Devaluing Humanity

There are those who speak about humanity as if it’s a faulty thing to be human. As if humans are less than perfect and therefore defective. They speak as if our humanness makes us incapable of “perfection.”

But the goal of human life is not perfection as defined by man, but as defined by our Creator—God. We need to study how He defines perfection. Words of God are words of truth. Adherence to truth is what “perfects” a person. So, when a human being aligns with God’s words of truth, he/she is the most perfect, and powerful, force on earth.

Some are excited to see a programmed computer “learn” on its own, coming to calculations and conclusions that appear to be beyond human ability, thinking that truth will be discovered through advanced “unhuman” knowledge. When artificial intelligence is used as a source of truth, or as a standard upon which to base truth, and is blindly followed without God-governed oversight, it becomes dangerous, as well as idolatrous.

One might argue that human based fact-checking is biased, and AI based fact-checking is unbiased and therefore correct. There is no such thing as unbiased “fact-checking.” The question is not whether one is unbiased, (as if that somehow makes them correct), but in whose “bias” they are basing their “facts” on. Who decides what is correct? Does an abundance of knowledge make one intelligent, correct, superior, or even divine? Human life and reality isn’t about knowledge, but truth.

2 Timothy 3:1-2, 7:
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be. . . always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Truth is not a stand-alone concept. Truth doesn’t come through an accumulation of facts or random knowledge. Truth comes from knowing the One who is. Truth is one with God. God is truth. You cannot separate truth from God. The one who created everything is the one who gets to say what is right or wrong. Any “fact-checking” that is not judged by God’s standards will not be a correct, truthful, conclusion. And for that matter, it is not intelligence either.

Human beings who are filled with the Spirit of God, who are students of the Word of God, and have committed themselves to renewing their mind according to the Word of God, are those who are most capable of judging whether facts or knowledge are in fact truthful. This is where we are most apt to find truth—not in a computer just because it has a vast amount of stored, or quickly cross-referenced, knowledge.

Are humans imperfect? Yes. But we can only say so because we have a “perfect” standard to judge by. We have been given the one and only model of a perfect human being—Jesus Christ, the God-man. Why is He the perfect model? Because He lived, and died, in full submission to God. He lived in full submission to Truth. He never fell short, not once, and the power He displayed in and over the earth was evidence of that. He is the Word of God in human flesh.

Every other human being is “imperfect,” meaning we all fall short of Jesus’ perfect standard of righteousness with God. So, the answer is not to look to computer generated machines for answers and guidance in life, as one does a false god. The goal is not to merge humans with machines, thinking that will “perfect” us, taking away all our flaws (sin). The answer is to merge man with God. Merge man with their Creator, not something man created.

Habakkuk 2:18-20

“What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it,
Or an image, a teacher of falsehood?
For its maker trusts in his own handiwork
When he fashions speechless idols.
“Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, ‘Awake!’
To a mute stone, ‘Arise!’
And that is your teacher?
Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,
And there is no breath at all inside it.
“But the Lord is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth be silent before Him.”

The breath of God—His Spirit—is where life and truth are found. The holy God is the one we are to worship, not something we’ve fashioned ourselves and called “smarter” than us.

The problem is that man’s spirit, which is tainted with “imperfection” (sin), cannot receive the Spirit of God. His holy, perfect, Spirit cannot merge with imperfect, sinful, man without destroying man, just as light eradicates darkness.

So how does man merge with God? Only through faith in Jesus Christ. He who is both God and perfect man dealt with the “imperfection” (sin) in mankind. God set a price, that He Himself would pay, in order to ransom mankind from where his imperfection (sin) led him—which was into captivity, a place where his destiny can never be fulfilled.

The price was blood. Jesus paid the price with His own spotless blood. He bled perfect blood so those who believe in Him could receive a new spirit which is capable of housing the Spirit of God. The merging of man with God.

How can a human being achieve “perfection?” How can a human being reach the full potential that their Creator—God—intended for humanity to reach? The answer is for human beings to be born-again through faith in Jesus Christ, to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God, and to reprogram their thinking to align with God through the study of His Word and prayer. Full submission to Him, as the perfect human model showed us how to do, along with a pursuit of being conformed to His image.

When a person does this, they also receive the hope of one day receiving a new glorified body, to house their God-man merged spirit for eternity. Eternal life will never be found in the preservation of a human mind (or body) merged with machine, but of the human spirit merged with their Creator—God.

The enemy of humanity, Satan himself, does whatever he can to suppress this truth. Because when it comes to our dealings with him—or with anything that opposes God—we as humans, filled with God’s Spirit are to demonstrate His power. Again, a human being filled with the Spirit of God is the most powerful force on earth.

This is why the devil attacks humanity. We have the power to stop him, but not if we don’t know it. He is at war with the human race. He has studied human nature for thousands of years and has become skilled at luring people into his deceptive ideological traps. Replacing the one true God with false, powerless gods, is one way he keeps humans in captivity. Even today, idols abound which are simply ancient idols repackaged.

