God's Grace is Sufficient for Those who Walk in the Light, Written by my Husband

 

God's Grace is Sufficient for Those who Walk in the Light

Written by my Husband, Mel

God's grace is sufficient for those who are truly saved and walking in the light. Salvation begins with true repentance. Repentance means that you hunger and thirst after righteousness and desire to grow in Christ. It also means you are sorry for the old sinful ways of your past and now are putting your faith in Christ. It is God's desire for you to grow in him and allow his Holy Spirit to transform you into a new creation.

(Romans 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, WHO WALK NOT after the flesh, BUT after the Spirit.

God gives us grace to walk in the morning light as he has spoken to me audibly. The morning begins with a small amount of light at sunrise, as the morning progresses you have more sunlight until the sun shines at full strength at noon. So, it is for the Christian. His Grace is sufficient even if we have a small amount of light as we grow and yield to his Holy Spirit. However, God does not provide grace to continually walk in the darkness, as well as to remain apathetic toward righteousness. To know Christ is to walk in the Spirit and Not the flesh (old sinful ways).

(Galatians 5:16-25) 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.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Come as You are, but Don't Stay That Way

  

I originally wrote this in January 2016, but it has been on my heart to share it again. Even the preachers once on-fire for God who took a stand and preached against sin, are now leaving out the message of holiness and just preaching about salvation.  Yes, our walk with God absolutely starts with asking Jesus into our heart, but that is just the beginning.  It does not end with acknowledging Jesus died for your sins.  We need to do more than just realize Jesus loves us, we need to love Him in return by living only for Him, not for ourselves or others.  

My blog "The Parable of the Lost Sheep" has to do with being lost, and allowing Jesus to find you and be saved.  However, once you have surrendered your heart, mind, and soul to Christ, you are not instantly saved forever.  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. 

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness.  Joel 2:12-13

It is very true that Christ accepts us as we are, and He freely 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.  Think of it this way:  if your child wrote on the living room walls and said, "I'm so sorry, please forgive me," you would forgive him.  If he does it again, you will still love him, but there will be consequences for his actions.  If he does it a third time and continues to defy you and take advantage of your gracious heart, the consequences become more dire.  It is the same with our Heavenly Father.  Even more so since 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.

II Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. " That means we are to put away the old creature/old nature of sin.  We don't stay living like the world.  If you are serious about following Christ, you need to give up worldly sins such as pornography, going to bars, secular music, occult practices such as yoga and astrology, movies/television, etc.

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance;  but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;  knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  I Peter 1:13-19

On my husband's blog "The Sword of the Spirit," http://swordofthespirit77.blogspot.com/ Mel wrote a blog in July 2015 titled "The Finish Line," that goes along perfectly with my blog.  Here is some of what he wrote: 

"Most churches today are not teaching their people the truth in regard to salvation. They are taught that by simply reciting the sinner’s prayer that they are saved and the angels are singing in Heaven. The sinner’s prayer is a great prayer when done in sincerity, but this alone does not save a person’s soul, it is just the beginning. Most churches today are not teaching their people to repent of their sins and to be born again. To be born again, a person must become a new creation in Christ, and this means to be set apart from the world and unto God...  If Jesus Christ is truly the Lord of your life then his attributes will be apparent in your life. Christ said that any tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.  


"This life of probation, may be compared to running a race. We run this race of life hoping to obtain the prize, which is eternal life with God, but if we do not complete the race and cross the finish line, then all is lost... Paul was saying that like a runner in a race keeps his body in good physical condition, we must also keep our spiritual body in good condition so that we might be able to cross the finish line and win our crown.  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.  I Corinthians 9:24 

"Christ said that those who endure unto the end shall be saved, if we fail to cross the finish line in victory, then all is lost... And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:12

"The lukewarm church of the end time is preaching a greasy grace message that makes people feel good, instead of  teaching them the truth. When there is no distinction between the sinful world and the saints, then the salt has lost it’s savor and the truth has been turned into a lie. If we live, dress, talk, as well as act like sinners, then we are lost as well. Christ made atonement upon the cross for sins committed in ignorance, as well as for sins that are repented of. If we do not repent of willful sins, then there is no forgiveness. Atonement is not automatic, it follows repentance. No one is perfect of course, but we are called to righteousness, and this means to live right..."
 

