The Resistance X Two

Judge me if you want, but...

Don't you judge me

Who do you think you are, judging me

I don't want to be judged

You are so judgmental 

The Lord will judge his people (Deuteronomy 32:36). 

We resist, we protest, we complain, we insist, we just plain old don't want anyone to tell us what to do, and when God is brought into the picture that represents a snapshot of our individual lives, we treat him like a photo bomber, and want to edit him out of the image; edit him right out of our consciences and consciousness. 

Here is what Matthew Henry has to say about Deuteronomy 32:36, in Acts to Revelation, Volume 6, page 754:

He will search and try his visible church, and will discover and detect those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan; and he will separate the precious from the vile, and will punish the sinners in Zion, with the greatest severity. 

Our global culture is grotesquely sinful, wanton in their ways, and totally oblivious to their obvious depravity. Christians sink down into their seats, scrunching low, when considering the judgment of righteous God, but the depraved proudly, publicly, display their wicked inward wares - they sell out their thinking, and their souls, to demon gods, and God forbid they acknowledge the Lord as Judge. 

Don't judge me isn't a request, it is a childish demand to others, to refrain from having an opinion and commenting, on choices being made, that not only impact a persons well-being, but the well-being of people in their immediate vicinity. Isn't it true, that the ripple effect is activated, when say, a person drinks and drives, hits a pedestrian, and sends them to hospital with life threatening injuries; the hospital staff attending spend their days monitoring; family visits with hope fading daily; and a whole community has lost a contributor, a person that was kind and loving. The driver of the vehicle cannot escape judgment of the most intense magnitude: life as the victim knew it, is lost forever, and the driver must replay that moment in time for the rest of their days, without escape. No matter how hard he tries to pretend it wasn't his fault, and that he didn't intend for it to happen, he will not be able to shake-off the guilty feeling that washes over him in waves of despair. Perhaps, he thinks, more alcohol will remedy the situation and alleviate some of the foreboding grief; alas, he is a prisoner in his own body, with blood coating his hands and soul for as long as he lives. 

I was twenty and two when the light of Christ's sacrifice for my sins dawned on my bleak and pessimistic soul. Christ is the answer to death; he is the redeemer that plucks us as brands from hell fire, and while I knew him as my Saviour in my early twenties, I remained a reprobate in many ways, for a very long time. No one corrected me, meaning, I didn't have anyone in my life that said things like, As a Christian, I must tell you, that you are sinning against the Lord with what you are doing. Dear one, I had heathens and believers in my life a plenty; the first set were drunks and fornicators, and the latter where mealy mouthed pretenders, paying lip service to faith in Christ, while living dirty godlessness, despite their feigned denouncing of all things pagan. I will be more precise: the church has mixed and mingled faith with pagan practices, and made innocent what is detestable in the eyes of the Lord. A perfect example of what I am speaking of, is Christians that celebrate halloween, with pumpkin craving, hideous and soul shuttering decorations in and outside of their homes, and playing dress up as a character for the day, or a scary party, where death is treated like a joke, and murder scene displays are just fun and games, and not to be taken seriously. I used to have halloween parties, and many a guest was invited from the church I attended. 

In the above paragraph, I indicated no one corrected, and therefore attempted to redirect me: this is not entirely true... there were hints and suggestions from caring friends along the way that gave sage advice that had me reconsider some of my choices, and while it was stingy to be scolded, I appreciated the efforts they made to set me back on a holy track, but dear one, it was The Bible that spoke volumes to my sickly soul; the book of God taught me how to label the yucky unavoidable feelings, that result from sin, in the sight of the ever present, all knowing God. 

When we acknowledge sin, we acknowledge wrong doing, and with these acknowledgements, a sense of being judged quickly follows: shame is a great indicator of sin committed and confessed, even if we do the confessing solo, with an audience of One. 

There are two types of resistance:

1. Resisting the Truth that leads to salvation

2. Resisting the lies that lead to damnation

Which category do you fall under? 

I like to boil subjects down to bare bones: The Lord will judge his people, and not only this, he will judge those that prefer not to be his people. God has the deed to your soul, dear one, and he is entitled to judge his handcrafted creatures. Silly little self-possessed humans, Who do you think you are? What makes you think you are entitled to freely come and go as you please, with nary a bit of judgment coming your way? 

The people in your life make a world of difference regarding what and how you think, and consequently, what and how you do, in your home, at work, and in your community. When I chose Christ over all other relationships, as my true love, I immersed myself in The Bible, and I quickly saw how sinfully ignorant I had been. It takes a lifetime to love the Lord with every ounce of our being, and at almost sixty, I want nothing more, than to obey him as I adore him. I do not resist his saving grace, and my hope is that you will not either, dear one. 

