Vermont-the green mountain state. Known for it's beautiful mountains, green pastures with dairy cattle, sheep and horses dotting the landscape. A place of rugged beauty, and diversity. 
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Over the years there's been changing developments that are unfortunate, and unnecessary. A couple of them will be addressed here.

A growing number of landscapes littered with junk, of every sort. The once green open fields and pastures have become open junk yards, and goes on into the forests, and along the streams, and rivers. It's becoming a troubling sight, in just about every area of the state.

There's also been an increase of junk and litter surrounding houses, and homes. It's troubling for a number of reasons. It's detrimental to the neighbors, and the township. It can damage the value of your property, if the surrounding lands are an eyesore, and can make a difference in the ability of getting the price your property is really worth, if the land of others around you is unkept.

The reasons people do this to their property are varied. Perhaps a serious illness that causes the owner to be unable to maintain the upkeep, or working many hours, and not being home enough to cope, too many hours doing things that take away from the responsibility of keeping up the home. A lot of times, it's plain laziness.

Sometimes it's done out of spite, from harboring grudges with those around them. Those who do this  cause the most damage to themselves; but it also succeeds in the depreciation of the land, and value of other's property, and destroys the beauty that Vermont has been, and should be known for.

The comparisons in the pictures are a stark reality-Vermont, as it was-is disappearing, and the contrast is sad-and the worst part is-it's unnecessary.

Pro 6:6  Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: 
Pro 6:7  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 
Pro 6:8  Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. 
Pro 6:9  How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 

Pro 21:25  The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. 

​Pro 23:20  Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: 
Pro 23:21  For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

Pro 24:30  I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 
Pro 24:31  And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. 
Pro 24:32  Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. 
Pro 24:33  Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 
Pro 24:34  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man. 

Some articles concerning this issue:
Pownal weighs ordinance to tackle junk in yards
https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/pownal-weighs-ordinance-to-tackle-junk-in-yards/article_d5898192-853c-11ec-8fdb-4fec73099de0.html

Seeing More Illegal Dumping and Littering in Vermont? Here's Why.
https://www.ourchester.org/news.php?id=746

Freedom or Free Dump? Update: Roxbury rejects proposal to buy junk filled property
https://www.compassvermont.com/news/freedom-or-free-dump-roxbury-asks-if-a-personal-junkyard-is-a-property-right-or/article_1fd243e8-784f-11eb-9264-7bcde1b831bf.html

Along with this growing problem above-now you can ride along the highway, or in my case, even look out your back yard from your deck-and see a once beautiful ridgeline of mountains-now filled along the entire range-with wind turbines. The beautiful view of the natural landscape you once had-is now gone forever; and they will keep putting up more as time goes by. Add to this, the increasing fields of solar panels taking up the land that were once open fields and pastures; Vermont's landscape is permanently changing, and for many of us, not for the better.

Regarding wind turbines, consider the dangers and disadvantages:
1) Dangers to some wildlife-Wind turbines are known to pose a threat to the wildlife. Flying birds and  bats whose habitats or migratory paths could be injured or killed if they run into the blades that turn on the fanlike structure of wind turbines when they are spinning. The deaths of birds and bats are a controversial subject at wind farm sites, which has raised concerns by fish and wildlife conservation groups. Aside from the wildlife that flies through the air, wildlife on the ground may also affected by the noise pollutions generated from whirring blades. 

2) Noisy-wind turbines can be quite noisy, which is why they’re mostly found in very rural areas where most people don’t live. However, for those who do live in rural areas-this has presented problems, and disturbances of various kinds.

3) Expensive upfront cost-If you can imagine, these massive structures are often hundreds of feet tall and require substantial upfront investment. The placement of wind turbines in rural areas requires further investment in underground lines to send power to more populated areas like towns and cities where it’s needed. 

​4) Unreliable/unpredictable-wind energy suffers from what is called intermittency, which is a disruption caused by the inconsistency of the wind itself. Since wind can blow at various speeds, it’s hard to predict the amount of energy it can collect at a given time. This means suppliers and cities need to have an energy reserve or alternative sources of power in case the winds die down for longer lengths of time.

5) It's a permanent elimination of the natural landscape-Once these turbines are installed and running-the natural landscape is permanently destroyed. When they break down-the money needed to repair them, and keep them running efficiently is another unpredictable issue.

In the Shadow of Wind Farms.
https://stories.usatodaynetwork.com/windfarms/home/

Locals Worry Wind and Solar Will Gobble Up Forests and Farms
https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2021/04/30/locals-worry-wind-and-solar-will-gobble-up-forests-and-farms

Wind Turbine Noise and Human Health: A Review-
https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/PHA_wind_turbine_sound_05_2017.pdf
American Bird Conservancy says no to wind turbine project
https://windmillskill.com/blog/american-bird-conservancy-says-no-wind-turbine-project

Vermont Sets New Noise Rules for Wind Turbines
https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/vermont-sets-new-noise-rules-for-wind-turbines

On researching about solar farms, the concerns are many. They take up a lot of space, once the land is gobbled up, it's gone forever to solar panels. The degradation of the habitat environment. The animals, birds and insects are losing on every front, from these technologies.

The health risks to people is a serious factor. Some people suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity, which can lead to health problems ranging from mild to severe. An article below goes further into this.

If people are being affected by these solar farms-what are they doing to the animals, livestock, and insects; the implications are not good. I've read many articles of mass deaths of birds and wildlife, due to so much they are bombarded with, from the technologies people are using with no regard to the consequences. The world as a whole, is being decimated.

What are the concerns about solar panels-

11 Prevailing Solar Farms Pros and Cons
https://vittana.org/11-prevailing-solar-farms-pros-and-cons

Large-Scale Solar Farms : Pros and Cons
https://www.greentechnologyinfo.com/large-scale-solar-farms/

Living Next to a Solar Farm: Pros and Cons
https://greencoast.org/living-next-to-a-solar-farm/

​In summary, the landscape of Vermont is changing in a critical way, and for many reasons; and the results are troubling. 
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When God created Adam, and put him in a beautiful garden to take care of it, and tend to it, it  was a representation of the responsibility he gave mankind-to care for the earth and maintain it. 

Gen 2:7  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 soul. 
Gen 2:8  And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

Gen 2:15  And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 
But God also told him and the woman he created to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but they rebelled.
Gen 2:16  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 
Gen 2:17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 

Down through time, rebellion and covetousness have been two sins Satan uses a great deal, to achieve his goals, and uses people to destroy each other, and everything around them.
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This only sounds extreme, to those who refuse to really open their eyes, and see with discernment, and face reality.
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When Adam listened to Eve, and ate the forbidden fruit, sin entered into them, and corruption and decay immediately began-both within them, and the earth also.

Gen 3:1  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 
Gen 3:2  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 
Gen 3:3  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 
Gen 3:4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 
Gen 3:5  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 
Gen 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 
Gen 3:7  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 
Gen 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 
Gen 3:9  And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 
Gen 3:10  And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 
Gen 3:11  And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? 
Gen 3:12  And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 
Gen 3:13  And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 
Gen 3:14  And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 
Gen 3:15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 

Then God rebuked them both, and they were cast out of the garden:

Gen 3:16  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 
Gen 3:17  And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 
Gen 3:18  Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 
Gen 3:19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 
Gen 3:20  And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. 
Gen 3:21  Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. 
Gen 3:22  And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 
Gen 3:23  Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 
Gen 3:24  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. 

​When I gaze over the landscape of Vermont, and the world, I realize that the struggles, and attempts of man to survive and maintain the earth by depleting it's resources goes all the way back to the rebellion in the garden. If it had never happened, none of these problems would exist now. 

This is the results of thousands of years of man's attempt to maintain a fallen world by their own means, and own imaginations, and the results always ends the same; decay, rust, depletion of the resources of the planet, and death. The wages of sin, is death.

Below is a poem that describes the state we're in very well. The author has very keen eyes, and deep discernment. 

​THE WAY OF THE WORLD
by Peter Fraser

Children dying with tears in their eyes,
Starvation and filth are Satan's disguise.
His short time of rule is drawing near,
The way of the world is constant fear.

Our youth using crime to rule the night,
Lawlessness and vice, the Deceivers delight.
The populace shivers with nowhere to hide,
The way of the world is stubborn pride.

The elderly living in squalor and slums,
Despair and distrust are the Enemies guns.
Our social strata is based on neglect,
The way of the world is disrespect.

Parents who's children can have a free reign,
Laziness and sloth are the Serpents domain.
Discipline's crumbling and order's gone hence,
The way of the world is indifference.

World leaders who bleed their countries dry,
Greed is the apple of Lucifer's eye.
So many who strive for the biggest slice,
The way of the world is avarice.

Scientific advances for comfort and joy,
Modern technology is the Devil's toy.
We move further away from God's plan for his nations,
The way of the world is segregation.

Evolution is taught in our uni's and schools,
Falsities and lies are the Dark Prince's tools.
We explain away our sickness and schism,
The way of the world is humanism.

But now some good news, we need it I think,
After being oppressed by society's stink.
Jesus is coming in not days but hours,
To the Lord goes the victory, eternity is ours.

​AUTHORS NOTE:
Satan, with the assistance of spiritually blind mankind, has created the unfortunate circumstances all men have to live in while on this world. Pick up a newspaper and the proof of our sad state of affairs is right under our noses. But despair not saints, for Jesus said that all these things must occur before the end of time. With this in mind, knowing that the time of the Lord is upon us, we should try harder than ever to clean out our houses, so the Lord will enter and sup with us and not pass us by.

Conclusion:​
Vermont will never be what it was before these technologies started taking over. And, as much as I'd like to believe people will change and care more about the world around them, and each other; I'm not seeing it happen-we are on a collision course, with the destruction of the land, the wildlife-and no regard for each other. Don't believe me, do your own research-I encourage you to. If you do, you'll have your eyes opened, and once you are awake, you'll never be the able to not see the truth again.

But, I've also read the end of the Bible. Jesus is going to return, and when He does, He will once again go into creation mode, and form a new heaven, and a new earth. It must be this way-we have just about destroyed this one.
​I'm looking forward to it, with great anticipation.
Lorna Couillard​

Rev 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 
Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 
Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 
Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 
Rev 21:5  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 

Several years ago I came across some bible teachers who say there are people spreading a false gospel, and they call it a "second gospel". There are those who state there is no need to go through a prayer of salvation, or repentance to receive redemption-but only believe on the Lord Jesus and you'll be saved. You could go back and forth for a long time-and argue the point, but I'm going to take a few verses that dispute these claims and let the reader come to their own convictions.
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I have no personal dispute with these folks, but, what does scripture teach about this, without compromise.

The most important scripture Jesus ever spoke concerning himself, is in the gospel of John ch. 14:6:

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

This one verse describes who Jesus is, and the fact that He is the only way to salvation-there is no other; and He is the only way to access to the Father.

On the day of Pentecost, after Christ had risen from the dead Peter preached to the crowd of about 3,000 assembled there and proclaimed this:

Act 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 
Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

I've heard some teach that Peter was only preaching to Jews-that no Gentiles were present-how do they know that? According to Acts ch. 2:4-11, when the Holy Ghost fell on those in prayer-those standing around heard their own tongues and languages being spoken, including Arabians, Crete's, Egyptians etc.-they were not all Jews.
 
Peter was calling both Jews and Gentiles to repent-and be baptized for the remission of sins. I do not hold to anyone saying we can "just believe" and be saved. James tells us that the demons believe, and tremble.

Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 

According to 1John 1:7-10:
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 
1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

There are those who teach that when Jesus was preaching before his death-he was only referring to the Jews needing to repent, and that voicing repentance isn't necessary in Paul's gospel. The verses spoken above in 1John disputes this teaching. 

Paul states the gospel clearly in ICor. ch. 15:3-6
1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 
1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 
1Co 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 
1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 

When Paul was standing before Agrippa giving his testimony, he spoke of his mission to preach to both Jew and Gentile, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Act 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 
Act 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 

When I was alone in my house over 45 years ago I simply said "Lord, I know I've done so much, have sinned so greatly-there's no reason for you to love me, but if you would forgive me, please come into my heart and life and help me live for you." It included repentance, and simply acknowledging Jesus as Lord-and I knew He had answered that prayer, and I was saved.

A last point: there are also some who teach predestination-that some are predestined to be saved, and other's predestined to be damned. My stand on this is; God knows everything, at all times. He knows those who will repent and be saved, and who won't-but He does not intrude on anyone's free will. The door is always open for anyone to change, to turn around, and come to Jesus for salvation. Paul, a persecutor and murderer of Christians, before his conversion on the road to Damascus is a good example of the power of God to change any life. I'm in the same category-only the power of Jesus Christ, could save me, and change me; and He did. Jesus taught that "whosoever will-may come":

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 
Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 

Paul also emphasizes the open door of salvation to whosoever:

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 
Rom 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 
Rom 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

If predestination is to be adhered to-why does scripture through Paul proclaim the importance of preaching the gospel?

Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 

This tells me, whoever you are, if you know Christ as Savior-you are called to be a witness, and tell other's of the power of Jesus Christ to save, and heal. Then, leave the results to God.

The preacher/evangelist who truly cares for your soul, will preach the Gospel as it's written in the bible, regardless of the reactions. Ministers are just people, who God has chosen to work for Him-they aren't perfect. When they are preaching-the question to ask is- is it in the bible, is it scriptural, is it consistent throughout the bible. Is the preaching pointing you to Jesus Christ-or themselves.
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It's the word of God preached, that convicts of sin. If the word of God is preached without compromise-it will either bring the sinner to repentance, or cause a riot- and persecution; the book of Acts gives accounts of this fact.

The bible teaches us all have sinned:

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

One sin, one lie, one stolen item, is all it takes, to put us on the road to hell. That is why Jesus came-to pay the sin debt, we could not pay.

Jesus showed by example-that though he was a King-he became a servant, even unto death, the death of the cross. He was all love-but the world rejected Him. Most in the world reject him today. But, for those who humble themselves, admit their sinners, in need of a Savior and come to him in honest repentance-He will in no wise cast out. He will come into your heart and life, and begin to do the work of transformation, and renewing your mind and soul, into His image-it's a lifelong journey. He loves you, and has prepared a place for you to be with Him in heaven, if you will open your heart, and let Him in.

Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 

The graphics of the Gospel that are posted here, include the most important truths, according to scripture, of who Christ is, why He came, and a simple prayer to help anyone who desires to open their heart to Jesus, and be born again. 
It's my prayer you will make that decision today. None of us are guaranteed  tomorrow.
Lorna Couillard

Some added teaching from commentaries:
1 John 1:8-10
If we say that we have no sin. To say that we have reached a sinless state in which we no longer need the blood of Christ to cleanse us is a deception. This language is in square opposition to the claims of the "Perfectionists" of all ages.

If we confess our sins. Instead of affirming that we are sinless we should confess our sins.

Faithful and just. If we confess our sins the Lord will be faithful to his promise of mercy, and just in requiring us to have the atonement of Christ, to forgive us our sins.

If we say that we have not sinned. God says we have sinned. He declares "There is none righteous; no, not one." Hence, if we affirm that we are sinless we make God a liar. B.W. Johnson comm.

If we confess our sins,.... Not to one other; for though it is our duty to confess our faults to our fellow creatures and fellow Christians which are committed against them, yet are under no obligation to confess such as are more immediately against God, and which lie between him and ourselves; or at least it is sufficient to confess and acknowledge in general what sinful creatures we are, without entering into particulars; for confession of sin is to be made to God, against whom it is committed, and who only can pardon: and a man that truly confesses his sin is one that the Spirit of God has convinced of it, and has shown him its exceeding sinfulness, and filled him with a godly sorrow for it, and given him repentance unto salvation, that needeth not to be repented of; and who, under such a sight and sense of sin, and concern for it, comes and acknowledges it before the Lord, humbly imploring, for Christ's sake, his pardoning grace and mercy; and such obtain it: John Gill comm.

Righteous Forgiveness   1 John 1:8-9
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.—1Jn_1:8-9.
1. These words sum up the great characteristic aim which distinguishes Christianity from every other system and institution on earth. The object of education is to get rid of ignorance. The object of medicine is to get rid of disease. The object of Socialism (at least, according to many of its advocates) is to get rid of poverty. But the object of Christianity is to get rid of sin. The Gospel lays its finger on moral evil as the real mischief and misery of the world. Compared with the supreme curse of human selfishness, nothing else seriously matters. And accordingly the Gospel proposes to cure this inward malady of the soul. Herein, it stands apart from other religions. As Amiel said, “The prayer of the Buddhist is, ‘Deliver us from existence’; the prayer of the Christian is, ‘Deliver us from evil.’ ”
​Source: Great Texts
Resources and teachings on salvation:
Paid in Full-
https://www.twosparrowsministry.org/home/snapshots-of-faith-paid-in-full

Are You Prepared To Die?-
https://www.twosparrowsministry.org/home/are-you-prepared-to-die

Pulling Them Out Of The Fire-
https://www.twosparrowsministry.org/home/pulling-them-out-of-the-fire

​A Convenient Season-
https://www.twosparrowsministry.org/home/a-convenient-season
​​
Concerning the doctrine of election:
Mat_24:31  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect  from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mar_13:27  And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Luk_18:7  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
                                      TEACHINGS ON THE DOCTRINE OF ELECTION
Election is no Discouragement to Seeking Souls-Charles Spurgeon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQx0jgOAYBk
Election: Its Defenses and Evidences - Charles Spurgeon Sermon-
https://youtu.be/IvCaiwVHtsE
Election - Charles Spurgeon / Christian Audio Sermons
https://youtu.be/1qmPisb39bA

DUET. 32:1-47, Rev. ch 15:1-8
In the bible there are two places that teach us about a very important song, The Song of Moses. Its the song of the redeemed, both of the Jews, and the Gentiles who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb-The Lord Jesus Christ. In this blog, we'll explore both versions. 

