Ecclesiastes 1:9 KJV “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”

Man’s inventions has him feeling pretty smart these days. In fact the name SMART is included in many of them. Smartphones, smart cities, smart houses, just to name a few. I even hear there’s smart water now. Does drinking it make you smarter?

Humans believe they are more advanced now than ever. But is that really true? Could they be dumber now than any time in human history?

Proverbs 16:18 NIV “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

First comes pride then comes destruction. First comes a haughty spirit then comes the fall. This is why mankind is falling:

Revelation 12:9 NIV “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

1 John 5:19 NIV “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

Mankind is under the control (a spell) of Satan the Devil and his demon cohorts. They hate all humans and are literally destroying them. They have tricked people into thinking they are progressing to a great new future, an age of utopia, when in reality they are leading them straight to hell. There is one particular group that really gets Satan’s attention: Christians.

Revelation 12:17 NLT “And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children-all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus.”

The people who keep God’s commandments and hold to the true testimony of Jesus Christ are public enemy number one. They will be hunted, hounded, and pursued until Christ returns. This is written. But through it all they will still be empowered to get God’s work done while here on earth. Satan can’t stop this. But it doesn’t mean he won’t try. He knows how his story (history) ends. And that his time is very short. Hence he’s pulling out all the stops:

Revelation 12:12 KJV “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”

The god of this world knows time is ticking. He’s solicited the support of human sympathizers to do his bidding, even tricking them into believing they can achieve eternal life through him apart from God. He told Eve this same tricky lie in the Garden of Eden. Through science, false spirituality (metaphysics), and technology, mankind believes they have found the keys to immortality and eternal bliss. Some of them are even going so far as to attempt to change times and events (time travel) in order to achieve their goals. I know this sounds like the stuff of Hollywood movies, right? Which is why it’s so easily dismissive whenever someone begins to talk about such things. “Ahh, you’ve been watching too many Hollywood movies,” is what we’ve been conditioned to say to those who shine the light on the truth. But let me ask you, who runs Hollywood? Satanist do. Don’t believe me? Good. Then don’t take my word for it, do your own research. Through movies they are telling people right to their faces what they are doing and are planning to do to them. And we eat it up like spaghetti. They’ve brainwashed us into believing that these movies aren’t their sick prophecies, they’re just entertainment. So I ask you, “Is mankind really smarter now than any time in human history?” Or has the one eyed monster called TV help make man a whole lot dumber? Are terms like smart phone, smart house, smart city, etcetera, thrown around like flattery to make us feel we are smarter? Very clever indeed.

A SEVERE OOPS!!!

Mankind is about to find out they have been duped. And there will be no turning back from their detrimental decision to follow the god of this world; the Devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Just as Eve was deceived so the majority are and will be. Eve knew right from wrong, she quoted to the Serpent what she should and should not do. (Genesis 3:2-3) So how was she deceived if she knew right from wrong? She began to desire what she knew to be wrong so strongly that desire grew and led her to go against what she knew. Satan through his beast system will cause people to make a similar choice. It will look appealing just like it did to Eve. Like Eve they will be sold a lie and tricked to desire something more than pleasing God. This wrong choice will be irreversibly detrimental to them. Just like it was for Adam and Eve:

Revelation 13:16-18 KJV “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. [18] Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”

Revelation 14:9-11 KJV “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, [10] The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: [11] And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

Whoever receives the mark of Satan’s beast either in his right hand or in his forehead is doomed! It will be impossible to repent afterwards. They will be tormented in the lake of fire forever! They will experience God’s wrath poured out at full strength (“without mixture”), not watered down, the Bible says. No rest forever day or night, only unimaginable pain and suffering is their lot. Woe! Believing Satan’s lies; lying to oneself, has a hefty price. May we never become so desperate and sell out.

WE’RE NOT SMARTER DO YOUR RESEARCH

Ecclesiastes 3:15 KJV “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.”

