The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of Your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward Your servants the prophets, as well as Your holy people, and all who fear Your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth."
(Revelation 11:18 NLT)
Have we become comfortable and blind, putting away the things of God for things that satisfy our flesh and when a man of God speaks can we not see past the words coming out of his mouth to understand it is not his words but the words of the One who sent him? What a terrible condition of the heart, for it is easier to dismiss than to obey. One day God will say, “Enough!”
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: "The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." The twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones before God fell with their faces to the ground and worshiped Him. And they said, "We give thanks to You, Lord God, the Almighty, the One who is and who always was, for now You have assumed Your great power and have begun to reign.
(Revelation 11:15-17 NLT)
Lord, help us to see with the eyes of our spirit and not just with our physical eyes. It is our short sightedness that will ultimately destroy us, leading us to live a life that satisfies ourselves when we should be concerned about satisfying what you have required of us. Let not our spiritual ears be deaf to what your messengers tell us, for contained within their words is the key to the very thing our souls have longed for but our spirits must be awaken to your call. With tender hearts must we get up out of bed and say, “Here I am. Did you call me?” (1 Samuel 3) and then by faith believe your Word and with singularity of mind and whole heartedly we turn from our ways to follow You. You are holy and require our very best, not a half-hearted effort. For if Jesus is not our only choice then He is no choice at all. If we’re not giving everything then we gain nothing.
If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it.
(Matthew 10:38-39 NLT)
Remember it is not the messenger but the One who sent the message that has the power to save. To ignore, make light of, or drown out the words they speak would be like the dead sealing their own tomb, effectively sealing out all hope.
All the people who belong to this world will gloat over them and give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them. But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them.
(Revelation 11:10-11 NLT)
Hear this, no more games today is the day of salvation. Either turn your life over to God or walk away, no more riding the fence hoping for the best of two worlds because they will not mix. The holy cannot know the unrighteous and the selfish heart cannot know the ultimate sacrifice. The time is short and the choice is eternal.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
God knows
When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Keep secret what the seven thunders said, and do not write it down."
(Revelation 10:4 NLT)
We think we are in control based upon our experiences and our ability to manipulate situations so they are favorable to us but have you ever stopped to wonder who causes us to see or if we are seeing the whole picture? How is it that we supposedly know so much yet the expanse of our lifetime is so short compared to all of creation? No, God is God and He has provided enough so that we might know we are not the center of “our universe” as it is so popular to say but instead a tiny but important part in God’s master plan. One day His supremacy will be revealed to all but until such time He asks for faith, for without faith it is impossible to please God.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
Faith bridges the gap between what we call reality and the ocean depths below our little lifeboat that goes unnoticed by most. For there is so much more God has in store for us than this physical, temporary body our eternal spirits live in but without believing in God we cannot know it. Revelation was given to John to correct, direct, encourage, and ultimately prepare those who seek God’s will in their lives yet many things were left untold so that our faith may increase. It is relationship with God that brings about discovery of the ocean below us so to speak. While so many are content to master their little ship where can they go when the storms come but if we know the Master of the wind and the water we have nothing to fear, perfect love casts out all fear!
On judgment day many will say to Me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's laws.'
(Matthew 7:22-23 NLT)
In the end it does not matter what we have done or what we have mastered, only that we have relationship with God’s Son who was sent here to show us how to live. Notice Jesus did not mention what lacked in their laundry list but said the reason why they could not enter was because they did not have a relationship with Him. In having relationship we learn how to listen and obey, we don’t do what we think God wants us to do but instead are led by His Holy Spirit and this is the only way we can know the things yet to be seen.
(Revelation 10:4 NLT)
We think we are in control based upon our experiences and our ability to manipulate situations so they are favorable to us but have you ever stopped to wonder who causes us to see or if we are seeing the whole picture? How is it that we supposedly know so much yet the expanse of our lifetime is so short compared to all of creation? No, God is God and He has provided enough so that we might know we are not the center of “our universe” as it is so popular to say but instead a tiny but important part in God’s master plan. One day His supremacy will be revealed to all but until such time He asks for faith, for without faith it is impossible to please God.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NLT)
Faith bridges the gap between what we call reality and the ocean depths below our little lifeboat that goes unnoticed by most. For there is so much more God has in store for us than this physical, temporary body our eternal spirits live in but without believing in God we cannot know it. Revelation was given to John to correct, direct, encourage, and ultimately prepare those who seek God’s will in their lives yet many things were left untold so that our faith may increase. It is relationship with God that brings about discovery of the ocean below us so to speak. While so many are content to master their little ship where can they go when the storms come but if we know the Master of the wind and the water we have nothing to fear, perfect love casts out all fear!