Moses spoke this song to the Jews, in Dueteronomy chapter 31 and 32, ending in verse 44. It was one of the last blessings he gave to them before his death. It was to give instruction, encouragement and add to their faith. He ended by emphasizing the importance of the words in this song:

Deu 32:45  And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel: 
Deu 32:46  And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 
Deu 32:47  For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

Now, the full reading to the people by Moses:
Deuteronomy 32:1-45

                                       MOSES’ SONG: THE LORD’S FAVOR UPON ISRAEL
Deu 32:1  Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 
Deu 32:2  My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: 
Deu 32:3  Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 
Deu 32:4  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. 
Deu 32:5  They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. 
Deu 32:6  Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? 
Deu 32:7  Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. 
Deu 32:8  When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. 
Deu 32:9  For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. 
Deu 32:10  He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. 
Deu 32:11  As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: 
Deu 32:12  So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him. 
Deu 32:13  He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; 
Deu 32:14  Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape. 
Deu 32:15  But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. 
Deu 32:16  They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. 
Deu 32:17  They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. 
Deu 32:18  Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. 
Deu 32:19  And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. 
Deu 32:20  And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. 
Deu 32:21  They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. 
Deu 32:22  For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. 
Deu 32:23  I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. 
Deu 32:24  They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. 
Deu 32:25  The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs. 
Deu 32:26  I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: 
Deu 32:27  Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this. 
Deu 32:28  For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. 
Deu 32:29  O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! 
Deu 32:30  How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? 
Deu 32:31  For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. 
Deu 32:32  For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: 
Deu 32:33  Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. 
Deu 32:34  Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures? 
Deu 32:35  To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. 
Deu 32:36  For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left. 
Deu 32:37  And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted, 
Deu 32:38  Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. 
Deu 32:39  See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. 
Deu 32:40  For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever. 
Deu 32:41  If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. 
Deu 32:42  I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy. 
Deu 32:43  Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people. 
Deu 32:44  And Moses came and spake all the words of this song in the ears of the people, he, and Hoshea the son of Nun. 
Deu 32:45  And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel: 

To get a deeper teaching of this song, go back to chapter 31 and read the account of the Lord giving this song to Moses; it will enrich your understanding.

He ended it by emphasizing the importance of the words in this song:
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Deu 32:46  And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 
Deu 32:47  For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

I've pondered how different this world be today-if the people had heeded his words, and kept them. 
To go further into this- I'll add a commentary:

                                           MOSES’ SONG: THE LORD’S FAVOR UPON ISRAEL
The song of Moses, like the fabled song of the swan, was his last and sweetest. It is probably the noblest ode in the whole compass of the Bible, and is the source from which subsequent singers derived suggestions for their noblest outbursts. The marginal references prove how deeply it dyed the national sentiment.

It excels in the names and designations of the Almighty. He is the Rock: Deu_31:4; Deu_31:15; Deu_31:18; Deu_31:30; Jehovah: Deu_31:6; Father: Deu_31:6; the Most High: Deu_31:8; God: El, the strong, Deu_31:15, etc. What a study are the names of God, scattered through the Bible! Each was coined to meet some need of the human soul. What the rocks of the desert are to its shifting sands God is amid the changes of this mortal existence.
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This earlier part of the song is very tender. We are God’s portion; the apple of His eye; as young eaglets, whom the mother-bird is carefully teaching to fly, the favored recipients of God’s richest gifts, Deu_31:13, etc. F.B. Meyer comm.

Below is posted a two-part teaching on the Song of Moses.

Song of Moses Lyrics
And I saw another sign in Heaven
Great and Marvelous
Seven Angels having the Seven Last Plagues
For in them was filled up
The wrath of God
And I saw as though a sea of Glass
Mingled with fire
And them that had gotten the victory
Over the Beast, and over his image, and over his Mark
And over the number of his name
Stand on the sea of glass
Having the harps of God
And they sing the song of Moses
The Servant of God and the song of the Lamb
Saying.

Great and marvelous are thy works
Lord God Almighty
Just and True are Thy ways
Thou king of Saints
Whom shall not fear Thee
Whom shall not fear Thee
Whom shall not fear Thee oh Lord
And glorify Thy name.

Great and marvelous are thy works
Oh Lord God Almighty
Just and True are Thy ways
Thou king of Saints

Whom shall not fear Thee
Whom shall not fear Thee
(Oooh) who shall not fear Thee oh Lord
And glorify Thy name.

Nations shall come and worship Him
(Oooh) Lord God Almighty
The judgement shall be then manifest
Thou king of Saints
Whom shall not fear Thee
And glorify Thy name.

Whom shall not fear Thee
(Oh oh oh oh) whom shall not fear Thee
(Oooh) whom shall not fear Thee oh Lord
And glorify Thy name.
For Thou alone art Holy
For Thou alone art Holy
Ooh Thou Hallelujah alone art Holy
And we glorify Thy Name

For Thou alone art Holy
For Thou alone art Holy
(Ooh) Thou alone art Holy
(and we glorify Thy Name)
And we glorify Thy Name
And we glorify Thy Name (Thy name, Oh oh oh yes we do)
And we glorify Thy Name
Thy Name
Thy Name
Thy Name
Thy Name
​This version will be sung by the redeemed in heaven in Rev. ch. 15
Song of Moses Paul Wilbur - https://youtu.be/wq3eXoD18pU

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​Moving forward, the book of Revelation teaches us about the song of Moses-and what it means to us today.

​​Rev 15:2  And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 
Rev 15:3  And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 

Here the Apostle John depicted in his vision the myriad of God's people before the Throne of God-worshiping Him in all His glory-forever united with Him, never to know pain or heartache again. What a picture of infinite rapture. I'll use some commentaries to bring greater clarity and beauty to this future event.

They sing the song of Moses . . . and the song of the Lamb. When Israel was delivered from Egypt they sang the song Moses as they had done on the shores of the Red Sea. Here, the spiritual Israel, redeemed, standing on the crystal sea, sings a song of deliverance, but it is the old song to a new strain; the song of the Lamb now; of the Redeemer.

Just and true are thy ways. The salvation of the true worshipers and the judgment seat upon which the wicked beast, demonstrated the truth and justice of God.

Who shall not fear thee? The judgments now given to the seven angels showed that God is a consuming fire, as well as a sun and a shield. We are left in no doubt concerning the identity of these singers. They are "them that had gained the victory over the beast and his image, and over his mark and the number of his name." The ground of their rejoicing is also recorded. "All nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." The mighty arm of God is to be revealed in bringing to naught the powers of evil, and especially all the great enemies over whom they had been victorious. The saints who have undergone the persecution of the beast are represented as rejoicing because the day of its judgment has come.  excerpt from B.W. Johnson commentary

Song of Moses ... and ... the Lamb — The New Testament song of the Lamb (that is, the song which the Lamb shall lead, as being “the Captain of our salvation,” just as Moses was leader of the Israelites, the song in which those who conquer through Him [Rom_8:37] shall join, Rev_12:11) is the antitype to the triumphant Old Testament song of Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea (Exo_15:1-21). The Churches of the Old and New Testament are essentially one in their conflicts and triumphs. The two appear joined in this phrase, as they are in the twenty-four elders. Similarly, Isa_12:1-6 foretells the song of the redeemed (Israel foremost) after the second antitypical exodus and deliverance at the Egyptian Sea. The passage through the Red Sea under the pillar of cloud was Israel’s baptism, to which the believer’s baptism in trials corresponds. The elect after their trials (especially those arising from the beast) shall be taken up before the vials of wrath be poured on the beast and his kingdom. So Noah and his family were taken out of the doomed world before the deluge; Lot was taken out of Sodom before its destruction; the Christians escaped by a special interposition of Providence to Pella before the destruction of Jerusalem. As the pillar of cloud and fire interposed between Israel and the Egyptian foe, so that Israel was safely landed on the opposite shore before the Egyptians were destroyed; so the Lord, coming with clouds and in flaming fire, shall first catch up His elect people “in the clouds to meet Him in the air,” and then shall with fire destroy the enemy. The Lamb leads the song in honor of the Father amidst the great congregation. This is the “new song” mentioned in Rev_14:3. The singing victors are the 144,000 of Israel, “the first-fruits,” and the general “harvest” of the Gentiles.
servant of God — (Exo_14:31; Num_12:7; Jos_22:5). The Lamb is more: He is the SON.

Great and marvelous are thy works, etc. — part of Moses’ last song (Deu_32:3, Deu_32:4). The vindication of the justice of God that so He may be glorified is the grand end of God’s dealings. Hence His servants again and again dwell upon this in their praises (Rev_16:7; Rev_19:2; Pro_16:4; Jer_10:10; Dan_4:37). Especially at the judgment (Psa_50:1-6; Psa_145:17).

saints — There is no manuscript authority for this. A, B, Coptic, and Cyprian read, “of the NATIONS.” C reads “of the ages,” and so Vulgate and Syriac. The point at issue in the Lord’s controversy with the earth is, whether He, or Satan’s minion, the beast, is “the King of the nations”; here at the eve of the judgments descending on the kingdom of the beast, the transfigured saints hail Him as “the King of the nations” (Eze_21:27).  excerpt from JFB commentary

The imagery in the magnificent scene with which this chapter opens is perhaps borrowed from Pharaoh’s overthrow in the Red Sea, which, as the rich lines of an Eastern dawn illuminated its waters, seemed like a sea of glass mingled with fire. So, beside the crystal sea of Time, from whose surface all traces of storm will have been removed and on which the eternal morning will be breaking, we, who by grace have overcome, shall celebrate the final victory of God. We shall sing an anthem in which the Hebrew and the Christian, the children of the old dispensation and of the new, the souls who have seen through a glass darkly and those who have beheld face to face, shall rejoice together.

One day we shall see the rightfulness of all that God has done, Rev_15:4. All His ways are just and true, whether our poor human sense detects this or not. Let us dare to affirm it even now. Ponder that great name-King of the ages, Rev_15:3, R.V. He only is holy; we need the perfect cleansing and righteousness which He gives us, that we may dare to stand in His presence. From this radiant vision, we turn sadly to the fate of the godless, Christ-rejecting world. See Rev_15:1-8; Rev_14:1-20; Rev_13:1-18; Rev_12:1-17; Rev_11:1-19; Rev_10:1-11; Rev_9:1-21; Rev_8:1-13.
F.B. Meyer commentary

Revelation ch. 12 relays the defeat of the accuser of the brethren.

                                                  Satan Thrown Down to Earth
Rev 12:7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 

Rev 12:8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 

Rev 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 

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. 

I'm looking forward to this day, with great anticipation. In the book of Job it tells of the account of Satan accusing Job before God, and his response-it's a window of what he does to God's people, all the time.

As you read the account below-realize this is a picture of what he does to us, every day.

                                                    Satan Allowed to Test Job
Job 1:6  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. 
Job 1:7  And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 
Job 1:8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 
Job 1:9  Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 
Job 1:10  Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 
Job 1:11  But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 
Job 1:12  And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. 

The song of Moses is the song of the redeemed who have overcome the evil of this world, and stand now before the Throne, in victory.

​The expositor's bible sums up this end time event beautifully:

"The song now sung, however, is not that of Moses only, the great centre of the Old Testament Dispensation; it is also the Song of the Lamb, the centre and the sum of the New Testament. Both Dispensations are in the Seer’s thoughts, and in the number of those who sing are included the saints of each, the members of the one Universal Church. No disciple of Jesus either before or after His first coming is omitted. Everyone is there from whose hands the bonds of the world have fallen off, and who has cast in his lot with the followers of the Lamb. Hence also the song is wider in its range than that by which the thought of it appears to have been suggested. It celebrates the great and marvelous works of the Almighty in general. It speaks of Him as the King of the nations, that is, as the King who subdues the nations under Him. It rejoices in the fact that His righteous acts have been made manifest. And it anticipates the time when all the nations shall come and worship before Him, shall bow themselves at His feet, and shall acknowledge that His judgments against sin are not only just in themselves, but are allowed to be so by the very persons on whom they fall."
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen

2Ch 20:5  And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 
2Ch 20:6  And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? 
2Ch 20:7  Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? 
2Ch 20:8  And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 
2Ch 20:9  If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 
2Ch 20:10  And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; 
2Ch 20:11  Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. 
2Ch 20:12  O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. 
​2Ch 20:13  And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 
2Ch 20:14  Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; 
2Ch 20:15  And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 
2Ch 20:16  To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 
2Ch 20:17  Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. 
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You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD: Judah did not need to fight in this battle, yet it did not mean there was nothing for them to do. It was a significant step of faith to position yourselves, to stand still, and to believe that you would see the salvation of the LORD in the face of a large attacking army.
d. Tomorrow go out against them: There were any number of ways that God could have defeated these armies assembled against Judah, but He appointed a way that demanded the participation of faith on behalf of Judah. They had to work on a faith-partnership with God. John Guzik
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Corresponding verses:
Mat 6:7  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 
Mat 6:8  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 
Mat 6:9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
Mat 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
Mat 6:11  Give us this day our daily bread. 
Mat 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
Mat 6:13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 
Luk 11:1  And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 
Luk 11:2  And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 
Luk 11:3  Give us day by day our daily bread. 
Luk 11:4  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. 

Neh 4:1  But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 

​Neh 4:7  But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, 
Neh 4:8  And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. 

Neh 6:1  Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) 
Neh 6:2  That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. 
Neh 6:3  And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? 
Corresponding verses: Psalm 12:2, Psalm 37:12, 37:32, Psalm 56:6, Prov. 26:24-26, Ecc. 4:4, Luke 20:19-21
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Some points to bring out:
1. People with the spirit of Sanballat will gather other's with them, who will follow them and aide them in their evil intentions. There are always those who are willing to be led by the arrogant, proud, and boastful. By their actions and their mouths, they find other's who seek to destroy something they see another doing that threatens them, or opposes their own positions. 

2. If God has called you to do something, consider the source of what is in the enemies work to destroy you; they are working for the devil. Resolve to go on with God, and trust God to deal with your enemies, and give you what is needed to do what God's given you to do.

3. It must be that the work of God often makes the enemy of our soul angry. He must often rage against the progress being made by God’s people in touching a lost world for Jesus Christ. It’s not bad to make the devil, and people angry. When the conviction of the Holy Spirit is dealing with a person-it comes out in anger many times.

​4. In the midst of the storm, use wisdom, and trust God. Continue to do the concrete things God would have you do, to obtain the victory.

5. Nehemiah didn't try to put on an elaborate defense, trying to prove Sanballat wrong on every point. He didn't waste his time. Nehemiah replied by calmly and straightforwardly telling Sanballat that he was a liar to his face, then turning away from him, and going on with the work. You gain the victory by not giving in to the threats, taunts, mocking, and keep doing what God's given you to do. This is what defeated Sanballat, and it will defeat your enemies also. In God's own time God proved Sanballat a liar, without Nehemiah saying anything more.

6. With discernment comes faith, and courage. People become paralyzed by fear and discouragement or what is said about them. We need to do just the opposite; people will talk no matter what you do. Satan's strategies fail, when we face the fears and the opposition with steadfast obedience to God, and just keep on doing what we are called to do. It puts Satan right where he belongs, under our feet.
​“No man can lead a work of God if he allows himself to be governed by what other people think. He is to secure help, fellowship, prayer, advice, and he is foolish not to take it; but if his ultimate decisions are based on popular opinion he is going to fail.” (Redpath)

7. Many times people called to do something for God get themselves caught in a trap - unknowingly being hired by a Sanballat - and on their payroll. You find out one day - He/She has hired you to do something you know is dishonest, out of God's will, and corrupt. Your left to make up your mind to refuse-and probably be fired, lose any source of income, and any/all position you have now in ministry in order to stay in right standing with God. Many find themselves in this position and cave in to the money, and recognition of the world, and stay on the payroll--to their peril. On Judgment day-they will find they've lost the most important thing-Jesus Himself.

8. A false prophet offered Nehemiah an easy way out - but it was a way of fear and disobedience. Nehemiah would have none of it. Jesus was also offered a way out of the cross from Satan - just worship Satan, and all the kingdoms of the world would be delivered to Him. But Jesus would have none of it. Sadly, this can't be said by most today-they'll sell themselves in a minute for the fame, and profit it will bring.
​Neh 6:10  Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee. 
Neh 6:11  And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. 
Neh 6:12  And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 

9. He didn't lash out against the false-religionists, he simply committed these wicked men - and the situation - to God. He didn't try to fake a friendship with him, to coerce him to stop their evil mischief. If God could take good care of Nehemiah, then He could take also take care of Shemaiah according to divine wisdom.

