From the time of Abraham to our day, the battles and war being waged between God's people and Satan and his minions have not diminished. In these last few generations it has escalated exponentially, and will continue to do so, until Jesus returns. The apostle Peter gives us encouragement, and counsel on the saint under adversity, and how to deal with it, and suffer as a Christian. In these times we are in now, it's a good idea to take a look at what he has to say again, and take all the wisdom from him we can, and pray for God's strength to stand up against persecution and perhaps physical assaults-in a way that will give Him glory, and not reproach. Suffering as a Christian 1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1Pe 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 1Pe 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1Pe 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1Pe 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1Pe 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. An excerpt from the Expositor's bible gives greater insight: "But if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name." That is, let him be thankful and show his thankfulness that he has been called to bear the name of Christ and to suffer for it. The Authorized Version, adopting a different reading, has "on this behalf." But the sense is nothing different. He is to rejoice that this lot has befallen him, for it is of God’s great mercy that we are purified here by trial; he who has not been tried has not entered on the way of salvation. "Let me fall into the hand of the Lord," was the petition of David; and they are more blessed who feel that hand in their correction than those who are cut away from it. It is a terrible lot to think of, if we be abandoned by Him to worldly prosperity. St. Paul congratulates the Philippians "because to them it had been granted, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer on His behalf"; (Php_1:29) and to another Church (Eph_3:13) he declares that his own tribulations, endured for their sakes, ought to be to them a glory, because they made known how precious those believers were in the sight of their heavenly Father for whose sake He allowed another to be afflicted that they might be drawn more effectually unto Him. And if this be so, how much cause have they to bless and glorify God who marc be permitted to think that He is using their afflictions for a like purpose. "For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God." The time is come. Why does the Apostle speak thus? Because the final era of Divine revelation has begun. God has spoken unto men by His Son, and He by His incarnation and death has brought life and immortality to light. The new and living way is opened. We live in the fullness of time, when the faithful, having the testimony of those who companied with Christ, can love Him, though they see Him not, can rejoice in Him, and can receive, with full assurance, the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. Such souls have their judgment here. With them God’s judgment is neither postponed, nor is it penal. It is disciplinary and corrective both for themselves and others. They are the house of God, the pillar and ground of the truth, and can be set forth as the salt of the earth, the light of the world. Of such judgment and its purpose St. Paul also speaks to the Corinthians: "When we" (the servants of Christ) "are judged" (by suffering in this life), "we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world". (1Co_11:32) All chastening while it lasts is grievous, yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby. And by such Chastisement God prepares Him witnesses to the truth and preciousness of Christianity; and so long as this time, which is now come, shall continue, so long will God try, and make judgment of, His servants in every generation." I've read historical accounts of Peter's martyrdom-and when they were attempting to put him to a cross to die as Christ did, he compelled the men to put him upside-down, because he said he was not worthy to die exactly the same as his Savior. In his death-he fulfilled Jesus prophecy to him: Joh 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. Joh 21:19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. From the JFB comm-"when ... old thou shalt stretch forth thine hands — to be bound for execution, though not necessarily meaning on a cross. There is no reason, however, to doubt the very early tradition that Peter’s death was by crucifixion." From scripture we get another view of a Christian enduring suffering and persecution from the Apostle Paul. In his rampage against Christians before his own conversion, he would torment them to the point of compelling them to "blaspheme": Act 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Act 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. Act 26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. These verses give me some comfort, and hope. These verses show me, other's have been driven to the brink of their endurance also-God didn't abandon them, he was with them in the midst of their torment-though they probably didn't have any sense of his presence