On judgment day many will say to Me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's laws.'
(Matthew 7:22-23 NLT)
In the end it does not matter what we have done or what we have mastered, only that we have relationship with God’s Son who was sent here to show us how to live. Notice Jesus did not mention what lacked in their laundry list but said the reason why they could not enter was because they did not have a relationship with Him. In having relationship we learn how to listen and obey, we don’t do what we think God wants us to do but instead are led by His Holy Spirit and this is the only way we can know the things yet to be seen.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
What does it take to turn
But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk!
(Revelation 9:20 NLT)
There are many mysterious things to me in the book of Revelation but still there are points that are very clear. We currently know God’s mercy but there will come a day when His mercy will be hidden from the earth and His wrath will instead be released but even on that day if people will turn to God they will be saved. In spite of all that will happen there will be those with God’s seal on their foreheads showing who they belong to.
Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions. They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
(Revelation 9:3-4 NLT)
God surely will prove His power and authority throughout the tribulation but because of the condition of man’s heart he will not be able to acknowledge who God is. In this series of events God brings to a close the hurts and pains of this life mentioned in Romans chapter 8.
For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us.
(Romans 8:19-23 NLT)
In this way the darkest hour is right before dawn and this step must be taken before we can partake in the life we hope to gain but even in this God is with us, as He was with Israel during the seven plagues in Egypt. Our faith will be tested and our eyes will see many terrible things but our trust must remain in God’s goodness. It seems whether we go through these future plagues or if we die as martyrs beforehand if we are alive when these events take place then our dedication to God will be proven but our reward will be God’s honor.
(Revelation 9:20 NLT)
There are many mysterious things to me in the book of Revelation but still there are points that are very clear. We currently know God’s mercy but there will come a day when His mercy will be hidden from the earth and His wrath will instead be released but even on that day if people will turn to God they will be saved. In spite of all that will happen there will be those with God’s seal on their foreheads showing who they belong to.
Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions. They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
(Revelation 9:3-4 NLT)
God surely will prove His power and authority throughout the tribulation but because of the condition of man’s heart he will not be able to acknowledge who God is. In this series of events God brings to a close the hurts and pains of this life mentioned in Romans chapter 8.
For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us.
(Romans 8:19-23 NLT)
In this way the darkest hour is right before dawn and this step must be taken before we can partake in the life we hope to gain but even in this God is with us, as He was with Israel during the seven plagues in Egypt. Our faith will be tested and our eyes will see many terrible things but our trust must remain in God’s goodness. It seems whether we go through these future plagues or if we die as martyrs beforehand if we are alive when these events take place then our dedication to God will be proven but our reward will be God’s honor.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
To the lukewarm
Revelation 3:14-22
"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!”
(Rev 3:15-16 NLT)
We know what being hot is – passionate, a burning desire to do or be something; we know what cold is – turned off by something, to avoid something but to be lukewarm is to have your senses dulled, without feeling, going through the motions because you are convinced your actions are right but your heart is not in it. The result is indifference, caring for nothing or no one, living more like animals than people in that you cannot be taught, you do not listen, you live by instinct more than by the leading of the Holy Spirit. To know and love God is to live a life that is open to His leading, which brings about change, for He will lead us to the Refiner’s fire and when His work is completed in us we will wear robes of white and because of the great cost His people are passionate and ever diligent to follow where He may lead them. The indifference the church of Laodicea soothed themselves with provided relief from God’s correction but God answered their unasked question by telling them He disciplines everyone that He loves. For we know that our ways are not like His and His thoughts are strange to us. If God did not correct us how would we be different than before we knew Him? God’s heart is adventurous and His ways are not tame but He is good beyond doubt and His love for us is without question and if that is true why do we hold back on anything He asks of us? Do we fear the unknown but we already know that perfect love casts out all fear. Is our motivation comfort and a life of ease or are we passionate about discovering God’s plan for our lives? It comes down to this – do we trust God, the Creator of all that is living, with the life we call ours? God says He has a journey for us to go on, there will be battles and the way will be treacherous but He will be right there with us, every step of the way.
"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne.”
(Rev 3:20-21 NLT)
"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!”