10. Remain clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ, always wearing the armor of God, ready for that final trumpet blast that will gather us up together with our Lord.
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I am doing a great work - Though he knew their design, he does not think it prudent to mention it. Had he done so, they would probably have gone to extremities, finding that they were discovered; and perhaps in a formidable body attacked Jerusalem, when ill provided to sustain such a shock. They wished to effect their purpose rather by treachery than by open violence. I know not any language which a man who is employed on important labors can use more suitably, as an answer to the thousand invitations and provocations he may have to remit his work, enter into useless or trivial conferences, or notice weak, wicked, and malicious attacks on his work and his motives: “I am doing a great work, so I cannot stoop to your nonsense, or notice your malevolence. Why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to such as you?”
Adam Clarke

Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono: At this time, Sanballat and Geshem tried to arrange a meeting with Nehemiah - by appearances, a friendly meeting, perhaps even a reconciliation or a vacation. Their invitation may have had the sense of a break for a few days of rest and relaxation out on the plain of Ono.

c. But they thought to do me harm: Nehemiah was equipped to see through the outward appearance, and to understand what Sanballat’s friendly offer was all about.
i. “Whether you be a pastor or a teacher or evangelist or Sunday school leader, or whatever your position may be in Christian leadership, let me say that there will always be those who are friendly to your face, but plan your downfall behind your back. Beware of the fawning, flattering Christian who is always fluttering around you, and who behind your back will be the first to rejoice when you go down.” (Redpath)
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d. But they thought to do me harm: Nehemiah was equipped with discernment.
i. Discernment is the ability to judge matters according to God’s view of them, and not according to their outward appearance. We are often deceived by outward appearances; For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1Sa_16:7).
ii. Many people confuse being discerning with being negative or cynical; but discernment is just as able to see the good where other might miss it as it is at seeing bad where others might see good according to the outward appearance.
iii. Christians today suffer a great deal because they lack discernment. They follow leaders and teachers who give a good appearance, but don’t walk in the nature of Jesus. They accept things blindly because it looks good or sounds good, without carefully judging it against the whole counsel of God’s Word. We might even picture Nehemiah going to the Word of God, and equipping himself with discernment. Perhaps he read Pro_27:6 : Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. That passage alone would remind him to not look to outward appearances, but to judge soberly. (excerpt from David Guzik

​Dan 3:16  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 
Dan 3:17  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 
Dan 3:18  But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 
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"Imagine the assembled myriads, the glittering array of princes, satraps, viceroys, statesmen, and priests, the grouped bands, and in the background the furnace. The three youths could not have stood alone amid the prostrate throng, had they not been supported by a living faith in the God of their fathers, Heb_11:33-34. They would not argue, but they could die, if God willed. Their attitude must be taken and maintained altogether apart from any expectation of deliverance. Our God whom we serve is able-and He will." F.B. Meyer
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If it be so - "Thou mayest cast us into the furnace; the terror of it has no effect on our minds to induce us to alter the resolution we have taken, nor shall the fire change our purpose. We serve a God who is able to deliver us. Should he not, we are equally determined; but we are satisfied that in some way or other he will deliver us out of thy hand. Thy power cannot affect us in the kingdom of our God to which we shall ascend from thy furnace, should he permit the fire to kindle upon us. “Render to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s,” is a maxim of Jesus Christ; but when Caesar arrogates to himself the things that are the Lord’s, then, and in such cases, his authority is to be resisted. God does not desire Caesar’s things; Caesar’s must not have the things of God."
​Adam Clarke

Corresponding verses:
​Isa 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 
Isa 26:4  Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: 
Isa 26:5  For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. 
Act 20:22  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 
Act 20:23  Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 
Act 20:24  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 
Act 4:9  If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 
Act 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 
Act 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 
Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 
Act 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 

​Pro 27:4  Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 

​But who is able to stand before envy? which is secret in a man's heart, and privately contrives and works the ruin of another, and against which there is no guarding. All mankind in Adam fell before the envy of Satan; for it was through the envy of the devil that sin and death came into the world, in the Apocrypha:
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"Nevertheless through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.'' (Wisdom 2:24)
Abel could not stand before the envy of Cain; nor Joseph before the envy of his brethren; nor Christ before the envy of the Jews, his bitter enemies; and, where it is, there is confusion and every evil work, Jas_3:14. An envious man is worse than an angry and wrathful man; his wrath and anger may be soon over, or there may be ways and means of appeasing him; but envy continues and abides, and works insensibly. John Gill

Corresponding verses: Gal_5:15, Gal_5:21, Gal_5:26; Php_1:15, Php_2:3; 1Ti_6:4; Tit_3:3

Ecc 9:6  Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

Neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is under the sun: the worldly man's portion is only in this life, and when he dies, he carries nothing of it with him; whose ever his possessions will be at death, they are no more his, nor will he ever return to enjoy them any more; his houses, his lands, his estates, his gold and silver, and whatever of worth and value he had, he has no more lot and part in them: but the good man has a portion above the sun; God is his portion, heaven is his inheritance for ever and ever. The Targum understands it of the wicked; "and they have no good part with the righteous in the world to come; and they have no profit of all that is done in this world under the sun.'' John Gill

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. (4) For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. (5) For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they anymore a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. (6) Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they anymore a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.
Scripture is strikingly solemn upon the state of the unregenerate when they die. They go to the dead, Solomon says. And a similar expression is made of Judas, that he went unto his own place. Act_1:25. Then that awful conclusion becomes final: He that is filthy, let him be filthy still! Rev_22:11. Reader, think of these things, and Solomon’s observations will have their just effect, and be found true. 
​Robert Hawker

Unable to be happy for someone else's success or gifts of their personality, their financial status, or the soundness of their life. 
Exhibiting bitter sullenness, resentment, anger, unable to be kind in the presence of the person; but are compelled to intimidate, insult, or attempt to demean them in some way-in order to feel superior to them, and destroy them, by word, action; or both.

Pro 3:31  Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 
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oppressor — or man of mischief. The destiny of successful evildoers warns against desiring their lot (Psa_37:1, Psa_37:2, Psa_37:35, Psa_37:36). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
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Envy thou not the oppressor,.... The man that gets wealth and riches by acts of injustice, by oppressing the poor, by rapine and violence; do not envy his prosperity, and the substance he is possessed of; do not wish to be in his place and circumstances, to enjoy his affluence and ease; do not look upon his happiness with an envious eye and a fretting heart; he is far from being a happy man; his end will be bad; see Psa_37:1 below

and choose none of his ways; which he has used to get his riches in; do not follow him in them; for should you do as he has done, and get ever so much, since this would be with the loss of your souls, of what advantage would it be? He makes the best choice that chooses the "good part" that shall not be taken away, Luk_10:42; Christ, and the ways of Christ. John Gill
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Psa 37:1  A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 
Psa 37:2  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 
Psa 37:3  Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 
Psa 37:4  Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 
Psa 37:5  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 
Psa 37:6  And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 
Psa 37:7  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 
Psa 37:8  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 
Psa 37:9  For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 
Psa 37:10  For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 

​Isa 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 
Isa 41:11  Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. 
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Yea, I will help thee; help them out of all their afflictions and temptations, and out of the hands of all their enemies; help them in the discharge of duty, in the exercise of grace, in bearing the cross, in fighting the Lord's battles, and in their journey to another world; help them to every mercy, temporal and spiritual, to all needful supplies of grace, and at last to glory; whose help is suitable and seasonable, and may be expected, since he is able to help, either with or without means; has promised to help his people, as here, and he is faithful that has promised; he has laid help on one that is mighty, and set up a throne of grace to come to for help in time of need; and seeing he is their helper, they need not fear what men or devils can do unto them, Heb_13:5. John Gill
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Corresponding verses:
Psa 46:1  To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 
Psa 46:2  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 
Psa 46:3  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 
Psa 37:8  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 
Psa 37:9  For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 
Psa 37:10  For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 
Psa 37:11  But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 
Psa 37:12  The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. 
Psa 37:13  The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. 
Psa 37:14  The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. 
Psa 37:15  Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 
Psa 37:16  A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. 
Psa 37:17  For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. 
Psa 37:18  The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. 
Psa 37:19  They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 
Psa 37:20  But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. 

​Psa 18:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 
Psa 18:2  The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 
Psa 18:3  I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. 

​The confident claim of the righteous. Psa_18:20-26. We cannot boast a righteousness of our own, but we stand in Christ. We are full of impurity and evil, but we may claim at least integrity of motive. Compare Psa_18:26 with Lev_26:21-24. The wind blows in one direction; you can walk against it or with it-take your choice.
F.B. Meyer
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Corresponding verses:
Psa 91:2  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 
Psa 91:3  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 
Psa 91:4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 
Pro 2:7  He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 
Pro 2:8  He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

​Psa 27:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 
Psa 27:2  When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 
Psa 27:3  Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 
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The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? meaning not of his natural life, though he was the God of his life, who had given it to him, and had preserved it, and upheld his soul in it; but of his spiritual life: Christ is the author of spiritual life, he implants the principle of it in the hearts of his people, yea, he himself is that life; he lives in them, and is the support of their life; he is the tree of life, and the bread of life, by which it is maintained; and he is the security of it, it is bound up in the bundle of life with him, it is hid with Christ in God; and because he lives they live also; and he gives unto them eternal life, so that they have no reason to be afraid that they shall come short of heaven and happiness; nor need they fear them that kill the body and can do no more; nor any enemy whatever, who cannot reach their spiritual life, nor hurt that, nor hinder them of the enjoyment of eternal life. John Gill
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Corresponding verses:
Psa 28:7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. 
Psa 28:8  The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. 
Psa 28:9  Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. 
2Co 12:8  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 
2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
​Php 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 
Php 4:12  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 
Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 
Psa 118:6  The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 
Psa 118:7  The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. 
Psa 118:8  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 
Psa 118:9  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. 
Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 
Heb 13:6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

​Luk 12:4  And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 
Luk 12:5  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 
Luk 12:6  Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 
Luk 12:7  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 

​                         THE SECRET OF FEARLESSNESS
"The program of this paragraph seems dark. The leaven of evil always at work; the body tortured and killed; confession difficult, denial easy; the trials before synagogues and rulers; the anxiety of witnessing a good confession. The Lord never hesitated in stating the heavy tribulation through which His disciples must come to the Kingdom.
But what infinite compensations! Not forgotten by God; our hairs numbered; confessed before the angels; taught how to speak; all sin forgiven! With such comforts, who of us need fear, except only the power of Satan! What infinite sympathy and care our Father has for us! He knows our sorrows, marks every lurch of the boat, and will supply His gracious comfort and help. Why should we flinch before a world in arms, so long as the Son of man stands for us, as He did for Stephen, at “the right hand of God?” The outward man may decay, but the inward man is renewed day by day."  F.B. Meyer
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Corresponding verses:
Php 1:28  And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 
Php 1:29  For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 
Php 1:30  Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
1Pe 3:11  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 
1Pe 3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 
1Pe 3:13  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 
1Pe 3:14  But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 
1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 
1Pe 3:16  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

2Ki 6:8  Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 
2Ki 6:9  And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 
2Ki 6:10  And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 
2Ki 6:11  Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel? 
2Ki 6:12  And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. 
2Ki 6:13  And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. 
2Ki 6:14  Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. 
2Ki 6:15  And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? 
2Ki 6:16  And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 
2Ki 6:17  And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the
LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 
2Ki 6:18  And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 
2Ki 6:19  And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. 
2Ki 6:20  And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 
2Ki 6:21  And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? 
2Ki 6:22  And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. 
2Ki 6:23  And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

Lord - open his eyes - "Where is heaven? Is it not above, beneath, around us? And were our eyes open as were those of the prophet’s servant, we should see the heavenly host in all directions. The horses and chariots of fire were there, before the eyes of Elisha’s servant were opened." Adam Clarke

​Elisha sees his invisible, spiritual protection.
Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
a. Alas, my master! What shall we do? When Elisha’s servant saw the horses and chariots and a great army surrounding their city, he was naturally afraid. He knew that there was little chance of escaping or surviving an attack from so many.
b. Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them: This seemed unbelievable to Elisha’s servant. He saw the horses, the chariots, and the great army surrounding them. He could not see anyone who was with himself and Elisha.
i. We also notice that Elisha gave his servant a reason to not fear. This was not empty hope or wishful thinking; it was a real reason for confidence, even if the servant could not see it.
c. LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see: Elisha did not pray that God would change anything in the situation. His only request was that his servant could actually see the reality of the situation. Yet, Elisha also did not try to persuade the servant of the reality of those who are with us. The servant could not have this explained to him nor could he be persuaded into it. He had to see it.
d. Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw: God answered Elisha’s prayer. When a person is blind to spiritual reality, only God can open their eyes. God may do it through the words someone speaks, but the work of spiritually opening eyes is spiritual work and belongs to God alone.
e. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha: When his eyes were opened, the servant saw the reality that he could not see before. He saw that there really were more with him and Elisha than those assembled against them.
i. The previous lack of perception on the part of Elisha’s servant did not make the reality of the spiritual army any less real. If there are 50 people who do not see something, it doesn’t invalidate the perception of one who does see.
ii. “Faith is never the imagining of unreal things. It is the grip of things which cannot be demonstrated to the senses, but which are real. The chariots of horses and fire were actually there.” (Morgan)
iii. “That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. Four witnesses saw him commit a murder. He pleaded that he was not guilty, and wished to establish his innocence by producing forty persons who did not see him do it. Of what use would that have been? So, if forty people declare that there is no power of the Holy Ghost going with the word, this only proves that the forty people do not know what others do know.” (Charles Spurgeon, Three Sights Worth Seeing)
iv. Horses and chariots were the most sophisticated and mighty military instruments of the day. But the invisible army of God had literally more firepower than the horses and chariots of the Syrians. The spiritual army had chariots of fire all around Elisha.
v. “If our eyes were opened, we should see the angel-hosts as an encircling fence of fire; but whether we see them or not, they are certainly there.” (Meyer) David Guzik

"This is an acted parable of extreme beauty and suggestiveness. First, the stroke of trouble-swift, unlooked for, and apparently insurmountable; then the vivid contrast between the despair of the man of this world and the undaunted faith of him to whom the unseen is as real as the visible, because he possesses the second-sight of faith. Faith visualizes the unseen and eternal. A good man’s intercession will still obtain spiritual vision for those who are spiritually blind. For many whom we love we may breathe Elisha’s prayer, 2Ki_6:17. Notice that the last sentence of 2Ki_6:19 in the R.V. begins with and. The objective of the Syrian army was the king of Israel, and Elisha led them to him.
The lesson of this narrative is the proximity of God’s guardian hosts. They are a cordon of protection to His children. The mountain is full of them. Elisha had seen them convoy his master home; he never expected that he would have the honor of their care. We do not need more help than is already within reach, but we do need grace to see the things that are freely given to us of God."  Joh_4:10. F.B. Meyer

Isa 54:17  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. 

