SEARCH THE WORD FOR MEANING

 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. - Proverbs 25:2

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

 

Psalm 37

Complete Jewish Bible  37

(0) By David:

(1) Don’t be upset by evildoers
or envious of those who do wrong,
2 for soon they will wither like grass
and fade like the green in the fields.
3 Trust in Adonai, and do good;
settle in the land, and feed on faithfulness.
4 Then you will delight yourself in Adonai,
and he will give you your heart’s desire.

5 Commit your way to Adonai;
trust in him, and he will act.
6 He will make your vindication shine forth like light,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before Adonai;
wait patiently till he comes.
Don’t be upset by those whose way
succeeds because of their wicked plans.
8 Stop being angry, put aside rage,
and don’t be upset — it leads to evil.

9 For evildoers will be cut off,
but those hoping in Adonai will inherit the land.
10 Soon the wicked will be no more;
you will look for his place, and he won’t be there.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace.

12 The wicked plots against the righteous
and grinds his teeth at him;
13 but Adonai laughs at the wicked,
knowing his day will come.
14 The wicked have unsheathed their swords,
they have strung their bows
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slaughter those whose way is upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous has
than the wealth of all the wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken,
but Adonai upholds the righteous.
18 Adonai knows what the wholehearted suffer,
but their inheritance lasts forever.
19 They will not be distressed when times are hard;
when famine comes, they will have plenty.

20 For the wicked will perish;
Adonai’s enemies will be like sheep fat,
ending up as smoke, finished.
21 The wicked borrows and doesn’t repay,
but the righteous is generous and gives.
22 For those blessed by [Adonai] will inherit the land,
but those cursed by him will be cut off.

23 Adonai directs a person’s steps,
and he delights in his way.
24 He may stumble, but he won’t fall headlong,
for Adonai holds him by the hand.

25 I have been young; now I am old;
yet not once have I seen the righteous abandoned
or his descendants begging for bread.
26 All day long he is generous and lends,
and his descendants are blessed.

27 If you turn from evil and do good,
you will live safely forever.
28 For Adonai loves justice
and will not abandon his faithful;
they are preserved forever.
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.

29 The righteous will inherit the land
and live in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous articulates wisdom,
his tongue speaks justice.
31 The Torah of his God is in his heart;
his footsteps do not falter.

32 The wicked keeps his eye on the righteous,
seeking a chance to kill him.
33 But Adonai will not leave him in his power
or let him be condemned when judged.
34 Put your hope in Adonai, keep to his way,
and he will raise you up to inherit the land.

When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked man wielding great power,
flourishing like a shade tree in its native soil.
36 But I passed by again, and he was no longer there;
I looked for him, but he could not be found.

37 Observe the pure person, consider the upright;
for the peaceful person will have posterity.
38 But transgressors will all be destroyed;
the posterity of the wicked will be cut off.
39 Adonai is the one who saves the righteous;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 Adonai helps them and rescues them,
rescues them from the wicked and saves them;
because they take refuge in him.

This is my favorite Bible! You can look up more or order your own copy here (see below the psalm).

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037&version=CJB 

A NEW YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!

LOOKING FOR AN AWESOME NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION?

Usually, at least one resolution is about food. How about this year you combine diet with growing your relationship with Abba Father ... honoring His commands about food is one way.

"Did you know that God is concerned about what you eat? Have you examined what the Word of God says about the existence of clean and unclean animals before Moses? Did you know that what you eat can affect your soul? Did you know that Gentile believers ate according to Leviticus 11 in New Testament times? Over the years, our traditions and carnal appetites have skewed our interpretation of what the Old and New Testaments teach about food. We have also taken many Scriptures out of context as prooftexts to justify our eating habits. Isn’t it time to return to a lifestyle that is completely biblical? Eating God’s Way provides an honest and balanced hermeneutical examination of every major Scripture that deals with what God wants us to eat, what He wants us to avoid, and why. Let Eating God’s Way become your handbook for learning (and explaining) God’s instruction for spiritual and physical health!" Eating God's Way by Dr. Michael K. Lake

WHY ARE WE A DIVIDED NATION, YOU ASK?

EACH SEES THE OTHER AS DELUDED. ONLY ONE OF THEM IS CORRECT.

Question: "Why is God going to send a strong delusion in the end times?"

[Copies and pasted from https://www.gotquestions.org/strong-delusion.html]

Answer: The Bible makes it clear why God is sending a strong delusion in the end times: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness” (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). Simply put, God sends a strong delusion to those who choose not to believe the gospel of Christ. Those who take delight in mocking and rejecting Him, He will condemn.