(Rev 3:15-16 NLT)
We know what being hot is – passionate, a burning desire to do or be something; we know what cold is – turned off by something, to avoid something but to be lukewarm is to have your senses dulled, without feeling, going through the motions because you are convinced your actions are right but your heart is not in it. The result is indifference, caring for nothing or no one, living more like animals than people in that you cannot be taught, you do not listen, you live by instinct more than by the leading of the Holy Spirit. To know and love God is to live a life that is open to His leading, which brings about change, for He will lead us to the Refiner’s fire and when His work is completed in us we will wear robes of white and because of the great cost His people are passionate and ever diligent to follow where He may lead them. The indifference the church of Laodicea soothed themselves with provided relief from God’s correction but God answered their unasked question by telling them He disciplines everyone that He loves. For we know that our ways are not like His and His thoughts are strange to us. If God did not correct us how would we be different than before we knew Him? God’s heart is adventurous and His ways are not tame but He is good beyond doubt and His love for us is without question and if that is true why do we hold back on anything He asks of us? Do we fear the unknown but we already know that perfect love casts out all fear. Is our motivation comfort and a life of ease or are we passionate about discovering God’s plan for our lives? It comes down to this – do we trust God, the Creator of all that is living, with the life we call ours? God says He has a journey for us to go on, there will be battles and the way will be treacherous but He will be right there with us, every step of the way.
"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne.”
(Rev 3:20-21 NLT)
Thursday, June 26, 2014
To those who persevere
Revelation 3:7-13
God knows us better than we know ourselves and He has promised never to give us more than we can bear, always showing us a way out so that we can endure. He knows what and when we need it as He shapes and molds us to be His church and the faithful depend upon His grace, mercy, and love to see them through. God watches how we respond under pressure and He rewards and instructs so that we might grow, for we are not meant to remain babes that can only take milk. How silly would it look to see a teen eating baby food all the time? Then why do you think it is any different in the things of the spirit?
The church in Philadelphia faced persecution that disguised itself as family, as God’s chosen people but God said they were from Satan’s synagogue. God said they would acknowledge that YOU are the ones I love and they would bow at your feet. Why because deception is one thing we see God coming against very harshly. Time and time again we see Jesus rebuke religious leaders that twisted the law to fit their needs while crushing those who were supposed to be under their protection. Jesus came to show us who God really was, he said if you have seen me then you have seen the Father.
If you had really known Me, you would know who My Father is. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him!"
(Joh 14:7 NLT)
Another place Jesus also said that if you cause one of mine to fall into sin it would be better for you to have a millstone tied to your neck and thrown into the sea (Mark 9:42).
So who belongs to God? Revelation 3:10 Jesus makes it clear it is those who remain faithful to His commands to persevere. To those He promises to protect and keep from a “great time of testing that will come upon the whole world”. The letter to those in Philadelphia closes with hope that causes them to persevere and it is meant for us today, if we know Jesus.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.
(Rev 3:11 NLT)
God knows us better than we know ourselves and He has promised never to give us more than we can bear, always showing us a way out so that we can endure. He knows what and when we need it as He shapes and molds us to be His church and the faithful depend upon His grace, mercy, and love to see them through. God watches how we respond under pressure and He rewards and instructs so that we might grow, for we are not meant to remain babes that can only take milk. How silly would it look to see a teen eating baby food all the time? Then why do you think it is any different in the things of the spirit?
The church in Philadelphia faced persecution that disguised itself as family, as God’s chosen people but God said they were from Satan’s synagogue. God said they would acknowledge that YOU are the ones I love and they would bow at your feet. Why because deception is one thing we see God coming against very harshly. Time and time again we see Jesus rebuke religious leaders that twisted the law to fit their needs while crushing those who were supposed to be under their protection. Jesus came to show us who God really was, he said if you have seen me then you have seen the Father.
If you had really known Me, you would know who My Father is. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him!"
(Joh 14:7 NLT)
Another place Jesus also said that if you cause one of mine to fall into sin it would be better for you to have a millstone tied to your neck and thrown into the sea (Mark 9:42).
So who belongs to God? Revelation 3:10 Jesus makes it clear it is those who remain faithful to His commands to persevere. To those He promises to protect and keep from a “great time of testing that will come upon the whole world”. The letter to those in Philadelphia closes with hope that causes them to persevere and it is meant for us today, if we know Jesus.
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.
(Rev 3:11 NLT)
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
To all who are victorious
Revelation 3:1-6
Have you ever met someone who seems alive but something is off? This happens at work probably more often than any other place but can happen anywhere leadership is required. The need for leadership and motivated people who have left Christ behind or who never knew Him is the recipe for a train wreck. There is something driving them other than what God has asked for, either money, success, and/or lack of wisdom begins to drive them resulting in them driving others, few respond favorably to this management. Those who don’t know better would say they are passionate and alive because of being so driven and if people were ignorant and less perceptive it might work but instead you get people questioning why this “leader” is upset, why nothing satisfies him, and ultimately confused on what they are really trying to accomplish.
