“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17 NIV

When I look at society I feel sad for the billions who are misled. Only a few people alive are truly awake. It’s as if many are stuck in a dream they can’t wake up from. Only to one day awake and find out, “It’s too late!”

We are taught from childhood to follow our dreams, not to follow God. I had a dream once. I wanted to be a songwriter/producer in the music industry. I often dreamed of winning a grammy, making millions of dollars, living in a big house, etcetera. What also fueled my dream was wanting to do better for my family financially. I spent many hours and years in my home recording studio cranking out contemporary songs and beats. I even got to work with some big names (legends) in the music business. I was on my way it seemed. My skills as a songwriter, arranger, synthesizer/drum programmer, producer, and engineer were getting me noticed by some serious folks. Future gigs with other popular artist were lining up too. I was living the dream so it seemed. Then one day I woke up.

WHAT WOKE ME UP

One day I traveled​ to my brother’s recording studio. He lived hundreds of miles  away. He also started a new record label and had all the right connections with famous folks in the industry. When I got to the studio there was the usual crew; other songwriters, arrangers, and producers. But this meeting went different. When I walked in no one said, ‘Hi,’ ‘What’s up?’ ‘How ya doin?’ nothing. They were all looking weird sitting in a circle. Then one of them called my name and said, “We need to mix your spirit with our spirit,” and invited me to join the circle. I responded, “I don’t mix spirits.” Then all hell broke loose in that room! There was a lot of screaming, yelling, and cursing at me. One of them the nephew of a very famous recording artist pulled out a book then opened it to a page filled with these demonic symbols and screamed, “I’m a priest in this!” then continued cursing me out. They tried to intimidate me to join them (spiritually that is) but I stood firm. One of those cursing me out was my brother (from the same mother). I don’t think I was able to leave the studio physically unharmed that day because he cared about me so much. I believe it was because I had some very important skills the others didn’t have that he needed to produce his records. And I believe he thought he could work his magic on me again and influence me to change my position. But ultimately I know it was God who set me free that day. My brother’s spell had been broken.

There’s something I left out: about a month before this meeting took place I repented. Yes, I had returned to God and Jesus Christ. God warned me and told me I would have to do something very sick involving the occult in order to make it big in the music business. I wasn’t willing to do that. It’s interesting how after I backslid and stopped serving the Lord all these opportunities started popping up for me in the music industry. I had been recording music with my brother’s crew for about a year and a half before they tried to initiate me into witchcraft. It’s also interesting that this didn’t happen until after I repented. None of them knew I had repented because I hadn’t told them yet. I hadn’t spoken to them in a while. But their evil spirits (demons) knew I had repented. What else is interesting is that God told me beforehand (before I met with them) that I would have to do something very sick dealing with the occult in order to make it big in the music business. And here are these guys trying to initiate me into the occult. It all matched perfectly with what God had said.

I snuck out of town that night to save my skin, me and my 5 year old son. He came with me on this trip. Yes, my brother and his crew was very upset I didn’t join them. And I knew he would be seeking​ revenge. I actually got away in a nick of time. I learned later from another relative that he and his mob came looking for me, and wasn’t happy when he learned I went back home (hundreds of miles away) without letting him know.

I was actually done with the music business before I even visited these guys. Remember, I had repented about a month earlier and decided the music business wasn’t for me anymore. So why did I drive hundreds of miles to see my brother and the crew when I knew I was through? My whole intention for that visit was to let them know I was quitting, and to give them a witness for Jesus Christ. I did manage to speak to them very briefly about what the Bible says. They all just looked at me like they wanted to kill me. I know God was with me and rescued me and my son that day.

