Have You Grown Cold?

My heart is breaking because of things I see going on around me.  The world is infiltrating our churches, the hearts of christians are turning cold, just as the Bible said it would.  It's one thing to read about it, it's another to see it happening right before your eyes and to people you care about.  To all of you, not just blood family, not just family at all, not just friends but everyone, I love you too much not to pass this on and if any of it applies then just know I am writing what God has laid on my heart.

You may or may not realize but if you are a christian and have read the Bible, (and even those who do not claim to be christian have read the Bible and believe, the Bible says even the demons believe and tremble), you are starting to see a lot of prophecy come true.  Much more than our parents, grandparents etc.
NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO TURN AWAY FROM GOD, or to let your guard down.  Nothing in and of this world is worth going to hell for.  There is so much that God has laid on my heart I am having trouble even writing it all down.  The first verse HE gave me was this one:
Matthew 15:8, NASB
8‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.
      9‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’”
Many claim to love the Lord, many spread the verses they read around to others in a semblance of spreading the gospel, while their lives and their actions are far from it.  If the world sees you acting like them WHY would they want to change anything, all they have to say is "I believe" and continue living in sin.  NOW if YOU are the one they are watching and you are the one they are patterning their christian life after, YOU are responsible for them, their blood WILL be on your hands come judgement day.  One of the saddest things I witnessed one time was a young man in his 30's give his life to Christ, and then leave the church mentored by one "friend" who continued to tell him dirty jokes, cuss like a sailor and try to entice him to go to the bars and into other things.  This friend was "supposed" to be a christian.  This friend had worked on him for months and months to come to church, to give his life to God, to become a "new" man.  Then this same friend led him out the door and right back down the same path.  He ended up as lost when he walked out as when he walked in.  No one else could get through to this young man because he had so much respect for the friend that "led him to Christ".  He had never been to church, knew nothing about how your life is supposed to change, yet he felt something wasn't right, he felt that continuing to do the things of the world after confessing his sins was wrong, but he wasn't seeing a change in anyone else so he thought he had this christianity thing all wrong and he wondered what took him so long to confess because he wasn't having to give anything up.  Surely this friend of his, who had been a christian for so long would know how a christian is supposed to act?  He tried talking to his friend but the friend told him, he was okay that God didn't expect him to be so "clean cut and straight laced".  That was old fashioned. He wanted to talk to the pastor but didn't want to make his friend feel like he didn't trust him.  He ended up feeling like he was just being to hard and judgmental and eventually he ended up back on the streets and ultimately in prison.  I realize the friend wasn't the only one in the wrong here.  Someone else should have tried to step up, some did, and yes I was one of those.  We tried to talk to him, to show him Christ's love, tried to teach him but with his friends on the other side saying those older people don't know, that is the old way etc. etc. it only left him more confused.
I have said all that to say this.  I see many many people who have been in church most if not all of their lives, who have claimed to be Christians, taught church classes, sang in the choir, appeared to be following God and know the truths of God.  I've heard them quote scripture, say "I would never do this, or never do that" and I see them now only honoring God with their lips.  Their hearts are turning cold, just as the Bible foretold.
The witness they are presenting is far removed from the witness they were.  There are things of this world that have NO place in the life of a Child of God.  There was a time when these same people would have been appalled if you tried to tell them that they would do the things they are doing now.  God will not be mocked.  What HE says HE means.  His promises AND HIS warnings.  He says stay away from ALL appearance of evil.  1 Thessalonians 5:22.   That means stay away from witchcraft or ALL appearance of witchcraft.  Stay away from discerning the stars (horoscopes), stay away from filthy lewd talk and actions, stay away from bars, strip clubs, other peoples husbands and wives!  I'm not going to tell you that you cannot drink a glass of wine etc that is between you and God, however, when you promote liquor and drinking you are destroying your witness.  Facebook is a good venue to witness, but what kind of witness are we being.  People know we are Christians and yet they see horoscopes, Jack Daniels advertisements, jokes about getting drunk or getting "laid", cussing, sexual innuendos, half dressed men and women, lustful comments.  ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL.  God says what HE means and means what HE says.  Don't let the devil destroy you.  You've run a good race so far, don't quit, the finish line is too close.
Galatians 5:1
1It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:7-8
7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 
8 This  persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
TO ALL OF YOU:  God knows when I say I love you and I pray for you that I truly mean it, whether you are family, friend or acquaintance.  If I did not tell you the truth of God's word then I would only be honoring that love with my lips and not with my actions and it would be meaningless.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!"then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7For thosewho sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of [the] day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
You know yourself how your witness has changed, how you have changed.  I beseech you, get back on course, don't just talk the talk, get back on the path and walk the walk.  HE wanted you to read this, HE wanted you to know that HE'S noticed and that HE'S waiting.  The Bible says he would leave the 99 to find the one lost lamb, are you the lamb HE is talking to?  I pray you aren't but if you are, please turn back, right now, don't come this far to lose it all over "worldly" fun.  Being a child of the most High God is the greatest honor and privilege there is.  There is nothing that feels better or more worth doing than serving God and making it into eternity.  You might not have another chance.  HE loves you, I love you.  Come home.
Originally written January 16, 2014 at 10:54pm

