“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4‭-‬5 NIV

There is an attack on our minds everyday. Someone desperately wants to control our thoughts. Wow! Our minds must be very valuable. In fact everything about Satan’s world system is designed to control our thinking. The average citizen has no clue of it. Hence he/she downloads many thoughts, words, sounds and images in his/her mind daily just watching TV alone. It has been proven that once a person starts watching Television within one and a half to 2 minutes the brain goes into a hypnotic state. It is now open to whatever suggestions are being poured in. Imagine that; being hypnotized, programmed, for hours everyday. And you didn’t even know it. You think your thoughts and behavior won’t be affected? TV is a very powerful mind control machine.

Those of us who are aware of this and value our minds aren’t so open to this medium or any other. We are selective about what we allow within. Our minds, our spirits, our hearts, our souls, are not some open house for any guest to just walk on in. Do you know what the word, “Entertainment,” really means? “Enter,” means, “come in, enter into, to enter a place,” and implies penetration in the Greek. “Tain,” has it’s etymology found in French and Latin and it means, “to hold, possess.” And, “Ment,” denotes “an action or a resulting state, a state of being.” It’s origin too is found in Latin and French. So basically Entertainment is allowing something in, that holds or possesses us, and results in actions, or a state of existence. Wow! That’s very powerful. And the average person doesn’t even realize this is happening. Very powerful indeed.

“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me.” Psalms 101:3 NASB

The verse above are the words of the Holy Spirit spoken through David. He knew what we know: that entertaining ourselves with worthless, evil things is harmful. He knew it would enter his mind and heart, then put him into a state of being, or behavior patterns displeasing to God. He knew that if he kept evil close by it would have a grip on him. So he fought tooth and nail to keep wickedness far away from him. David vowed not to put any worthless thing before his eyes. Let’s be smart. Let’s imitate our brother David. David also said:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord , my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NASB

David was concerned not only with his speech being pleasing to God but also his thoughts. That’s where everything originates. Jesus says that what makes a person clean or unclean is not what goes into their bodies, but rather what comes out of them; out of their heart, or their thoughts. (Matthew 15:17-20) That’s why this part of us is so important to the enemy. Once you control the mind the rest of the body follows. What are we letting into our minds brothers and sisters? What are we feeding our hearts. Or should I ask, Who are we letting in? Who are we allowing to feed our hearts?

MIND CONTROL

As I was looking up the definition for, “Entertainment,” I just happened to come across the word, “Government.” And would you believe that it means, “mind control?” Yes. The word is derived from a Latin verb, “Guvemo, Guvemare,” and it means, “to control.” And the Latin word, “Men’s, Mentis,” means, “mind.” Hence the definition, “to control the mind,” or, “mind control.” Hmmmm. I just thought that was very interesting. Anyway, it is well known even by those who won’t admit it that a mind stayed on God is controlled by Him. And there is nothing the evil one can do to control that mind. We must voluntarily entertain or invite negativity in. The devil cannot make you and me do anything. We have the power of choice. And Jesus has given us authority over all the power of the enemy:

“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17‭-‬20 NIV

PEACE OF MIND

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ESV

There’s the recipe to perfect peace: keeping one’s thoughts fixed on God. This is how we slay the wicked imaginations that pop up in our heads. This is how we demolish arguments, strongholds, and every pretense that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. We’re always ready like a good soldier. We believe and practice the next passage too:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” Psalms 1:1‭-‬3 ESV

What great benefits for turning away from evil and meditating on God’s law day and night. The mind that is stayed on God enjoys a feast of peace. Studying God’s word daily is super important for keeping our thoughts on Him. Please brothers and sisters do this. The word of God is our food for the mind, heart, and soul. Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 NET)

There is a fierce battle for our minds. Let’s take every thought captive, and make it obedient to Christ. Protect your mind. Your mind is special. This next text explains:

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:12‭-‬16 NIV

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 NIV

Scientists from around the world have helped construct the largest machine known to man called the Hadron Collider. Some say it can open up portals to another world. It’s been reported that the builders of this machine are using it to try to discover the origin of life. This super machine is under the control of an organization called CERN. Last I checked 20 something nations were a part of it. And Israel had just become it’s latest member. It is reported that there are more than one of these massive machines around the world. And there is much speculation about what is really going on at CERN. But on the subject of opening up portals I got some news for you; it’s already happened. And it didn’t take a man-made monster machine that costs trillions of dollars to do it.