"The Book of Revelation was given to the Apostle John by the angel of Jesus Christ. Within Revelation, Christ gave warnings to the various churches that they must keep the commandments of God or they would be cast away. In Rev 2:4 Christ told them that they had left their first love, he told them to repent, and do their first works over or he would remove their lampstand from it’s place. He also told the church of Sardis to repent, because their works, were not found to be perfect before God. Christ told the church of Laodicea that because they are lukewarm that he would vomit them out of his mouth. As you can see, the Word of God teaches us that it is very possible to fall from grace, due to sin, or lack of faith. It is time for the lukewarm churches to wake up and stop leading people astray. James states the truth very clearly, when he said that faith without works is dead."

 
Here are some more thoughts on this subject from a blog I wrote in June 2014 titled: "How do we survive this world?"
 
If we cry out to God, He will hear our pleas.  He wants to protect us and save us... 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... 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.  

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. II Chronicles 7:14 
The key words there are “if,” and “humble themselves.”

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

Humble yourself and admit you have done wrong.  Salvation begins with repentance and admittance of sin.  If you died right then, you would go to Heaven.  However, though salvation is a free gift, we must treat it with respect in order to keep that gift. In spite of the very popular belief that you are now saved forever and will automatically go to heaven no matter what you do next is a lie.  It is an excuse to live however you want because you are a “Christian.” There is no desire to please your Creator or live a truly Christian lifestyle. There is no self-evaluation or repentance.  You cannot rebelliously continue in sin and expect God to turn a blind eye.  Not every sin leads to hell, of course, but refusing to do the right thing may cost your soul.

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. Luke 9:23

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

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.

So do we wait until some crazy gunman is at our door (so to speak) before we choose to make the decision to live a holy life?  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.  Age, race, wealth, none of it matters when you’re on a highway full of reckless drivers or the day you 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.    

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. II Corinthians 6:2

 

 

Jesus longs to hold each of us in His arms.  He wants us to cross the Finish Line and not perish. 

 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. II Peter 8:10

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3:16.

 

 

I'll end with a few more scriptures on salvation & repentance.

The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’ Acts 2:20-22

For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.  And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ Acts 22:15-16

 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:12-13

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

(All artwork is by Ron DiCianni)

The Great Commission, Written by my Husband

The Great Commission, Written by my Husband, Mel

When Christ told Peter and Andrew to follow him and that he would make them fishers of men, they immediately dropped their nets and followed him. The same call goes out to us today. In Matt 28:18-20 (The Great Commission) the Lord instructs us to go out into all of the world and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that he commanded. We are called to share our faith with all people. If we are ashamed of Christ, then he will deny us before the Father in Heaven. We need to be bold about sharing our hope of salvation with a dying world. We must also reflect Christ in our daily lives. Are you an example of true Christianity to your co-workers or family members? You may be their only lifeline of salvation. If you were in a boat and someone fell overboard, would you not throw them a life preserver? Jesus Christ is our lifeline, because he alone, paid the price for our salvation.

The entire world is a mission field, and the Lord does not require us to be eloquent speakers to share our faith. We can plant seeds of faith with those around us. It's not up to us for them to believe, it is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin and lead them to the truth, but we should utilize every opportunity to plant seeds of truth. One person may plant a seed, then another will come and water that new tender shoot, then another will harvest the crop and bring it into the storehouse. Let us look at Luke 8:5-18. 

  
 (NKJV) Luke 8:5-18 "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.   "Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.  "And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.  "But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"  Then His disciples asked Him, saying, "What does this parable mean?"   And He said, "To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest [it is given] in parables, that 'Seeing they may not see, And hearing they may not understand.'   " Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.   "Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.   "But the ones on the rock [are those] who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.   "Now the ones [that] fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.   "But the ones [that] fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep [it] and bear fruit with patience.   " No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts [it] under a bed, but sets [it] on a lamp stand, that those who enter may see the light.   "For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor [anything] hidden that will not be known and come to light.   "Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him [more] will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."

We need to be a light set on a lamp stand, not hidden, that the world may see our good fruit, and desire to have the faith that is able to save their souls. Many people will fall away due to the cares or riches of this world, that is why it is so important to teach new believers of the importance of studying God's Word.  1 Thess 2:1-12 gives us good instruction on being a good role model to those we disciple in the faith.