True Faith

Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 3:14, For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
True faith is not based on what God has done but on who He is.  True faith is knowing that whether we get our way or not, God is faithful and just and will work all things out for our good.
We sometimes treat God like He is Santa Claus, only there to give us our wants and magically everything we ask for we will be given.  How many of us have children who at one time or another have asked for things that were not good for them and maybe even potentially hazardous?  How many times have we had to say no?  Does  that mean we are not still their parents?  Does that mean we don't love them?  No, of course not.  If they knew our character as parents, they would know how much it sometimes pains us not to be able to give them everything they ask for.  
If we know our God and His true character, then we know that He is going to work things out for our good and He is going to give us those things that line up with His will.
I like what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said in Daniel.  
Daniel 3:17-18  17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
You know what they were saying?  Even IF God did not deliver them, He was still God, still their God and they would serve no other.  They had true faith!  Faith that knew no matter what the outcome, God was (and still is) faithful and would take care of them.
True faith in God must be based on knowing God's character, knowing His will and knowing without a shadow of a doubt that no matter what happens, NO MATTER WHAT, He loves us and will do what is best for us if we walk with Him.  
In faith,

God has a plan

Luke 23:44-46 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45) And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple wast rent in the midst. 46) and when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this He gave up the ghost.

What love. What total selflessness. What a mighty God we serve. Each time I read about Jesus crucifixion, it breaks my heart. What He did is beyond words, beyond what my mortal mind can truly comprehend. When we think of Jesus and what He did for us, we need to remember that although He was God, He went through all of that as a man, just like one of us. He was born, lived and died as a man. However, at any given moment He could have said stop! He could have said, "I don't want to do this? They are not worth it, they don't care what I'm doing for them." And, beloved, He would have had every right to do that. Even then most didn't believe who He was. Even in those days they did not accept Him for who He truly was and is. You know why God sent His only Son? God has a plan.

It was never His intention for man to be lost. At the risk of repeating myself, God cannot lie. His word says He will always give us an escape from temptation, that began with His sending Jesus to die for our sins. He was/is our escape from sin and temptation. If we fix our eyes, heart, mind on god - He will deliver us from temptation. He says it in His word, He has to do it, He cannot lie!

I am not writing to those who read this, again, every word of this is for me. I am compelled by the Spirit to share this with whomsoever will read it. I need what the Lord is saying just as much IF NOT MORE than those of you reading right now. The devil tempts and attacks me continually and sometimes I stumble, sometimes I fall down and fail miserably. I am NOT giving up. That is the lesson I have learned. Don't give up. God has a plan.

I have been accused of thinking I'm perfect and that my life is perfect and everything goes my way. All I can say to that is far from it! Do I strive to be perfect? Most definitely. Do I succeed? Most definitely NOT.

