Living on the edge will tip you over the edge. Good decisions will bring you joy, safety, and lasting peace. In the smallest things make good decisions. Doing so will become a habit that will contribute to your happiness in the short and long run. Any choice that causes unnecessary stress is not a good decision. Heaping anxiety on oneself makes it impossible to serve God.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV

IT TAKES WORK

To make good decisions takes work. Why? Because you must often go against your own feelings in order to make right choices. Our hearts are riddled with sin. Hence our emotions and desires are inherently wicked. And they trick us regularly:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 NKJV

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.” Mark 7:21‭-‬22 NKJV

Whoever cannot accept this truth about the heart will always be making bad choices. Because they will keep following their deceitful hearts. Their feelings will lead them from one calamity to the next; out of the frying pan, and into the skillet. But those who can accept the truth about the human heart can fight against it. Yes, they can battle themselves and their own evil desires that so often lead us astray.

“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” James 1:14 NIV

“So now this is how I run—not without a clear goal in sight. I fight like a boxer in the ring, not like someone who is shadowboxing. Rather, I’m landing punches on my own body and subduing it like a slave. I do this to be sure that I myself won’t be disqualified after preaching to others.” 1 Corinthians 9:26‭-‬27 CEB

The apostle Paul knew that the number one person he must subdue was not the Devil, nor any other enemy. It was himself. He likened getting control of his own flesh to punching himself, and making his body do what it should like a slave. This was not done through Paul’s willpower but with the help the Holy Spirit provides. Our brother knew he had to get tough with himself so that he would not become disqualified for the prize after preaching to so many others. Though we all fall short often (Romans 3:23), we must still have the same resolve as the apostle Paul; not to listen to our flesh, but rather to make good godly decisions. When we do fall short we know that Jesus will be there to comfort, support, and forgive us if we are repentant. (1 John 1:8-9)

Sometimes our heavenly Father will step in with some loving discipline of His own to help us. (Revelation 3:19) Trust me, this can hurt a lot more than the pain that comes from denying the flesh. (Hebrews 12:4-14) So if we’re on a wrong course pray and beg God for help and strength to get off of it. Tell Him how sorry we are, and ask Him for His mercy and forgiveness. God always helps those who are truly sorry about making wrong choices in life. (Psalm 51:17 Isaiah 66:2)

“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15 NIV

DON’T CHOOSE TO REBEL

Those who choose to continue on a collision course of rebellion even after being corrected many times by God have nothing good to look forward to:

“One who stays stubborn after many corrections will be suddenly broken, beyond healing.” Proverbs 29:1 CEB

“If we make the decision to sin after we receive the knowledge of the truth, there isn’t a sacrifice for sins left any longer. There’s only a scary expectation of judgment and of a burning fire that’s going to devour God’s opponents. When someone rejected the Law from Moses, they were put to death without mercy on the basis of the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment do you think is deserved by the person who walks all over God’s Son, who acts as if the blood of the covenant that made us holy is just ordinary blood, and who insults the Spirit of grace? We know the one who said, Judgment is mine; I will pay people back. And he also said, The Lord will judge his people. It’s scary to fall into the hands of the living God!” Hebrews 10:26‭-‬31 CEB

Let us make good decisions. Let us pray for more wisdom so we can do so. Our choices will not only affect us now but our future forever.

“But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.” James 1:5 CEB

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“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 NIV

“Just think positive thoughts,” some say. “Just say no,” others. If it were only that easy. Would you believe these are setups for failure? Why? Because they teach people to trust in themselves, in their own abilities, and not in God’s Almighty power.

“He who trusts confidently in his own heart is a [dull, thickheaded] fool, But he who walks in [skillful and godly] wisdom will be rescued.” Proverbs 28:26 AMP

Human will at best is weak. But there is an all surpassing power that can be found only in God.

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12‭-‬13 NLT

Paul learned that God’s power could enable him to do anything. God taught him how to go through hard times and good times without losing it, and remaining content. Paul learned to stop trusting in his thinking. We must learn the same. Too often our thoughts and feelings trick us. (Jeremiah 17:9) And we forget that demons have the power to suggest wrong ideas to our minds. (Matthew 4:1-11) Whether we listen to them or not is a different matter. But this can get very tricky. Sometimes we don’t even know that unseen wicked forces are influencing us. (Ephesians 6:10-12) We think how we’re feeling at times is due to just our own emotions. That’s not always so. We need to really be on guard regarding our moods, feelings, and thoughts. To simply, “follow your heart,” as they say isn’t wise. We could be going down a wrong path that we’ve been tricked into believing is right.