The Apostle Paul was a great role model to the churches that he established, in conduct, as well as deed. His teachings did not come from error, uncleanness, or deceit. In order to be a good example to the churches, he worked with his own hands so as not to be a burden to those whom he preached to. Paul’s example of true Christianity is polar opposite of that of the modern-day television evangelists and mega church pastors. Most of them live in multi- million-dollar palaces, built from the money given by the poor, widows, as well as the disabled.

Christ said that you cannot serve God and mammon (money), for only one will be your master. As Paul pointed out, our moral conduct should be blameless as well. We should live a life worthy of an ambassador for Christ, because the world is watching. We need to be the salt of the earth, letting our light shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. Let us all pray that the Lord of the harvest will send us out.


(NKJV) Luke 10:1-3 After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.  Then He said to them, "The harvest truly [is] great, but the laborers [are] few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.  "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.

Spiritual Warfare, Written by my Husband

 

Spiritual Warfare

Written by my Husband (Mel)

You defeat Satan through the blood of Christ, faith, and the Word. Satan quite often will remind Christians of their past sins in order to make you feel unworthy and defeated. Many feel they need to keep repenting over and over for past mistakes. Yes, we need to repent but not for the same sin for which we already repented, once is enough per sin. After you ask for forgiveness, that mistake is now under the blood of Jesus. The truth is that our debts were paid in full by the finished work of the Son of God upon the cross. Christ died for all of your sins, not just some of them. The blood of Christ has covered, as well as removed your sins. Since you are washed clean in the blood of Christ, you need to forgive yourself and press forward in Christ. Don't allow Satan to defeat you through his condemnation. If you walk in the Spirit, there is no condemnation. If you walk in the old nature (flesh) you may experience the conviction of the Holy Spirit which leads to repentance. (Romans 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

We are also told in God's Word, to take the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16). Fear is the opposite of faith and fear can quite often empower Satan’s attacks against us. That is why faith is vital for our protection against the many on slots and snares of the evil one. In battle, the shield repelled the blows of the enemy's weapons, and the same is also true in spiritual warfare, it is the shield of faith that stops the attacks. If we have faith that our Lord is bigger, as well as stronger than any of our enemies, then our prayers will be answered, and victory will be the result. Faith is the key for many breakthroughs in the Christian walk. Healings, deliverance from demonic activity, as well as everyday life situations, require faith to get results.

We are also instructed to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, to fight the enemy (Ephesians 6:17). If you are submitted to God by walking in the Spirit, you have the authority to rebuke the enemy in your life. If you are experiencing any form of spiritual warfare in your life, command the enemy to be gone in the name of Jesus Christ. If you have faith and are submitted to God, he must leave. However, fear of the enemy, or doubt, will prevent deliverance. It is important to pray, as well as quote scriptures in faith to get results.

It is very important for the Christian to understand spiritual warfare, since we have an adversary seeking our destruction. God’s Word tells us that Satan is like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan is also referred to as, the thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. One of Satan’s tactics is to stir people up in anger towards God. Many people blame God for the problems that they experience in this life, and they are oblivious to the fact, that there are two opposing kingdoms at work in the earth. Ephesians 6:12 states that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

 The truth is that we live in a war zone, and the battle is over the souls of men. If you belong to Christ, then you are in the Lord’s army, and Satan’s kingdom has declared all-out war against you. However, the good news is, greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world, and if you are truly saved, you will inherit eternal life. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, then you have the power to live an overcoming life, as well as the authority to put the devil to flight. In these last days, it is crucial that all Christians receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, in order to be able to stand firm in Christ, against the many snares of the devil.

(James 4:7) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. 

(Ephesians 6:10-18) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  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.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Love Your Enemies

 

Note:  All the short stories I post are fiction, the products of an active imagination.  For example, I was never bullied or harassed in school.  Any resemblance to real people or real places will always be coincidental unless otherwise specified.  Even the names of the authors and places are fictional.  This is not a story about me.  However, I did have teachers named Mrs. Yamamoto, Mr. Kurtz, and Mr. Waters.

<sup>Love Your Enemies

It is often difficult to feel compassion for a bully.  Especially one that has harassed and tormented you since the fifth grade.  Yet, that is what I have been taught to do: to "pray for those who despitefully use" me.*  I know I should try to understand what pains Darcy is going through that cause her to lash out.  Yet, because I am her main target, it makes it harder to care about what she's going through and so I focus only on what I have to deal with.