Again, we are being tricked by the Devil into believing we are so advanced, when in actuality we are the most primitive of all human beings. Don’t take my word for it do your own research. “But man has learned how to harness nuclear energy in our day,” some would say. Really? So, does being able to split atoms that cause nuclear explosions (nuclear bombs) that can wipe out all life on earth many times over mean we are smarter? We have a weapon that can kill us all, and that makes us smarter, right? If you really want to go there World War 2 is not the first time such a weapon was used. It’s happened before. There are ancient writings that attest to this fact, and archaeological evidence that prove it! Don’t believe me? Good. Do your own research don’t take my word for it. We’re not smarter guys. We’re just participating in the Devil’s diabolical plot to destroy all of us.

Why are there ancient hieroglyphics thousands of years old of what appears to be airplanes, submarines, and helicopters? Hmmmm. Why are there ancient hieroglyphics and evidence of electricity being used by human beings thousands of years ago? And why is such knowledge hidden from the public today? Don’t believe me? I hope not. Do your own research. And do you really think tampering with (manipulating) human genes is something new? (Genesis 6:1-6) Do your research. You’ll be amazed at what you will find. I warn, you might even become very upset once you realize you have been lied to about everything all your life. NOTHING is what you have been told it is. But this is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of, right? Oh, how the mind can be trained to dismiss the truth. Don’t be stupid. And don’t take my word for any of this. Do your own research. And you will find that we are not as smart as we think we are, and there is nothing new under the sun.

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I was talking with a guy. He admitted he didn’t read the Bible like he should but that he was a Christian. He seemed so appreciative for the encouragement shared with him about studying God’s word. The man repeatedly thanked me. The next day he, I, and another guy were talking about God. Me and the other guy started discussing same sex marriage. I said, “Jesus said marriage is between a man and a woman.” (Matthew 19:4-6) The guy who seemed so appreciative the day before and said he was a Christian looked noticably disturbed. He then said, “Man, some of these relationships between a man and a man are real.” I said, “I never said they weren’t real. All I said was JESUS SAID that marriage is between a man and a woman.” He then said, “Jesus also said don’t judge!” I then told him, “If I say that JESUS SAID marriage is between a man and a woman does that mean that I am judging you? Does me simply quoting Jesus mean that I am judging you? I didn’t say, HERE IS MY OPINION, and then started telling you everything I think about the matter. I simply said, “JESUS SAID”–the one we claim to be serving said–that marriage is between a man and a woman.” “Well it sounded like you were judging.” he told me. I then mentioned to the man that if we have a problem with something JESUS SAYS we have a problem with Jesus. He didn’t like that too much either.

Next the man said, “You’re gonna hate me for what I’m about to tell you.” He then said, “The Bible has been changed by man!” Ahh, now the truth is coming out as to why he told me he doesn’t read the Bible much. He doesn’t agree with what it says (like God’s view on sex and marriage). I agreed with him that attempts have been made to destroy God’s word but that God’s truth is still here despite all man’s efforts to change it. How can a mere man thwart the purposes of Almighty God? I tried to reason this with him. But he wasn’t hearing it. I avoided an argument with the guy and pointed out that on judgment day when we all stand before God, the only thing that’s gonna matter is did we do what God wants us to do (John 6:28-29), not others tampering with His words, etcetera. He wasn’t hearing that either, so I encouraged the man to seek God and ended the conversation.

Isn’t it interesting how the truth came out as to why this man doesn’t read the Bible? And where he stands on God’s view of sex and marriage? And the truth regarding His true (or should I say false) belief in Jesus Christ? It was all uncovered. Here’s why:

Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; IT JUDGES THE THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

That’s what judged the man: God’s word. It does that to all of us. Whenever God’s words are heard emotions will be felt, and reactions will occur, either for or against it. There’s nothing in all creation that does this to human beings like God’s word. The Bible is indeed the word of God! It is the same word that created the heavens and the earth. To say God’s word is powerful is an understatement.

