The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of salvation for all of mankind through the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ Jesus the Lord Jesus has made those in Christ alive in Christ to be partakers in Christ for all of eternity.

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

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THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

When I was a youth and I would be at a funeral I would hear Psalm 23 spoken and I would imagine as it was recited that it reflected the after death journey from this earth to heaven because it was spoken after people died and at their funeral. Mind you I was young and not a born again Christian The religious affiliation I had only heard Psalm 23 spoken at a grave site and I had never actually heard it elsewhere and it was not even mentioned in church growing up other than for funerals. Thus my perception although wrong was what I believed. If you will continue to read further you will understand that the valley of the shadow of death is not some far distant land of the days of old.

While the Lord inspired me to write this I believe it relates to a recent YouTube video I saw about tours of the Holy Land where a man stood up on a hill and pointed to a valley between two hills and said this is the valley of the shadow of death were David walked. I thought no that isn’t the valley of the shadow of death because of the revelation the Lord gave me. This is why the Lord prompted me to write this post. When you understand that the whole earth is the valley of the shadow of death you will understand the great commission to preach the Gospel of Christ Jesus throughout the earth. Under the curse of sin and the consequence of death from sin the whole earth groans for the sons of God to come forth.

Romans 8:19–22 (NKJV)

19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

8:22 groans together and suffers agony The created order is in turmoil. Like God’s people, it is longing for Christ’s return, when He will liberate the world from death and decay (see Rev 21:1 and note). This restoration is a prominent theme of the ot1 prophets2 (compare Isa 35:1–10).3

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The true spiritual battle is based on the great commission and Ephesians 6 tells us about our opposition to fulfilling the great commission. The objective is by preaching the good news of the gospel which will deliver people from the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus. This can only be done by preaching the gospel in power through the Holy Spirit. In short people need to believe in the whole gospel, repent and be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Not a sinners prayer. Too many are deceived believing in the prayer and not the finished work of Calvary which includes the death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:4–5 (NKJV)

4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Sadly I was visiting a church in Florida during one of my ministry travels. At the end of the sermon the pastor asked everyone to close their eyes and then asked those in attendance who wanted to be saved to raise their hand and he said no peaking. He then said you can put your hands down and everyone can open their eyes. He said I will lead “everyone” in a prayer for salvation. First of all I was already saved and filled with the Holy Spirit by saying this prayer the enemy would likely laugh at me as in the form of a question. “Look he doesn’t know if he is saved or not”. In addition the Word of God clearly states that we are not to be ashamed of the gospel. So why was everyone told to close their eyes! The deceptions of Satan!

Matthew 10:33 (NKJV)

33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

While we battle with spiritual hosts, principalities, rulers of this world the gospel must be preached. In any type of warfare you must know your adversary along with your “equipment” and plan of action. In spiritual warfare we need the equipment listed in Ephesians 6 and plan of engagement being LED by the Spirit of God. Take for instance Moses conversing with the Lord about delivering the Israelites (Exodus 3) Moses was raised in Egypt in the Egyptian palace and their traditions. Who better to be commissioned as Moses knew the enemy of the Israelites personally.

Romans 5:17 (NKJV)

17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at Psalm 23

Psalm 23 NKJV

The Lord The Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

One day about three years ago, give or take, I was walking with the Lord in a remote area by a river praising the Lord and meditating on scriptures. This was only about 4 or 5 years after my born again experience. As I was meditating the Lord spoke to me and asked me a question which really opened my eyes to Psalm 23. The Lord asked me “where was David when he wrote Psalm 23”? I said Lord David was in Israel but Lord, that answer does not witness in your spirit with me to be the correct answer. So I kept talking with the Lord as He listened I said Lord in the beginning (Genesis) of creation you make no mention of creating Israel. You created the heavens and the earth. Lord the earth is the Valley of the Shadow of Death. I said Lord even though they recite Psalm 23 at funerals David was alive when He wrote Psalm 23. The Lord said yes, that is correct and confirmed that the earth is the valley of the shadow of death.

I never doubted or had any misconceptions that evil spirits existed as the Lord has had me come against demons in people and command them to come out. I guess in my mind I just did as the Lord led me each day but I never really thought of the bigger picture. I was focused on what was in my immediate area in my daily walk and the spiritual realm that would come against me and the will of God that I didn’t see the bigger picture. For me it was natural to share Christ Jesus with people and I never really saw the bigger picture and to me each day no matter where I was there was the great commission.

I said Lord, now everything come into proper understanding of the spiritual realm and why the battle is so real. I am alive in Christ, but I am surrounded by people who are physically alive, but spiritual dead to the Lord. If they are dead to you Lord then the devil uses those people who are not of you Lord (born again) to come against us because their father is the Devil and they are influenced and blinded by the spirit of this world the Devil. Now Ephesians six took on a whole new perspective so did the great commission to go throughout the world and preach the gospel.

Rather than put an overwhelming amount of scripture I thought I would just list them as a timeline as most of us know about the Garden’s provisions, the tree of Life, etc.

Let’s go back and read Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)

The History of Creation

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

When the Lord God created the earth He saw that it was good.

Genesis 2:7 (NKJV)

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Man was created from the dust of the earth which God saw that the earth was good. In Genesis the serpent was cast to his belly to eat the dust of the earth. Wasn’t humanity/man created from the dust of the earth. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy!

Genesis 3:14 (NKJV)

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this,

You are cursed more than all cattle,

And more than every beast of the field;

On your belly you shall go,

And you shall eat dust

All the days of your life.

Genesis 2:15–17 (NKJV)

15 Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Genesis 3:22–24 (NKJV)

22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”—23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Garden of Eden. Location east of Eden (Gn 2:8) in the Tigris-Euphrates area of Mesopotamia, referred to 14 times in the OT4. The data in Genesis 2:8–10 show that it was in the Shinar Plain area, and that four “heads” were formed from the one river flowing through Eden to water the garden. The heads were the Tigris and Euphrates (both of which are familiar modern rivers), and two rivers which have disappeared—the Pishon and Gihon. The latter were most probably irrigation canals, since in cuneiform there is no separate word for “river” and “irrigation canal.” Thus the Eden area was irrigated after the Sumerian manner, making for a highly fertile garden. If Pishon and Gihon were in fact irrigation canals, the narrative places Adamic man firmly in a historic high culture, and takes him out of the realm of myth and legend. If the above identification is correct, Cush referred to the land of the ancient Kassites, while Havilah may have indicated Arabia.

The notions that the rivers were the four encircling the earth and that Eden is to be identified with the Sumerian Dilmun are based on inadequate geographical information.

Eden was the testing ground of man’s fidelity to God’s commands, and through disobedience, the garden was lost. It will be regained in the form of the new paradise (Rv 22:14).5

So as you see the whole earth is the valley of the shadow of death. Now lets look at some of the verses from Psalm 23.

Psalm 23:1 (NKJV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

This passage reflects the Lord’s care and protection.

Psalm 23:2 (NKJV)

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

Sheep graze in pastures so this reflects the Lord’s provisions and nourishment for us.

Psalm 23:3 (NKJV)

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

This would reflect being led by the Spirit of God as the Lord orders our steps and those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of god. (Proverbs 16:9 & Romans 8:14)

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

This symbolizes that life will not always be characterized by green pastures and that we will walk through darkness and gloom.

Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

While my study bible does not specifically state this, I see this as a prophesy of the last supper as well as David uses the term “table” and yet it also refers to David’s daily walk with the Lord. The holy Spirit revealed this to me and as I continue you will see it more clearly. Seeing how it prophesies of the “table in the presence of enemies” it is telling us that even surrounded by darkness and enemies we can partake of the Bread of Life Christ Jesus. See how this ties in the last supper. Hallelujah, praise the Lord. The anointing of oil symbolized constant refreshing of the Lord. (Psalm 92:10)

Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

This statement refers to being led and guided by the Lord through the Holy Spirit and the Lord’s unfailing convenantal love. I also see Psalm 91:1 even though it is not mentioned in my study bible. So when you meditate on God’s Word you will see the last supper and Psalm 91 in Psalm 23.

I would also like to make this statement because to many speak Psalm 91 like they are entitled to this. The rest of the Psalm 91 will not apply to you unless you yourselves fulfill line one. This is also stated in John 15 as I always like to provide more than one scripture.

Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

So know I hope you see the greater picture and revelation of the spiritual battle and significance of the valley of the shadow of death how it relates to the great commission. I would also like to state while I have been invited in the past to travel to other nations the whole world is our mission field and a saint must be sent by the Lord and in the Lord’s timing. It is not that I do not want to go so please do not take it personal or feel offended or left out.

We must be led by the Spirit, this is just the plain truth. You can see in the book of Acts for yourselves that Jesus sent the Apostles out to different areas they did not chose where they were sent and commissioned. While I know there are many afflictions of the righteous and many degrees of affliction globally I also know that suffering is not local it is global. That being said my mission field is always before me and not confined in a region as the whole world is the valley of the shadow of death.

Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Perhaps now you can see why when the second coming of the Lord arrives the Lord will create a new heaven and a new earth as the corruptible and evil ways of this world will be no more.

Numbers 6:24–27 (NKJV)

24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;

25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.” ’

27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

1ot The biblical books produced by the “writing” prophets, including the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets.

2 prophets The biblical books produced by the “writing” prophets, including the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets.

3 Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ro 8:22). Lexham Press.

4OT Old Testament

5 Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Garden of Eden. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 839). Baker Book House.

THE GREATEST PERVERTED VIRTUE OF CHRIST JESUS

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THE GREATEST PERVERTED VIRTUE OF CHRIST JESUS

I know that what I am about to state might be shocking to many of you. As there are many Virtues of Christ Jesus. That being said there is one Virtue that is MOST mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.

The most perverted Virtue of Christ Jesus is LOVE. Stop to think a moment about this statement and I will follow up with clarifications as the other VIRTUE’S FLOW FROM THE HEART OF GOD. I am NOT disputing, putting aside or downplaying ANY of the other Virtues or the need for ALL OF THE VIRTUES. I am merely expounding on how the devil operates and distorts the Virtue of Love above all else. I would like to tell you that while I was hopeful to limit this post to a few pages it is impossible to do so as the love of Christ Jesus is larger than life itself!

The Truth of God and God’s Word will always STAND above all but it is the LOVE of God, Christ Jesus that NEVER fails.

Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:8–10 (NKJV)

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

1 John 4:18–19 (NKJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

John 3:16–21 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” Hate is the opposite of God’s love yet hate comes from a perverted and defiled love as “men loved darkness”.

 

John 14:15 (NKJV)

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Matthew 22:37–40 (NKJV)

37 Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Not everyone desires or seeks out TRUTH, but what every does seek out is LOVE. In the above passage you CANNOT put the second commandment BEFORE the first commandment. Note the statement: this is the “first commandment” but what is mostly preached today is the second commandment. This is understandable as a tactic of the devil! What people need is a true living encounter and revelation of the Love of God through us but not the love of self! See when you put yourself before God you exalt self and that is the works of the devil and a ministry of works!

I once had someone tell me they felt called to preach but had not yet done so yet, but the desire was there. I said well praise the Lord you feel called, blessed are you that you have not yet preached. This opened up that person’s thought to ask me why they were blessed by not preaching yet. I said in order for true preaching to be done the fullness of Christ’s love must be manifest in you in order to be revealed through you and the Lord Jesus is still working within your heart to bring your calling to completion before you actually preach. Perverted love is not a VIRTUE OF CHRIST! I am not calling that saint perverted what I am implying is they were not fully prepared for ministry and fully sanctified.

Matthew 6:23 (NKJV)

23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

I believe what Matthew 6:23 describes that if even one part of your body, mind, soul is not right there is still darkness. I believe the Apostle Paul statements apply that he died daily and also how the flesh wars against the Spirit and the Spirit wars against the flesh. I am hoping the Lord will have me write a separate post about that subject. Our whole being of mind, soul/will, heart must be totally submitted to the Lord and John 15 the vine dresser states this very well. Are you letting the Father prune you to purge away what is not of Him so that the Father can place more of Him in you! Just look at the journey/spiritual walk of Apostle Paul all the way from salvation/born again to boldly proclaim He was crucified with Christ Gal 2:20 and that even the world was crucified unto him Gal 6:14.

1 John 2:15–17 (NKJV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust (perverted love) of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Sanctification is NOT imputed it is a working process of the Holy Spirit. God’s love must be revealed and only God’s love that is why David’s cry was for a pure heart so divine love may be revealed and not the love of this world or the lust of the flesh! I for one WOULD NOT want, desire or to be held accountable for people led astray by a false or perverted reflection of the Love of Christ as The Love of Christ Jesus is the foundation for all other Virtues of Christ Jesus.

Psalm 139:23–24 (NKJV)

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 51:6 (AMP)

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.

David’s cry was to be searched in his inner depths and that if anything was not of the Lord Jesus that the Lord would reveal it so David could deal with it, repent of it and be totally and completely restored in Spirit and Truth!

This is why people confuse their testimony with preaching in the bible. I often hear, well the bible says we can do it but has the Lord prepared you and asked you to do it? A testimony is not preaching! Many are called but few are chosen. At least the person that asked me about preaching knew enough to wait upon the Lord to be commissioned! Sanctification is a process, not imputed. This person was going through the process of sanctification in preparation for preaching. Didn’t the Apostle Paul mentor and prepare Timothy before Paul commissioned Timothy. Today preaching is like get saved and immediately operate in the gifts and start preaching! That is not discipleship OF/OR by the Holy Spirit! Your pastor can not commission you only the Lord can commission you as it is the HOLY SPIRIT operating through you that ministers not a human being. That is precisely what the Lord did in the book of ACTS! I have often pondered this profound thought. This is why Jesus said to His disciples if they have heard you they have heard me. Jesus said this because it was Jesus in them there was nothing of themselves.

Luke 10:16 (NKJV)

16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”

How is it that the demons know who Christ is in us, but professing Christians do not know who Christ is in us?

Acts 19:15 (NKJV)

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

2 Corinthians 5:16 (NKJV)

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

Romans 8:16–17 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

1 Corinthians 2:15–16 (KJV 1900)

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Discernment 101, look for Christ Jesus in all things! First and foremost discern by the Holy Spirit for God is a Spirit. If you still struggle with discernment the Holy Scriptures are your source. “Be it according to your Word”, “It is Written”. The goal is to be led by the Spirit! An example of discerning by the Holy Spirit would be Elizabeth and Mary when they were pregnant and John the Baptist “leaped” in the womb in recognition of Jesus in the womb of Mary! Same principle, Spirit to Spirit.