Promises of prosperity, peace, and protection. “O you afflicted one, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of crystal, and all your walls of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. Behold, I have created the blacksmith who blows the coals in the fire, who brings forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.
a. To you afflicted one, tossed with tempest and not comforted: God cares about the afflicted one. He cares about the one tossed with tempest. He cares about the one who is not comforted. When someone is in this place - afflicted, tossed, and not comforted - it is easy for them to believe God doesn’t care. But He does, and He gives precious promises to give strength.
b. Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems . . . sapphires . . . rubies . . . crystal: God will lavish riches upon the hurting and afflicted. When someone feels afflicted, tossed, and not comforted, they feel poor, no matter how much money they have in the bank. God promises to make the afflicted truly rich.
c. All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children: When we are afflicted, tossed, and not comforted, we feel bad not just for ourselves, but also for our children. God gives precious assurance not only for us, but also quiets our fears for our children.
d. In righteousness you shall be established . . . you shall not fear . . . whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake: God promises those who are afflicted, tossed, and not comforted will find protection and security in Him.
e. The sovereign God - who created the blacksmith, who created the spoiler to destroy - also has the power to protect. He can promise that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Whatever weapon is raised against God’s people is destined to be destroyed itself. God will ultimately even protect His people from criticism; indeed, every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.
i. The LORD will not allow the weapon formed against His servants to prosper. Sometimes this means the LORD takes the weapon out of the hand of the enemy of His servants. Sometimes it means that God allows the weapon to strike, but brings a greater good out of it than the pain of the immediate blow. In allowing this, God will not allow the weapon to prosper, but transforms the violent sword into a trowel for building His kingdom.
ii. The tongue which rises against you can really hurt. “Satan leaves no stone unturned against the Church of God. He uses not simply the hand; but, what is oftener a sharper weapon, the tongue. We can bear a blow, sometimes, but we cannot endure an insult. There is a great power in the tongue. We can rise from a blow which smote us to the ground; but we cannot so easily recover from slander, that lays the character low.” (Spurgeon) Yet, we can trust in the LORD’s triumph. “The more accusers, the more acquittals; the more slander, the more honor; so the enemy may slander us as much as he pleases.” (Spurgeon)
ii. This is not a blanket promise for any churchgoer. The LORD specifically says, this is the heritage of the servants of the LORD. Are you a servant of the LORD? Then you can rest easy in His promised protection. The LORD also says that this is a promise for those whose righteousness is from Me - from the LORD Himself - and not from themselves. When a person understands that their righteousness is really from the LORD, they are much more comfortable in letting the LORD protect their righteousness.
David Guzik

Corresponding verses:
Rev 12:7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 
Rev 12:8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 
Rev 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 
Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 
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. 
Mal 3:5  And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts. 
1Co 6:9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 
1Co 6:10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 

​Psa 23:5  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
Psa 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
​ 
​Thou preparest a table before me - Here the second allegory begins. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security. 
Adam Clarke
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Cup — which represents abundance - are prepared for the child of God, who may feast in spite of his enemies, confident that this favor will ever attend him. This beautiful Psalm most admirably sets before us, in its chief figure, that of a shepherd, the gentle, kind, and sure care extended to God’s people, who, as a shepherd, both rules and feeds them. The closing verse shows that the blessings mentioned are spiritual. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

Corresponding verses:
Psa 31:19  Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 
Psa 31:20  Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 
Psa 31:21  Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. 
Psa 31:22  For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. 
Psa 31:23  O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 
Psa 31:24  Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. 
Joh 16:22  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

1Sa 30:6  And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 
1Sa 30:7  And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David. 
1Sa 30:8  And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. 
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The people spake of stoning him - David had done much to civilize those men; but we find by this of what an unruly and ferocious spirit they were; and yet they strongly felt the ties of natural affection, they “grieved every man for his sons and for his daughters.”
David encouraged himself in the Lord - He found he could place very little confidence in his men; and, as he was conscious that this evil had not happened either through his neglect or folly, he saw he might the more confidently expect succor from his Maker. Adam Clarke

From David Guzik
David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. He didn’t wait for someone else to strengthen him. He didn’t say, “Well LORD, if You want to strengthen me, that’s fine. I’ll just wait here until You do it.” David knew that the LORD’s strength was there for those who wait upon Him, so he strengthened himself in the LORD his God. God’s strength was there for David all the time, but now he takes it for himself and will strengthen himself in the LORD his God.
iv. David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. This wasn’t some kind of rah-rah cheerleader kind of positive thinking mumbo jumbo. This was the strength of the living God making itself real in the life and heart of a hurting man. This was strength for recognition, strength for brokenness, strength for repentance, strength for determination to win back what the enemy has stolen. This is the same strength that would raise Jesus from the dead!
e. How did David strengthen himself in the LORD?
i. David would have strengthened himself remembering God’s love. At this point of total loss, David now saw the love of the LORD in the rejection of the Philistine leaders. If they had not sent him away, he and his men would not have returned right now, when the Amalekites had just left and the fires of their destruction were still burning. If God had not sent him back home through the rejection of the Philistines, it would have been months and months until he returned, and the situation would have been far worse. That which stung him before became sweet to him now, and the most precious expression of the LORD’s love.
ii. David would have strengthened himself remembering God’s promise and calling. He could shake his head, clear the fog that had set about it for the last year or so, and say “I am a man anointed by God, called by God, and promised by God to be the next king of Israel. I have a high calling and promise from God, and He hasn’t taken it away. I need to start living according to that destiny.” David could thank God and see the glory of His power in this high call.
iii. David would have strengthened himself remembering God’s past deliverances. He could say, “This is a terrible spot, no doubt. But remember all the times when the LORD delivered me out of a bad spot before? If He did it then, He will do it now. He didn’t deliver me before just to let me perish now.”
f. David took his only encouragement from the LORD. 1Ch_12:19-20 gave David a reason for encouragement - men from the tribe of Manasseh came to him at this time, and stood with him when others were turning on David. But that isn’t mentioned as encouragement to David at all. “God was beginning to cure his servant by a bitter dose of distress, and the evidence of the cure was that he did not encourage himself by his new friends, or by the hope of others coming; but he encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (Spurgeon)
g. What David said in his heart in 1Sa_27:1 got him into this whole mess; now, what he says to himself to strengthen himself in the LORD will help bring him out. “Some of the best talks in the world are those which a man has with himself. He who speaks to everybody except himself is a great fool.” (Spurgeon)
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Corresponding verses:
Job 13:15  Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 
​​Psa 42:5  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 
Psa 42:6  O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 
Psa 42:7  Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. 
Psa 42:8  Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. 
Psa 42:9  I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 
Psa 42:10  As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? 
Psa 42:11  Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. 
Hab 3:17  Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 
Hab 3:18  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 
Hab 3:19  The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. 

Mat 4:1  Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 
Mat 4:2  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 
Mat 4:3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 
Mat 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 
Mat 4:5  Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 
Mat 4:6  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
Mat 4:7  Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 
Mat 4:8  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 
Mat 4:9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 
Mat 4:10  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 
Mat 4:11  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. ​
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The most important point to this is Jesus' choice of weaponry to defeat the devil- The Word of God.

"Then marks the close connection between the heavenly voice of the baptism and the fiery ordeal of the forty days. Notice that temptation is not in itself sin; only when the evil suggestions of the tempter are harbored do they become sin. Notice also that all around us is a dark region of evil, out of which temptations arise. Whenever you have received a conspicuous revelation, you may expect a time of testing. This is God’s way of rooting the trees in the soil, and burning in the fair colors which He paints on the vessels that are being made meet for His use.
The first temptation was that our Lord should use for His physical needs the power which had been entrusted to Him, as Son of man, for the service of men. The second was an effort to incite Him to act presumptuously, at the dictate of self-will and apart from the clear guidance of God’s Spirit. The third was to attain the throne by a wrong method. It was only by the cross that He could win power to rule and save." See Heb_4:15-16; Heb_5:8-9.​ F.B. Meyer
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It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone. The Lord uses the sword of the Spirit in his reply. The word quoted, found in Deu_8:3, should be used in its connection, in order to comprehend its force.
But by every word. The meaning is: If it pleases God to sustain by other means than bread, it will be done. His word can be trusted. God fed Israel with manna, sent by his word, and we can trust his promises. B.W. Johnson
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Note: It's no coincidence that Jesus used the Word of God to defeat the devil in the wilderness. He was well educated in the scriptures, and knew the truth, and the power of this verse:
Psa 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (emphasis mine)

                                      Jesus Before Pilate
Luk 23:1  And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. 
Luk 23:2  And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. 
Luk 23:3  And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. 
Luk 23:4  Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. 
Luk 23:5  And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. 

                                                  SILENT UNDER FALSE ACCUSATIONS
The Jewish Sanhedrin, hastily summoned at the hour of dawn, having elicited from Jesus the profession of His messiahship and deity, and having concluded on the death sentence, set themselves to induce Pilate, the Roman governor, to concur in their verdict. In order to do this, they urged that Jesus imperiled the Roman supremacy.
Pilate was accustomed to deal with men, and after careful examination, was satisfied that there was no ground for the death sentence. I find no fault. As God’s Paschal Lamb, the Savior was searched to discover if there were spot, or blemish, or anything that could invalidate His claim to sinlessness. Only the sinless could save sinners. In his heart Pilate knew that our Lord should be acquitted, but his fear of the Jews deflected the verdict of his conscience. By sending the case to Herod, he hoped to get the right thing done, without incurring the odium incident to doing it. F.B. Meyer
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Note: It is wisdom to study the behavior of the three Hebrew youths in Daniel, and Jesus under interrogation of the council of the chief priests and the scribes, and Pilot. It shows us what manner of conduct would be best if we find ourselves under the same scrutiny. 

Luk 21:10  Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 
Luk 21:11  And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 
Luk 21:12  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 
Luk 21:13  And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 
Luk 21:14  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 
Luk 21:15  For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 
Luk 21:16  And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 
Luk 21:17  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 
Luk 21:18  But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 
Luk 21:19  In your patience possess ye your souls. 
See also:
Luk 12:11  And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 
Luk 12:12  For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 
Mat 10:17  But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 
Mat 10:18  And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 
Mat 10:19  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 
Mat 10:20  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 
Mat 10:21  And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 
Mat 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 
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When shall these things be? This discourse to the disciples on the Overthrow of the Temple, Jerusalem, the Jewish Nation and the Second Coming of our Lord, is reported here, in Mark, chapter 13, and in Matthew, chapter 24. Matthew's account is much the fullest, where see notes.
Not a hair of your head shall perish. You shall be in the Father's hand, saved, even if put to death, gaining eternally by suffering.
When ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies. Matthew says: "The abomination of desolation" instead of "Jerusalem compassed with armies." See notes on Mat_24:15. This was the warning to Christians to flee. In the first attack the Romans, under Cestus Gallus, were beaten off and retreated. The Christians then left the city.
And Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles. It has been ever since its destruction. It has been held by the Romans, the Parthians, the Saracens, the Crusaders and the Turks, but never by the Jews.
There shall be signs in the sun. See notes on Mat_24:27-31.
This generation shall not pass away. See notes on Mat_24:34-35. The word race instead of generation gives the meaning. B.W. Johnson

​Heb 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 
Heb 11:2  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 
Heb 11:3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 
Heb 11:4  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 
Heb 11:5  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 
Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 
Heb 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 
Heb 11:8  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 
Heb 11:9  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 
Heb 11:10  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 
Heb 11:11  Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 
Heb 11:12  Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 
Heb 11:13  These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 
Heb 11:14  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 
Heb 11:15  And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 
Heb 11:16  But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 
Heb 11:17  By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 
Heb 11:18  Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 
Heb 11:19  Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 
Heb 11:20  By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 
Heb 11:21  By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 
Heb 11:22  By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 
Heb 11:23  By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 
Heb 11:24  By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 
Heb 11:25  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 
Heb 11:26  Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 
Heb 11:27  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 
Heb 11:28  Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 
Heb 11:29  By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 
Heb 11:30  By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 
Heb 11:31  By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 
Heb 11:32  And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 
Heb 11:33  Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 
Heb 11:34  Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 
Heb 11:35  Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 
Heb 11:36  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 
Heb 11:37  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 
Heb 11:38  (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 
Heb 11:39  And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 
Heb 11:40  God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

​"Noah built the ark because he believed that the flood would befall. Abraham left his country because he realized that Canaan would be his. The pilgrims and martyrs of all the ages have been derided by their companions, who would have acted similarly if only they had looked with faith into the unseen. And God never fails such. He always bears witness with His gifts." Excerpt from F.B. Meyer

By faith, some were victorious under their circumstances.

And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented; of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
a. Tortured in the ancient Greek language has the idea “to beat with a stick or a baton.”
b. A better resurrection: As Jesus said in Joh_5:29, there is a resurrection unto life, and a resurrection unto condemnation. These worthies received the better resurrection.
c. Trial of mockings: Isaac endured the cruel mocking of Ishmael, and Samson was mocked at the feast of the Philistines.
d. Chains and imprisonments: Joseph was cast into prison for his faith, and the evil King Ahab imprisoned the prophet Micaiah.
e. They were stoned: Zechariah was stoned to death between the altar and the temple, and Naboth was stoned to death by Jezebel’s henchmen.
f. Sawn in two: According to reliable tradition, Isaiah was sawn in two and killed.
g. Were tempted: How does being tempted compare with these other persecutions? Some have thought the text was corrupted here, and the writer to the Hebrews originally wrote “branded” or “burnt alive” or “mutilated” or “strangled.” But for those who have known the pains of temptation, it is not unreasonable to think that the writer to the Hebrews regards overcoming temptation as a true triumph of faith.
h. Were slain with the sword: Such as the eighty-five priests murdered by Doeg, or the prophets murdered in Elijah’s day.
i. Wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins: Such as Elijah, who wore this kind humble clothing and did not mind the humility or the discomfort.
j. Of whom the world was not worthy: The world is not necessarily friendly to people of faith, and the world isn’t necessarily worthy of them either.
i. “The despised and ill-treated group of servants of God was of greater real worth than all the rest of humanity put together.” (Morris)
k. In dens and caves of the earth: David, Elijah, and prophets under the leadership of Obadiah were all forced to flee and hide in caves.
11. (Heb_11:39-40) Conclusion: We have even more reasons for faith, more reasons to hold on to faith, than these heroes of the faith did.

And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
a. Even though they obtained a good testimony through faith, they never saw the promise in the same way that we do on this side of the cross. They did not receive the promise, the testimony of the completed work of the Messiah on their behalf.
b. God having provided something better for us: We have been provided something better (seeing and enjoying the completed work of Jesus on our behalf) have much more reason to hold on to faith, and to not let discouragement and tough times defeat us. Excerpt from David Guzik
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Jesus told us we would be treated as he was, and should expect it:

Joh 15:18  If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 
Joh 15:19  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 
Joh 15:20  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 
Joh 15:21  But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 
Joh 15:22  If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 
Joh 15:23  He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 
Joh 15:24  If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 
Joh 15:25  But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. 
Joh 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: 
Joh 15:27  And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

In the Revelation, it tells of those who overcome the world, by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony - May we be among that number.

Rev 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 
Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 
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.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb - Here is given the reason why the followers of Christ prevailed at this time against all their adversaries. It was because they fought against the dragon in the armor of God. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb - by proclaiming salvation to sinners through Christ crucified, and by their continual intercession at the throne of grace for the conversion of the heathen world.
And by the word of their testimony - By constantly testifying against the errors and follies of mankind.
And they loved not their lives unto the death - They regarded not their present temporal estate, but even gladly delivered up their lives to the fury of their persecutors, and thus sealed the truth of what they spake with their blood.

​Mat 28:1  In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 
Mat 28:2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 
Mat 28:3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 
Mat 28:4  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 
Mat 28:5  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 
Mat 28:6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 
Mat 28:7  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 
Mat 28:8  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 
Mat 28:9  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 
Mat 28:10  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 

​THE GREAT COMMISSION

​Teaching them. The second part of the commission is next given. The first part commands the making of disciples, and tells how they must be made. The second part provides for the instruction of the disciples in righteousness. This is to be done by "teaching them."
To observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. What must be taught by the faithful Christian teacher is prescribed. It will at once be seen that this cuts off much that is often taught. We are not to teach "untaught questions," "oppositions of science, so called," dogmatic speculations, isms or human creeds. Christ has never commanded these. On the other hand, we are to teach all things he has commanded. Some of these things we have recorded in the Gospels; others we have in the Acts and in the Epistles. They embrace the various duties of Christian life.
I am with you alway. It was an arduous work he had commanded his disciples to undertake; a few uninfluential and unlettered laboring men to undertake the moral and religious conquest of a world that had just crucified their Master. There was, however, an assurance that they should be equal to the task, for, (1) All power, or authority, in heaven and earth was in the hands of their crucified Lord. (2) He now declares, I am with you always. He who has all power will be present with them, a help in time of need. He is a mighty, present and helping Savior.
Even unto the end of the world. Until the close of the Christian dispensation, coming of the Lord, and the day of judgment. B. W. Johnson

Teaching them to observe all things - Men are ignorant of Divine things, and must be taught. Only those can be considered as proper teachers of the ignorant who are thoroughly instructed in whatsoever Christ has commanded. Persons who are entrusted with the public ministry of the word should take care that they teach not human creeds and confessions of faith, in place of the Sacred Writings; but those things, and those only, which Jesus has commanded. Adam Clarke

Whatsoever I have commanded you; every thing that Christ has commanded, be it what it will, and nothing else; for Christ's ministers are not to teach for doctrines the commandments of men; or enjoin that on the churches, which is of their own, or other men's devising, and was never ordered by Christ; and for their encouragement he adds,

And lo! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world: meaning, not merely to the end of their lives, which would be the end of the world to them; nor to the end of the Jewish world, or state, which was not a great way off, though this is sometimes the sense of this phrase; but to the end of the world to come, the Gospel church state, which now took place; or to the end of the present world, the universe: not that the apostles should live to the end of it; but that whereas Christ would have a church and people to the end of the world, and the Gospel and the ordinances of it should be administered so long, and there should be Gospel ministers till that time; Christ's sense is, that he would grant his presence to them, his immediate disciples, and to all that should succeed them in future generations, to the end of time: and which is to be understood not of his corporeal presence, which they should not have till then, but of his spiritual presence; and that he would be with them, in a spiritual sense, to assist them in their work, to comfort them under all discouragements, to supply them with his grace, and to protect them from all enemies, and preserve from all evils; which is a great encouragement both to administer the word and ordinances, and attend on them.