Darcy moved to our town of Remington seven years ago.  From the first day we met in Mrs. Yamamoto's class, she made up her mind she did not like me.  I had been asked by our teacher to help the new girl feel welcome and help Darcy get acquainted.  One look at Darcy and one look at me quickly made our classmates wonder why Mrs. Yamamoto had paired us together.  Darcy only wears dark colors often decorated with skulls.  She dyes her naturally blonde hair black and reeks of sour body odor.  I may not outwardly wear my faith in God by sporting crosses every day, but everyone knows my father is a preacher.  I am childishly known as a goody-goody-two-shoes.

As far as I know, I have never done anything to cause Darcy to dislike me.  She has judged me solely based on my appearance.  Well, that and probably also because of my father's occupation.  We are usually products of our environment, after all. Yet after many long years of tripping me so I spilled my lunch tray, refusing to let me into the girls' bathroom, and following me down the hallways shouting, "Smelly Belly is a Jesus Freak," I ceased the need to know her reason.  And, no, my name is not Belly, of course, but Belinda.

You may wonder why the school never intervened.  Simple, I never complained.  Darcy never caused me any physical harm, just a lot of immature pranks at my expense.  Humiliation I could somewhat tolerate but being labeled as a snitch would make things unbearable.

Oh, how I longed to be homeschooled, but my parents had five growing children to feed.  My father was a full-time minister and part time nursing home janitor, and my mother needed to work outside the home as well.

It was the end of our senior year, but it was not graduation I looked forward to the most, it was leaving Darcy behind forever.  Just one week to go, and I would be free.  But not yet.  God would make sure I learned a lesson that had never been taught in my secular school room.

I had Mr. Kurtz for sixth hour psychology.  Our final assignment would be worth 30% of our grade.  According to Mr. Kurtz, it would cause us to think outside our own selfish little worlds.  We would be forced to look at another person we typically never talked to and see him or her in a whole new light.  I should have sensed danger from the word go, but I had foolishly assumed Mr. Kurtz was being his typical melodramatic self.  It was not until he started naming off the students he had chosen as teams that I realized he paid attention.  He knew which kid had which reputation and had meticulously matched students based on polar opposites.  The rich cheerleader who was never seen in the same outfit twice was paired with the poor girl who wore the same pair of pants every day.  The football captain was placed with the captain of the chess club.  The gothic girl was teamed with the preacher's kid.  Wait!  What?

He then distributed a set of seven questions we were to ask our partner.  After we had each answered all the questions, we had to write an essay on what our preconceptions had been, and how our opinions had changed.  I noticed he did not say if our opinions had changed. 

Mr. Kurtz wisely understood that if we took this assignment out of the classroom, they would never be completed.   He knew his students would either make up the answers, or just refuse to do the assignment.  No stuck-up privileged child would ever allow someone living in a trailer park into his or her home.  Therefore, we were to spend the time interviewing each other in the classroom.  We were to volley questions back and forth rather than individually go through the entire set. We would ask and answer every question to his satisfaction.  If he looked over our papers and felt our answers were in anyway lacking, we would be sent back to our partner.  We were not limited to the seven questions and could add any of our own at will.

Our desks nosily scraped across the floor as we rearranged ourselves into groups of two.  I felt my stomach twist into a roller coaster of knots as I approached Darcy at her desk at the back of the classroom.

I had not expected any pleasant small talk, or any greeting of any sort, so when she began asking the first question before I had even finished sitting down, I was not surprised at her cold tone.

"'What is your full name?  Include any nicknames.'"

"Belinda April Carston.  My parents and sisters call me either Bel or Lindy," I replied, noticing the smirk on her face as she wrote down my answer.  I knew she was thinking of her rude nickname for me as well.  I then repeated the first question for her to answer.

"Darcy Suzanne Jenkins.  I don't have any nicknames, and you can't include what my dad calls me."

"Why not?"  I wondered.

"Because your delicate ears aren't conditioned for swear words," she explained with an abrasive laugh.  She moved on to the second question, "'With whom do you share your home?'"

I did not know if we were supposed to be specific, so I vaguely answered, "My two parents and four younger siblings."

"Technically I live with my dad, but he spends more time at the bar than at home," Darcy revealed with a mixture of bitterness and sadness in her tone.  She shook it off and read, "'What are your hobbies?'"

"Reading, singing, hiking with my dog, and..."

"Praying and reading your Bible?" she completed my sentence with a sneer.

"No, well, yes, but I was going to say baking and swimming," I replied, taking a slow deep breath.  Three questions down.  It was too early to get angry yet.