DO ALL THINGS TO GLORIFY GOD

Let me make one thing clear: I am not insinuating that a Christian or anyone else cannot have a career in the music industry. I said God let me know that the commercial music industry was NOT FOR ME. All who belong to Jesus Christ must obey God. That includes all his commands in the scriptures. So it doesn’t matter what we’re doing, as long as we follow the next text we’re good:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV

There is no way I can help produce sexually explicit music, songs that promote violence, and everything else that is against Almighty God, and be, ‘working for the Lord, and not human masters.’ Nobody can. The key is whatever we’re doing must glorify God; our Father. If it doesn’t we need to repent. If we refuse and keep chasing after these trinkets the world offers we will find ourselves living the dream alright. Only to one day wake up from our deep sleep and find out, “It’s too late!”

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“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1:22-23 NIV

If you read the article, Watch Out For Wolves, that was published down below this piece you heard the story of a guy who told me he repented. This man is someone I’ve known for years. He had the reputation of getting into Bible fights with people and violently cursing folks out when he didn’t get his way. But people can change right? Of course they can which is why the day he told me he repented I listened to him. I congratulated him and told him how he can now be an effective witness for Christ and I remembered​ how different he was in the past. He then quickly cut me off and said, “I was the same, I was the same.” I looked at him puzzled. Then he quickly said, “What? What? I’m not ashamed of my past. What?” Our conversation ended shortly after that but I was disturbed by what the man said.

You see, when a person truly repents or is born again, they are not the same person now that they were in the past. This man said he was the same then as he is now. Also, when a person truly repents they are very ashamed of their past sins. But this man said he wasn’t ashamed of his. There were other things too the man said that didn’t add up to what someone would say who repented. So I knew I needed to be careful with this guy. And that he was still deceived.

I prayed to God about this and asked him what to do. He showed me to follow Jude 1:22-23, the title verse above in this article. While hating the man’s hypocrisy the Holy Spirit directed me to still try to help him, but to do so very carefully. We swapped phone numbers that day we spoke so I called him. He didn’t answer so I left a message. The next morning he called me. I answered the phone half asleep listening to this guy rattle on how we’re gonna do this and that together. I was too tired to respond properly to what he was saying. But after the call I woke up and was deeply disturbed again. Why? Because I knew everything I had just been told was as phony as a four dollar bill. He reminded me of one of those guys I’ve met in the past who was obsessed with starting their own church and was looking for someone (me) to help them do it. They too had not truly repented or been born again. I prayed to God about this and came to the conclusion that me and this dude needed to talk sooner than later. So the next morning I called him and this is how it went.

THE CALL

When I called he answered with this long religious bless you brother greeting. After he finished blessing me he started rattling words again but I wasn’t having it this time. So I calmly said, “The other day when you and I were talking there was something you said that concerned me. I wanted to talk to you about it.” He said, “Ok.” I said, “After we spoke about how you had repented and changed your life, towards the end of our conversation I congratulated you and said how you can now be a good witness for God because I remember how you was in the past. You then quickly said, ‘I was the same, I was the same.’ I looked at you strange when you said that then you said, ‘What? What? I’m not ashamed of my past. What?’ Do you see why those two statements; ‘I was the same,’ and ‘I’m not ashamed of my past,’ would concern me?” The man said, “No.” Then he quickly told me he had to do something and would call me right back. Hmmmm.

