This means that we cannot understand why things happen as they do because we cannot see the big, eternal picture, but when we get to heaven, it will all be crystal clear. This senseless world will make sense.

Again, I ask how do we survive in this world?

(Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8) Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

If we cry out to God, He will hear our pleas. He wants to protect us and save us. It may seem like evil is winning, and I do not believe that this world will ever improve. In fact, I know it will only get worse. Man’s desire for independence corrupts him more and more. The mentality of not wanting to be told what to do is only getting worse as laws support immoral desires, not Biblical principles. It is up to you to surrender yourself to God as well as your independence. It is up to you to choose to live right and separate yourself from this world.

(2 Chronicles 7:14) If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 

The key words there are “if,” and “humble themselves.”

(Psalm 34:18) The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. 

Humble yourself and admit you have done wrong. The free gift of salvation begins with repentance and admittance of sin. If you were to die right after you say the sinner's prayer, you would go to Heaven, however, most of us live on, and not losing your salvation is a daily decision. Saying a one-time prayer to ask Jesus in your heart is not an excuse to live however you want because you are a “Christian.”  

(Romans 6:1-2, 6 & 11) 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? Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Read all of Romans 6)

You must have a desire to please your Creator and live a truly Christian lifestyle. There must be self-evaluation and repentance any time you sin.

(Luke 9:23) Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me. 

(1 Corinthians 15:31) I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die DAILY. 

Daily very simply means we must crucify our flesh every day not just once. Psalm 139: 23-24 should be a daily prayer: 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.

Do we wait until some crazy gunman is at our door before we choose to make the decision to live a holy life, wait until we have the symptoms of potentially deadly disease, or wait until we are huddled in a storm or bomb shelter? Of course not. "There are no atheists in foxholes," so the saying goes. And it is also true that God will have mercy on your soul if you wait until you are on your deathbed to call upon God and repent of your sins. Yet, why would you wait until then? If everyone died at the age of 99, most would wait until they were 98 ¾ to start living right. But no one ever knows when their time on this world is coming to an end. Nobody is invincible. Let's acknowledge reality, we face our own mortality 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Age, race, wealth, none of it matters when you’re on a highway full of reckless drivers and the day you to decide to go to the courthouse to renew your driver’s license just happens to be the same day a man with bombs storms in and blows the place up. 

2 Timothy 1:7 says that, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." So I am not trying to entice you to love in fear, but to be aware that every single one of us in need of a Savior 100% of the time!

(2 Corinthians 6:2) For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 

That is my answer on how to we survive in this world. You must repent to Jesus and ask him to save your soul and daily evaluate your life and walk with God and make sure you are still living a pure life. This will never guarantee a life of sunshine and roses, but when you have as sincere walk with God (not just one of convenience), angels will protect you more than the average person. 

(Psalm 91:11 ) For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. (See all of this Psalm posted at the end.)

I know this is a heavy subject, so I will end by leaving you with a few scriptures to help encourage you in this strange and scary time that will only get stranger and scarier.

(Hebrews 13:6) The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 

(Luke 12:7) Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 

(Romans 8:14-16) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. 

(Psalm 91:1-16) 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High 

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust."
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.

Who are we trying to influence others to love? Jesus, the world, or us?

Who are we trying to influence others to love? Jesus, the world, or us? 

I do not spend a lot of time on any social media platform. In fact, the only one I ever go to is Facebook, but I only scroll through for a few minutes after I post. I do not even have a personal Facebook page, only one for this ministry page. I know there are a lot more social sites out there than Facebook, but I only know of about 4. Even though my knowledge of such sites is intentionally limited, I am still aware of what an influencer is, either by labeling themselves as such or simply by flooding social media for attention. Those people are the inspiration for this writing.

Think of this as you read this blog: Two definitions of influence are: (1) the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself: (2) a person or thing with the capacity to have an influence on someone or something. The definition of an influencer is: a person who has become well known through regular social media posts and is able to promote a product or service by recommending or using it online.

(Ecclesiastes 1:2, AMP) “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity [futile, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind].”