"My hobbies are smoking and listening to heavy metal music."

I started to write down her response, but she stopped me.

"Wait," she insisted, "Don't write that.  My real hobbies are playing the trumpet, learning foreign languages, drawing, and I also like to read and go for walks with my dog."

Okay, so I had not expected those answers, and half-wondered if she was telling the truth.

"What kind of dog do you have?"  I ventured.

"White trash hound.  And you?"

I ignored her sarcasm and said, "He's a mutt from the dog pound.  I think he's German shepherd mixed with yellow lab."

"Sounds like a dog with a lot of energy," Darcy remarked, her tone sounding civil for the first time in seven years, "My dog is a Rottweiler mixed with a pit bull."

Again, I did not know if she was being truthful or facetious, but we moved on to the fourth question.

"'What career do you want to have?'"

"I want to go to culinary school and eventually own my own bakery that also sells dog and cat treats," I offered.

She nodded her head as if she approved.  "I want to illustrate children's books."

"Who's your favorite author?"  I shot, trying to call her bluff.  I could not imagine her ever reading for pleasure and did not expect her to know the names of any authors.

"Alice Bentley.  I would love to illustrate one of her books."

"I love her stories.  My favorite is 'The Secret Life of Coastal Otters,'" I said a little too enthusiastically.

"Of course it is; it's about a preacher's daughter."

"Yes, but it's also about reaching out to people who are lonely or considered outcasts," I countered.

Her blue eyes glared at me from behind the black eyeliner.  "That's why it's called fiction.  Real preacher's daughters don't make friends with anyone different from herself.  They just roll their eyes and wrinkle their noses at the smell when the teacher asks her to be the new girl's guide."

"Darcy, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"I was a scared and lonely young girl who just needed a friend.  And instead, you became my judge," she accused.

Her stark truth burned right into my heart.  All this time I felt like she had been the instigator of our opposition, but in fact, I had been the one who first rejected her.  True, it did not excuse her bad behavior, but she was acting out of hurt.  I was ashamed of myself.

"Who's your favorite author?" she suddenly blurted, choosing to change the subject back to the previous topic.

"Melton Leonard," I answered, my voice still shaky with remorse.

"He's pretty amazing too," she agreed, then looked back at the assignment to question five.  "'Do you think you will get to follow your dreams?'"

"Maybe someday, but not for a while," I said, forcing my mind to focus on the new issue, "The nearest culinary school to Remington is 300 miles away, and I promised my parents I would stay close to home until the younger kids are old enough to help do the cooking and cleaning.  The next oldest is only thirteen.  I help mama now because she doesn't get home from work until 7:00.  I'll make sure I get a job that allows me to be home when the kids are off school."

"Why don't you just do what you want to do and let your family hire a nanny?"  Darcy wondered.

"My family is my top priority, and they can't afford a nanny.  After all, they've paid for my upkeep for 18 years, it's the least I can do."

"Noble," she muttered rather sarcastically.

"Your turn to answer the question," I prompted.

"I've already submitted some of my artwork to a literary agent, and she believes I have real talent.  I have an appointment to meet with the children's editor at Rosewood Publishing in New York City the week after graduation," she reported.

"That's exciting!  I bet your dad's proud of you," I said.

She made a noise something like a grunt and went on with the assignment.  "'What will you miss the most about high school and what will you miss the least?'"

"I pretty much dislike school, so I can't say I'll miss anything. Well, maybe choir.  As far as what I'll miss the least?"  I paused and locked eyes with her.  I wanted to say it was being bullied by her, but I think she got the idea.  "I won't miss lunch."

"Why?  We have good food here."

"I know, but I always end up sitting alone reading a book.  The time kinda drags.  I'd rather skip lunch and go home and hour earlier."

She studied me thoughtfully.  "I never thought of you as being lonely."

"No one wants to be friends with a square."

"I don't think anyone uses that word anymore."

I sighed.  "I guess not.  But at least I won't look back at my many years trapped in school with any regrets."

I hit an unintentional nerve again, and she made another grunting sound.  "I will miss my art class.  Mr. Waters is the one who encouraged my talent and helped me find an agent," she paused as she thought over her next response, "I also will not miss lunch.  I have people to sit with, but the people who party with you are not the same ones who cheer when you get a meeting in New York.  I know I'll never see any of them again."

"I guess I never thought of you as lonely either," I returned.