ADAM

The word portal is defined as a means of entry, a doorway. The first man Adam was that. In Genesis chapter 3 we read that Adam chose to disobey God. Then all hell broke loose so to speak. There was no pain, sorrow, sickness, or death, until Adam rebelled against his creator. A whole new world, a new dimension overlapped our world. Adam could not reverse this. He opened the door to a world of evil. He himself was the portal. That’s why the Bible says, “SIN ENTERED the world THROUGH ONE MAN.” The effects of sin would be felt not just by Adam and Eve, but by all of their future offspring. Death, misery, pain, and suffering, was now every humans fate. If only Adam had kept the door shut to evil. Our world would be a different place.

JESUS THE TRUE PORTAL

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV

God had a plan to fix what Adam had broken. Our connection, our entryway to God, that Adam lost would be restored. Just as the first man Adam became the doorway to sin and death, The last Adam (Jesus) became the gateway back to God, and a life giving spirit. (John 10:7-10 1 Corinthians 15:45-49) No one can enter a relationship with the Father except through the son Jesus Christ. He alone is the portal; the only way to God and heaven.

WE TOO ARE PORTALS

Much like a computer everyone is invisibly linked to one of two internet servers, or one of two worlds: either God’s, or the Devil’s. Yes, we are portals too. And we can open doors to heaven or hell. These next passages will prove this:

“Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.” Luke 22:3‭-‬6 ESV

Notice that, “Satan ENTERED INTO JUDAS?” The Devil entered him like walking through a wide open door to another room. It was easy because of Judas’s heart. Judas was a portal the Devil used to attack Jesus.

And of course we have good examples:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 KJV

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” I Corinthians 6:19 NKJV

Jesus said whoever hears his voice when he knocks, and opens the door to welcome him in, he will come in and sup with that person. This means we can open the door of our hearts to Jesus and invite him in as our Lord and Savior. He in turn will commune with us, live in us by the the power of the Holy Spirit, and work through our lives. We can be used by him as effective tools to point others to the way to God; which is Jesus Christ.

“And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” Romans 8:10‭-‬19 NLT

SOME CLOSE THE DOOR TO THE KINGDOM

“It will be bad for you teachers of the law and you Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You close the way for people to enter God’s kingdom. You yourselves don’t enter, and you stop those who are trying to enter.” Matthew 23:13 ERV

Jesus called the religious leaders of his day hypocrites. Because they had closed the door and were blocking the way to the kingdom of heaven. They had not entered in and were stopping those who were trying to enter God’s kingdom. How were they doing this? By their man-made false teachings. They pointed the people to everyrhing else but Jesus as the Messiah. They were misleading the people and turning them away from the one true way to God; which is Jesus Christ. They could quote the scriptures verbatim. And claimed to know them. But they failed to recognize that all the prophets and the scriptures pointed to Jesus. (John 5:39-40 Acts 10:43) Though they claimed to serve God they were seeking to kill Jesus at the same time for telling the truth about God and exposing their hypocrisy. The false religious leaders of our day are no different. Let’s never be like them.

LOCK AND BLOCK THE DOORS TO HELL

“My brothers and sisters, if anyone wanders away from the truth and someone helps that person come back, remember this: Anyone who brings a sinner back from the wrong way will save that person from eternal death and cause many sins to be forgiven.” James 5:19‭-‬20 ERV

“Keep yourselves safe in God’s love, as you wait for the Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life. Help those who have doubts. Rescue those who are living in danger of hell’s fire. There are others you should treat with mercy, but be very careful that their filthy lives don’t rub off on you.” Jude 1:21‭-‬23 ERV

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1‭-‬2 NIV

Yes, we can be used to lock and block the doors to hell by helping those who have gone astray. This takes a lot of love. It’s easy to just write people off. It takes the heart of God to show mercy and deal with difficult personalities. Pray to God to have His Mercy and Patience in dealing with others. Let’s close the doors of hell to as many as possible while there is yet time.

One day the portal to the kingdom of heaven will close. Let’s point many to Jesus as the way before that happens. I hope this has encouraged you.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Exod. 19:5, 6.]” 1 Peter 2:9 AMP

If you belong to Christ you are an anomaly. You’re a peculiar, strange people. You are more interested in displaying the virtues of Almighty God than fulfilling earthly pleasures. That’s strange. You could care less about symmetry. You know you don’t fit in. Why does your being different scare people so much to the point that they want to clone you into them? Don’t they say being unique is a good thing? I guess not when it comes to imitating God. You see, you remind them that He exists. It makes them feel uncomfortable. They feel like heaven is watching them whenever they’re in your presence. Because you display God’s character and God lives in you by His Spirit, they see Him in you. It frightens them. No one who loves evil wants to be in the presence of good. (Proverbs 29:27) And God is good. So they seek to turn you into them. And if that doesn’t work well they find another way to deal with you. You’re a glitch in the system. And the system hates computer glitches. But don’t fear. They can only do what God allows for His purpose and glory. And whatever He allows was already destined before we were born.

