How was I able to find a spiritual message while making dog bones?

My late father, a former preacher, used to insist that you can find a sermon in any subject.  However, I am sure you are wondering what spiritual significance dog bones could possibly have!  Sit back, and I will tell you just how I was able to find a "sermon" in the making of 113 dog bones! 

In 2020, we rescued a white German Shepherd from a very irresponsible breeder. To keep a very long story much shorter, Sierra has not been the healthiest dog, and we have only just now figured out that food allergies may be what is contributing to her hair and weight loss. Because the commercially made foods for pets with allergies are way beyond our budget, I have begun cooking food for her and our other two dogs every day. Although we have seen some improvement in Sierra, she is still very skinny. Therefore, I decided to make her some high-protein dog bones to help supplement her diet. I researched what foods were best (and safest) for my dog to improve.  I have a neurological condition that causes extreme fatigue, weakness, and pain, yet I was willing to stand on my feet for close to two hours making this special recipe I created and rolled out 113 dog bones!  I didn't give up, but I kept going until all the bones were baked!  

Wow, what commitment, right?  Now maybe you are starting to understand how I became inspired to write this blog.  While I worked hard researching, formulating, and executing the perfect recipe, I found myself doing some serious self-examination and asked myself if I put forth that much effort in my walk with the Lord.  

2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  This means that God is very pleased with us when we study His Holy Word and learn what is right and wrong in the eyes of Jesus, not in the eyes of man.  Just as I studied up on my dog's condition and what foods would be the most beneficial to her, it is even more important that I study all that God commands of me in my walk with Him in order to please Him.  The more I read my Bible and know what it says, the more I will be able to be able to distinguish between the false teachers and the ones telling me exactly what the Bible says.  I will be able to "divide the truth" from fiction.

Just as I wanted to know what was healthy for my dog, if I want to know what is healthy for my spiritual walk, one place to start is Galatians 5:19-25.  It is a great list of what I should and should not do to stay thriving in the Lord. " 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."

As I chose not to give into my physical pain and fatigue while I rolled out and baked all those bones, I need to maintain vitality as a seek to walk down paths of righteousness.  2 Thessalonians 3:13 reminds me to "be not weary in well doing."  With apathy, opposition, and even mocking words from others, it can be exhausting standing up for holiness.  It can be tempting to give up.  But God's Words encourage us to keep going strong for Him.  He will be all the physical, emotional, mental, and especially spiritual strength we will ever need.

Just as I mentioned my dad in the beginning of his blog, I will end with a verse he loved to quote.  Isaiah 40:29-31 were his favorite scripture verses and they very much apply here as a reminder that God will be our strength in all things, which especially includes working for the Lord: "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

A House Divided

You may think it was during the Civil War that Abraham Lincoln that coined the phrase, "A house divided against itself will fall", but Lincoln was quoting Luke 11:17. Jesus said these words after he had just cast out an evil spirit and had been accused of being demon-possessed (see Luke 11:14-20). Jesus was making the point that a demon would not and could not cast out one of its own. I am writing along these same lines, and yet a bit different. My lesson today is to show that one cannot serve God and something else that contradicts God's Word. If we try to serve Christ while worshipping something other than Christ, our heart becomes a house divided. We are certain to fall spiritually, emotionally and/or physically.
In Joshua 24, Joshua is challenging the Israelites to choose whom they will serve: the false gods or the True God. "Now fear the Lord and serve the Lord with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped... and serve the Lord... Choose for yourself this day whom will you serve... but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:14-15 This is my challenge to you today as well. Will you throw away your false idols and serve the one True God?

One of the biggest idols in people's lives is money. Television evangelists are obsessed with it. They are not doing the Lord's work; they are heaping riches upon themselves while very little money goes to help the poor. Their messages are watered-down feel-good sermons that never make one uncomfortable because they want happy listeners to write big checks. If they told you the Truth that one must remain grafted in the vine (Jesus) lest they risk losing their salvation (see John 15:1-10), they would lose viewers who do not want to be condemned for their sins. More importantly, they would not be able to afford their material possessions. Why do they deceive the masses? Simple: money. They worship money, not God. There are a lot of verses in the bible warning about the love of money. Jesus clearly tells us, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24 & Luke 16:13 Could it be more clear? If one loves money, he will hate God because God wants us to give money to the poor, not keep it all for ourselves. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a beautiful home, nice vehicle, nice clothes, etc.; God often blesses those that genuinely serve Him with wealth and the good things in life. The problem is not being wealthy, but when we ignore the needs of those literally and spiritually starving, we are not using that money to glorify God. When one compromises their beliefs or goes against the principals of the bible to earn that money, it is also an affront to God. (I am not just speaking of false evangelists, but also of people who embezzle, steal, run business that sell immoral products, cheat, etc.) I am currently far from wealthy, but if I was ever to obtain wealth, I would donate to charity before buying the things I wanted. Yes, I would also have some nice things, but materialism will never prevent me doing my best to honor God with a clean lifestyle, and I would still work for God. The balance is not to become obsessed with inanimate objects over people's souls.

