Open It And Read

 

Open. Read.

*Understand Preparing Yourself*

You've probably watched a lot of "end time" videos, maybe dozens. You know the signs, you know the verses. But I have to say that I am uncomfortable about some things that some people think it's what Jesus wants of us as believers, BUT IT IS NOT WHAT JESUS WANTS. Two things, and the 2nd one I had to deal with at one point in my Christian walk.

1. Information is not oil.

Jesus told a parable about 10 virgins - acting as bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-3) who were waiting to go into the wedding banquet. Five of them were wise (ready), five were foolish (unprepared). Here's the detail so many skip. All 10 virgins KNEW the groom was coming. That was never in question. All of them were waiting for Him. All believed to be ready. But, knowing he was coming was not what separated the wise from the foolish. The OIL IN THE LAMP did. So if watching videos online through you tube, face book, TV specials, DVD's , listening to preachers or opinions has made you "informed," good! But being "informed" is not the same as being ready. Five of those virgins who were "waiting," believed to be "ready" to meet the Bridegroom, were not. They were shut out and refused entance even though they were fully informed! They knew scriptures, even did mighty good works in Jesus Name. Hmm. When they knocked on that CLOSED door, the answer wasn't "you didn't know enough information so you cannot enter," it was "I don't know you' so they COULDN'T enter! That is a relationship word phrase (I don't know you) not a " lack of knowledge phrase. Matthew 7:23 records it as Jesus saying I NEVER KNEW YOU!  Meaning there was never a relationship established with Jesus. Oil in your lamp signifies evidence of the Holy Spirit .. those who walk in the Spirit have an intimate closeness to GOD. You would never open up your own front door to allow someone in you don't know. Neither will Jesus. Does He know you?

2. Here's my 2nd point. 

I was guilty many years back. Albeit done in ignorance, not willfully. It is this: letting someone tell you about Jesus- His WORD (bible)  instead of learning to HEAR HIM by reading it yourself. This was me. I allowed other people for many years do my seeking for me without establishing a personal relationship with Him. I never studied a bible because I did not think it was necessary when friends shared their opinions, radio preachers spoke, and the preacher gave sermons in church. I thought that was enough. I WAS WRONG. I wasn't developing a relationship with Jesus, I was developing an opinion from everyone else's thoughts and understanding. WEIGHING THIS, WEIGHING THAT and from there what sounded right or logical, I clung to. Not knowing I wasn't in a personal relationship. I was just gathering information. And information is not oil!

Jesus said, "If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch" (Matthew 15:14). Read that last part again. BOTH FALL, not just those who lead. Jesus called some of them blind guides because although they looked and sounded authoritative and well-trained, their hearts were not where they were supposed to be. Not all who teach or preach are guiding you into truth but just giving you information that you'll fill your heart with believing "information" is enough to say you know Jesus. Back in my early days I fell in that trap. I WAS ONLY SEEKING INFORMATION WITHOUT KNOWING JESUS, GOING BY WHAT I WAS TOLD was supposedly what right or what things meant based on opinions. But that's not my point because eventually you will grow, learn more, understand deeper, etc.  My gravest error was, I had no relationship with GOD, just head knowledge. But Jesus wants a relationship with us.. to talk to Him off and on throughout the day by prayer or just conversation. Just like you stay in touch with your best friend, share your concerns, your worries, troubles, trust Him, believe Him, count on Him, confide in Him, ask for help, cry out, lean on HIM, engage with Him. He's the best friend you'll ever have and who has your best in mind! 

Jesus, is the Good Shepherd. He said He knows those who KNOW HIM (never a "I don't know you" response). Jesus affirms, " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). HIS Sheep HEAR, not my sheep hear it from somebody else and repeat it. That's not a relationship with the SON OF GOD. That goes for my blogs too. YOU NEED TO READ THE WORD OF GOD AND DEVELOP A CLOSE, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM ON YOUR OWN, letting Him reveal Himself to you. Sermons and preachers and authors and bloggers can be of assistance or a pathway with arrows directing you to Him, but they are never a coat-tail grabbing guarantee an entrance into heaven! I'm not suggesting you stop watching END-TIME religious videos, TV preachers, or hearing a friend's opinion on Bible scripture. I am urging you to open the pages of the Bible and read it for yourself then begin forming a relationship between you and GOD. Don't let watching religious movies, documentaries, blogs, or opinions replace the Bible that is suppose to lead you to Him. Seek to know with all your heart. That's how you start and continue to put oil in your own lamp so when Jesus returns, your light is shinning brightly, and has continued to burn, never going out,  proving you were a faithful wise virgin and waited with patience for His return.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Plugged In

-I wrote this blog years ago but it bears repeating-

It's 10 PM. You're getting ready for bed because you have an early 5 a.m. call. What is the result when you fail to charge your cell phone overnight and then slip it into your pocket as you head to work? Or what happens that same morning when you slide two pieces of bread into the toaster, walk away, and return one minute later only to find the plug detached from the outlet? Does your cell have a charge? Is your bread toasted? What are the results? Nothing! Nothing fruitful happens. These are simple and understandable examples of what happens in the spiritual realm when we do not plug into Jesus through His Word. The Bible (The Word) is but one powerful vehicle whereby we remain connected to God. Why is that important? The Word of God is like a Vine and the source of our covenant relationship with God. We are the branches that develop off that vine and if we become disconnected, we produce no fruit. "He who remains in Me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5 KJV). 

Picture a robust peach tree with fruit blooming forth from every limb. Picture that same tree getting whipped around in a wind storm and one of the branches gets torn away and falls to the ground. What happens to the green leaves of that branch after days of being cut off from the source of the tree? You've seen it! The once, healthy green leaves begin to wilt, dry up, turn crispy brown and eventually wither away. What happens to the fruit on that same broken branch after its source of energy and moisture from the roots of the tree are no longer being supplied? The fruit begins to rot! Notice the five words that stand out in the scripture above. He who REMAINS in me. We must remain in Him, abide in Him, stay connected and plugged into the Power Source because without Him we will not grow, we will not bear fruit and in fact, John 15:6 (NIV) says we will be cut off if we don't remain in Him. "If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." The only way to be filled with all the fullness of God is to stay connected if we don't want to wither away from our only Life Source.

Some of us claim we have spiritual lives but really aren't doing anything with them because though connected to the Power Source we aren't really "plugged in." I'll give you another simple and understandable example of what I mean. How many of you have a DVR, a Roku, or cable box that has a light on the front that stays lit when your TV is turned off? You know those three things are drawing some kind of power which keeps the indicator light on, yet none of them are operating the television even though the small indicator light tells you they are receiving electricity. The DVD unit or a Roku unit as an example, are extracting some power yet without the full power between them and your television, making them basically useless because they are not operating in the full capacity they were made for. This example reminds me of people who are "connected" to God verbally but aren't really committed and plugged in enough to want to grow and bear fruit. They will keep siphoning the power of very little knowledge from the Word (Vine)... just enough to keep from dying altogether. Yet they aren't nourished enough to bear fruit because they don't feed enough to grow up into a tree and bear fruit themselves thus feeding others from their bounty.