“What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim upon the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna). Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice. But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore, everyone who acknowledges Me before men and confesses Me [out of a state of oneness with Me], I will also acknowledge him before My Father Who is in heaven and confess [that I am abiding in] him. But whoever denies and disowns Me before men, I also will deny and disown him before My Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:27‭-‬33 AMP

The world is way more afraid of you than you should ever be of them. Why? Because through you God powerfully communicates that He really does exists. You make it harder for them to keep lying to themselves. Your good behavior says, “God is real! He is not dead! Repent! He is coming to judge the world for their deeds!” No wonder God wants us to never give up doing what is good?

“And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.” Philippians 1:28 AMP

I told you; you scare people, God himself said it. As you steadfastly, and fearlessly, serve God without being intimidated in any way, by anyone, God makes your behavior a clear sign to His and your adversaries of their impending destruction. You the church; the anomalies, communicate for God in various ways. And these messages make evildoers feel very uncomfortable. Hence, their plan is to change you into them, or somehow get rid of you. (Revelation 13:16-17) Then there will be no one left to remind them of God, their sins, and their need to repent. That’s what they think.

“Everyone will hate you because you follow me. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22 ERV

Shine on anomalies. Shine on! Keep on communicating for God!

“My brothers and sisters, you will have many kinds of trouble. But this gives you a reason to be very happy. You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be.”
James 1:2‭-‬4 ERV

I know it’s hard at times to wrap our minds around the fact that we must go through trials, rejoice in them, and rejoice because of them. (Matthew 5:11-12 1 Peter 4:12-13 Colossians 1:24) Believing what God says; that our trials are a road that leads to a good final outcome, gives us hope to endure. (Matthew 7:14 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAYS

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 ERV

When Paul said, “We have all these great people around us as examples,” he was talking about servants of God he had just mentioned in his letter (in Hebrews chapter 11). People like Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Enoch, Moses, and others. All these are proof that people can live for God regardless of what they suffer in this life. Studying their lives build up our faith.

Then Paul talks about the best example of enduring trials: Jesus. Jesus endured a gruesome death on the cross. He also took the shame that came along with that kind of death as if it were nothing because of the joy he saw waiting for him. He was more focused on the end result than on his pain. And he was in excruciating pain. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the throne of God in eternal glory.

Jesus also endured many trials before his death on the cross. And he still endures persecution to this day. Read Acts 9:1-5, there you will see that when people persecute us they are really persecuting Jesus.

Learning to endure trials like Jesus and our faithful brothers and sisters did teaches us patience. (James 5:10-11) This patience must complete it’s work in our lives. Then we will be mature and all that God wants us to be. The end result will be very good. (Ecclesiastes 7:8) The person who wants more than anything else to please God will submit to God during trials. And he/she will be changed into the image of God’s son. (Romans 8:28-29) These folks will be all that God wants them to be. God is well pleased with such persons. (1 Peter 2:19)

SITTING ON THRONES

“I will let everyone who wins the victory sit with me on my throne. It was the same with me. I won the victory and sat down with my Father on his throne. Everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:21‭-‬22 ERV

Do we see what joy is waiting for us? Are our eyes fixed on the prize ahead? Or has the evil one got us so focused on our trials we can’t see or hear what the Spirit says to the churches? WE WILL SIT WITH JESUS ON HIS THRONE!!!!! WE WILL RULE WITH HIM FOREVER!!!!! And more than that, we will be with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit forever. What more joyful and safe place can a person be?

“The kingship, authority, and power of all kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. Their kingship is an everlasting one; every authority will serve them and obey.”
Daniel 7:27 CEB

“But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.” Daniel 7:18 KJV

This is why you are enduring trials. This is what God is training us for; a permanent position with Him, that will last forever, “even for ever and ever.”
😉

Please Read Proverbs 24:19-20 Psalm 37:10-20

When someone is a meddler, a bully, enjoys causing chaos, etcetera, they have no hope. I was pondering how some get a thrill from hurting others. Then the thought came to mind: “Evildoers have no hope.” Then I searched to see if the scriptures supported that thought. And sure enough I found Proverbs 24:19-20, and Psalm 37:10-20, among other passages. They all testify to just how hopeless it is for the wicked.