It takes the Holy Spirit to bear witness to the Holy Spirit as Jesus said when the comforter came it would bear witness and testify of HIM, only HIM.

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

So either they don’t have the Holy Spirit or are not relying/listening for the Holy Spirit and that is why they don’t know us by the Spirit. The greatest tragedy and deception is believing that anyone who calls themselves a Christian is a true born again Christian.

Matthew 24:5 (NKJV)

5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

Let’s get back to the topic of God’s love and how the virtue of God’s love is perverted by the devil. I mentioned earlier about the necessity for sanctification to be a preacher but this applies to all of the five fold ministry offices. Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher and Evangelist. The Heart and Love of God needs to be manifested by the power of the Holy Spirit having nothing of the flesh or fallen nature. If any of the flesh is intermingled the message or Word of the Lord is not pure. This would include any thing that is NOT SPIRIT AND TRUTH! So man’s wisdom, false beliefs, opinions, metaphors, psychology and all things pertaining to this WORLD and not the Kingdom of Heaven is perverted love! We must be lovers of TRUTH and nothing short of the TRUTH. I will add this brief comment for anyone that may feel anxious about what I have stated so far. If you are truly led by the Holy Spirit do not worry about what you will speak because it will be revealed to you at the time it is needed.

Mark 13:11 (KJV 1900)

11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

This is total obedience and dependency in the Holy Spirit. I wish preachers that prepared sermons were more open to the Holy Spirit while preaching so when the Lord wishes to give a word of knowledge or prophecy for someone who might be in attendance they would stop the message and deliver that word or prophecy. As I proof read that last sentence I need to add that if they are truly preaching under the unction and power of the Holy Spirit they would have been open to hear any word of knowledge or prophecy. They can always go back to the message but we must all remember it is the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit that ministers and we should always be open to hearing the voice of the Lord at all times, even if it comes through a donkey!

1 Peter 2:4–6 (NKJV)

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”

So you see how the Virtue of God’s Love gets perverted! That person that said they had a calling but didn’t understand why they were not already preaching and the Lord spoke to me to tell them you have done well as the Lord is preparing your heart for the ministry but not yet commissioned you! He was being built up to be a SPIRITUAL HOUSE, A HOLY PRIESTHOOD to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ! Anyone who has not gone COMPLETELY through this process is not TRULY revealing Jesus Christ and not ready to be preaching!

1 Peter 1:16 (NKJV)

16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV)

15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

In Hebrews 12:14 ask yourself this question. If we ourselves do not have holiness we will not see the Lord, so how will others see the Lord in us without holiness? Now do you understand how the Virtue of Love is perverted. When ANY VIRTUES OF CHRIST JESUS are perverted, twisted, or not present the TRUE CHRIST JESUS is not being revealed. Now do you understand that PERFECT LOVE casts out all fear! Do you understand what Paul says if I do all these things without love. It was NOT Paul’s love it was Christ’s love in him!

Here is another scripture to emphasize what I have been saying.

1 Corinthians 11:27–32 (NKJV)

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

If a partaker of Christ should examine themselves shouldn’t an Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist and every saint. If you are unworthy to partake you are unworthy to represent the TRUE JESUS CHRIST.

THE GREATEST GIFT

1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (NKJV)

— 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

This leads me to another point concerning ministry and being led by the Holy Spirit. I once had someone tell me that they “took authority” over demons in a person. So I asked, did the Holy Spirit tell you to do that? They said no but the bible tells us we can. I said to them all you did was stir up a hornets nest you do nothing good at all for that person! That is nothing more than Simon the sorcerer in action. Luckily you were not harmed! While I would like to only put one or two scriptures about Simon the sorcerer I believe the whole context is necessary as you will see Simon’s confession of faith but how twist, manipulated and ungodly it really was and how people thought it was from God! This happens much more today, false manifestations and demonic spirits performing signs and wonders fooling people. Even the spiritual gifts can be perverted! Read Exodus and the magicians at work. I use this analogy at times. If I am a police officer and I put you in hand cuffs, do I not have the power to remove those handcuffs? If Satan afflicts you cannot Satan stop the affliction in front of people to appear to be God? TEST THE SPIRITS!

Acts 8:9–25 (NKJV)

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” 25 So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

1 John 4:7–11 (NKJV)

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 (NKJV)

10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

When a preacher or Christian tells a sinner God loves them where they are at, this is a lie from the Pit of Hell. If you love God you love the things God loves and hate the things God hates. When you preach a statement like that the devil uses it! Think about that statement: God loves me in my sin! I must be okay with God! THE LAMB WAS SLAIN BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. THIS WAS BEFORE MAN WAS EVEN CREATED AND THUS BEFORE SIN, NOT WHILE IN SIN. Let’s look at how the Apostle Paul address sin.

Romans 5:8–11 (NKJV)

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Where does it say that God loves you where you are at in sin? When you say such a statement, is the Crucifixion, death, resurrection and glorification of Christ even need if God love’s me in my sin. Why did the Father “turn away” from His Son Jesus when sin was placed upon Him. Light has no fellowship with darkness. Why were Adam and Eve removed from the Garden? While you are in sin you are separated from God and the wages of sin is death. You are DEAD to Christ. To say that Jesus loves you where you are at is like saying there is redemption for the devil. Please chose your words carefully and do NOT repeat slogans or traditional phrases from modern day seminary slogans or the teachings of men. PREACH THE WORD AS IT IS WRITTEN. Our Heavenly Father does NOT embrace sin he detests it!

Matthew 27:46 (NKJV)

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Psalm 22:1 (NKJV)

1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?

So you may wonder what I stated and how it applies to Jesus saying He is the Way, The Truth and The Life and doesn’t mention love in this statement and how it applies to my statement of love being the most perverted Virtue.

Here it is: Not everyone desires truth but everyone desires to be loved! Meditate on that for a moment and while meditating on that ponder the thoughts that the devil uses to pervert the love of Christ Jesus.

Why is there LGBTQ+ and transgenderism? Why are their abortions? It is all because of perverted love! I am not saying they don’t believe in love or actually love someone of the same sex. I am saying the love they have and believe is perverted love and not Godly love in Christ Jesus. I am not putting down anyone I am trying to lift them up by revealing truth. Putting yourself above an unborn fetus is love of self and that is of the devil.

The woman at the well was married five times and living with a man. She was looking for human love when she needed Divine and Holy Love in Christ Jesus. That is what Jesus offered her at the well! Deep inside every human is a place in their heart meant for Jesus to occupy and dwell but through the fall of humanity that spot is empty and void. Satan through the fall utilizes that void in the heart and corrupts it even further and further until a person finally repents and asks Jesus for forgiveness, cleansing, deliverance and they acknowledge and believe that Jesus came in the flesh and has paid the price for our salvation by the atonement through His death, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. Upon full conversion through this repentance the Lord Jesus will give them a heart of flesh and a new Spirit in Him, The Holy Spirit. A true born again follower of Christ and a new creation in Christ Jesus!