under Paul's assaults. We really don't fully understand the mercy of God, when we may slip and fall, when under tremendous pressure. Even if we slip and say something profane under being persecuted, in pain and suffering-these verses shows us-God takes all of this into account. I believe Paul added this to make this point. I'm sure he saw undeniable faith, courage and endurance; that he couldn't understand, or snuff out-though he tried with all his might. I believe what he witnessed in these people while he tormented them made a dent in his madness, and pricked his evil heart. God uses our suffering, in ways we won't know here. If you are a Christian, and have gone through persecution, had profanity hurled at you, slander, physical persecution, and suffer from the effects; my prayers are with you. May God heal you, and restore the damage done to you, emotionally, mentally, and your body. And may the Lord give us the strength, love, and boldness-to keep making a stand for Him, and keep being a witness for him, whatever happens. He's promised to never leave us, or forsake us. He's with us in the storm. Beginning with this blog-the focus and format will change to a once a week posting. Each one will be different, with a devotion, a poem, scripture reading-with a commentary, some quotes from notable Christians; to give encouragement and inspiration to Christians on the battlefield in a world of sin. It will be a different mixture of these each week. There will also be a section at the bottom of each blog every week with links to articles, videos, and perhaps documentaries to keep you informed-if you want to know what's going on around you, and be woke up. They will range from very short to full length hour-two hours, depending on the subject. I watch them all, and choose the ones that get to the point, and are very clear on the subject matter. It's gotten to the point that just about every video or article I try to post on Facebook is refused, or taken down within minutes because there's information they don't want you to know, we are no longer in a free society, censorship here now is about the same as Nazi Germany before WWII. It may come to the point, that they won't post these blogs, if so, you may have to come straight to this site to see what's posted weekly. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of each blog from now on, and find new material that to me, shows us where we are at, and what's really going on in the world-that the media likes to keep under the rug. News you won't hear on mainstream media Massive mandatory mask protests break out in Canada- https://www.brighteon.com/9bd8260d-e876-4044-8938-58fd75e0f1d7 Dr. Petrella: 'It is Going to be the Most Terrible Vaccine of All' — Lasted One Minute on YouTube - https://www.brighteon.com/58a92e0a-b9e0-4d1e-ad7d-1d0899a0ee76 Food Warfare: More States to Test/Close Farms - Wildfires & Weather Warfare - https://www.brighteon.com/f5ab81be-b713-4626-a185-83e20767a9d3 OMG!! California State Starting its Own Forest Fires!!- https://www.brighteon.com/d3d22b39-c584-4250-9883-3f7e1f34663f DARPA & 5G The Next Weapon To Destroy Humanity https://www.brighteon.com/a446cec0-38fa-4ea2-8617-1866942b45a1 Black Lives Matter was Planned by the Illuminati Long Ago! - https://www.brighteon.com/f3160a8c-bb58-4785-b453-11da27380c6a THERES A MONSTER COMING! ARE YOU EVEN AWARE? https://youtu.be/s2fSJF3lh2U I'm going to post the link below here, and give Tucker Carlson another chance. I was supporting him, and posting his content, until I saw him use profanity-and take the Lord's name in vain in one of his commentaries. I saw none in this one. Tucker-I'm praying for you, and hope you come to the Lord Jesus for salvation. Your hardhitting, and tell the truth. But, I'm hardhitting too-and I mean business in my walk with the Lord-He comes first in my life. If I ever see you use God's name again as profanity-I'll never post anything from you again. I hope you see this, and take note. Also in this link below-take note of the demonic BLM rioters assaulting a woman in a public place. It's what's coming to you, whether you know it or not, the question is-what are YOU going to do, when it does. TUCKER CARLSON IS THE LAST TRUTH TELLER IN THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA AND THE CANCEL CULTURE CENSORSHIP NAZIS HAVE BEGUN CAMPAIGN TO SILENCE HIM https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/tucker-carlson-last-truth-teller-main-stream-media-cancel-culture-censorship-nazis-begin-campaign-to-silence-him/ DavidKnightShow HR2: Lockdown, Masks & Vaccines Continue As Dems & Repubs Loot Middle Class https://www.brighteon.com/6d960cb1-5679-4340-a45e-b2dfd4b4ea5d This video may contain copyrighted material. Such material is made available for educational purposes only. This constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. section 107 of the US Copyright Law. The videos below are very well done, with a compilation of extensive information that connects the dots to the strategy, and implementation of the corona virus. If you take the time to watch part one first, then part two-you will come away with an informed knowledge of it's origin, and the agenda the globalists intend in its use.