Hope in the Lord gives us power, energy, and strength. We have a confident future. Hope comes from God. (Proverbs 23:17-18) Evildoers don’t have that. They can’t possess confidence in what the future holds because they have rejected God. Deep darkness and depression is their inheritance. When you see the mean scowls on their faces you’re seeing just how miserable they really are.

God tells us not to fret because of evildoers, neither envy them. Fear and doubt grips them. How would you feel if you had no future? Their wicked plots turn against them. God has decreed it. (Proverbs 26:27) How does one avoid this miserable existence?

REPENT AND LIVE FOREVER

Please Read Ezekiel 18:21-23

God delights in evildoers turning from their sins, keeping His commands, and living. He does not delight in the destruction of the wicked. There’s this false teaching that on Judgment Day God will show us a movie of all the bad we’ve done versus all the good we’ve ever done. And whichever weighs the most on the scale will determine whether we go to heaven or hell. The Bible doesn’t teach that. It’s a figment of the imagination. If that were the case we’d all get a one way ticket to hell. (Ecclesiastes 7:20 Romans 6:23) What the Bible does say is there were two criminals being crucified with Jesus. One of them had a change of heart. This man admitted that his punishment was justice for his crimes. He then asked Jesus to remember him when he gets to his kingdom. And Jesus told the man, “Truly I tell you today you will be with me in Paradise.” Jesus said, “Yes,” to the man’s request. Jesus told the man he was going to be with him in heaven. What did this man do to receive such a rich reward? Nothing. All he did was ask. (Luke 23:39-43) Again, the man confessed his sins, admitted his crimes was deserving of punishment, then he simply asked Jesus can he live with him in heaven. And Jesus told him, “YES!” ANYONE who is honest enough to confess to God their sins and guilt as this man did will be pardoned for their sins too. (Proverbs 28:13) They will also be given the right to become children of God, and will be in Paradise forever. (John 1:12 ) This is proof that God would rather save and forgive evildoers instead of destroy them. This man was a criminal. By his own admission he was a sinner. But he had one last moment to reflect on his life; one last moment to get it right, and he did. He seized the moment and asked Jesus for eternal life. And the answer was, “YES!” God doesn’t want to destroy anyone. This is proof of that. God did not count this man’s sins against him. He was pardoned and given the free gift of righteousness and eternal life. (Romans 4:5-8, 5:17) All ANYONE has to do is ask as this man did. God will do the same for ANYONE who humbly asks him.

Please Read Matthew 7:7-8

​Please Read John 7:24

Jesus said that we should judge not by mere appearances but with correct judgment. Not understanding the difference between a person’s faults and their personality can cause us to judge them unfairly, as I have done. More about that later. 

GOTTA LOVE THE DICTIONARY

When you look up the definition for, “Fault,” you will find that it means an unattractive feature in one’s character or personality. So a fault is not the individual’s personally, it’s an unattractive feature of their character. When you look up the word, “Personality,” you will find that it means a combination of qualities that make up an individual’s distinctive character. It’s interesting that the word, “Person,” is in, “Personality,” because that’s what it means. A person’s character or personality is who they are. It is all their qualities combined that makes them them. So why do we sometimes treat a person’s individual faults as if they are his/her personality? Is it because we’re being judgmental? Sometimes. But I also believe it’s because we are blending the 2 words together like they’re synonymous. We don’t understand their meanings.

A WRONG STATEMENT 

I remember telling someone, “The rock of the church the apostle Peter was prejudice, but God still used him despite his faults. So he can use us too.” I really thought I was saying something good when I made that statement. But after further consideration and study of God’s word I renounce that statement as wrong. There’s only one incident recorded in the Bible where Peter acted in a prejudice manner. And God used Paul to correct him. (Galatians 2:11-14) So how can this one occurrence define Peter’s whole character? It clearly was a fault, and not his personality. Nowhere in the scriptures do we see Peter living like a racist. We do see God teaching him that he accepts all people from all nations and not just Jews. And we see Peter accepting God’s counsel. (Acts chapter 10) The unattractive feature of favoritism that sprung up in Peter later on did not overshadow Peter’s lifestyle. Hence it was not his personality. It was a fault. 

