The Eye Of A Needle

 

The question arose, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF : "It is easier to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven."  ??  Can not a  monetarily rich person go to heaven ? What do "riches" entail?

The statement comes from Jesus in Matthew 19:23–26, Mark 10:23–27, and Luke 18:24–27. Jesus spoke these words immediately after the rich young ruler walked away because he loved his wealth more than he loved God.

First: Is Jesus saying no wealthy person can go to heaven? No. The Bible contains many wealthy people who loved and served God:

*Abraham possessed great wealth.

*Job was extremely wealthy before and after his trials.

*King David ruled over enormous riches.

*Joseph of Arimathea was a rich disciple who buried Jesus.

*Lydia was a successful businesswoman and one of the first Christians in Europe.

So, money itself is not the problem. Paul later wrote: "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil..." (1 Timothy 6:10) Notice: he did not say money is evil. Then why did Jesus make such a shocking statement? Jesus said: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." His disciples were stunned because, in Jewish culture, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God's blessing. Their response was:  "Who then can be saved?" Jesus answered: "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."  That answer is the key.

Jesus wasn't teaching that wealth automatically damns someone. He was teaching that riches create powerful spiritual obstacles. Why are riches dangerous? I can think of a few  reasons. Riches have a way of making people feel independent, secure, self-sufficient, comfortable, less aware of their need for God. When life is easy, it is easy to think: "I have everything I need." But the Kingdom begins when someone realizes: "I desperately need Christ." Money can quietly become a substitute for trusting God.

What are "riches"? Riches are anything you possess that becomes more valuable to you than obedience to God. Money is only one example. Riches can include: investments, property, career, success, education, reputation, beauty, power, influence, social status, comfort, possessions, hobbies, relationships, even ministry, if it becomes an idol. Anything that owns your heart more than God becomes your treasure. Jesus said: "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Notice what happened with the rich young ruler Jesus did not tell everyone to sell everything. He told that man because Jesus knew exactly what sat on the throne of his heart. When Jesus said, "Sell what you have...and follow Me," the man became sad. Why? Because his wealth possessed him and He didn't merely own riches, His riches owned him!

You might be asking, what does God require then? God doesn't require every Christian to become poor. He requires every Christian to surrender everything. There is a huge difference. A wealthy Christian can honestly say: "Lord, everything I own belongs to You." If God asked him to give it away tomorrow, he would. That is freedom. Riches can also be internal. Many people who are financially poor are spiritually rich in pride. Someone may have no money at all but still treasure: bitterness, self-righteousness, popularity, political power, intellect, or personal ambitions. These can become just as great a barrier as money. 

The eye of the needle. Most biblical scholars believe Jesus meant exactly what He said: A camel going through the eye of a sewing needle is humanly impossible. He was using deliberate exaggeration to make a profound point. Human effort cannot save anyone. The rich man cannot buy heaven. The moral man cannot earn heaven. The religious man cannot deserve heaven. Salvation is impossible by human ability.

The final lesson. Jesus wasn't condemning wealth. He was exposing misplaced trust. The question is not: "How much money do I have?" The question is: "What am I trusting?" If your security is in money, possessions, status, or anything else, those things become barriers to God's kingdom. If your trust is completely in Christ—even if God has blessed you with great wealth—then wealth becomes a tool rather than a master. That is why Jesus concluded with these comforting words: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." The gospel changes the human heart. God can free a poor person from the love of poverty just as surely as He can free a wealthy person from the love of riches. The issue has never been the size of a person's bank account—it has always been the allegiance of the heart.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

5 SIGNS THAT HAPPEN BEFORE THE RETURN OF CHRIST (are you ready?)

 

The Bible spells out 5 signs that will appear before Jesus returns (The Second Coming) and every single one of them is happening now. Not someday, but right now. I'm not referring to a rapture, no no, these 5 signs would be post-rapture right before He returns with hundreds of thousands of His saints -the believers. Here are the 5 listed in God's Word and #5 is the one He warned us the most about. So, how close is the Church to being raptured? Even at the door!

SIGN ONE: Israel is a nation again as of 1948. Jesus  said in Luke 21:24 "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the GENTILES BE FULFILLED."  For nearly 2,000 years Israel did not exist as a nation. It was scattered, it was destroyed, and it was impossible. Then on May 14, 1948 Israel declared independence. The entire world said that cannot happen and it did. You can't read the Bible and say this is not a sign.

SIGN TWO: Earthquakes, and they are happening every where. Google claims there are 10,000 to 12,000 worldwide every month and hundreds of thousands every year!! Jesus said, "Nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in diver places"

(Matthew 24:7).And most recent, remember the massive quake on June 24th that struck Venezuela with a 7.2 then a 7.5 just 39 seconds later? A country that barely shakes and the death toll climbing above 4,734. Did you know Paul said all creation (the earth) is suffering under the weight of sin and decay and is eagerly waiting to be set free (Romans 8:22-23). 

SIGN THREE:  People have become lovers of themselves. Second Timothy 3:1-2 "In the  last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves. Covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy." You do not need a Bible to see this. Your eyes can see it. If not, logic alone should. Open any social media site. That verse isn't a prophecy anymore. It's a headline.

SIGN 4: The gospel has reached every corner on earth. Matthew 24:14 "This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come." For 2,000 years this was literally impossible. There are tribes with no contact, languages with no scripture, nations sealed shut. This condition has never been met in human history until now. Today there are missionary organizations and translators that reach deep-jungle tribes by using bush planes, helicopters, and riverboats to access isolated areas. Missionaries spend years learning the local, unwritten language to translate the Bible into the tribes native tongue. The civilized nations use computers, satellites, Star-Link, television and radio preachers.

SIGN 5: This is the one nobody talks about. BIRTHPAIN.  As a baby nears it's birth, a pregnant woman's contractions grow stronger and closer together. Jesus used that  metaphor to describe how things will grow worse, faster, stronger as His return nears.  Matthew 24:8 "These are the beginning of sorrows" (plural more than one). The reference to the word sorrow in both Hebrew and Greek, mean: travail, labor, birth pains. Birth pains do not come evenly spaced. They begin far apart and draw closer and closer together, then it happens.

Look briefly at the last 30 years

2004  Tsunami

2008 Financial collapse

Covid

Wars & rumor of more wars-Ukraine, RUSSIA, MIDDLE  EAST

The love of many are waxing cold

famine

The moral collapse of many nations

ALL THESE and so many more in a single generation. These are not random events, they are contractions getting closer together. Here's what nobody tells you. The same JESUS who warned about these signs also said, "When you see ALL THESE THINGS COME TO PASS know that it is near (His return), even at the door. Then Luke  21:23 says." When these things begin to come to pass, then look up- and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh." Pay attention! KEY WORDS: "ALL these things." When you see ALL these (same period of time). Not the 9.5 Biobio, Chili earthquake in 1960 then silence until Alaska's 9.2 in 1964. NO, every sign He listed is happening present-day. Jesus did not say hide, He said LOOK UP THE END IS COMING, but so is He!  