Anyways the man called back in a few minutes and said, “Brother I apologize if what I said offended you. I didn’t mean to offend you in any way.” I said, “No, it’s not that you offended me, I’m concerned about you. When a person repents or is born again they are not the same person they were in the past. You said that you were the same. That came from your mouth. And the scriptures show that when a person truly repents they are very ashamed of their past sins. You said that you’re not ashamed of your past. I do applaud you for admitting you did say these things and not say, ‘I didn’t say that,’ like so many folks do.” He then said in a smug tone, “Well I’m not like most people.” I then asked him to explain to me what he meant by the statements, ‘I was the same then as I am now,’ and, “I’m not ashamed of my past.” He then went on this long rant of how God took him out of sin like the apostle Paul, how he doesn’t do the same things he did before, and is now a changed man. I asked, “But how does that mean, ‘I was the same then as I am now?’ He then started answering me in the exact same way again, sidestepping the question, and proclaiming his righteousness. I said, “Ok, let’s forget about that. The basics of God’s word teaches us that when a person repents they are very ashamed of their past sins. But you said you’re not ashamed of yours. Please explain? The man angrily said, “I said I was in sin!” I said, “No, you said that you were the same then as you are now, and that you weren’t ashamed of your past sins. And you just admitted to saying that minutes ago.” He said, “Look, you’re trying to put words into my mouth. I didn’t say. ‘I was the same,’ I said, ‘I was in sin!’ I stopped doing the things I used to do, I turned from sin and turned to God like Paul said. That’s what being a Christian is to me!” He’s now taking back what he just admitted to saying minutes earlier. My how the spirit of deception is a liar! Did you notice that every time he defends himself he rants on about how he doesn’t do the same things he use to do anymore; he’s been delivered from sin, and proclaims his own righteousness? It is clear that he is tying to prove that he is a changed, saved man, based on his works. Something the Bible says is impossible.

The scriptures teach that God won’t save anyone who thinks they are so good they don’t have any regrets or remorse for their sins. (Luke 18:9-14) This is what the man initially said; “I’m not ashamed of my past.” And when he was telling me that day we initially spoke that he was the same person now as he was in the past, he was really saying that he was just as spiritual now as he was back then. He was trying to look good. But not understanding the basics of Christ’s teaching on what it means to repent (because he’d never done so), he found himself caught in an uncomfortable lie during our phone conversation. And instead of repenting right then and there he just kept on lying; contradicting himself, in a desperate move to prove his own righteousness. Sadly there is a certain irony in what the man said: ‘He is the same now as he was in the past.’ He hasn’t changed. Except I believe now he’s even worse.

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:13 KJV

Not once during our conversations did the guy mention JESUS and WHAT HE DID as the source of his salvation. Because Jesus is not his source. He just kept tooting his horn about his changed life and his works. But the scriptures say:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Scripture also says:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE through the redemption that came BY CHRIST JESUS.” Romans 3:23-24 NIV

Scripture says too:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

It’s all about God’s grace, his kindness expressed​ through Jesus Christ and WHAT HE DID that saves us. His death on the cross for our sins is it, plain and simple. So many brag that their good deeds is what saves them. But Jesus himself said:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. MANY WILL SAY TO ME ON THAT DAY, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ” Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

Wow! For Jesus to, “Tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!’ ” means this thing is way more serious than many think. And remember, these are religious people that Jesus is talking to: people who prophesy, drive out demons (or think they do) and do miracles, “in your [Jesus] name.”

For those of us with ears to hear may we never make the gross error of thinking that our good works will earn us a place in heaven, or that works alone mean we are saved and have repented. We are saved by God’s grace through faith. FIRST BY GOD’S GRACIOUS KINDNESS, then BY FAITH; by believing in the message about his son Jesus Christ. We are NOT SAVED BY WORKS, so no one can boast.

Back to my phone call with the man. I started trying to explain to him that there are people who stopped doing all sorts of bad things who even go to church and still are not Christians because they have not been born again. He basically said that’s them not him and that I was judging him and other people. I encouraged him to pray to God to give him a new heart and repent for real and God would forgive him. As I was saying this the man hung up on me.

I shared​ this experience with you not because it was something so epic or unusual. I’ve had many similar experiences with false brothers. I can’t​ even count them. I shared this with you because I know many of you are going through the same things. Some false believer out there is trying desperately to latch themselves on to you. They want you to think they’re just like you. They’re wolves in sheep’s covering. They were sent to you by Satan to lead you astray. Jesus told us to beware of wolves. Yet the scriptures teach us to show mercy TO SOME mixed with a healthy fear. (Jude 1:22-23) Fear of what? Fear that just as the serpent seduced Eve, we too might not be deceived by evil spirits that come through the mouths of hypocritical liars.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” 1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

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“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16 NIV

The routes wolves take to harm sheep are sometimes amazing. But it really is nothing to wonder at:

“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NIV

Sometimes it’s hard for sheep to fathom how a person can be so evil; even to the point of pretending​ to be a servant of God to hurt people. But the scripture above tells us that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (a good spirit), so it is no surprise that his servants masquerade as good servants of righteousness. Both will get what they deserve in the end.