Please Read Romans 7:14-25

Having a better understanding of faults verses personality helps us understand ourselves. We are all born in sin, hence we have faults. But because we have been changed (born again by the Holy Spirit) we are now a new creation in Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:16-18) We have put on the new personality. (Colossians 3:9-11 Ephesians 4:22-24) This rebirth happened the moment we believed in Christ. (Titus 3:5-7) The Spirit who dwells in us is our true identity; our personality. Our faults spring up from our flesh. But that is not who we really are. That’s why Paul could say regarding his sins, “Yet it is not I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” Again, our sin nature does not make up who we are. Evidence of this fact is seen when we don’t agree with our sins. But rather we are troubled by them, and hate them just as the apostle Paul hated his sins. And thanks be to God through Jesus Christ as Paul said for freeing us from this body of sin and death! (Romans 6:23) I’m so glad for passages like Romans 7:14-25. There God explains to us our sins are not who we are. As far as East is from West, so far has He removed our sins from us the Bible says. (Psalm 103:12-14) Just as East and West will never meet, our sins will never stick to us, provided we are truly in a struggle with sin, and hate the bad we do like Paul.

LET US JUDGE CORRECTLY 

In view of all this when people say things like, “King David was a murderer and an adulterer,” are they speaking correctly? Did murder and adultery dominate David’s life? No. Murder and adultery did spring up in David from his flesh. And he paid dearly for his sins for the rest of his life. (2 Samuel 12:9-12) But those sins were not David’s lifestyle; they weren’t his personality. David repented of them and profited from his chastening by the Lord. This is the same David that the Bible says was a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22) Wow! So let us judge correctly. Let us judge according to the truth that sets us free. (John 8:31-32)

No one will breeze through this life into eternity. Jesus said there will be sufferings and trials on the narrow road leading to life. And only a few will ever find it. (Luke 9:23-24 Matthew 7:13-14) There are many ups and downs on this journey. Many bumps in the road. It will be a ride. But it’s a ride worth taking.

Please Read 1 Peter 5:8-9

The evil one would love to harm us. He builds bridges to have direct access to us. He uses vessels. It’s harder to discern it’s him speaking when we’re looking at or listening to an object, especially a beautiful one. While the mind is enjoying what it sees and hears he whispers all sorts of things in our ears. Because the experience is pleasurable it’s easier to overlook evil and just take it in. What is our pleasure? What do we really want? Be careful, that’s what Satan will use to tempt you with. (James 1:14-15)

Humans have always been easy to program. Today music and television are powerful tools for that. By the click of a button you can tune into whatever visions you choose. The experience is mesmerising. I bet the Devil was excited when radio and TV was invented. What a convenient way to control the masses just by using a few. I wonder how many songs and movies can be stored in the mind? How many file cabinets does the human brain have? Information (data) stored there can be retrieved at will for later use. These stored images and sounds we call entertainment is embedded in the human psyche. They help make up our synthetic reality. And through them we are controlled. (1 John 5:19)

Please Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 1 Corinthians 1:10 Matthew 18:19-20

The Devil knows he can’t win where there is unity. And it only takes two or more to be in agreement Jesus said. Hence the serpent must create divisions. Who can he use to start trouble and keep it going? (Galatians 5:15) When a Christian becomes isolated; feels all alone, unloved, depressed, etcetera, they’re in trouble. It is critical that we love all of our brothers and sisters, and let them know just how much we love them. All parts of the body of Christ are important. Especially those parts who are weak the Bible says. (1 Corinthians 12:21-25 1 Corinthians 9:22 Romans 15:1-2)

Please Read Matthew 4:1-11

Anything the Devil plots against us can be defeated by the word of God, anything! When God tells us to strictly obey Him He’s not ego tripping. He’s telling us how to win the same way Jesus won. He’s telling us to arm ourselves with the only thing that defeats evil, His powerful word. As I was pondering and writing this I said to myself (or maybe someone else whispered in my ear), “Boy you sure write about this subject a lot.” Then I tried to force myself to write about something different and quickly saw that I couldn’t. Then the thought occurred to me (or maybe someone else whispered in my ear), “Is it I write about these things a lot because we, or I, need to be reminded of them?” Hmmmmm. I just hope something here encourages you today. Our race is almost over. Please hold on to your faith and watch out for the schemes of the evil one. Our reward is too great to give up such an awesome faith.

So often the truth is right in our faces. We just can’t see it. The Roman Governor Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38) not knowing he was looking at and speaking directly to the truth. (John 14:6) How did he miss it? The same way we all do.

Recently I did some research on a religion I once belonged to. It was really a trip down memory lane. I saw all the false teachings ever so clearly. I even noticed some occult symbols the religion printed on it’s literature. I sent this information to a friend of mine who was also a former member of this religion. Her response was, “We actually allowed a group of men to act as God over us.” She was exactly right. And that’s why we were duped. Unknowingly we followed the doctrines of men as if they were the commands of God. My friend and I were tricked from childhood. Both of our parents were fooled into believing this religion too and handed it down to us.