It is a person’s choice whether to accept and believe the truth of Jesus Christ as presented in the Scriptures. To receive the truth and the love God offers is in keeping with its teachings, “This is love for God: to obey His commands” (1 John 5:3). Conversely, to know the truth and not obey it is to face the wrath of God: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18). Frankly speaking, there is no more dangerous condition for man than to know the truth and refuse to obey it. To do so is to harden the heart and make God’s condemnation sure.

When one knows the truth and refuses to obey it, he is subject to any lie, any deception, any untruth that humanity can conjure up. “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22). Paul goes on in the next few verses to describe the mindset and behaviors of those who disbelieve (see Romans 1:29-31). As a result of human foolishness and arrogant disdain of the things of God, “God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:28). And correspondingly, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things, but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:32).

Isaiah puts it succinctly: “They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations; so I [God] also will choose harsh treatment for them and bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in My sight and chose what displeases Me” (Isaiah 66:3-4).

When people know the truth and refuse to receive it, when they refuse to obey it and hold it in unrighteousness, “they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:12 NLT).

“God is love” (1 John 4:16). He is not some cruel monster who deliberately and inwardly delights in preparing people for everlasting condemnation. But He earnestly and lovingly proclaims the gospel of Christ, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Throughout the Scriptures, God urges people to accept the truth. But when people reject Him and spurn His message, then—and not until then—God hardens them and turns them over to a deluded mind to wallow in their wickedness to their eternal damnation. This is what the Lord says about those who choose to reject the truth: “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the Lord does not accept them; He will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins” (Jeremiah 14:10).

ALL IN ALL, YOU'RE JUST ANOTHER BRICK???

About Bricks

While the Tower of Babel was made of bricks, their use for an altar to God is forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 27:5). God requires uncut stones for His altar because it represents the body of Christ and the power of our sanctified uniqueness in its construction. Nimrod and the spirit of Babylon demand conformity, uniformity, and interchangeability. With this in mind, you can now better understand many of the current political winds within the Progressive and Socialistic Movements worldwide--from wealth redistribution to removing the distinction of the sexes toward a unisex philosophy. We must all conform and be interchangeable, so we can serve as bricks in the new Tower of Babel that the Illuminati Elite are building.

The above is a Briefing Note excerpt from Dr. Michael K. Lake's book, The Shinar Directive: Preparing the Way for the Son of Perdition, published in 2014.

Here's the (familiar to some) Pink Floyd song, with lyrics--but please finish reading this brief message before you go to the song--thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN5Z28Dfl7o

2014 -- 6 years ago as I write this. And don't we all feel the Progressive pressure these days to fall into place, with or without covid. Thankfully, you are not and never will be "just a brick" to our Lord God, the Almighty, in Whose image you and all humans are wonderfully made.

Here's the EU (European Union) Tower of Babel poster. Please note that the humans are -- bricks. Also notice the Baphomet-styled stars. I highly recommend Dr. Lake's books--all of them, starting with this one, where he explains more about what stars represent and the significance of how they're positioned. (If you don't know who Baphomet is, look it up. Some of the bigger box stores sell Baphomet items these days. Like bricks in a wall, the dots connect; you just have to be able to discern dots when you see them. Ask God to instruct you about this.)

May God's peace and strength fill you and yours. In Jesus' name. Amen

ANOTHER REASON FOR JUDAS

     Everything included in the Bible is for us to learn from in some way and measure, including why Jesus--knowing who Judas was and what he'd do--allowed Judas to be with Him from almost the start of His ministry, until the betrayal in Gethsemane. I'm going to skip over the obvious reason and move on to one that came to me during time in the book of Mark this morning:

    Judas was never all-in as a true follower of Jesus. 

    And this made me think of the prophecy Jesus spoke of, about how some who believe they are Christians will Do Church, maybe even for decades, but never actually Be the Full-On Church Jesus instructed His followers to be, which is another way of taking the Lord's name in vain... taking it on in vain and not actually representing Him as we're supposed to.

    Not only that, but how many of us who call ourselves Christians could hold up under what some in the world are experiencing? If we really are in the End Times, and if Tribulation is about to unfold, how many will "endure to the end"?

    It's something for all of us to think about. I mean, Judas was with Jesus pretty much every day for three years. A 24/7 gig. And he still didn't get it. Why? He never surrendered his life to the purposes of God. I get it: It can take a while to reach that point for some of us, but it is required. That takes absolute trust in God. 

    My prayer, uttered nearly every day and often more than once a day, especially if I feel myself judging another or others (or did it), is to repent and ask God to open the eyes, ears, hearts, and minds of ALL OF US to His Truth, His Righteous Ways, and His Kingdom Ways so we walk in Kingdom and represent our King well in the world and in the spiritual battle we're engaged in. Because, we want to be those who not only stand but withstand, as instructed in Ephesians 6 and elsewhere in the Word.

    May the peace, joy, and strength of our Lord be upon you and your loved ones. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HOW CAN YOU PROVE YOU LOVE JESUS?