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

A Bad Trade For Your Soul

Today I'm addressing the world with this important message. I hope it reaches everyone who needs it.

Jesus asked a math question that most people are failing without realizing it. He didn't ask it of religious people. He asked it to people chasing everything in the world that it told them to chase. I'm referring to Mark 8:36. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? "People become uncomfortable with this subject. I think it's NOT ONLY important but relevant. Especially in todays self-centered society where there's a systemic prioritizing of profit over people and the environment.

I "used to" read Mark 8:36 and think it was about money. But now? I think it's about something far more expensive than $$$$ because Jesus isn't talking about your bank account in his verse. He's talking about your soul. He's asking you, even today, to do the math. "What does it profit a man to gain he while world and lose his own soul?" Jesus already knew something that we're still learning.

You could win every external competition and still not possess the only thing that actually mattered. You could have the title, the income, the followers, the influence, the respect, the lifestyle and still walk away from this life bankrupt. One of those things transfer. None of them cross over. None of them boost the economy of heaven Jesus operates in. He refers to a trade. He tells His disciples what it actually cost to follow Him .."Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow me." He knew what was pulling at them. The same thing is pulling at us two millennia later: a life that looks full but leaves you empty on the inside.

The world has gotten very sophisticated at packaging emptiness. It doesn't come looking like destruction anymore. It comes looking like success.  It comes looking like hustle.  It comes looking like achievement. It comes with all the applause and affirmation, and every external signal telling you that you're winning. Somewhere in the middle of all that, a man can lose himself slowly, quietly, without anyone around him even noticing. And that's the trade Jesus warned about. The slow trade. The one that doesn't happen all at once. The one that happens decision by decision. Compromise by compromise. Priority by priority. Until one day you look up and you realize you gained everything you were chasing and somewhere along the way, you lost "you." Your faith was traded for the things of the world .. the fleeting, the temporary the empty.

The most dangerous version of this isn't the person who dramatically chose the world over God. It's the person who just stayed busy, who kept moving, who kept building, who never stopped long enough to ask, is the thing I'm building toward actually worth what I'm paying for? Jesus is asking that question right now. Not to shame you, not to make you feel behind. He's asking because He knows what your soul is worth. And He's the only one in the room who paid the full price to prove it. Are you trading an eternal relationship with Christ, an eternity of boundless peace, reward, and happiness only to bankrupt your soul?

My final thoughts: the whole world is a bad trade for your soul. Think about it. Your soul .. the version of you that existed before life started adding things and taking things. The version of you God formed before the foundation of the world. That version of you is worth more than every achievement, temporary pleasure habit or desire. There is a cost. One is temporal, the other divine. One takes your life, the other gives you LIFE.

Until He comes,

-Pat-

Is it A Bird, A Plane, Jesus?

 

1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18

 Read the following verses VERY carefully from Thessalonians 4: 15-18, " For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." The last sentence says "comfort one another with these words." So today, that's exactly what I'm going to do. There is a huge clue Jesus left us in these verses that I bet you've missed. When you understand it, you'll have an ah-ha moment and then shout for joy. 

Last night as I was praying, I once again asked God for the umpteenth time that in these end times, I do not want be deceived by word, visions in the sky, by drones or holograms, AI robots, digital manipulation or by strong delusion. I have been asking for discernment and protection from being mislead. Why am I concerned? We've all seen the choreographed, aerial, acrobats, and light shows put on by drones. They can "appear" and "disappear" creating varied images in the heavens. They also are used in search and rescue, disaster management, law enforcement, firefighter, delivering packages and so much more. Today, drones are highly intelligent. They are cognitive, smart, autonomous, self-navigating, AI driven, etc. and are considered the most prominent deception in the sky. Drones can  trick the human  eye by exploiting human perception and visual illusions.

And, there is such deception today.  Falsehoods, deceptive practices, liars, cheaters, false prophets, false teachers, and false "christs." The Bible warns .. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Matthew 24:24) And Mark 13:22 states they will show signs and wonders to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect." Which leads to the purpose of this blog. How are you reading 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18? For years, I thought I understood this passage. In fact I was confident in it until last night as I was praying and God spoke to my spirit. Before last night, I thought: 'how will I know or any believer know that Jesus' return is real and not fake presented by technological geniuses running  drones or holograms? It is a legitimate question seeing that in the last days there will be so much deception. I believed in the past and shared my beliefs on this wise .. The enemy can fly any drone(s), use convincing holograms, make fire come down from the sky, use hypersonic sound to create a demanding voice, or a rapid laser-induced plasma effect that actually generate audible words that sound as if they are being spoken directly from thin air. If they produce a false image, picture, figure, or voice from these methods, there is one sure way to know their optical graphic is FALSE.  It's this, UNLESS my feet leave the ground and I am "caught up" in the air as 1 Thessalonians 4: 15-18 states, it's not real, I'll  know what I'm seeing in the sky is a created illusion and not to believe it. For Jesus Himself will raise me up -no drone can do that! This is what I believed (past tense). I'm writing today for a new perspective. You'll love it.

For months on end my prayer has been, "Don't let me be deceived, Jesus. I don't want to be deceived by AI, drones, or holograms." 

Last night Jesus spoke to my spirit:

Jesus: "Their technology is so advanced this is not true, Pat (yes, I heard my name!). They will create false images and generate a deceptive supernatural resurrection in the sky through 3D projections and drone swarms." 

Me: 'Then how am I to know it's you when you come for your followers.'

Jesus: "I've told you. You've read it dozens of times. Have you not understood?"

Me: 'I always thought when my feet left the ground, that was you rapturing me up to meet you in the clouds.'

Jesus: "I will but that is not the sign you should be looking for. Repeat aloud the scripture you know so well and I will open your understanding."

Me: (I thought for a moment then whispered as I recited the words) "The dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. "I repeated it about 4 times concentrating on the words.

Jesus: My child, no one can raise the dead but God Himself. When sleeping Christians are drawn from their graves, that will be your sign that I am above drawing those to Me. Then those alive, remaining, will follow them.

The message I want other believers to know is, God put it in plain writing so that the believers in Him would  not be deceived by a generated  false Christ or false miracles. Drones cannot raise the dead! 

"The dead in Christ shall rise first. THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN shall be caught together with them to meet the Lord in the air."  1 Thessalonians 4:16

Until He Comes, 

-Pat-

The Scariest Words-A Warning to Christians

 

Imagine spending your whole life thinking you're walking with God just to stand before Jesus and hear Him say the words, "I never knew you. Depart from Me."

In the book of James it says even demons believe and they tremble. Realize, demons ARE NOT ATHEISTS! They've seen His power, they know His authority, but knowing WHO Jesus is, is not the same as BELONGING to Him!