She nodded but did not want to dwell on it.  "Question seven:  'Is there anything you would like to add?'"

I was uncertain if I wanted to approach the subject again but figured it would most likely be my last opportunity to do so.  "I'm sorry for being so judgmental.  I hadn't realized until now what I snob I have been.  I always thought you didn't like me because I'm a Christian.  But that doesn't matter; I still should have been kinder to you.  We have a few things in common, we may have even become friends."

"I wouldn't go that far!"  she said with a mocking air, but sincerely added in an almost- whisper, "Maybe we could have."

"'Is there anything you would like to add?'"  I repeated.

I naively expected her to apologize to me as well, but instead she simply said, "No."

"Fair enough," I decided, but knew I could not end  the conversation there.  With a pounding heart, I quickly added, "By the way, Jesus love you very much. In  fact..."

I was interrupted by the bell ringing and Mr. Kurtz dismissed the class.  And just like that, the conversation with my enemy was over.  We never spoke again.

All the way home from school that day, all I could think of was that I had never once considered Darcy's home life or her hopes for the future.  I had never seen her as anything but my own personal bully.  It turned out she was an ambitious young woman about to achieve her dreams.  Yet, she was still just a sad and lonely little girl wanting someone to be her friend. 

Of all the years I spent in classrooms, the lesson Mr. Kurtz taught stuck with me more than any other.  I prayed for Darcy every day after that eye-opening assignment.  I also prayed for forgiveness for being so self-centered.   I prayed I would never again waste the opportunity to be a friend to someone in need, no matter what she looked like.  I never again wanted to squander the opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

I was certain there would be more bullies to face in my life, but I vowed after that day that I would see them through less critical eyes and reach out to them, even if they rejected me.  Perhaps next time God placed someone in my life to witness to, I would not drop the ball.  I would pray to make up for my past mistakes, and to be transformed into a woman God could use; a woman who could learn to love her enemies.   

 * "</sup>But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."  Matthew 5:44

The Truth About the Second Coming of Christ, Written by my Husband

 

The Truth About the Second Coming of Christ

Written by my Husband, Mel

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 scriptures 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 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 24:29-31, NKJV) “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 was not speaking metaphorically. The pre-trib rapture doctrine teaches that this passage is in reference to the second coming of Christ, seven years after the ingathering of the saints. However, Christ said at this time, he would send forth 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. Christ was clear that his only return would occur immediately after the tribulation.

Many people take (Luke 17:34-37) out of context. They attribute these scriptures to a pre-trib rapture. However, Christ said that those taken, will be taken to the great slaughter, not heaven. Those taken, will be taken to where the eagles (or vultures in some translations) gather. That is a reference to the death. 

(Luke 17:34-37) "I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left". And they answered and said unto Him, "Where, Lord?" And He said unto them, "Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together."

(Matt 24:27-28) For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

The Apostle Paul taught that we will not be caught up to meet the Lord in the air until the dead are raised first, then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them. Paul did not say that we will be caught up to Heaven, but that we will meet the Lord in the air as he returns, this is our transformation into immortality (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

(1 Corinthians 15:51-53)  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.

   

If we establish when the dead are raised, we will know when the remnant who are alive, will be caught up and transformed. Christ said, that He will raise the dead on the last day. 

(John 6:39-40)  This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  

Paul taught that the dead are raised first, then the living are caught up with them at the last trumpet. The last trumpet is a reference to the sounding of the seventh angel in the book of Revelation.  

(Revelation 10:7) But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. 

(Revelation 11:15) Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” 

As you can see, God’s Word clearly teaches that the dead are raised, as well as the living are transformed, on the last day, at the last trumpet.

Another interesting fact is that all those martyred within the Great Tribulation will have part in the first resurrection (resurrection of the righteous). If the rapture/resurrection occurred before the tribulation, then the martyred ones would have no resurrection. 

(Revelation 20:4-6) And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

(Isaiah 26:20-21) Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.

God’s Word teaches us that God will protect many of his children in remote wilderness locations during this time of tribulation (Revelation 12 & Isaiah 26:20-21) God instructs his children to hide themselves during this time of indignation. The overcomers will be the remnant that will never see death.

(Revelation 12:13-17) Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.  But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So, the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.  But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

 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 to ride out the storm. 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.  The Lord protected the Hebrews in the land of Goshen from the plagues that struck Egypt. I believe that he will do likewise for his children who obey His voice and relocate. Those who are waiting for a rapture to take them out will perish along with the Egyptians.