Anyone who has been set free from such a mind controlling experience can totally appreciate how liberating it is. But let’s be honest, sometimes there’s this lingering thought: “How was I so stupid to fall for that?” Don’t beat yourself up too badly. It’s happened to some of the best. Remember, it’s not how you start the race, it’s how you finish. (Ecclesiastes 7:8 Hebrews 12:1-2)

Please Read John 8:31-32

Jesus said those who continue in his word will know the truth, and the truth will set them free. When we allow mere human beings to act as gods over us; believing their words over the words of Almighty God, we will be misled slaves every time. The only way to overcome is by continuing in Jesus’ words. This is how the blinders were removed for me and I was able to leave the sect I once so proudly promoted. I saw leaders in the organization doing what was wrong. In a meeting with a group of elders (congregation leaders) I said to them, Jesus said, ‘ “With the measure you measure out to others it will be measured out to you. And the rules you apply to others will be applied to you.” ‘ How then are we any different from other religions we are always condemning if we do the same things they are doing? Jesus said the judgement we apply to them will be applied to us.” They did not appreciate hearing that and just swept things under the rug. You see the main person in question was the head elder; the Presiding Overseer was his title. I watched the other elders gloss over his evil behavior. Others were put out and shunned by their own family members for such conduct. But the good old boys made sure that wasn’t going to happen to him. Let me tell you; when you devote your life to any cause, only to find out later it was all bogus, that can be one of the most devastating things in the world. And for me it was. After watching these congregation elders I knew I would no longer be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The pain and depression that followed that experience messed me up for years. My heart breaks and aches for all who have gone through that experience. But my consolation is this: all of those who are really sincere will find God (the real God). And they will be overjoyed to learn that He’s nothing like what they portrayed Him to be. The heartache they now suffer is all a part of their healing process. (Psalm 34:18)

Please Read John 14:6

I constantly thank God for taking me out of false religion, then taking me out of self-pity and depression for being duped. He later showed me that the truth was dangling in my face the whole time. That truth is none other than His son, Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 1:1-4) The Witnesses block the way to Jesus by their man made doctrines just as Jesus told the religious leaders of his day they were doing. (Luke 11:52) Jehovah’s Witnesses even put themselves in the place of Jesus Christ by saying they are the only way to God. They claim to be the only true religious organization on earth that represents God. And anyone who is not a Jehovah’s Witnesses will die and be destroyed forever at Armageddon. This is what they teach, I know, I was one of them. I unwittingly taught people that too. Yet this is the same religion that has predicted again and again when the world will come to an end, and it never has. This is the same religion that shined the spotlight on the Catholic Church for years regarding pedophilia among it’s members and priests. Yet there are files upon files of pedophilia cases worldwide that occurred among Jehovah’s Witnesses. For years these were reported to their local elders. Only these elders failed to report these matters to the authorities. They simply handled them in house. It is reported that some victims were ordered by Jehovah’s Witness elders not to go public about their abuse so as not to bring embarrassment to the organization, and the accused. I saw a video where in a court of law an elder testified that their practice is to  destroy all notes taken during their judiciary meetings involving pedophilia with the victims and the accused. Hmmmm, so you protect and hide pedophiles, the same thing you scolded others for doing, and you’re God’s representatives on earth? Give me a break!

You can find much more information about this just by Googling, “Jehovah’s Witnesses pedophilia lawsuits.” I read the other day one judgment awarded a victim 13.5 million dollars. Another judgment awarded victims more than 20 million dollars. Wow! There’s other judgments out there too. I just got tired of reading about this sick situation. I’m sure there are many more judgments to come. 

I could go on and on about what’s wrong with Jehovah’s Witnesses but I won’t. You see, I don’t want to become just like them; always criticizing others, but failing to see my own sins. When you focus too much on the wrongs of others you will miss important things about yourself every time. Besides, there’s a much bigger picture here. That picture is Jesus Christ. Satan would love for us to be so hurt by our past experience that we fail to get to know who Jesus really is. That was his goal from the beginning. That’s why the whole religion was formed in the first place: to be an effective tool to turn many away from the real truth, which is Jesus Christ.