I can believe that a gym exists and still not get in shape! Belief that never changes the way you live is just information. In the book of Matthew 7:21, Jesus is speaking to the crowd and His disciples from the mountain side, and He's talking to them about judgement day. Jesus said, "Not everyone that says unto Me'Lord, Lord' will enter into the Kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven." And then He said, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied IN THY NAME? and IN THY NAME have cast out devils? and IN THY NAME done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." When Jesus said,  "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you" should scare every Christian as well as non-believers. In some translations it says, "you who practice lawlessness."

The key word for Christians to HEAR is, practice. Jesus is not talking about someone who sins, repents, and seeks God. He's talking about the people who call Him lord, do religious works, yet continue living in deliberate rebellion against what He demands. Lawlessness isn't just about breaking God's law, it's living life like God's authority just doesn't apply to you. Now, He didn't say I never HEARD of you because He knows about you. He said, I NEVER KNEW YOU. That means He never had a relationship with you.

Being a disciple of Christ isn't just knowing facts about Jesus. There's a ton of atheist history teachers that know facts about Jesus. So, don't confuse KNOWING "WHO" Jesus is, with KNOWING Jesus. There's a huge difference. We've all experienced somebody asking us if we know somebody and we say, 'I mean, I know 'em but I don't KNOW 'em.' God is saying if  I don't know you-know you, you cannot come into My house. In the book of John 10:27 Jesus said, "My sheep know My voice and I know them, and they follow Me." I can get emotional reading that verse because here I am, AND I KNOW HIM. I know His voice (the Word) and I follow.

Here's an example you can follow: Michael Jackson. Millions around the world knew his name, millions of people knew his songs. Millions of people could have called themselves fans but what value is there in that? Now flip it around. Imagine if Michael Jackson knew your name! Imagine if he called you his friend, invited you into his home and treated you like family? And everybody knew you had a real relationship with him. Who is more valuable? The millions of fans that knew Michael Jackson or the few people that Michael Jackson actually knew? This is exactly what Jesus is trying to get them to understand. The question was never, 'do you know My name, the question was, 'Do I know you??'

That scripture doesn't scare me because they didn't believe. It scares me because they did! And, Jesus still said, "I never knew you." This is a call to some fellow believers .. stop trying to act like you know God in front of people. Straighten up, get serious. Jesus' return is closer than ever. Just look around you. Prophecy is being fulfilled like never before. Personally, I just want to live in such a relationship with Him that one day He'll look at me and say, "I know you, Pat, Well done my faithful servant." (Matthew 25: 21-23).

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Provisions Change Not The Provider-considering Joshua 5:12-

 There's a verse in the Bible that's given me a new way to look at things. Even though I've seen it before and have skipped over it, this time I hesitated and reread it and realized something I haven't before.

Here is the verse from KJV, "And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land..."

It says the manna ceased. That's it. That one sentence. Think about it and what that meant. For 40 long years,  every morning,  God fed Israel the same way. Then one day it stopped. Can you imagine waking up that morning, walking outside, expecting what had always been there and then it's gone?  At first that sounds unsettling until you realize why. They weren't in the wilderness anymore. They were in the Promise Land. And suddenly that verse dawned on me. 

What if the hardest parts of growing is realizing God won't always do the next season the way He did the last one? We are creatures of familiarity. We love what we're used to even when God is doing something new. Sometimes we'll keep looking for yesterday's manna while standing in today's promise. That made me think and ask myself, 'Where am I expecting God to repeat Himself? Where have I confused God's faithfulness with God always using the same method? Maybe that's why some people think God has left them. Not because He is suddenly absent, but because they are looking for manna in a season of harvest.

The provision changed,  not the Provider!

 I needed that reminder because SOMETIMES WHAT FEELS LIKE LOSS IS ACTUALLY AN INVITATION TO GROW.

Have you been looking for yesterdays manna when God already brought you into a new season? I hope this has given you a new perspective.

Until He Comes.

-Pat-

Sowing To The Flesh

Galatians 6:8

 What does this mean: "He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption."

 What is meant by corruption? What happens? Is it something physical? Strictly spiritual?

This comes from Galatians 6:8:  written by Paul: "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Paul is using the law of sowing and reaping from farming. Whatever a farmer plants is what eventually grows. In the same way, the habits, desires, and choices we continually "plant" in our lives produce a harvest.

EASY ENOUGH, RIGHT?

What does "soweth to his flesh" mean? The flesh doesn't simply mean the physical body. In the New Testament, it usually refers to our sinful human nature—the part of us that wants to live independently of God. It includes things like: pride, lust, greed, bitterness, selfish ambition, anger, dishonesty, and living only for pleasure or self.

So ..

"Sowing to the flesh" means continually feeding those desires instead of following God's Spirit. What is "reap corruption?" I looked it up in original the Greek. Translated "corruption" and it literally means decay, ruin, destruction, or something that rots. The first thing that came to my mind was a body in a casket .. literal decaying slowly away (no hope, no life, no raising up to live again.) Think of a piece of fruit left on the counter. It doesn't become rotten overnight. It slowly deteriorates. Paul is saying sin works the same way. Corruption affects every area of life slowly eating away what started out as beautiful. Like cancer can do without you even realize you're being destroyed.

Spiritually: If a believer continues to sow to the flesh (but it also affects those outside of belief) fellowship with God grows cold. It really does. Prayer becomes difficult. The conscience becomes less sensitive to sin. A person may become hardened to sin. There's a loss of inner peace, and an unexplained emptiness. Stepping away from the concept of God is a step toward personal autonomy, self-reliance, a greater focus back worldly pursuits with a the false freedom of forging your own moral path where there is no burden of spiritual expectation or sin.

Emotionally: guilt shame, anxiety, loss of peace, emptiness, broken relationships. It can actually lead to what I call toxic-shame. A deep-seated, painful belief that you are inherently broken, defective, different than others around you and in your own mind "maybe I deserve hell." You begin to self condemn rather than knowing we all can drift, but there is a way back if we come back. COMING BACK?? If we realize the error of our choices, turn, tell God we acknowledge our sin, then repent meaning intentionally turning your life toward God by rejecting your old sinful habits/vices. It's easily understood when thought of as a 180 -- instead of continuing on a path that leads you away from God, you choose to turn away from sin and walk in the opposite direction. The Prodigal son did! (Luke 15:11-32.)

Morally: If anyone continues to entertain sin, know that sin rarely stays the same size! It tends to grow. What you will not resist, persists. As a Christian though, you never fight sin alone; ever. As humans, the weakness of our flesh pulls us to sin. Jesus promised those that love and follow Him, "I am with you always, even unto the ends of the world" (Matthew 28:20). You've heard it said, "With God, all thing are possible" and it's true! Jesus promised His continuous presence, comfort, authority over evil, conquering desires, and an ongoing spiritual empowerment over Satan and to never feel abandoned. You can and do find, in Christ, walking the path as a  believer is relatively easy when you "walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

BECAUSE ..

*A lie often leads to more lies. 

*Lust often demands more. 

*Greed is never satisfied.

 *Bitterness deepens over time.

Like rust on metal, corruption spreads if left unchecked.