When you worship money while attempting to serve God, your heart is divided between God and greed. Paul says it so much better than I do, so remember his words, not mine. In 1 Timothy 3, when Paul lists the qualities of a deacon, he says that he "must not [be] a lover of money." (verse 3) That goes for all wanting to be leaders but is also great advice for non-leaders as well. Paul goes on in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 to warn, "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds if evil. Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." And for those who are wealthy, Paul says in verse 17 of the same chapter, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything."

Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have." And in 1 Peter 5:2, Peter says that the "shepherds of God's flock" should "not [be] greedy for money, but eager to serve." Additionally, Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived says in Ecclesiastes 5:10, "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income." I would go on to add that loving God may cause you to feel like you can never be in His presence enough, and yet loving and serving God will always leave you satisfied.

Enough about money! There are other ways we serve the wrong master. Isaiah 5:2 warns," Woe to those who call evil good and good evil. Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness." For modern times I would say this warning is for those who call themselves Christians but have no problem watching or reading things that have to do with the occult. Jesus clearly says in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life." Just entertainment may be animated, that does not make it harmless. There is nothing innocent about witchcraft. It is no wonder so many of today's children raised in Christian families grow up confused and fall away from the Truth. When mommy and daddy say God is good and the devil is bad, but then watch movies and television shows glorifying hexes, spells, and curses, the children cannot quite figure out what is right and wrong, the lines get blurred and black and white turn grey. Dressing up like a witch or reading a book with magic in it right after going to church absolutely makes one's house divided, and it will surely topple and fall. I am not saying all children will grow up rebellious when raised in homes where the parents say worshipping the devil is detrimental, but then turn on Sleeping Beauty, Harry Potter, or even Star Wars, but they will be spiritually confused. Nightmares manifest for a reason. Watching or reading about characters in stories casting spells will bring evil spirits in your home. Period. The same goes for rock music and watching violent programs. (You can read a list of scriptures that show us how much God hates witchcraft here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2023/10/should-christians-celebrate-halloween.html )

There are many, many other idols and/or Godless principals we can follow that will divide us from God such as fame, physical pleasures (especially dangerous are those that harm others), other people, and even your own vanity, but I will leave off with just one more issue. You cannot serve God and religion. Think that did not make sense? I am not trying to insult any one's beliefs, but there are many into traditions rather than into God. Remember the blog I wrote a short while ago about placing God in a box?  https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2024/07/dont-place-god-in-box.html Well, that's what I am talking about. When we serve the rituals, we are not serving God, we are serving the motions. When we worship a certain country or race of people that represent a religious belief, we are not honoring God. When we want to be just like Pastor, Priest, or Rabbi So-and-So or love any article that represents a certain religion, rather than focusing on wanting to be like Jesus, our heart is divided and we are not serving God, but man and/or manmade religion.  When we love and serve the attributes of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, with a desire to imitate those characteristics, our hearts are in the right place. 

Hopefully this all makes sense. I want to close by repeating my second paragraph. Please really think about it. In Joshua 24, Joshua is challenging the Israelites to choose whom they will serve: the false gods or the True God. "Now fear the Lord and serve the Lord with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped... and serve the Lord... Choose for yourself this day whom will you serve... but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:14-15 This is my challenge to you today as well. Will you throw away your false idols and serve the one True God? 

Don't Place God in a Box

 
The idea for this blog came while I was working on one of my novels.  It was while I was writing the following excerpt that I decided it would make a good blog topic. 
 
Taken from "Zynastria: Pilgrimage" (book 2 in the Zynastrian Chronicles), chapter #24 titled "The Wrong Foot."  44 Year-old Branson is having a conversation with the almost sixteen-year-old Otto.  (This is a rough draft.) 
 
"Your family is pretty religious, huh?"  Branson asked as they began unloading the box of mismatched plates, cups, and silverware to set the table.
 
"I wouldn't use that term, but, yes, we are."
 
"What word would you use?"
 
"Well, 'religion' is man-made traditions.  You can't place God in a box.  What we have, what I have is a relationship with my Creator.  It is personal and different for everyone."
 