Why, you might ask, doesn’t God make everyone “perfect” and kind, loving, wealthy etc.? Because He loves us and wants us to discover why He and His truth are the only way to true life. He doesn’t want robots. He wants those who can, and will, think for themselves, to come to conclusions that align with His truth. He wants a people who understand the “why” of His ways, not blind adherence to them. These are those who will enjoy His ways. This requires us to learn, often through trial and error, that His way is the right way.

God is love. He works to bring life and healing to those who are enslaved or afflicted. He provided the way through the sacrifice of His Son, and He reveals this way through those who believe and teach His words. With His Spirit, His love, His truth, and His power in us, we aim to gently correct those who are in error. But the earth has an expiration date. There is an end of time coming. And for those who will not receive His words as truth, who won’t bow to Jesus, but oppose Him, actively work against Him, or who (knowingly or unknowingly) work to deceive others into doing the same, then demonstrations of the power of God will become necessary to silence and shut down that which arrogantly opposes Him. We do not know the way to eternal life, unless we know Him.

Human beings, filled with God’s Spirit, are more powerful than any AI generated device, have more wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discernment, truth, life, love, and reality within them. It’s not humans who are limited, it is AI. “Perfection” has limits. It must stay within certain boundaries and parameters. But the Word of God does not (Psalm 119:96). The truth of God, who created those parameters—laws of nature, physics, mathematics, and so on, can bend or break those things to express His love. He can do that with integrity because He is both truth and love. These are the miracles of God, that no idol can ever perform. And this is the beautiful miracle of our humanity.

In What Battles did the Lord Say You Will Not Need to Fight?

We read in the Bible of times where the Lord fought for His people--they did not need to fight in certain battles. What battles were those? 

Two kings of Judah, Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah, both faced battles where the Lord said they would not need to fight. Here are the highlights of each one, and how they may apply to us today.

2 Chronicles 20: Jehoshaphat

• Jehoshaphat had made reforms (Chapter 19).
  The Asheroth was taken down (19:3).
• The attack by the sons of Moab and Ammon, along with some Meunites came after the reforms (20:1).
• It was an unprovoked attack.
• Jehoshaphat sought the Lord immediately (20:3).
• He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah (20:3).
• All of Judah gathered together to seek the Lord from all the cities (20:4).
• He honored the Lord (20:6).

6 and he said, “O Lord, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not  ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can  stand against You.

• Jehoshaphat reminded the Lord of what He had done for His people, and Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 6:28-30). (20:7-9) .

 7 Did You not, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? 8 They have lived in it, and have built You a sanctuary there for Your name, saying, 9 ‘Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before You (for Your name is in this house) and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.’

• Jehoshaphat presented the problem, asked for God’s help, while all of Judah stood with him with their families (20:10-13).

 10 Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not destroy them), 11 see how they are rewarding us by coming to drive us out from Your possession which You have given us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 13 All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives and their children.

• The Lord responded through Jahaziel, (20:15-17):

15 and he said, “Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”

• Jehoshaphat bowed in worship to the Lord, as did all Judah and Jerusalem, while the Levites stood to praise the Lord with a very loud voice (20:18-19).
• The next morning, Jehoshaphat encouraged the people to trust in the Lord and be established; and to trust His prophets and succeed (20:20).
• They did as the Lord instructed, appointed singers and praisers in holy attire to go before the army. When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy and they killed each other. Not one escaped (20:20-25).
• They blessed and worshipped the Lord afterwards (20:26-28).

2 Chronicles 32: Hezekiah

• Hezekiah made reforms in Judea (Chapters 29-31).
  The Asherim (Asheroth) and high places were pulled down.
• The attack by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came after the reforms (32:1).
• It was an unprovoked attack.
• Hezekiah made strategic decisions with his officers and warriors (32:3). He rebuilt all the wall that had been broken down, built towers and an outside wall, fortified the Millo (rampart), and made many weapons and shields, and appointed military officers over the people (32:5-6).
• He encouraged the people, and they relied on his words (32:7-8).

7 “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the one with us is greater than the one with him. 8 With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

• Sennacherib taunted them and tried to undermine Hezekiah (32:9-19).
• Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet prayed and cried out to heaven (32:20).
• The Lord sent an angel who destroyed every warrior, commander, and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. He returned in shame to his own land and was killed (32:21).

President Trump

• President Trump is making reforms, like both Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah.
  Like both kings, the reforms included tearing down the Ashteroth—

*He signed an executive order stating there are only two genders.

*Banned men in women’s sports.

*Stopped federal funding for abortion.

*Stopped transgender in military.

• Attacks had come before these reforms but are also coming as a result of them like they did with both kings of Judah.
• Like Jehoshaphat, Trump honors the Lord and humbles himself before Him. He is making efforts to stop anti-Christian bias in the nation.
• Like Hezekiah, he is making strategic decisions, building/repairing the wall, and making military preparations.

However, it's not just up to the leaders of a nation, it's up to the people. Under Jehoshaphat, the people fasted, gathered, and sought the Lord. Under Hezekiah, they received his encouragement and relied on his words. The Church needs to be involved for God to move on our behalf. 