“The heart is deceitful above all things And it is extremely sick; Who can understand it fully and know its secret motives?” Jeremiah 17:9 AMP

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 NLT

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12 NIV

SOMETHING BETTER THAN A PILL

Sometimes we feel all types of funky ways that we can’t explain. Trusting in God’s thinking and not our emotions is the only way to win. Let’s illustrate how this can be done. Recently a friend of mines was feeling a little down. We all get that way at times. Anybody who says they never do is so deep into fantasy land or they’re just lying to you. But anyway, I made a suggestion to my friend that I know will work for anyone who loves God. I asked her to identify how she was feeling in one phrase or word, then take her Bible concordance and look up that phrase or word, then read and meditate on the scriptures given. I told her to pray to God before reading anything; asking Him to lead her to what He wants her to see and for understanding of His word. Then I guaranteed her if she did this she would feel better. She said she would do it. I called her back an hour later and sure enough she was feeling much better; laughing and giggling as she confidently spoke about God’s promises to help with her situation. She was already helped because her mood had totally changed. I knew this would work for her because I know she loves God. She was just hurting at the moment from enduring many trials, something that happens to all of us. (2 Corinthians 4:8) But when she focussed on God’s word the Holy Spirit comforted her (John 14:15-17), and she immediately felt better. When we study God’s word we are shifting our minds off of how big our problems are, and focusing on how big our great God is! There is no problem He can’t handle or teach us how to cope with. Doing personal Bible study runs away all stinking thinking.

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“Meanwhile, Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep. As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway. At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” Genesis 28:10‭-‬16 NLT

“Then he [Jesus] said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” John 1:51 NLT

God lives in heaven. Yet He walked in the Garden Of Eden on earth. Adam and Eve could hear his footsteps:

“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees.” Genesis 3:8 NLT

After Adam and Eve’s fall fear became a part of their reality. They heard the footsteps of God walking in the Garden and hid themselves from Him. It is impossible for sinful humans to stand in the presence of the Lord. But if sin is removed there is no guilt, judgment, or fear. Then one can have communion with God. (Isaiah 6:1-13) This is how it was before the fall in the Garden, and how it will be for all mankind again after Christ’s thousand year reign when all things are made new. God himself will be joined with people. He will not only walk among them, he will even live with them:

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:1‭-‬5 NIV

Wow! What a glorious future for mankind! The only thing that separates unrepentant man from God is sin. Not the different worlds we live in. As Revelation shows God and all mankind will be united again. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. All things will be made new. There will be no more death, crying, pain, mourning, etcetera, because there will be no more sin. All these undesirables are the effects of sin.

THE LAMB

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NLT

Jesus did just that. He removed the barrier between us and God, opening the way to heaven:

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NLT

As stated in John 1:51, Jesus is the stairway that links heaven and earth together. He is the stairway (or ladder) that Jacob saw in his dream connecting heaven and earth. Had it not been for the Lamb (Jesus) removing sin, no one could have a relationship with God. He literally bore our sins on himself:

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

Jesus; the only man who never sinned, was the perfect, unblemished, sacrifice to God for our sins. Just as one man (Adam) sinned and got us into this mess (Romans 5:12), the second Adam (Jesus) who never sinned and didn’t fall for Satan’s lies like the first man (Matthew 4:1-11), got us out of great trouble. The first man sold us all as slaves to sin. The second man (Jesus) redeemed us back to God, saving us from sin and eternal death. We who believe are even now joined to God through our faith in Jesus Christ.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9‭-‬10 NLT

Believers in Jesus share the most intimate relationship with God. (John 14:6) They have been redeemed and made right with Him already. Jesus is the stairway that joins heaven and earth, God and mankind.