So the next time someone tries to lay a guilt trip on you for simply saying something JESUS SAYS know in your heart that this is rubbish. You are not judging them, but God’s word is. It judges all of us. Some of us though agree with what His words say even when they go against us; our sinful flesh, our evil desires, etcetera. This is why we are not offended at God’s word. But instead we confess and repent when it corrects us.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

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Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 ESV “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

A guy told me he had a dream. In his dream he saw everybody going into this warehouse. Crowds of people kept going into the warehouse but nobody was coming out. He wondered why so many people were going into this place. So he curiously followed the crowds and walked in. Once he got inside an elevator door opened. So he stepped inside. Then the elevator door closed and started going down. After descending suddenly a trap door opened beneath his feet. He looked down and saw nothing but a sea of firey flames. Somehow he was able to hold on to the elevator walls with his hands and feet extended to keep from falling into the flames. He said he didn’t know where he got the strength to do that. The next thing he remembered in his dream was running out of that warehouse scared out of his wits.

I listened to the man tell his dream to others. Some immediately understood God’s warning of Judgment in the firey flames:

Hebrews 10:26-27 NLT “Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. [27] There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the RAGING FIRE that will consume his enemies.”

I also heard the man say something else prior to telling his dream and wondered could there be a connection. Right before telling his dream he was talking about something he was in the process of doing that had him very excited. This thing he was doing is something that so MANY others are doing, or have done. It reminded me of his dream, the part where he was following the crowd and went into the warehouse just because everyone else was doing it. I wondered could there be a connection.

Anyways, I prayed to God for understanding of this man’s dream to be used to encourage him. Aside from the obvious warning to avoid the lake of fire I felt the need to encourage him not to follow the crowd as well. That’s what he did in his dream that got him into such a terrible situation. In his dream he was doing something popular just because everyone else was doing it. But it lead to death in the lake of fire. And this is why anyone who went inside that warehouse in his dream never came out. Because the Bible says that those who are consigned to the lake of fire spend eternity there and never leave. There they are tormented forever. (Revelation 14:10-11 21:8) This man’s dream was definitely a warning from God.

And something else God showed me: though he said no one came out of that warehouse someone did come out, he did, after being frightened out of his mind. He was snatched from the flames as it were. And that reminded me of this passage:

Jude 1:22-23 KJV “And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

Job 33:14-18 KJV “For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. [15] In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; [16] Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, [17] That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. [18] He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.”

Before I was about to speak to the man regarding his dream I asked him his name. He said, “I’m the stoned one.” I asked him what does that mean. He said in a condescending tone, “You need to up your learning. The Bible says, with all thy getting get understanding.” He continued, “You need to become like a Berean. You know who the Bereans are? I said, “Yeah, at Acts chapter 17 verse 11.” He looked at me, and then just walked away.

I didn’t get to encourage him. But who knows maybe I’ll see him again later. It appears the man assumed I didn’t know about God or the Bible because I couldn’t answer his riddle; “The Stoned One.” Later I thought about what he said, “The stoned one,” and Stephen came to mind. Stephen was a devout servant of the Lord who was stoned for his faith. (Acts 6:8-7:60) Maybe he meant that or something else. Who knows?

Anyways, though I didn’t get to speak in depth with this guy about his dream he was used by God to encourage me. His dream was a reminder for me not to follow the crowd. Not to jump on the bandwagon and do stuff just because it’s popular. Not to accept everything people offer you, especially when they say, “It’s free.” Not to walk through every door just because it’s open to you, like he did in his dream when he went inside the elevator because the door was opened.

As Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14, the way to destruction is wide, it looks easy, and MANY enter in that way. But the real way to life is sometimes hard, that path is narrow and cramped, and only a FEW ever find it. Based on that I believe that nine out of ten times when we follow the crowd we’re going down the wrong path. And I heard a wise man say, “There’s always free cheese in a mouse trap.”