Ezekiel 36:26–27 (NKJV)

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Christ’s love was slain before the foundation of the world before sin even entered the world. Christ freely gave His life for us as there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another. It is the love of Christ that strengthens and renews our inner being as we are called to be lovers of TRUTH.

I hope this writing has blessed you. Once again I know it was lengthy but in all honesty I could write a book on this but I believe the foundation has been set. I will likely continue on in another post about worship and love.

May the Lord bless you, encourage you, strengthen you keep you in His love! Please remember love that is not reciprocated is not Covenant relationship or commitment.

1 John 4:19 (NKJV)

19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Matthew 24:12 (NKJV)

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Perilous Times and Perilous Men

2 Timothy 3:1–9 (NKJV)

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

The Spiritual Origin of Politics

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The Spiritual Origin of Politics

John 1:1 NKJV

The Deity of Christ

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

What I am about to write was given to my by the Lord some time ago and I wanted to write this post before the November election but the Lord had me wait until now.

When we read the book of Genesis we know that God created all things, however God did NOT create politics. So if God did not create politics how did it originate and who inspired and created politics?

Psalm 2 NKJV

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

2:1 Why do the nations rage,

And the people plot a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves,

And the rulers take counsel together,

Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces

And cast away Their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;

The Lord shall hold them in derision.

5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,

And distress them in His deep displeasure:

6 “Yet I have set My King

On My holy hill of Zion.”

7 “I will declare the decree:

The Lord has said to Me,

‘You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You.

8 Ask of Me, and I will give You

The nations for Your inheritance,

And the ends of the earth for Your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron;

You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”

10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;

Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear,

And rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,

And you perish in the way,

When His wrath is kindled but a little.

Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Isaiah 14:12-14 NKJV

The Fall of Lucifer

12 “How you are fallen from heaven,

O Lucifer, son of the morning!

How you are cut down to the ground,

You who weakened the nations!

13 For you have said in your heart:

‘I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation

On the farthest sides of the north;

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,

I will be like the Most High.

First we must remember that the Government of God always was, always will be, and was before God created anything including the angels.

Colossians 1:16-18 NKJV

16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Second we must remember that “politics” is about and pursuing a ruling government, the government of this world, and to be elected by the people of this world. Where in the bible did Jesus mention to get involved in politics?  Jesus said give Caesar what is Caesar’s and give God what is God’s.  It was the political authority that sentenced Jesus to be crucified inspired by religious leaders and people. Meanwhile we must keep our focus on the origin of politics to fully understand the overall truths of politics which will be explained in this article.

We know that the government of God always was, always will be and will have no end so if you have not determined the origin of politics it’s very clear that Lucifer created politics as Lucifer “conspired” against God and “campaigned” against God getting angles to fall with him. Lucifer wanted to create his own government overthrowing God.

It is NOT ironic that today truth is called “conspiracy” as the devil calls evil good and good evil! Those that expose lies especially against ruling authorities of this world are called “conspiracy theorists”.

Now let me be clear that while politics originated spiritually and physically by Lucifer / Satan that there are some in politics that are of the Lord even though very very few! A person only needs to read the Old Testament to know about Joseph, Daniel and others as God always has a remnant and witness. At the same time these patriarchs were NOT POLITICIANS but had influence by the grace of God on ruling authorities while remaining true and obedient to the Lord. If you believe otherwise you believe Christ was a politician verses Spirit and Truth!

That being said politics should NOT rule a true disciple of Christ as a true disciple/born again Christian IS NOT OF THIS WORLD!

John 17:14-19 NKJV

14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

In the book of Genesis we know that God created the heavens and the earth and God created light. This light was a “created” light and NOT the light of God. We also know that the government of God was not established on the earth because it is written in Isaiah.

ISAIAH 9:6-7 NKJV

6 For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

John 3:18-21 NKJV

18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

So now that you know the spiritual origin of politics and that politics originated with Lucifer / Satan you should have a better understanding of what the world political stage/front looks like and why things are the way they are! As we approach the Antichrist being the “One World Government” leader/figure and making war with the saints of Christ we must remember that in the end the saints of God will rule and reign with Christ and ONLY through and with Christ can we overcome this world.

So I am here to reiterate that a true disciple of Christ is neither Democrat, Republican or Independent as they are NOT of this world and answer to Christ alone. It would also be wise to remember that it was the religious leaders who turned Jesus over to a political ruler and that the people chose Barabbas over Christ. The people chose to crucify perfect love and the fruit of the Spirit but to no avail as Jesus is alive and on His throne!

Matthew 22:21 NKJV

21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

1 John 2:15-17

Do Not Love the World

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Whereever you find politics you will find the Devil at work also. This includes all levels of government from local to global. Sadly you will even find politics in the church structure and Satan working within the assembly. King Saul was annointed by the Lord but when King Saul became “political” by poling the people to see what they wanted as well as the praises of men he was removed as king and rebuked by Samual.

To have the praises of man/humanity is not the same as pleasing, honoring and obey the Lord Jesus!

Acts 5:29 NKJV

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJV

By Grace Through Faith

2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,

2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,

3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 NKJV

The Light of Christ’s Gospel

4:1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,

4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

So in closing I hope you get a greater understanding not only of the spiritual origin of politics you also get a greater understanding of the times we live in as well as the coming temporary rule of the Antichrist. We are, and always have been in a spiritual battle which can only be revealed by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, the Alpha and Omega and the LION of the Tribe of Judah!

Revelation 13: 7-10 NKJV

7 It was granted to him (the beast from the bottomless pit)to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience (perseverence) and the faith of the saints.

Revelation 12:11-12 NKJV

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

I pray this article has helped you to see and recognize the signs and the times we live in as well as the truth of God’s Word and what is prophesied to happen in the very near future. Let each of us prepare our own hearts and present ourselves with full honesty, transparancy and sincerity before the Lord so that the Lord may reveal the good work He started as well as the work that remains in each of us to be fully transformed into His image and likeness.

2 Corinthians 6:17 – 7:1 NKJV

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them

And be separate, says the Lord.

Do not touch what is unclean,

And I will receive you.”

18 “I will be a Father to you,

and you shall be My sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

You can’t politicize God’s Word as it stand alone, above and beyond the will, thoughts, knowledge and desires of humanity. Heaven and earth may pass but His Word will be forever.

 

THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB – CHRIST JESUS

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THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB

 It would be wise to remember as we celebrate the Sacrificial Lamb and the life, death, and resurrection our Lord Jesus that the people chose Barabbas over Jesus.  People today still choose Barabbas.  God will not violate “free will”, as there is NO love in a dictatorship. Let us reflect on the Person of Christ and what Christ represented that was so hated and called to be crucified.

 

Matthew 5:10–12 (NKJV)

10      Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1 John 1:5–7 (NKJV)

Fellowship with Him and One Another

 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

 

Galatians 5:16–26 (NKJV)

Walking in the Spirit

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Matthew 27:1–25 (NKJV)

Jesus is Delivered to Pilate

Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; 23:1; John 18:28

27 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 

Judas Repents

Acts 1:18, 19 

3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.”

And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!”

5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.

6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.

9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the LORD directed me.”

Jesus is Examined

Mark 15:2–5; Luke 23:2–5; John 18:29–38 

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.

13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. 

Barabbas is Freed

Mark 15:6–14; Luke 23:17–23; John 18:39, 40

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. 16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”

They said, “Barabbas!”