For a believer, Paul is not teaching that every sin causes someone to lose salvation. Rather, AND THIS IS IMP0RTANT, Christians who sow to the flesh experience a damaged relationship with God, loss of joy, discipline from the Lord, and the loss of eternal rewards, even though they belong to Christ. Elsewhere, Paul teaches that believers can be saved "yet so as through fire" while suffering loss of reward (1 Corinthians 3:12–15). Paul doesn't end with corruption. "...but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Every act of obedience is also a seed: 1. Time spent in God's Word. 2. Prayer. 3. Forgiveness. 4. Kindness. 5. Self-control. 6. Generosity. 7. Trusting God during trials.

These seeds also produce a harvest—not always immediately, but inevitably. They lead to increasing Christlike character now and culminate in eternal life and fellowship with God. A helpful way to remember this verse is: The flesh always promises life but produces decay. The Spirit sometimes requires sacrifice now but always produces life. Paul is reminding us that God has built a moral law into His creation: the direction we consistently choose today becomes the harvest we live with tomorrow. Every choice plants a seed, and over time those seeds shape both our character and our future.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Fear Before Faith Gets A Chance (Matthew 8:26)

 Jesus asked His disciples this question more than once in Matthew 6:30, Matthew 8:26, Matthew 14:31, Matthew 16:8 .."Why are you afraid?" I don't think it was because He was surprised they were scared. Think about the one famous story most everyone is familiar with. The disciples (and Jesus) are in a boat on the sea of Galilee. The wind is fierce, the waves are roaring, the boat is rocking, and water is coming into the boat. Jesus is sleeping peacefully but the disciples are in a fearful panic.

These are imaginary problems. You heard me ..imaginary.

Hear me now and I'll explain what I mean.

The storm is real, right? The disciples in full panic mode wake Jesus afraid they are going to drown. Then He asks, "Why are you afraid?" To me it's obvious, right? That question kept going through my head because Jesus saw the storm, felt it, heard it. So why would He even ask? As I pondered His question over and over, something dawned on me. Jesus did not ask, "Is there a storm?" He asked, "Why are you afraid?" In other words, He's not questioning the circumstances because that's all around them . He's questioning the story they are telling themselves about those circumstances. And honestly I think that's where a lot of fear comes from. Not just what we're facing but what we've already decided that it means: 

'This is going to ruin me'

'I'm not gong to make it through this'

'Nothing is ever going to change'

'I'm going to fail again'

'Nothing ever goes right for me'

Noticed what happened.  Here it is, the crux of  this story. The mind answered the future before the future even arrived! And fear usually lives in that gap! See, the disciples weren't drowning yet BUT INTERNALLY they had already started imagining the outcome and that's what hit me. Why? Because I realized how often I have done this. Sometimes uncertain things happen and my mind can immediately write the worst ending. Then, maybe like some of you, I start reacting to a story that hasn't happened.

MAYBE THAT'S WHY Jesus asked the question "why are you afraid?" Not to shame them but to interrupt the conclusion they had already agreed with. According to scripture, "Fear has torment" (1 John 4:18) and the Bible also tells us, "Be anxious for nothing" (Philippians 4:6-7) Anxious means fear, unease, nervousness. So Jesus wanted to interrupt the conclusion they had already agreed to before faith had a chance to. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is pause and ask, "What outcome have I already decided is inevitable? We sometimes create unnecessary worry, doubt, and fear before the future has even been created! So, why are you afraid? Don't entertain those thoughts. Trust in the Lord and His word, "All things work together for good to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:28). Also, "You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3). 

Regardless of everyday storms, frightening winds rocking your world, troubles that seem to almost overwhelm and drown you, DO NOT CREATE AN OUTCOME IN THE FUTURE USING YOUR MIND THROUGH FEAR THAT HASN'T HAPPENED. If you are a Christian, you know your Father's voice, you know His promises, you know His provisions. Despite storms, trust Him. He won't let you drown even though at times, you may get soaked to the bone, water may get as high as your neck, but IF YOU ARE HIS, you will weather any storm that comes your way for He will, "order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even dash your foot against a stone" (Psalm 91:11-12).

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

A Lesson Through Denial For All Of Us

"DO YOU LOVE ME?"

 Jesus asked Peter the same question three times. The number wasn't random. Let me share why I think this is the most redemptive question in the entire New Testament.  Though Jesus already knew the answer, He didn't ask because He needed information. He asked  because Peter needed restoration. Let me expound.

It's found in John 21:17. Jesus said to Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Feed My sheep.” I used to read this passage and feel sorry for Peter. But now, I think Peter was the most loved person in that moment. Think about the context. Peter had denied Jesus 3x. Not once, not twice, but three times! Around the fire, in the cold, while Jesus was being led to the cross. And now they are standing by another fire on the other side of the resurrection. And Jesus asked the question of Peter, "Do you love me?" Once, twice, three times. And I couldn't help but notice Jesus didn't bring up Peter's denial. Jesus didn't rehearse the failure. He didn't make Peter explain himself. He just asked the question. The same question .. 3x. One for every time Peter said he didn't know Him.

Jesus wasn't reopening a wound. He was closing one! And here is what really wrecked me. Every time Peter answered, Jesus gave him an assignment. "Feed My Sheep "Feed My sheep." "Feed My sheep." He didn't just restore Peter's relationship. He restored Peter's purpose.

Because some of us have been sitting in the guilt of what we did, convinced that the failure disqualifies us from the assignment. But Jesus meets Peter exactly where the denial happened. By a fire. In the early morning. He doesn't lead with judgement. He leads with a question that pulls Peter back identity. "Do you love Me?" Not did you perform perfectly? Not did you hold it together under pressure? Not did you prove yourself worthy. But, "Do you love me?" Because love was always the foundation. And Jesus knew if Peter could answer that question honestly, everything else could be rebuilt on top of it. 

So here's what I want to leave you with. Maybe God is asking you same question today. Not about your failures. Not about your record. Just this, "Do you love Me?" Because your answer to that question determines everything that comes next. Regardless of any  failure on your part, do you love Him? Go feed the sheep. Your mission doesn't end because of a moment of weakness or fear.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Hell Has An Algorithm

 

What if I told you that hell has an algorithm. What is an algorithm? Basically a logical procedure designed to process input and produce an expected output. I'm actually going somewhere with a logical end so hear me out.

Hell's algorithm can't predict the future so it watches your patterns to now how to set you up more easily. And the more you feed it, the stronger it gets. The devil doesn't have tomorrow's information, he has yesterday's data! Read that again. And if yesterday's temptation still works today, why would he need a new strategy?

This is a spiritual algorithm that we're dealing with. God literally just revealed something that got my attention and I haven't let go of it yet. It came to me that your Face Book and your Instagram feed is like a SPIRITUAL RESUME! Think through what I just said. It's full of what you entertain on a regular basis.

 Have you ever noticed that animals in the wild usually run from people but the ones that are constantly fed will walk right up to you with no fear? Why? Because they no longer see you as a threat, they see you as a source. Some of us have done the same exact thing with the enemy. We feed him on a daily basis through means that seem innocent.