It is a scary thing when we don't remain in Christ because if cut off from the wellspring of God's Spirit, we begin to wither and die. Reading God's Word is vital! It gives us the instructions on how we conduct and lives our lives. Scripture says, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). The primary way God speaks to us is through the Bible. Period. You should really want to search what purpose God has for you. The more you read, pray, and converse with Him, the more He will reveal His knowledge. Will God reveal how to be a neuro-surgeon, plumber, or painter? No, there are plenty of trade schools and colleges for that. But He will teach you how to learn and keep patience, kindness, charity, knowing your purpose, revealing what happens after death, how to have and maintain peace and happiness in the midst of turmoil, principals to help you cope with problems and anxieties, how to live in harmony and so on. The entire book was inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). As you read it, you will begin to understand the heart of God and why He left us His words. It's a book of wisdom, a book of prophecy, a book of love. I know there are parts of the Bible that are complex and hard to understand but with time, with sincerity, with determination to know ... "God rewards those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). And, He will reveal things to you that will have you leaping for joy, Psalm 25:14 " The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant." When you seek Him, want to know Him, love Him, you will say as Psalm 91:10-11 "He is my refuge and my fortress. No evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. He will put His angels in charge over you, to guard you and keep you in all your ways." I say to the reader as in verse 1-2 "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

Here is the sum of it all: Jesus said, "I AM the vine. You are the branches." DON'T LOSE YOUR CONNECTION! Only a connection to the Vine gives life. Only a connection to the Vine produces fruit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). He is the source of our life, apart from Him, we wither and die. By holding fast to the disciplines of prayer, study, fellowship, and availability to serve, we are assured of fellowship with other believers in the Body of Christ and an everlasting place in the Kingdom of God. Until next time ...

-Pat-

 

"I Was Made In Secret " (and so were you)

 

My morning verse today was Psalms 139:15 "My substance was not hid from You, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." Such an interesting verse. I remembered I once had someone ask me if the part "I was made in secret" refers to God seeing us in our bedrooms during copulation. Well, it was a straightforward curious inquiry I'm going to share with you. To be perfectly honest, though GOD knows all things- He is "omniscient," this is not refering to "watching us" copulate. I think Psalm 139 contains some interesting knowledge that ties in with scientific discoveries that all supporters of abortion should seriously consider. This will not be a judgmental blog but rather, an educational one I think few people know about that they'll find fascinating. 

Did you know? It is absolutely scientifically proven, (you can look it up) that when a single human sperm makes contact with a human egg’s surface (conception), suddenly a flash of light can literally be seen under a microscope and spreads from the point of contact?? The whole surface of the egg is enveloped in light for one instant and then goes dark again!! Think of that! Under a microscope it can and has been seen, even documented by scientists that a FLASH OF LIGHT appears when sperm meets egg at the moment of conception!! Isn't that breathtaking? Now add to that, scripture says, 'That was the true Light (JESUS), that lights everyone that comes Into the world" -John 1:9- speaking to a delegation sent by the Pharisees. . Then John 1: 4-5 says, "IN HIM WAS LIFE, AND THAT LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF ALL MANKIND." Jesus Himself claimed, "I am the Light of the world." My point being.. AT THE VERY INSTANT WHEN CONCEPTION OCCURS, GOD IS THERE. HE IS THE CREATOR. FLASH!! LIFE BEGINS AT CONCEPTION. AND HIS LIGHT IS PROOF OF LIFE. So, now that you know, let's break down the entire verse. Psalms 139:15 (KJV) states, "My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." This verse is part of a beautiful and poetic passage in which the psalmist, David, reflects on God's omniscience and omnipresence. The psalmist acknowledges that God knows him intimately, as he was intricately formed in the secret places of the earth.

The verse begins with the declaration, "My substance was not hid from thee." This indicates the psalmist's recognition that God has complete knowledge and understanding of his being. The word "substance" here refers to the psalmist's innermost being, his soul and essence. The psalmist is acknowledging that even before he was formed in his mother's womb, God knew him completely. This idea is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV), where God tells Jeremiah, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew you." At conception and weeks following, we are more than a clump of just cells because LIFE BEGAN with a flash. Our soul was brought into being. The verse goes on to describe the process of the psalmist's creation, stating, "when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." This language evokes a sense of mystery and wonder at the miraculous process of human creation. The phrase "made in secret" suggests that the formation of the psalmist in his mother's womb was a hidden and sacred act, known only to God. The mention of being "curiously wrought" emphasizes the care and skill with which God fashioned and personally, and intricately crafts the psalmist as well as each of us. The idea of being crafted or molded reflects the belief that humans are made in the image of God, and that our creation is a deliberate and purposeful act. 

In addition, being "wrought in the lowest parts of the earth" - reference to the darkness and seclusion of the womb and comparing the dark, deep, mysterious enclosure of the womb -to the deep subterranean parts of the earth. In a broader context, Psalm 139 is a meditation on the nature of God's presence and knowledge. The psalmist marvels at how God knows him inside and out, from his thoughts to his actions, and from his beginning to his end. The psalmist finds both comfort and awe in the fact that there is nowhere he can go to escape God's presence, and no depth of his being that God does not already comprehend. So the words, "curiously wrought" metaphorically refers to needlework or embroidery, "for You created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb" (verse 13). "Knit in my mothers womb" showing how GOD designs the human body: bones, organs, features, colors, skin types, etc. Your DNA is there in blueprint when sperm fertilizes an egg-the zygote, with 46 chromosomes, including the specific combination of genes that will influence your eye and hair color. And even though DNA  does not act like a finished photograph, rather, it is a complex instruction manual written by God that unfolds overtime, even so,  you are still LIFE, LIVING, A SOUL, ALL HUMAN at conception.

God is intimately aware of every second, moment, and stage of life. We are all a hand-crafted, specialized creation rather than a random accident or clump of useless cells to be flushed out . The themes of God's omniscience and omnipresence in Psalm 139 resonate with the broader biblical message of God's loving care for His creation. The idea that God intimately knows and is involved in the formation of each individual is a powerful affirmation of the sanctity of human life. It speaks to the intrinsic value and dignity of every person, regardless of their circumstances or perceived importance.

I hope I have helped to reveal how profound and deeply meaningful Psalm 139:15 actually is. How marvelous the nature of God's intimate knowledge and involvement in human creation is. It speaks to the mystery and wonder of human life, and to the deep sense of care and purpose with which God has fashioned each individual beginning at conception. The verse invites us to contemplate the depth of God's love and attention to every aspect of our being, and serves as a powerful reminder of our inherent worth in the eyes of our Creator.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

If The World Hates You ..

 

Scripture from this morning as I opened my Bible was from Proverbs 29:27, "An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked."