In the case of the church at Sardis their passion is no longer for the things of God and sin has crept in. God said because of their blindness they were mostly dead and even that which remains alive is just barely hanging on. God’s answer – wake up, go back to what you first believed, and repent of what you’ve done. We see God also call out an inner circle, He said there were some who have not soiled their clothes with evil. To all who are victorious I will never erase your names from the Book of Life. Again indicating that if we make the effort to move towards God He will meet us but this is not a onetime thing! We must continually seek God whole-heartedly, do you disagree? Are you willing to bet eternity on it? He said to those who are victorious, in order to have victory over something we must have come through a battle. If we have battled then we have struggled, if we have struggled then we must have heard the call of God’s Holy Spirit, for without Him we cannot tell right from wrong or righteousness from evil. But to those who hear the Holy Spirit and do not follow, who do not struggle against their own flesh, who do not battle the enemy, who cannot claim victory what are they promised?
As a side note let me say that in the end it does not matter if we are successful at work if we are stepping on people to obtain this status? Somehow people know who the real leaders are, most can sense being pushed and prodded verses following someone who has taken the lead, someone they trust. If the leader is having trouble getting people motivated they must first ask themselves am I leading or pushing others. Then ask what is my motivation, and finally do I love others as much as I love myself? Do I care about their development or the prophet margin. If the prophet is you goal you will never realize your full potential as a leader. A Christ centered business is a successful business. In the end people need to know why they are putting forth the extra effort, they have to buy into the company’s reasons why they should spend extra time at work, why they should sacrifice time with their families. If that is not clearly defined then very few people will buy into it or take ownership. It is not good enough to simply want to be the best, that is losing game but to have real purpose, to meet a real need that is what motivates people. What is true in the spirit is also true in the physical – it’s all about motive!
Have you ever met someone who seems alive but something is off? This happens at work probably more often than any other place but can happen anywhere leadership is required. The need for leadership and motivated people who have left Christ behind or who never knew Him is the recipe for a train wreck. There is something driving them other than what God has asked for, either money, success, and/or lack of wisdom begins to drive them resulting in them driving others, few respond favorably to this management. Those who don’t know better would say they are passionate and alive because of being so driven and if people were ignorant and less perceptive it might work but instead you get people questioning why this “leader” is upset, why nothing satisfies him, and ultimately confused on what they are really trying to accomplish.
In the case of the church at Sardis their passion is no longer for the things of God and sin has crept in. God said because of their blindness they were mostly dead and even that which remains alive is just barely hanging on. God’s answer – wake up, go back to what you first believed, and repent of what you’ve done. We see God also call out an inner circle, He said there were some who have not soiled their clothes with evil. To all who are victorious I will never erase your names from the Book of Life. Again indicating that if we make the effort to move towards God He will meet us but this is not a onetime thing! We must continually seek God whole-heartedly, do you disagree? Are you willing to bet eternity on it? He said to those who are victorious, in order to have victory over something we must have come through a battle. If we have battled then we have struggled, if we have struggled then we must have heard the call of God’s Holy Spirit, for without Him we cannot tell right from wrong or righteousness from evil. But to those who hear the Holy Spirit and do not follow, who do not struggle against their own flesh, who do not battle the enemy, who cannot claim victory what are they promised?
As a side note let me say that in the end it does not matter if we are successful at work if we are stepping on people to obtain this status? Somehow people know who the real leaders are, most can sense being pushed and prodded verses following someone who has taken the lead, someone they trust. If the leader is having trouble getting people motivated they must first ask themselves am I leading or pushing others. Then ask what is my motivation, and finally do I love others as much as I love myself? Do I care about their development or the prophet margin. If the prophet is you goal you will never realize your full potential as a leader. A Christ centered business is a successful business. In the end people need to know why they are putting forth the extra effort, they have to buy into the company’s reasons why they should spend extra time at work, why they should sacrifice time with their families. If that is not clearly defined then very few people will buy into it or take ownership. It is not good enough to simply want to be the best, that is losing game but to have real purpose, to meet a real need that is what motivates people. What is true in the spirit is also true in the physical – it’s all about motive!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Knowing my Savior
Revelation 2:18-29
Sexual sin and idol worship at the heart of these is a man or woman that is blinded by self-centered motivation and the tie to their addiction is not easily broken. The church, which is the body of Christ, cannot and will not tolerate these things going on in its midst. Love people enough to teach them what is right in the eyes of God but do not become entrapped in the same thing that binds them, the same things that have separated them from God’s presence. We are called to bring the good news to all people but the message can no longer be heard if we wrap ourselves in the same garments the world wears and the differences between us become less and less. It is not our own abilities that attract others to the One who lives within us but God’s light shining in the darkness that draws all tribes, races, and ethnic groups to see what makes us different. God is not unjust for He gives us time to choose right or wrong and He provides His light to lead us and His Holy Spirit to direct us but in the end we decide to listen or not. Those who love Him obey, simply put but those who love themselves more do what makes them feel good.