Church leaders and intercessors across the nation are praying and fasting! This must continue. We must also:

• Honor God and acknowledge He is ruler over all kingdoms of the nations, and none can stand against Him (20:6).
• Remind Him of the founding of our nation, our covenant with Him (Robert Hunt 1607), and the intent of the forefathers. (20:7).
• Ask the Lord for help, and judgment, regarding those attacking our nation; acknowledge, with our families, that we are powerless against them, don’t know what to do in ourselves, and look to Him for help (20:8-13).
• Honor the Lord in both worship, humility, bowing down, as well as shouts of loud praise (20:18-19).
• Listen to the Lord, encourage the people; speak and declare:

Be strong and courageous (32:7).

Do not fear or be dismayed (32:7).

He who is with us is greater than he who is with them (32:7).

They have the arm of the flesh, we have the Lord our God to fight our battles (32:8).

Trust in the Lord to be established (20:20).

Trust in His prophets to succeed (20:20).

Dress in holy attire (20:21).

Go out and face them, for the Lord is with you (20:17).

Face the enemy with singing and praise (20:17, 22).

Do not yield to their taunts and undermining attempts (2 Kings 19:6-7).

Cry out to heaven together—king and prophet (32:20).

Do as He says, station yourselves, and stand and see the salvation of the Lord on our

behalf (20:16-17).

Bless and worship the Lord after the victory (20:26-28).

The enemy was defeated by:

• Turning on each other (20:22-24).
• An angelic warrior (32:21).

We must also guard against pride and foolish decisions after our victories (32:25, 20: 35-37).

In America, any attacks that come, especially after Trump has proven he will make godly reforms, are unprovoked attacks. He is going after evil, fraud, and waste. It is a part of the reforms, not attacks on innocent people. If we, the Church, faithfully pray for our leaders as instructed (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and seek the Lord, humbling ourselves in prayer and fasting, turning from the wickedness in our own hearts (2 Chronicles 7:14) then God will see, hear, and heal our land. Let's press on and continue this quest for a righteous America!

Prayer and Declaration for God's Help and Deliverance:

Lord God,

We honor You and acknowledge that You are ruler over all the nations and kingdoms of the earth. No one can stand against You. Lord, remember the covenant Robert Hunt made with You when arriving to this land in 1607 to preach the gospel withing these shores, raise up goldy generations, and with these generations preach the gospel to the nations. Remember the faith of our founding fathers and the prayers they offered up to You for wisdom and divine help. Remember the prayer of Secretary Scott Turner at President Trump’s first cabinet meeting of 2025 asking for Your help to govern this nation with righteous clarity (see below).

Lord, You see the opposition against the righteous leaders and citizens of the United States of America. You see what evil desires and influences have caused them to do to our children, our land, our economy, our military, and even our faith. We have been powerless against them. We have not known what to do. We stand before You now, with our families and on behalf of Your people and the innocent in this nation.

We appeal to heaven, to You. We need Your help to drive out wickedness and corruption from our government at all levels. From our schools, and from all parts of our nation, even the churches. We honor You in worship and bow before You, humbly asking for Your help. We turn from our own wicked ways and dress in holy attire—white robes washed in the blood of Jesus to stand before You.

We cry out with, and on behalf of, the righteous leaders in our government, churches, and throughout the nation. We cry out, king and prophet together—government and Your spokesmen. We trust in You and will be established. We trust in Your prophets and will succeed. We will do as You say, station ourselves, and stand and see the salvation of the Lord on our behalf.

Just as You advised Judah in the days of old, we will be strong and courageous. We will not fear or be dismayed. We know that You—who is with us—is greater than whoever is opposing You and our nation. They have the arm of the flesh, we have You to help us and fight our battles.

We will face our enemies, for You are with us. We will face them with singing and praise to You. We will not yield to their taunts and undermining attempts. We bless You now and will also bless You and humble ourselves before You after our victories.


Scott Turner, Secretary of HUD, at President Trump’s Cabinet meeting February 26, 2025

“SECRETARY TURNER: Thank you, Mr. President. Let’s pray.

Father, we thank you for this awesome privilege, Father, to be in your presence. God, thank you that you’ve allowed us to see this day. The Bible says that your mercies are new every morning. And, Father God, we give you the glory and the honor. Thank you, God, for President Trump, Father, for appointing us. Father God, thank you for anointing us to do this job. Father, we pray you’ll give the president and the vice president wisdom, Father God, as they lead.

Father, I pray for all of my colleagues that are here around the table and in this room. Lord God, we pray that we would lead with a righteous clarity, Father God, and as we serve the people of this country and every perspective agency, every job that we have, Father, we would humble ourselves before you that we would lead in a manner that you’ve called us to lead and to serve.

Father, the Bible says the blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. But, Father, we today honor you. And in your rightful place, Father, thank you for giving us this opportunity to restore faith in this country and be a blessing to the people of America. And, Lord God, today in our meeting, we pray that you will be glorified in our conversation.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

PARTICIPANTS: Amen.

THE PRESIDENT: Scott, that was a very good job you did. You’ve done that before, haven’t you? (Laughter.) Wow.”

https://www.whitehouse.gov/remarks/2025/02/remarks-by-president-trump-before-cabinet-meeting/

retrieved March 12, 2025

A Hindrance to Spiritual Growth

Is it a comprehension problem with some people that keeps them from putting the Word of God into practice to get through struggles? Or, is it a lack of knowledge of the Word altogether?

One may cause the other.