I paused for a moment tossing those words around in my head. Where have I seen this Proverb play out before? Oh, I know. Our political environment! Good people and bad people naturally repel one another. Isn't this the climate in which we live today? It seems all we witness day in and day out is mutual disgust between political parties. Personally, I have given up watching the news anymore. The bickering, the fighting, the lies, the propaganda, and political assassinations! The targeted attacks and plots against national leaders has become too much to bear. I'm reminded of Jesus' words,"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives am I giving to you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid" John 14:27. I'm staying in that peace. Isaiah 26:3 promises, "You will keep in perfect peace the mind that's stayed on Thee." I DON'T WANT TO BE ANY WHERE ELSE!

The Righteous View: (UPRIGHT IN THE WAY) People who try to live honestly and justly find wicked, deceitful, or violent behavior repulsive and unacceptable.---> An "upright" person lives with honesty and integrity just by doing the right thing. They accidently shine a light on the dishonest behavior of the wicked. Corrupt individuals often rely on cheating, lying, or cutting corners to get what they want. However, the upright person refuses to participate in those games. Psychologically from my background in the mental health field I surmise a clean, respected life triggers a sense of guilt or inadequacy in someone doing wrong. So rather than changing their own bad behavior, the wicked person turns that internal discomfort outward, projecting it as pure hostility toward the good person. Goodness and Corruption are completely incompatible.

The Wicked View: (ABOMINATION) People who live selfishly or wickedly despise those who are upright. ---> abomination: something that causes extreme disgust, hatred, or moral loathing. So fundamentally repulsive and contrary to one's core value that it cannot be tolerated. They despise the upright because a good person's honest life serves as a constant, uncomfortable reminder of the wicked persons own guilt and bad choices. You cannot expect total harmony between two people who are heading in completely opposite moral directions. Goodness offends evil and evil offends goodness.

**Galatians 5:17 the flesh wars against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh.**

Much of society’s perception that Christians are not loving derives from how we interact with those who do not love us. Jesus foretells in John 15:18 that the “world” will always hate Christians (because we do not belong to the world) “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." However, despite that being true, He also instructs Christians in His Sermon on the Mount to “love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” Nothing is more counter cultural than Jesus’ command to love those who hate you. That kind of love does not come naturally through our flesh. How many enemies do you love? The power to love those who despise you can only come through the Holy Spirit. So HOW do you love someone so utterly opposes your positions, opinions, choices, all based on your faith? I think the answer has to begin with loving what is unseen – I’m referring to an aspect of our “enemies” that we do not see. When we watch a cable news program or read an article in publications that we know stand against all we stand for, what do we think about the speaker or author?

Many watch the talking head on our TV screens or picture the writer of the words and their blood boils at their audacity to offend our Father and lead so many astray. Yet what we don’t see is what is most important – their souls. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Their souls are eternal, darkened, lost and controlled by Satan. Only when we look past the appearance, words and actions of someone who hates us can we begin to love them. We must look deeper within, at their souls made in God’s image that longs for Him but is prevented from reconnecting with the Lord. Their souls are empty, devoid of hope. True love is not judging based on what we see, but bringing hope to what we cannot see – their souls. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15).

The question for each of us is – do we love their souls or judge their flesh? Their flesh is outward – the combination of their sin (in words and actions) and their appearance (physical). Their souls are inward – a battle for possession by either the Holy Spirit or demons. Satan attacks the soul attempting to wrestle away control through affecting the external – the individual’s circumstances. We will always find it difficult to love those who don’t love us if all we see is the external (flesh and blood), but the mandate to love our “neighbor” becomes much easier to obey when we see our kinship with others as eternal souls seeking reconciliation and redemption through Christ. I have found it easier to do if I remember how I too was once blind and lost. To the world, loving the Unseen – who and what we cannot see – is radical. It’s Jesus’ type of love – a love possible only through seeing individuals as Christ sees them. Jesus spoke dignity into people’s lives. The crowds wanted to follow Jesus because He treated the ostracized tax collector, impoverished fishermen, outcast prostitutes, and untouchable lepers with dignity. He saw their value as souls craving to be reunited with the Father, not as those who had value only in fleshly mind and body.

The Agape love Christ modeled by Christ is unconditional, unable to be affected by how well we know someone, how often we see them, what they believe, or anything they do or say. Agape love, for every person’s soul, allows us to demonstrate compassion to disheveled strangers, evangelism to the lost, generosity to the persecuted, and prayer for those who persecute us in much greater proportion than Christians do today. Likewise, it eliminates our anger toward those who hate us and rekindles our sense of responsibility and urgency to lead their souls back to Christ. I would urge Christians to practice self-reflection, humility, and active Christ like compassion by always examining yourselves first and remember the grace God extended to you. Then finally, pray for others genuinely. Lift people up in prayer asking God's blessing and help for them, rather than praying for them to change to suit your personal preferences. That's the Christ-like way.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Your Religion Is Just A Costume

This blog is for a certain faction of The "Church" which seems to be growing in numbers.  Open your ears and receive this verbal, scriptural, reprimand otherwise known as chastisement. "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of Him. For the Lord loves who He chastens, and corrects every son whom He receives" (Proverbs 3: 11-12). The Bible has many references to correcting, rebuking, chastising, admonishing, and correcting fellow believers (Luke 17:3, Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20.)  With love and direction of  the Holy Spirit I am writing this though it may seem harsh. It's best to examine yourself daily but some refuse to. Biblical instruction tells us in 2 Corinthians, " Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves."

God doesn't like ugly. I'm not talking about your face, I'm talking about those claiming the label "Christian" who are displaying contemptible, obnoxious, hypocritical attitudes. To those with an Olympic level of hardness and hypocrisy HEAR THIS:

It doesn't matter how many Bible verses you can quote, how many times you say "God Bless," how many Sunday's you spend sitting in a church pew, how loud you shout hallelujah when the pastor says something you agree with, or the amount of money  you throw in an offering plate over and above anyone else. If your heart is ugly your religion is just a costume!

You can wear a cross around your neck and still be the devil in somebody else's life. You can quote scripture from Genesis to Revelation and still treat people with absolute disrespect. You can raise your hands and worship on Sunday morning and spend Monday through Saturday tearing people down- spreading gossip, and criticizing or insulting others. Are you not aware that attacking, belittling, or mocking someone while acting as though your behavior is justified is highlighted and morally wrong by Jesus in scripture? While policing everybody else sins you somehow misplaced the mirror. Jesus had something to say about that. Matthew 7:3, "Why do you look at the speck in our brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" In other words, why are you looking at the minor fault of someone else and ignoring your own major faults? It's hypocrisy when you harshly critique a minor mistake of others while completely ignoring severe character flaws or moral failings of yourself.

It is apparent that some people read the Bible like it's a restaurant menu. They choose the parts they like and ignore the parts they don't want.  We need to follow ALL of what Jesus taught not those parts you pick and choose. Jesus speaking in Matthew 28:20, "teach them to obey all things I have commanded you." This message was to those of THE CHURCH to correct those of the Church, not non-believers! This was righteous judgement within the Body of Christ.  You see, faith isn't measured by how loud you praise God. It's measured by how you treat other people when nobody is watching. So when you are tempted to tell everyone how righteous you are and someone else couldn't be, look in the mirror and check your attitude. Check your intentions, check your ugly heart. You can fool some people with your performance but you cannot hide your character forever. If the only thing people experience from your heart is bitterness, cruelty, arrogance, and judgement .. The problem isn't everybody else! 