Branson nodded, showing he was listening, but did not respond.
 
"You're seeking, aren't you?"
 
"'Seeking?'"
 
"God."
 
Branson laughed, "You're pretty smart for a teenager."
 
Otto indeed was quite observant and usually accurately assessed those around him.  He had been watching Branson for around a month now.  He saw what everyone did on the surface, an arrogant, self-centered man.  Yet Otto also noticed Branson's tear-filled eyes he tried to hide during the praise services.  He knew Branson spent time praying with Paul from time to time.
 
"It is good to seek God," Otto encouraged, "He has always been chasing after you. Why not let Him catch you?"
 
"I have a little more changing to do, but I appreciate the advice, Pastor Otto," Branson's words were sarcastic, but his tone was sincere.
 
"We all have changing to do, it's not as if we quit growing up when we accept God as Lord of our lives.  It's a daily process," Otto continued.
 
"I know.  I'm not saying I see perfection in you believers.  I'm just saying I need to..." he paused with a frown, "I guess I can't quite put the right words to it."
 
"You need to repent.  Come to God so he can clean you up so you can and start over."
 
"Was that a question or an observation?"  Branson wondered.
 
Otto self-consciously laughed.  "Sorry, Mr. Branson, I know I have a bad habit of over-stepping my bounds with my elders.  I meant no disrespect."
 
"I may be old enough to be your father, but you can talk to me freely, Otto," he insisted, "And, again, I appreciate your council.

     
In 2013, Mel and I had been attending a church for a little over a year.  I was feeling increasingly more uncomfortable with the group.  I could see a love for God and compassionate hearts, but I also saw a lack of respect for the things of God.  I am not trying to be self-righteous or insult anyone, but the majority of these people were full of the world.  Of course, only God can judge the heart, but from what I observed, the church was more about religion than about seeking God.  

I wanted to leave the church but kept my opinions to myself as Mel seemed to be comfortable there.  What I didn't know was that God was also speaking to Mel's heart as well that we were in the wrong place.  

One morning during the singing portion of the service, I was closing my eyes and trying to worship God but kept feeling like my praise was hitting the ceiling.  I asked God why this was happening.  God spoke to me and said, "I am being restrained in this church."  I then had a vision of Jesus in a clear box squatting and pushing against the sides as if He were trying to push out of that confined space.  I thought the image in my mind had been too irreverent to be from God.  Yet, after the service I told Mel about what I had seen.  He was startled not because he thought I was being sacrilegious, but because he had seen the exact same image of Jesus in his dreams the night before.  The message was clear, you cannot, and should not try to, place God in a box. 

 
When a church or individual does not acknowledge the Holy Spirit, they are limiting one-third of who God is.  I believe God is one entity that manifests in more than one way, I believe in the Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  If someone saw you as only your father's child, but not your mother's, they would be denying half of your heritage as well as probably refusing to acknowledge your full personality.  To reveal God in all His glory, we must acknowledge all sides of who He is.  

Some religions refuse to say Jesus is divine, while others say the Holy Spirit was only for biblical times.  God never changes; His ways are eternal.  The same Holy Spirit that set the church on fire in Acts is the same One we should call upon today.  

The above-mentioned church was afraid of the gifts of the Spirit because of all the counterfeit revivals that exist.  That is just one excuse to quench the Holy Spirit, fear of acting in a way you think is not natural.  Make no mistake, the Holy Spirit is a gentleman and will not make any person bark like a dog, laugh like a lunatic, or crawl around on the floor.  God is a God of order and respect.  When we accept the Holy Spirit, we may or may not speak in tongues, but if we do, it will always be done to honor God, not to bring attention to ourselves. 
 
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
 
In my opinion, man-made religions are the biggest offenders of placing God in a box.  How can one define a religion as man-made?  As Otto said to Branson in the above passage from my novel, "Well, 'religion' is man-made traditions.  You can't place God in a box.  What we have, what I have is a relationship with my Creator.  It is personal and different for everyone."  When we confine God to ritual and obligation, we limit the spontaneous experiences.  By this I mean if we read liturgy or follow the exact same routine in church every week, we quench the leading of God's spirit.  When we pray, we should pray from our heart and use our own words, no matter if we think we sound awkward or don't quite know how to word ourselves. 
 
Religion is a thousand different denominations.  Relationship with God is about a one-on-one experience with God.  If you go to church and only say and do what your leaders tell you to, you are into religion.  If you only believe what you hear and never seek on your own, you are into religion.  