A pastor who wants to encourage and equip those who “get it,” those who are growing in Christ, love God, and submit to His Word, may be hindered by those who don’t “get it,” and are always “in a crisis,” asking for prayer, counsel etc. because they don’t put the effort necessary in being able to stand during times of trials themselves.

It’s like a teacher who wants to challenge those who are smart but are held back by those who need extra attention. I’m not talking about those who are trying to learn but take longer to comprehend, or those with learning disabilities—but those who are lazy and don’t want to take time to study, or who don’t have motivation to learn. Of course, we all need the support of the body at times, but we also need to learn to stand ourselves (Eph. 6:10-18).

What is the solution?

Pastors have to be able to feed and equip those who are growing, who want to pursue their call and purpose, while at the same time, nurture the true babes who need to learn the basics.

Hebrews 5:11-14

11: Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
12: For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 

13: For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 

14: But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

The writer of Hebrews, (let’s say it’s Paul), had much to say to his readers, yet it was hard to explain because they had become dull of hearing. He wanted to explain to them about Melchizedek, and the priesthood of Jesus, yet it was hard to do because they had become dull of hearing.

Why did they become dull of hearing?

They should have already learned the basic foundational principles of the Word to where they could teach others. Yet they didn’t even understand them themselves. They needed to be taught AGAIN these basic principles. They started to grow but had reverted to a place of needing milk again.

Why?

They had heard these “elementary principles”, but had never put them into practice. They did not have their “senses trained to discern good and evil.” They were not “accustomed to the word of righteousness.”

Jesus called “righteousness” things like giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting (Matthew 6). He described how to “practice” your righteousness (Matthew 6:1) and went on to say at the end of the sermon that those who hear and act on His Word will be the ones who hold up under the storm—because they have built a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-27).

This hindrance to growth occurs when people neglect the Word of God—the very thing needed to bring them what they need, and to the place they want to go, that they are destined to go—and want others to do it for them.

It will come to a point in your Christian walk, when the prayers of others will only go so far for you—you must resist the devil, and speak the Word to him yourself (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). But you’ve got to KNOW THE WORD in order to do so. Even if you use the authority in the name of Jesus you’ve been given in Him, if you’re not in the Word, your faith in His name can begin to waver.

A “snowflake” mentality infiltrated the church. A snowflake was used to describe those young people who had grown up so coddled that they didn’t learn how to handle the challenges of life once they reached adulthood. They were never disciplined, always got what they wanted, so they never learned how to handle denial, disappointment, inconvenience, or failure. As a result, they melted at the first bump in the road.

Hebrews 6:1-3

1: Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

2: of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 

3: And this we will do, if God permits.

There are times we will teach on the basic principles of the Word, even after coming to maturity, to strengthen our foundations but that is not the place we are to stay. If we don’t grow beyond that, we won’t develop the stamina we need to overcome in this life.

If a baby receives milk and grows, that’s a good thing. However, if he spits out food when he’s given it, his body will not receive the nourishment it needs to sustain itself and continue growing. He’ll remain perpetually hungry, dissatisfied, and malnourished. By rejecting the solid food and the extra effort it takes to chew and digest, he won’t have the strength to grow, to walk, to run, to live a healthy life. So it is with spiritual babes in Christ. We must put effort into studying the Word of God, getting before the Lord in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to give us understanding and revelation, and applying it to our lives.

There is a danger to not doing this.

Hebrews 6:4-6

4: For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 

5: and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 

6: and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.

It’s dangerous to grow to a point in Christ, a point of enlightenment, tasting and partaking of His gifts and goodness but then falling away. There's a certain amount of perseverance and faithfulness required on our part to grow in Christ. Paul reminded his readers of the “former days,” when after being enlightened, they endured a great conflict of sufferings.

Hebrews 10:32

32: But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings,

Learning to endure will bring growth, much like when we train our muscles with extra weight so when we need them, they are strong. So it is with our spiritual endurance.

Hebrews 10:35-36

35: Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 

36: You have need of patience, so after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise.

There is a reward--a great reward--and promise. The effort we put into our own spiritual growth is very highly worth it!

The Consequence of Being Deceived

When we see people doing things that are harmful to themselves or others, the question we might ask is:

• Whether they are innocently or naively, doing these wrong, harmful, ungodly, things, or,
  
  
• Whether they are doing so intentionally, knowing it’s wrong but either not caring, or (arrogantly or naively) thinking they will not suffer consequences, or that the consequences will be minor. There is some bigger payoff for them.

Oftentimes, the deceived ends up deceiving others without realizing it. The problem with being deceived is that you don’t know you are deceived; you think you know the truth about the matter, and the message you “preach” to others, may lead them astray as well. Of course, there are those who intentionally deceive others—that, is wickedness.

Yes, it might be good to know people’s intentions—whether they are committing an honest mistake or an intentional wrongdoing. However, at some point, the deceived suffers the same fate as the deceiver.

1 Timothy 2:14

14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.

Eve was deceived by satan’s lies, which caused her to not believe that God had told them the truth. Yet both her and Adam, who was not deceived, shared the same fate, (and all of mankind for that matter).

To deceive someone is to cause a person to believe was is false—what is not true.