When you use your faith to look down on others, it contradicts the very core of Christian teachings. True righteousness is marked by humility and love, not by comparing our faith to others. True spiritual maturity is reflected in how we lift others up, not in how we measure our righteousness against theirs. Spiritual pride is dangerous as an example in Luke 18: 9-14, parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

A Bible in your hand means absolutely nothing when the devil is driving your behavior! Let that marinate.

Until He Comes,

-Pat- 

You Must Be A Republican

 

Someone asked me my political affiliation. I asked why they were asking and their response was, "You talk about Jesus alot so I figure you must be a Republican." First of all, for the record: I am a Christian without shame. Being a Christian DEFINES MY FAITH AND PERSONAL VALUES, not a political party. "Christians"  hold a wide variety of political views. If one were wise, they would know being a Christian doesn't automatically tie someone to a political party. I try to let my faith guide how I treat people rather than telling me how to check a ballot!

That said, let me be clear ..

Can you define the following declaration with absolute certainty as being either Republican or Democrat without interjecting a personal opinion or assumption?

I believe Jesus Christ is Lord over everything. Not just Sunday mornings, not just my household, but every nation, every government, and every authority on earth. I believe America was blessed by biblical principals and I refuse to apologize for wanting those principals to influence the future of this country.

I believe the Bible should shape our understanding of right and wrong. I believe marriage and family matter. I believe children should be protected because life is sacred and truth doesn't change because culture changes. And NO, THAT DOESN'T MEAN I believe that the government can force someone to follow Jesus. You cannot legislate salvation! Only Jesus saves. But don't tell me my faith belongs inside the four walls of the church while every other world view gets to influence our laws, our schools, and our culture.

I'm a Christian before I'm an American. My allegiance to Jesus will always come before my allegiance to America. I don't worship America, I worship Jesus Christ. I believe America should be governed by biblical morality as God instructed, that Christians should participate in shaping our nation, and that Jesus is King above every earthly ruler. I'm not ashamed to say I believe those things because my faith isn't just personal. It shapes how I live, treat others, and what I believe is good for my country. The bottom line is, the faith I choose follow does not altogether determine what political party I vote for. I'm an equal-opportunity skeptic; I find plenty of things to roll my eyes at on both sides.

Finally, the Bible was not written to address the proximate problems of political life. Ancient biblical writers did not design Scripture to act as a policy manuel, a voting guide, or a blueprint for contemporary governance, electiions, or statecraft. It speaks of another Kingdom. Yet, though we are citizens of Heaven, we still live on this Earth. While Christians should consult Scripture as they consider their own involvement in the political process (as I am careful not to support anti-biblical causes), the Bible does not include something like a comprehensive party platform. You can search the prophets, the epistles, or the words of Jesus, but you won’t find straightforward answers to today’s public policy questions. 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

When you read the Bible everyday ...you change!

 

-Something marvelous happens when you read your Bible everyday- 

 I'm going to use natural food as an example of what happens to help you understand the concept

When you eat an orange, you cannot see the vitamin C. When you eat a banana, you can't see the potassium. Yet, even if you didn't know those nutrients were there you would still receive the benefit of those nutrients simply because you ate the fruit. It's because the invisible things inside the fruit are actually the things that affect your health. That's why if you get a cold, you'll hear "eat oranges" because of the vitamin C it contains.

Think about this: The Bible works in a very similar way. It is filled with things you cannot physically see happening. Jesus said, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1)

FIRST POINT: Faith cannot be seen. 

SECOND POINT: God calls faith a "substance." That means that faith exists in a reality beyond what we can perceive without five senses. It carries power and goes beyond what we can see in the natural world. And Jesus said, "Without faith itis impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). Faith proves you trust God. FAITH is very important. 

This is powerful .. Even when you read the Words of the Bible and don't understand one word of it, it's still getting down on the inside of you. It's like growing a holy garden inside your heart. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of heaven is within you" (Luke 17:21).

In a sense, the Word of God is God's DNA. As you plant God's DNA on the inside of you, you will become more like God. NOT AS GOD, "like" God .. "Let us make man in our image after our likeness." NOTICE THE PLURAL?? "Our" image and "Our likeness. That's GOD the Father and JESUS the Living Word. 

When you read the Bible day after day something begins to change on the inside of you! You become stronger against sin, more peaceful, more grounded,  less anxious, less fearful, the list goes on. Even though you can't physically see those changes happening. THEY ARE HAPPENING. That's why the Bible instruct in Romans12:2 to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" .. renewing YOUR MIND in God's Word-the Bible -TRUTH at counts, never changes, never fails, and is eternal, not in philosophies, books, chanting, that is only temporary and you won't take with you beyond the grave! But that's not all.

 In Mark 4:26 "The Kingdom of God is like a man that scatters seeds on the ground. He goes to sleep and wakes up daily and the seed grows automatically through the earths natural power without the man fully understanding how. The earth produces the crop itself .. first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain. This is a metaphore. The seed is the Word of God. The ground/the soil represents your heart. So, when you plant the Word of God in your heart every single day, these beautiful things begin happening in your life and the amazing part is verse 26 --you do not know how it happens! This parable illustrates how The Word-the message of God's Kingdom -grows mysteriously and steadily within you through God's powerful Holy Spirit when you read. So the bottom line is this: The Word of God has the power to transform your life in a way no psychologist, no philosophy, no self-help book, no Oprah's bookstore, no world system can match. All you have to do is plant the Word of God in your heart daily and GOD WILL DO THE REST. The Word of God is alive and active! IT IS!! Hebrews 4:12 "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." The Bible also says in Proverbs 4:22 about the Word of God (Bible) .. for "they" (the words you read) are life to those that find them, and health to all your flesh" IF you do not let them depart from your eyes and keep them in the midst of your heart. IT'S A WONDERFUL TRANSITION from death to life. From old to new.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

The Old Law vs The New Law

 

Believe it or not, there are Christians that believe they are no longer under the law (the 10 commandments)- TO KEEP that law, but are somehow magically exempt because of their conversion to Christ. But that is far from the truth! They have yet to understand. WE STILL KEEP EVERY JOT AND TITTLE OF THE LAW. The 10 Commandments were never dissolved.  Luke 16:17. "It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the Law to fail."  It's easier to keep the law by love instead of by demands. I'll explain shortly. Listen to what Paul added in the book of Romans 6:15 "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." As believers and followers of Jesus, we must not and CANNOT, continue practicing sin because we think the 10 commandments no longer pertain to us. Here's the bottom line then I'll explain. The Old Law (Mosaic/old Covenant) was given to Moses by God (called the 10 Commandments) for the nation of Israel. It also included hundreds of ceremonal, dietary, and civil laws. Included were animal sacrifice, the spilling of blood for the cleansing of sin. The law was given like a schoolmaster or a reflective mirror to show people their own sinfulness and inability to be righteous on their own.The object was to point to their need for a SAVIOR. Law makes us aware we have sinned. Until there is a law, no one knows they are wrong. That's why the law was given. Law is not a punisher, it's actually a good thing.