Jesus instructs His disciples regarding their duty after His departure. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
a. All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth: This commission is given in light of the authority of Jesus. This indicates that this is an authoritative command, not a suggestion. It is the same idea as if an officer reminded a private of his rank before he gave the order.
b. Go therefore: Because Jesus has this authority, we are therefore commanded to go. It is His authority that sends us, His authority that guides us, and His authority that empowers us.
c. Make disciples of all the nations: The command is to make disciples, not merely converts or supporters of a cause. The idea behind the word disciple is of a scholar, a learner, or a student.
i. The kind of commitment expected from a disciple is expressed in the command to baptize. A person is totally immersed in water, and total commitment is the goal for a disciple.
d. Of all the nations: In His previous ministry, Jesus deliberately restricted His work to the Jewish people (Mat_15:24) and previously sent His disciples with the same restriction (Mat_10:6). Only on rare exceptions did Jesus minister among the Gentiles (Mat_15:21-28). Now all of that is in the past, and the disciples are commissioned to take the gospel to all the nations. There is no place on earth where the gospel of Jesus should not be preached, and were disciples should not be made.
e. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: Disciples are made through teaching. This teaching is not with words only, but with the power of the always-present Jesus. He will be present with His people until the job of making disciples is done - until the end of the age.
i. The content of the teaching must be all things that I have commanded you. The followers of Jesus are responsible to present the whole counsel of God to those who made disciples.
f. Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age: Jesus sent His disciples with a mission to fulfill, but He did not send them alone. The promise of His constant presence was more than enough to strengthen and guide the disciples as they obeyed Jesus in making disciples of all the nations.
i. His presence means privilege, because we work with a Great King. Paul understood this principle well in 1Co_3:9, where he wrote: For we are God’s fellow workers. Since Jesus promised “I am with you always,” then we work together with Him in all our service. We certainly work for Jesus, but more than that we work with Jesus.
ii. His presence means protection, because we are never out of His sight or supervision.
iii. His presence means power, because as we fulfill this great command, we work in His name.
iv. His presence means peace, because it always reminds us that the church belongs to Jesus. It is His church, and His work. How then can we worry?
Excerpt from David Guzik

Corresponding verses:
​them: Mat_7:24-27; Deu_5:32, Deu_12:32; Act_2:42, Act_20:20-21, Act_20:27; 1Co_11:2, 1Co_11:23, 1Co_14:37; Eph_4:11-17, Eph_4:20-32; Col_1:28; 1Th_4:1-2; 2Th_3:6-12; 1Ti_6:1-4; Tit_2:1-10; 1Pe_2:10-19; 2Pe_1:5-11, 2Pe_3:2; 1Jn_2:3-4, 1Jn_3:19-24; Rev_22:14
I am: Mat_1:23, Mat_18:20; Gen_39:2-3, Gen_39:21; Exo_3:12; Jos_1:5; Psa_46:7, Psa_46:11; Isa_8:8-10; Isa_41:10; Mar_16:20; Joh_14:18-23; Act_18:9-10; 2Ti_4:17; Rev_22:21
unto: Mat_13:39-40, Mat_13:49, Mat_24:3
Amen: Mat_6:13; 1Ki_1:36; 1Ch_16:36; Psa_72:19; Rev_1:18, Rev_22:20

​Isa 66:15  For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 
Isa 66:16  For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. 
Psa 97:3  A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. 
Psa 97:4  His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled. 
Psa 97:5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 
Psa 97:6  The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. 

​Looking for. Looking for, preparing for, and desiring the Lord's coming. Dreadful as that day will be for the impenitent it is a day of relief and of glorious attainment to the saint.
We, according to his promise. See Isa_65:17; also Isa_66:22. The heavens and the earth are not to be blotted out, but changed, purified, and made better for the home of the righteous. B.W. Johnson
​
Corresponding verses:
Isa 30:33  For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it. 
Psa 21:8  Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. 
Psa 21:9  Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. 
Psa 50:3  Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. 
Psa 50:4  He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. 
Psa 50:5  Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. 
Psa 50:6  And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. 
2Th 1:6  Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 
2Th 1:7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 
2Th 1:8  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 
2Th 1:9  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 
2Th 1:10  When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. ​

​2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 
2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 
2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 
2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 
​
The earth also and the works. The earth and all man's creations. That the world shall come to an end seems to be written in its very constitution. A slight change in the constitution of the atmosphere, or the decomposition of its water would wrap it in flame. Science finds the elements of final dissolution in the relations of the earth and sun. According to the ratio of increase in two centuries the world will not have resources to feed its population. In a few hundred years the coal resources of the world will fail. These and many other facts point to a necessary and inevitable change.
What manner of persons ought ye to be. Since we have no abiding home on this earth and seek one beyond, we should live in a state of preparation.
But, beloved, be not ignorant. Delay was the objection of the scoffers, but time is no element in the counsels of God. He has eternity in which to work out his purposes. He can as well take a thousand years as a day. If he seems to us short lived creatures to delay it for wise purposes. See Psa_90:4.
The Lord is not slack. If the day of the Lord seems delayed it is not due to slackness. It is rather because God is long suffering and is giving time to call the world to repentance. See 1Ti_2:4.
But the day of the Lord will come. This expression usually, but not always, refers to the second advent. Such is the meaning here.
As a thief. When people are not expecting it. Compare 1Th_5:2; Mat_24:43.
The heavens shall pass away. See Luk_21:33.
The elements shall melt. The material of which they are composed.
The earth also and the works. The earth and all man's creations. That the world shall come to an end seems to be written in its very constitution. A slight change in the constitution of the atmosphere, or the decomposition of its water would wrap it in flame. Science finds the elements of final dissolution in the relations of the earth and sun. According to the ratio of increase in two centuries the world will not have resources to feed its population. In a few hundred years the coal resources of the world will fail. These and many other facts point to a necessary and inevitable change.
What manner of persons ought ye to be. Since we have no abiding home on this earth and seek one beyond, we should live in a state of preparation.
Looking for. Looking for, preparing for, and desiring the Lord's coming. Dreadful as that day will be for the impenitent it is a day of relief and of glorious attainment to the saint.
We, according to his promise. See Isa_65:17; also Isa_66:22. The heavens and the earth are not to be blotted out, but changed, purified, and made better for the home of the righteous. B.W. Johnson

Rev 19:11  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 
Rev 19:12  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 
Rev 19:13  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 
Rev 19:14  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 
Rev 19:15  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 
Rev 19:16  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 

Rev 19:17  And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 
Rev 19:18  That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 
Rev 19:19  And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 
Rev 19:20  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 
Rev 19:21  And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. 

Isa 65:17  For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. 
Isa 65:18  But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 
Isa 65:19  And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 
Isa 65:20  There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. 
Isa 65:21  And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 
Isa 65:22  They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 
Isa 65:23  They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 
Isa 65:24  And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 
Isa 65:25  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.
​
corresponding verses:
2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 
2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 
Revelation chapter 21:1-8- below

​Notice the wide difference that religion makes to the soul. The children of God are secured against the evils which visit all others. They eat; they drink; they rejoice; they sing; they are called by another name, Isa_65:13-15.
Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire! F.B. Meyer

Rev 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 
Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 
Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 
Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 
Rev 21:5  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 
Rev 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 
Rev 21:7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 
Rev 21:8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

​I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The scriptures both of the Old and New Testaments point to the destruction of the old earth when the Lord comes to judgment. See 2Pe_3:10. It is to undergo a purification and a renewal to fit it for the home of the saints in glory. The "old heavens and earth," which I understand to comprehend the old world and its order, so sadly out of joint, pass away at the time of the great judgment, and the old state of things shall be succeeded by a new order, both physical and moral.
And the sea is no more. Whether this is to be understood literally, or whether it means that there shall be no barriers between the peoples, such as the sea interposes, is not certain.
And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem. The glorified and heavenly Church, pure and beautiful as a bride prepared for the bridegroom. This chapter presents a vision of the final condition of the redeemed and triumphant church. This vision points out the contrast between the beginning and the final condition of our race. The career of man began in a garden, the fitting home of a race few in numbers. It ends, as revealed by the prophet, in a city, the home where multitudes gather. Of this city Jerusalem was a type. The redeemed and holy Church, washed by the Savior's blood, and obedient to his will as a faithful bride to her husband, is the new Jerusalem.
Behold the tabernacle of God is with men. Of old the Shekinah, the emblem of God's presence, dwelt in the tabernacle between the Cherubim. In this glorious city of the future, God shall make his tabernacle and dwell with men. They shall recognize his presence, his protection, his fatherly and omnipotent care over them.
And he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. No sorrow or travail of any kind shall ever enter within the walls of the city. The cry of anguish shall never be uttered, hearts shall never be broken, no tear shall ever dim the eye, and, most glorious of all, death shall be unknown. Death began his sway when man was expelled from Paradise; he ends it when the final judgment condemns Satan, death and hades to enter the lake of fire. The new Jerusalem will be painless, tearless, deathless, because it will be a sinless city. "The former things have passed away."   B.W. Johnson

An overview of her evil practices in Israel:

1. Both she and Ahab served Canaanite idols- Baal and Ashtoreth. Baal represents the male sex organ-Ashtoreth the female sex organ.
2. She built pagan altars throughout Israel.
3. She raised up 850 occult priests, soothsayers and temple prostitutes.

Her demonic influence was so great that of over 10 millions Israelites, only 7,000 were left that God considered faithful.

This is the same spirit working in many of the leaders in this country now, and they want to destroy the foundations of this nation. People like Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and many other's are examples. They are both witches-the truth can be found. it will lead to their activities among the witches when they travel to Europe. 

I'm very aware that many people do not want to hear of these facts-but they will be put here, because living in a fantasy is not going keep this country patched together forever. Reality will rise to the top, whether anybody likes it or not, its just a matter of time.

In Revelation ch. 2, Jesus exposes the Jezebel spirit in the church of Thyatira. He rebukes them for tolerating that woman Jezebel - who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and misleads Gods servants into sexual immorality, and to foods sacrificed to idols.

Over the last several generations, we’ve seen many TV evangelists, preachers, and leaders in churches destroyed by this spirit. It hasn’t stopped, it’s rampant throughout the country now-not only in churches but throughout society.

Adding to this-the Satanists, and Luciferians practice rituals many times a year, and in them; drink the blood, and sometimes eat the sacrifices they kill-animal and human. This too, is going on all over the country-and people in very high places are into this demonic idol worship-it goes all the way to the top of government elites.

The Catholic church is also into this, I’ll let you do your own research. I wouldn’t say this if it wasn’t true. Research what goes on in the basement of the Vatican.

Both men and women can have a Jezebel spirit. In the Bible, some who I believe had it were:

Absalom, Korah, Balaam, Simon the Sorcerer, Alexander the coppersmith, and Herodias and her daughter-who had John the Baptist beheaded. Cross references that give this correlation are: 1King 21:7, 1Ki 11:1-4, 1Ki 16:31, 1Ki 18:4, 1Ki 19:2, Pro 22:14, Ecc 7: 26, Mark 6:17-27

It can be seen that Herod also had a spirit of Ahab, which can be studied with these cross references:
Mat 4:12, Mat 11:2, Mat 14:3-12, Lu 3:19-20

The Jezebel spirit works along with other spirits that torment people. It comes out in the form of manipulation, control, religion, perversion, lust, and scheming.

The primary focus with someone in bondage with this spirit is SELF. A person with a Jezebel spirit seeks attention in every aspect, and every decision and activity revolves around themselves. Their physical beauty is an added tool, to lure the attention they crave, and demand.

​As a Christian, some points need to be made on handling someone with this spirit.

1. All of us at some point are susceptible to allowing this manipulating, controlling, and scheming to overtake us, and be unaware of it-until the Lord steps in, and starts to deal with us. After salvation, the Lord dealt with me consistently over a period of months, to show me I needed to be delivered from this.  The blood of Christ has the power to break every bondage.

2. However, if an unsaved person is under this bondage, and continues to let it control them-the compulsion to control and manipulate will keep getting stronger in them, until it completely takes them over. At that stage, the primary way they relate to people-is to control them. Scripture gives us guidance about people like this, avoid them, and if necessary block them from our lives; for our own good. 

Psa 1:1  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 
Psa 1:2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. See also: Psalm 81:12, Psalm 26:4-5, Prov. 13:20, Prov. 4:14-15, Psa 64:2, Luke 23:51, 
Eph 5:11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 

3. When it’s a man under the control of this spirit-many times it weakens them, both mentally and physically. They lose the ability to think rationally, focus on any one thing-or stay with anything long enough to be dependable. That’s why this spirit works mostly through women. They use seduction and enticement to accomplish their plans, it comes naturally to them.

4. People with a Jezebel spirit will also use other’s to achieve their goals. We see this in Jezebel setting up Naboth to be stoned to death, when he wouldn’t give the vineyard to Ahab. She wrote letters in Ahab's name, sent them to the leaders and elders of his city, telling them to proclaim a fast and lift up Naboth; then had him falsely accused in front of the leaders and they took him out and stoned him.

If somebody in a community has the money, power, and influence-they can, and do use these tactics to destroy someone else who’s in their way. They can use their influence to get whole groups of people to stand with them, and support them-because they’ve learned how to bait these people to do what they want. If these same people didn’t have the money or power-they wouldn’t give them the time of day. Many people have no discernment of human character-it’s the blind leading the blind. This evil behavior goes all the way to the top of businesses, churches, organizations, and governments; and untold numbers of innocent people are destroyed by these Jezebel manipulations and schemes.
​
Jesus came to set the captives free. However, a person with this spirit has to come to a place that they are willing and able to see their own behavior-and how destructive it is, and really want to change. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.

The Lord Jesus Christ can break every bondage, forgive the sin, and bring a person to freedom, and a life of purpose. Repentance and turning from sin is the first step. A woman who has a desire to turn away from this useless life, and let God begin to transform her, and make her into the woman He intended for her to be, will find a good starting point by reading and putting into practice Proverbs chapter 31. Ruth is another godly woman and good to study. From there, the gospels give many examples of Jesus' interactions with women, and his words of wisdom, and teaching concerning women, and His power to change and forgive any life.
It's a journey worth the time and effort.
Lorna Couillard.

Last week Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called out over the internet media for all who would-to take a stand in their communities against the tyranny of the lockdowns, mandates of the vaccines, and unlawful rules being put into place forcing people in all walks of life and employment to either take the shots-or get fired. Many across the country are standing against this now-and many are losing their jobs, their businesses, and livelihoods. The leaders in power in these countries are in collusion together to put the GREAT RESET in place-and these unlawful mandates and restrictions are part of it.
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God layed it on my heart to make this stand here today, and join my voice with all those across this country-and many other's over the world,  to make a public stand against it. Senator Rand Paul has done the same thing-calling for every citizen who sees what is really happening-to make a stand and exercise their Constitutional rights, and practice peaceful civil disobedience to the lockdowns, mandates, and unlawful tyranny against our human rights.

Today, standing here, I join my voice with theirs, and say here publically-I WILL NOT CONSENT-TO ANY FORM OF TYRANNY, VIOLATION OF MY HUMAN RIGHTS, ANY FORM OF LOCKDOWNS-OR ANY MANDATES FORCING ME TO BE VACCINATED. I WILL EXERCISE MY RIGHT TO FREE CHOICE-IN WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY OWN BODY. NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY WILL DICTATE ANY FORCED VACCINATIONS-OR FORCE ME TO COMPLY WITH THEIR MANDATES-IN ANY FORM. IN VOICING THIS HERE IN THIS PUBLIC ARENA-I STRONGLY URGE ANYONE WHO HEARS THIS-TO TAKE SERIOUSLY, THE FREEDOMS YOU ARE QUICKLY LOSING-AND URGE YOU TO BEGIN TO RESIST IN EVERY WAY YOU CAN, AND JOIN IN THIS BATTLE GOING ON AROUND THE WORLD FOR YOUR HUMAN RIGHTS. IF YOU DO NOT-SOON YOU WILL FIND YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY-AND YOU WILL BE TOLD WHAT TO DO-AND WILL BE TREATED AS A SLAVE. WE ARE DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THIS PLACE NOW. STAND AND RESIST THIS NOW-BEFORE YOU LOSE YOUR FREEDOMS FOREVER. BUT-GOING BEYOND THIS, SCRIPTURE WILL BE READ, THAT WILL REVEAL WHY THIS COUNTRY HAS GOTTEN TO THIS PLACE.

PROVERBS 14:34 TELLS US- Pro 14:34  Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

MANY OTHER SCRIPTURES COULD BE READ THAT SPEAK OF THIS-BUT THIS SUMS IT UP WELL. THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED BY MEN AND WOMEN WHO DESIRED FREEDOM-AND FREEDOM OF WORSHIP OF GOD. THE LAWS OF THIS LAND WERE INSTITUTED WITH THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AS THEIR STRUCTURE. OVER THE YEARS THIS COUNTRY HAS THROWN OUT THE LAWS OF THE BIBLE-AND SHUT THE DOORS TO GODLY MORALS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. WE ARE REAPING WHAT WE HAVE SOWN IN THE LAST 100 YEARS ESPECIALLY. WE'VE TWISTED THE LAWS, CHANGED MANY, AND MADE IT LEGAL TO DO THINGS GOD HATES. LEGALIZING ABORTION, HOMOSEXUALITY, TRANSGENDER MUTILATION, AND OTHER CORRUPTIONS WHICH WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO LIST- HAS BROUGHT JUDGMENT COMING ON US. IT MATTERS NOT WHETHER YOU BELIEVE IT-OUR EYES ARE SEEING THE BEGINNINGS OF IT, AND THIS EVENT TODAY IS A DIRE WARNING OF WHAT IS COMING. I REALIZE MANY WILL NOT BELIEVE IT UNTIL IT'S ON OUR DOOR-BUT THIS IS AN APPEAL TO ANYONE WHO HEARS IT-TO HEED THE WARNINGS, AND TURN THEIR HEARTS TO THE LORD NOW, REPENT OF YOUR SINS, AND TRUST IN CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR, BEFORE WE FACE THE JUDGMENT TO COME.