The wolf in sheep’s covering can quote the Bible like you, sometimes even better than you. Some of these actors are better than others. So how can one tell when he/she is dealing with a wolf in sheep’s clothing? They will always deny the truth.

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”  2 Timothy 3:5 NIV

The wolf in sheep’s covering is very proud. They think they are so good at tricking people that no one can see through them. Why is that? Because they have snared so many in the past. To them you and I are just another sucker. But this is where things can go differently​ for us. Because you are so rooted in God’s word you know the truth. And you know that no lie comes from the truth.

“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.” 1 John 2:20-21 NIV

“I am writing these things to you about THOSE WHO ARE TRYING TO LEAD YOU ASTRAY. As for you, the anointing [Holy Spirit] you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” 1 John 2:26-27 NIV

The wolf in sheep’s covering cannot convince the person rooted in God’s word that sexual immorality in it’s various forms, and other wrongdoing is ok. That believer knows the truth and knows it well. (1 Corinthians 6:9-20)  The wolf in sheep’s clothing cannot convince the student of God’s word that mixing occult practices with the teachings of God is ok. (Deuteronomy 18:9-13) The wolf in sheep’s covering can’t​ persuade someone rooted in God’s word of anything that results in their demise. But they can and do get those who profess to be Christians and don’t take their profession seriously. The key is staying rooted in God’s word; staying filled with the Holy Spirit. Knowing​ and loving the truth sets you free from the snares of wolves. (John 8:32)

WHEN THINGS JUST DON’T ADD UP

The other day I was approached by a guy I’ve seen off and on for about 8 years. My memories of him is someone who always wanted to argue about the Bible. And he would violently curse people out whenever he didn’t get his way. I said that to say the other day when I seen him he told me that he had repented. He said he just finished reading the book of John and was quoting passages from it. He talked about how he was a changed man so on and so forth. I congratulated him and told him he can be a good witness for God now and how I remembered​ when he was a different dude in the past. He quickly cut me off and said, “No, I was the same. I was the same.” I looked at him baffled by what he just said. Then he quickly said, “What? What? I’m not ashamed of my past, what?” Did you hear what this man just said? “I was the same?” And, “I’m not ashamed of my past?” If you have repented of your sins and you’re now a new changed person in Christ how can you be the same person you were in the past? And the very basics of God’s teachings teaches us that a truly repented person IS ASHAMED of their past sins. But this man said he wasn’t ashamed of his. Both of his statements totally contradict what it means to repent. He was not telling the truth about his repentance and it came out. Jesus said out of the mouth the overflow of the heart speaks. (Luke 6:45) This man had not had a true encounter with Jesus Christ. He was not changed.

Why do I believe this person must be treated with caution? Because I saw him pretend to be a believer in the past, only to draw people in and have Bible fights with them. There’s other things too the man said the last time we spoke that are quite disturbing and go contrary to the truth. Fortunately God tells us how to deal with such situations:

“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” Jude 1:22-23 NIV

I do plan to speak with the man again and hopefully share what the Bible says about true repentance and accepting Jesus Christ. I plan to do this in a very gentle and mild spirit. I really do hope he listens to the scriptures. But if he doesn’t and instead does what I’ve seen him do in the past I will have to obey the scriptures and take the same position I took with him before:

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. KEEP AWAY FROM THEM. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18 NIV

Jesus told us exactly what type of people we would be dealing with: wolves. So be on guard.