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:14‭-‬16 NLT

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“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 ASV

When I first became a believer God gave me a mentor. His name was Phillip. He told me many great things. Things that I couldn’t understand at the time. But everything Phillip said has come true. One of the things he explained to me is that everything (I mean EVERYTHING) in this world is imbued with sorcery. Little did I know how right he was.

“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

In light of 1 John 5:19 what Phillip said shouldn’t be impossible to believe. Magic arts permeate everything in our society and is listed in God’s word as one of the works of the flesh. (Galatians 5:19-21 Revelation 21:8) In fact witchcraft is mentioned throughout scripture as one of the religious practices of God’s enemies. So why all the talk about the dark side? I believe had Phillip not explained to me what he did, I would have been ill prepared for what I was about to face. Phillip was prepping me for spiritual warfare. Decades later it all now makes a lot of sense. I thank God for Philip and the understanding God used him to give me. He played an important part in my life.

“People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” Proverbs 14:29 NLT

When you do not understand why something unpleasant is happening it is easy to become upset by it, and come undone. Haven’t you heard people say in the heat of anger, “I don’t understand why such and such and such a such …..?” We hear it all the time. It’s our human nature to become angry when we don’t know why something is going on. So if God gives us a heads up; knowledge in advance about a situation, wouldn’t that make it easier to handle? We’re not blindsided. We saw it coming. Basically, the experience does not cause us to lose our faith. It actually helps build our faith. Jesus said:

“I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.” John 14:29 NLT

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning.” John 16:1‭-‬4 NLT

Understanding helps us with self-control, a fruit of God’s Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Understanding enables us to go through anything successfully. Everything from minor annoyances, to severe persecution. We are not defeated by anger, disappointments, depression, or the fear of death. (Revelation 12:11) Your understanding and application of the knowledge of God makes you powerful. See why God said, “With all thy getting get understanding?”

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“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” HEB 11:13‭-‬16 ESV

How often we feel like we’re wandering through the wilderness of earth? Sometimes we forget that we are pilgrims. We are passing through this plane to another place, a better one. I once heard it said, “When you pitch your tent don’t drive your pegs too deep into the earth. You don’t know when you’ll have to suddenly up and leave.” Basically don’t get too comfortable and attached to anything here. Don’t set your heart on it. “Here,” is not your destiny. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) 

If we keep our faith we will one day reach the end of this journey and say, “What a ride!” There are great things we never would have learned had we not traveled through earth. God in His divine wisdom planned it this way. He knows what He is doing. 

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” Psalms 37:23‭-‬24 KJV

All men steps are ordered by the Lord, so especially are the steps of a good man or woman. (Proverbs 16:9) That doesn’t mean that we are robots. God created us with free will. On this journey we choose daily (throughout the day) which road to take. Jesus says to choose the one least traveled:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 NLT

If your way is difficult because you’ve entered the narrow gateway be encouraged, you’re on the right road. Isn’t that what we want to know; that we’re traveling the right way? Jesus says if you have difficulties in this life because you follow him you’re definitely going the right way. Stay on course. (Luke 9:23-25) The way to life is difficult. But a life of ease and self indulgence means death:

“And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’    “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’    “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16‭-‬21 NIV

Doesn’t this man’s life retirement plan sound familiar? Some today call it, “The American Dream.” There is truly nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10) The highway to hell can look very appealing. It’s wide, it has many lanes on it. You can get where you wonna go faster, so it seems. That road is a trap. It leads only to destruction (hell). And many travel that way. We’re much better off on our slower, one lane, dirt road, filled with potholes. Our automobile will break down by the end of the trip, but this road leads to eternal life. Who cares about the bumps in the road along the way, as long as we reach our destination? And that old car; our body, we can’t take it with us where we’re going anyway. Besides, we will get new bodies:

“He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” Philippians 3:21 NLT

We will be given new bodies just like Jesus’ own glorious body. Wow! We will live forever in our city, our country, the New Jerusalem. We will be with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the angels, and all of our brothers and sisters who were sojourners on earth just like us, forever. That’s our destination. That is our family. That is our home. Getting a little homesick? Just hold on. In a little while we will all be there. 