Read your Bible and study on your own.  Closely examine every book of the bible.  Not everything the church teaches is accurate.  I promise if you start reading your bible on your own, you will often find yourself sitting in church saying, "That's not what the Bible teaches."  The grace- for-everything-never-needing-to-repent message is one large example.  The idea of a pre- or  mid-tribulation rapture is another. 

 My point is, not seeking God's face and discovering who He can be to you is limiting God.  When you meet someone for the first time, do you take all the rumors you've heard about him at face value?  Or do you get to know this person based on forming your own opinions?  Would you get married and then never talk to your spouse?  Would you tell yourself you knew your mate well enough before you got married so you don't bother trying to learn all his layers and all he has to offer?  Would your love for each other stop growing after the wedding?  I sure hope not!  No, you would continue to get to know every nuance about each other and fall more and more in love.  Even 12 years into our marriage, Mel and I are still telling each other new stories from our pasts.  It is fun learning something new.  Mel and I fall more and more in love because we nurture our relationship and never let it grow stale.  The same attitude should be applied to Jesus.  Get to know Him better and better.  Walking with the Lord means you never stop learning and growing in Christ.
 
Read all of Mark 7, it gives just one example of how the religious leaders kept God in a box.  Jesus even tells them that they are restraining the gospel.  It also tells them that though they acknowledge God with their lips, they deny Him with their lifestyles.  We can say and do all the right things that look good on the outside; make it seem like we are glorifying God, but if our hearts are full of sin and our vessel is filthy on the inside, God is not honored,  (And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. Luke 11:39).  We have to be a Christian in private, not just when others are watching. 
 
He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.   For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.  Mark 7:6-9
 
Not acknowledging God's power to perform miracles and speak to His children through dreams and visions, as well as lacking in faith in general, all place God in a box.  When we refuse to see God as sovereign and mighty, we deny His authority.  We all have periods of low faith, but when we say God is not capable of helping us or refuse to see His hand guiding our paths, we rob God of blessing us and us blessing Him.  There are several places in the New Testament where it says Jesus performed less miracles in certain cities because of their lack of faith.  He would have loved to have helped them, but their hard hearts caused Him to walk away.
 
Let me be perfectly clear, no one can prevent God from doing anything.  We are not actually holding him back by our own power.  God is the Creator of the universe, and nothing can truly restrain Him.  It is our actions that make it impossible for God to shine, to get the glory He deserves.  We throw a dark blanket over the Almighty by not sharing Him with others, by not allowing His spirit to move in our lives, or by habitual sins.  God is a holy God and cannot abide in an unholy dwelling.  Would you take a drink of water from a cup that was stained and full of dirt?  No, you would want to disinfect it first before allowing it to serve its purpose.  If God cannot use our talents because we refuse to let our sins go, we are squandering away God's gifts.
 
I hope this all makes sense.  As I have mentioned before, I am not a preacher, I am a storyteller.  However, God is still calling me to write articles and not just stories, therefore I must let God out of the box I have placed Him in and must be obedient.  I do this out of love for my Heavenly Father, not for reward.  I want to please Jesus for all He has done for me and just for being God.  I do not want any part of my service to Him to be boxed in.

Backsliding Unto Perdition, Written by my Husband

Backsliding Unto Perdition, Written by my Husband, Mel

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

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

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

2Peter 2:20-22 states that those who have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to return to the old lifestyle and to be overcome by it, the end result is worse with them than the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness or the holy commandment. These backsliders are compared to a dog returning to its vomit or a sow who was washed clean returning to the mire (mud, filth). Revelation tells us that a believer's name can be blotted out of the Book of Life and a lukewarm church (Revelation 3) will be vomited out!

(Revelation 3:5) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

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

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

(Hebrews 6:4-6) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

(Hebrews 10:38-39) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. 

(Luke 24:47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

(2 Corinthians 7:10) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

(Luke 15:17 -24) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

For more writings on backsliding, please also see Julie's writings:

Hope for the Backslider: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/hosea-141-9-hope-for-backslider.html

When the Righteous Turn Away From Righteousness: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/07/ezekiel-1823-33-when-righteous-turn.html

What Bribes have we taken? https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/09/what-bribes-have-we-taken-to-crucify.html

The Slow Backslide: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-slow-backslide.html

Wise as Serpents

 

I originally wrote the post below on Sept. 22, 2014, when my husband and I were searching for a new home (moving from Caldwell, ID and eventually to Cascade, ID - we now live in WA). I was thinking of it yesterday and realized how I could apply it to what is going on in today's increasing violent society.  Every day we read in the news of mass shooting, road rage turned deadly, and children being brutally tortured and murdered. Men, women, and even children are becoming more violent as Satan rages.  We are close to the end of this planet's life and Satan knows it, so he and his demons are increasing their oppressive and possessive ways.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13