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A Letter To The Ex Jehovah’s Witness Community

Congratulations on coming out of that cult!!! 😁 I know, we could all write a book a best seller about the atrocities committed in the name of Jehovah. But guess what? Jesus has even bigger plans for you and me; yes us, not just those elite Jehovah’s Witnesses who claim to be the 144,000. As we continue to seek God through Jesus Christ; the real way, THE REAL TRUTH, and the real eternal life (John 14:6) He will guide and reveal to us many things. I left the Witnesses 25 years ago because of falsehoods I seen. I was raised in it from a child like many of you. 2 years after I came out God showed me how to become a real Christian; a believer in Him through Jesus Christ, without belonging to any man made cult. All I did was ask. And He answered big time! This journey has been an awesome one. Jesus has and still is revealing Himself and who the Father really is to me, just as He has and is to many of you. Why do I say, “He has and is to many of you?” Because everyone who is an Ex Jehovah’s Witness have not found the true God through Jesus Christ yet. But He’s there, nearer than we think. All we have to do is sincerely ask Him to show us the true way to serve Him. He will answer, and in ways you may never have expected.

I know the pain associated with being duped for many years by the JWs religion. I know the pains of losing family members over it. And there are other things I am suffering to this day because of my decision to join the JWs (got baptized at age 16). But if I constantly brood on what they did to me, or make a career out of bashing Jehovah’s Witnesses, it wouldn’t change a thing. In fact my heart would become bitter. And Satan would have not only duped me once but twice. Let’s be honest; that’s exactly what some are doing who say they are part of the ex Jehovah’s Witnesses community. They have taken exposing the JWs to another level. A level that Jesus never commanded. Don’t get me wrong; yes you should expose the Jehovah’s Witnesses cover up of pedophilia (even among their leaders). Yes you should expose how this cult rips families apart. You should expose all the works of darkness they do the Bible says. (Ephesians 5:11) But IF THAT IS ALL YOU DO, and you do not promote the love of Jesus Christ, the one who opened your eyes to all of this, and gave you your new freedom, you have missed it.

Allow me to explain please: Let’s take for example the apostle Paul. When Paul had his eyes opened by Jesus Christ what did he immediately do after that? Join another cult? Spend most of his time bashing the Pharisees, the false religion he belonged to? No. Let’s get the answer from Paul’s own words:

Galatians 1:15-17 NIV “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased [16] to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. [17] I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.”

What did Paul do while in Arabia and Damascus? The Bible book of Acts tells us that he preached the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. We don’t read anywhere in the New Testament where he focusses his attention on the Pharisees (the false religion he had left). He mentions his past experience as one of them at times, but not much. Paul’s main objective after he had received the true light was spreading that light (Jesus) to others. This was his mission. We’d do well to follow his example. In fact the Holy Spirit says through Paul the apostle at 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” So it is God who is saying we should follow the example of our dear brother and true elder Paul.

ANGER IS NORMAL BUT IT CAN BE DEADLY

Ephesians 4:26‭-‬27 ESV “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

If we’re not careful we can become so angry at what the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion did to us that we give the Devil opportunity to work in our lives. He’s the real culprit behind what we went through. Why let him get us twice?

It is normal to be angy after finding out for many years you’ve been duped. But if we’re not careful that anger can be directed at the wrong people, or expressed in wrong ways. I’ll use myself as an example: For years after leaving the religion whenever I’d see the Witnesses or they’d knock on my door my skin would crawl. I despised them. God showed me I was wrong! When he first opened my eyes years earlier he showed me in a miraculous way that my anger didn’t matter, just get in the race and follow him is what He told me. But I didn’t listen. How dare I get mad at somebody who is just as misled as I was. The average JW doesn’t know they’re in a false religion. They are just as blind as we were. Instead of being angry at them we should have great pity on them. We should be earnestly praying to God, asking Him to open their eyes too. Making jokes about how misled they are is not becoming either. There’s nothing funny about somebody one day learning there is a real place called hell because they were sent there. JWs teach folks that hell doesn’t exist. Let’s pray that their awakening comes sooner not later.