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“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

When it comes to finding God there are many formulas out there. Some say you have to do this others say do that. A person can easily get confused. But Jesus made it simple. Listen to what He says one has to do to find God, and how He contrasted a very religious person you would think had God from a known scoundrel you would think could never have God, yet found Him:

“Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people-cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 NLT

Wow, the despised tax collector the sinner found God. Not the Pharisee who boasted how good he was. The tax collector prayed the right prayer, the Pharisee didn’t. He simply asked God to have mercy on him, and admitted he’d done some bad things in life by calling himself a sinner. I know people who prayed the same kind of prayer this tax collector did and they found God too. They were at their wits end. They felt deep sorrow over how their lives were going and really wanted help to change things. They didn’t know what to do or how to change anything. So they cried out to God begging for help. And He let them know for sure that he heard them. They didn’t boast to God about all the great things they did in life like the over-religious Pharisee. On the contrary they felt deep regret over their failures and simply asked God for help. These types of prayers move God. And the folks who pray them lives have never been the same since. According to Jesus ANYONE CAN ASK GOD FOR HELP. If we come to him humbly like the tax collector did he will hear us, we will find Him.

There is this great misconception that you have to be this super good person who has it all together in order to find God. That’s not the truth. And by the way, there is no such person. There are many who think they are, but really:

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24 NIV

Everyone has sinned or done what is wrong in life. Everyone falls short or messes up when it comes to living up to God’s good standard. So when someone like the self-righteous Pharisee (and there are many) brags about how good they are they’re really delusional. Don’t let people like that turn you off from finding and getting to know God. They’re​ just fake. That doesn’t mean you have to be. You can truly find God no matter what you’ve done or been through in this life. If you come to Him humbly he will accept you, and forgive you, just that easy. You will now be on the road to a better life and eternal life, yes.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NLT

Don’t worry about what’s​ the next step after this. God will show you what to do, trust Him. Take the first step: Pray to Him like the tax collector did.

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“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” Matthew 24:22 NIV

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” Daniel 12:1 NIV

We’re in, “that time,” foretold by God. Distress unlike ever before is happening​ all around us in every nation, and it’s getting worse. Man is completely destroying himself. But he’s not doing it alone:

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

“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon-the ancient serpent called the devil, or SATAN, THE ONE DECEIVING THE WHOLE WORLD-was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.” Revelation 12:7-9 NLT

These evil spirits are hugely responsible for mankind’s demise. They have tricked people into believing they are everything from ghosts, to gods, to aliens from a faraway galaxy here to help mankind. And they only come to annihilate them. This has all been foretold by God; written down in His word. Man is also to blame for what’s happening to him and his world because he has rejected God his creator.

WHO WILL BE DELIVERED

Who will be delivered from this worldwide holocaust? “Everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.” (Daniel 12:1 NIV) There are things that are going on around the world that if you told someone what was really happening they would laugh at you and call you crazy. But for those of us who believe God it’s not so surprising to us. Jesus said in Matthew chapter 24 just how bad things would be in our time. And, “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” (Matthew 24:22 NIV) We know from studying the Bible that man would be in the process of self-destruction right before Jesus’ return. But for the sake of His elect (his chosen ones) God would cut those days short (bring the whole world to an end).

There is nothing new under the sun. We’re not the only ones who have books or record data. God has books too. Listen to what these verses say about God’s Book Of Life and His Book Of Remembrance.

“All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.” Revelation 3:5 NLT

“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15 NIV

“The 70 disciples came back and joyously reported, “Lord, even the demons are submitting to us in your name!” He told them, “I watched Satan falling from heaven like lightning. Look! I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to destroy all the enemy’s power, and nothing will ever hurt you. However, stop rejoicing because the spirits are submitting to you. Instead, rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 ISV

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it , and a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE was written before him for them that feared the Lord , and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” Malachi 3:16-17 KJV

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19 KJV

“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” Revelation 17:8 KJV

“And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made.” Revelation 13:8 NLT

Believers in God through Jesus Christ are set for life (eternity)! Their names are written in The Book Of Life and God’s Book Of Remembrance. If you are one of these hold on to your faith and keep growing in love. Let God continue to transform you into the image of His son. We will all be together soon with our heavenly Father and our entire family.

