"There Will Be Judgment"

 "To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him." (Jude 15 KJV)

  "Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are." (Romans 3:19-20 NLT)

 For what it is worth, my heart is feels totally at peace, and whatever judgment that I need to be subject to, I will receive it without any complaints, whatsoever! I remember a message that Pastor Jon shared, about there being a division in Heaven; those who served the Lord and those who served others. I have really no problem with serving others; I don't even have any worries if I am bagging on pots and pans; I just want to be received into Heaven! 

 I know that each and every one of us that have received Jesus into our hearts are assured to be with the Lord in Heaven; as the Bible clearly says, "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son." (John 3:18 NLT) 

 Oh, by the way, I was unable to post yesterday morning, not because I didn't want to, but because I was really under the weather. I am trying not to be back in the hospital, because it makes me feel as if I am shut off from fellowship and I just lay there waiting to be out. It almost reminds me of being in jail; which is something I really don't like to feel. Been there, done that! 

 There is something to say about the ungodly: we all have the same ungodly lives, starting from birth. We were born in sin, and we are going to sin, one way or another. It could be something simple, and it could be something that is terribly wrong; but sin is sin, no matter if it just thinking about doing something, that too is a sin...

""You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart."" (Matthew 5:27-28 NLT)

"The Way Home"

 "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints," (Jude 14 KJV)

  "Then I saw heaven open, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fir, and his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords." (Revelation 19:11-17 NLT)

 Obviously, Enoch's prophecy was about the beginning of thousand-year reign of Christ, here on earth, when Jesus come with His posse in the sky, to set up His thousand-year reign. There will be peace on earth for a thousand years, and then the final battle, which is no match at all! And then, judgment! 

 Anywho, this is meant to be about Enoch; so, let's stop and think about what might have happened, as if it were to have happened; which is already written, therefore it actually did! Most likely, Enoch had some sort of a relationship with God; more than likely he had conversations with God and without a doubt, he knew full well what power and might He could yield, and that things would be bad in the future. 

 The timeline for this is rather complicated, yet it is a very interesting story. It is about BC 2450 when God started planning for flood the entire earth, as it was, evil ruled over all mankind; so God choose a man named Noah to build an Ark; a very large boat! Noah was about 500 years old when God chose him to build that boat; which would most likely mean that he was born in the time that Enoch was taken to be with God. 

 It is quite obvious that Enoch was taken up, based upon the flood that was going to happen; which is a lot like the rapture, which will take place in these coming days, when the Lord will come for His bride, taking us all up into heaven, to be saved from the trials to come. 

 Whatever the case, God knew all along what would happen; as I have said and believe with all my heart, God knows everything: He knows those who will be saved and those that won't; He knows the beginning to the very end; because it is all His Story! It is His mighty plan, and it will be His victory, that will absolutely be won and done!

 The basic reason for the title, "The Way Home," is based upon the great and glorious opportunity we have, as believers in God's love, that no matter what might happen, whether we are dead or alive, we that believe and trust in Him, will absolutely have the way home...

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other will all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, given thanks through him to God the Father." (Colossians 3:12-17 NLT) 

"Enoch"

 "Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, "Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of holy ones to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him."" (Jude 14-15 NLT) 

  "And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him." (Genesis 5:21-24 KJV)

 If you have heard about Enoch, you might have also heard that there are some Bibles that actually have the Book of Enoch written in them; yet when the Bible was canonized, the Book of Enoch was taken out. Basically, there were some things in the Book of Enoch that did not meet the strict criteria for biblical canon; basically, the early churches did not accept its inconsistency with established Scripture. 

 And yet, we have Jude using something said by Enoch thousands of years before Jesus was even born. If you wanted to try and read the Book of Enoch, you would be surprised by some of the things written in that book; which is most likely why it isn't in most of our Bibles. Be that as it may, Enoch was taken up by God; so as history proclaims, after he was taken up, there were most likely many different stories and fables about what might have happened to Enoch...

"Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall all not sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." (1 Corinthians 15:50-53 KJV)

"Be That as it May!" - Too

 "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame, wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." (Jude 13 KJV)

  "The LORD is King! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O LORD, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past. The floods have risen up, O LORD. The floods have roared like thunder; the floods have lifted their pounding waves. But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, mightier than the breakers on the shore - the LORD above is mightier than these! Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O LORD, is holy forever and ever." (PSALM 93 NLT) 

 Having said those things about time and how Jesus made His time here a factor, meaning it is time for this and time for that; the real reason for most of everything He did was to bring Himself to the cross: which, just to complete it all in perfect fashion, was timed for the Passover: that same Passover that started when the children of Israel mark the cross on their door-jambs, as to be safe from the angel of death, before they were set free from Egypt! 

 I know that there are some who don't believe that Jesus planned it all out, just the way it was meant to be; but be that as it may, He and the Father were working together as One! Not to stir up the pot, but there is a special relationship of the Father and the Son, in that they truly are ONE! There is only One God; the Bible says it over and over, The LORD your GOD is ONE! 

 When it comes to the points written in the next Book, (if I actually get to Revelation,) this will all come into focus, especially, for those who are sceptic and have doubts. In the meantime, there is something that makes Jude somewhat angry with those who want to twist the Scriptures; most of which, was his own thoughts about who his brother was, and how it was that he doubted who He was, growing us, that He truly was the Lord, the Messiah! 

 I know that some think he was one of the disciples, which I highly doubt; but James was also one that mocked Him, as they both were His half-brothers. It has been said that James had knees like a camel, which was from constantly being on his knees, and praying. I can only imagine what they both thought, after He rose from the grave; how that caused them to realize who He really was!   

 This might sound like I am repeating myself, but before I got saved, I was reading the Bible, constantly, over and over. I read the New Testament at least a dozen times or more. But the funny thing is, I never saw Jesus as being God; even though I read it word for word; somehow those places in the Bible did not reach my heart; let alone, enter my mind as to what I was reading.  

 But all of that changed, instantly! All of the sudden, the Scriptures came alive and shown me things I never saw before, even things that were unbelievable, became easy to believe...

""Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. "I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."" (John 17:17-21 NLT) 

"Be That as it May!"

 "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame, wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." (Jude 13 NLT)

 ""Not everyone who call out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.'"" (Matthew 7:21-23 NLT)

 Having been doing this as much as I do, it sometimes begins to get like I keep repeating myself, over and over; almost as if there nothing new or as if this just keeps getting to be a revolving door, around and round I go, trying to make something matter. Most things that we do and temporary and will only last for a while, and they don't hardly do anything, but leave us confused; wondering where did the time go? 