I know, JWs can be a hard bunch to talk to. But isn’t anyone who’s been brainwashed that their way is right? Pray to God on how to witness to them just as you would pray for His Spirit to help you talk to anyone. And remember, our well crafted words are not what brings people to God. We have the privilege of sharing God’s message with all people, but it is the work of the Holy Spirit that saves them and wakes them up. So don’t worry about what to say to JWs, just be willing to speak, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Of course some of them will call you an apostate. So what? They called Jesus worse than that. A slave is not greater than his/her master, are they? (Matthew 10:24-38)

You and I will be showing love for God as we seek to help those who have been misled by the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion, or any false religion for that matter.

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When I encourage people to study God’s word I’m amazed at how often they boast about praying to Him, as if these two were the same. Yes, God wants us to pray to Him, but He also wants us to study His word. (2 Timothy 2:15 Joshua 1:8 Acts 17:11 1 Timothy 4:13 2 Timothy 3:6 Ephesians 6:17) Then we will find the truth about God, ourselves, our world, and the world to come. This spiritual treasure hunt will unearth the finest jewels, nuggets of truth that give eternal life. (Proverbs 2:1-6 John 17:3) That’s what this series called, “Jewels,” is all about.

‘THE DRAGONS SHALL HONOR ME?’

In the passage below God is telling Isaiah that he is going to do something new: make a way out of no way. But notice He says the Dragons will honor Him for it too, along with the owls and other creatures. This further proves Dragons–whose name was changed to DINOSAUR in 1842–existed along with other creatures and man. Why would God tell Isaiah a few thousand years ago that Dragons (dinosaurs) would honor Him along with the owls if they were extinct?

And let’s not miss another point while reading the passage below: that God makes a way where there is none. That’s what He does. Be encouraged in that.

Isaiah 43:18-21 KJV “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. [19] Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. [20] The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. [21] This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.”

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There’s an increasing number of folks out there who say Christianity is a false religion. Maybe that’s because they have no clue of what it means to be a true Christian. Many look at the the obvious fake Christians or false prophets and say things like, “See, that’s why I could never be a Christian. Look at what this person who’s supposed to be a Christian did?” Yet I never hear them say things like, “See, that’s why I’ll never be rich. Look at what this person with all of that money did?” Some of you get the point.

Let me briefly tell you why being a Christian is the most real way of life there is. To be a Christian (or follower of Jesus Christ) one must deny his or herself. Yes, you must reject your own evil desires. And all of us have evil desires. You must be willing to live a life of self-sacrifice. Yes, you must be willing to sacrifice yourself for the good of others. You must learn what it means to love to be a Christian. In a world that is growing more cruel by the day you must go against the grain and become even more loving. Are you starting to see why most people won’t ever become Christians? Lastly, to be a Christian you must be willing to die for your beliefs. It doesn’t get any realer than that. And throughout the centuries many Christians have done just that. But some will say, “Well, there are Muslims who are willing to die for their beliefs?” This is true. But Jesus never taught His followers to commit suicide and kill other innocent people. Jesus teaches His followers to live a life of love and self-sacrifice, even if this calls for giving up one’s own life in order to serve others, just like Jesus did. This I believe is the real reason why most folks will never become true Christians. Living like this sounds crazy to them. Unfortunately mankind wants nothing to do with that kind of love.

Jesus was not one of those, “Do as I say but not as I do,” teachers. His life and death is well documented. I would like to share with you a passage from the Bible book of Isaiah chapter 53 that foretold what kind of life Jesus would live, and what He’d come to earth to do. Notice His sufferings, His love, His great humility in serving others.