Hear me. The very thing that should flee from you now feels comfortable around you because you kept feeding it. What do I mean? You feed lust so it stays. You feed unforgiveness so it stays. And eventually what should have been running from you starts living with you! The enemy was never created to be your roommate. He was designed to end up under your feet (Psalm 91:13). So if he came in and kicked his feet up in your life, ask yourself one question.. what have I been feeding it? 

The enemy doesn't know everything. He's not God but he watches patterns and builds his algorithms about you. He studies appetites. He remembers what made people fall before and he'll use that same exact bait to keep you stuck in a perpetual cycle of sin you can't seem to get rid of. The Bible says in 1 Peter to, "be sober minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 

A lion doesn't attack everything. It watches. It waits. It learns your patterns and habits. It looks for weakness. Even my house cats did that and that's exactly how temptation works. James 1: 14 says each people are tempted and led away BY THEIR OWN LUST and enticed. We lust and Satan lures us into fulfilling that desire.

Focus on "tempted and led away".. or lured. That's hunting language and every good hunter knows that you study patterns before you set traps.

The enemy may know your history, but he doesn't know your future. All he knows is that schemes worked before and he works hard on stopping you before you get there.  Luke 10:19 assures every believer, "Behold, I have given you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing by any means shall hurt you." Satan does not have the power to destroy you so his plan is to keep you stuck in the exact same cycle until you destroy yourself. But you have power through the Word of God to rebuke to back Satan off.

How in the world can we fix this? Stay close to God. The more often and deeper you dabble in worldly things through temptation, those things we know are our weaknesses, the easier it is for the enemy to detect how unprotected we can be in his world. You can bet he'll be swift to test you, seduce you, and ensnare you. Remember, he has your algorithm patterns. CHANGE WHAT YOU KEEP FEEDING and you'll change what you keep fighting.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

I Was Born Like This. I Can't Change

Roman Bathhouse

Recently I was asked by a friend if I could speak to a lady whose son was a part of the LGBTQ community. According to the mother,  despite efforts on her part to show him God created him male in a male body, her son was convinced (quoting Him now to her)  "God made me queer. I am comfortable who I am. I cannot change just like you can't change being my mom." After a brief exchange I asked if she would ask his mother if I could speak with her son, Ryan, and left my cell # in case he might want to reach out. In the meantime, anticipating a possible call, I prepared some notes with biblical verses and locations so that I would not stumble trying to remember the exact location of scriptures careful not to misquote verses. Within the next 72 hours I did get a call from Ryan! I want to share this condensed conversation for any LGBTQ man or woman that has asked the same thing Ryan asked me. Not to judge, not to point a finger, but to share God's perspective as it is written That's it.

Here's the condensed version.

Ryan: How can I change something when God made me like this? I was born like this and I've known since age 8. How can that be a sin like my mom keeps telling me?

Me: First, let me see if I can make some things clear. You do know what you are feeling isn't abnormal, Ryan.? Are you surprised I said that? You were probably expecting something else. Condemnation maybe?

(silence)

Me: Okay, let see .. Scriptures tells us we're all sinful at birth from the time our mothers conceived us as the scripture confirms in Psalm 51:5, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me." And Romans chapter 3:10-12 and verse 23 states, "There is no one righteous, not even one, and all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We are born with a natural propensity to sin. It's just a fact.

Ryan: "So what you're essentially saying is, I'm going to hell?

Me: Being born with an inclination doesn't itself make the inclination's expression right. Scripture says that EVERY ONE is born with desires that pull against God's design in various ways. Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you don't do the things that you wish."

RYAN: My point exactly. I can't help being this way.

ME: Incorrect.  The good news is, there  is a way out if you're willing to accept this good news.

(silence).

Ryan: Tell me why then, there's been an increase to 23 million in those who have joined the LGBTQ community if it's not natural? We can't all be wrong. Or where does it explicitly state that my lifestyle is wrong? There is nothing to back what you're saying. No one on earth can seem to show me. (giggling)

Me: Well, Ryan, these are signs of the last days. NOT THE END, the last days. Signs to show man we're nearing the end and judgement is coming soon after. The Word of God states that sin will become increasingly sinful as the day approaches just as LGBTQ increases. You do know the lifestyle your living wasn't uncommon in biblical times and that's why the Bible addresses this multiple times? You're not the first and you certainly won't be the last. Relying on a multitude of numbers doesn't make a claim correct, it often reveals the opposite.

(a long silence)

Ryan: What? What do you mean? 

Me: Okay, Leviticus 18:22 states, "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman. It's an abomination" -- meaning detestable, Ryan. Morally unacceptable, not unforgivable. And then again, in the book of Romans 1:26-27 Paul describes both female/female and male/male same sex relations as unnatural and shameful. And one more .. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 states, "Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the Kingdom of God?" I'm not judging you, Ryan, I'm sharing what God said to address some of your questions. Paul goes on and specifies, "Do not be deceived, neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, adulterers, or men who have sex with men, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God."

Ryan: Right, but context is everything. So what's the context behind this? Give me concrete proof. 

Me: I thought you might go there if you called so I got some history and made notes.

Me: It's a good question. Okay. Corinth was a wealthy Roman port city rebuilt by Julius Caesar. It was notorios even by Roman standards for sexual excess, and the Greeks had a verb for this .. korinthiazomai which means Corthianize, meaning to live immorally.1 Corinthians is essentially a corrective letter TO A CHURCH, a church, Ryan, one in chaos and claiming to be Christians in which Paul lists behaviors- the sexually immoral and those who commit same-gender sex acts, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers.. and notice, same-sex acts and sexual immorality sit between adultery and theft. So Paul wasn't really singling anything out. All these sins were being committed.

Ryan: So you're basically saying I'm not going to heaven and God hates me. This is the same stuff I get from other Christians as I speak to the Christian church in general who never helps, just judges.

Me: Let me see if I can clarify better for you, Ryan. GOD ABSOLUTELY LOVES YOU but He does hate sin as it is enmity with Him, a holy, undefiled God. But as I said earlier, there is a way out. If you actually hear one more verse you'll see how Paul finishes.. "And that is what some of you were, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Isn't that amazing? You can have the same.

Ryan: (sounding disappointed) I don't get it.

Me: Ryan! If it can happen to them, it can happen to you! Paul's point to the Corinthians wasn't 'these people are excluded' -- it's that "they've been changed." Some Corinthian believers had come out of every behavior on that list, including same-sex practices. Roman bathhouses were known for that. Ryan,  God can transform you through grace and by accepting Him to be Lord over your life. You can throw away your old self and lifestyle if you choose to through free-will, vow to turn/change, repent of sins, and be “born again.” But GRACE doesn’t mean you continue as you were. Grace isn’t permission but rather, transformation. Start off by taking the first step in this journey! Come as you are, like we all were, a broken sinner needing help to change, start over, confess and be freed and forgiven of all sin. Then begin walking in newness of life asking Gods help each day that you journey on. Begin reading His Word, learning and growing.