 Which reminds me of the parable of the Talents, which Jesus tried to explain to His disciples. Most people will make those talents out to be money, as Jesus shows each of the three servants receiving bags of silver; dividing them to each according to their abilities. But something more important than silver or gold, is the time we have here on this earth, and what we do with that time, in order to please the Lord! 

 There was a message I heard this last weekend about Jesus' time here on earth; how He always spoke about the time, either if it wasn't the time, or was the time, time really mattered. Then there was the first miracle He did, which was when He turned the water into wine. When his mother asked, without even asking, but simply said, "They are out of wine," Jesus replied, "It is not my time." 

 Being somewhat pessimistic at times, I sometimes think of the worst things that can happen, but then I hope for the best; it is basically the way I cope with troubles or circumstances, by accepting the worse, but at the same time, looking for hope! Not everything works out the way that we plan; mostly because the plans we might make are not all God's plans! 

 How many times have I done something without asking God first? I can't really count them all! God's plans are meant for doing things that are good and fulfilling; things that actually will make Him smile down upon us, saying, "Well done, faithful servant." Much as it was with this first miracle, which by the way, actually was some very good wine! 

 I have heard sermons by some, that say the wine Jesus made from the water was just grape juice and it wasn't really anything that contained alcohol. To that, I would say that they don't know what they are talking about, whatsoever! When they say that the wine was the best wine, it is not grape juice! More than that, it was fermented and aged; with exquisite taste and pleasing to the palate! 

 With that I will just suggest the time it takes to make a wine like that and remind everyone that time really doesn't matter to GOD! He really doesn't go by the same timeline as we do, here on this earth; His is more infinite and more about filling empty spaces; which by the way is what Jesus asked them to do, to just fill the large pots with water! That's all He did, was to ask them to fill the jugs with water...

"On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scripture declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'"" (John 7:37-38 NLT)  

"It Only Gets Worse"

 "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." (Jude 13 KJV)

  "I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your teaching with good teaching. For the time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." (2 Timothy 4:1-4 NLT)

 As most of you might have seen, there are things working to try and silence the church; which they have been trying over and over, for centuries to cause the Bible to become less important and have new laws that are based upon what the people want, not what God wants. This is really not new, but the time is drawing nearer and nearer to the day when the Lord will take His bride, which is the church, up into heaven. When that day comes, the gates of hell will open up, and things will really start to get real for anyone that might want to become a Christian! 

 I whole-heartedly believe that the day is approaching! And when it happens, I believe that there will be masses of half-hearted church goers who will realize that everything in the Bible was true, and there will be millions of them who will confess their faith, even to the point of death by execution! The Bible is not only about teaching, but it is showing and proving the things which will happen. 

 Regardless of what things might be, we are given more ability to share Christ now, more than ever before; not because the world will allow it, but because we must be able; even if it will cost us something, this is the greatest ability to be bold and courageous! If you don't really understand what I mean, by ability; the ability is much like giving a handicap that can't walk, the ability to run! 

 Please forgive me if it sounds as if I am speaking as if the end is near; because the main point I am making is that we need to start getting serious and save some souls; especially those we care about...

"Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don't try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the mind of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:1-6 NLT)    

"Plucked Up By The Roots" - 2

 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit witherith, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (Jude 12 KJV)

  "Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?" Jesus replied, "Every plant not planted by my Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch."" (Matthew 15:12-14 NLT)

 What I have learned over the years, is that we should not waste much time trying to convert those who are stuck in false religions; it is not that we don't care, because everyone should know the truth. What really happens most frequently, is that they dig deeper and deeper into what they believe and have been told; as if they need to rinse away the truth that we tell them. 

 Anywho, most of what these religions don't really care what happens to their members; just that they keep giving money and buying the magazines and books; which they hand out to earn their salvation. This might not make sense to some, but salvation is not earned! We cannot earn something that is freely given! Anything we might try to do in order to earn it, through effort or good works, is just filthy rags to God; rags that just get thrown in the fire! 

 The crazy thing that happened to be yesterday morning, I had very little sleep, thinking about the post I was going to do; the swirling eddies were keeping me awake, showing me so many things which had to do with, "plucked up by the roots." 

 One of the things that kept popping up, was the tree that Jesus cursed, because it did not have any fruit. We can see this in Mark 11:12-14, as Jesus was hungry for some figs, but when He came to the fig tree, it had no fruit; so then He said to the tree: "May no one ever eat your fruit again!" (Mark 11:14) Later, as they passed by the tree again, and the disciples noticed that it had withered from the roots up. (Mark 11:20) 

 There is really a very big deal about fruit, not that it earns rewards by having fruit, because that is what is meant to happen, naturally; we are made to produce fruit, which is the reason we share the gift we have been given! As much as it might appear to be good works, to some, it is something that keeps producing fruit! Not that is working to do good, but that is using the roots of righteousness that you have been given! 

 There is really something you need to remember about Jesus, He was always doing good works; not that He was doing anything to get rewarded for, because He himself was the Reward, to be displayed and placed on the cross, for all to see! This is the part of the story that those who can't receive it, won't! They won't even try to open their hearts to examine it for themselves; they have no roots, because of their stoney hearts!

 Anywho, again; just before I actually started to fall asleep, I had this word that popped up into my mind, it was the word, "discernment," which I thought was the message I would share about yesterday morning. But when I woke up at 2am to begin praying and doing the blog, that word would not appear again, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get it to appear in my mind.  

 The Holy Spirit has been given to us to be a Helper, not just for the actions and abilities to do the things that are good, but to also discern the Truth! We are given the ability to discern because the Holy Spirit is there to show us, which is usually noted by a "check in our spirit," so to speak. 

 When I first discovered this, I was sharing the Lord with a certain inmate that didn't want me to share about Jesus; as a matter of fact, he even threatened to punch me if I even tried. I did what I could, and kept showing up in the 'Boneyard,' almost every day to tell him about Jesus. A fellow believer took me aside and told me to stop, using a Scripture about "casting pearls among swine." But I instantly had a check in my spirit, telling me that he was wrong, and I kept on doing what I felt God telling me to do. 

 We must not ever think that we are not able to reach someone that God shows us to reach; He makes the way, and we are meant to go and do what He says; even if it might not seem right or easy, it is an open door; one in which God opens, at just the right time; and in just the same way, He came to you...  

""Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."" (John 15:4-8 NLT)  

"Plucked Up By The Roots"

 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds: trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots:" (Jude 12 KJV)

  "Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." (Galatians 6:7-8 NLT) 

 As many of us should know, it is the Holy Spirit that prompts us when we are given unsound doctrine, making us aware of what we already know. There are certain things that can be looked over, things that might not really matter much, like times and places; maybe a name that does not fit the story. But when it comes to the things that really matter, if it isn't right and if it doesn't alien with the Gospel Message, then it doesn't count, and needs to be challenged! 

 There have been several times in my walk with the Lord where I have heard someone say something that prompted the Holy Spirit, telling me that it was not so. Most of the times they were really not all that big of a deal, only just things that might have to do with human nature or reasons we might not have the right walk with God. As if those things really matter, because we all have our own issues that need to be sorted out.

 But when it comes to the message of the cross, and the power of God's salvation; especially the truth about Christ and all that He has done for us: there is no alternative to what He did and why He came! Because He lives, we are alive! No one can tell me any other story, than the one that has been written! Whether you can except it or not, that is on you; there is really no argument needed; just the truth, and nothing but the truth. 

 I have friends and relatives that are stuck in false religions, and I pray for them, that they might by saved; but no matter how hard I try, there is just no way that they will listen. They have entered onto the Ark, and don't want to be kicked off! It's as if they fear that believing anything else, except what they have been taught, they will be forever destroyed and abandoned. 

 This might not be the easy thing to say, because it hurts me to even bring it up: but there is a spirit that holds them captive, and it is not easily removed! More than anything, I would love to see them set free; but for some reason they just cannot receive the truth. But it is the Truth that sets us free! 

 Each and every one of us that claim to be Christians need to hold firmly to the Truth; and that Truth is the Word of God! This Bible that you have, (If that is you still have one!) is your guild and your map that shows you the Way, the Truth, and the Life; there is no other way, but by the Word of God...

"He came into the world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and they rejected him. But to all who believe him and accept him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn - not with a physical birth resulting from human passion of plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son." (John 1:10-14 NLT)    

"Twice Dead" - For Real!

 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (Jude 12 KJV)

  "Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins." (Ephesians 2:1 NLT)

 As for those who might try to persuade you or lead God's children into a lie, they will end up dying twice, if they do not change their ways. All of us were born dead to God; which is what happened when Adam sinned in the Garden; his sin cause all to be born separated from God and our souls were dead, we were empty souls, waiting to die; lost and without fellowship with our Creator! 

 There is this certain thing that is said about being born again: "Born once, die twice vs. Born twice, die once!" We are promised eternal life, even if we die, our life will be transformed and death has no sting! We will not even experience the grave or cremation, only the wonderful comfort of being with the Lord, immediately after we take our final breath!   

 This is pretty much what Jesus came for, that we could be alive in Him, and when this body dies, we are still alive and will never die again! This body that we are in, is just a tent; which is only a shell that we will be released from us once this body has quit or been destroyed. Whatever you have been told about what happens when you die; make absolutely sure you know what is written in the Bible!

 There are so many different religions that twist what the Bible actually says; making people unaware of their standing with God, pretending that they know where your spirit goes when you die, and what it will take to get released or resurrected! The only resurrection we will encounter is when these dead bodies will rise up and become something that never rots or gets destroyed; when the soul that has been with the Lord, will be reunited with a new body; one that will last forever and ever...

"We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who are dead. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 NLT)   

"Twice Dead"

 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (Jude 12 KJV)

  "For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened - those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come - and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God's blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it." (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT)

 If you have been following me in this journey over most of these years, then you should have maybe read my message regarding this Scripture from Hebrews, and the question of what it might look like for someone to lose their salvation; if that is even possible! Take a really good look at what is being said, because it is impossible! 

 This might not be something that everyone will agree on, because it is your own truth that matters, not the accusations of someone else, as to whether or not you are saved; even if you might fall away, there is no way whatsoever that you can lose something that is locked away! The problem with the those who might lose their salvation, is that they really never received it, even though they might have thought that they did. 

 Basically, it all comes down to true salvation; which is not about becoming a better person, or a way to be enlightened, or to have a better relationship with your spouse; all those things are well and good, but they do not remain: you will have trials and tribulations; there will be times when your life falls apart! Which is likely to happen to just about everyone, especially those who have true salvation! 

 As crazy as it might sound, those who don't deal with all those trials and tribulations are most likely not following Jesus, but they are following someone else; someone who promises one thing but actually means something else! We who know that our salvation is real, we know it real, because it is real to us; we have experienced the love of God and have believed the cross on which Christ was crucified on was for the forgiveness of our sins, once and for all! 

 There might be times when we drift away or fall into ditch! We could actually fall of the face of the earth, and still not lose our salvation; because that salvation which we have is in Christ! He own's us, and He is not letting go of us, even if we might stray away; He will leave the flock to go find us and bring us back into the fold...

""If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish."" (Matthew 18:12-14 NLT) 

"What is Fruit"

 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds: trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (Jude 12 KJV)

  "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction." (PSALM 1 NLT)

 There is something else you should know about the Bible, just in case you might have forgotten: it yields power, has the ability to stir up the passions in your heart, and awaken your sleepy soul! The word of God is alive! Whatever is causing you to remain fruitless, it isn't God's word; because His word produces fruit; and the fruit it produces has seeds that multiply, bringing about more life!

 We simply have no clue about the results of what happens when we share God's word with someone; they may not even understand what it was that you said, but what you said planted a seed, and that seed is likely to grow, which may produce more fruit, which ends up planting more seeds; and on and on it goes! All the while, you don't even know how a simple conversation can do more than you know.

 Hopefully you might have watched to results of last night's election results? They didn't really surprise me, because I already prepared myself for the results. It was pretty much already in the air; you could almost smell the sulfur, as if the enemy had made his day. Regardless of the results, God is still on the throne! His plans are still the same, no matter what happens or doesn't happen, His will and purposes still remain! 

 Please believe me when I say this: our lives might change, but nothing that happens here, on this earth, will never, ever, take away from the promises we have been given by believing in Christ and making every effort to let Him be the Lord of our lives! He is faithful to complete every one of us, even if we fail to complete that which we started; He has not made us to be successful: He wants us to be faithful to Him; because, He has already won...

"I am writing to you who are God's children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. I have written to you who are God's children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God's word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one." (1 John 2:12-14 NLT) 

"Cloudiness!"