22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”

23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?”

But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”

25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 14:6 (NKJV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

SPIRITUAL TRUTH VERSES HUMAN WISDOM OR BELIEF

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Spiritual Truth Verses Human Wisdom or Belief

 There is no doubt that we live in perilous times and the great falling away and spirit of delusion is at work.  Jesus said in Matthew 24 regarding the end days see that no one deceives you.  To simplify this we can equate this to TRUTH will be hard to find being preached!  This wisdom of man is not true spiritual revelations of Christ Jesus. 

 Today I saw the following statement on Facebook: “This world is preparing for a war, but HEAVEN is preparing for a WEDDING.”

There were no scriptures included and it had nearly 100 likes when I saw it. I believe we all need to meditate on this to discern the truth of the gospel, truth of the 10 virgins and the REAL JESUS.

I grieve of the condition of alleged believers/followers that lead the foolish astray.  The blind are leading the blind! I truly believe that many love the idolatry of their personal beliefs , concepts or precepts but do not LOVE JESUS because they are not lovers of  truth! In fact, I sincerely doubt many are born again as the Holy Spirit reveals ALL TRUTH AND ONLY TESTIFIES/WITNESSES OF CHRIST JESUS.

 John 14:6 (NKJV) 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. 

John 16:1–15 (NKJV)

 16 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.

“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. 

John 15:26 (NKJV)

 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

I for one serve and omnipotent, holy, righteous, reverent, sovereign God who is without spot or blemish who was the only perfect sacrifice for our salvation.

Revelation 19:7–9 (NKJV)

7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

God/Jesus is perfect and all His ways are perfect, it is the saints/virgins that need to prepare for the wedding not Jesus.

When Jesus said it was best that He go to prepare a place for us He had not yet fulfilled the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection or been glorified meaning the way of propitiation had not yet been fulfilled for salvation. 

John 11:25 (NKJV) 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Matthew 25:1–13 (NKJV) Parable of the Ten Virgins 25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

 

A perfect Jesus doesn’t need to prepare, it is us who need to prepare for the Bridegroom!

 It would be wise to remember that it was the incarnate Christ who taught the disciples not the synagogues or rabbi.  Today it is only the Holy Spirit that can disciple followers of Christ Jesus.  Merely knowing what is written doesn’t necessarily mean you know the true living God Christ Jesus.

John 10:27 (NKJV)

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

 

1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

1 Corinthians 2:1–16 (NKJV)

Christ Crucified

 2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Spiritual Wisdom

6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

9 But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

 

Proverbs 1:1–7 (NKJV) 

The Beginning of Knowledge

1        The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2            2      To know wisdom and instruction,

    To perceive the words of understanding,

3        To receive the instruction of wisdom,

4            Justice, judgment, and equity;

5        To give prudence to the simple,

6            To the young man knowledge and discretion—

    5      A wise man will hear and increase learning,

    And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

7        To understand a proverb and an enigma,

8            The words of the wise and their riddles.

 

    7      The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

    But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

What Spirit Are You

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What Spirit Are You?

 

Luke 9:55–56 (NKJV)

55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

 

A few months ago as I was seeking the Lord and weeping in the Spirit over the condition of the professing church and how spiritually sick, spiritually poor and vastly deceived the professing church is the Lord spoke to me Luke 9:55-56.   “They know not what spirit they are of.” 

 

Revelation 3:17 (NKJV)

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 

 

Why are so many professing Christians in churches with leaders that are wolves in sheep’s clothing.  Why are they fellowshipping with darkness and not exposing the darkness. Why are they making allowances and tolerating darkness.  Do they really even discern the darkness and evil spirits? Are they truly born again and do they hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ?  Do they pursue holiness?  How can you even be a living epistle without being born again?  

 

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)

6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled.

 

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV)

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

 

John 16:13 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

 

How is it that the disciples followed Jesus but didn’t know what spirit they were of?  Obviously this was BEFORE Pentecost.   We have the very same thing going on within the church structure, many people INCLUDING leadership do not have the Spirit of the Lord!  They are not born again with a heart of flesh and a new Spirit from the Lord!

 

Ezekiel 36:26–27 (NKJV)

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

 

The people assemble unto a leader and to other people but DO NOT assemble humbly unto the Lord Jesus in one accord.  The “ACTS” church is not there!  The foundation and cornerstone of Christ is NOT there!  There might be a couple of true followers of Christ to bear witness of Christ but how long will the Lord keep them there under false teaching, deceiving spirits and the like?  

 

Acts 2:1 (NKJV)

Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

 

We have people assembling to other people, people assembling too leadership but how many are truly in accord only seeking Christ first and foremost?  I’ll be perfectly honest some of the greatest spiritual battles are within the local church assembly.  

Let me give you a brief scenario.  One of the greatest spiritual battles was fought in heaven when Lucifer and one third of the angels were cast out of heaven.  That battle is still being fought out here today within the confines of the church structure and assembly as well as throughout the earth.  Do you honestly believe that every person within the church is a true born again disciple of Christ?  Do you not know that the same battle that was fought in heaven is going to be fought on earth when Jesus returns?  Do you not know that this battle is also being fought within the church as Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy?

I have personally witnessed leaders in churches that masquerade as angles of light just as Satan masquerades as an angle of light.  Paul explicitly said:

Galatians 1:8–10 (NKJV)

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

 

2 Corinthians 11:5–15 (NKJV)

Paul and False Apostles

5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

 

Personally I am not impressed when someone uses the name or terminology god, lord or even the name of Jesus.  I want to know who their lord, god and Jesus is because very often it is not the Jesus I know!

 

Acts 19:15 (NKJV)

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

 

I have always been concerned and quite honestly baffled at how Satan and his minions/demons know who were are in Christ but the professing body of Christ doesn’t know us in the Spirit of the Lord!  This should be alarming, troubling and very concerning to all of us!  

 

2 Corinthians 5:16–17 (NKJV)

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

 

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

Many times I meditate on a scripture seeking the Lord for insight and the Lord is faithful to reveal things. A short time ago I was reflecting on Peter trying to walk on water.  I’ve heard so many Christians claim that Peter lacked faith and yet they themselves want the ability to walk on water likely just for show.  What they didn’t realize is what Peter was actually doing!  Jesus appears as a “ghost” because they saw Jesus for the first time as Spirit.  Just as in the book of Genesis when the Spirit hovered above the waters.  Peter was “testing the Spirit”.  Why are people today not testing the spirits?

 

Matthew 14:25–29 (NKJV)

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

 

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

John 10:27 (NKJV)

27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 

 

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

 

I was in my quiet place with the Lord and just sharing my heart with the Lord.  I was conversing with the Lord about His true servants and how few there truly are and how they are separated from other true servants.  It’s as if I was Jehu asking “where are the Lord’s servants”.  The Lord spoke to me and said Elijah was outnumbered 850 to 1.  If Elijah was outnumbered 850 to 1 what is it now?  If we take that ratio and apply it to Noah’s Ark how many were actually saved during the flood!  

Jesus warned in Matthew 24 see that NO-ONE deceives you!  As I wrote many months ago in my article about the spirit of delusion and the great apostasy we are witnessing the book of Revelations play out before us.  Choose this day whom you shall serve.

https://abidingbread.com/2020/08/29/reprobate-minds-spirit-of-delusion/

 

The only true teacher of God’s Word is the Spirit of God, no man can teach the things of the Spirit of God.  Saul/Paul was a scholar but on the road to Damascus Saul met the Lord Jesus!  