In Matthew 10:16 Jesus says, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." While the verse in its entirety is important, I want to focus on being "wise as serpents."  I am not trying to instill fear in anyone, but we need to pray for discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's warnings every time we leave our home.  As you will see in the blog I wrote ten years ago, God does indeed give you a check in your spirit when a situation is not safe.  Therefore, we need to use wisdom and heed the Holy Spirit's warnings and walk away when He tells us to.  God will give His angels to protect those who FAITHFULLY serve Him (Psalm 91:11), but we are not to be foolish. You cannot intentionally delve into a dangerous situation and arrogantly say God will save you. Yes, God has miraculously protected many, many missionaries and pastors in life threatening situations, but they were working for the Lord at the time.  God wants us to use wisdom not just spiritually (which is what Matthew 10:6 is about), but also in everyday situations.  He does not want us or our loved ones to suffer because we stubbornly refuse to listen to the instincts He graciously instills in us.  

In Matthew 24:12, Jesus tells us that in the last days that, "because iniquity [sin] shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."  Because people are growing colder toward the Lord, the ice in their hearts is making them dangerous to all around them.  They are more susceptible to Satan's influences.  Therefore, we must be better armored for God.

Anyway, here is the original post from 2014, once titled "Listen to God's Voice" (with a few edits):

Mel and I have been looking at places to live the last few weeks.  We are on a limited budget until I find another job. One of the things we do before we leave the house is pray that God will give us discernment about the people and the property.  On our trip to Twin Falls, ID, we both had a very strong sense that the people showing us the first room they had for rent were full of deceit.  We still chose to see the second property since we drove approximately three hours down there.  While at the second place, I had an overwhelming sense this was not a safe place. I had the strongest urge I have ever had that we were in danger; we needed to get out of that apartment!  I even stood with my hand on the doorknob while Mel looked at the bathroom because I felt such a strong need to bolt.  Some of you may call this intuition, but Christians can call it God's Voice.  The Holy Spirit will speak to you, guide you, and give you warnings if you are willing to listen. 

 

The funny thing is that when I took the picture that I used for this post's meme, I was not even aware that I was taking a picture of the sign.  I was trying to take a picture of a large bird that was flying overhead.  When we got home that evening and I was downloading the pictures, I had to laugh when I saw the "Wrong Way" sign.  If I was not certain that apartment Twin Falls was the wrong place before then, I sure got the message when I saw that picture! (Updated note: Shortly after we moved to a different city - I don't remember the exact time frame - there was major gun violence in that same neighborhood where we had been looking to rent.  In fact, I just found an article stating that "Twin Falls, Idaho is More Dangerous Than Most U.S. Cities." 

It may seem as if I do not have any grand advice or point today, but I am simply reminding you to pray before making any kind of decision.  Pray for wisdom, discernment, and even signs. Be willing to believe that God communicates with us in many different forms if we are sensitive to His Holy Spirit.  Heed all warnings and take them seriously.  You never know when turning around when God says, "Wrong Way" will save your life!  Discuss all feelings with your spouse, no matter how insignificant because you very well may be confirming each other’s feelings.  It will be much easier to make a decision knowing what your mate is feeling.  God will often give couples the same discernment so your experiences can be confirmed. 

 

We are going to be looking at another potential apartment later this week, and believe me, we are already praying before we head out the door.  And we will be closely paying attention to anything God has to say about the landlord, the room, and the location!

 

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  John 10:27

 

When it is Difficult to Praise the Lord

This is the third time I am sharing this writing.  After having two cancer surgeries in 2023, I can still very much attest that this blog rings true to the depths of my heart and soul.

Here is what I wrote in 2020:  I originally wrote this blog in February 2016 and shared it again in today with a heavy heart.  I am having a very sad day today as I was forced to resign from my job due to increasing physical limitations. I am broken hearted as I loved my job, and my boss has become like family to me.  I struggle today with feelings of confusion toward God, I am again trying to focus on I Corinthians 13:12. Thig blog is absolutely for me today as well as for anyone who chooses to read it.  I pray it ministers to you as it has to me. 

This was originally titled "When we Don't Know how to Praise," but I changed the title to reflect more on what many of us feel daily.