Shortly after the death of my nephew in 2013, the Lord blessed me with a dream of his return. I was also grieving over the death of my only brother, and this dream brought me great comfort. In my dream, I saw a great city descending from God, out of Heaven, it looked like many castles, shining brighter than the sun. This may have been the New Jerusalem, or symbolic of the Kingdom of God coming to the earth. Then I heard a loud voice shout, "Every eye shall behold Him!" Then I saw the face of Jesus Christ fill the entire sky! His face was turned away from the earth because of wickedness, but as he was returning, he turned his face toward the earth. His face was transparent like that of a spirit, but you could clearly see his features. He was wearing a very large crown filled with many jewels.

 When the elect saw him, they fell to their knees and lifted up their faces and hands toward him. Then their faces began to glow brightly, and soon their entire bodies were transformed into their immortal form. I know that the return of Christ will occur soon, because the Lord has spoken to me three times that I will never see death, yet will be transformed when he returns.      

(Revelation 1:7) Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.

A great war is soon coming; it will cause a famine greater than this world has ever known. This is why the Lord also showed me that it is crucial that Christians relocate to very remote areas in order to protect their families, as well as their food supply. During this time of war and famine, people will be desperate to feed their families, and they will kill you for your food, as well as supplies. Out of necessity, people will eventually consume all of the natural resources, including all the wildlife. In Revelation chapter, six we read about the four horsemen of the apocalypse these horses represent the antichrist, war, famine, and death that will last throughout the entire tribulation period. As you can see from God’s Word, war is followed by worldwide famine. 

In addition, the time will come when money will be worthless and no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark, number, or name of the beast. It is crucial that Christians prepare ASAP, for sudden destruction will come and most people will be unprepared.

As I stated previously, we need to be in prayer, as well as fasting for direction from the Lord as to where to relocate to ride out the storm. The Lord has instructed my wife and me to relocate to a place of true wilderness, away from all towns and human population. The time will soon come when Christians will need to band together and share their resources in order to survive. In the book of Acts, we read where the early church did exactly this. Those who had an abundance shared with those who lacked, so that everyone’s needs were met, and the Apostles distributed the food accordingly. I believe that this type of community will be necessary once again.

 Mountains can serve as a barrier between populated areas and wilderness, as well as slow down human traffic. I believe that remote mountainous areas are ideal for survival. I would recommend very tall mountains, like the Rockies, or the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia Canada. It is also necessary to live near a good water source, such as a lake, river, or year round creek. It is also a good idea to live near plenty of trees, for firewood, as well as building materials. I would also recommend stockpiling as much food as possible. The dehydrated foods with a shelf life of thirty or forty years are ideal. I believe that it is a good idea to hide your food underground if possible. It is also a good idea to learn as much as possible about farming, gardening, hunting, and fishing. The time will come when there will be no more electricity, gasoline, or grocery stores, to depend on. When the war comes, society will be set back to primitive conditions.

 According to government sources, if one nuclear bomb were to be set off in the stratosphere above the central United States, it would create an electromagnetic pulse that would knock out the national power grid, as well as all electronic devices and most cars. It would take over a century to get it up and running again. Also according to government sources, if this occurs, ninety percent of the American population will die within one year. Most people are dependent upon Wal-Mart for food and supplies. We all drive cars to work, and trucks, trains, and planes are necessary for transport of food etc. All of our modern conveniences that we take for granted, will come to an end. That is why it is important to learn how to survive. In fact, the Lord spoke to my wife that a nuclear device will be set off in the stratosphere, above the United States. Russia, China, North Korea, as well as Iran, have war plans in place, which mention using a stratosphere bomb against America.

I believe that nuclear radiation will not affect God’s elect. I also believe that we will once again, see the same type of miracles that we read about in Exodus, as well as Acts. That is why we must learn to live by faith, and not fear, but like Noah, we need to prepare our ark of safety according to God’s direction.

Final comment. The doctrine of the Rapture is not mentioned in any Christian writings of which we have knowledge, until after the year 1830. It is believed that this doctrine originated in England. Others claim that a 15-year-old girl from Scotland received a vision of a pre-trib rapture. Many scholars claim that the pre-tribulation rapture doctrine originated with Puritan preachers and Cotton Mather and increased in popularity in 1830s due to John Nelson Darby.  The pre-tribulation rapture doctrine was also popular with the Plymouth Brethren and became popular in the United States in the early 20th century due to the Scofield Reference Bible.