 "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; (Jude 12 KJV) 

""O Israel and Judah, what should I do with you?" says the LORD. "For your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight. I sent my prophets to cut you in pieces - to slaughter you with my words, and judgments as inescapable as light. I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust."" (Hosea 6:4-7 NLT)

 This might look a little different, but there is more that needs to be said, probably more than I have time to talk about. Whatever you might have thought about my closing statements yesterday, this is more than just me speaking my mind: it is the heart of the matter, which overcomes what the mind might think, making it what it is, that the Bible 110% true; regardless of the doubt that might cloud the mind! 

 To start, just the fact that God actually made the heavens and the earth in six days, actually six 24 hour days, is almost too much for the mind to comprehend; but because the Bible actually says, "the morning and the night were a day," then we must at least believe God can do anything, as quickly or as slowly as He wants! If God can make light, in the fraction of a second; then He can make everything else within a week; that much I am pretty sure of! 

 Did you know that God slowed down the earth from turning; even without causing it to break or even somehow skip a beat! Read it for yourself, Joshua 10:12-13 records what happened. The question about whether or not He stopped the sun, and if it was the earth; should make I us wonder; but I am surely convinced that it was the earth that stood still, because the one spinning around the sun! Just as the eclipse that took place when Jesus hung on the cross, which lasted three hours! Even in the brightest part of the day! 

 Without a doubt, God can do anything and all things; there is nothing too difficult for God; not even making a way for His children to actually love Him...

"LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word." (PSALM 119:41-42 NLT) 

"Uncertain Derivation"

"These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (Jude 12 KJV)

  "These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception." (2 Peter 2:17-18 NLT)

 There are certain things happening in this world, things which are almost too hard to explain, and things which don't agree with the things we read in the Bible, as to how we should live and treat one another. For what it's worth, these things are to be expected to happen; but what really blows my mind is how easily there are some in the churches who allow it to happen; some even agree with what is going on, as if it is okay, saying things like, "These are the times we live in, can't we all just get along?" 

 The title of this post is not something that is easy to explain; but it is well enough something to show is the way the enemy works; the enemy being the devil and his minions! It is basically the simple little thing like added words to that which is written, as there was in the Garden, when the Serpent added one simple word to what God had said, "not," to God's word, "thou shalt surely die." 

 There are sometimes instances when a Pastor will quote a Scripture from the Bible, saying something else, other than what is written; which is just a glitch, and most people won't even notice. But changing the meaning or making it mean the opposite of what God said, that is entirely wrong and should be corrected immediately, as soon as it was said! There are some people that will accept what was said, if it isn't correct; just because they don't really read the Bible that much; and when they do, they don't really understand everything that it says. 

 Jude isn't talking about those who make mistakes and even those who don't understand everything in the Bible: he is talking about those who don't believe, as they should; who are not willing to accept God's ways, as if there are alternative definitions to what is meant, even though God's word never changes; regardless of the changes in our world, His word is still the same, it still means the same, and it will always remain the same! 

 I know that I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I also know what I believe and why I believe what I know; it is the Bible that tells me so, and that is where it ends! The Word of God is alive and is always right, no matter who might want to change it, it can never be changed...

"If anyone claims, "I am living in the light," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves another brother or sister is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates another brother or sister is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness." (1 John 2:9-11 NLT)   

"Shameless and Unapologetic"

  "When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord's love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving and rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness." (Jude 12-13 NLT)

  "Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, and bit with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God." (Micah 3:5-7 KJV)

 Whatever it was that those three did, Cain, Balaam, and Korah, it was they who suffered the price, but it was God that used whatever it was for His purposes, no matter how He did it, He makes everything work for His plans and purposes; it will go exactly as He has planned, regardless of who or what tries to make it something else! Let me remind you again, just in case you didn't understand the meaning: On the second day of creation, "good" was not used in the process of that creation. For, as it was, God made Heaven, which was not meant for mankind, as of yet. It was holy and sacred; a place that divided that which happens here and that which takes place there, where GOD dwells in Holiness! 

 Maybe I just don't see "good" in that day of creation because I am blind and don't understand where it might be; but the thing about God's separation for man, was a pretty big deal; which is why Jesus was prepared, way before all creation, to come down here and sacrifice Himself on that cross...

"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." (Isaiah 54:10-12 KJV)  

"Can I Get a Witness!" - Again

 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah." (Jude 11 KJV)

  "Listen to what the LORD is saying: "Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. And now, O mountains, listen to the LORD'S complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel. "O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me! For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. Don't you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the LORD, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness."" (Micah 6:1-5 NLT)

 There are certain things that can be shown regarding these three characters, Cain, Balaam, and Korah, that show the three things they represent. Cain is pretty simple to understand, as his sacrifice was based upon his works, as he was a farmer, sacrificing some of the crops he had harvested; as if God would be pleased by the labor and hard work that he did. He was jealous and very angry that God had accepted Abel's burnt offering but did not accept his.

 When God confronted him about his anger, He said: "You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:7 NLT) Yet he let sin control him, killing his brother, just because Abel's sacrifice was to please God, and his was to please himself! If you don't know what that means, it is very similar to Satan's rebellion against God; how he, being a glorious angel, thought and planned to be like God! But he was created, and God was his Creator! What is wrong with that picture? Pastor Bryan made a comment the other night that the mark that God put upon Cain's forehead was in the shape of a cross; which is very possible to be true!  

 As for Balaam, his deal was about getting paid by King Balak, as he was asked to curse the children of Israel, as they marched below in the wilderness; while the king had him try to curse them in several different directions. Each time, he looked down at them, he couldn't curse but blessed them instead. If it's okay with you, I would like to show you why he could not curse them: It was because the children of Israel were marching through the wilderness in the formation of a cross! Each time he would look down to curse them, he saw the cross, and he could do nothing but bless them. However, even though he couldn't curse them, he still found a way to get paid; by telling the king to seduce them with Moabite women and God would be angry at them.  

 Korah is the wiseguy who though he could get the entire community to rebel against Moses and Aaron. Yet, God had the earth open up below all of their tents, and the earth swallowed them up; all 250 of them, with their families! Thinking he was wise; he was shown to be a fool! That was why I shared the Psalm written by the descendants of Korah, a few days ago; as it says in Numbers 26:11 "However, the sons of Korah did not die that day."  

 God is always in control! He allows certain things to happen, and then He uses those things that might seem bad and destructive, for good and to perform something that works for His plans. Even the worst things that could ever happen, He will use it for the absolute best! The cross of Christ is His greatest witness, and the sons of Korah are authors of Psalms that proclaim the redemption offered through the cross of Christ...

"How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven's Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God." (PSALM 84:1-2 NLT)  

 

 

"Can I Get a Witness!"