• Eve started out with a misunderstanding of the truth. She thought God said they couldn’t even touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil or they would die (Genesis 3:1-3), but God didn’t say anything about touching it, He had said not to eat of the tree or they would die (Genesis 2:16-17).

• When the liar came and told her a lie—that they wouldn’t die, but would be great, like God (Genesis 3:4-5)—then she picked the fruit, touching it. She didn’t die when she touched it. That was a false confirmation of the lie she was told.

• She and Adam both ate, and both experienced spiritual death, with the process of physical death beginning in their bodies, as they no longer had access to the tree of life (Genesis 3:7-24)

Misunderstanding of the truth led to Eve accepting a false confirmation of a lie, which resulted in her being deceived and experiencing the same consequence that Adam experienced—death. The deceived suffered the same fate as the one who knew better.

Adam may not have been the one to deceive Eve, he was not the deceiver—satan was. But Adam knew it was wrong to eat of that fruit. He knew that God had told him truth, which was that they would die if they ate the fruit of that tree (Genesis 2:17).

Did he not care? Did he think the consequences wouldn’t really be that bad? Did he not want to be “left out” if Eve gained this great place of being “like God, knowing good and evil”? Or did he just decide to go the way of satan, rather than his creator, God?

My point is, whether we knowingly or unknowingly do wrong, and go against the ways of God, there are consequences we will suffer for that, and not just us, but others may suffer as well. We MUST be seekers of truth to avoid this, and there is only one place to find truth—that is in the One who created all things—God, through His Word/His Son, and His Spirit (See Genesis 1:1-3, Psalm 33:6, John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-3 ).

Jesus said to the Father, “… Your word is truth, (John 17:17).

Speaking to His disciples, He called the Holy Spirit, “the Spirit of truth,” (John 16:13).

Truth is found in the Word of God (written in the Bible) and in the Spirit of God. Ask the Spirit of God to reveal truth to you as you read the Bible.

The first thing Jesus told His disciples when they asked Him what would be the sign of His second coming and the end of the age was, “See to it that no one misleads you.” (Matthew 24:4).

The Apostle Paul told the Thessalonians that those who did not “believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness,” would be judged. (2 Thessalonians 2:12).

Whether we are being misled, or are intentionally choosing wickedness over truth, the consequences, in the end, are the same. 

We must be seekers of truth—those who pursue understanding of God’s Word and His ways—if we are to avoid deception, wickedness, and where those paths lead. And thank God, by following His ways of truth, we do more than escape those fatal consequences, we have His life and freedom from all forms of death, eternally.

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

Jesus, (John 8:31-32).

Will You Give Him a Rose?

 

Many years ago, my adult daughter and I went to a Renaissance Festival. While we were there, we browsed the arts and crafts section where people dressed up in the clothing of that day sold a variety of things that represented that era.

In one little hut we came across a wooden rose. It was made from very thinly sliced wood which had been formed into a rosebud on a stem. It was then dyed or painted to make it look realistic. As we admired the intricacy of this rose, my daughter said this was for me, (since my name is Rose), and she bought it for me. Even though it wasn't a lot of money, it touched me deeply because I knew she didn't have a lot of extra money at the time.

Over the years, that rose has been moved around to different spots in the house for display and has finally settled in on top of my dresser in the bedroom where it's been for some time now. The other day, as I was dusting off the dresser and carefully moving the rose as I always do when cleaning, I thought back to when she bought it for me. It has lasted a long time in my home. Many other decorative items haven't lasted as long. I often purge these kinds of things when I'm in a decluttering frenzy. It's a little worn for the wear, the fabric leaves that were attached to the stem have fallen off, but I still treasure it.

I asked the Lord, "What is it about this rose that still touches me so deeply?"

His response came surprisingly quickly, "Because," He said, "She gave you this gift, not because it was your birthday, or Christmas, or Mother's Day, or any other holiday. She gave it to you, 'just because.'"

He paused and I let that sink in.

Then He continued, "I'm the same way. When my children come to Me, not because they have a need, or feel obligated, or simply because others around them are praying; but when they come to Me 'just because' they want to be near Me, and give Me their time, it touches Me, and I remember those times dearly."

I knew that He wasn't saying we shouldn't go to Him when we have a need. He didn't mean that at all, but that He treasures most deeply the 'just because' time we spend with Him. And I understood. He loves us deeply, and truly enjoys the simple, heart-felt gifts we give Him. Today, will you give Him a rose, just because?

How to Love and Forgive

How do we love people? Why is it hard at times, even as a Christian, to love and forgive?

I think it will help if we look at various aspects of forgiveness and love, as it relates to restoring and maintaining relationships. To begin, let's look at something I call the "forgiveness facade." 

FORGIVENESS AND ALLOWANCE

The forgiveness facade is when we feel that we must quickly forgive a person's sin against us, thinking that means we hastily forget about it and move on. This mindset keeps us from judging righteously because by not addressing the sin, it appears we are allowing it. However, there's a difference between forgiveness and allowance. 

We read in Luke 17:3 that Jesus said, "If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." 