Isaiah 53:1-12 NIV “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? [2] He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. [3] He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. [4] Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. [6] We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. [8] By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. [9] He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. [11] After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Very Interesting. If you want to know more about who Jesus is, how he lived while on earth, and what’s this great thing is all about He did for humankind, you can find this information in the Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

For those of us who are following a name it and claim it religion; a prosperity gospel, and call ourselves Christians, you have no clue what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. You have no clue of what true, eternal, riches are. You are in the same position as the church in Laodecia found at Revelation chapter 3:14-22 and need to Repent. Read what Jesus said to them in Revelation chapter 3:14-22.

Repent! Deny yourself to serve Christ and others. For if we live for the flesh and deny Jesus by going with the flow of this evil world we will damn ourselves forever. Anyone who does things they know God disapproves, and justifies them by saying they have to pay their bills, or make money, etcetera, is not a true Christian, and needs to repent. We must love and do what is right even if it means our physical death, just like Jesus did. Then–and only then–can it be said that we have picked up our cross DAILY; our sufferings, our persecutions, and follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Luke 9:23 NIV “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

2 Timothy 2:11-12 KJV “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: [12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.”

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Hebrews 5:7 NLT “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”

Are you too proud to cry to God? To pray to Him with tears? I hope the answer is, “No.” Jesus wasn’t. And scripture says that God heard Him because of His deep heartfelt prayers and reverence for God. He’ll hear us too.

God works miracles in the most mysterious ways. When we rely on Him anything can happen:

Matthew 7:7‭-‬11 ESV “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

DON’T GET IT TWISTED

Someone will say, “Wow, so all I have to do is ask God for a million dollars and I’ll have it?” And I’ll say, “If that’s His will for you. But if it’s not His will you can ask for the million all you want He won’t give it to you. Be careful. Satan may see how bad you want that million dollars and He’ll give it to you. He can even trick you into thinking it’s God who is giving you the money. How will you know if it is from the Devil? When it’s from Satan you will always have to do something really sick (wicked) or dishonest in order to get it and keep it.” Why would I answer someone this way? Because of these next passages:

1 John 5:14‭-‬15 ESV “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

And this next passage proves the Devil gives people stuff too:

Matthew 4:8‭-‬10 ESV “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'”

REAL EXPECTATIONS

Let’s examine Hebrews 5:7 again: “While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.” (NLT)

Jesus prayed to God with pleadings and tears. Do people pray that way because everything is going and feels so lovely? Hebrews 5:7 also says Jesus prayed to the one who could rescue Him from death. But did that mean Jesus would not suffer death? Did not Jesus suffer a gruesome death? But God did hear Him and rescue Him from death because Jesus was raised to life on the third day and now sits at the right hand of God in eternal glory! But was it not God’s will also that Jesus should suffer death for the sins of the world? (John 3:16) Are we understanding from examining the scriptures that though God answers our prayers this doesn’t mean that we will be exempt from all suffering? And that God answers our prayers in ways we will not always understand or expect?

Yes, God does answer our prayers guys, but in harmony with His will. And he will rescue and deliver us. But we will have to go through some things as well.

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When I was a kid my mom used to say, “That boy can do anything he put his mind to.” Those words catapulted me to accomplish things I never thought were possible. As a child I would always take things apart (electronics) to see how they worked, then put them back together again. Hah hah! When I was in the 7th grade I won the school’s science fair (1st place). What was my project? I wrote a poem about roaches of all things. Yes, roaches. At age 16 I beat my chess instructor 3 games in a row. Then I went on to beat a powerful chess computer on it’s highest level (tournament level). I learned how to create and produce music because of my mother’s inspiring words. I received many accolades in my field of endeavor (Salesmanship) as an adult inspired by my mother’s words. I became a # 1 sales rep at a Fortune 500 company.