 "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah." (Jude 11 KJV)

  "The very look on their faces gives them away. They display their sins like the people of Sodom and don't even try to hide it. They are doomed! They have brought destruction upon themselves. Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned! But the wicked are doomed, for they will get exactly what they deserve." (Isaiah 3:9-11 NLT)

 For whatever it is worth, the title has quite a history to it; and it has been used in all sorts of ways: in songs, movies, and churches; but in this context, let's just say that we absolutely cannot hide what we do; whether good or bad, everything is witnessed by God for sure; and even angels, including the devil, are likely to see what we do. Hopefully you are doing your best to be godly and wanting to please the Lord in all that you do; chances are, that only God knows the intensions of your heart; but the others will see your expressions on your faces! 

 There are three people here that Jude is illustrating here; which, make me think of the three things Eve felt saw in the tree the bore the fruit she was about to eat: "That the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise." (Genesis 3:6) Basically there were three things to cause her to sin: It was desirable to the body; it was pleasing to the eyes; and it would enlighten the mind, making one wise. 

 The three things these three men all did that was wrong, closely resemble these things; as it goes, there is good and evil that is at work in each and every one of them. Instead of building towards self, we should ourselves be built by God and enjoying the fruit that He offers; which is a heart for God, eyes that look to please Him, and a mind that wants to know Him, by listening, and obeying...

"Then the Lord said to him, "You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy - full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn't God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. "What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. "What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces. Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on."" (Luke 11:39-44 NLT)

"Scoffers!" = Too

 "But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves." (Jude 10 KJV)

  "Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created." They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed." (2 Peter 3:3-7 NLT)

 When you stop and think about it, those who think everything has remained the same since the world has been created, really don't have a clue about everything that is going on in this world! Not only do we have overwhelming technology that is quickly becoming more and more, shall we say, self-sufficient and able to think on its own; but space exploration has taken a whole new direction; even to the point of making plans for living in outer space, as if they are planning to make colonies on other planets. 

  Regardless of what does or does not happen, we who are followers of Christ, must be diligent in our belief that He is coming soon! It's really not a matter of preference, because those who prefer to just wait and see, might not end up being ready when He does return. I'm not saying that you can't live on doing your work and building a family; because those are the things God expects us to do; but we do need to keep looking up, waiting, and praying for His soon return! 

 More importantly than that, we need to keep our families aware and alert to what we believe and why it is very important that we remain ready. There are too many distractions and activities that throw us off from being alert and remembering that the time is near. We make plans for certain things, as if everything will remain the same! Yes, even me! I just traded in my Motor Home for a new own, planning to start next year by working two months, and then gone one month, all throughout the year. 

 Even then, I will always be looking up, expecting Jesus to take us home! Every time I see something strange in the sky, I wish it to be that His coming is now; every time I hear of an earthquake or that a volcano has erupted, I think of His return. See the life of having fun, enjoying celebrations, eating and drinking, and living as if everything is just getting better; makes me aware of the fact that these are like the days before Noah entered the Ark...

""However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. "When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. "Two men will be working together in a field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. "So you too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."" (Matthew 24:36-44 NLT)  

"Scoffers!"

 "But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves." (Jude 10 KJV)

  "He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desires, and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling. But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings. These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed. They scoff at things they do not understand, and like animals, they will be destroyed." (2 Peter 2:10-12 NLT)

 Just to make a point, the devil does have dominion here on this earth; he has been doing things and ruling on this earth for quite some time; ever since God made man, he has been plotting and planning things to do that will allow mankind to spend eternity in Hell with him. And yes, he does know where he will be ending up, but he would like to take as many of us as he can, to suffer with him! 

 Anywho, too many Christian's scoff at the devil, as if he has no power to persuade them or attack them, as if they are completely safe and secure. We are only able to do so much; picking a fight with the devil is not something that you want to engage in; that is something we give to the LORD! To be absolutely certain, I know for a fact that those who do great things for the Kingdom of God, end up with a target on their back; with the devil just patiently waiting for the opportunity to fire one of his poisonous darts. 

 You can scoff at things you can't believe, but that doesn't protect you or keep you safe; it only makes you more vulnerable to the devils lies. Crazy as it might sound, but he isn't an angel of light, but he sure can masquerade as one. Before his fall, he was one of the brightest most beautiful angels; he was the one leading the worship in heaven. 

 There is something we must truly understand: we are surrounded all around by angels, some of which are fallen and subject to walk the earth, waiting and wanting to harm or destroy believer's and the church. Whether you can believe it or not, it is really happening; just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't true! Good news is, Christ is LORD of All...

"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for though him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see - such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together." (Colossians 1:15-17 NLT) 

"God Sees All!"

 "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee." (Jude 9 KJV)

  "One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. "Where have you come from?" the LORD asked Satan. Satan answered the LORD, "I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that's going on." Then the LORD asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless - a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil." Satan replied to the LORD, "Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!" "All right, you may test him," the LORD said to Satan. "Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don't harm him physically." So Satan left the LORD'S presence." (Job 1:6-12 NLT)

 Knowing that God knows everything, which actually says, God's sight is everywhere; meaning that He is "omniscient" and has the ability to know every thought, action, and intention: is not only something we must be aware of, but it must be something that we cherish and wholeheartedly keep in the forefront of our mind, at all times! Yet, sadly to say, just about everyone will wonder away from knowing; as if He has stepped away and will not see what they are doing.

 When you read this portion of Scripture from Job, it would appear to the average reader that God does not know what Satan has been doing or where he has been. Proverbs 15:3 says, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." Which actually contradicts the theory of some, that God will not look upon evil: "Nothing is hidden from Him!" Hebrews 4:13 says, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable." 

 What Jude to putting forth in this dispute between Michael and Satan, is that Michael did not bring and accusation against him, that it is God's place to judge; he just simply said, "The Lord rebuke thee," as the Lord had instructed Michael what to do with Moses' body. This is just an illustration of what Jude had previously said about speaking evil of dignities; as, even though the devil was evil, he was still actually a dignity; after all, he is the god of this fallen world; at least for now...