“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, WHOSE NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:22-24 NIV

Here on Earth things will continue to get worse. Worship of the beast will be imposed on everyone. But God’s true children won’t do it. They worship only God. They will pass the same test their master Jesus did when tempted by the Devil:

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” Matthew 4:8-10 NIV

Worship of the beast is tantamount to worshipping Satan:

“People worshiped the dragon [Satan] because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” Revelation 13:4 NIV

Refusing to worship the beast will bring persecution. Just know that whatever happens we can trust God’s words that says:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—EVERYONE WHOSE NAME IS FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK—WILL BE DELIVERED.” Daniel 12:1 NIV

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“Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” Proverbs 26:27 KJV

I’ve seen the above verse come true: people setting traps for others that they themselves fall into. They justify their behavior saying they’re getting revenge for an offense done to them. Some of these offenses are so small or just made up. Jesus said in the last days many would get offended:

“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Matthew 24:10 KJV

The Greek word for “offended” in Matthew 24:10 means to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way of others to trip them up and cause them to fall. It could be anything from trying to provoke you to anger, to enticing you to sin, or trying to turn you from your faith. It also means to have great displeasure for another and refuse to acknowledge their authority. This, “I’m easily offended,” attitude we see today is part of the sign Jesus said would mark the last days right before His return.

Wicked people get a sick thrill and sense of empowerment from tripping folks up. But wait, they did not stop to consider Proverbs 26:27, which says they will fall into the same pits they dig for everyone else. The thing about a trap is you don’t know that you’re in one usually until it’s too late. When it comes to the deep pitfalls of life only God can set you free. Those who love to ensnare others don’t get such rescues. Hence they are doomed. This reminds me of another passage:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7 NIV

In this, “I’m so easily offended,” world we live in there are many mockers. But the scriptures say that God cannot be mocked. Basically they won’t be successful at their mockery. There will be severe consequences to pay if they do not repent. Let’s say I’m a person who mocked God and His people all my life, only to meet Him one day face to face (SURPRISE). Then I’m thrown into a furnace of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Would you say I was successful at mocking God?

“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that OFFEND, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:41-42 KJV

WHEN STONES ROLL YOUR WAY

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15 NLT

Let’s talk about one of Jesus’ commandments that’s sometimes hard but must be obeyed.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 NLT

Wow! As a new believer this is sometimes hard to digest (even as an older one). But as time goes by and you do what Jesus says even when you (your flesh) don’t want to, you discover the power of obeying Jesus’ command to love your enemies. You then conquer evil. It no longer conquers you. You now truly are living as God’s child, walking in victory, perfectly walking in love, even as your heavenly Father is perfect. Love is omnipotent. GOD IS LOVE! (1 John 4:8) Nothing can conquer Love! When we love this way as Jesus says we have crucified the flesh, died with Christ, and have been raised to life with Him. We have become like the one who when nailed on the cross said:

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 NLT

Instead of harboring bitterness, anger, and resentment like our adversaries we live by the Spirit:

“The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, FOREBEARANCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS and SELF-CONTROL. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:22-26 NIV

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NLT

“Therefore, since the Messiah suffered in a mortal body, you, too, must arm yourselves with the same determination, because the person who has suffered in a mortal body has stopped sinning, so that he can live the rest of his mortal life guided, not by human desires, but by the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1-2 ISV

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“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” Daniel 2:44 NIV

“To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, To them I will give authority over all the nations. They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. They will have the same authority I received from my Father, and I will also give them the morning star! “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Revelation 2:26-29 NLT

“He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. “ ‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.” Daniel 7:25-27 NIV

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For IT GIVES YOUR FATHER GREAT HAPPINESS TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM.” Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Luke 12:29-34 NLT

How blessed you are; you who truly believe in God through Jesus Christ, and obey His commands. The Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. There are many weird teachings out there people believe in regarding eternal life in an eternal kingdom. They’re all rubbish. God has given you; only His chosen children, all the kingdoms of the world. You are His heirs, joint heirs with Christ.