I don't know what decision Ryan made. I hope these questions and answers has helped someone else. Any additional question can be asked in the comment section where I would be happy to address them as I did or Ryan.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

 

How Do We Get To Heaven?

 

Someone asked me, "How do I get to heaven?" 

Could you answer that question?" What if someone told you they were a  good person, believed in God, prayed consistently, went to church on a fairly regular basis, held high moral standards, and always committed to ethical behavior, would you agree these are all good things? They are. Would you say a person like that deserves heaven? Actually, the answer is no. NONE of those things can "earn" God's unearned favor--not even a belief in God Himself! That's right. Satan knows and believes there is a one true God, but is he in heaven?? 

The pathway to enter heaven doesn't work on a point system, though many people think that and are gambling on it!

Here's a question. Are any of those things I listed above actually what Jesus said we need to do to attain heaven after our physical death? That is .. Be good? Go to church? Strive to do your best? 

I'll let Him answer Himself.

In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the Life. NO ONE comes to the Father except THROUGH ME" (emphasis mine). Notice what Jesus DID NOT say? 

He didn't say..

•  I'm one of many ways to reach heaven.
• Keep being a good person. Your efforts will earn a place here..
•  If your good works outweigh your bad ones I'll let you in..
• Saying you believe in me wins every time.

Those statements are far from what Jesus really said: I AM THE WAY! Period. Simple. There's nothing else attached. No effort, no climbing, no ascending, no reincarnation or coming back. Jesus-one way-complete. He is the door. John 10:1 Jesus tells us plainly, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber." To iterate and reinforce further John 10:9 reads Jesus speaking again, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved."

Think about His words. If we depend on our own efforts to save us-- being good, sincere, dedicated, honest-- every single one of us will fall short. EVERYONE. EVERYTIME. We can't work to gain, ascend to it, depend on philosophical guides as an example who teach reincarnation (actually believing that karma may send your consciousness back into a cow and there you'll live the life of a cow ). Continuing,  no god or goddess made of stone, wood, clay, brass, silver or gold, no man-made religion centered around self-awareness or one that requires your blood, and certainly not our own ethical conduct will earn a place in heaven. That's exactly why Jesus came to earth! Because we do fall short and cannot be in the presence of a holy God as we are no matter how WE try. Even with our best efforts some ignorantly think it can be traded for righteousness, but any effort is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Paul wrote in Ephesians 2: 8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not you're own doing. It is a gift from God, not a result of your own works so that none may boast."  "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). BY GRACE you are saved. It is a gift.

We are saved because JESUS DID WHAT "NEVER" COULD. 

He lived a perfect, sinless life in our stead knowing we could never earn it or ascend to it through behavior. He willingly went to the cross, THOUGH INNOCENT, allowing His crucifixion to pay the consequences for our sins. He rose again in power and overcame death for all of us wiping our slate clean if ..

1. We will believe it

2. Are remorseful for our sins as we should be

3. Repent then begin turning from our sin and vice

4. Trusting in Him alone through blind faith to carry us and help us remain faithful, knowing HIS SACRIFICE was sufficient for us. That's the gospel. 

Mind you, those that commit their hearts to Jesus as THE WAY aren't perfect. We stumble. We sometimes mess up. But true commitment does make you regret you slipped up. Faltering becomes bothersome when you're a Christian. When you are of the world no sin bothers, you embrace it. BUT IF a  Christian slips by committing a sin (and they do occasionally) they will feel horrible, they will almost immediately say they're  sorry and keep going relying on God's grace of forgiveness as He promised. Here is another mark of true Christianity: Christians do not make a habit, keep a habit, or continue to commit sin over and over using God's forgiving grace as a ticket to continue in and use it as an excuse for bad behavior. Listen to what Paul was telling fellow Christians way back during his ministry A.D. 33 to A.D. 64 .." What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:1-2) 

Any stumbling or weakness becomes less of a challenge when you follow Christ because temptations become less, obedience (His command to love)  becomes a breeze as we grow stronger day by day and stay the course.

How do you go to heaven? Don't start with what with what you've done. Start with what Jesus HAS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED. It isn't about what you've achieved by being good, through any works you've done. It isn't by self-effort, ascension toward Nirvana, through meditation, or the practicing philosophies, etc. Salvation has never been nor will it ever be earned. We are too flawed. Salvation is received through grace in Jesus Christ.

 Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Talking To A Brick Wall

All parents of teenagers know what it's like to attempt to guide a teenager from the error of his way. Their words of wisdom are often met with disrespect or anger and immediately disregarded: "I know what I'm doing. Back off with your BS."

What about friends who see other friends choices leading them to a cliff? Have you ever tried to pull them back as they rush toward the edge only to be met with distain for sounding an alarm? "I'm fine. Stop worrying. I've got this."

As a  Christian, have you experienced an abrupt rejection by a non-believer who quickly disregarded anything you were ABOUT TO SAY (never actually got the words out) with a quick and brash backlash, "I'm not interested. I'm not interested!!! 

Whether children, friends, or non-believers, as followers of the Bible and principals of Jesus, we value all our relationships and want  to share our faith out of love and concern.  Even if it's uncomfortable to hear sometimes, we know how it can help them as it did us. Unfortunately, our desire to help can be met with resistance more often than not.

The Bible often speaks of scorners, scoffers, and mockers. Today I want to look at the word scoffer. The Bible goes into great detail about them and so I was curious why the word scoffer is used so frequently. A scoffer is defined as one who mocks the things of God. Scorners are unteachable because they refuse to listen (Proverbs 9:8, 13:1) The Bible actually says it can be a waste of time and effort to show a scorner the error of their way acknowledging they cannot find the wisdom they need to find solutions or peace of mind because they are already convinced of their own opinion. The Bible is specific, even telling us through scriptures scoffers can be a source of strife and contention on us because they resent correction, they cause trouble for those who try to show them truth (Proverbs 9:7, 15:12). Examples:

Mockers avoid the wise (Provers 15:12) SO TRUE

He who hates reproof is unwise (Proverbs 12:1)

The one who hates correction will die (spiritually) Proverbs 15:10)

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy (Proverbs 29:1)

A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence (Proverbs 15:5)

Correction or guidance should not be viewed negatively. The Bible actually frames friendly admonishment as a path to growth. 

There is such an increase of scoffers in our world today. Scorn has never had a wider audience!  Biblical wisdom is now being rejected in favor of emotion and human opinion. We are all vulnerable to becoming scorners if we do not stay in the Word of God. Scripture teaches we have the weapons we need to keep from "sitting in the seat of the scornful" when we  voluntarily subject every idea and opinion to the scrutiny of the Word of God  and the Holy Spirit. By this, we can protect ourselves from the often seductive words of the scorner.