WE NEED LAW. For without laws there is chaos. Example of laws that keep us safe.

Without a stop sign, people would continue through intersections resulting in multiply accidents.

Without a speed limit sign, people would travel dangerously fast resulting in injury to themselves or others.

Without designated crosswalks, pedestrian fatalties would frequently occur.

Without air-traffic control there would be hundreds of mid-air collisions on a daily basis.

Then further imagine no sanitation laws (resulting in illnesses like choera, hepatitis, typhoid), no building code laws (means structural failure, fire & electrical hazards) no prescription regulations (antibiotics, opiods, psychiatric medications would be available over the counter where children and teens would have access like buying a box of cough drops. on and on. 

So it's obvious we need laws to govern ourselves AND OUR SOULS!

***SPIRITUAL LAWS .. ONLY ONE NOW; love (Matthew 22:36, Mark 12: 28-31). When you love those around you as Jesus commanded, there is no way you can be found guilty of any of the original 10 commandments because you're not going to hurt anyone, steal from anyone, take a life, covet someone's spouse, commit adultery, etc. Nor will you worship another god or bow to an idol. LOVE is easier to understand than hundreds of laws, rituals, ceremonies, animal sacrifices, you can't possibly keep or even remember.. 

LOVE. That's it. "Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself." LOVE fulfills the Law. All of them.  "Love covers a multitude of sins" (Peter 4:8)

Old Covenant law VS the law of love. 

Is it getting easier to understand now?

Instead of laws carved on stone tablets, God now writes His law (LOVE) directly on the hearts and minds of believers. CHRISTIANS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM OBEYING THE LAW, we keep the law because we love others and do them no wrong.  You see, "obedience" does not come from trying to mechanically check off a list of do's and don'ts under the threat of punishment. Instead, it flows from an inward transformation tolove others and desire to please God energized by the indwelling Holy Spirit giving us power to overcome temptation and ultimately having victory over sin itself. 

And now you're asking ..

"But how do I love those that have done a terrible injustice to me?" Examples: personal betrayal, violent crime, infidelity, gaslighting, scamming you of thousands of dollars, for murdering your child, harrassing you because of your race, a wrongful conviction, trafficking a family member, the dad who abandoned you, the lady who lied and runined your reputation, molestation from someone you trusted, on and on and on. Jesus directly said, "Love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those, who hate you, and pray for who spitefully use you and persecute you"  (Matthew 5:44). You didn't want to hear that, did you? First of all, the kind of love Jesus was speaking about is not an emotion, but an action! His love is Biblical love (agape) is not a warm, affectionate feeling toward someone who has hurt you. You're not expected to feel mushy and cordial. It is, rather, an act of the will--choosing to seek their well-being, refusing to harbor malice, and acting with goodwill instead of retaliation. Scripture is not asking you to pretend a terrible injustice is okay, nor does it strip away the reality of pain. Instead, it commands you to hand the scales of justice over to God. "Vengence is Mine, says the Lord. I will repay" (Hebrews10:30).  "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 12:19). Also, as difficult as it may seem, we are to: *Pray for our enemies and persecutors. *Refuse hatred and bitterness. *Practice forgiveness *Overcome evil with good. WE AREABLE TO DO THESE THINGS ONLY WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. He dwells in us and helps us overcome sin and obey God's commands by transforming our inner nature, providing daily guidance and supplying the strength to resist temptation. The Holy Spirit helps us avoid sin by replacing old, sinful cravings, with new holy desires making things like truth, purity, and generosity more appealing than past temptations. I would not have believed it myself had it not happened to me!

Here is a final thought from God to you: "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin" (Hebrews 10: 17-18)

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

The Spirit and the Bride say, Come

 

-An Urgent Call-

Jesus offers total forgiveness and welcomes everyone back to God regardless of their sketchy past. His grace by love and mercy is the only gateway into heaven. They are a free gift and not something people HAVE TO earn as other beliefs, doctrines, and religions of the world teach. As a clear example, with Jesus, it isn't necessary to keep trying try to ascend to a higher level of consciousness or energy. If it actually worked, then why do you need reincarnation? Because any "reincarnation" post-mortem becomes a product of personal effort and earned merit, does it not? Most other major world religions are classified as "works-based systems, depending heavily on their own actions, rituals, obedience, or moral performance: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses to name a few.

Jesus grants salvation as a gift of pure grace-completely unearned. Other religions say "DO," while Christianity says, "DONE." Also, it's also important to note the religions I mentioned above are what I call "clean-up" religions (for lack of a better word) where a person is required to clean themselves up first to be accepted before they can enter heaven. Whereas Christianity NOTHING IS REQUIRED to come to Jesus. You come dirty, sinful, filthy, twisted, abusive, perverted, drunks, deviates, lost, who are unable to save themselves. You don't have to clean up, straighten up..the Holy Spirit is going to do that for you as you believe JESUS is the way, the truth, and the life.

Unfortunately, in many world religions, salvation operates kind of like a cosmic scale if you will. In other words, if your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds, you are saved. Again, that's self effort-trying to earn your way into heaven. And honestly, we just aren't good enough to accomplish that! The Bible flatly rejects this, stating that God's standard is absolute perfection which no human can achieve on their own. Therefore, salvation must be given as an unearned gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). Now think.. IF humans could actually earn their way to heaven or ascend through their own spiritual self-effort, it would mean Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was unnecessary. Christianity teaches that Jesus; final words on the cross, "it is finished" (John 19:30) mean the entire price for sin was paid in full. Not only that, but someone wisely said, "karma is about getting exactly what you deserve, whereas grace is getting what you don't deserve!

***I'm separating this fact so that it stands out and you get the impact of it .. In world religions, good works are the CAUSE of salvation (you do good to get saved)--but you're still not saved. In Christianity, good works are the RESULT of salvation (you do good because you are already saved and loved by God).***

Because of God's unconditional love (grace) His sacrifice on a cross (verified by history by the way) plus the fundamental desire for reconciliation, He therefore invites all of us to come to Him just as we are, in our individual states of sin and flaws. As I've pointed out, we cannot "earn" salvation through rituals, performance, or by being "good enough" although millions of people are actually counting on that. God's love is given through grace, which means unmerited or unearned favor. And because God's core character is LOVE, His desire is to rescue people rather than condemn them. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17)

Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners" (Matthew 9:12)

Christianity is a faith and message that simple says human wrongdoing (sin) creates a barrier between us and a holy, perfect God. That is simple to understand. And the Bible tells us that SINLESS Jesus, was the only perfect "sacrifice" to step up, step in, and take the penalty for all human sin upon Himself when He freely offered Himself as an atonement on our behalf and literally let us off the hook! Because that penalty has already been paid (over 2,000 years ago) total forgiveness is readily available to anyone who accepts it. And I do mean ANYONE: a murderer, rapist, pedophile, sex trafficker, adulterer, homosexual, child molester, thief, on and on. There is no sin, wrong-doing, or bad mistake, Jesus did not cover, regardless of the degree of severity we place  on it.