Christ Jesus determines who are His by the Weapons of War, the Sword, that He observes in their hands: "Whoever says, 'I know Him,' but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected" . . . "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My words." -- 1 John 2:4-5, John 14:23-24

The above is an excerpt from Jamie Walden's amazing book, which prepares remnant Christians for such a time as this.

Do you DO CHURCH or are you THE CHURCH?

     SADLY, too many of us have been taught how to Do Church rather than what's required of the true Church of Christ Jesus. Hear the God-inspired message Jamie Walden gives in this stunning, fast-paced presentation.

   Description:
The handwriting is on the wall in this nation and across the globe! It is time for the claimants of Christianity to count the costs of being "all in". If you find it to be too high, go ring the bell; but for those who know the exceedingly great reward that is set before them, the costs are as nothing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-MPMbBPzzs

YIELD YOUR HEART TO THE LORD

As we have wrestled out, the Lord is good to draw those He loves into the wilderness places; to "Gethsemane". It is the place where we begin to quiet our over-inflated sense of self and yield our hearts to the Lord. It is a place of preparation, of repentance, and of dying to the things that will hinder our ability to demonstrate the power of God.

- Jamie Walden, Omega Dynamics: Equipping a Warrior Class of Christians for the Days Ahead

Seek the Lord Now, While You Still Cam

You see what's happening in the world. You see where some intend--are determined--to take us and this world. It's just as our Lord forewarned us. So...

There Is Only One Side for A True Christian

 If we're not on God's side, we're on the wrong side.

We Are More

 Are you more focused on the empty cross and suffering than on the Empty Tomb and the Victory?

Who Wants A Makeover?

Many would go to a makeover artist and surrender completely, saying, "Make me into a new creation." God is the greatest makeover Artist from eternity past to eternity future.

                                            Painting title: Prince of Peace *** Artist: Akiane

In Ezekiel 13:10-14, God used an example to make a point, stating that people who build a wall with faulty mortar (or none) and then whitewash it to fool others into believing the wall is solid won't, of course, fool Him. He told the people through His prophet Ezekiel that He'd send stormy weather that would knock down such a wall and reveal its lack of foundation and, therefore, lack of lasting strength and value (I'm paraphrasing).

When I read this, several thoughts came to me at once.

1. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between knowing about God and being in an intimate relationship with Him. Kind of like the difference between an external makeover with a haircut and maybe some cosmetics or doing what's needed to start your makeover from the inside out (becoming a clean temple where God's Holy Spirit can live, as well as make you healthier).

2. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between a preacher giving congregants "feel-good" words that "tickle" their ears or feeding them the word of God as it appears in the Bible, and as He commanded shepherds to feed their flock (His flock). Remember, God said He has a BIG problem with anyone who changes even one jot or tittle of what He wrote. There are many individuals, including in pulpits, doing exactly that these days. As Jonathan Cahn said, "Do not bend the word of God to fit your life. Bend your life to fit the word of God."

3. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between a minister providing entertainment to churchgoers or calling down the Glory of God so as to fill the people with Holy Spirit refreshment they can then share with others when they leave the building.

4. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between congregants showing up at church expecting to be fed or bringing their portion of the Bread of Life with them.

5. This whitewashed, mortar-lacking wall is the difference between an individual or family having the appearance of a relationship with God (cosmetic only) or being strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Do we have a wall of faith built with strong mortar? Is our faith foundation strong in the Lord--strong enough to keep covenant with Him by keeping His commandments, commandments He made a point to state in both the Old Testament and the New Testament? (By the way, it takes a whole Bible to make a whole Christian.)

Or is our faith and relationship actually loose stones and whitewash?

What's a good way to check this, you ask?

When you say or do anything that goes against God's way and will--if you do anything at all that He labeled as a sin or transgression in the Bible--do you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit? I mean, really feel it? That's also a good way to know if you're truly saved or not: Holy Spirit conviction vs. silence.

If God said it's a sin and you do it anyway (or someone says it's okay and even passes a law saying it's okay), and you feel no conviction from the Holy Spirit, you're following the king of the other kingdom. Unless that's the king you choose to serve and the kingdom you wish to spend eternity in, forever separated from our loving Father, it's best if you run straight to the Makeover Artist of All Time and have a talk with Him.

What is a makeover, anyway? It's a revival of sorts, isn't it? The thing about revival is that it has to start with repentance, followed by a sincere effort to do only that which supports the new image. If--make that when--we stumble, we are to repent and start again. And, God doesn't expect us to do this on our own. We can't. We need Him to help us. Ask--and you shall receive.

Here's something wonderful and encouraging to keep in mind:
Those who are called by His name are God's possession, and He is our portion.

May God shine His face upon you and yours today and everyday.