As Christians, we are called to share the love and message of Jesus Christ with others. This sacred commission encompasses spreading His teachings of love, grace, and forgiveness and conveying the truth about what the Bible says regarding non-believers. So what happens to non-believers according to the bible exactly? According to Scripture, this involves discussing topics like salvation, eternal life, and the consequences of rejecting faith in Christ. While it is often a difficult and sensitive topic to address, it remains vital in our comprehension of salvation and God’s overarching plan for humanity.

Other religions which are found throughout the world, attempt in different ways to overcome the restlessness of people’s hearts by outlining a program of life covering doctrine, moral precepts, and sacred rites. The world will openly accept without question, every other religion, philosophy, ideology, doctrine, dogma, worldview, or credo OUTSIDE CHRISTIANTY. Why? It's curious when no other faith but belief in Jesus is looked upon with distain, derision, contempt, scorn and beneath consideration by the masses especially when He is the only one that died for every soul born so we wouldn't have to die eternally. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).  Jesus dd that.

All other belief systems teach that you pull the strings of your own destiny by either ascending, earning, securing or procuring reward through result of your own personal effort, merit, or labor. These system require you to do something to earn and attain "nirvana," "enlightenment," "awakening," "salvation," etc. AND NOTICE, NO MATTER HOW HARD THOSE WHO SUPPORT THESE BELIEFS TRY, NOTHING IS EVER ACHIEVED.  If it were, they wouldn't need another life to come back and do it again  as a plant or cow or a demi-god, whatever. There is no assurance in those belief systems, just a "hope" that what you believe is true.  You will NEVER reach perfection through your own efforts! It's impossible. 

There is assurance in Jesus shown in:  John 8:31-32, John 14:6, Luke 9:23.. THE way, THE truth, THE life. ONE. Not a religion, a relationship!

Jesus requires no effort, no perfection on our part to obtain salvation. He achieved that right for every person on this globe through His death on the cross- covering our sins- and taking the punishment for everything we deserve- if we'll only believe. Choosing Him is free, the price has already been paid. 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

 

What is a yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1)?

 

Before I ever became a Christian I understood what the definition of the word bondage meant. The same with the words free and liberty. But "yoke of bondage" in the context of the Bible required a deeper study on my part.  So for new readers, any babes in Christ, or anyone needing spiritual growth to better understand Paul's statement from Galatians 5:1, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage"  let's dig a little deeper. In Galatians 5:1–15, the apostle Paul discusses the nature of Christian freedom, beginning with an admonition to “stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1, NKJV). Paul contends that Jesus Christ came to set believers free from a burdensome, legalistic existence as slaves to the law. So, I asked myself as a novice decades ago, 'does this mean since I'm a Christian that I can do what I want without repercussions? That all the "thou shalt not's" can no longer apply to me?'

Not exactly.

Let's begin with understanding what YOKE means and how it was metaphorically used by Paul to get a physical picture in our mind of how a yoke connects to bondage. A yoke is a curved bar made from wood or metal that harnesses together two or more draft animals so they can more effectively work as a team. Yokes were also placed around the necks of people like shackles to secure prisoners in place. Thus, wearing a yoke often speaks of slavery and hardship in the Bible (Deuteronomy 28:48; 1 Kings 12:4; Jeremiah 27:8; 1 Timothy 6:1), and removing or breaking a yoke represents freedom (Leviticus 26:13; Isaiah 58:6). The references to being “entangled again” (NKJV) or “burdened again” (NIV) suggest being weighed down again under a heavy load. So when Paul said, “Do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (NKJV) or “Do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (NIV), he was rebuking Christians for their tendency to turn back to legalism, which is the opposite of Christian freedom! Paul was explaining freedom from the dreadful struggle to keep the law, with a view to winning the favor of God. It is the freedom of acceptance with God and of access to God through Christ. . . . In other words, we are to enjoy the glorious freedom of conscience which Christ has brought us by His forgiveness. We must not lapse into the idea that we have to win our acceptance with God by our own obedience. PERIOD. 

Paul depicts our former way of life before salvation as slavery to the law. Why use this depiction? Wearing a yoke of bondage is a great  metaphor for this slavery because an animal (or person) bound by a yoke must obey its master. Under the Old Testament covenant, the Jews and non Jews alike labored under the law in an attempt to be justified or made right before God (Romans 2:13). But under the New Covenant, God’s grace confirmed by the blood of Jesus now gives Christians freedom from slavery to the law and release from sin and death (Galatians 4:24–31).  As an example, Jewish false teachers had infiltrated the Galatian churches, demanding that Gentiles be circumcised (Galatians 2:3–5). The same thing had happened in Antioch of Syria, where both Jews and non-Jews taught, “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1, NLT). These legalistic Jews were trying to make Christians return to a yoke of bondage by requiring them to observe the Old Testament rules, laws, traditions of men, and ceremonies, especially circumcision. Paul stood unyielding against these false teachers because the truth of the gospel of grace was at stake. Here's what he said, “Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you. I’ll say it again. If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus alone, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love” (Galatians 5:2–6, NLT).

Paul was saying  that under the New Covenant both Jews and Gentiles were accepted into God’s family by faith alone in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21–22; Ephesians 2:8). Before salvation, Christians (or anyone)  lives/lived under a yoke of bondage to the law (Galatians 4:3), burdened by a guilty conscience (Titus 1:15), imprisoned by demands we could not keep (Acts 15:10), and held captive by the fear of punishment because of our disobedience (1 John 4:18). None of us can keep every law written. All have sinned in one way or the other. But note: Paul said in Galatians 3:24, “The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith” (NLT). When Christ came, He set us free from the yoke of bondage by meeting the demands of the law for us: “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace” (Romans 6:14, NLT). There is no longer condemnation for those of us who belong to Jesus (Romans 8:1–2) because He took the guilty sentence in our place: “God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us” (Romans 8:3–4, NLT).

The Christian life is characterized by a joyous freedom to follow Christ out of love and not a dreadful life of slavery to following rules. Jesus Christ has lifted the yoke of bondage from our shoulders and placed on them His own yoke, one that describes obedience and discipleship: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29–30). 

None of us can keep the law perfectly, but Christ can and did for you and me! There is therefore NOW, Romans 8:1 "No condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." If you want to enjoy that same freedom from the yoke of guilt and struggle, that stressful burden to keep the law when you know your flesh is too weak, then I invite you to follow Christ. Make Him Lord of your life because "religion" cannot save you, full obedience without Christ is impossible, and good behavior cannot earn salvation. Jesus is THE way, THE truth, and THE life. There is no other. He said, "No one comes to the Father except through me" JOHN 14:6.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

DENYING IS DYING

 The truth is, you either die now and live later, or live now and die later (Romans 8:13). What does "die now" mean? Dying to self for every born-again Christian refers to an active, ongoing process of putting sinful habits and desires to death THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT living in them. It does not mean harming or "un-aliving" yourself. That's really what dying to self is but the world has it backwards. They tell you the opposite: " live now, do whatever you want, say yes to everything that feels good and worry about the consequences later." 