I personally know three women who have had an abortion. One of the three is so distraught she cannot be convinced that Jesus will forgive her mistake if she'll just come, ask forgiveness, and allow Him as her guidance, her leader, her Savior. She doesn't understand that His sacrifice on the cross, the shedding of His blood, covered her decision to abort her baby way back before she was ever born or a mother. Jesus offers every human being on this earth a complete cancellation of sin and out with it, the guilt! Because through Jesus, forgiveness is absolute!

 

1) HE FORGIVES ALL SIN: Colossians 2:13-14 "You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross."

2) WIPES OUR SLATE CLEAN AND FORGETS THEM FOREVER: Hebrews 8:12 "And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

3) HE CLEANSES US: 1 John 1:9 "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

4) HE REMOVES SIN NEVER TO BE BROUGHT UP AGAON: Psalm 103:12 "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west."

Jesus mission is meant for all people again, REGARDLESS OF PAST MISTAKES OR IDENTITY! I hope you are seeing that more clearly now. Jesus came to save the lost. Listen to His words from Mark 2:17, "When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

I'll leave you with this. the heart of the Christian message and the faith I adhere to is not a demand for human perfection, but an unconditional invitation to a relationship with someone who loves you so much. He was willing to take your sins upon Himself, suffer an agonizing, unbelievable death for the punishment of them, SO YOU AND I WOULDN'T HAVE TO. And through His life, parables, and the cross, demonstrated that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. No debt is too massive  and no person is excluded from this radical mercy. What a gift! Each day that you're alive He offers you that grace. Please, don't reject it because there is no other way back to God. The Bible ends out with these words and so will I .."The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price" Revelation 22:17.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

How to Defeat The Spirit of Fear

Fear isn’t just an emotion. It’s a spirit with an agenda! It wants you small. Silent. Hidden. Paralyzed. But you were never meant to live under its tyranny. God didn’t give you a spirit of fear , He gave you the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind according to 2 Timothy 1:7. That means every ounce of terror, doubt, or fear gripping your chest right now is an illegal intruder. And you have the authority in Jesus’ Name to evict it. There is power in the NAME of Jesus. Remember, Revelation 19:13 says, "And His NAME is called the Word of God. SO.. it is the WORD OF GOD (the Bible) that has the power when spoken with faith. When His Words are spoken outloud, when His Words are repeated with faith, spirits MUST obey! He is the Supreme power in heaven and in earth and His Words can move mountains! And, to the believers He has given His Spirit of power!

This isn’t about positive thinking or managing anxiety as the world teaches. This is spiritual warfare. You’re not negotiating with fear. You’re commanding it to leave. Fear is one of the enemy’s most effective weapons because it masquerades as wisdom. It whispers, “Be careful. Protect yourself. Don’t take that risk.” But under the surface, it’s assassinating your destiny. I looked it up and The Bible mentions “fear not” over 365 times one for every day of the year. That’s not coincidence. It’s battle strategy. When fear ruled Gideon’s life, he hid in a winepress threshing wheat, convinced he was the least in his family and the weakest in Israel. But God called him a mighty warrior (Judges 6:12). The moment Gideon HEARD THE WORD "YOU ARE A MIGHTY WARRIOR," despite his fear, he moved in faith and armies fell. As I said, The WORD OF GOD has power when spoken with faith. How do you get faith? Scripture says faith comes in hearing the WORD of God (Romans 10:17). READING and or HEARING God's written Word consistently is what will build your faith. Why? Reading expands your knowledge. More knowledge opens up deeper understanding.  deeper understanding anchors faith (belief).

When the Israelites stood at the edge of the Promised Land and fear gripped their hearts, they wandered in circles for 40 years. An 11-day journey became a generational curse (Deuteronomy 1:2). Fear doesn’t just delay your breakthrough. It disqualifies you from stepping into it! That’s why deliverance from the spirit of fear isn’t optional. It’s urgent. The spirit of fear operates through trauma, generational patterns, witchcraft assignments, and demonic oppression. It feeds on past failures, worst-case scenarios, and the voice of the accuser (Satan). But deliverance prayer against demonic attacks breaks every legal right that fear has claimed over your life. Isaiah 41:10 declares: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” That’s not a suggestion. It’s a command backed by covenant! So if anyone is in fear, doubt, anxiety, or stress today, I've listed a prayer below I encouraged you to pray. Jesus' WORDS ARE HIGHLIGHTED  IN RED. Use any or all that fit your need. His Words have power. So use WHAT HE SPOKE in your prayers back to HIM saying first, "as it is written."

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You as a blood-bought child of the Most High God. I renounce and reject every spirit of fear that has operated in my life and which goes against your promise to me as it is written, "you have not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind!" (2 Timothy 1:17)

I declare that fear has no legal right, no covenant claim, and no authority over me. I am not a slave to terror, anxiety, panic, or dread, as it is written, "I will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day" (Psalm 91:5)

I am a son, (a daughter) as it is written, "sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise and covered by the Blood of the Lamb" (Ehesians 1:13)

I bind the spirit of fear right now in Jesus’ Name. I command every root of fear planted through trauma, rejection, abandonment, abuse, witchcraft, or generational curse to be severed and destroyed. That’s not a suggestion, Satan and his minons, it’s a command backed by covenant!

I break agreement with every lie fear has whispered.

I renounce the belief that I am unsafe, unprotected, or unable because it is written in Psalm 91:11 "He will order His angels to protect me where ever I go."

Under His wings I am safe because it is written in Psalm 91:1, I dwell in the Shelter of the Most High. Neither will any weapon formed against me prosper as written in Isaiah 54:17 

I cancel every evil assignment designed to keep me paralyzed, hidden, or silent. I loose the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind over my life.  I decree that my mind is sound, my heart is steady, and my spirit is bold. I will not be moved by what I see, what I feel, or what the enemy threatens. I stand on the Rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against me. I fill every evicted, vacated space with the perfect love of God that casts out all fear as it is written 1 John 4:18. 

In Jesus’ mighty Name, Amen.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

 

Three Warnings The Bible Gives Before Jesus Comes Back

 

#1  THE HEART THAT LOOKS BACK. 

When Jesus taught about the day of His return, He said in Luke 17:32, "Remember Lot's wife."  

WHAT HAPPENED TO LOT'S WIFE? The Bible states when she fled the destruction of Sodom with her husband and their two daughters, she was turned into a pillar of salt when she turned around and looked back at the city she left . Why? There is a important lesson here. Lot's wife was only steps away from safety (representing salvation) when she turned around. And though her intent was to leave, to give up her old way of living, and though her feet took her from Sodom (that abominable city of sin), the Bible says she looked back ---> "looking back" in a spiritual sense symbolized a deep longing to return to her old life. Jesus was giving us a visual of the principals that exposed her heart.  While her body was physically escaping (as many people have the desire to escape their sin and wickedness as well) she looked back, AND MANY CHRISTIANS are looking back in these end-times even though their intention is to leave their sin filled lives, BUT they are winding up like Lot's wife-- desiring to go back to their old habitual sins. These are those who's hearts are not fully committed. They remain tied to SIN! They won't let go. The bottom line? Hesitation and looking back, exposed the true intension of her heart. Do you feel this way? As a Christian, is sin calling you back? Salt also symbolizes something: a desolation where nothing can ever grow again, representing the finality of her spiritual death and her choice of a worldly life over safety (salvation).

