Pay attention! It's that important

3 days in a row the Lord has taken me to these 3 chapters... Daniel 7,10 & 11

There is hope within these prophetic pages, HOPE that applies to those who are in Christ! Though rebellion has been continuously increasing, the Lord's mercies and forgiveness have also been outstretched!

Yes, judgement is upon us whether we like it or not and whether we believe it or not. Yet, here in this moment if we surrender to Christ, there is peace in the midst of the turmoil and chaos! Not the false peace so many are eager to share. Real genuine peace that only Christ can give. It surpasses our human understanding!

My heart has been so heavy for those close to me under severe enemy attack. Remember y'all, the enemy knows his time is short and he's doing his best to wear us all out! He's using every tactic possible... family, friends; those close to us, as well as sicknesses, finances, losses, conflicts between races and with those in authority, countries ready to wage war, natural disasters, etc.the list goes on and on!

Remember though, our hope isn't found in people, places or things. True hope is found only in the King of kings and what the enemy intends to use as harm, (we know he comes to kill, steal and to destroy) our God can use it for our good and HIS GLORY. I know these aren't light issues surrounding and affecting each one of us, but if there's ever a time to make sure we are right with God, walking with Christ, denying ourselves and daily carrying our cross, the time is NOW!!!

Even being forewarned by our precious Lord and Saviour these days would come, doesn't make it easy to endure, but He does grant everything we need in Him.

A couple things we MUST be willing to SELF examine are:
* our prayer life
* our study time
If we are lacking in these areas we need to sincerely with all diligence ask God for help! Everything Jesus said would happen, IS HAPPENING and increasing just as He said a woman in labor experiences. They're closer and with greater intensity!

So, with a grieved and heavy heart I asked the Lord for comfort and encouragement. He gave me Isaiah 40. Please take the time to read it, ponder it, delight in it and give Him praise for it!!! "For such a time as this" are we blessed to be here in the now. Are we prepared? Are we continuing to prepare?

Jesus said, "The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves." Luke 10:2-3

Be honest... Are your eyes fixed upon Him? Is your oil lamp full? Will Jesus find faith upon the earth upon His return? Are you clothed in Christ and His righteousness?

Go learn the meaning

Oh to have been a fly on the wall for this conversation!!!

"And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9:11-13

Honestly y'all, the religious of our day still respond this way. Can you imagine the modern attack the Pharisees would have for Jesus today?

I love vs 13 where He tells them to "GO LEARN THE MEANING" of what He said! Today He would be ridiculed and accused of being prideful for saying such a thing. After all, the self righteous Pharisees "knew so much". Not to mention the false accusations of Him being rebellious; especially since Christ went against their idea of things. I'm certain it would spurn quite the whirlwind.

However, Jesus was neither prideful nor rebellious. He had more wisdom, understanding and compassion in his pinky finger than they had combined as a whole group. He was right!

How do I know He would be treated this way? I've endured similar encounters, just as countless other true believers have. The Jesus many worship today doesn't even come close to the One who spoke here. Please make sure you have the right One, the Jesus Christ found in the Living Word of God; the Bible.

May we be mindful, the true Risen Christ stood for Truth, His Father's Truth and He wasn't afraid or ashamed to stand for what was right. Even if it stepped on toes and the pride of others. May His Holy Spirit help us be more like Him!

"Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." 1 Corinthians 1:20-21

Are we daring enough to ask for His boldness, that we may speak boldly, in love, as He leads?

To be or not to be stereotyped

Let's face it, stereotypes are everywhere. Especially in the world of religion. With countless beliefs, theologies, doctrines it's easy to see how one can form their opinion without seeking facts.

Many of you, whether you've been my acquaintance or friend for a few days, years or known me for a lifetime already have your opinions formed. After all, it's natural, right. Or is it?

Are our thoughts based on facts: biblical, scientific or are they theoretically shaped by our modern culture? Truth is, the latter of the 3 wins. Without seeking understanding there is prejudice, preconceived notions and bias misunderstandings everywhere!

It's quite likely I won't fit your idea of a Christian. Honestly, I'm quite thankful for that! Why? Because there are countless misconceptions about my God and His perfect Son that my way of thinking, living, speaking, acting and reacting is probably just as cynical as your presuppositions about my foundation in them.

I'm not trying to be rude or crass. Whether we like it or not, scads of people try to put God in a box; which includes those who follow Him. He's given us a code of ethics to live by and every day is a new adventure. It's a daily walk full of trials, temptations, life lessons and victories. Unless you come to know Him, you cannot understand His people.

If you're afraid of being stereotyped, understand this... whether you whole hearted follow Christ or not, society has already labeled you! Question is, who is it you're living to please?

As for me, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10