FOR THERE TO BE ANY CHANCE OF THIS JUDGMENT STOPPING-THE COUNTRY AS A WHOLE WOULD HAVE TO RETURN TO GOD-AND HIS LAWS-THE TEN COMMANDMENTS-AND BEGIN TO UPHOLD THEM IN OUR INDIVIDUAL LIVES AND AS A NATION. LAWLESSNESS REIGNS NOW-AND WE ARE SEEING THE EVIDENCE OF THIS IN OUR STREETS ACROSS THE LAND. SOME WOULD SAY THE COMMANDMENTS DO NOT APPLY TODAY-BECAUSE OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST-YES, JESUS PAID OUR SIN DEBT ON THE CROSS-BUT HE SAID HE CAME TO FULFILL THE LAW-NOT DO AWAY WITH IT. HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION OPENS THE DOOR TO ANYONE WHO TURNS FROM THEIR SIN-REPENTS-AND TURNS TO JESUS AS THEIR SAVIOR AND LORD. BUT THE COMMANDMENTS REMAIN OUR MORAL COMPASS FOR LIVING. 

Scripture teaches us that all of us are sinners, and the wages of sin is death. But, through Christ, and his shed blood we have a door of redemption. (read scriptures)
Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 
Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

READ EXODUS CHAPTER 20- VERSES 1-18:

Exo 20:1  And God spake all these words, saying, 
Exo 20:2  I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 
Exo 20:3  Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 
Exo 20:4  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 
Exo 20:5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 
Exo 20:6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. 
Exo 20:7  Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 
Exo 20:8  Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 
Exo 20:9  Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 
Exo 20:10  But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 
Exo 20:11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. 
Exo 20:12  Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 
Exo 20:13  Thou shalt not kill. 
Exo 20:14  Thou shalt not commit adultery. 
Exo 20:15  Thou shalt not steal. 
Exo 20:16  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. 
Exo 20:17  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. 

WHEN A PEOPLE OR NATION TURNS FROM SIN, REPENTS, AND DESIRES A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUNESS-THE FRUIT OF THAT LIFE WILL BE PEACE, PURPOSE, AND INDIVIDUAL DIGNITY. PROSPERITY IN LIFE FOLLOWS. 
THE NINTH CHAPTER OF DANIEL DESCRIBES A NATION THAT HAS FORGOTTEN GOD, AND TURNED TO IDOLITRY AND WICKEDNESS-WE ARE IN THAT CATEGORY.
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READ CHAPTER NINE OF DANIEL VERSES 1-19: (Go to the bottom of the blog to read)

                                                              PRAYER OF REPENTANCE
"FATHER-AS DANIEL LONG AGO-WE LOOK AROUND US AND THE CONDITION OF THIS NATION AND WE RECOGNIZE WE HAVE LOST OUR WAY, AND ARE DEEP IN SIN. WE'VE LEGALIZED SINS YOU HATE-ABORTION, SODOMY, AND MUTILATION OF OUR HUMANITY BY LEGALIZING TRANSGENDERS. WE'VE LOST OUR MORAL COMPASS, AND THE ABILITY TO DISCERN RIGHT FROM WRONG-WE'VE REFUSED TO OBEY YOUR LAWS-AND TURNED EVERY ONE TO THEIR OWN WAY.

INIQUITY, LAWLESSLNESS, AND WICKEDNESS REIGNS-BUT MANY WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT-THEY REFUSE YOU-THE CREATOR OF LIFE-AND YOUR STATUTES. OUR NATION HAS BECOME AS SODOM AND AS GOMMORAH. OUR LEADERS ARE CORRUPT, AND THEIR DECISIONS REVEAL THEIR DEPRAVITY AND CONFUSION OF FACE. THIS NATION IS SATURATED WITH IDOLITRY, WITCHCRAFT, AND SATAN WORSHIP. BUT, GOD IS NOT ALLOWED, OR WELCOME IN OUR SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS, OR OUR LAWS-WE HAVE PERVERTED THEM.

LORD-I REPENT OF MY SINS, AND ASK YOUR FORGIVENESS, CLEANSING AND MERCY. I PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY-THAT YOUR SPIRIT WOULD BROOD OVER THIS NATION AND PRICK THE HEARTS OF EACH ONE-AND CONVICT THEM OF THEIR NEED FOR A SAVIOR. SPEAK TO THEIR HEARTS, AND MINDS-CAUSE THEM TO SEE THEIR NEED FOR FORGIVENESS, AND THAT THEY WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR SIN-AND FORSAKE IT. THAT A MIGHTY WIND OF YOUR SPIRIT WOULD BRING CONVICTION TO THEIR SOULS-THAT WOULD CAUSE THEM TO SEE THAT WE ARE BUT DUST-YOU ARE ETERNAL. OUR SOULS ARE IN YOUR HANDS-BUT IF WE DIE IN OUR SINS-WE WILL PERISH AND JOIN SATAN IN THE BOTTOMLESS PIT-AT THE END OF THIS LIFE. I PRAY THAT WE WOULD BE SHOWN YOUR GLORY AND MAJESTY-AND BREAK OUR STUBBORN HEARTS OF PRIDE AND ARROGANCE, THAT WE WOULD TURN FROM OUR SINS, AND FIND THE FORGIVENESS, AND SLAVATION CHRIST DIED TO GIVE US. LORD-I BELIEVE WE ARE FACING THE END OF THE AGE-AND THE BEGINNINGS OF SORROWS-I PRAY YOU WILL TURN HEARTS TO JESUS WITH ALL THE POWER THAT'S NEEDED-TO DELIVER AS MANY AS WOULD BE SAVED-FROM THE DEVIL'S HANDS-WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME. I FEEL IN MY SOUL-THERE ISN'T MUCH TIME LEFT TO MAKE THAT DECISION. LORD I LIFT THE PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY UP TO YOU-AND ASK FOR YOUR POWER TO SAVE-TO REACH ALL THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN BRING TO SALVATION-WITHOUT DELAY.
IN JESUS NAME I ASK THIS, AMEN."

Update 11/21/21- Since I did this public event on Nov. 3rd, I've gotten feedback about it, and am going to answer it this once, and do it here. Jesus answered his accuser's, by asking them questions. I'm going to do the same thing.

Joh 10:31  Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 
Joh 10:32  Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
Joh 7:19  Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? See also: Joh_10:39, Joh_11:53; Psa_2:1-6; Mat_12:14, Mat_21:38; Mar_3:4, Mar_3:6

1. If God asked you to stand for Him, and speak what was given to me, and is posted above-would you do it, knowing you would be rejected, and most likely harassed and persecuted?....I did it. I knew before I went to the center of West Burke that day, what would happen, and I was not surprised at the stupid behavior of the troublemakers, nor the rejection. But, I also knew God wanted it done-for more reasons than I want to go into here-and one day when this life is over, all those who rejected this, will know why it had to be done. I considered myself fortunate, that all I got was ridicule and some harassment from punks in their gunning engines, and skidding tires-it could have been much worse. Other's have gone through much more, and paid with their lives.

This world killed Jesus, and it hates Him to this day, and it hates His people. I've had over 40 yrs. of one sort of rejection or another, and all who followed the Lord in the bible, went through the same things. All the disciples but John were murdered, John the Baptist lost his head, Paul went bound to Jerusalem a prisoner-on to Rome, and willingly gave his head as a prisoner there. During his ministry he was stoned, beaten to death (but God raised him up, it wasn't time for him to die yet), and cast out of one town after another. But, these people knew the voice of the Lord, and did what they were called to do-whether they were rejected or not. How about you? Would you have the guts to stand and proclaim the gospel, preach repentance and against sin, no matter what was done to you, and be a fool for Christ? I don't need an answer-but may God drill this home to you-and realize one day you will answer to Him.

2. I'll ask this question also, but don't really care if anybody answers it to me, I already know the answer to it- What have I done to you personally, or what have I said to you personally that offends you? Drinking?...smoking?....sexual sins you may be indulging in?...Adultery?....Fornication?.... Lying?...Your debauchery-drunken weekend binges/drug addiction?....Your cheating, crooked deals that you think you've cleverly gotten away with?....Your unrepentant, cursing, arrogant mouth? These are the ministers, and the word of God's targets-and when you hit the nail on the head-expect to see and hear the hatred, and the retaliations that may come.

if these are any reasons-your problem is not with me, it's with God Himself, and the Bible, His word. I can say with assurance-about 95% of you have never met me, nor spent even 5 minutes talking to me to my face-but, there's been plenty of slander, and lying gossip. If you don't like my personality-you'll have to go to God about it, or just avoid me. I can continue to go on with my life just fine, whatever you choose to do. I have a clear conscience-and know in my heart, I've done nothing to intentionally harm anyone, nor slandered anyone behind their back-if I have an issue with somebody, I have no problem going to them face to face.

3. To the ongoing accusation that I don't like kids-I took care of my families kids, cousins, nieces and nephews growing up all through my own childhood, raised my daughter who graduated with honors and a scholarship-she's doing fine. I gave riding lessons over 20 years to kids and adults-Your accusations don't measure up to the truth. what the problem is-is there are a great many young punks in their late teens, and younger kids even as young as seven-to ten, that have been brought up listening to the murderous gossip from the adults who raise them, and they follow what the grown ups teach them. And what is that? To curse, swear, disrespect their elders, give you the finger and become mischief makers and troublemakers-just like their parents or older troublemakers and cronies they hang around with. They learn all the debauchery they see in the people raising them-and follow in their steps. The kids roaming the roads and towns now-are the product of who raised them.

I can hear the accusations- "You've had an abortion". Yes, and the day I was saved in my house in 1978, Christ forgave that sin, and many other's and delivered me from alcoholism, and many bondages. You can read all about it in my book The NightWatchman. Amazon has it, and it's only $2.99 for the ebook, it's posted on this page, and the resource page of this site. I've been walking in the love, and forgiveness of Christ over 40 yrs. now. You can get up to speed with Jesus, or keep on condemning me, the choice is yours. I'm going on with God, under the covering of His blood, and wearing the robe of His righteousness. I'll ask you this question-have you gone to Jesus and asked Him for the forgiveness of your sins? If not, your unsaved, and headed for hell. One sin is all it takes. One lie, one discretion, makes you just another sinner, like me. The difference is, I've confessed and asked for the forgiveness only Christ can give, and received His full salvation. Have you?

I've had my place vandalized, trespassed and had the obscene gestures given to me, and cursed at by both kids and adults I've never met before, and don't know what their names are-but they've sure heard a lot about me-by murderous slander, and taught to hate, and behave the way they do. THAT is what I don't like in this community. The bible has a lot to say about raising kids right-a lot of people here show me clearly, they never read it, or practice it. I thank God often, for the upbringing my parents gave us, what I'm seeing and have had done to me over the past 17 years here, tells me it doesn't seem to exist anymore.

I've had things done to me on the road, and sitting minding my own business in public rest areas-that I couldn't believe people would stoop to-but I've also learned these past years-to not be surprised at anything people do anymore. We are living in an age of what I call modern barbarianism.

If this offends you-take it up with God.

​I'm not going to answer anymore issues like this, but God has let me know it needs to be brought out here once, because I may be a lot of things-but a coward is not one of them. I've stood and said things such as this many times over the years, and took the blows. What happened to me on November 3rd, was not my first experience with rejection. Jesus, is worth it. This post will sit here now, and the only answer to my accuser's. 

My final question to you is-Who is Jesus Christ to you? Is he just another swear word, somebody you think of with a leering sneer, somebody your ashamed to speak of unless it is to use in cursing? This is what Jesus has to say to you about that:

Mar 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus
Luk 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 
Luk 9:24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 
Luk 9:25  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 
Luk 9:26  For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. 

After listening to the two short videos listed below, and the fact that God has been dealing with my heart for some months now, this blog is an announcement of a session of public reading of scripture, and prayer of confession of sin, and repentance; individually and as a nation.

This will be an open air meeting in the recreation area in the middle of West Burke Vt., next to the Post Office, on Nov. 3, starting at 1:00 p.m., until the reading and prayer is completed. It will take place rain or shine. Anyone who wishes to come, is welcome.

This will be a public joining of my voice on this day, along with many other's around the world, to resist the tyranny, mandates and unlawful restrictions that are making people slaves to the government. But, it will be also acknowledging publicly the sins individually of the people of this country, the government, and the nation-and naming them, and asking for God's forgiveness, and help to bring this nation back to Him, and back to righteousness. It may well be too late-but God has prompted me to do this-and only He could get me to do it. I have finally said yes, after a long time of resisting. 

I'm not doing this for myself, but for my own ancestors, and the millions down through history who fought and died from the Revolutionary war-to today, for the freedoms we have taken for granted. We are now quickly losing them. I can't stand by and watch it, without doing something; at least once. On November 3rd, I'll add my voice with many other's around the world, and admit to Almighty God-we failed in our generation, to stand for what was right, and repent. In the early years of this country-presidents called for national days of prayer and repentance, and there's testimonies of those prayers changing the outcome of very dire conditions for them-we need to humble ourselves before God now, and ask for His help now, because we are facing very perilous times.

Anyone who feels led to join with me on this day, please come. This is to be a peaceful, orderly event.
If I receive any resistance, or opposition in doing this before the day comes, the location will change to my own front yard- and will be done here, on my own land.

If that is the case-I'll post the change-and anyone who wishes can come here, and join in the event. 
Lorna Couillard

THE ASIAN INVASION ... PREPARE !- I'm posting this because it is only confirmation of what the Lord has been speaking to me for several years, and especially since 2020, I'm sounding the warnings, may God reach peoples hearts-while there's time.
https://brandnewtube.com/watch/the-asian-invasion-prepare_PmuzPdmaZ7QRlFf.html

Never has there been a more important time to fight back and protect our rights to stop this tyranny and government overreach.    
https://brandnewtube.com/watch/worldwide-walkout-3rd-of-november_ZjhzDYFFAzpKCmM.html

When this gathering takes place on November 3rd, one of the scriptures that will be read is Daniel chapter 9-and prayer of the same order will be lifted to God on behalf of this nation-America, and this people.

Dan 9:3  And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: 
Dan 9:4  And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; 
Dan 9:5  We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: 
Dan 9:6  Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 
Dan 9:7  O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. 
Dan 9:8  O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. 
Dan 9:9  To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; 
Dan 9:10  Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 
Dan 9:11  Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. 
Dan 9:12  And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. 
Dan 9:13  As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. 
Dan 9:14  Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. 
Dan 9:15  And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. 
Dan 9:16  O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. 
Dan 9:17  Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. 
Dan 9:18  O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies. 
Dan 9:19  O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. 

​Watching the turmoil and persecutions happening throughout the world today, it causes me to reflect back on my own life, and re-evaluate the sum of it. 
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After living the first 25 years in selfishness, turmoil and sin, and coming to the end of myself; alone in my house in March of 1978, I cried out a simple prayer, and surrendered my life to Christ, and did a 180 turn around. Everything changed from that day, and the most important change was within me. Jesus came into my soul, and his presence was real, and profound. It remains so to this day.

Life didn't become easier, it became harder. But, there was a difference. I knew His abiding presence, and guidance in every situation and circumstance I faced. Every prayer I directed to Him, I watched as the answers unfolded. He has proven His reality, and His power to change things in me, and my life. No one can move that faith, nor that conviction, and Satan has tried in many ways and used many people to try to destroy the faith that reigns in me; but without success.

Shortly after my salvation, the devil didn't waste any time testing my walk with Christ, using the people I loved the most. Just a few months after getting saved, my husband made the first of two ultimatums over a 4 year period to me-"You'll have to decide whether you want me, or Jesus. If you choose Jesus, you'll have to leave." He was serious, and this started a spiritual battle that lasted almost five years-and we went through divorce and back. 

I took my young daughter, and left, not knowing what would happen to us. I prayed constantly, and clung to Jesus, His word, and asked for His guidance in every situation. During those years, I learned to trust Him, and His power to open doors, supply every need, and walk in confidence-no  matter who opposed me. Family and friends tried to get me to forget Lynn, and find someone else, to forget my faith in Christ, and go back to the life I had lived before. The spiritual battles were relentless, and came from every direction. I was faced with looking deep in my soul, in my guts, and asking important life and death questions to myself-and to God. I was not playing games-I meant business. When you mean business with God-you will get answers.