 

  1 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV)

11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.


1 John 2:27 (NKJV)

27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

 

If you truly want to walk in spiritual discernment you must be born again and seek/look for Christ in all things including people.  You can’t discern without the Holy Spirit and relying on earthly wisdom to discern spiritual maters is one of man’s greatest demises.  

 

To truly follow Christ you will be rejected, chastised, mocked, slandered and tossed away by many but do not let your heart be troubled for Jesus came to His own and they did not accept Him either.  

 

John 1:11–13 (NKJV)

11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

The Acceptance of Christ

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

May the Lord bless you and keep you in these perilous times.  I leave you with these scriptures for inspiration.

 

1 John 4:18–19 (NKJV)

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.

 

John 17 (NKJV)

Christ Prays for Himself

17 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

Christ Prays for His Disciples

6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Christ Prays for All Believers

20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

Reprobate Minds – Spirit of Delusion

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Reprobate Minds – Spirit of Delusion

This morning in my quiet time with the Lord, the Lord spoke the words “reprobate mind” to me as I was reflecting on the following scripture and meditating on the times we live in.

Matthew 24:37–39 (NKJV)

37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 

Just as Noah was a preacher of righteousness and only 8 people were allowed on the Ark the rest of the people/humanity had reprobate minds and refused the righteousness of God.  People called, believed and promoted evil as good and called good as being evil!  It was not because they were not warned or did not hear the truth of God’s word but their denial of the truth while promoting and living evil lifestyles.  We know that the Lord Jesus wishes that no man would perish but it will be as in the days of Noah!

Matthew 24:35 (NKJV)

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Once I heard “reprobate mind” the Holy Spirit quickly began to show me that as the “mark of the beast” draws near so will the amount of people given over to reprobate minds.  In fact, many people have already been given over to reprobate minds and the “spirit of delusion”.  We must remember that anyone who receives the mark of the beast will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Isaiah 5:20–21 (NKJV)

20      Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;

Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;

Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 

21      Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,

And prudent in their own sight!

 

Revelation 13:7 (NKJV)

7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.


Revelation 13:16–17 (NKJV) 

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

 

Revelation 14:9–13 (NKJV)

9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

 

Romans 1:20–32 (NKJV) 

20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

 

Why have true prophets and prophetic warnings been denied?  Why all the debate on pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation and post-tribulation? God is not the author of confusion!  I remember once I was in a bible study and the leaders were teaching on the book of Revelations and the debate on the rapture or “catching away” once again became the debate.  I asked them why they were so caught up in this debate as I said I’ve already been raptured!  Just as John 17 and Ephesians 2 mentions.

 

John 17:16–19 (NKJV)

16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

 

Ephesians 2:4–7 (NKJV)

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

 

Contrary to once in grace always in grace the Apostle Paul told us that the great apostasy would occur prior to Christ’s return.  This was stated thousands of years ago, and today we are witnessing not only the great apostasy but also the reprobate minds of humanity who blatantly refuse the truth of God’s Word.  This spirit of delusion is so strong that people may even believe they are serving the one true Living God Christ Jesus!  Yes, these people will actually fulfil the Words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7.

 

Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV)

True Way into the Kingdom

Luke 6:46

 

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 (NKJV)

The Great Apostasy

2 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

 

Noah didn’t try to persuade people neither did the servants of the Lord in the bible.  They spoke the truth, revealed truth, upheld truth and promoted truth according to God’ Spirit and Truth.  The accountability of one’s own soul remains with each of us as individuals.  We cannot blame leadership, family, friends, personal intellect, what we have been taught, or any other sources for our decision not to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus in Spirit & Truth. 

I believe in a remnant and the Lord always has a remnant, even until the Lord’s second coming.  We are in very perilous times people and I believe many people have been given over to reprobate minds and/or a spirit of delusion.

It grieves me that people are led astray but if each of us as individuals do not seek God’s truth in Spirit and Truth we too can be led astray.  Let each of us evaluate our own personal lives in this time and earnestly seek the righteousness of Christ Jesus and His wisdom. 

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Philippians 2:12–18 (NKJV)

Light Bearers 

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

 

May the love, peace, grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus dwell richly in your hearts and see that no man deceives you in these perilous times. 

 

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

John 12:25 (NKJV)

25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

 

Matthew 24:12–13 (NKJV)

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NKJV) 

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

 

2 Timothy 3:1–9 (NKJV)

Perilous Times and Perilous Men 

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. 

John 16:33 (NKJV)

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

 

Let us pray for the wisdom, peace, mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus in these difficult times we live in.  The great commission must continue until the return of the Lord Jesus. 

Sickness & Spiritual Attacks

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Sickness & Spiritual Attacks

I recall listening to messages in churches and online where preachers would preach that Satan has no power.  How does their message further afflict those who truly seek the Lord Jesus and preach the Word of God and the good news of Salvation who truly come under demonic attack?

Please do not underestimate real spiritual warfare.  I personally believe that real life is in the Spirit of God and the majority of our afflictions happen in the spiritual realm. I also believe that many healing are inhibited because of the lack of taking authority over these demonic spirits.  Our battle is not carnal, it is spiritual.

 Why would you need spiritual armor if there is no spiritual powers of darkness and evil?

Ephesians 6:10–13 (NKJV)

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

My concern is that so many Christians are being attacked and assaulted by demonic spirits and the works of Satan and they end up embracing the sicknesses and attacks rather than rebuking these attacks.  This often results in the “sickness” becoming their identity verses the Spirit of God.  While there is true sickness we must process and meditate on our sickness in Spirit and Truth.

For example, how sudden did you come under that influence or attack of this sickness?  Who was around you and where were you when this sudden sickness happened?  What were you doing just prior, were you about to preach, teach or witness for Jesus? 

I could give you testimony after testimony of the attacks I have endured but there is no point.  I just want all of you to seek the Lord in Spirit and Truth about your own situations.  Do not assume that your health suffers because of something you did but perhaps something you represent and promote which is Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul talks about this in Romans and Thessalonians.

Romans 1:13 (NKJV)

13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

 

(READ COMMENTARY)

2:18 Satan hindered us Satan is the enemy of God who opposes Paul and his apostolic ministry (e.g., 3:5; 2 Cor 2:11; 11:13–15; 12:7). Some of the Thessalonians likely worried that Paul abandoned them when he abruptly left the city and did not return (see note on 1 Thess 1:1–10). Paul assures the believers at Thessalonica that his separation from them was not his choice—Satan hindered him.

The Greek verb used here, enkoptō, literally means “to cut up.” It could be used to describe an army destroying an enemy’s road, consequently hindering their travel. Satan may have stirred up persecution in Thessalonica or caused an illness that kept Paul (and his companions) from returning to the city. The exact nature of the hindrance is unknown. In other instances, Paul credits God with preventing travel (1 Cor 16:12; Acts 16:6).[1]

 

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NKJV)

18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

 

Where I live there are principalities but the one that I want to talk about is the principality of infirmity/sickness.  I live in an area where it is common to see young adults and many others using motorized scooters to go shopping. There is much sickness where I live, and many are not aware of the spiritual attacks they embrace through sickness.  It can become a form of personal identity and a stronghold in the spirit realm.    Their sickness becomes their identity and dependency is often found on entitlements, government assistance, etc.  Yes, some are truly sick, and I am not downplaying their sickness.  What I want you to realize is that any dependency other than on Christ Jesus can become an idol.  