""Am I a God who is only close at hand?" says the LORD. "No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" says the LORD." (Jeremiah 23:23-24 NLT)     

"Things That Make You Wonder"

 "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." (Jude 8 KJV)

 "Then he brought me to the door of the Temple courtyard, where I could see a hole in the wall. He said to me, "Now, son of man, dig into the wall." So I dug into the wall and found a hidden doorway. "Go in," he said, "and see the wicked and detestable sins they are committing in there!" So I went in and saw the walls engraved with all kinds of crawling animals and detestable creatures. I also saw various idols worshiped by the people of Israel. Seventy leaders of Israel were standing there with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan in the center. Each of them held an incense burner, from which a cloud of incense rose above their heads. Then the LORD said to me, "Son of man, have you seen what the leaders of Israel are doing with their idols in dark rooms? They are saying, 'The LORD doesn't see us; he has deserted our land!'"" (Ezekiel 8:7-12 NLT)

 Maybe you missed that meaning about me having to repeat this again? No matter if you got it or not, those things I shared about were true and needed to be said, because we might be perfect I God's eyes, but we are still far from being perfect! Yes, we have the Holy Spirit living within us; and He is always there to help us and speak to you, asking us to do certain things and to not do other things. But He also is a Gentleman, who does not force us to do and not do; but there will be problems and consequences for not listening and obeying what the Spirit says! For those who might not get that meaning, it is one of the main things Jesus says, telling John about the letters to the seven churches.   

 When I thought about what I shared, I realized something I forgot and wondered if it was relevant to the actual message. For the most part, I was describing some of the things that most of us might do, from time to time; knowing full well that none of us do not sin, no matter what position you might hold, we are all still sinners. but we have been saved by grace!  

 The main point of this post is not to confuse you with more stories about my past, but to make you aware of what causes us to think of something that allows us to feel free to do what we do. The simple answer to what that is: we forget who we are and who lives within us! We might think God has stepped away and isn't really interested in what we do, or don't do! 

 You are never alone! He is always there, watching you every move you make and the words that come out of your mouth! Better still, He even knows the thoughts and dreams that are in your minds; even the passions and motivation of your hearts! 

 Perhaps this doesn't mean so much to some, as if this is something we already know. But the thing that I feel God has been put upon my heart, is that thinking He isn't there is something tragic and all together ungodly; it takes away from the firm foundation we must believe in, and it surely makes us vulnerable to sin more and more! 

 One thing is sure, which is not that hard to figure out: When you were born, you didn't need to learn how to sin, it was part of your human nature. But when you were born again, you had to learn to sin again; making one sin easy to do but wounding your soul in the process. But the more you did it, the less you felt wounded, and the freer you felt when you did it again, and again...

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" (Romans 1:16-17 NLT) 

"Again, and Again!"

  "In the same way, these people - who claim authority from their dreams - live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses' body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion." (Jude 8-11 NLT)

  "O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; for my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave." (Psalms 88:1-3 KJV)

 Well, here I go again! Yet, this time I feel as though I was led into this mistake! As crazy as that might sound, it was because the prior two posts involved the stupid things we believers do, some things, without even knowing that we have done wrong. And yes, very definitely, we are new in Christ, when we received Him into our hearts! Nobody who has been born again can simply walk away: the old you, has died; the new you, has already a place already waiting in heaven, protected and secure! 

 I was thinking about a certain man, some of you might not remember his name, but it was Uzzah. As it goes, Uzzah was helping David to bring the Holy Chest back to Jerusalem; and when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, the cart the Holy Chest was on, began to move. Without even thinking, Uzzah put forth his hand to the Ark to steady it, and God killed him! 

 There is no doubt in my mind that we will not see Uzzah in heaven; and as far as that goes, I also truly believe that we will see two other characters also; Ananias and Sapphira! Go ahead and laugh, if you think that is not going to happen; buy lying about how much you tithe, might get you into trouble, but it will never take away the salvation that Christ has given you; but you might lose something here on earth; including your life, without dying!  

 This situation happened for a very specific reason: To let the church know that things are serious and it wasn't a game! With that, it is absolutely critical that we think hard about the life we are living, and ask ourselves if you are doing things that help to build and fortify the church; or are you simply just making ourselves present, so people will recognize that we came to church...

"Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of your hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee." (Psalms 128:1-2 KJV) 

"Either He is Lord or He's Not" - Up to You

 "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." (Jude 8 KJV)

  "Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the last hour has come. These people left the churches, but they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have with us. When they left, it proved that they did not belong with us. But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth. So I am writing to you not because you don't know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son doesn't have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father Also." (1 John 2:18-23 NLT)

 Again, let me start off with a few of the sins of mine that are very closely related to these three things that Jude mentions in the verse we are looking at today. First of all; each and every time I might stumble by the flesh having its way, I will almost always, right away ask the Lord to forgive me for sinning against Him. However, there are times when I might be offended, or feel as though certain dignitaries are evil, I will not even feel as though I need to ask for forgiveness; yet sooner or later the Lord changes my heart. 

 Starting off with is "these filthy dreamers defile the flesh." If I am being honest, there have been times when I have allowed my mind to dream or Invision filthy things, satisfying my fleshly desires. To anyone paying attention, just because you might use your left hand, that doesn't make it right! Also, by the way, those commercials about the "bent carrots", that condition is usually caused by too much defilement. 

 Secondly, there is the sin to "despise dominion."  There are serval things we can associate with what dominion means: it basically means "one who possesses dominion." That could be your boss, or the government; or even the Lord; whom ever has power over certain things in your life. Guilty, guilty am I! As far as a boss goes, I am my own boss; but I have given everything to the Lord, so it is His, which means that I actually work for Him. But certain others, such as the Governor of the State I live in, I care very little of; that too I should realize is a sin. 

 As for the third, "speaking evil of dignities," is most likely one of my most frequent sins. But, as it goes, sometimes: I know what I and supposed to do, but I don't do it; and that which I should not do, I do it anyways! It is mostly a passionate reaction, and most of the time I will apologize and ask for forgiveness. When I was caring for my wife and Pat, (who is with the Lord,) said on the news that its okey to divorce your spouse, if they had a brain disorder; I pretty much did everything but curse; and even then, I needed to ask the Lord to forgive me! 

 Dignities can mean more that people, it can also apply a thing belong to God, a thing belonging to Christ, or even angels; which we shall soon see. The primary character involved in this is much the same as dignity; meaning whether it be good or bad, that which involves opinion, judgement or view, no matter what it might be, all things have meaning and purpose; even the flies I chase down and kill in my house, they to require a little bit of dignity.

 Yes, we might sometimes do things that we know are wrong and feel sometimes that we cannot control it; but that is primarily because will allow our sin nature to come to life! If I had to say it another way, it would be that our sin nature is meant to be buried and the new creature has been raised with Christ! But somehow, we, (in our minds,) might dig up the old sinful creature and tie him or her to our backs! We don't smell so good with a stinky dead corpse strapped to our back... 