I'd sit for hours at night after Carrie was asleep, and search the scriptures, and seek the face of God for answers to the needs in my life, and the strength to withstand the pressures from people who meant well-but were trying to lead me back into a life of sin. These years molded me-and taught me how to stand in faith-which I could never have learned sitting in a class room, or church pew. I went to church over the years, but learned with each experience in them-that there are just as many unbelievers in the church-as there are out in the world, walking the streets. Most churches do not preach sound doctrine, and apostasy is rampant in them. If you spend any time in scripture, then listen to them-you fast learn how bad it is, and your left having to decide to obey the bible-or the apostate preachers.

Faith, and a life of commitment to Christ is individual, personal, and no one can walk it for you. It's strictly between you, and God.

What solidifies my faith, is the empty tomb.

Christ is risen. He is not a dead God, nor a deaf one. He is alive, He answers prayer today, and is coming again. No man, or devil in hell will ever change that conviction in me.

I learned some valuable lessons, that I'm putting into practice at a greater level today, as this Covid hoax brings on these world wide lockdowns, restrictions, vaccine mandates, and everything else the world system is scheming to inflict on us. 

1. No one can force you to do something, unless you open the door and allow them access. Jesus warns us to guard our hearts-for out of our hearts come the issues of life.
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Luk 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Joh 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

2. God gives every person the free will to do either good or evil. When I gaze out over the world and it's evils-I see the evidence of Satan's influence in people's lives, combined with their own selfishness, pride, and desire for power and control. The longer you study the word of God-the clearer the picture becomes, on how much the combination of the seething desires of the pride of man, together with the influence of demonic manipulation, has worked to bring this world to the point of destruction it's at now. These two forces working together has almost completely decimated this planet-and there's not much time left, before something has to give. All these factors reveal the need for Christ to return-before we destroy ourselves, and the world He created.

3. I learned during those first years of trial and tests, to use my mind, and critically think for myself. There are many deceivers, con artists and puppets. Money, power and the need for acceptance and adulation from people is all important to them and causes them to say and do things that reveal their real motives, and instability. They live for what this world can offer them, and the applause of their audience. Jesus talks about those who have turned from this world, and left it.

Mat 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 
Mat 6:34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 
Mat 6:19  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 
Mat 6:20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 
Mat 6:21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 
Mar 8:34  And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 
Mar 8:35  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 
Joh 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 

These verses are impossible to attain to-without the Spirit of God within us, working in us to transform us into the image of Christ. No man can achieve this in his own strength. Jesus told us narrow is the way, and few there be that find it-and how true His words are.

Those who have taken these words-and eaten them, and allowed them to become meat for their souls-walk in this world, but are not of it any longer. We are strangers and pilgrims in this world-waiting for the day, when we join Christ in His Kingdom, and reign with him forever. For me, my spirit longs for the courts of the Lord.

4. I've learned to never forget what Jesus saved me from, and who I am without Him. There's no one in this world, that could forgive the sins I allowed to rule me for 25 years. Only the resurrected Christ, and his precious blood shed for me, could cleanse this heart of sin, forgive and redeem my soul from hell-which I deserved. When I look back to the darkness, and hopelessness of my life before my salvation-it causes me to love Him even more, and realize the preciousness of the "pearl of great price" I've found, since that day I surrendered my life to him long ago, in my house alone.

5. I've learned to not expect people to understand, and not be surprised at the reactions of those who can't or won't allow Jesus in their own lives. For I can see myself in them-before I was saved. The same blindness, stubbornness, foolishness, and pride. The "I can do this myself" mentality. No one can convince them, unless they come to the end of themselves, as I did, and finally start asking the right questions inside-why am I here, what was I put here for, is there a God, who is He, can He really help me, how do I find Him. These are questions Nicodemus was seeking-and found the answer standing in front of him, and was given the answers. Every person has to find the answers for themselves. If they seek Jesus with all their heart-they will find Him.

6. In walking with God now many years, I've stumbled, fallen, and failed the Lord. I've looked up as David did long ago-and had to simply confess my sin again-and ask for the mercy and forgiveness of the Lord to cover and blot them out (Psalm 51). None of us will attain perfection in this life, until we leave this world of sin-and are set free from these bodies of corruption. We desire to please Christ, and ask for His strength to meet the daily challenges we face-He knows we will lose our strength at times, and will give in to sinful desires-even while we hate ourselves for our failures. He tells us in the Psalms-His mercies are new every morning. He knows our frame-that we are dust.

Psa 103:2  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 
Psa 103:3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 
Psa 103:4  Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 
Psa 103:5  Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

Note: for those who arrogantly preach that if you are walking right with God-you won't sin. Yes, that's true-how are you doing? (be honest)

Scripture teaches us:
1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 
1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 
1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
1Jn 1:10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

God's people strive to walk in righteousness, but we will never be totally sinless in this life-until we join Christ in heaven. The verses above are the guideline for our life, and the path to stay in righteousness. We won't want to sin if we have the Spirit of God living in us, but we will fail once in a while-and thank God, Christ has made provision for us when we do. Paul tells of the war between the flesh and the spirit in Romans chapter seven, but also of the victory for the saint who trusts in the shed blood of Christ, that continues to cover, and cleanse us, when we come to Him in humility and seek His forgiveness. Again-His mercies never fail. We are justified by faith in Christ's victory for us-not in ourselves. In Romans chapter 8, the first verse declares our victory:

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 

I've learned that when I walk in obedience, His presence and strength is within me, to overcome every circumstance, and every battle that would come my way. I've seen doors opened, obstacles broken down, and victories in prayer, that have fueled my faith, and made my spirit solid against the attacks from man or devil. Though this flesh may fail-whatever comes, I know I'm in good Hands. My outcome is sure. Whether I live or die-I belong to the Lord. There's nothing more valuable than having this assurance.

7. To sum this up-I've learned to look out over the world with a critical eye and ask myself within:
a. Does this decision/problem have any eternal value?
b. Is it really anything God wants me to pay attention to-does it fit into the plan God has for my life-and the purposes He wants me to achieve?
c. Is this situation, this thing, whatever it is-worth living for, and worth dying for?

Being single minded on God has great value. It gives keen discernment, to be able to discard the chaff, and what has no relevance to the purposes God has for me. But, it takes being diligent in my walk with Him, staying in His word, and allowing His word to take root, and grow in me. The more I practice this, the stronger my spirit becomes against the wiles of the devil, and the sharper my eyesight is as I watch, and listen to the din and clatter of the world. If you pay attention-you'll notice that many in the world are uncomfortable, unless there's great noise of all kinds around them. People find it very difficult to face themselves in silence-Satan knows this, and makes sure they are always surrounded with as much noise as possible.

When you become single minded on God-you'll find that your feet are truly being ordered by the Lord, and it eliminates a great deal of the enticements and confusion you encounter in life. You may make a mistake once in a while, but not often, and if you do, you'll find God is right there-and quick to get you  back on track with Him. This stability and security is worth more than anything money could buy.

As the chaos continues to develop around the world, and this country unravels, I go back to these principles I've learned over the years, and put them into practice in a deeper way. I ask myself-Is this issue-whatever it is-worth living for-and dying for.
​
If it attempts to cause me to lose my faith, and walk with Christ; the answer is no.

For myself, and those with the same convictions, we may very well be faced with seeing ourselves tested as many others before us, who suffered and went through what Jesus describes in this verse:

Joh 16:2  They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 

My approach to what I'm seeing developing in this country now is to double down in my time of prayer, study, and eliminate anything that's not necessary. Travel light, and do what Paul advises:

1Ti 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain. 
1Ti 6:7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 
1Ti 6:8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

God was with the children of Israel when He brought them out of Egypt. He gave Moses the instructions to give to the people-to keep them safe during all the plagues that fell on the land. He will be with us in the same way, in this time. 

Cover the door posts of your heart, and let Jesus be the Captain of your ship. 
Lorna Couillard.

                                                          Some Thoughts to Ponder
God's people are facing many hardships now, and will increase as things get worse in this world. Below are some truths from scripture that can help us as we go through the storms ahead of us.

Excerpt from a devotional:
The Father's Love Did Not Exempt Jesus from Suffering
They would recall again how the Father's love for Christ did not exempt Him from the sorest suffering. He was the well-beloved Son, yet a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. If there be one thing we all crave to do, it is to shield our loved ones from the sting of pain. That passion is in the heart of every mother as she clasps to her breast her little child. Yet here was the love of the Father for the Son, that gave the Son, and did it quite deliberately, to bitter suffering ending in a cross. Often when our beloved suffer we are powerless. We know the agony of being helpless. We have to witness excruciating pain, impotent to do anything that might relieve it. But the Father, clothed in His omnipotence, with a single word could have put an end to suffering—and yet He loved His Son and did not do it. I wonder if the disciples thought of that when afterwards they recalled this word of Jesus. Stoned, shipwrecked, persecuted, tortured—could it be possible their Master loved them still? And then, clear as a silver bell, these words would strike upon their ears again, "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." He was loved, and yet He suffered sorely. He was loved, and yet His face was marred. He was loved with an everlasting love, and yet all the billows of this mortal life went over Him. What an unspeakable comfort for these gallant souls, tempted through suffering to piercing doubts, this as and so of the Lord Jesus. All God's children must remember that when they are tempted so to doubt the love of heaven. Have not many cried beside some bed of agony, "How can God be love if He permits this?" In such an hour argument is powerless, but there is one Voice that is never powerless. It is His who suffered—and was loved.
The Father's Love Triumphed in the Resurrection and Ascension
They would recall, too, that the Father's love for Christ was a love that justified itself at last. There came at last the hour of resurrection and of ascension to the right hand in heaven. Was it love that gave Him to the earth? It was love that lifted Him above the earth. Was it love that permitted Him to suffer? It was love that crowned His sufferings in glory. The final issue of the Father's love was not the quietness of a garden-grave. It was song; it was dominion; it was liberty. What a magnificent hope for these disciples, persecuted and in prison. What a magnificent hope for every disciple just when things are growing unendurable! A little patience and the love that grips us is going to justify itself magnificently. That is bound, as with hoops of steel, to the Lord Jesus.

                                                                Operation Warp Speed
In the near future the country is going to see the implementation of Warp Speed coming into your community, to give the vaccines for Covid-19. In the last several months, I've posted numerous videos and documentaries from doctors, scientists, and professionals who have warned of the dangers of these vaccines, and what is in them. Vital information can be found here-and the Two Sparrows site.
​http://twosparrowsministry.org/

​One of the greatest red flags to this military push to vaccinate the populations is the implementation of this-in opposition to the Constitution of the U.S. and the Nuremburg Code of 1947. Read it below, and research what took place during WWII, and realize we are seeing something very similar happening again, here in this country. They are telling you it's not mandatory now, but they won't stop until it is. if we don't consent to it-they'll continue to put on pressure, until it is mandatory.
If you  consent to take it-there won't be any way to reverse it; and it will change who/what you are, and ultimately cost you your life.

                                                        The Nuremberg Code (1947)
Permissible Medical Experiments
The great weight of the evidence before us to effect that certain types of medical experiments on human beings, when kept within reasonably well-defined bounds, conform to the ethics of the medical profession generally. The protagonists of the practice of human experimentation justify their views on the basis that such experiments yield results for the good of society that are unprocurable by other methods or means of study. All agree, however, that certain basic principles must be observed in order to satisfy moral, ethical and legal concepts:
1. The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential. This means that the person involved should have legal capacity to give consent; should be so situated as to be able to exercise free power of choice, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, overreaching, or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion; and should have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the elements of the subject matter involved as to enable him to make an understanding and enlightened decision. This latter element requires that before the acceptance of an affirmative decision by the experimental subject there should be made known to him the nature, duration, and purpose of the experiment; the method and means by which it is to be conducted; all inconveniences and hazards reasonably to be expected; and the effects upon his health or person which may possibly come from his participation in the experiment.
The duty and responsibility for ascertaining the quality of the consent rests upon each individual who initiates, directs, or engages in the experiment. It is a personal duty and responsibility which may not be delegated to another with impunity.
2. The experiment should be such as to yield fruitful results for the good of society, unprocurable by other methods or means of study, and not random and unnecessary in nature.
3. The experiment should be so designed and based on the results of animal experimentation and a knowledge of the natural history of the disease or other problem under study that the anticipated results justify the performance of the experiment.
4. The experiment should be so conducted as to avoid all unnecessary physical and mental suffering and injury.
5. No experiment should be conducted where there is an a priori reason to believe that death or disabling injury will occur; except, perhaps, in those experiments where the experimental physicians also serve as subjects.
6. The degree of risk to be taken should never exceed that determined by the humanitarian importance of the problem to be solved by the experiment.
7. Proper preparations should be made and adequate facilities provided to protect the experimental subject against even remote possibilities of injury, disability or death.
8. The experiment should be conducted only by scientifically qualified persons. The highest degree of skill and care should be required through all stages of the experiment of those who conduct or engage in the experiment.
9. During the course of the experiment the human subject should be at liberty to bring the experiment to an end if he has reached the physical or mental state where continuation of the experiment seems to him to be impossible.
10. During the course of the experiment the scientist in charge must be prepared to terminate the experiment at any stage, if he has probable cause to believe, in the exercise of the good faith, superior skill and careful judgment required of him, that a continuation of the experiment is likely to result in injury, disability, or death to the experimental subject.
For more information see Nuremberg Doctor's Trial, BMJ 1996;313(7070):1445-75

[ Field McConnell - Amalgam Virgo - Global Guardian - The "Grey Area" https://youtu.be/oy0xfY8TQrQ ]
DON’T TAKE THE VACCINE
https://banned.video/watch?id=5e61749ff40ae500aa048732

Dr. Francis Boyle Full Interview: Coronavirus Is An Offensive Bioweapon
https://banned.video/watch?id=5fdbd681460db90800f7ad55

Dr. Francis Boyle Darpa's Biowarfare Weapon Vaccine Will Kill People
THIS IS ONE OF THE LATEST DOCTORS TO LISTEN TO ON THE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
IVERMECTIN
https://www.bitchute.com/video/wFxZL65Nuvg/

COVID 19: TRANSPARENCY AND LEGAL ACCOUNTABILITY WITH PETER BREGGIN, MD
ONE OF THE FIRST DOCTORS THAT I HEARD OF THAT SAID THIS COVID WAS AN OVER REACTION AND THE PCR IS A FAKE TEST
https://goldenageofgaia.com/2020/04/18/dr-rashid-buttar-exposes-bill-gates-dr-fauci-and-falsified-pandemic-numbers/

THERE IS A GERMAN / AMERICAN LAWYER THAT HAS FILED LAWSUITS ABOUT THIS PCR TEST AND THE ORIGINS OF THE CORONA BIOWEAPON
https://youtu.be/ZpOzHHJmy7g

The John Moore Radio Show: Wednesday, 23 December, 2020
https://youtu.be/i9eaWxy-GSc

USA GENOCIDE 2021-2025 A.D PART 1- https://www.bitchute.com/video/7mZhYOy7zYal/

USA GENOCIDE 2021-2025 A.D. - TRUMP'S IRAN WAR, GANGSTALKING & DISINFO - PART 4-
https://www.brighteon.com/dd9f6a97-8ec7-495e-bd1a-eac872a7123b

USA GENOCIDE 2021-2025 A.D. - Microchipping, Bank Seizures & Coronavirus - PART 5-
https://www.brighteon.com/0c76a7a9-1647-45b4-9e25-3b24e177dc92

USA GENOCIDE 2021-2025 A.D. - WHY PREPPERS WON'T SURVIVE THE COLLAPSE - PART 6-
https://www.brighteon.com/c371b025-eaf8-4a2e-99a8-829bd662b7fa

Nazi Holocaust Of The Jews Which Lasted From 1938 To 1945 Is A Grizzly Type Picture Of The Coming Time Of Jacob’s Trouble And Great Tribulation
https://www.nowtheendbegins.com/adolf-hitler-nazi-holocaust-jews-from-1938-to-1945-is-grizzly-type-picture-coming-time-of-jacobs-trouble-great-tribulation/

                                        Are The Vaccines The Mark Of The Beast

This controversy is going on both in and out of the churches now-and will get worse as time goes on.

Do I believe the vaccines are the Mark of the Beast? Yes, I believe they are.  And, rather than try to explain why I believe it myself-I'm going to post several videos by people who have done the research, and those with spiritual knowledge and discernment to be able to present evidence that you can evaluate for yourself.

This is why I've been posting so many articles and videos on this subject, trying to warn people to not take them. If you do, not only are you very likely to die within a short time, you will lose your eternal soul.

​Take the time to listen to the evidence, and humble yourself enough to seek God, and turn to him now, while there's time. Jesus saves. He can and will forgive your sins, and redeem you-but you may still go through a tough time here, until He comes.

If you refuse to take them, and suffer persecution, or die-it's far better than spending eternity in hell.
It's my prayer, that you will spend time studying, and heed this all-important post.