This example given by Jesus serves as a reminder not to "look back" or cling to a broken past when called to move forward in faith. A perfect WORD from Jesus tied into this is from Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Whatever you care about most gets your time, energy, and attention because your deep feelings and desires will naturally follow what you value most. Today, many people follow Jesus with their feet while their hearts still treasure sin. This serves as a warning to let go of your attachment to all that keeps you in sin. Give your WHOLE HEART to Jesus, don't hold back. "Love GOD with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength" (Mark 12:30). Many who believe they are ready may discover too late that they are not. This is a warning!

#2 THE VIRGINS WITH NO OIL 

First of all, understand what Jesus means by using the term "virgins." In His parable, the word virgins symbolize purity and dedication to Christ. They are His loyal believers --those who have kept and nourished a personal trusting relationship with Him -- those awaiting His return -- those who don't look in any other direction (meaning He is their one and only- no other religions, philosophies, or false doctrine pull them away), those with an unashamed profession of their love for Him through spiritual fidelity!!

Back to the parable. Matthew 25:8, "The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out." This is what makes this verse in the story so frightening. 

There were 10 virgins (represents believers in Jesus ) waiting for the Bridegroom (who is Jesus) to arrive.

All were carrying lamps.

All looked ready. 

All sounded ready. 

But 5 of the 10 had little oil in their lamps and their lamps were going out. 

These were called foolish virgins because they didn't bring extra oil for their lamps as the other wise virgins did so they were desperately asking to be given oil they had not prepared for. 

**IMPORTANT NOTATION: The wise virgins prepared and took extra oil with them in case The Bridegroom tarried and His coming was delayed. They wanted to be ready no matter how long it took. People TODAY say He's not coming because they believe there is a "delay" since He's yet to return which to them proves it's all a farce so they aren't preparing for the long haul. Also, there is another warning in this parable. The 5 foolish virgins in their attempt to "borrow" oil from those with plenty is a message centered around personal preparedness. In other words, spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed from somebody else. Faith cannot be borrow from me to you.. I cannot give my faith to save anyone.  Each person must cultivate their own faith and relationship with GOD.  You're responsible for that yourself.  Then, the final message regarding the 10 virgins is, WATCHFULNESS! Stay watchful and spiritually prepared because no one knows the day or the hour Christ (the Bridegroom) will return. Thus the reason the 5 wise virgins took extra oil to keep burning regardless of how long it takes for Christ to return! One final message of the parable .. the 5 foolish virgins had the outward appearance of religion (the lamp) but no inner spiritual substance (the oil-the Holy Spirit) to keep their light burning when their test (the delay) came to prove loyalty. Our example today: You can go to church faithfully, believe Jesus is God in the flesh as John 1:1 proves, confess it, tell others you believe it, and yet not have that close relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, so that in time the importance of Jesus in you begins to fade, your light grows dimmer, until finally it goes out because you did not fuel the fire you once had! So, the warning is, if Jesus comes in the blink of an eye you cannot expect someone else's faith to save you if you've faded to nothing. You cannot say, " I followed my preacher and believe everything he told me" then expect that to be counted as your faith. You cannot say, "I read Pat's Sunday Blogs all the time and learned about you" expecting that to be a devoted, personal relationship with Him. You cannot expect someone else's faith or belief to substitute as your personal bond to Christ. You must read The Word yourself, seek, find, love, and devote your heart to HIM outside of religions or doctrine.

#3 THE MAN WHOSE REPENTANCE CAME TOO LATE.

Hebrews 12:17 tells us that Esau found no opportunity to change what he had done. He traded his birthright for an entire meal of red lentil stew and bread. What was sacred, his birthright,  mattered most but he treated it as something ordinary, believing he could always put-off and make things right later. But later came! The blessing was gone. Today, many people feel conviction, yet keep delaying repentance. They think there will forever be another opportunity so they put off occasions and daily chances to seek and find Jesus. They are trading opportunity for other worldly things they deem more urgent. But when the trumpet sounds, AND LET ME TELL YOU continuous preaching, warnings from Christians, blogs you read about His coming ARE A FORM OF TRUMPETING!! Those of us warning, calling, urging, and inviting, are in the position of "watchman" .. one who blows a trumpet to warn the people. If anyone hears the trumpet but ignores the warning, their blame is on their own head.

We Christians view the continuous preaching of the gospel and the warnings about the end times as fulfilling this "watchman" role. So in this sense, every preacher, evangelist, or believer who warns that JESUS IS IS COMING is metaphorically blowing a trumpet to wake people up. Unfortunately, if the call is ignored, the parable shows tears will not open the door! Begging will not open the door. Prayers will not open the door. Excuses will not open the door once Jesus comes for His virgin Church. Choices have permanent, irreversible consequences. And just as Esau wept and desperately wanted his fathers blessing back, he was rejected because what Esau had done could not be changed. Trading the eternal for the temporary is a lesson we need to heed. The passage in Hebrews is warning for us not to throw away long-term spiritual inheritance for short-term immediate gratification. 

I hope these passages are more clear for you now. Value God's grace and opportunities now, before the window of opportunity closes.

Until He Comes, 

-Pat-

The Word and My Mental Health Background

 

I want to share two truths. ONE FROM THE BIBLE and the other from a PSYCHOLOGY/PSYCHIATRIC perspective. These two tie the spirit and body together to either bring peace or anxiety. I'm hoping you will not only find it fascinating but useful information.

So many disturbing things are taking place here in the Unted States and around the word, from child trafficking, an over-run border, wars, moral decline, etc. We all feel a shift, an uneasy mental pressure we can't quite put our finger on. But in the midst of all the madness, even when the world dissolves to chaos, there remains a sanctuary within you in which you can turn called The WORD OF GOD.

When you deal in guilt or other negative emotions, you are actually physically harming your body! LITERALLY!! When you are in the state of guilt, anxiety, stress, etc. you are making yourself physically sick. Which is why the Bible literally tells us to think on things that are pure, admirable, honest, just, virtuous, lovely, and thoughts that are good (Philippians 4:8). I was scrolling online when I stopped to read an article on psycho synthesis since I've always been fascinated by the mind, people, their behaviors, and so on. The article even mentioned as it basically does in the Bible, that "worries, fear, depression all interfere with the normal functions of the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines! The medical community is just beginning to appreciate the seriousness of so called stress-related diseases." I found that particularly fascinating that a secular neuroscience opinion would agree with what Jesus told us over 2,000 years ago.