Do I have trials? Yes! Right now I'm going through a painful divorce, I have severe financial difficulties, my car needs an oil change and freon, my kids have problems (and any parent knows your kids troubles ARE your troubles also lol). My life is far from perfect. I claim His promise, He will provide. If I didn't have God, I shudder to think where I would be or what I would be doing. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be here to write this blog. I get angry, sometimes I allow myself to worry, I say things I shouldn't and then I have to repent. To be honest, sometimes that might take a day or two until the Holy Spirit shakes me up and reminds me where I came from and what can happen if I don't let things go and let God take care of them. I have to pray it through and like a rebellious child sometimes I don't want to! My life is a journey, not perfect but I've learned, most (if not all) of my problems are from trying to do things my own way my whole life, without waiting on God or asking His will. Now, in all truth and honesty, I'm reaping what "I" have sewn. But, God has a plan.

He could make my life perfect, He could clear up all my problems without blinking an eye but then what would that teach me. Just like a child, I must learn lessons from my mistakes. As I write this, I know He is working everything out. I know He is providing all my needs and even some of my wants, I have to wait on Him and I have to keep my faith in Him. How could I learn to depend on God for my every need if satan were not attacking me and I wasn't going through trials. God has a plan.

Now is the time -- for all of us. There may not be another day, or even another breath.

If you are facing trials and temptations, turn to Him. If you stumble or fail miserably, as I do daily, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, ask God for forgiveness and guidance and try again.

God has a plan.

Think about Jesus - what He did for all of us. Trying to live in God's will is not easy, no one said it would be, but the rewards are "out of this world". Don't expect to never see trials, troubles or temptations again, what would that teach us? We must keep our faith, stay in touch with God through prayer and His written word. Claim His promises, they were written just for YOU.

God has a plan, a perfect plan.

If you enjoy reading these blogs about what God is doing and has done, check out my friend Joseph's blog http://serious-things.com/

May God richly bless you,

his servant

pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps. if you are not willing to move your feet.

Choices - Which Way Do I Go

We all make hundreds maybe thousands of choices everyday beginning from the time we wake up in the morning until we fall asleep at night. Many are made without much conscious thought, like swinging our legs off the bed after we have decided to get up. The first choice we make in the morning: Do we get up or do we lay in bed and sleep a while longer?

Before we make that choice though, we should take a moment to thank God for (to quote my husband), "the precious breath of life", and we should choose WHOM we are going to serve that day. Before we get up every morning we should make a conscious choice- today I will serve God. Ask Him to help You serve Him this day and deliver you from temptation and the snares of the devil. You will be pleasantly surprised at how it will change your whole perspective for the day. (I didn't say it would change circumstances, I said it would change your perspective).

Let's discuss some other choices. We don't want to do wrong and we don't want to cause others to do wrong, so how can we make these choices?

If we choose one course of action:

1) Does it help our witness for Christ? (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)

2) Are we motivated by a desire to help others know Christ? (1 Corinthians 9:23, 10:33)

3) Does it help us do our best? (1 Corinthians 9:25)

4) Does the choice go against a specific command in scripture and result in causing us to sin?

(1 Corinthians 10:12)

5) Is it the best, most beneficial choice? (1 Corinthians 10:23, 33)

6) Are we thinking only of ourselves or do we truly care about other people? (1 Corinthians 10:24)

7) Are we acting lovingly or selfishly? (1 Corinthians 28:31)

8) Does it glorify God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

9) Will it cause someone else to sin? (1 Corinthians 10:32)

10) Have we truly prayed - "Lord lead us not into temptation but deliver us from (all) evil (and all appearance of evil)? (parenthesis and italics mine)

Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

God gives us all free will, however, he also gave us an instruction manual to live righteously and gloriously through Him. The first choice is to accept it, to read it, to follow it, to live it. It is just as relavent today as it was when it was being written. I hear a lot of people say, "this is 2010, it doesn't apply now". That's so far from the truth, every precept in the Bible can be applied to our lives today. As Jesus said on the mount, "nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou will".

I leave you with these scriptures and pray God blesses you and and gives you integrity and wisdom in your choices today.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

I'm far from perfect and I make bad choices everyday, sometimes I have to ask God to forgive me but the one choice I have made is to follow Him.