Jesus is Always in the Room

(Originally posted in March 2021.) As I was lying awake around 2:00 this morning, I was praying about the type of writer I want to be.  What style do I want to use to inspire my readers and those who watch my videos?  The number one preacher that came to my mind was the late Leonard Ravenhill.  Other than those from the Bible, Jesus was and still is the ultimate preacher/teacher to whom none will ever compare.  I would have to say I admire Ravehill's style of preaching above all others, although the late David Wilkerson is a close second.  The reason why I admire Ravenhill so much is that he was never afraid to speak the Truth in love and did not care if people thought him too strict.  He had a high calling and cared more what God thought than what man thought, and all He said was Biblically sound.  I am currently reading his book "Revival God's Way, A Message for the Church," and it makes me admire his convictions even more.  All those that want to witness for the Lord should pray for the same boldness, the same fire, and the same realization and revelation of God's Holy Spirit as Ravenhill had. Also, those who knew him personally, said that though Ravenhill was strict in his messages, he and his wife were both always loving, kind, and welcomed all to their home with open arms. They were loving as well as unashamed for Christ! 

It was after I prayed for the boldness of Ravenhill that God gave me the message for this writing. Please note that this comes from a heart of love, humility, and passion for the holiness of God, not out of judgmentalism or ego.  

1 John 2:1-17 is also the inspiration for this blog; I will post those verses at the end.  Honestly, these verses should be enough to convict anyone actively choosing to live a life of sin, I do not need to add anything to it, so I will keep this brief.

It is specifically verses 4 & 15-16 that are sticking out in my mind the most: "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 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."

With those verses in mind, I have some questions to ask.  Again, I am not being sarcastic or rude, but these are genuine, soul-searching questions I strongly feel God wanted me to write.

When you say you love the Lord with all your heart, you say you want to serve Him, you say you want to glorify the Lord, why do you refuse to let go of things you know are wrong?  This is the way God wants you to think of every single action you make and why I was asked to post these questions to you and to me. These questions are in no particular order, I just as wrote them in the order the Holy Spirit prompted.  

 Do you truly believe that if Jesus was visibly in front of you:

Would you still turn on the television or computer to watch programs you know breaks the Lord's heart?  Would you watch Harry Potter, Star Wars, Twilight, Frozen, etc.?  Would you still get out your yoga mat and hum to and pose for Satan?  Would you walk into a bar just for a "casual drink" with your buddies?  Would you let the checkout clerk know she under-charged you (you would sure let her know if she over-charged you)? What clothing in your closet would you still choose to wear? As a married person, would you still flirt with that person not your spouse? Would you have sex with those to whom you did not make wedding vows?  Would you still cheat on that test or on your taxes?  Would you slip that item into your pocket or purse that did not belong to you?  Would you lie? Would you embellish on a story you knew never happened? How many words would you need to remove from your vocabulary?  Would you use your fists to "communicate" to your spouse, child, or pet?  Would you listen to your own tone in the way you respond to those around you? Would you insult and ignore the homeless, the lonely, the mentally ill, the drug addict? Would you take a little marijuana or other drug just to "relax"?  Would you choose that book?  Would you listen to that song?  Would you dance that way to that song?  Would you belittle the person that makes a mistake, including customer service, the waitress, the cashier, etc.? Would you gossip?  Would you back bite?  Would you say what you are saying about that person not in the room? Would you look at pornography?  Would you go against any person's wishes that begs you to stop doing what you are doing and hurt them anyway? Would you still be a rapist?                

Make no mistake, Jesus is always in the room!  2 Chronicles 16:19 says that "the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth."  He is always watching and listening to everything we say, do, and think.   

Reflect over each question, pray over them, and ask The Holy Spirit to convict you as He has me.  Repent and ask Him to help you change.  Start over! His mercies are new every morning. (see Lamentations 3:23)

I said that 2 John was instrumental in inspiring this blog, so let me pose a few more questions to you based on the verses listed below.

Again, I must ask, why, when you say you love the Lord with all your heart, you say you want to serve Him and glorify His name, do you still do the things you KNOW go against scripture?  Why do you want to break the Father's heart?  Do you really want to be considered a liar when you say you love the Lord?  Again, Jesus is always in the room.   

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 

Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 

I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. 

I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 

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. 

I John 2:1-17