You know, upon writing this a thought occurred to me: “This is one of the reasons why you’ve had to endure many trials since you’ve come to Christ. Throughout your life you’ve been so self-reliant because of your natural abilities. And God has to whip that thinking out of you to teach you how to rely on him.” (Hebrews 12:5-11) Amen!

Mom used to say, “If you know how to read you can learn anything.” Reading was my favorite subject in school. I have fond memories of my mother and I going to the library and checking out books on everything from dinosaurs to outer space. Anything I wanted to learn or master I went to the library or bought a book on it. And I was amazed at how following simple instructions could net positive results.

But now that I’m older I’m learning something else. That is, despite my best thinking or knowledge there are certain things I can not do. I’m now sometimes amazed at how we (I) can be so smart in some areas and be so dumb in others. My mother meant well by what she taught me. It did help me build confidence. But to be painfully truthful I’ve put too much confidence in my own abilities. It’s with tears that I write this and say I’ve been very proud.

OLD DOGS CAN LEARN NEW TRICKS

I’m now learning something new and VERY EXCITING:

Philippians 4:13 KJV “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

This is the real way to do all things and succeed in life, through Jesus Christ. Through belief in Him and His omnipotence, not in ourselves and our abilities, is the true way to success. There have been days (you might be able to relate to this) that I’ve been faced with challenges, and in spite of my best thinking I could not figure a way out. In fact the more I tried to find a solution to the problem the more depressed I became. Sounds familiar? So you see I can not do anything that I put my mind to, truthfully. But I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  😉

A TRUTH WE MUST ACCEPT

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 KJV “Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? [14] In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.”

You and I will not always get what we want. There will be times of prosperity and times of adversity. God is in charge of both times. Being a Christian does not mean you have a get out of jail free card. On the contrary for many it means the very opposite. (Revelation 2:10) But just as God was with Joseph in the prison (Genesis 39:20-21) he will be with you and I in whatever we go through.

Most folks don’t know that when the apostle Paul said the famous phrase, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he wasn’t just talking about prosperous times. He was also speaking about enduring hunger, yes famine, and other needs. And that through Jesus Christ he learned how to be content in whatever situation he found himself in. Here’s the proof. Paul said:

Philippians 4:10-13 NLT “How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. [11] Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. [12] I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. [13] For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

For the Christian there is much more to life than physical prosperity. We must learn to do ALL THINGS, good and bad, with plenty or little, through Christ Jesus who strengthens us, just as Paul learned. And we must recognize that we don’t have the ability to think our way out of every situation. Man’s pride likes to believe he does. It’s a lie! But we do have the ability to pray in every situation:

Philippians 4:4-7 NLT “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! [5] Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. [6] Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7] Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

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If you had to pick between the two which would you choose? Comfortable, or wonderful? I know that I would be inclined to pick comfortable. But I also know that I’d be making the wrong decision. Let me explain. Better yet let the apostle Paul explain:

2 Corinthians 12:1‭-‬10 ESV “I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Paul was made very uncomfortable (by God) through a tormenting messenger or demon from Satan. This was necessary for Paul to continue experiencing many great and wonderful things. Jesus knew just the right amount of suffering (uncomfortableness) needed for Paul to keep him from becoming conceited and destroyed because of his many wonderful visions and revelations.

Imagine yourself as Paul. You’re going through something that feels so bad you 3 times plead with the Lord to take it away. The Lord says, ‘No. You have my grace Paul. That’s all you need. My power is made perfect in your weakness.’ Wow. It’s moments like this that you find out whether you really believe God knows best. Paul did believe it. Instead of raging against the Lord for not making his situation more comfortable he accepted Jesus’ decision saying, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Paul learned the secret of his sufferings. What awesome submission to Almighty God! Bravo!  😉

Of course you know that God is not partial. And He disciplines all of His children He loves. (Hebrews 12:5-11) He knows just the right amount of training we individually need. Will we accept our discipline from the Lord like Paul?

Matthew 16:24 KJV “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Matthew 10:38 NIV “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”

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