However, I disagree with the solution promoted at the end of part two-which is a New Age mindset, that we can fix this ourselves, that we can heal ourselves; we cannot, this is why: We no longer know who we are, or where we came from anymore. The world is saturated in humanistic philosophy. We refuse the truth, that we were born in sin, and the world's corrupt state is a result of sin running rampant now in the world. We cannot fix this ourselves. The only answer is for people to turn from their sin-repent, and turn back to God. But, this is the age of apostasy-people are too selfish, wicked, and rebellious. We have rejected God, and turned to our own way. Satanism, and the worship of the devil has taken over. Witches are overrunning the country-this is the devils hour. People will accept and worship many other forms of gods- Buddhism, Islam, Hindu, and many others-but will reject Christ, just as He said of this world. This world hates him today, just as it did, when he walked the earth. But, one day He's coming again, to rule and reign; when he takes back his rightful ownership of the world He created. Satan is in a rage, knowing this; he knows his time is short. There are parts in the video showing the interconnections of the high ranking elites-Clinton's, Epstein, Gates etc., gives us a look at how deep the corruption goes, in many areas-not just this plandemic. Scripture describes the state of the world today: 2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. When you watch Bill and Melinda Gates talk about their vaccine agenda-their expressions reveal what's in their hearts, and it's chilling. The level of corruption, lies, and deceit behind this plandemic could only be conceived in the minds of people who have lost any compassion or empathy for people-if they ever had any. What boggles my mind, is how they have been able to gain the ability to make these monstrous decisions for populations on these vaccines-when Bill Gates has zero credentials of any kind. He is not a doctor, health scientist, or anything of the kind. How and why he is allowed to make these decisions should raise alarms, and should put a stop to him. So, why doesn't it? However, I remind myself, that the Lord is allowing all of this to fulfill His agenda-which is described for us in the book of Revelation. We are privileged to be living in the time to see and observe this great conflict of the ages-before Christ returns. If we know Him, and are surrendered to Jesus-we have no fear. He will guide us, and see us through, no matter what the circumstances. These videos will just open our eyes, and help prepare us for what's coming. Excerpt from the videos: "Guided by the meticulous work of Dr. David E. Martin, Plandemic II: Indoctornation, tracks a three decade-long money trail that leads directly to the key players behind the COVID 19 pandemic. David Martin is the creator of the world’s first quantitative public equity index – the CNBC IQ100. He served as Chair of Economic Innovation for the UN-affiliated Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Organization and has served as an advisor to numerous Central Banks, global economic forums, the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, and national governments. Dr. Martin has pioneered global programs to bring corporate and stock market transparency to multi-national extractive industries and has been instrumental in bringing the world’s largest white-collar criminals to justice." WATCH PART 1: https://www.brighteon.com/dd86fba4-f26e-4919-b6bf-573cf8780c79 Official: Plandemic 2: InDOCTORnation with Dr. David E. Martin | FULL VIDEO PART TWO- https://www.brighteon.com/ecf5ef5a-b3af-4901-ae4c-db4171f6d718 For more information, please visit https://www.plandemicseries.com Mt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. Mt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
These are the days we are living in; and unfortunately, it will continue to get worse until Jesus returns. How can we as believer's stand in this evil day? How can we shield ourselves from the false religions, and the rampant deception within the church? The transforming power of the Word of God. Going to the scriptures concerning everything that is questionable; and allowing God to speak to us thru His Word. The bible has the answer to every question known to man. The problem is; many times people do not like the answers. We are given a free will to either heed the bible, or choose to rebel against it, and do what we want. However, the consequences are clearly spelled out to us in the bible also. People perish, and are lead into the ditch of deception, because of lack of knowledge of what the bible says. God's guidelines are clear, and easy to understand; it is our flesh that says "I want what I want, when I want it." But, if we are serious about wanting a close walk with the Lord, and want his presence in our lives; the scriptures will be like fresh bread to our souls. We will hunger for it, and learn to depend on it to bring light to our path in all area's of our lives. 2ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. When it comes to discerning deceiving spirits, false manifestations, demonic activity, false religions; the guidelines below will help the believer to sift thru the enormous amount of deception that is out there today. Prayer, study of the scriptures, and heeding what the bible says; will protect our spirits, and hedge us in with the Lord. I hope these guidelines will help all who study them. SCRIPTURES TO REMEMBER When people tell you that Jesus is actually showing up or they saw Jesus in a vision etc., remember this: Mat 24 v 23-27 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (i.e., we will NOT see Jesus again in ANY form until his second coming) When people tell you that God ‘told them so’ or ‘gave them the vision/prohpecy’ hence you MUST believe it, but it does not tie up 100% with scripture, remember this: Jeremiah 14 v14 “Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.” Ezekiel 13 v 2-9 2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! 3 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4 Your prophets, O Israel, are like jackals among ruins. 5 You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the LORD. 6 Their visions are false and their divination's a lie. They say, “The LORD declares,” when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. 7 Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divination's when you say, “The LORD declares,” though I have not spoken? 8 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign LORD. 9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divination's. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD.” 1jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 1jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1jo 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 1jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. If someone tells you that Satan can’t make visions or prophecies come true, remember this: Deuteronomy 13 v 1-4 1 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” 3 you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” When people tell you that they can see Angles, or have an Angel guiding them, or have Angels imparting wisdom or biblical revelation, remember this: John 14 v 26 Jesus said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, When people tell you that these ’strange’ manifestations are from God, remember this: 2 Timothy 1 v 7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Thess 2 v 9-10 “Even him who is coming after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not a love of the truth that they might be saved.” If people tell you that Satan can’t cast out or deliver people from demons, remember this: Matthew 12 v 27 Jesus said to the Pharisees: “And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.” If people tell you that signs and wonders bring people to greater heights in their faith or lead people into a truly born again experience, remember this: John 12 v 37 ”But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him.” John 4 v 48 ”Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” John 6 v 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” Matt 24 v 24: “For false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” God does heal today-as He did when Jesus walked the earth, but we must test the spirits, to discern if this "sign", "wonder", or healing is truly from the Lord-or we are being duped by a demonic spirit. One of the best, and quickest ways to test these is to ask the person doing the "healing", praying, or delivering who Jesus Christ is-if they cannot or won't proclaim Jesus as Lord; you should be suspicious. Another test is to ask them what the blood of Christ means to them-and pay attention to their answer. If they cringe, change the subject, or do not know the authority of the power of the blood of Christ-again, be suspect. We have no power or authority in ourselves to do anything-the only power to heal or deliver, comes from the sound assurance that we stand under the blood covering of Christ; it is He who does the healing/delivering, not us. If the person doing the signs and wonders doesn't acknowledge this-he/she is a fraud. If people tell you that you are not to judge God’s ‘anointed’, remember this: Deuteronomy 13 v 12-14 “13 If you hear it said about one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you to live in 13 that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their town astray, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods you have not known), 14 then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly. And if it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done among you, 15 you must certainly put to the sword all who live in that town.” (Sword = Word of God) Proverbs 17 v 150 “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD”. Proverbs 18 v 15 “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge”. Titus 1 v 9 “Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” 1 Timothy 1 v 3 “That you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine”. John 7 v 24 Jesus said: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment”. (using the Word of God) Rom 16 v 17 “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them”. 