“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.” Romans 8:16-17 NLT

This is why you are persecuted so much. The demons know who you are and what you have, and that they will never own it. Through their human minions they attack you, and offer you crumbs, trinkets in this world, hoping you will grow weary and give up your inheritance. But as Jesus said you don’t have to worry about anything. God will provide all your needs. As an heir to His (and your) everlasting kingdom you are richer than you could ever imagine. Your Father is the wealthiest, most powerful person in the universe. We truly mustn’t worry about nothing. It is an insult to our heavenly Father.

Hold on tightly to what you have Jesus says. Every trial we face in this life doesn’t even compare to the glory God has given us:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 KJV

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“Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless-a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” Job 1:8 NLT

If you are a person of integrity like Job you too shun evil. But that does not mean you won’t be confronted by it. If you are a believer in God evil notices you, desires you, and finds you. Evil constantly lays traps for you hoping you will take the bait and get ensnared. Evil wants to destroy you and your relationship with God. Let’s get some encouragement on how to fight back and keep on shunning evil.

THE FLESH IS WEAK

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38 NIV

Jesus; the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), says we must, “Watch and pray,” so as not to be engulfed by temptation. The meaning of the word, “Watch,” here means to give strict attention to, to be cautious, active, to keep awake. So we must keep strict watch of ourselves when it comes to temptations. But that’s not all. Jesus also said we must pray. All the diligence in the world won’t help us if we don’t pray regarding temptation. Jesus tells us why: “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38 NIV) The Holy Spirit is powerful enough to handle any and all temptations. But our flesh is miserably weak. One of the first steps to overcoming evil is realizing this fact; acknowledging how weak we are, and how much we need God’s help. Pray earnestly as Jesus said not to fall into temptation.

REAL LIFE SCENARIO

Let’s look at a real life scenario of shunning evil. Our brother enjoys going to a particular restaurant on his off day to unwind. There he studies and meditates on God’s word using his Bible apps on his cell phone. The atmosphere there is quiet and conducive to this. It is not long before Satan comes in the form of a female who pretends to be a believer like our brother. They talk about the scriptures, and seem to be having a good time encouraging one another. They meet at this restaurant a few times and discuss the word of God. Then our supposed sister suddenly makes her move. She uses the old damsel in distress routine to see just how much our brother is into her. She hints that she’s having financial trouble. Our brother doesn’t pay much attention to this because frankly it sounds just like the old damsel in distress routine. Later the same day the sister calls our brother on the phone and tries to force him to give her some money. Her tone is completely different from when they were discussing the scriptures. She keeps asking him for the money. She then tells our brother in a stern, angry voice that if she doesn’t get the money her phone will be turned off that same day (they won’t be able to talk). After she realizes he’s not going to give it to her she hangs up. This is someone our brother met only a week ago and had a few Bible discussions with at a restaurant. What made her feel she was entitled to his money? Our brother couldn’t stop thanking God and rejoicing after the lady hung up the phone because God had answered his prayer by revealing to him who this person really was. This was not the Christian she pretended to be. This was one of Satan’s drama queens sent on a mission to take down our brother.

You think the Devil stopped there? Of course not. The next morning the woman kept texting and calling our brother to meet her at the restaurant for a cup of coffee (this time her treat of course hah hah) as if nothing ever happened. But wait, I thought her phone was supposed to be turned off by now? I guess she got the money from somewhere else, or she was just lying in the first place to get some money. Anyways our brother ignored her texts, calls, and voicemails. Why? Because the scriptures say:

“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who CLAIMS TO BE A BROTHER OR SISTER but is sexually immoral or GREEDY, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or SWINDLER. DO NOT EVEN EAT WITH SUCH PEOPLE. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 NIV

The Bible also says to shun those who:

“THEY WILL ACT RELIGIOUS, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE LIKE THAT” 2 Timothy 3:5 NLT