Let me go back to saying that I spend a few minutes after posting on Facebook to scroll through the home page. I only follow 9 sites (4 belong to my husband, 2 are KJV Bible verse pages, 1 is Bible Gateway, and the other 2 are ministers: Nicky Cruz & (the late) David Wilkerson) so the majority of what shows up on my feed is based on Facebook figuring out my interest in southern gospel music but not pages or people I follow.

With that second long explanation, let me finally get to the point of this writing. I am not here to insult anyone, so I am not naming names, I am just stating what I see and also state this is why I do not follow any "Christian" celebrities, no matter how much I enjoy their music.

And, let me also state that are some very honorable singers out there that only use their group or individual fan pages for glorifying God and do not post for the sake of vanity such singers from Greater Vision, The Inspirations, Ernie Haase, and maybe 1 or 2 others. Of course, I do not scroll through all the posts or seek out their pages to see what they have posted very often, but what I have seen so far has been to promote their music, share a (non-musical) Christian message, or general posts that do not fall into the below categories. However, they are the rare exceptions.

Understandably many of these singers are using their fan pages to be influencers. Are they trying to influence you to like their group? Yes, no problem there, that is their career. But beyond that it seems as if the majority of their posts revolve around non-musical issues. What they are wearing, what over-priced meal they are eating, about some new hair style, their workout routines, their snack choices, and even posting about the ungodly, perverted, satanic tv shows and movies they watch. One singer even showed his large collection of murder mystery novels he collects. Why are Christians reading violent, often very disturbing books about murder? I have seen these singers promote sexually suggestive shows such as The Office, Mash, (I know they are impure shows because I was once guilty enough to watch them before I listened to God's correction and gave up all tv/movies), and all manner of shows promoting witchcraft from children's cartoons to superhero movies and others filled occultic characters. These singers are even trying to influence you to listen to secular music that does not glorify God! Southern gospel may be related to country music (sort of, I actually feel the styles are very different), so I see a lot of Christian singers promoting ungodly music that sings of sex outside of marriage, drinking, and even violence. Not just country music, but way too many promotions of the very worldly Elvis, and current rock stars. Just because a singer mentions prayer or God one time or two times in a song, it does not change the fact that neither their lifestyle nor music has the pattern of bringing honor to God.

(1 Corinthians 10:21) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18- 7:1) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness... for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," saith the Lord, "and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

If you stumbled upon one of these singers pages, would you even be able to tell they considered themselves a Christian? They look, dress, and promote the same entertainment choices that the world does.

(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.

(James 4:4) Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

They even use their children as bait to get you to follow them. I have seen many post pictures of their teenage daughters in way too provocative clothing (even in prom dresses - what happened to Christians avoiding ungodly, oversexualized dance events, especially for their children), and their younger children dressed in clothing promoting witchcraft. Yes, Frozen, Cinderella, Beauty & The Beast (etc.) all promote witchcraft (Galatians 5:19-21 - Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these... witchcraft... 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. & Revelation 21:8 - But the... sorcerers... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.) Parents, you are supposed to be protecting your children, not parading them in front of the world full of pedophiles. Plus, why aren't they teaching them to dress modestly rather than show off bodies?

(1 Timothy 2:9-10) In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with... costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

With all that said, yes, I will still listen to their music because the music glorifies God, even when their social media posts do not, and I can use their music to worship God. However, it is why it is so very important not to put any Christian, especially a celebrity, on pedestal. Every time I think I found a group that seems sincere, all I have to do is go to their Facebook fan page and I see they are just like the world. They may sing beautiful songs about the holiness of God, but post about a raunchy movie they just saw. They may sing about loving Jesus but then post a picture of themselves in a very low-cut top, short shorts, etc. (women), in a swimsuit, or brag about their weight loss or other vanity issues (men and women). Who exactly are they trying to influence you to love? Jesus, the world, or them?

I am not saying these people are not truly Christians, as that it between them and God. But I wish (and even pray) they would use their posts for Bible studies and promote less worldly topics. And believe it or not, I am not writing all of this to be judgmental, just to get you to think. Let me repeat from above, but make it more personal: Who exactly are we trying to influence others to love? Jesus, the world, or us?