I remember not long ago the Lord had me attend a church service where an evangelist was praying for healings.  I waited for the evangelist after church and asked him if he was aware of the principality of infirmity in that area.  I would say that about 80 percent or more of the people needed prayers for sicknesses!  He looked at me as the Lord brought revelation to him. 

Recently I was asked to teach and preach to a leadership meeting in another country.  I talked about the demonic attacks that we come against and endure for the gospel of Christ Jesus amongst other things the Lord placed on my heart to share.  They were encouraged by the teaching knowing that the warfare was real and that they were still ministering even when attacked.  What I didn’t tell them is that 30 minutes before my appointed time to share the Word and teachings that I came under attack as Satan did not want me to encourage and edify the brethren. 

We all know that Ephesians talks about the armor of God but I want you to reflect on Hebrews 4:12.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

What I want you to focus on is the separation of “flesh from spirit”.  Even though our flesh might fail us because of sickness, spiritual attacks, ungodliness around us we must NOT let these things define us in the Spirit of God! 

Jesus never let all of His sufferings, persecutions, whippings or anything define Him in the Holy Spirit or Father. 

I have been receiving many new friend requests from pastors from various countries which are battling sickness.  Please seek the Lord for His wisdom and spiritual truth as it may well be a spiritual attack. 

Our battle is real, and the attacks are real.  We must seek the Lord for His wisdom and grace to overcome.

2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NKJV)

The Thorn in the Flesh

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

In the end time there will be great false signs and wonders from Satan.  Are we to believe that Satan has no power? 

Revelation 13:7 (NKJV)

7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Much of what we are experiencing around the WORLD is written in the Word of God.  If ever there was a time to fulfill the abundant life in Christ Jesus it is now.  Yes, the abundant life is not an earthly life it is a life in Christ Jesus. 

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 

My dear brothers and sisters stay encouraged in the Lord through the perilous times we live in and know that our suffering savior knows our burdens and pains.  Let us rejoice that we are called to partake in the sufferings of Christ for His namesake. 

1 Peter 4:12–19 (NKJV)

Suffering for God’s Glory

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now

“If the righteous one is scarcely saved,

Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)

26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”



[1] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Th 2:18). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

COVID 19 FACE MASKS – SPIRITUAL DUCT TAPE

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COVID 19 FACE MASKS

SPIRITUAL DUCT TAPE

 

Today during worship and prayer with the Lord I was conversing with the Lord regarding a recent posting on Facebook.  I saw a pastor wearing a face mask that had printed on it “Faith over Fear”.  This pastor is not alone as many Christians are wearing face masks, it was what was printed on the mask that truly saddened me as real faith isn’t found in a mask it’s only found in Christ Jesus.  Wearing the mask didn’t demonstrate or witness faith regardless of what was printed on it.  

I realize that each of us as individuals are at different places in our walk with the Lord however the whole gospel is based on the life, death and resurrection of Christ so that we may have eternal life in Christ Jesus.  How can someone preach the gospel of Christ in fear of death, I just don’t see a living witness as in Revelation 12:11.  What is the need of Psalm 91 if your faith is in a face mask?  

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

Psalm 91 (NKJV)

PSALM 91

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

1      He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2      I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

 

3      Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

4      He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

5      You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6      Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

 

7      A thousand may fall at your side,

And ten thousand at your right hand;

But it shall not come near you.

8      Only with your eyes shall you look,

And see the reward of the wicked.

 

9      Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10      No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11      For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12      In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13      You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

 

14      “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15      He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

16      With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.”

 

Where is the spiritual witness and revelation of being a living witness for Christ?  How can you pray for the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead or even speak to the mountain to move wearing a face mask?  If I am missing something I am glad that I am missing it, fear has no dominion over me!  (See my post on spiritual sickness  http://abidingbread.com/2020/07/15/spiritual-sickness/).

As I was conversing with the Lord today about this the Lord said to me in the spirit realm the mask is like spiritual duct tape.  The Lord said that truth is being silenced and people are not standing in faith and speaking or demonstrating faith and truth according to God’s Word.  They should trust in the Lord with all of their heart and lean not on their own understanding.

 While this is a controversial subject the whole Bible is controversial to those that are perishing and life in the spirit is opposed by life in the flesh.   In Exodus 12 when the lamb was sacrificed and the blood of a lamb was put over the doorposts did death strike those covered by the blood?  Has the blood of Jesus lost it’s power, absolutely NOT!

 

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

5      Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6      In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

You either believe in ALL OF GOD’S WORD or you don’t.  You don’t get to pick and choose, add or subtract. We must demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit and the resurrected life; for all things have passed away and we are a new creation in Christ Jesus.   If you have been crucified in Christ then you should live by faith in Christ.

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

In baptism we died just as Christ died and were resurrected in Christ just as Jesus resurrected.  Jesus has risen and is not in the grave!  Hallelujah!  We shouldn’t be living on earth as if we are heading to the grave! Death has been conquered! 

 

Romans 6:4 (NKJV)

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

 

Colossians 2:12 (NKJV)

12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

 

Matthew 16:25 (KJV 1900)

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 

1 Corinthians 2:4 (KJV 1900)

4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

 

1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV 1900)

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

 

Romans 8:14 (KJV 1900)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

The Lord then brought to my spirit the death of Lazarus concerning the mandatory face masks and the body of Christ. 

 

John 11 (NKJV)

Christ Raises Lazarus

11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”

8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”

12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”

32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?”

They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”

35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”

38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

The Pharisees Plan to Kill Christ

45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”

49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

 

Once again, the Lord is weeping regarding the lack of faith and disbelief in those that proclaim that Jesus is the Life & Resurrection.  We either believe that the Holy Spirit bears witness that we are sons and daughters of Christ or we don’t.  Our actions speak louder than words and without faith it is impossible to please God.

 

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

 

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

 

John 11:25–26 (NKJV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

 

 

It would be wise to remember that the bloodline of Christ has always faced death.  Moses was floated down a stream in a basket and Joseph and Mary had to move because every male infant was ordered to be executed.  John the baptist was beheaded, the apostles were martyred and today people wear face masks. 

 

The Lord is grieving just as He did with Lazarus. If we reflect on the 10 virgins in the marriage supper 5 didn’t have their lamps full.  Are we witnessing today the foolish virgins wearing face masks because their lamps are not full? It’s a question that each of us needs to address and pray upon.  It would be wise to remember that the “DOOR” was closed to the foolish virgins.

 

John 10:9–11 (NKJV)

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

 

 

Luke 18:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

 

There are religions that teach that you must die to experience the Glory of God or be in the presence of God.  This is a lie from the pit of hell!  The glory of God is for the here and now and blessed are those who have tasted and seen who have not departed from the faith.

 

Hebrews 6 (NKJV)

The Peril of Not Progressing

 

6 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

A Better Estimate 

9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 

God’s Infallible Purpose in Christ

 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. 17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

SPIRITUAL SICKNESS

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SPIRITUAL SICKNESS

 

One of the greatest sicknesses isn’t a disease it’s a spirit which embraces other destructive spirits rendering sound decision making impaired, health restoration inhibited and attempts to destroy the same attributes in those we love and care about!