I now know that God didn’t put me on earth to promote a false religion. I also know it’s not my life’s work to bash them. If you’re on God’s team our job is to make known the truth about Him and His son Jesus Christ. God loved the world so much (not just Jehovah’s Witnesses) that He gave His son Jesus, so that WHOEVER believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16) The Bible says ANYONE who accepts and believes in the son has the Father also, and has eternal life! (1 John 2:23 2 John 1:7-9 1 John 4:15)

IN CONCLUSION

Please Read 2 Timothy 2:24-26

We should pray for and strive to help Jehovah’s Witnesses just as we would seek to help anyone else know the truth. They have been misled. God desires that all people repent and come to an accurate knowledge of the truth, and escape the trap of the Devil who has taken them as captives. The average Witness doesn’t even know the falsehood they’re spreading in their door to door ministry, on the street corners, etcetera, just like I didn’t know. If God saved me (formerly a very devout Witness) He can save any of them too that He chooses. So let’s not give up on them thinking it is impossible for them to repent because their false doctrines and mind control is too strong. God once asked Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14) Remember, with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:26-27) And also remember that God’s word is like a fire, and a hammer, that breaks rocks into pieces.

Please Read Jeremiah 23:29

At times we must expose the deeds of darkness and shine the light of truth in the hope that others will see and get freed. (Ephesians 5:11) I know some of you caught earlier how I broke free from the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization. In fact I didn’t notice it myself until many years later. Though much of the Bible was distorted in my head from their teachings I actually started believing in the words of Jesus Christ. Remember, I told their elders, “JESUS SAID, ‘ ” With the measure you measure out to others, it will be measured out to you. And with the rule you apply to others it will be applied to you.” ‘ If we are doing the same things we are constantly condemning other religions for doing, how are we any different from them? JESUS SAID we will be judged the same way we judge them.” (Matthew 7:2) Right then and there I was standing on the words of Jesus and I didn’t even know it. His words had become more important to me than theirs. And when I saw that they had no regard for the words of Jesus (whom they also claim to follow) I knew for sure they were fake. God used that whole scenario (though painful) to show me the truth. And the words of Jesus did set me free. Thank God!

Jesus is the only way that anyone can be set free from something like this. Because we’re not just dealing with false preachers in suits and ties. We’re actually being confronted by powerful principalities; evil spirits, rulers of this dark world. They use and speak through hypocritical liars to spread their evil propaganda. (1 Timothy 4:1-2 Ephesians 6:10-12) But oh how powerful is the word of God! The dark forces of this world can not stand up to it. God’s word is like a consuming fire, and a hammer, that totally crushes and breaks up rock-like lies.

So often the truth is staring us right in the face. The good news is if we are truly seeking it God will reveal it to us, no matter how long or how bad we have been deceived.

Please Read Proverbs 2:1-6

Did you know that millions of people on earth claim to have been abducted by aliens? Before you laugh them off as crazy do some research for yourself and hear what they have to say. There are common threads in their testimonies which suggests there is something going on. We’re talking about people from different parts of the world who never met each other. Do your own research please. One of the common threads is sexual experiences, mainly involving women. And some women say during their abductions they even gave birth to half human half alien babies. Some of them looked more human than others they say. Before you say they’re all nuts please read Genesis chapter 6, starting in verses 1-4. There you will find before science fiction movies were ever made something very similar happened in the past.

THERE IS NOTHING NEW

Please Read Ecclesiastes 1:9-10

Whether you believe in the Bible or not that’s your business. Many of us do believe it is the pure word of God. And we agree with what is said at Ecclesiastes 1:9-10: that there is nothing new under the sun. And what exist now has already been. Things are just repackaged. They’re made to look new. Cloning, tampering with human DNA, etcetera, is not new. It was done thousands of years ago during the days of Noah. (Genesis 6:1-4) Whether it’s done by aliens who craftily hide their true identity (we’ll explain that later), or it’s done with the help of humans in laboratories it’s not new.

Jesus said as it was in the days of Noah so will it be when he returns. He said people were basically going about their normal business, and took no note of what would happen until the flood came and swept them all away. (Matthew 24:36-42) And there was something else weird going on in Noah’s day according to Genesis chapter 6. Angels left heaven, came to earth, and were corrupting the human race with their wicked influence and hybrid offspring. Yes, angels left heaven, then  married and crossbred with human women. (Genesis 6:1-6 ) Mankind became so evil God regretted he had made human beings. So He decided to destroy them all in a flood, with the exception of Noah and his family. (Genesis 6:7-8) It is not surprising if the demons are again toying with the human genetic code as they did in times past.

THE SECRET TESTIMONY OF ABDUCTEES

There’s one more common thread I’d like to discuss that some alien abductees have experienced. This one is not widespread but the story is always the same. Some of them reported doing something that made the alien experience stop immediately. Yes, whenever they did this particular thing the aliens instantly disappeared. The pain, the misery, whatever unpleasant things they were suffering came to a complete halt! What was this thing they all reported doing that gave them control over the situation? They called on the name of Jesus Christ! Yes, that’s what they reported. If you don’t believe it do your own research please. They said whenever they called on the name of Jesus the aliens disappeared immediately, and the terrible experience was all over. That sounds like these aliens are nothing more than demons. Let me explain.