It doesn't matter if you have a social media page with 1 or 1 million followers. It doesn't matter if you don't even have a social media page. What matters is if you are using your time to influence people, even one on one, to love Jesus. To follow in His footsteps, not yours.

It is perfectly okay to post pictures of family vacations (as long as everyone is dressed modestly), pets, foods you like to eat/cook (as long as you are not doing so to show off your wealth or brag about your diet), or other nice things that make you happy, but these things should in balance to sharing about Jesus. Let me strike that. All else should take a backseat or even be in an entirely different vehicle. If you are sharing personal facts, then use it to make an illustration or to glorify God, not just to show off how attractive, thin, or rich you are. These things are just for attention for YOU, and why are you taking the focus off of God and putting it on yourself. I struggle to even put myself in my profile picture for my page, but I figure people want to see who is writing what they are reading.

Before you post and try to influence someone, think of these criteria. Is it glorifying God, is it pure or lovely, and will it encourage others to follow Jesus?

(1 Corinthians 10:31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

(Colossians 3:16-17, AMP) Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him].

(1 Thessalonians 5:11) Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

(Hebrews 10:23-25) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works... but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

(Ephesians 4:29) Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Let us all remind people that God loves them, will forgive their sins, and had prepared a paradise for those who obey Him. And let's tell others how much we love Jesus and when we say we love Him, it is our utmost honor to share and glorify His holy name influence them to obey Jesus as an act of pure love and devotion!

(John 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(John 15:9-15) [Jesus said,] "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."

(1 John 5:1-3) Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

(John 14:15, 21 & 23-24) [Jesus said,] "If ye love me, keep my commandments. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me."

 
(Matthew 19:16-19) And, behold, one came and said unto [Jesus], "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

And He said unto him, "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

He saith unto Him, "Which?"

Jesus said, "Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

(1 John 2:3-6) And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, "I know Him," and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

(1 John 2:15-17) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Now is the Time to Speak out for Jesus

 

Now is the Time to Speak out for Jesus

As you can tell by all the unusual events that have been happening for several years now, we are approaching the end of the end of the world as we know it today. Matthew 24:6-8 lets us know we are currently in a time referred to by Jesus as "The Beginning of Sorrows."

(Matthew 24:6-8) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

 

What this means to us as believers is that we know the tribulation is soon to follow.

First, let me remind you that there will not be a rapture of the saints before the tribulation.  You can read my recent writing on this titled issue "Discerning the Signs of the Times" (It also includes other links on the same subject) https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/discerning-signs-of-times.html However, that does not mean we should panic or give up.  Now is the time to step up our walk with the Lord. We need to seek the Lord as never before. 

Jesus bluntly tells his disciples in Luke 21:26 that in the last days "Men's hearts" will fail "them for fear."  Which is another reason why it is so important to daily be fully clothed in the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18) so that we may guard our hearts and minds against the fear the end of this world is sure to bring.    

Now is the perfect opportunity to reach out to frightened people.  We can show them what peace in the midst of a storm looks like and why we have such hope.  Our calm assurance can lead them to the ultimate peace giver, Jesus Christ.

If you are shy as I am, being bold in the Lord will not be easy.  However, Jesus' commanded his believers in Mark 16:15 to, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."  You can teach as I do through the written word or through videos.  However you choose to spread the gospel, do it with boldness and authority.  Not in your own power, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I remain shy in my day-to-day interactions with people, yet God has given me a boldness speaking out against ungodly forms of entertainment, and the occult as I never thought I could have.  When you humbly and sincerely pray for courage to preach within His will, He will graciously grant you a boldness for the sake of His kingdom.