"So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us." (1 John 2:24-25 NLT)  

"Ethier He's Lord or He's Not"

 "Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities." (Jude 8 KJV)

  "Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. "Let us break their chains, "they cry, "and free ourselves from the slavery of God." But the one who rules from heaven laughs. The LORD scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. For the LORD declares, "I have placed me chosen King on the throne in Jerusalem, my holy mountain." The King proclaims the LORD'S decree: "The LORD said to me, 'You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your own inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.'" Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth! Serve the LORD with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God's royal Son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities - for his flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!" (PSALM 2 NLT) [modified]

 Don't be alarmed, by my modification. There are certain things in some translations that I seriously will disagree with, and why the NLT translation made King and Son in lower case characters, I have no idea; but they did have a footnote that said, "Or Son". 

 There are certain things we think about taking control of or getting rid of; things that we might actually feel in our hearts that the Lord wants us to do. When we sense that the Lord wants us to do something, then our responsibility as a slave of the Lord Jesus Christ, is to do it! 

 Let me even go a step further, (if you will.) If you really are a servant of the Lord, then you will not just wait for His command or requirement; as any good and faithful servant, would do, you will look earnestly for ways to please your Master! That is why we have a Bible! It is our guidebook and roadmap to show us the way and teach us how to obey...

"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable." (Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT)  

"Here Comes the Judge!"

   "In the same way, there people - who claim authority from their dreams - live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, "The LORD rebuke you!" (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses' body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion." (Jude 8-11 NLT)

 "Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah" (Psalms 52:1-3 KJV)

 Before I go any further, I just wanted to and a little something to the last couple of posts. I truly believe that everyone, not matter what they have done, can be saved! This I believe with all my heart! Jesus would have forgiven Judas, if he had only asked for forgiveness; yet he went and hung himself! But even still, if by chance he called out for forgiveness, even in the last two seconds, we would have received the Lord's forgiveness. Actually, I am would not be surprised if Jesus forgave him anyway; He surely forgave those who nailed Him to the cross! 

 There are so many things we mere mortals do not understand, even those who study long and hard; the 'swirling eddies' will always take us down the rabbit hole, chasing for deeper answers; but the deeper we go, the more lost and confused we become. Our minds cannot comprehend the complexity of God's, all so, misterious and amazing plan...

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:14 KJV)  

"The Example" - TOO

 "Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Jude 7 KJV)

 "In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." And that message is the very message that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:8-9 NLT)

 Well, first off, my misspelling of Gomorrah was the same way it was spelt in the Blue Letter Bible that I use every morning. I had a hunch that it was wrong, but yesterday morning was quite a mess, for my mind was clouded and I really couldn't do much about it. 

 Basically, this is the message, (in case you might have different thoughts, I would keep them to yourself, because), all of the souls could have been spared if they would have repented and turned towards God! Lot was godly; which he became by walking with Abraham for all those years. He sat at the city gates most of the time; and I am pretty sure he wasn't selling tickets to get in. 

 Abraham bartered with the Lord, starting with fifty being righteous, all the way down to ten; and even with only ten, the Lord said, "Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten." Before you cast any sort of judgment, thinking these people had it coming to them, know something that is very sure: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

 What I am trying to say, is that even those that are incredibly wicked, as long as they still have breath and the ability to speak, (even just a whisper and possibly just a thought,) and ask for God's forgiveness, they will be saved! If there was any reason that Jude made these comment about Sodom and Gomorrah being destroyed, I am almost 100% sure, that is because of those who are self-righteous and might say that they all deserved to die, and that the deserved it!

 Worse than that, there are still some, even those who minister, that might not think those kinds of people could ever be saved; that their sin was too wicked, and bad enough not to allow them even to enter their church. We must never tear down that Jesus has built! This much I know is totally true...

"It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seeds grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work. For we are both God's workers. And you are God's field. You are God's building. Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have - Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials - gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, the builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames." (1 Corinthians 3: 

"The Example"

 "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire." (Jude 7 KJV)

 ""And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you."" (Matthew 11:23-24 NLT)

 Most everyone knows about the destruction that took place in these cities. There was something not everyone knows about what went on before they were destroyed. The Lord and two angels were visiting Abraham, and when He told Abraham what was going to happen, Abraham tried to ask the Lord, 'If there be any righteous, will you still destroy them?' 

 Maybe there is a better example, but the main thing I was wanting to share about was Jesus! Yes, He was there speaking with Abraham, everywhere the Lord shows up, it is Him, the Son of God...

 "Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?" Jesus answered, "If I want glory for myself, it doesn't count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, 'He is our God,' but you don't even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward my coming. He saw it and was glad." The people said, "You aren't even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!"" (John 8:53-58 NLT)

"The Origin" - Too

"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 6 KJV) 

  "O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I am far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!" (PSALM 139:1-6 NLT)

 I really wasn't expecting to have many agree with what I was saying yesterday, because everyone has God planning for a perfect world when He created the garden and placed man in it. Oddly enough, the cross of Christ and His salvation for the entire world was established and planned out, even before the world began. So there must have been a reason, as it is, God knows the beginning and the end! 

 It has been said the Lucifer rebelled against God because of God's plan when He decided to make man in His own image; more than that, it was God's plan to have man judge the angels; which really made the devil jealous of man. He had also tried hard to prevent Christ Jesus from being born and providing salvation for the entire earth by being crucified on the cross! 

 As I have said several times before, the cross of Christ is imaged in so many things, both small and big! There is an image of the cross in the black hole, which is way out in space. There is an image of the cross next to every cell that within us; which is a cell call Laminin and is a cell adhesion molecule that holds us together! When it says in the Bible that Jesus holds all things together, it is no joke! 

 There are several more illustrations to be made, but this is primarily all about love! God did not create us as puppets or robots, that we would follow His every command. He knew firsthand that He had to make a way that we would love Him, by first doing the most amazing thing, ever! That was the act of being born as one of us, living among us, and hanging on a cross to free us from sin; that we would love Him, because He first loved us, and proved it on the cross...

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love - not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." (1 John 4:9-10 NLT)     

"The Origin"

 "And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 6 KJV)

  "The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LORD God had made. One day he asked the woman, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?" "Of course we may eat fruit the trees in the garden," the woman replied. "It's only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, 'You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die." "You won't die!" the serpent replied to the woman. "God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil." (Genesis 3:1-5 NLT)

 As most of us know, this was the beginning of the fall of man. There are several points to this meeting, between the serpent and the woman; some of which are not clearly noticed; but each and every one of them, God was not surprised by! I am certain that He was watching, just as He watches us when we do things that get us into trouble; even though we might not think He is watching us! 