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” Philippians 3:20‭-‬21 NLT

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“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:6 NIV

I have had the privilege to converse with many folks over the years about studying the Bible. Many of these were very encouraging discussions. But others when asked if they regularly studied God’s word said things like: “Oh I talk to God all the time. I pray when I’m in my car, I pray before I go to bed,” etcetera. I think that is awesome. Prayer is a very important part of our relationship with God. But these are the answers I got when talking with people about studying God’s word. These comments sound as if they believe prayer and Bible study are one and the same. Or maybe what they’re really saying is, “My prayers are good enough. I don’t need to study the Bible.” Let’s examine this.

The word prayer is defined as communication with one’s God. When we pray to Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth, we are talking to Him. We can make requests. We can praise Him. We can give Him thanks, etcetera. We can talk to God about anything. But wouldn’t it be a bit one-sided if we talked to God yet didn’t have time to listen to what He has to say? Could a relationship like that last? Who would want to be in a relationship like that? So what makes one think that God wants to be in that kind of relationship?

The Bible is God’s written word. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) His words are more important and more powerful than ours. For it is by God’s word that everything exists. (Hebrews 11:3 Psalm 33:6) If we think having a relationship with God consists of Him listening to us, and we never have time to listen to Him (by studying His word), isn’t that a domineering relationship? A relationship that one-sided can not last.

I know folks don’t view themselves as the dominant partner in their relationship with God. But that’s exactly who they are trying to be if they don’t have time to listen to Him. How can we have a relationship with our creator and not hear what He has to say? How can we get to know Him better without studying His word? If the only communication we have with God is when we want something, how sad. Some will argue, “That’s not my prayers. I praise God when I pray to Him.” That’s good. But I hope you’re not one of those who have been deceived by the phrase, “When praises go up blessings come down.” Is that the only reason we praise God? So that He can send us down a blessing? So He can give us something? Is that not the same thing? Some folks really believe they can control God like a puppet on a string. Or like a witch all they have to do is say a few chants and God will do what they want. That’s witchcraft. That’s not praising God. Jesus said:

“But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” Matthew 6:7 KJV

If we spent more time listening to God; studying His word, we would know how He desires to be praised. 

HOW IMPORTANT IS GOD’S WORD?

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.” Psalm 119:105‭-‬107 NIV

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

“The people in Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica. They were so glad to hear the message Paul told them. They studied the Scriptures every day to make sure that what they heard was really true.” Acts 17:11 ERV

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24‭-‬27 NIV

“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.” Psalm 12:6 NIV

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“Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” Daniel 7:23‭-‬27 KJV

There are people who believe that nefarious individuals have orchestrated an evil plot to destroy most of humanity. I believe what the Bible says; that the beast’s true agenda is to destroy the Saints. And if someone gets in the way, oh well. Don’t believe all the stuff you see and hear on social and main stream media. The real plan is what God says it is. The beast shall fight against the Saints of the most High. God states it this way in the book of Revelation:

“The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. They will wage war against the Lamb [Jesus], but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of Lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” Revelation 17:12‭-‬14 NIV

One way the ten horns wage war against the lamb (Jesus) is by warring against his Saints. (Acts 9:1-5) Believe what God says, not all the propaganda you hear designed to deceive you. God said the beast and the ten horns have ONE PURPOSE, and that the 10 horns give their authority to the beast to accomplish this ONE PURPOSE: they will wage war against the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ. That’s the agenda no matter what they tell you. God cannot lie.

The beast is said to be wearing out the Saints. The Hebrew verb (bel-aw’) here used in Daniel 7:25 means, “to afflict, wear away, to wear out, harass constantly.” This word is used here only in a mental sense. Hence the beast’s attacks will be directed at the minds or mental state of the Saints. Control the mind and you control the whole person. Interesting. But becoming tired or exhausted from battle doesn’t mean you lose the war:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8‭-‬9 NIV

The Bible tells us how this will all end:

“In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.” Matthew 24:22 NLT

“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.” 1 Corinthians 15:51‭-‬52 NLT

“But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”
Daniel 7:26‭-‬27 KJV

Jesus will come like a thief and render judgment in favor of His Saints. He will shorten the days of tribulation for the sake of His elect. He will judge and consume the beast and his cohorts. Then all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the people of God. Everyone on earth will serve and worship God. Not the other way around. The Saints will reign with Jesus forever and ever. Amen!!!

“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!