Now here is what I wrote in 2016:

When it is Difficult to Praise the Lord

If you do a search on the word "praise" on Bible Gateway https://www.biblegateway.com/ , you will get 277 results.  In other words, there is a lot to be said on the subject of praise.  I am sure there are too many articles out there to even count on the subject of praise, and I will probably not say anything original, but this is the subject on my heart.  Strangely, with all those verses at my fingertips, I am only going to use one bible verse this time. 
 
Today I am not writing about just praying at the start or end of the day to thank God for all He has done, I want to address praising God with more than a quick prayer.  More specifically, I am going to write about how to praise when you really don't know what to say.
 
My husband and I do our best to take the time to pray together once a day (which is essential for marriage), but I still believe we need to have individual alone time with Christ.  If there is one area I am lacking in my Christian Walk (I know I am flawed in many ways), it is in the area of prayer and praise.  When I say my prayers I thank God for the day, my husband, our pets, our home, and ultimately for His love.  I also ask for blessings & healings for my family members. Seems a bit lacking, doesn't it?  Therefore, this blog is just as much for me as it is for you.  
 
If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that I went through a crisis of faith beginning October 2014.  I don't want to spend time on that subject, so I will just say I was confused and angry with God and it took a long time for me to be able to talk to Him again.  I started off simple by just saying, "thank you." 
 
It is okay if we do not know what to say as God knows our hearts.  If all you can say is "thank you," then at least you are acknowledging the good that God has done.  That is an excellent place to start.

I have always loved these verses:

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

This is basically saying that we do not even have to have the words to speak to Christ because He knows what is in our hearts and what is best for us.  Jesus intercedes for us before His Father.  And better yet, Jesus prays for us "according to the will of God."  That humbles me and makes my eyes fill with tears.

Because God never promised a perfect life, you will come to a place in your life when you don't know what to say to God and you may be feeling confused.  But your heart still aches for communion with Christ, and that is the good news.  Do not ignore those instincts and let Satan discourage you.  He would love it if you gave into your negativity, stayed angry, and ignored God altogether.  It is always a good time to worship, but when you are lowest can be best time to praise. 

If all you can say is one word, let me suggest, "Jesus."  There is Power in the name of Jesus.  Calling on the name of Jesus brings healing.  If you allow Christ to work in your life, you will begin to find peace.  You may never understand why bad things happen other than the fact we live in a fallen world, and we all have a free will.  But you can find joy and comfort in just knowing how much Jesus loves you!  That alone can often get you through the dark times in your life. 

When you choose to take the time to praise, do not focus on your circumstances because you run the risk ok wallowing in self-pity.  Your purpose for taking time out to praise God is to focus on Him.  I absolutely recommend praying with God and expressing your feelings.  Just as good communication is essential to a healthy marriage, the same goes with your relationship with Christ.  However, I am now referring to praise time.  A time of letting go and leaving the land of ego behind.  Your praise time should be one of humility and reverence.

If you are having difficulty finding the time, do not let praise feel like an obligation looming over your head.  Praise is a privilege and should feel like it.  If you only have five minutes a week or even a month, then make those five minutes the best you can give to God.  If you have a bad attitude about giving your time, then try again later.  It is true that praise can change your bad mood, but trying to force praise with a sour attitude is offering up garbage to the Holy of Holies!   

Once again, if you do not know how to praise, that is fine.  You don't have to know the exact words or have a good voice, just make a joyful noise unto the Lord!  You could simply start of singing songs you remember from church.  If you have a physical disability that makes it difficult to sing (I have been in that place), then you can just close your eyes and listen. There are many great sources for free worship music such as Amazon, YouTube, Pandora, etc.  I hesitate to recommend a specific artist as many are not truly serving the Lord, so I will leave that up to your spiritual discernment.

There are some people that consider dancing before the Lord as praise (as David did in the bible).  I would use extreme caution in this area.  I have seen some beautiful movements done to praise music, however, this form of praise is quite often abused and done in a show-off and/or worldly way (and, sadly, even in a sensual way).  Churches often use their so-called worship services to promote themselves, and there is no awe or respect for God in the music and especially not in the dance.  Don't be fooled into thinking there is anything holy about the "Holy Ghost Hop." 

When worship becomes an act if exhibition or becomes about simply enjoying the worldly beat, then your heart is not in the right place.  True praise and worship is only about glorifying Christ.  When you worship at home, your motives are most likely pure.  When praising God at church, be sure you are not raising your hands just to look holy or because it is expected of you.  Others may not know the difference, but God knows. 

 

Praise time does not always have to be on your knees, but I do recommend it at least once a month (or more) because it is an act of submission and humility and it literally makes you feel God's presence that much more.  Again, a physical disability can make it difficult to kneel (been there as well).  With that said, praise is just as effective sitting or standing while watching or listening to praise music anywhere in your home.  It is best to focus on the praise, and therefore ultimately on God alone, but even praising God while driving is sure to put you in a better frame of mind.