This culture teaches indulgence like its freedom: Sleep with whoever, drink with whoever, do what feels good and carouse with whoever, etc. They call it living your best life. But no one seems  interested in what it costs in the long run. Pleasure blinds the mind. Jesus said, "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it. But whoever loses their life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).Meaning, when you live only for yourself, you are slowly destroying yourself. And when you deny yourself that's when real life actually starts. People hear 'die to your flesh' and think it means missing out. No. It means opting out of regret. It means choosing your strength before the strength is forced on you. Because consequences don't ask for permission. They don't wait until you're ready. They don't care how much fun you had and that's why judgment scares people. Not because God is unfair but because deep down they know you can't say you do not know. You cannot say you were not warned. You cannot say truth was unavailable. Grace is real. Mercy is real. But grace is not permission to live reckless forever.

The Bible says,  "Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWS THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP" (Galatians 6:7) meaning you don't get to live wild and expect peace later. You don't get to sow chaos and pray for order. Here's the part nobody likes to hear. Grace does not cancel consequences. Not because God stops being loving but because life eventually collects. Every choice teaches something. Every habit builds something. Every season plants seed. One day you'll stand on what you built and that's why discipline now is mercy later. That's why obedience now is protection later. That's why dying to your flesh now is freedom later. The world calls that boring. God calls it wise. So no, the Bible is not anti-fun. It's anti-destruction. It's not trying to take life from you. It's trying to give it back to you before you lose it.

In conclusion: The life the world calls freedom can actually become bondage. Indulgence is not always freedom. Sometimes it is the beginning of regret. Sometimes it is sowing seeds that later become consequences.  So, let’s be honest: what are we sowing? Are we sowing peace or chaos? Obedience or rebellion? Spirit or flesh?

Jesus is still calling us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him — not because He wants to take life from us, but because He came to give us true life.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-

Three Reasons For The Biggest Rejection Of All Time

Jesus said there will be people before Him on judgement day who call Him Lord.  But sadly, they will hear Him say, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness."  (Matthew 7:21-23). If you call yourself a Christian does that verse terrify you? Let me explain 3 reasons why Jesus would say that. But before I begin, this blog isn't to scare you. It's to make you sure you understand why these words of rejection were spoken by Jesus despite the fact these folks believed they were "Christians" (and could apply to anyone today for that matter).

According to the verses from Matthew 7:21-23, what made the people addressed by Jesus believe they were safe and their salvation secure? After all, they reminded Jesus of all the good things they had done: they prophesied IN HIS NAME. They cast out demons IN HIS NAME. They performed many miracles IN HIS NAME. How then could Jesus possibly say He never knew them when they did all that in His Name? They may have done good things in His mighty Name but they continued to purposely and habitually sin after becoming a Christian. How do we know this? The words from Matthew 7:21-23 tells us why, "you who practice lawlessness." What is practicing  lawlessness (sin)? It is a willful, persistent, choice to keep on sinning (originally from the Greek word "Anomia") meaning: living in a way that disregards God's moral standards and characterized as a continuous, deliberate pattern of sinning rather than occasional mistakes. Notice Jesus used the words "you who PRACTICE lawlessness.

Practice= to repeat. 

Lawlessness= sin.

Now refer to these two supportive scriptures. Luke 6:46 Jesus speaking again, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do what I say?" This is also a perfect example not only of disobedience, but of paying lip service while continuing to willfully commit sin. It's serving GOD with words and not heart! That's what those people in Matthew 7:21-23 had done all through their Christian walk. And others are doing the same thing today! Remember the woman caught in the act of adultery in John 8:11? What did Jesus say to her?  He said, "Go, and from now on sin no more" (English Standard Version) OR Jesus' words can be understood this way ..You are forgiven of the sin of adultery, NOW FROM HERE ON DON'T KEEP DOING IT.  A person who calls Jesus their Lord cannot expect to be accepted into the Kingdom of God through empty lip service. It requires a close relationship to Him and obedience to His Word once you are forgiven. Your journey begins there.

Being saved and following Christ is a call to transformation, not instant sinless perfection. It's a journey of change and a distaste of and turning from a deliberate  pattern of sin. Those to whom Jesus will say, "I never knew you" were and will be strangers to Him.  They are people remaining outside the family of God despite announcing and believing they are Christian because no genuine commitment on their part was ever made to change. No desire to turn and give up deliberate sin, to walk in a new way though they claimed Him as Lord of their lives. While the Christian consensus acknowledges humans will still face temptation and occasionally fall, Jesus's ultimate expectation is that we desire to sin less and thereby grow in holiness. Holiness? Who can be holy?

The bible verse from Old and New Testaments, 1 Peter 1:15-16, "be ye holy in all you do" AND Leviticus 11:44, "For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy"  is not some impossible task when you understand what He is asking. We are to forsake our sinful habits, vices, deeds. Not remain in them, but changing from our old life into the new. God isn't asking for flawless perfection on our own. Instead, "be ye holy" means being "set apart" from the sinful patterns of the world to reflect His loving character and relying on His Spirit to transform your everyday life. We simply cannot achieve holiness by trying harder not to sin. It requires a true faith, relationship, and commitment to want it -- then achieve it by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to change the desires of your heart from the inside out!

So here are three Reasons For The Biggest Rejection Of All Time as taught in Matthew 7:21-23..

1) They KNEW ABOUT Jesus, but never actually KNEW HIM. Pay attention. When Jesus said on that day many will say, 'Lord, Lord' and He responds, "I never knew you." It's not that they didn't know enough about Him education-wise. In the Bible to "know" signifies a relationship not information! You could have every verse and chapter memorized from the Bible, attend church every Sunday, go to every Sunday school class ever offered and still be a stranger to Him. The question has never been how much you know about God, it's whether He actually knows you!

2) They called him Lord but never let Him be in charge. The word Lord means MASTER. A lot of people want Jesus as Savior to rescue them but not as Lord to run anything. Many  say 'Lord, Lord' when they want something or even on Sundays then live Monday through Saturday like an unsaved person. A Jesus who saves you but never gets to lead you isn't Lord at all. He's just a label. Either He runs it or He was never really King of it.

3) Their faith never once changed how they lived. This is what almost nobody catches. It's not that any kind of works save you, they don't. It's that, real faith always produces fruit. The same way a  fruit tree can't help but grow fruit. Jesus said, "You'll know them (His actual children/followers/true believers) by their fruit." Simply said: by what is manifested as change not by what is said. A faith that changes your playlist but never your choices, your talk, your intentions, your heart, that's not weak faith, it's an empty profession. The proof was never a prayer you said once, it's a life surrendered that slowly and quietly started looking different.

Again, this isn't about being scared. It's about being sure. And there's a world of difference between 'knowing about' God and 'being known' by Him. If that fear ever drove you to your knees, that's the heart of someone running home. Do you know Him? Has there been a real change away from your old way of life? Has there been a distaste for where you once were replaced by a longing desire to follow and obey the Him? Congratulations, you're on the right path. Keep growing and let the Holy Spirit slowly and faithfully make changes in you as you surrender to His will.

Until He Comes,

-Pat-