1 Corinthians 5 v 9 - 13 9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler–not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES (‘Do not judge those who are within the Church?’ - This is an angry response by Paul to those who say ‘do not judge those within the church’, he is saying, WHAT? REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.) Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; If someone tells you that to speak up or warn a brother that they are in error or deception is wrong and we need to instead ’show love’ for ‘God is love’, remember this: When we show someone they are in error it’s out of deep concern and love, the same love and concern that Jesus has when his Children go astray. Acts 20 v 25-31 ”25 Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. 26 Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears“ If someone tells you that a particular person is anointed (hence you HAVE to listen to them) but you yourself are a truly born again believer, remember this: 1 Jonn 2 v 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.” I John 2 v 20 v 21 “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth” If any Christian seeks or needs signs and wonders to show them who Jesus is, then something is very wrong with their spiritual lives, because the Holy Spirit brings ALL things to your remembrance for those who are truly born again, remember this: John 14 v 26 Jesus said: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” Jesus does reveal Himself to people, we are told in Joel and Acts that we would see signs, wonders, and on His sons and handmaidens He would pour out His Spirit and we will prophesy. But, we aren't to be seeking after the signs and wonders-we're supposed to be seeking after Him. If the signs appear, wonderful, but that's not what we're supposed to be focusing on. Many people get this mixed up, and perverted. In closing, let these scriptures give guidance and discernment to your study and walk with the Lord: 2 John 1 v 9 “Whosoever transgresses and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” 2 Thes 2 v 11 “For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false in order that may all may be judged who did not believe in the truth but took pleasure in wickedness”. In other words- Who is Jesus Christ to you? And, what kind of fruit is coming from your life? We are living in the age of deceit-the only way to get through this, and be able to stand firm in faith, is to pick up your Bible-pray for discernment and understanding, and ask God to help you grow in knowledge and wisdom of His written word. It's the only thing that's going to keep the people of God from being swallowed up in the wickedness, and deception we are swimming in now. A servant, Lorna Ezra chapter nine, it tells of his remorse and prayer of grief over the realization that Gods people had fallen into great sin, and they were living out the consequences. I encourage reading the entire chapter verses 1 through 15. Below is commentary, giving greater clarity. Ezra's repentant prayer-is the state Christians should be in today, because we are in the same situation now in this country-but I'm not seeing it. I see a nation, and a world, that Revelation describes-"they would not repent." Rev. 2:21, 9:20-21
Ezr 9:9 For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. Ezr 9:10 And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, "I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God — The burden of his prayer, which was dictated by a deep sense of the emergency, was that he was overwhelmed at the flagrant enormity of this sin, and the bold impiety of continuing in it after having, as a people, so recently experienced the heavy marks of the divine displeasure. God had begun to show returning favor to Israel by the restoration of some. But this only aggravated their sin, that, so soon after their re-establishment in their native land, they openly violated the express and repeated precepts which commanded them to extirpate the Canaanites. Such conduct, he exclaimed, could issue only in drawing down some great punishment from offended Heaven and ensuring the destruction of the small remnant of us that is left, unless, by the help of divine grace, we repent and bring forth the fruits of repentance in an immediate and thorough reformation." JFB comm. Ezra 9:1-15 A LEADER’S SORROWS FOR HIS PEOPLE’S SINS "The mingling of the holy seed with heathen peoples was always the curse of Israel, and it has been the temptation of God’s children in every age. Do we sufficiently tremble at the words of the God of Israel because of our sins or those of others? The humiliation and anguish of soul experienced by Ezra and his associates are a great rebuke to us. We are indignant, but we do not view sin from God’s standpoint. Notice the humility of his prayer, I blush to lift up my face; its vicarious confession of