And actually, praise does not have to involve music, I guess that's just my own idea of praise.  I am a music lover and I feel closest to God when I am singing to Him or even playing my trumpet.  I am now correcting myself by saying I was not going to talk about praying, because praying is absolutely an act of praise.  Simply talking to Jesus and telling Him how much you love Him and thanking Him, not for material things, but just for loving you is definitely praise.  Praying scripture is praise.  The only time I would dispute that praying is not praise is when we are asking for anything. 

Pride or Perversion? Reach out to the Lost With the Love of Christ, Written by my Husband

Pride or Perversion? Reach out to the Lost With the Love of Christ

Written by my Husband, Mel

God's Word teaches us to Love the sinner but to Hate the sin. Our culture has turned the homosexual agenda into a civil rights issue. However, this is an issue about sexual perversion and is not the same as racial or religious injustice. It is shameful how the White House is lit up in the rainbow colors to honor what God calls an abomination.

Many people believe that those struggling with sexual perversions are beyond the reach of the Lord's hand but this is wrong. The Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save. Many people have been delivered from the gay lifestyle and now are married to the opposite gender. Nothing is impossible with God and he is willing to set you free from all types of sin if you are willing to repent and turn from your old nature.

Salvation is a free gift based on faith alone accompanied with repentance. The Lord will remove all of your former sins and give you a clean slate to begin a new life on. The shed blood of Jesus Christ upon the cross paid for all of your sins and provided peace between the Father and mankind. When we are bankrupt in our sins, God provided bankruptcy court and forgiveness of our debts through the gift of His son upon the cross.

If a person is struggling with same gender attraction, or transgender issues, they should remain celibate and pray for deliverance. God sees a repentant heart and his Holy Spirit will help you to remain clean. God's Word teaches that it is an abomination for a man to wear female attire. Crossdressing is Not acceptable to God and you must wear clothing for your gender. If you are born a man, you are a man in God's eyes, regardless of what our perverted culture tells you. If a person continues in homosexual sin and justifies it they will go to Hell according to God's Word. However, God made a way of escape through salvation and the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.

The Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as the surrounding cities because of their wickedness, Genesis 19:1-29. The Bible tells us that the men of Sodom lusted after the angels of God who were sent to deliver Lot and his family out of Sodom; they demanded that the angels be brought to them so that they might have sexual relations with them. In response to their wickedness, the angels smote them with blindness, then led Lot and his family out of Sodom prior to God raining fire and brimstone upon the city. The New Testament book of Jude tells us that God destroyed these cities specifically because of the sin of homosexuality (strange flesh), to make them an example for all time.

(Jude 1:7) As Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

(Romans 1:24-28) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

(Leviticus 20:13) If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination... Their blood shall be upon them. (**NOTE: Part of this verse that I omitted says the offenders should be out to death, however, the act of murdering offenders is an man-made old covenant law and we certainly do not condone such a thing today, but to help them seek forgiveness and redemption through the blood of Jesus.**)

(Deuteronomy 22:5) A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.

(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

(1 Timothy 1:8-10) Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,

Deliverance From Those Things Which Keep you Bound, Written by my Husband

 

 

Deliverance From Those Things Which Keep you Bound

Written by my Husband, Mel

(Acts 19:19) Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.

(Deuteronomy 18:10-14) There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.

Our culture has been flooded with the occult and most people have become desensitized to it. Let me take you out into the deep water and share with you revelations that the Lord has given me concerning deliverance from things which keep people bound. Many people will not accept all that I am going to say, but this information is from heaven. I am in the deliverance ministry, and in many cases items within your homes must be removed for deliverance to be permanent. I have witnessed many cases of people who have lost their healings or have become repossessed by evil spirits in less than twenty- four hours after receiving their breakthrough. People need to be taught how to keep their deliverance. When a person is delivered from evil spirits, the Lord cleans their spiritual house. A person must keep their house clean, as well as remain filled with God’s Holy Spirit, in order to keep the evil ones from returning.  According to Christ, if a person is repossessed by evil spirits, their last state is seven times worse

(Luke 11: 24-26) "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first."