His servant-tawanab

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Christmas - Fact or Fiction

The more I study the more I understand why Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle. (Matthew 19:24). The enemy is so good at what he does that we commit sin after sin without even realizing at the time we are doing it. The biggest way he gets to us and causes us to break our relationship with God is through "little white lies". The Bible says to keep "all" God's commandments. Even Jesus himself said He did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill it. Meaning He did not do away with any of God's previous laws and especially the 10 commandments (laws). One of the ten commandments that just about anyone can quote you is "thou shalt not lie". So why then as christians is it so easy for us to do and to excuse ourselves for by saying we are doing it for the good of others? A little white lie to keep from hurting someones feelings, a little white lie to cover up another little white lie. The biggest lie of all - "yes Virginia, there IS a santa claus"!! If we thought more of God and less of ourselves we would realize earlier that we are breaking God's commandments all in the name of keeping "Jesus birthday".
I see things from friends all over the internet asking me to join causes and posting signs, "keep Christ in Christmas". News flash: Christ NEVER was in Christmas!! Christmas was started way way before the birth of Christ. Not only that, it began as a pagan holiday to celebrate the birth of the "sun" god (little g). Like many secular holidays, the church incorporated it into christian beliefs "to give christians a way to celebrate without sinning"!!! Plus one for the enemy, the church, christians, bought it. Not only that, they took it one step further and incorporated a lie, thereby breaking the commandments. Teaching your children to believe in santa claus. What happens when they are older and you have to tell them there really is no santa and you've lied to them their entire young life. At the same time, their entire young life you've led them to believe that they can trust you, that you would never lie to them or do anything to hurt them. Any of you reading this that remembers telling your children the truth, what was their reaction. To say that most of them are hurt is an understatement. Many of them refuse to accept the truth for a long time after they are told, and many are angry at their parents.
I have been intensely studying the Bible, searching for God's truths and when you open your Bible and ask God to open up His word in your heart and open your eyes of understanding, He will give you what you ask for. I have been just as guilty in the past of celebrating this holiday, I've believed like many that Christmas was a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. I love the Lord with all my heart, mind, soul and body and I loved Christmas because it was celebrating Him, I thought. Once I actually started studying I've learned that not only Christmas but also Easter are pagan holidays. Please don't take my word for it, study it out for yourself, but, be willing to accept the truth when God reveals it to you. Be ready to change your way of thinking. Remember if you break one commandment, you've broken them all, there is no big sin, little sin. Remember that keeping God's commandments and laws is crucial to your salvation but mostly remember that YOU are responsible for your children's salvation. You are responsible for them learning the truth. We say we teach our children Christmas because we love them, because we want them to love Jesus and honor His birth. Nowhere in the Bible does God tell us to celebrate Jesus birthday, only that He was born. What we need to remember is that He was born and died for our salvation. If the day mattered, God would have put it in the Bible. He has given us Holy Days in the Bible to celebrate and those we should keep. If we have a prayer of making it into the Kingdom of God we've got to wake up, we have got to quit incorporating the world into our lives, into our children's lives. God has something to say about this in the Bible - Matthew 15:9, But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
And in Matthew 15:8, Jesus said: This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
In all "truth and honesty" how much glory does Christ get on the very day the world celebrates as His birthday? How many of us would go to a birthday party for someone we care about and take gifts not to that person but to everyone else attending the party!!!! That's exactly what we do on Christmas. We give gifts to everyone else that is there and how many of us actually even take time to honor Christ? As I said earlier, I was just as guilty. This has been one of the hardest truths for me to wrap my mortal mind around because Christmas was my favorite holiday BEFORE I learned the truth. Why do we need a special day to buy gifts or show our family that we love them? We are free to do that at anytime. We should be more concerned with our salvation, our children's salvation and the signs that we truly are living in the last days. It isn't easy sometimes to learn and accept the truth but if we have a hope of making it into the Kingdom of God, we must do this.
Christmas is NOT a command of God, it is a tradition of men. Mark 7:6-9,

6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
God gave us free will but His original plan was that all might be saved. It's up to us what we do with the truth. We can't just pick and choose what part of God's word we want to believe or live. He gave us the Bible for instruction, nothing can be added to it or taken away from it. You either follow God or man, your choice.
Now that you have learned the truth, you can't unlearn it. I pray that you take it, pray over it and ask God to help you do the right thing in your life, your children's lives, grandchildren's lives, whoever you might speak to.
God bless