I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality. "Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.
(Rev 2:21-23 NLT)
Does this sound like the God you know? The problem is we grow up understanding God is love and God is patient but less so that God is holy and righteous. We cannot pick and choose what we want God to be, either you love Him or you don’t and if you love Him then you will do what He says is right. There will come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and it will not be the day of our choosing but more like the day of the rich man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones as he depended up on himself more so than God and that very night he was called to give an account for all that he did. Yes, Jesus is coming again and He will come like a thief in the night. So do not spend time or resources pursuing things that please the flesh, instead draw close to God, learn of His ways, and ask for strength and courage to follow where He leads and when you go through a trial understand you have a loving Father in Heaven that is working off the rough edges left by this world. It can hurt no doubt and until you understand what is taking place you may even blame God of being unfair but His love for you goes deeper than that, even beyond our own understanding. Through it all hold on to Jesus through daily relationship with Him, ask for understanding and He will lead you. Read the Bible to better understand the character of God so that you can see Him moving in your life, through the good and even the bad. No matter what don’t let go because soon this life will be over and you will trade the temporary for the eternal. Yes you can know and have the blessed assurance you’ve heard the saints of old talk about but only through knowing Jesus Christ. It’s not what you do but what motivates you to do it, it’s not who sees what you’ve done but who is watching when no one is around, it’s not what you’ve done in Jesus’ name but what is born out of relationship with Him.
On judgment day many will say to Me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's laws.'
(Mat 7:22-23 NLT)
Sexual sin and idol worship at the heart of these is a man or woman that is blinded by self-centered motivation and the tie to their addiction is not easily broken. The church, which is the body of Christ, cannot and will not tolerate these things going on in its midst. Love people enough to teach them what is right in the eyes of God but do not become entrapped in the same thing that binds them, the same things that have separated them from God’s presence. We are called to bring the good news to all people but the message can no longer be heard if we wrap ourselves in the same garments the world wears and the differences between us become less and less. It is not our own abilities that attract others to the One who lives within us but God’s light shining in the darkness that draws all tribes, races, and ethnic groups to see what makes us different. God is not unjust for He gives us time to choose right or wrong and He provides His light to lead us and His Holy Spirit to direct us but in the end we decide to listen or not. Those who love Him obey, simply put but those who love themselves more do what makes them feel good.
I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality. "Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve.
(Rev 2:21-23 NLT)
Does this sound like the God you know? The problem is we grow up understanding God is love and God is patient but less so that God is holy and righteous. We cannot pick and choose what we want God to be, either you love Him or you don’t and if you love Him then you will do what He says is right. There will come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and it will not be the day of our choosing but more like the day of the rich man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones as he depended up on himself more so than God and that very night he was called to give an account for all that he did. Yes, Jesus is coming again and He will come like a thief in the night. So do not spend time or resources pursuing things that please the flesh, instead draw close to God, learn of His ways, and ask for strength and courage to follow where He leads and when you go through a trial understand you have a loving Father in Heaven that is working off the rough edges left by this world. It can hurt no doubt and until you understand what is taking place you may even blame God of being unfair but His love for you goes deeper than that, even beyond our own understanding. Through it all hold on to Jesus through daily relationship with Him, ask for understanding and He will lead you. Read the Bible to better understand the character of God so that you can see Him moving in your life, through the good and even the bad. No matter what don’t let go because soon this life will be over and you will trade the temporary for the eternal. Yes you can know and have the blessed assurance you’ve heard the saints of old talk about but only through knowing Jesus Christ. It’s not what you do but what motivates you to do it, it’s not who sees what you’ve done but who is watching when no one is around, it’s not what you’ve done in Jesus’ name but what is born out of relationship with Him.
On judgment day many will say to Me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's laws.'
(Mat 7:22-23 NLT)
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