Please Read Mark 1:22-27 Matthew 8:28-29 Luke 10:17 Mark 16:17

It is recorded that when Jesus was on earth he would sometimes encounter people who were demon possessed. Upon seeing him evil spirits would shout in fear, and would ask Jesus things like, “Are you about to torture us before the appointed time?” Demons are terrified of Jesus! They know who he is. And it makes them shudder. (James 2:19) Jesus even gives humans the power to drive out evil spirits by the authority of his name. How interesting that it is documented though not widespread that calling on the name of Jesus is the only thing that makes these alien creatures go away. Hmmmm. That’s because they’re demons. And if Jesus Christ is only a mythical figure, or he was just an ordinary man, how could calling on his name chase away these powerful evil entities? The evidence is clear: Jesus Christ is King of all kings, and Lord of all lords, in this life, in the spirit realm, and in the worlds to come. (Philippians 2:9-10) And this is also proof that these aliens are none other than demons; deceiving spirits in disguise.

Please Read Jude 1:6

Please Read Acts 6:8-7:60

The Bible says Stephen was a man full of God’s grace and power. We see the signs and wonders God performed through him in Acts chapter 6, and the wisdom God gave him to refute his enemies. We can read his famous speech in Acts chapter 7 where he skillfully testifies that Jesus is the foretold Messiah. And he scolded the religious leaders for their betrayal and murder of him. But this is not what made Stephen full of the Holy Spirit. There’s this wrong belief that if a person can preach and teach well, or if they have a lot of knowledge, or can perform miracles, they must be filled with God’s spirit. But nowhere in the Bible can that be found.

Please Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Did you notice in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 what really counts? Love. And this love is what made Stephen full of the Holy Spirit. We will prove that in a moment. No matter how much knowledge one has, no matter how much faith one has, if one gives his body over to suffer hardship, or gives all he has to the poor, or can fathom all mysteries, or can speak in the tongues of men and of angels, or has the gift of prophecy, but does not have love, that one is nothing to God. The Bible says that whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8) For the Bible to say that Stephen was full of the spirit means he knew God well. He was filled with the love of God. We will prove this.

Please Read 1 John 4:18

The Bible says there is no fear in love. That perfect love drives out all fear. And it says that those who fear have not been made perfect in love. How do we know that Stephen was made perfect in love? In Acts chapter 6 and 7 we see Stephen speaking boldly in the name of Jesus during a time when persecution for being a Christian could mean death or imprisonment. Stephen did get arrested on trumped up charges for his faith. And he was also killed for his testimony of Jesus. During his trial he spoke boldly in the name of Jesus not fearing for his life. He was tried by hypocritical religious fanatics. The same fanatics that conspired against and had Jesus killed. Stephen stuck to his mission in the face of death. He had the perfect love that drives out all fear.

STEPHEN PERFECT IN LOVE

Please Read Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:43-48 that we must love and even pray for those who persecute us. And as God cares for the just and the wicked alike so must we. After saying this Jesus then said, “You must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus is saying loving others the way God does, even to the point of loving our enemies, makes us perfect in God’s sight. We are imitating Him. Being perfect to God doesn’t mean what being perfect means to human beings. To people being perfect means you never make mistakes. Or you never do anything wrong. That’s impossible. (Romans 3:23) Being perfect to God means that we love like Him. Did Stephen have this kind of love? He sure did. After hearing Stephen’s testimony the Sanhedrin decided to stone him to death for his faith. While they were stoning him; inflicting pain on him, killing him, Stephen prayed to God, “Lord, do not count this sin against them.” Then he fell asleep. Hmmmm, Jesus prayed the same kind of prayer for those who were crucifying him. (Luke 23:33-34) Wow! Stephen’s love indeed had grown to the love of God and Christ. (Ephesians 4:15-16) He was perfect in love to the very end, just like his master. What an example!

Stephen was a fearless preacher of the gospel. He cared more about others eternal salvation than his own temporary life on earth (just like his master). He defeated the evil one (just like his master). (Revelation 12:11) And again, right before he died his prayer proved he had the perfect love Jesus talked about in Matthew 5:43-48. Stephen’s obedience to God to love contributed to him being a man full of the Holy Spirit. God used him in mighty ways.

We too must grow to perfection in love. (James 1:2-4) Let us pray to God to give us the love that drives out all fear. The same love that prays for and does good even to our enemies. (Proverbs 25:21-22)