There are different forms of demonization. A person may be oppressed by an evil spirit that is attached to them but does not indwell them. Many Christians are oppressed by spirits of sickness, mental illness, fear, anxiety, anger, or despair. However, sin is not always the reason for some types of oppression. There are generational spirits that oppress people. These spirits are passed down through many generations within family lines. They may be sickness, lust, perversion, anger, suicide, etc. If a person allows generational sins to overcome them, this may lead to possession.  The good news is that God will break generational curses if a person allows Him to. In some cases, a spirit may indwell a person’s body, but not their spirit. This may be a type of infirmity or may result from anger or hate. This is not considered to be a possession and usually occurs within the soulish realm (mind).  If sin that is not repented of turns into a spiritual bondage, this may result in a possession of one’s spirit. When Satan indwells your innermost spirit, you are possessed, and in need of deliverance. The Son came to set the captive free. It is God’s desire that all people be set free from the bondages of Satan. Do not be confused into thinking all these instances mean you are demon possessed (indwelt by an evil spirit), but rather oppressed (harassed mentally by an evil spirit).

 Repentance is the key for deliverance. However, repentance must be accompanied by faith in order for deliverance to be successful. If you don’t believe, as well as trust that the Lord will set you free, then your faithlessness may block your healing or deliverance. Many people are set free from demonic bondages through heartfelt repentance, along with fasting. Fasting, along with praise and worship is a powerful weapon against the enemy’s devices. When you fast, you are showing God how serious you are about your desired breakthrough. Fasting accompanied by prayer will move the hand of God.  

 (Matthew 17:18-21) And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” 

God’s Word teaches that God inhabits the praises of His people. When David played anointed music for Saul, the evil spirit would depart from him. When the Israelites marched around Jericho seven times, on the seventh day, the seven priests gave a blast on their trumpets, also the army gave a shout, and the walls fell down flat. The enemy’s devices cannot function when we put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. If you want the strongholds of Satan to fall before you, then offer up continuous praise and worship to the Father for your desired breakthrough.   

 (Joshua 6:2-5) And the Lord said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him."

(Isaiah 61: 3) To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."

In most cases, items within your home may be a point of contact for evil spirits to remain grounded. Items associated with the occult should be destroyed. Jewelry, movies, music, pictures, clothing, images, etc. that reflect the occult are an attachment that will prevent deliverance. Items such as images of witches/wizards (even if it seems like an innocent cartoon) dream catchers, some Native American symbols or images, totems/talismans, Ouija boards, items associated with Buddhist or Hindu (including yoga) religions, are all open doors for evil spirits to abide in your home or life. Sadly, most Wiccans and Satanists are aware of this, but most Christians are blind to this spiritual fact. The occult is also very pronounced within fairy tales, as well as children’s movies and books. Fairies, fairy godmothers, magic, spells, curses, wizards, witches, leprechauns, trolls, water and tree spirits, and elves, are all demonic. These stories have firm roots deep into the occult. Movies and television shows such as The Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, Star Trek, Bewitched, Charmed, the majority of Disney movies, Avatar, etc., are loaded with witches, wizards, spells, psychic powers, as well as the force of Star Wars (Zen inspired). God does not give you grace to indulge in demonic activity, no matter how desensitized you are to it. True repentance requires action. A person should destroy all items connected to the occult if you desire to be sanctified (set apart or purified) by God.

Most of television and movies are an abomination to God.  Television was once an idol to me, as well as a compromise of my Christian faith. Television is filled with extreme violence, fornication, adultery, occultism, profanity, swearing etc. I was filling my eye gates and ear gates with the trash that Hollywood produces. For the eyes and the ears are gates to the soul. Christians should not be filling their souls up with darkness.

 The Lord gave me dreams, as well as words concerning television, which reflect how serious this issue is to the Lord. The Lord said, “You are cut off from me.” I asked, “How?” The Lord replied, “You are cut off due to compromise by watching television.” The Lord showed me that watching television would prevent him from healing and blessing his children, as well as hinder a person's relationship with him. This is a very serious issue to the Lord. 

In another dream, I was seated on the couch in front of my entertainment center. In the area where our television once was, there was a coffin; on each side of the entertainment center were full size coffins. My arms were outstretched and between my arms was a mini coffin. The Lord said, "Babylon has been in front of your face this entire time." I understood that my arms had been wrapped around television for a long time; I loved it, and it was idolatry to me. The Lord also said, "Television is a magnet for demons to enter your home." According to the Lord, television is spiritual death. In another dream, I saw a slimy pig enter a home through a television set. Television and movies are spiritual compromise. Satan’s throne in most homes is the television set. If you want to know true freedom from bondages, get rid of the pig.

I have shared deep spiritual truths with you in this posting and this may be hard to accept by some. Please prayerfully consider all you have read and ask the Lord of He there are any hindrances in your life He wants you to let go of, and then do your very best to obey God.