To rebuke your brother when he sins doesn't mean to accept the sin, or simply brush it under the rug and move on. Yes, we do forgive him if he repents, but that doesn't mean the sin is not addressed. How this is done will vary, and I won't get into that here. (There are many Scriptures on this topic, including Matthew 5:21-26 and Matthew 18:15-35, as well as other New Testament verses). The point is, not understanding this forgiveness facade may get in the way of  working through the forgiveness process, and maintaining the relationship. 

FORGIVENESS AND OFFENSE

Additionally, it's also important to understand that there's a difference between forgiving someone for a wrong they committed against you, and the offense you may have taken in your heart for what they did. Forgiveness is a response to repentance from sin, but any offense you might have taken also needs to be dealt with.

You forgive someone for the sin they committed against you, when they come to you and repent. You don't "forgive" someone for the offense you took from their sin. They are not responsible for the offense that you took. That is a separate issue that you must deal with before God, (and you might need to ask that person forgive you depending on how you might have reacted toward them).

There's been crazy talk in our society, some places even trying to pass laws, saying that if you say something that another person takes offense at, then YOU can be charged for their offense! This is absurd. Biblically, each person is responsible for what they have control over. I don't have control over how you feel, or what you think, so how can I be held accountable for your feelings or thoughts, or what you did as a result of them? 

In the same way, if I became bitter over a sin committed against me, the other person is not responsible for my bitterness. I might try to convince myself that they are responsible, but they are not. And I dare not wait until they repent to let go of my bitterness. It might never happen. 

So remember to distinguish between these two things:

• When a person who has sinned against you comes to you and repents, forgive them.
• When a person sins against you, don't pick up, or hang on to, any offense, bitterness, anger etc. Get rid of it right away, don't wait for them to come to you and repent.

OFFENSE OR JUDGEMENT

Once we learn to distinguish between forgiveness and offense, then we also need to understand the difference between taking offense from a sin committed against you, and taking on a condemning judgment toward someone who hasn't sinned against you. They might just rub you the wrong way, or you don't like them for whatever reason. 

We can see how we might be tempted to take offense against a person who has wronged us, but we may not always see the "offense" we develop when a person has done nothing wrong against us. We, for whatever reason, develop a condemning, judgmental, critical, irritable, or accusatory attitude against them.

In either case, whether you're dealing with an offense due to sin, or some other condemning attitude you have against another person, it's up to you to get before God and deal with it, repent of it, and get your heart right. It's not up to to the other person to fix the condition of your heart for you. 

If a person has wronged you, they may NEVER come and ask for your forgiveness. You can't wait for that. And by dealing with your heart issues right away, then if/when they do come and repent, you'll be ready, and can sincerely, from the heart, let them know you forgive them. 

In some cases, you might think a person needs to repent, but if they have no conviction in their heart, if they have done nothing wrong, if they have no idea that you are struggling to love them, and have no idea that there may be something they could do to help bring reconciliation into your relationship, they will never come to you to repent or seek reconciliation because they do not know it's needed. 

How many times are we waiting for the other person to come to us to make amends, when they have no idea that there is anything to make amends for? And the problem is not with them, its with us.

HOW DO WE FIX THIS?

I believe if we get too wrapped up in what is right and wrong for ourselves--meaning that we put ourselves under a legalistic relationship with the Lord--then we will project that same legalism onto others, becoming intolerant and unmerciful toward them. (Read that again!)

We are to forgive as God has forgiven us. But in order to do so, we must FIRST receive His forgiveness for us. We must FIRST take ourselves out from under law--from under soulish-realm rule. 

We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). We MUST receive His love, His Son, His salvation, His grace, His truth, His forgiveness and mercy, before we can ever truly offer it to others without it being a religious act of duty based on legalism instead of relationship.

We must not let the enemy bring condemnation on us, causing us to pick at our faults, our sin, or our weaknesses. Instead, we must receive the love of God--the sacrifice of His Son--in us.

We need His love and forgiveness embedded within our hearts, so as not to be judgmental toward others.

It's really about receiving His love for us.
REALLY RECEIVING IT.
Then, and only then, can we love others the same way.
That's it. We make it too hard.

You are not being selfish in receiving the love of God.
Without receiving it, you can't love others. You'll just put them under law, as you do yourself, apart from His love.

It's true that we're not worthy of His love, but we NEVER WILL BE. We have to get up and get past that. This is worship--acknowledging His great love for us, when we don't deserve it, and then doing the same for others.

I think what often happens, is that we get motivated by our love for God (because of His love for us) and then we try and live up to His standard in our own strength. When we slip away just a bit in our relationship with Him, when our understanding of His love dims a little, and our daily time in His presence, (which reassures us of His love for us), begins to be neglected, then we will eventually try and earn that love back and legalism begins to rise. It just doesn't work. We can't do it that way. We NEED His love as a continual flow in our lives. 

We must remember, and hold close, His love for us, not just our love for Him. This is only possible as we stay in daily, intimate, communion with Him.

See also

Forgiveness Check-up

Healing from the Wounds of Sin.

Hastening the Coming of Jesus

Jesus is coming again. He is returning to earth one day. He spoke of it to His disciples when He was here the first time (See Matthew 24, Luke 17, Luke 21). When He ascended into heaven, as the disciples watched Him rise and disappear into the sky, angels spoke to them and told them that He would return the same way.