 

This spirit perverts, twists, manipulates, enforces tactics, methods, and protocols contrary to what is needed for restoration of true health. It can leave a person with feelings of hopelessness, destruction, abandonment, isolation, lack of self-worth, loss of strength, loss of motive and render complete paranoia and even the embracement of death.

 

Ultimately, its goal is to bring death to the soul and eventually to the life of the person and all those people exposed to this spirit. If this spirit were classified in human military terminology perhaps it would be called “friendly fire” because spirits work through people and affect other people. Its true spiritual purpose is to kill, steal and destroy every life possible!

 

There is no human antidote or medical cure because it is a spirit and not a disease! A disease can’t kill the soul only the flesh! Does this resemble what is transpiring across the globe now? 

 

SPIRIT OF FEAR

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

 

There is a very simple reality about the fear of death and I in no way in stating this attempting to undervalue a person’s life.  Many fear death because the wages of sin is death.  They are not in right standing with God and/or truly not “born again”.  I am astonished at the number of professing Christians who fear death while openly proclaiming that the “Resurrection” dwells within them.  How can you fear a disease when the “Resurrection” dwells within you?  How can you embrace John 3:16 in faith and embrace death simultaneously?  How can you truly preach Christ fearing death, were not the Apostles martyred? 

I’d like to expound on what I have never heard preached, but the Lord revealed to me.  When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood as the crucifixion drew near.  Jesus then spoke not my will, but your will be done Father.  Was that the son of man or the Son of God speaking?  If flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of Heaven what was displayed and truly happening was the separation of the son of Man and the Son of God.  The flesh (human soul) needed to die/surrender to fulfill the will of God!  The last thing any person desires is to die so the conversion, sanctification and human will of the human soul is only overcome by the Spirit of God!  The Son of God is eternal and cannot die so it was the Son of Man totally surrendered to the Son of God in the garden of Gethsemane. 

 

Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

 

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV)

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

 

John 11:25 (NKJV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

 

If we reflect on Psalm 23 which is often quoted at funerals this Psalm is for those who live in Christ not for those who are not.  The good news is the Gospel of Christ where redemption is available, and atonement has been in Christ Jesus!

 

John 3:16 (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

Where is the “valley of the shadow of death”?   I am not referring to a city, country or specific location but generally speaking it is the earth.  We are surrounded by death, spiritual death.  There are people dying spiritually and they don’t even know it because the enemy has them captive.  Only through Christ are the captives set free!

 

Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death “I will fear no evil for thou are with me!” 

 

The table that is prepared is symbolic of the last supper and we are able no matter how much darkness and death tries to consume us partake of the “BREAD OF LIFE”!  Praise the Lord!  Glory to God! 

 

In these last days or as I see it last HOURS the professing body of Christ must overcome the fear of death!  Why are so many Christians afraid of death, let each of us search our hearts humbly before the Lord on this.  How will you be able to refuse the mark of the beast if you fear death? 

 

Satan is likely laughing as humanity fights whether to wear a mask or not to wear a mask when in reality the mask is NOT the problem it is a diversion and smoke screen to what is really happening.  A mask cannot save your life!  There is an evil agenda at work and who is anyone to Lord over us saying we can’t buy food without a mask?  How did they get to decide who lives and dies?  Satan wants to make himself God, what spirits are at work?  To simply say it is a mandate does not make it godly!  Is abortion godly?  It may be legal, but it is NOT GODLY! 

 

Has the mask become an idol, is your faith in your mask?  To be told you don’t love because you won’t wear a mask is absolute hypocrisy.  Are we bowing to a mask?  Do you believe in the Resurrection, have you encountered the Resurrection, or have you been conquered by the grave?  If you choose to wear a mask that is a PERSONAL decision and should remain a PERSONAL decision. 

 

Personally, I can’t imagine believing in the healing power of God and praying for someone’s health while wearing a mask.  I am either delivered from death or I am not.  Is sickness real, sure it is.  Does sickness define me, definitely NOT!  There is a separation of the flesh and the spirit!

 

Hebrews 4:12–13 (NKJV)

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

 

For example, I NEVER force prayer on anyone, and I respect their personal decisions and boundaries.  While in a store recently the Lord prompted me to pray for an elderly woman with difficulty walking.  I sought the Lord then approached the woman telling her the Lord wanted me to pray for her and asked if she would like prayer.  She said yes, I stated I am not wearing a mask does this make you uncomfortable and she said no.  Both her and her husband were wearing masks.  I laid hands on her and prayed.  I then looked at her husband and the Lord gave me words of knowledge and through those words of knowledge came prophetic utterance.  I said The Lord says you are a strong man and you do not wish to burden your loved ones with your troubles the Lord says that you need to cast those burdens upon Him as only the Lord can deliver you from your burdens.  There were other words from the Lord, but I am merely giving this as an example.

 

Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)

22 Cast your burden on the Lord,

And He shall sustain you;

He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

 

Matthew 11:28–30 (NKJV)

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

 

His wife then spoke and said he was just diagnosed with dementia.  I asked if he would like prayer.  He said yes, The Lord had me break the curses of his diagnosis as lead by the Lord and spoke the mind of Christ over him and proclaimed that the Spirit of God is not ruled or subjected to the flesh but the flesh is subjected to the Spirit of God.  I continued to pray as the Holy Spirit guided me.  We continued to pray and fellowship for a while. 

 

My point is that I respect your personal liberties and I merely ask the same in return.  I believe in the resurrection and I believe my destiny is in Christ and in NOTHING else.

 

Psalm 23 (NKJV)

Psalm 23

The Lord The Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

1  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2   He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3   He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4   Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

 

It would be good to remember that a house divided will not stand and that the foundation of TRUE faith is ONLY in Christ Jesus.  My life is not my own but the life I live know is in the faith of Christ.

 

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

 

Daniel 3:16–18 (NKJV)

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

 

We know the story of Shadrach, Meshack and Abed-Nego and through meditation and perhaps the way the Lord has me process things I try to examine not only the truths of God’s word but also the consequences of God’s word.  For example, why something happened following God and what happens or could happen not following God.  There are consequences and I meditate on both sides for clarity.

 

An example would be who, what, when, why, how and why not.  The why not has me question why didn’t the rest of the Israelites go into the fiery furnace after Jesus was in there with the three Jews?  If you truly are seeking the Lord, HIS glory and to be one with the Lord why wouldn’t you go into the fire?  Jesus is an “All Consuming Fire” and everything will be tested by fire.  This question would also include the book of Exodus when they would not go up the mountain with Moses, but they made idols.  When I say Israelites, I am not being specific regarding Israel or Jewish people but followers of Christ.  If you are truly seeking and following Christ wouldn’t you want to dwell and abide in His presence?

 

I encourage all of us me included to continuously embrace these thoughts humbly in prayer.  Will the Lord be glorified in my life and death (human death) for His glory and will I be a living witness unto death for His name sake?

 

John 14:27 (NKJV)

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

 

Fear is often used for manipulation, control, dominance and submission of a person’s personal liberties to life that is dictated by others.  The forces behind fear is evil and demonic in nature.