sin; its acknowledgment of God’s grace in giving a little reviving; its recital of the aggravation which had dyed their sin of a deeper hue. Israel was intended to live in Canaan as a separated people. The land itself could not yield its good, or remain their permanent inheritance on condition of their fidelity to God. When confession of sin has been made, let us stand before God claiming forgiveness, acceptance, and cleansing, through the precious blood of Christ, 1Jn_1:7." F.B Meyer comm. From the Expositor's Bible: "Ezra was amazed, appalled. In the dramatic style which is quite natural to an Oriental, he rent both his tunic and his outer mantle, and he tore his hair and his long priestly beard. This expressed more than the grief of mourning which is shown by tearing one garment and cutting the hair. Like the high-priest when he ostentatiously rent his clothes at what he wished to be regarded as blasphemy in the words of Jesus, Ezra showed indignation and rage by his violent action. It was a sign of his startled and horrified emotions, but no doubt it was also intended to produce an impression on the people who gathered in awe to watch the great ambassador, as he sat amazed and silent on the temple pavement through the long hours of the autumn afternoon. The grounds of Ezra’s grief and anger may be learnt from the remarkable prayer which he poured out when the stir occasioned by the preparation of the vesper ceremonies roused him, and when the ascending smoke of the evening sacrifice would naturally suggest to him an occasion for drawing near to God. Welling up, hot and passionate, his prayer is a revelation of the very heart of the scribe. Ezra shows us what true prayer is-that it is laying bare the heart and soul in the presence of God. The striking characteristic of this outburst of Ezra’s is that it does not contain a single petition. There is no greater mistake in regard to prayer than the notion that it is nothing more than the begging of specific favours from the bounty of the Almighty. That is but a shallow kind of prayer at best. In the deepest and most real prayer the soul is too near to God to ask for any definite thing; it is just unbosoming itself to the Great Confidant, just telling out its agony to the Father who can understand everything and receive the whole burden of the anguished spirit. Considering this prayer more in detail, we may notice, in the first place, that Ezra comes out as a true priest, not indeed officiating at the altar with ceremonial sacrifices, but identifying himself with the people he represents, so that he takes to his own breast the shame of what he regards as the sin of his people. Prostrate with self-humiliation, he cries, "O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God," and (Ezr_9:6) he speaks of the sins which have just been made known to him as though he had a share in them, calling them "our iniquities" and "our trespass." (Ezr_9:6) Have we not here a glimpse into that mystery of vicarious sin-bearing which is consummated in the great intercession and sacrifice of our Lord? Though himself a sinful man, and therefore at heart sharing the guilt of his people by personal participation in it, as the holy Jesus could not do, still in regard to the particular offence which he is now deploring. Ezra is as innocent as an unfallen angel. Yet he blushes for shame, and lies prostrate with confusion of face. He is such a true patriot that he completely identifies himself with his people. But in proportion as such an identification is felt, there must be an involuntary sense of the sharing of guilt. It is vain to call it an illusion of the imagination. Before the bar of strict justice Ezra was as innocent of this one sin, as before the same bar Christ was innocent of all sin. God could not really disapprove of him for it, any more than He could look with disfavour on the great Sin-bearer. But subjectively, in his own experience, Ezra did not feel less poignant pangs of remorse than he would have felt if he had been himself personally guilty. This perfect sympathy of true priesthood is rarely experienced, but since Christians are called to be priests, to make intercession, and to bear one another’s burdens, something approaching it must be shared by all the followers of Christ; they who would go forth as saviours of their brethren must feel it acutely. The sin-bearing sacrifice of Christ stands alone in its perfect efficacy, and many mysteries crowd about it that cannot be explained by any human analogies. Still, here and there we come across faint likenesses in the higher experiences of the better men, enough to suggest that our Lord’s passion was not a prodigy, that it was really in harmony with the laws by which God governs the moral universe. In thus confessing the sin of the people before God, but in language which the people who shared with him a reverence for The Law could hear, no doubt Ezra hoped to move them also to share in his feelings of shame and abhorrence for the practices he was deploring. He came dangerously near to the fatal mistake of preaching through