KEEP SHUNNING EVIL

About a week later our brother was in his restaurant spot meditating on the word of God when that same woman pulled up in her car. As she was about to come in our brother was making an exit through another door, avoiding her altogether. Some would say, “That’s stupid, he’s in a public place, he paid his money, he has a right to be there just as much as she does.” But our brother would say that he decided to SHUN EVIL. He would say he knows from past experiences the drama this type of person is capable of causing. Hence he chose to avoid it. Our brother enjoys his peace much more than demanding his rights. He believes he was obeying God by leaving the restaurant when that woman arrived. And that he was protected from who knows what kind of drama she may have caused.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Proverbs 3:7 NIV

SHUN CERTAIN PEOPLE

The Bible is filled with scriptures telling us to avoid certain kinds of people. Here’s a couple:

“Make no friendship with an angry man [woman]; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” Proverbs 22:24-25 KJV

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18 NIV

You are obeying God when you shun evil, and that includes evil people who are out to harm you. Some people love drama, they run to it. But the wise hate mess and run away from it.

Our brother decided to stop going to that restaurant, yes, all because of that woman. That’s his choice. He strongly believes he knows what kind of person this is and the potential danger she poses. When God says shun evil, shun it. Don’t arrogantly try to battle evil in your own strength demanding your rights. You will lose. Sometimes the battle plan of God is to walk away from a situation, even RUN AWAY from it! Here’s one:

“RUN FROM sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.” 1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT

Running away doesn’t always make you a coward.

Remember, though you may be a person of integrity like Job which means you shun evil, that doesn’t mean evil won’t find you. But when it does pray, and always be on the watch. The Holy Spirit is very willing to help us where we are weak, and to keep shunning evil.

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“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.” Proverbs 2:10-12 NLT

I’ve seen something interesting in life: the demon possessed call the righteous demon possessed. Dark minds claim to spread light. The truly racist calls other people racists. The bully plays the role of the victim, and calls others bullies. The true terrorist calls others terrorists. The criminal calls others criminals, etcetera.

I’ve also seen this: If you spread a lie enough times people will believe it. And It is very hard for people to believe in the truth. They willingly follow liars like herds of cattle to the slaughter. They let others (and machines) think for them. It’s so much easier that way. No wonder people fall into so much trouble. The whole world lacks Prudence.

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

God says the whole world is under Satan’s power. Thus it lacks prudence. Since we know this what should we expect? The world to be wise? The world to be caring, and love us? Of course not:

“And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.”

We’re not stupid enough to believe the world loves Jesus followers. That’s why I think there’s a special sting sometimes when a false believer comes in our midst and stabs us in the back. Once it’s been revealed who they really are, and we do the right thing (which is to get rid of them), (Romans 16:17) the Devil whispers in our ears that we were suckers for loving them in the first place. And that is simply not the truth. Love is our mandate:

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

When we follow Jesus’ command to love and others decide to take advantage of us, we’re not stupid, they are. They probably just lost the best friend they will ever have. We must press on in spite of how people treat us:

“You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 GNT

Don’t let anyone Rob you of your beautiful clothe:

“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

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“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time-to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT

What generosity! Before the beginning of time God had wonderful plans for us. He saved and called us to a holy life in Him. Not because of anything we did to deserve this, but because He is so gracious. How awesome it will be when we see our Father face to face in heaven. We will be looking directly at Love. (1 John 4:8)

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 NLT

God knew all of His sons and daughters before He formed them in their mother’s womb. And he set them all apart for special work to do in His service:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV

See? We were all created by God in Jesus Christ to do good works, which He prepared in advance for us to do (before the beginning of time).

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Ephesians 1:4-5, 11 NIV

Do you see how special we are to Almighty God and Jesus? And just how generous They are? They didn’t have to do any of this. They foreordained us because They Love us.

“This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God-who does not lie-promised them before the world began.” Titus 1:2 NLT

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