Now is also not a time to slack in reading your Bible and spending time in prayer.  In fact, now is the time to increase your time with the Lord.  The more you know Him and what His Word says, the better equipped you will be in what to say and should be less likely to lead others astray with a false message.  While you do not need to be a so-called expert on the Bible, I am absolutely saying you must know what it says on the issues of the free gift of salvation, true grace that comes with repentance, and holy living in order to keep from falling away from your walk with the Lord.  Do not rely on what your pastor tells you since most are only preaching a false gospel to make sure the offering plates are full.  Study on your own and read the words of Jesus Christ and His followers.  Might I suggest the New Testament first?  And of course, this is just to start your Biblical journey as we should the entire Bible.

My point today is to encourage all of you to take this end of days seriously.  Now is not the time to be afraid to be bold for the Lord. Being wishy washy or conforming to the world is not doing anyone any favors.  When you fear that your friends and family will call you judgmental and so you stay silent for their sakes, you will lead them away from Heaven, not toward it. Let go of your ego and do not worry if your friends and loved ones reject you.  True love does not keep silent; it warns of the dangers of sin and hell!  Point people to Matthew 19:16-21, Mark 7:6-23; Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Galatians 5:16-26, Ephesians 5:1-21, and Revelation 20:11-12, 21:7-8.  Do not be afraid to remind them what these verses mean. Break it down verse by verse and we can all learn what Jesus expects from us!

Time is shorter than most are ready to admit, so this message to believers today is to speak out for Jesus!  Do not wait until it is too late and we have all gone our separate ways when we are forced into hiding when the Antichrist begins his persecution of the True saints.  We need to speak up now while we still have the freedom to do so.  Now, more than ever is the time to be a light and a life preserver that leads strangers and loved ones alike to Heaven.  Do not hesitate or procrastinate, because if you wait until tomorrow, it may be too late!

The wonderful song I am sharing below is for all of all who want to speak out for Jesus. Don't be afraid to speak or write a sermon of conviction and to call sin what it is! Time is too short to try to make people feel comfortable in their sins.

Pride and Humility

 

Pride and Humility

With the recent Bible studies I have been doing, I have been noticing more and more the theme of humility.  God is more pleased with the humble man and woman than the one filled with pride.  

I performed a Bible Gateway search for both "pride" and "humble" (not any variation on the words such as prideful, arrogance, humility, contrite, etc.).  Pride had 46 results, and humble had 56 (KJV).  The main reason I like to use a lot of scriptures in my writings is to show that these are not my ideas or theologies, but those from great prophets, apostles, and especially from the ultimate teacher in the school of holiness, Jesus Christ! 

It will be difficult to do so, but I will narrow it down to 5 verses on each word, but, as usual, I recommend you do your own searches and read the verses you find.  As you read through the following 10 verses, prayerfully ask God to show you if you resemble any of these verses.  Repent if you can see you are mimicking the actions of pride and ask God to soften your heart.  Rejoice if you realized you are humble, but not to the point of pride (sounds contradictory, but you are rejoicing in the Lord and giving Jesus all the glory) and ask God to keep your heart and mind focused on Him and not on yourself or others' opinions.

I will begin with pride.  

Notice that the Bible shows pride as belonging to a wicked person.  The prideful person in Psalm 10 refuses to "seek after God" and does not even think about God.  He does not care about the consequences of his actions, arrogantly does as he pleases, and could care less if God is happy with him or not.   

(Psalm 10:4) The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. 

As I mentioned in my blog, "Seven Abominations," https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/proverbs-616-19-seven-abominations.html God hates pride. By the way, the dictionary definition of pride is: "a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired." That makes me think of someone who refuses to acknowledge that God is in control and that He has given us the abilities and talents we possess.  Yes, we may have to work hard to achieve certain talents, but God made you in His image, don't forget that!  Your drive and ambition may be your own, but God is still the giver of life and created our bodies and brains to be able to perform special tasks.  Fail to give God the glory and you may just be as the one mentioned in Proverbs: the one who falls.    

(Proverbs 16:8) Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. 