That is why scripture literally tells us not to dwell in our shame or in our guilt, to leave the past behind. It assures believers that there is no more condemnation or lingering shame once sin is confessed (Romans 8:1). Isaiah 43:18-19 tells us, " Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past." And this lovely thought, God puts an infinite distance between you and your past mistakes Psalm 103:12. Are you aware dwelling on your past shame or guilt, fear, anxieties, are exactly what Satan wants you to do?

If you think about it, Satan is literally evil. HE HATES YOU, okay? He will do what he can do to interfere with your walk with GOD. When you are struggling and when you are in a sin-cycle, what you need to do is this neuroscience practice. Your subconscious mind takes everything that you say as literal. So, you need to start speaking to yourself in a commanding, authoritative mode. SO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO  is start speaking to your mind out loud, YES OUT LOUD, about whatever sin it is and tell yourself, "okay, this is what we did. This is how we're going to fix this. Be stern, start speaking to yourself in a controlled way that will get you out of the fight or flight state. Physically when you're dealing with stress and anxiety, your blood is flowing to your amygdala and not your frontal lobe.  ---> First, a short understanding of the function of this cluster of nuclei.  The amygdala is a part of our brain that manages emotions, survival instincts, and memory.  In regard to our emotions, its a processor specifically regulating fear, anger, and aggression and is connected to anxiety and even PTSD  <---

When you speak to yourself in an authoritative way, it calms your body and brain down, and you're able to finally think logically. THIS IS A BIOLOGICAL FACT. This is why scripture tells us in Philippians 4:8 to think on things true, just, honest, pure, lovely, of good report because the Lord knows how he made your body. It's so important to grasp  this and understand why GOD placed so many references in His Word instructing us not to fear.

I hope this blog helps others to understand where the source of peace lies when everything around you is overwhelming your senses with fear, worry, apprehension, panic, terror, alarm, concern, distress, nervousness, etc .. God's WORD, Jesus'  teachings, and His truth bring inner peace and comfort! When we pray and REPEAT CERTAIN SCRIPTURES OUT LOUD relative to our anxiety or panic, they function as a practical tool to shift our focus from a chaotic world back to a steady, unchanging source of comfort. Here are some scriptures Ihave looked up for you that are helpful to repeat.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

* ISAIAH 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"

*JOHN 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

*JOHN 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

*1 PETER 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

*PSALM 94:19"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

*MATTHEW 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

ISAIAH 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

*PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

*PSALM 119:165 "Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble."

*PSALM 85:8 "I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways."

"Take Up Your Cross"

Don't lay down. Keep going.

Jesus said to, "take up your cross and follow Me." He wasn't talking about carrying a physically heavy, wooden-beam, cross. However, what He was saying is important to know. In the 9th chapter of Luke verse 23, Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." There is alot to reap from that verse! Let's break it down.

The cross was an instrument of death. Period.

In the verse above, it's not referring to the fancy gold and silver crucifix we adorn around our necks, nor is it referring to the symbol we hang on a walls in our homes. A cross in this case represents suffering, surrender, and death. So when Jesus said "take up YOUR cross" He was saying that if you are going to follow Him you have to die to YOURself. The cross, YOUR cross symbolizing dying. What is dying to "self"? Simply it means dying to your flesh, dying to YOUR own way, to YOUR pride, to YOUR sinful habits, to what YOU want that's wrong, to the "old version" of YOU that wants what it sinfully wants more than obedience to GOD.

This is why Jesus said first, DENY YOURSELF BECAUSE following Jesus is not just about believing in Him. Even demons believe says James 2:19! The Bible contains several other passages  where demons and unclean spirits not only recognize, address, but acknowledge the identity of Jesus or God. Are they saved? No they aren't. If you're interested when reading your Bible next, here are those verses besides James 2:19

Matthew 8:28-29, Mark 5:7, Luke 8:28, Mark 1: 23-24, Luke 4: 33-34, Mark 3:11, Luke 4:41.

More than just believing, following Jesus is about surrendering to Him. Following is about the relationship between faith and actions. Hear me. Merely intellectual belief-intellectually acknowledging that God exists is not enough for salvation. It calls for true, willing, surrender. Beginning with a desire to die to self, especially when self never seems to work out! In my personal case when I first had a desire to change my life I was literally sick of myself to tell you the truth. I was not happy with me, my actions, my decisions, the path I was on, the hate and bitterness I carried from my childhood abuse, always trying to fill my life with things I thought would fulfill me: alcohol, sexual experimentation, taking risks smoking doobies handed to me that wound up one time being laced with something that nearly killed me. My life was like so many others .. full of rebellion, self-hatred, being lost, drifting aimlessly, feeling alone, nothing turning out like I wanted. Somebody was praying for me at the time I had no idea! Jesus heard those prayers. The Holy Spirit began answering by placing a desire in my heart to attend a Bible study with a friend. I was curious. Thoughts filled my mind .. I could always leave. Never go back. What if they are weird? Bible thumpers? What if they ask me to read or introduce myself? At least I would have tried. It all started there! It wasn't weird. It was quite pleasant. Nice ladies, coffee, crumbcake, acceptance, smiles, warmth! I kept going back again and again. I've never quit studying and learning God's WORD in over 40 years.

James speaks of demons to highlight the same thing I'm stressing today, that even evil spirits recognize the reality, power, and oneness of God, However, their "belief" (like so many)  does not change their allegiance or behavior. Do you understand what I'm pointing out? Alot of people believe Jesus exists, fill church pews, say prayers, wear religious jewelry, etc but they no more follow Christ than a non-believer. BELIEVING is always followed by a transformed life, genuine devotion, and not just mental agreement. I've been asked, "So what does taking up your cross look like if it's more than acknowledging that God exists?" In a short answer, it's literally denying self - obvioius through changed actions and behavior. Here are a few examples:

1. Forgiving someone when your flesh would rather get revenge. (I've been there)

2. Walking away from a friendship that God has told you to let go of. (I've been here)

3. Obeying God's command regarding immorality even when your flesh aches to fulfill a desire. (Been there-this was the most difficult to overcome)

4. Stepping away when you hear co-workers begin to gossip even if they make fun and mock you. (I've walked away)

5. A transformed life no longer wants to participate in what looks, sounds, or is evil. (Yes, sin disgusts me now. I avoid it. I have no desire for it. I abhor what is evil) 

Surrender is choosing what's right even if it costs you your comfort, popularity, your own plans.  It's a daily surrender of your will so that your will remains in line with God's WORD. Surrender's goal is not simply denying yourSELF just to do it but the goal is to become more like Jesus. Why? Our flesh wants what it wants .. its own way, now, regardless! If we surrender our will to Jesus, be willing to have His way in us, our lives should begin to produce fruit (actions/results) that look like Christ.

People should see the character of Christ in us by the way we live, the way we love others, the way we forgive, the way we walk by the Word Jesus taught, the way we respond to hardship, hatred, sin, as a witness of God we have to have a TRANSFORMED life. Not only are we called to follow Jesus for ourselves, but we are called to disciple others toward truth pointing people to Christ and to live in a way that helps others to see who He is. So taking up your cross is about dying to the flesh so Christ can be seen through your life.

Until He comes,

-Pat-