a prayer, by "praying at" the congregation. He was evidently too deeply moved to be guilty of an insincerity, a piece of profanity, at which every devout soul must revolt. Nevertheless the very exercise of public prayer-prayer uttered audibly, and conducted by the leader of a congregation-means that this is to be an inducement for the people to join in the worship. The officiating minister is not merely to pray before the congregation, while the people kneel as silent auditors. His prayer is designed to guide and help their prayers, so that there may be "common prayer" throughout the whole assembly. In this way it may be possible for him to influence men and women by praying with them, as he can never do by directly preaching to them. The essential point is that the prayer must first of all be real on the part of the leader-that he must be truly addressing God, and then that his intention with regard to the people must be not to exhort them through his prayer, but simply to induce them to join him in it. Let us now inquire what was the nature of the sin which so grievously distressed Ezra, and which he regarded as so heavy a slur on the character of his people in the sight of God. On the surface of it, there was just a question of policy. Some have argued that the party of rigour was mistaken, that its course was suicidal, that the only way of preserving the little colony was by means of well-adjusted alliances with its neighbours-a low view of the question which Ezra would not have glanced at for a moment, because with his supreme faith in God no consideration of worldly expediency or political diplomacy could be allowed to deflect him from the path indicated, as he thought, by the Divine will. But a higher line of opposition has been taken. It has been said that Ezra was illiberal, uncharitable, culpably narrow, and heartlessly harsh. That the man who could pour forth such a prayer as this, every sentence of which throbs with emotion, every word of which tingles with intense feeling-that this man was heartless cannot be believed. Still it may be urged that Ezra took a very different view from that suggested by the genial outlook across the nations which we meet in Isaiah. The lovely idyll of Ruth defends the course he condemned so unsparingly. The Book of Jonah was written directly in rebuke of one form of Jewish exclusiveness. Ezra was going even further than the Book of Deuteronomy, which had allowed marriages with the heathen, (Deu_21:13) and (Deu_23:1-8) It cannot be maintained that all the races named by Ezra were excluded. Could it be just to condemn the Jews for not having followed the later and more exacting edition of The Law, which Ezra had only just brought up with him, and which had not been known by the offenders? In trying to answer these questions, we must start from one clear fact. Ezra is not merely guided by a certain view of policy. He may be mistaken, but he is deeply conscientious, his motive is intensely religious. Whether rightly or wrongly, he is quite persuaded that the social condition at which he is so grievously shocked is directly opposed to the known will of God. "We have forsaken Thy commandments," he exclaims. But what commandments, we may ask, seeing that the people of Jerusalem did not possess a law that went so far as Ezra was requiring of them? His own language here comes in most appositely. Ezra does not appeal to Deuteronomy, though he may have had a passage from that book in mind, (Deu_7:3) neither does he produce the Law Book which he has brought up with him from Babylon and to which reference is made in our version of the decree of Artaxerxes: (Ezr_7:14) but he turns to the prophets, not with reference to any of their specific utterances, but in the most general way, implying that his view is derived from the broad stream of prophecy in its whole course and character. In his prayer he describes the broken commandments as "those which Thou hast commanded by Thy servants the prophets." This is the more remarkable because the prophets did not favour the scrupulous observance of external rules, but dwelt on great principles of righteousness. Some of them took the liberal side, and expressed decidedly cosmopolitan ideas in regard to foreign nations, as Ezra must have been aware. He may have mentally anticipated the excuses which would be urged in reliance on isolated utterances of this character. Still, on a survey of the whole course of prophecy, he is persuaded that it is opposed to the practices which he condemns. He throws his conclusion into a definite sentence, after the manner of a verbal quotation, (Ezr_9:11) but this is only in accordance with the vivid, dramatic style of Semitic literature, and what he really means is that the spirit of his national prophecy and the principles laid down by the recognised prophets support him in the position which he has taken up. These prophets fought against all corrupt practices, and in particular they waged ceaseless war with the introduction of heathenish manners to the religious and social life of Israel. It is here that Ezra