 Whatever you think of Eve in this conversation with the devil, Adam was the one that allowed this to happen; as it was, he was the one God told to tend and care for all that was in the garden. That would have also involved caring for the wife that God made for him! Somehow or another, Eve had added something to God's command, "Do not eat of the tree in the middle of the garden," as she added, "or even touch it". 

 Having shared on this before, it really isn't that hard to figure out that either Adam had told her not to even touch it, or that she had witnessed Adam touching it, looking as though he wanted to eat it. Either way, she opened the door for the serpent to lie to her, because she said something that God did not say. If God didn't say it, then we should not add to it or make something different from what He said. 

 Obviously, the tree was somehow important in the garden; much like the Tree of Life, which was also in the garden. Adam was told by God to tend and care for all that was in the garden, which included tending for all the trees; which would also include the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. What makes me wonder, is why that tree was in the middle of the garden; as if it was there to tempt Adam's curiosity and wonder? 

 If you have been following me for a while, you might have known that I wrote about this before; and if you did, hopefully you didn't think I was crazy or stupid. But when God had Adam name all of the animals, there was certain that accrued to happen in Adam that is what I believe also allowed him to let Even eat of the forbidden fruit. That certain thing that he experienced was, "Want!" 

 Don't think of me as a nut, because I truly believe that Adam had nothing to want or need, until he started naming the all the animals, seeing they were all male and female mates; and he began to think, "Where is the mate for me?" Which was the beginning of his experience to want. 

 If you think about it, it is the one thing that takes us down, over and over, as we want things; even sometimes the things that are not good for us; including the things that we actually know God doesn't want us to have or do...

 "The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and she ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves." (Genesis 3:6-7 NLT) 

"Repeat and Refresh" - 2

 "I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not." (Jude 5 KJV)

  "So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless." (James 2:17 NLT)

 Let me tell you something, all of those things Jesus spoke about regarding those bad seeds, as I was typing out the words, I was remembering times when I had bits and pieces of those experiences. Not that I stayed in those conditions, but that there were days when I didn't believe that I was saved; days when I had fallen away, feeling as if I didn't belong; days when work and pleasures were more important than serving the Lord.

 Having been through the fire, if you will, I am somewhat more confident and secure about my belief in the salvation I have been given. There still are times when I feel discouraged and unworthy; but it is in those times that pick myself up and stand up like a man. And then there are times when I fall down to my knees and beg for forgiveness! If you don't know what all that means, then you probably haven't studied the Book of Job.

 Here is the thing that believing actually means when it comes to following Christ: Just as Jesus said to His disciples, ""The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these."" (Mark 12:29-31 NLT)

 Basically, if you love God as you should, then you will do what He tells you to do, and you believe what He says, and you put forth the effort to listen and obey, even if you don't really want to! It sounds really simple, but it sometimes is really hard! When those times come when we are not willing or have excuses for ways out, remember that Jesus wept and begged the Father, saying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."" (Matthew 26:39 NLT)

 When I think of it that way, my choices get less important...

""Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink - even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk - it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David."" (Isaiah 55:1-3 NLT)  

"Repeat and Refresh"

 "I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not." (Jude 5 KJV)

  "For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says, "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled." And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn't it the people Moses led out of Egypt? And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn't it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn't it the people who disobeyed him? So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest." (Hebrews 3:14-19 NLT)

 Hopefully there will be something that really matters in this, so called mistake; but either way, I am sure that everything happens for a reason; even the stupid things we might do, God can use them, somehow for good! With that, I will try to make a better effort to define what it means to believe; mostly because the majority of those who fail and do not enter into His rest, do so because their belief is only imaginary and not based upon the whole truth.

 To explain what it means to believe, as if we don't already know, is to understand that we have been set free from sin; which, believe it or not, is the power of forgiveness, that we should: "Go, and sin no more!" Having said that, it is highly unlikely that anyone reading this has the ability to "sin no more," as if that was even possible! We are made perfect because we are in Christ and He lives in us; otherwise, we have no standing at all! 

 There is a very significant difference to the ones who believe the truth and those who do not; and even then, those who know the truth, will somehow still make mistakes! We really don't have to debate that isn't so, because the Bible is full of examples that what I said is true. The main point that we need to keep in our hearts and minds, is that God really does love us, even when we make mistakes! 

 Think of it this way, if you will. Believing in God's promises is something that makes you know that whatever He says He will do, is absolutely true. Which is basically the whole reason those who died in that wilderness didn't enter into His rest: They did not believe that He would take care of them, even after seeing with their own eyes the power and glory of their God!

 When we were first saved, we experience something that was supernatural and real; something that made us feel as though we had no worries, as if all the burdens that had us bound up and afraid were simply taken away, and a heavy load was taken off of our shoulders. This was not something that we made happen; and it surely wasn't something that we should ever forget...

""This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is God's word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest."" (Luke 8:11-15 NLT)   

"Clearing the Air"

   "So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Isreal from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. And don't forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God's judgment." (Jude 5-7 NLT)

 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ: And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:3-6 KJV)

 Much to my chagrin, I realized this morning that I messed up placing the '5' where it didn't belong; as it was, the plan was to do 5, 6, and 7 together, leaving only 3 & 4 on their own. If that doesn't make any sense, don't bother trying to figure it out. I am over the being worried about the mistake and have made the decision that it might have actually been for a reason. 

 This portion of Scripture from 2 Corinthians is something I seriously focused on back in February 1989 to April 1990; and continued to use it, off and on, since then. The main reason was based on a simple book that was called "CounterAttack." Basically, what the book was meant for, was, "Taking Back Ground Lost to Sin." The book was written by Jay Carty, who used a character in the book as an illustration of warning, which was called, "Polar Bear Alert". 

 It might sound silly, but it does actually work! Unfortunately, like most all of us do, when we practice something that really works, we sometimes put it down because it takes away from our, so called, freedom to sin! Sad to say, but the freedom to sin is a myth! If you don't know what a myth actually means, much as it may, the Polar Bear Alert is also as co called myth; but it is used to counter the thought of thinking to sin. 

 The thing is, as simple as it might sound, we only sin because we allow the seed to be planted that will give us the speculation to sin. I you don't know what that looks like, it is putting something away, as if it might not harm you, which is actually something that you might think is good for you at a later date. 

 Paul makes at very powerful illustration of this, if you are thinking that you have freedom to sin; as if God's grace gives you that right! When we do sin, we sometimes think it is afforded to us, much like having your cake and eating it too...

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should also walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." (Romans 6:1-7 KJV)