I love the way the verse in Obadiah says that pride is a deceiver.  The verse also is a perfect match for the verse above in Proverbs.  Your own arrogance can be your own destruction when you think no one can defeat you.  One great example of this: Napoleon Bonaparte.  I will not go into history, except to say that when Napoleon was exiled to the island of St. Helena, he died broken hearted and alone.  Instead of humbling himself before God and repenting of his sins, he felt sorry for himself, and some historians believed it was depression that killed him more so than stomach cancer. So, if you are prideful enough to ask, "Who shall bring me down?" you had better be prepared for a life-changing answer!  

(Obadiah 1:3) The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee... that saith in his heart, "Who shall bring me down to the ground?" 

The words of Jesus mean more to me than any others in the Bible.  Mark 7 was spoken to the Pharisees and scribes that were scolding Jesus and His disciples for not properly washing their hands!  I could easily write a separate blog on this chapter, and I encourage you to read all of Mark 7.  It is important to remember that Jesus sees pride as evil as blasphemy and murder.  If you think of it in those terms, it makes it easier to check your ego at the door! 

(Mark 7:21-23) For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. 

1 John is a great way to sum up the issue of pride.  It is considered the "lust of the flesh" and it absolutely is not a quality God wants us to possess, it is a characteristic of being seeped in the world, not in the spirit of a Holy God!  

(1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 

Now the verses on being humble.

God may allow you to go through difficult times as with the Israelites spending 40 years in the desert, in order to teach you a lesson on humility. We live in a fallen world, and bad things happen to the just and unjust (see Matthew 5:45), therefore, not all hard times are a punishment from God, be we can still allow ourselves to learn and grow and improve based on all the tough times we have or will face. Be humble and ask God what He would like you to learn so you can live better for Him.

(Deuteronomy 8:2) And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His [ten] commandments, or no. 

We hear the below verse quoted a lot lately, but what people forget to focus on is the first word, "If."  God is more than willing to heal our land if we humble ourselves and repent from wickedness.  Sadly, this is unlikely to happen, and we will only see this world spiral farther downhill until Jesus returns after the tribulation.  However, we can still seek individual revival and healing.

(2 Chronicles 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

We should only boast about the goodness of God! Our goals should always be to lift Jesus higher and remove the attention from ourselves. It says in Psalm 34 that the humble hearts will be glad and rejoice in the goodness of God. The mercy and love of God is absolutely worth celebrating!

(Psalm 34:2) My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 

Just as with the above list in Mark that show how God hates pride, the verse below shows us how God loves humility. When we choose to call ourselves a follower of Christ, we need to do our best to be humble with one another just as Christ was.    

(Colossians 3:12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of [the depth of] mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.

It has been very hard to narrow these verses down, but I will end in the book of James.  These verses sum up this entire writing beautifully!  God's grace is a free gift, but the below verse clearly states that God gives more grace to those who are humble than those who are full of pride.  Just as we are more likely to forgive someone whose apology is sincere, the Lord knows our hearts, and if our repentance is shallow.  God's grace will not be extended as far as if you are truly sorry for what you have done and will sincerely trey not to repeat the same mistakes.  But the great news if when we are not attempting to be phony with the King of Kings, then He will cast our sins far away (Michah 7:19) and His mercies will be new every single time we humbly repent (Lamentations 3:22-23).   

I included verses 7 & 8 because they go so perfectly with the theme of humility.  Submitting to God means giving up all He asks us to, giving up our will, and letting Him lead.  When we submit to God's perfect ways, only then will the devil flee from us.  If we are still rebelliously refusing to give up the sinful things we know God hates, the devil will stay right where we have invited him to stay: in the movies, books, secular music, false religions, occultic practices, and other sinful activities we allow in our lives that go against the principles of Jesus Christ.   

When we truly draw close to the presence of God, we lose our egos and focus only on the sovereignty and holiness of God.  We decrease so God can increase (John 3:30).  

We need to clean our hands, and hearts and repent from our sins and as the verse states, quit being double-minded.  We cannot serve both God and Satan (1 Corinthians 10:21 - Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.).  Humbly repent and serve the Holy Trinity alone!       

The amplified version of James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]."  Then you can use that new purpose to serve God and bring glory to His great name!

(James 4:6-8, & 10) But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.