 Acts 1:9-11

⁹ And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. ¹¹ They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

 Of course, some people don’t believe this. But as Christians, we do. However, we must keep the overall plan and purpose of God foremost in our minds. We don’t want to grow weary, become skeptical, and allow doubts or distractions to take us away from doing our part in His plan for mankind.

 2 Peter 3:3-15a

³ Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, ⁴ and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, ⁶ through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.

 Peter discusses the mockings of mockers in the end times who say that everything is continuing as it was since the beginning of creation. Nothing’s changed. Where’s the Lord? Peter says it “escapes their notice,” or they forgot, about Noah and the entire population of the world being destroyed by a flood due to the rampant sin at the time. This had occurred about 2500 years before this was written (It’s been about 4500 years now).

 He goes on. . .

  ⁷ But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. ⁸ But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

 He says not to let it escape your notice, even if it has escaped other people’s notice, that the Lord does not forget His promises. He’s not slow, He’s patient. It’s His mercy that makes it seem like a long time coming. He’s waiting for more people to come to repentance before He sends His Son Jesus back to earth to finish up what was started.

 ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.

 The day of the Lord is going to happen, suddenly. This time with fire—and intense heat.

 ¹¹ Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

 This is a somber thought, one that leads us into the fear of the Lord. We must not live like the mockers, thinking that it’ll never happen in our lifetime, or if it does, that it’s not going to be that big of deal. We must conduct ourselves in holiness and godliness while waiting for Him to return.

 Then Peter says something interesting,

  ¹² looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! ¹³ But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

 Looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God. Even though this earth will burn up, we are to still look for and hasten, or speed up, His coming. And He has promised us a new heaven and a new earth—one which contains righteousness.

 ¹⁴ Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, ¹⁵ and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation;

 Peter is encouraging them not to listen to the reasonings of the mockers who think that all is well and it just doesn’t look like the Lord is going to come back.

 Let’s look back at verse 12 in the Amplified Classic regarding the hastening of His coming:

 2 Peter 3:12 AMPC:

¹² While you wait and earnestly long for (expect and hasten) the coming of the day of God. . .

 We are waiting and earnestly longing for the coming of the day of God. It seems that our longing, and our expectancy of this day, actually hastens its coming. Even if we don’t know exactly when it will be. Look at what Jesus said:

 Matthew 24:36-39:

³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. ³⁷ For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. ³⁸ For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

 They didn’t understand until the flood came what was going to happen. Then it was too late. The door to the ark was already shut.

 Matthew 24:42, 44

⁴² “Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 

 ⁴⁴ For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

 Nobody knows the day or hour when Jesus will return to the earth. It will happen when we don’t think it will. So we must always be ready. Yet, we can recognize when it is getting close, even when it is right at the door.

Matthew 24:33

³³ so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. 

 The Lord is going to return to earth. When He does, there will be judgment. Yet for those who believe in Him, it is our hope. It is a promise. His Kingdom rule over the earth should thrill our heart as righteousness and justice will be found in it.

 Now we are living in a period of time called, “The Time of the Gentiles,” as well as the Church Age, which ends with the coming of the Lord. We gain some understanding about this time leading up to His second coming in the book of Revelation.

The Four Horsemen of the First Four Seals

The Church age is, of course, the era of the Church, which began after Jesus’ ascension and continues until the time of His return. During this time the gospel is being preached, while at the same time satan tries to stop it or undo its effects. This has been going on for 2000 years. The book of Revelation portrays it as four horsemen circling the earth with each passing cycle bringing Jesus’ coming closer. (See Revelation 6:1-8, and my blog The Opening of the Seals and the Time of the Gentiles from January, 2024).

Then, in Revelation 6 at the 5^th seal, we see the martyrs under the altar in heaven crying out for Him to avenge their blood, asking, “How long?” Also during the 6^th seal, we begin to see the end, but it’s held back until the 144,000 can be sealed.

 Then in Revelation 8 after the 7^th seal, and the ½ hour of silence, the prayers of the saints, incense, and fire from the altar are thrown to earth, and the sounding of the trumpets begin.

 Two opposite opinions on the coming of Jesus

40 years ago, there were those who didn’t want Jesus to come back yet. They wanted to live their lives, see their children grow up etc. They weren’t very passionate about seeing Jesus’ return. On the other hand, there were those who thought He was coming any second and they were irresponsible, went into debt, didn’t plan for the future etc. These ones weren’t aware of the fact that the Church has a part to play in His return. Yet before Jesus returns, we see martyrs and all the saints praying, and a violent, heavenly response to these prayers.

 I believe our longing for Jesus to come and set up His righteous rule, actually quickens His coming. As Peter said, “Wait and earnestly long for” it. Expect and hasten it. There is a trigger—the trumpet trigger of Revelation when the countdown to His return begins.

 I believe these prayers of the martyrs and all the saints that we see at the 5^th and 7^th seal, this longing for His righteous rule, is when the countdown clock is started, and is indicated in Revelation by the sounding of the trumpets.

Jesus used the analogy of a birth when speaking about the end times (Matthew 28:8).