finds them to be powerful allies in his stern reformation. They furnish him, so to speak, with his major premiss, and that is indisputable. His weak place is in his minor premiss, viz., in the notion that intermarriage with Gentile neighbours necessarily involves the introduction of corrupt heathenish habits. This he quietly assumes. But there is much to be said for his position, especially when we note that he is not now concerned with the Samaritans, with whom the temple-builders came into contact and who accepted some measure of the Jewish faith, but in some cases with known idolaters-the Egyptians, for instance. The complex social and moral problems which surround the quarrel on which Ezra here embarks will come before us more fully as we proceed. At present it may suffice for us to see that Ezra rests his action on his conception of the main characteristics of the teaching of the prophets. Further, his reading of history comes to his aid. He perceives that it was the adoption of heathenish practices that necessitated the severe chastisement of the captivity. God had only spared a small remnant of the guilty people. But He had been very gracious to that remnant, giving them "a nail in His holy place"; (Ezr_9:8) i.e., a fixture in the restored sanctuary, though as yet, as it were, but at one small point, because so few had returned to enjoy the privileges of the sacred temple worship. Now even this nail might be drawn. Will the escaped remnant be so foolish as to imitate the sins of their forefathers, and risk the slight hold which they have as yet obtained in the renewed centre of Divine favour? So to repudiate the lessons of the captivity, which should have been branded irrevocably by the hot irons of its cruel hardships, what was this but a sign of the most desperate depravity? Ezra could see no hope even of a remnant escaping from the wrath which would consume the people who were guilty of such wilful, such open-eyed apostasy. In the concluding sentences of his prayer Ezra appeals to the righteousness of God, who had permitted the remnant to escape at the time of the Babylonian Captivity, saying, "O Lord, the God of Israel, Thou art righteous, for we are left a remnant that is escaped, as it is this day." (Ezr_9:15) Some have supposed that God’s righteousness here stands for His goodness, and that Ezra really means the mercy which spared the remnant. But this interpretation is contrary to usage, and quite opposed to the spirit of the prayer. Ezra has referred to the mercy of God earlier, but in his final sentences he has another thought in mind. The prayer ends in gloom and despondency-"behold, we are before Thee in our guiltiness, for none can stand before Thee because of this." (Ezr_9:15) The righteousness of God, then, is seen in the fact that only a remnant was spared. Ezra does not plead for the pardon of the guilty people, as Moses did in his famous prayer of intercession. (Exo_32:31-32) As yet they are not conscious of their sin. To forgive them before they have owned their guilt would be immoral. The first condition of pardon is confession. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1Jn_1:9) Then, indeed, the very righteousness of God favours the pardon of the stoner. But till this state of contrition is reached, not only can there be no thought of forgiveness, but the sternest, darkest thoughts of sin are most right and fitting. Ezra is far too much in earnest simply to wish to help his people to escape from the consequences of their conduct. This would not be salvation. It would be moral shipwreck. The great need is to be saved from the evil conduct itself. It is to this end that the very passion of his soul is directed. Here we perceive the spirit of the true reformer. But the evangelist cannot afford to dispense with something of the same spirit, although he can add the gracious encouragements of a gospel, for the only true gospel promises deliverance from sin itself in the first instance as from the greatest of all evils, and deliverance from no other evil except on condition of freedom from this." Reading this account, along with the lament's of Jeremiah, it gives a comparative picture of the condition of this world today-ready for judgment. We will not repent of our fornication's, abominations, our murders, thefts, drug addictions, violence, hatred, and our mixture of pagan religions that has infiltrated into Christianity. The pot of iniquity is boiling over. Lorna Couillard |
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No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me,
saith the LORD. Isa 54:17 Rev 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. The Victory of Our Faith
For whatsoever
is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1Jn 5:4-5 But they that wait
upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isa 40:31 Our Warfare
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2Cor 10:3-5 The Whole Armor
of God Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Eph 6:10-18 The Prayer Room
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