HOW ARE FORCED COVID VACCINATIONS DIFFERENT FROM THE MARK OF THE BEAST THEY AREN'T! - AUG. 22
https://brandnewtube.com/watch/how-are-forced-covid-vaccinations-different-from-the-mark-of-the-beast-they-aren-039-t-aug-22_lpibybVyDSGTf3X.html

Understanding the Covid19 TESTS, "What is really in the Covid19 Tests? This is important information to know, and how these tests place nano-particles in the body-which then makes you trackable, patentable (yes, you will be owned), and connected to the "CLOUD" with the 5G/6G towers. When a person is tested-they are also vaccinated, and don't know it.
https://www.brighteon.com/9fe2f770-890e-40d6-9e8d-550b869a498a

"Project Rooftop: The Mark Of The Beast"- 9/15/20
https://www.brighteon.com/714cee2b-f8d1-4f71-8c10-8e168061a9d6

"Spin" - 3/30/21- How the Covid vaccine will change DNA, connect those who take it to 5G/6G- inter-connect them with the beast system- it is the Mark of the Beast
https://www.brighteon.com/bd9bfc64-c720-403c-b064-3464b15ef3e9

​Events continue to unfold about the Covid government restrictions, and rules concerning the unvaccinated being put into place, that have a dreadful resemblance to the early days before WWII-starting in 1938.

The short testimony below is by a woman survivor of the Holocaust speaks of how they started, and the restrictions put into place-you will see the similarity, and it's worth watching.

90% Will Die, Dr Zelenko, Refined The Hydroxychloroquine Protocol, Speaks To Three Rabi's And The Israeli People Directly Of The State Of A Highly Vaccinated Population
https://www.brighteon.com/f5b2c49f-6ab5-4062-b567-1ab7c843e1ef

A Christian woman and her sister who also went through the Holocaust, and lived to tell about it, her name was Corrie ten Boom. Her family were Christians in Holland. When the Nazi regime rose to power, and overcame their country and those around them, they became involved in trying to help those running and trying to get away. She and her family were imprisoned for hiding Jews in their home, and sent to the concentration camps. Many in her family died in them, her father, sister and other's.
​
When she was released by a miracle,  just before all the women of her age were to be killed. She then began to work for the Lord, and served most of her life, into her late 80's. She was able to write several books, full of wisdom, faith and encouragement. 

What God taught her during the time in prison, is rich with faith, and strength that people can benefit from today. As events continue to escalate concerning the Covid plandemic, the unvaccinated are now being targeted as the Jews were in the late 30's, and being isolated just as they were. God's people need to get close to God, and stay there. We will be facing hard times in the coming months and years, and on a greater scale than even then-it will be world wide.

Senator Rand Paul, and many other's are now rising up and vocally advising people to resist Fauci and the governments restrictions-because they are unreasonable, and tyranny. He is right, and he has the background in the medical field to give this advice with authority. He is a doctor also, and he knows the law. This country is in the brink of major civil unrest, perhaps another civil war.

A lot of people are going to die from taking the shots. In a couple of months, and years there's going to be a massive increase of suffering and deaths-many won't believe it, until it starts to happen. Graphene Oxide is pure poison to the body, and that's what's in all of these poison jabs. Listen to some of the testimonies from the doctor's I've posted on this site-they can explain it in medical terms and give the details much better than I can; but I know they are giving correct warnings. Google, Youtube, and mainstream media keeps shutting them down, and censoring them, because they don't want the information out to the public. But, Like Rand Paul said, they can't stop all of us, they can't shut us all up, they can't kill all of us. Watch the video below of  exposing this, and giving his estimate of the amount of deaths coming.

​ Dr Zelenko Global Genocide Event
https://brandnewtube.com/watch/dr-zelenko-exposes-global-genocide-event_nIdDk1njICQpzDz.html

The military are continuing to set up detainment centers for the unvaccinated. Those who do not want the shot, face being taken from their home, and forced into these camps-and if they resist, there will probably be violence and death. I've made up my mind, I'm not taking the shot, and not going anywhere with anyone. I've put my life in God's hands. I'm standing my ground, and saying "NO".

Below is a full movie/documentary on The Hiding Place, the story of Corrie ten Boom during WWII, and a few excerpts from Corrie's devotional "Each New Day", that speaks to us now, in our day. The significance of them is profound.

Corrie Ten Boom: A Faith Undefeated (2013) | Full Movie | Pamela Rosewell Moore
https://youtu.be/GHjiGwG4cFY

Excerpt from the video:
"When Nazi forces invaded Holland in 1940 and began rounding up Jews, Corrie ten Boom, her sister Betsie, and their elderly father risked their lives to save as many as possible. A hidden room was secretly built in their home where the oppressed Jews took refuge until a Gestapo raid put an end to their operation. Corrie ten Boom: a Faith Undefeated recounts this unforgettable story for a new generation.

"When Nazi forces invaded Holland in 1940 and began rounding up Jews, Corrie ten Boom, her sister Betsie, and their elderly father risked their lives to save as many as possible. A hidden room was secretly built in their home where the oppressed Jews took refuge until a Gestapo raid put an end to their operation.  For their “crimes,” Corrie and Betsie were sent to the notorious concentration camp at Ravensbruck, where they suffered relentless cruelty. Struggling to reconcile God’s goodness with the terrible realities of the camp, the sisters clung desperately to their Christian faith. Betsie died in the camp, but Corrie was miraculously released due to a clerical error. She spent the rest of her days caring for other death camp survivors and sharing her story with the world. Corrie’s 1971 best-selling book, The Hiding Place, provides her account of persevering faith and forgiveness in the face of terrible evil."

The pictures below of the Ravensbruck camp give you an example of what Corrie and her sister endured, along with the untold numbers of those who suffered and died there. 

​Corrie's devotional "Each New Day", speaks to us now, in our time. The significance of them is profound. May God use them to give some needed encouragement, strength, and courage to face what is coming.

Excerpts from Each New Day, a devotional by Corrie Ten Boom


​
​From a March devotion:
"Prayer is such an important power. In the concentration camp, seven hundred of us lived in a room built for two hundred people. We were all dirty, nervous, and tense. One day a horrible fight broke out amongst the prisoners. Betsie began to pray aloud. It was as if a storm laid down, until at last all was quiet. Then Betsie said, "Thank You, Father." A tired old woman was used by the Lord to save the situation for seven hundred fellow prisoners through her prayers.

"Here then is my charge. First, supplications prayers, Intercessions and thanksgivings should be made on behalf of all men.... 1Tim. 2:1 PHILLIPS

"There are many days of darkness and distress,
When sin has power to tempt, an care to press.
Yet in the darkest day I will not fear,
For 'midst the shadows, You will still be near,
Thank You, Lord Jesus."

From a May devotion:
"There were three times in my life when the prison locks were closed behind me. It was very difficult. Many of us experience locks closed behind us at times when we have almost insurmountable problems. I learned, and you will learn, that that means a difficult class in life's school. But you can learn much, especially when the teacher is able. My teacher was the Lord, and He is willing to be yours.

"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth, and teach me: for You are the God of my salvation; on You do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4, 5

Prayer: "We are Your willing pupils, Lord. The classroom is of Your choosing, the lessons only part of Your plan for us. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit teaches us how to be willing to study in Your school."

From a June devotion:
"Are you ready to suffer for Him who suffered so much for you? Are you willing to be obedient? He intends to use your suffering to make you worthy of His Kingdom. We are citizens of heaven. Our outlook goes beyond this world.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 RSV

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, You are Victor. We thank You for the glory of being called by such a loving and powerful King of Kings!"

From an October devotion:
"The world is becoming increasingly uninhabitable, but we have hope for the world's future because of God's promises. Crisis always demands spiritual qualities. None of us can refuse to face the storms. The tree on the mountain takes whatever the weather brings. If it has any choice at all, it is simply in putting down roots as deeply as possible, and getting ready to withstand. Defense is something deep and invisible. 

"Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, 
The Man of God's own choosing. 
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name. From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle."   
​MARTIN LUTHER

Nursing home care, elder abuse/neglect, and the dying process are subjects the mainstream media and the public in general mostly ignores, unless something serious enough happens, to have to report it. But, much of it is put under the rug. Some things will be brought out into the light again.

​Christian TV shows sometimes go into the subject of aging and dying process, and grief. They are well done, good content, nice tidy formats with inspiring and uplifting endings that give you “warm fuzzies”. There are many books out on this subject that also fit into this category.
​
That’s just the problem. Society and Christian TV has learned how to use every aspect of life, and turn it into a money-making opportunity.

The story-line, and the content is very carefully worded, air-brushed, sterilized and choreographed to get the most out of the broadcast. Author’s use this “cut and paste” method to make their books appealing, with the emphasis on an upbeat ending. 

The intentions for these programs and books are good, but as one who worked in health care for over 30 years, they lack authenticity. Much is omitted to make the subject matter “palatable” to the public, and send a heart-warming message that “God loves you”, and “everything will work out”.

Yes, God does love you and I. But, people are given free will in this world. Some people choose to do  evil, and innocent people suffer, and are abused by those who for whatever reason-feel they have the right to torment, abuse, harass, and sometimes even kill those who are unable to fight off their abusers.

The reality for many in nursing home care facilities:

Many elderly live in isolation, some who have long ago been abandoned by family members, or do not have any family; and live out their lives never seeing a visitor. I’m saying this from first hand experience.
Some live in abusive environments, and suffer from the affects of the abuses; broken limbs, black eyes, over-medicated, and more. Neglect, abuse, and brutality is an every day occurrence for some of the most vulnerable; young and old alike, behind closed doors. Sometimes we see the end result of these abusive situations on the news, after the abused is dead.

Many very good caregivers never tell the full scope of their exhaustion, stress, and what they endure daily. If they did, they know many would not believe it; or care.

If a visit to some of the nursing home facilities was made unannounced, especially on a weekend, it would be an eye opening experience. Just walk the corridors, look into the rooms, and pay attention. Watch the employees, and listen to them.

People learn to wear masks, and put up a good front. But if you are discerning, you can see through the smoke-screen and see the reality of a situation.

There are wonderful health-care facilities, and good loving home care environments. But, the reality is that there are also some that aren’t.

In the past year and a-half years, there's been reports of catastrophic nursing home deaths from Covid itself, but also of the vaccine deaths-that mainstream media tries to cover up. Here in the U.S., especially NYC, the UK, and around the world, thousands have died from the poison jabs, and the real numbers I'm sure will never be known. The research can be found, but it's best to go to independent platforms to find the truth. These jabs are serving the globalists well in their depopulation agenda.

Many times during the three years my mother was in nursing home care, I or my brother would walk into her room in a late afternoon during a weekend, and find her bed still un-made, and she would be slumped over in her chair still in the rumpled slit-up-the back nursing gown that she had slept in the night before, and her hair uncombed. I would go through the process of bathing her, cleaning and making her bed, visiting with her, combing her hair, taking care of her hygiene.

When I was doing this, sometimes an aide would come in and pretend to be very surprised and say “Oh, I was just on my way in here to take care of your Mom, you didn’t have to do this.” I would do the best I could to keep my composure. I knew very well what the staff had spent their day doing; goofing off, and gossiping the day away.

There were many times I’d drive home with gut-wrenching guilt, because I could not take care of her myself at home anymore, because her diabetes had become too serious, and her feet needed doctor’s care every day. For many years I had taken care of other people’s mother’s right up to their deaths, but now I was helpless to do the same for my own. I was in free-fall myself. I had lost my husband to heart disease, sold our home, his business, and mine; and didn’t know when I was going to hit bottom. My main prayer in all of this was to be with her in her last days, and moments when she faced death, and that she would die in peace and dignity. God answered my prayer. 

Many caregivers can identify with these kinds of situations.

Yes, God does care, He is with us in the worst of these situations; but at the time, it can seem He is out of reach, unconcerned with our plight, and silent. In these times; it is all one can do to put one foot in front of the other, and keep going. During these times in my life, I clung to Him; in silence.

I’ve heard scathing criticism from well known preachers and teachers who say this should not be the plight of any Christian walking rightly with God, there must be something wrong with your faith.

Read the book of Job, (especially the accounts of his three miserable comforters), and read the accounts of Paul’s sufferings, and what he tells us about it. Then go on your merry way. At least muster up enough compassion to leave those in these situations in silence without heaping further suffering on them. These kind of people may never understand, until it's them in the midst of it-but, I've seen firsthand, many make sure they never have to endure these trials. These are the grown kids, family members, and easy-time friends who take their elders to these nursing homes, and walk out, leaving it to others to care for their parents in the most difficult time of their life; and never have to deal with the hardships of this season of life. And actually it's probably better if they don't, they couldn't handle it.

Here are some helpful guides that describe elder abuse-that fit into any season of life. Abuse is abuse, young or old.

The incidents of elder abuse continues to be a growing one, and often isn't seen, because many of the elderly remain silent, out of numerous fears, or are unable to voice what's being done to them.

They are targets for scammers, drug addicts who break into their homes, and rob them of their medications, their money, and at times attack them physically, leaving them brutally harmed, sexually assaulted, or killed. 

Sometimes they are also exploited by family members, by control and threats. I find this the most deplorable, and despicable conduct anyone could imagine. In these situations, the one abused may not speak up, because they have to live in this situation, which can include being overdosed with drugs, verbal and physical abuse, and neglect.

Cruelty and brutality in cities and communities continues to rise. I've seen videos of elderly people being punched, kicked, and attacked by total strangers walking on the streets. Many young people today have no problem cursing, using verbal threats, and behaving with disrespect to adults they don't even know. If you say something they don't like-many feel they have every right to verbally curse you, or target you with harassment, and many times the adults find nothing wrong with this. I was brought up in a different world, and miss it. If I had treated any older person the way many kids do today-I would have had my backside strapped-and been put on "lockdown" for a long time. My parents never had to, because it never occurred to me to speak to an older person with disrespect. Like I said, when I was a kid, in my family, this was unheard of.

I've read comments by many older people who have gotten to the place, that they've had to change their way of doing things, to avoid being out in congested places. Instead of taking their walk in the daytime, they go early in the morning, even before daybreak, or after the sunset, when they have a better chance of getting in their exercise and time outside, without running into crowds or kids-to avoid being abused.

Most nursing homes and senior centers are excellent in their care, and support their seniors very well. But, the problem of neglect and abuse does exist in some. An attentive eye can see those who are victims of abuse. 

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:
1. Bruises on the face and body-black eyes, black and blue on the arms especially. Frequent bruises on the same person. Broken bones.
2. A senior who seems asleep a lot, slumped in a wheelchair for long periods of time.
3. Long periods of silence; unresponsive; if this is someone who has usually been active and vocal, who becomes despondent.
4. Expressions of fear-of being spoken to, or touched.

If you serve as a pastor or teacher in an adult class, and have elders in your church, or have a nursing home ministry; it would be a good idea to take notice of them, and watch for signs of abuse.

Below are some helpful sites that will help identify the signs and resources to help in this area.

www.preventelderabuse.org
www.nij.gov/topics/crime/elder-abuse
www.findlaw.com/ElderAbuse
www.helpguide.org
www.ncea.aoa.gov
Lorna Couillard
8/6/21
It didn't take long to get reactions from this blog, and they were the ones I expected. Some from lurkers- "This isn't relevant to prophetic situations now", "This doesn't have anything to do with watching for the coming of the Lord", "This is exaggeration, the problem isn't that bad". There's other's too, but this is enough.
I could spell out half a dozen reasons why this subject is very relevant, and does fit into the prophetic incidents going on today, and why. If people cared enough to do the research-they'd soon see I'm not exaggerating-I'm only scratching the surface. In the months and years to come (if there is that long), some peoples eyes who come across this, will read it and see how it is relevant, as the problem escalates, along with violence and chaos in general. Because, the time is soon coming, when the media will be reporting the increase in abuses/brutality, as the tensions rise, and upheavals unfold here, and around the world. The tyranny from this government, and those in other countries is going to get worse, and war drums are beating, and getting louder. This blog will be left here, for whoever may come across it in time to come-and see just what I'm talking about. God will open some peoples eyes.

                                         Forsake Me Not When My Strength Is Spent
Psa 71:1  In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion. 
Psa 71:2  Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. 
Psa 71:3  Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. 
Psa 71:4  Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 
Psa 71:5  For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. 
Psa 71:6  By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee. 
Psa 71:7  I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. 
Psa 71:8  Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. 
Psa 71:9  Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth. 
Psa 71:10  For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, 
Psa 71:11  Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. 
Psa 71:12  O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help. 
Psa 71:13  Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt. 
Psa 71:14  But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. 
Psa 71:15  My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. 
Psa 71:16  I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 
Psa 71:17  O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 
Psa 71:18  Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. 
Psa 71:19  Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee! 
Psa 71:20  Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 
Psa 71:21  Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. 
Psa 71:22  I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. 
Psa 71:23  My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. 
Psa 71:24  My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt. 

"Old men need have no failure in their buoyancy and gladness, if they will fix their thoughts where the psalmist fixed his. Other subjects will soon wear out, but they who make God’s righteousness and salvation their theme will ever have material for meditation and praise. We have here an inexhaustible subject, and one which will keep us young. Let us ask for help, that we may disappoint the calculations of those who hate us, whether men or demons. It is a piteous spectacle when apparently prosperous careers” are overclouded, and age is overwhelmed in catastrophes which there is no time to surmount. But such is not God’s way with His loyal servants. His rivers do not end in swamps and marshes, but broaden and deepen till they kiss the mighty ocean." F.B. Meyer comm.