When a woman is pregnant, for nine months all is well, the baby is growing, but no sign of birth yet. Toward the end she may begin getting uncomfortable and anxious for the birth; then there may be false labor pains, early labor pains, but there finally comes a point of no return. The water breaks, and the countdown clock to the birth begins.

 I believe the sounding of the trumpets begin the final countdown to His return. Once the trumpets start, there’s no turning back. That generation will not pass until everything is fulfilled (Luke 21:32). The clock starts ticking.

 But what triggers the trumpets?

 The final thing seems to be the prayers. We read it right there at the 5^th seal—the cries of the martyrs and after the 7^th seal from the prayers of the saints. The prayers of the saints set off the trumpets and begin the countdown clock.

But there are other things involved. There are (at least) four things that trigger the trumpet-sounding countdown.

•  The Preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom in the Whole World

Jesus said the end would come after the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom to all the world (Matthew 24:14). We see the preaching of the Gospel represented by the white horse of the 1^st seal.

• The Church becoming His Ekklesia

This occurs when we, the Church, learn to govern under His authority, as His ekklesia. When the disciples began to understand and operate in their authority in Christ, Jesus said He saw satan fall like lightening from heaven (Luke 10:18). This is represented by the first four trumpets—satan is being cast out of heaven.

In Revelation 8:1-12 during the first four trumpet blasts, we see things falling, or being thrown down, from the sky—hail & fire, a great burning mountain, a great star, and then the sun, moon, and stars darkened. Once satan is cast down, he has great wrath, knowing he has a short time (Revelation 12:7-9). This happens when the Church knows their authority over him and begins to use it.

• The Church becoming His pure Bride

This is when the Bride of Christ makes herself ready, and passionately desires Jesus. No longer do we want Him to delay His coming so we can “live our lives.” We want to be with Him! No more delay! We seek purity because of our longing for our Groom. This too hastens His coming. We want to be ready for Him, and we want His righteous rule over the earth. (Revelation 19:7-9, Ephesians 5:26-27, Hebrews 9:27-28, 1 John 3:2-3, 2 Corinthians 11:2, Colossians 1:22).

• The Cries of the Martyrs and Prayers of the Saints

This is the passionate prayer for His judgment and His righteous rule to come. Again, we see this represented in the 5^th and 7^th seals. (Revelation 6:10, 8:3).

We, the Church, have a part to play in His return. We can initiate something in all four of these “triggers.” We must be about His business, preaching the gospel to the nations. We must fall deeply in love with Him and purify our heart. We must know our authority in Him and walk enforce His kingdom rule; and we must pray and long for Him to come and make things right.

 In the last chapter of the Bible, Revelation 22, Jesus said three times that He was coming quickly  (verses 7, 12, and 20). In the same chapter, John wrote that “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.’” (verses 17 & 20).

 Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come!” Or really to declare, Kingdom of God—come forth! (Matthew 6:10).

 We have a part to play in starting the clock ticking.

 How long does the clock run?

How long is the time period from when the first trumpet sounds until the end? I don’t know that we can say exactly. Some say there is a seven-year tribulation based on Daniel’s 70^th week, however this may not be accurate.

 The short version in explaining this is that 69 of the 70 “weeks” (one week equal to seven years) the angel Gabriel spoke to Daniel about were fulfilled at the coming of Jesus. That left one week, or a seven-year period yet to be fulfilled. (See Daniel 9:24-27).

 However, many believe that the first half of that final week, or 3 ½ years, was fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus. It makes sense because Gabriel told Daniel that the Messiah would put s stop to the sacrifice in the “middle of the week.” Jesus’ ministry was 3 ½ years, and when He died, he put an end to the need for sacrifice. He was the sacrifice—once and for all (Hebrews 9:11-12). Even the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom as He died (Matthew 27:50-51).

 This would leave a remaining 3 ½ years yet to be fulfilled. Four times in the book of Revelation there are periods of 3 ½ years mentioned.

 Rev. 11:2: John was told to measure the temple, but not to measure the court outside the temple for it has been given to the nations who will tread the holy city underfoot for 42 months (3 ½ years).

 Rev. 11:3: The two witnesses will prophesy for 1260 days (just under 3 ½ years).

 Rev. 12:6 The woman (Israel) fled into the wilderness, where she would be nourished for 1,260 days (just short of 3 ½ years). And again in Rev. 12:14 says the woman was nourished for a time, times, and half a time (one year, plus two years, plus a half a year= 3 ½ years).

 Rev. 13:5: The beast was given authority to act for 42 months (3 ½ years).

 (Note: There are also references to similar periods of time, which are around 3 ½ years, in Daniel 12:7, 12:11 and 12:12, and there are references to a type of antichrist during the same vision Daniel had. So there may be similarities to the ministry of Jesus that the antichrist will try and use to deceive before the end comes.)

Though we many not be able to figure out all the details, it’s more important to focus on being close to Jesus and follow His Spirit in taking our place and part. Part of it depends on us. We’re waiting for Him to come and He’s waiting for us to get going!

 Whatever the time period of the final countdown is, God’s people arise at the LAST TRUMP.

 1 Corinthians 15:51-52            

⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 

 Matthew 24:30-31

³⁰ And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. ³¹ And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

¹⁵ 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 not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

 Amen. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Until then, let us do our part as the Church to hasten His coming.