We will be judged, and we are currently being judged, even while we justify our sinful ways. This is why Jesus commands repentance, and why it is vitally important to feel the weight of sin as a hefty burden on the soul, that can be thrown off, never to be picked up again. If you have used the all too common verbiage, Don't judge me, then maybe you already are well aware, that God has his eye on you, and wants you to cut out whatever you are doing that he forbids. 

Today can be the first and best day of your new life. You can reckon yourself fortunate, that God loves you and wants you to feel the freedom of living to glorify him, and him alone. He is just, kind, and ever true, and he wants this for you too, through Christ the Lord, Amen. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 

Sowers of Discord

Our spiritual enemies will do what they can to wrest our faith, hope, and holiness, and comfort, out of our hands, but we must hold fast our religion as our best treasure (2.) The manner in which we must do this - without wavering, without doubting, without disputing, without dallying with temptation to apostasy. Having once settled these great things between God and our souls, we must be stedfast and unmovable. Those that begin to waver in matters of Christian faith and practice are in danger of falling away, Matthew Henry, Acts to Revelation, Volume 6, page 752. 

Let me tell you what, dear one, my faith, my hope, my holiness, my comfort, is stedfast, unwavering, and my best treasure... and, I have not always lived my faith, which directly impacted my hope, holiness, and comfort in Christ. Being a Christian has not perfected me as a human, what it has done, is made me realize how much I need to rely on God to gird me, when the enemies of my soul, are working to wrest my faith from me. 

I studied philosophy in university, and it was Christian philosophy studied in the same university, that saved me from the mental meanderings of pseudo intellectualism. Philosophers try to explain everything, and most miss the mark by a long shot, because they refuse to acknowledge Wisdom in the Word. Man tries to comprehend and define, what only God can make intelligible, and the argumentation is lack lustre at best, and a perturbance at worst, when the dog with a bone type fella, just cannot stop himself from trying to engage a believer, in his mental gymnastics regarding faith and religion, along with unauthorized by God, religious, superstitious practices. 

I do not waver; I do not doubt; I will not dispute; I refrain from dalliances with devilish temptations. My soul has settled on the Truth, and the Truth has made me free, and so, dear one, it is an annoyance to me, a petty pestering to me, when anyone attempts to wrest my hard won faith from me, and I say here, many have tried. The Devil endeavoured to work over the Saviour, attempting to fill him with in the flesh doubt, and woo him with sensual pleasures and power promised if he would bow down and worship him: this being the case, it must not surprise us, when Satan's demon army, in the form of human flesh, try the very same tactics on us. 

Most people when asked what they want, will answer, Peace. I just want peace. We can infer that it is peace they do not have, but rather, the lack thereof. Take this one step further, and we might also infer that they have anything but peace, and that it is angst that has them longing for peace. Where, pray tell, can you find peace? Is peace: 

1. In a bottle or can of alcohol

2. In a vape filled with scented nicotine

3. In the act of sex with multiple partners

4. Making money

5. Spending money

6. Eating

7. Talking

8. Scrolling on a phone

9. Exercising

10. Watching cat videos

11. Watching Dexter reruns

12. Playing video games 

There are sowers of discord in our midst, and some of them come in the form of the list of eleven distractions from peace, that you just read. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and faith in him comes with promises of provision, for the hungry and thirsty soul, that may feel ravenous and parched, for real sustenance for the spirit, that cannot be found or secured in a wicked and wayward world. 

God is gracious, and very good to us, even when we are jerks and deserve a bare bum spanking. God is kind, merciful, and forgiving, even when we act like know-it-alls, by mingling make-believe fiction with facts, to give ourselves a false sense of being clever, and a sense of being a little sharper than the average, mediocre person. The Truth cannot be tampered with and changed. People attempt to misalign Truth to accommodate their own needs and desires, but steely Truth cannot be bent with human hands, human desires and demands, or human ineptitude, along with human teeny tiny temper tantrum type willfullness. 

Spiritual error and superstition are now the norm, even within Christian circles. The Bible has a hard and fast way of humbling readers quickly, and debunking falsehoods that are often eagerly embraced, by truth deviants; and we are all truth deviants in some form or fashion, because we are inclined to sugar coat our sins to make them tasty, but man alive, sin sours the soul rapidly, when we are convicted by comparing ourselves to Christ's glorious example of purity, and his obedience to the perfect for us, will of the Father. 

I always direct wannabe faithfuls to the Father. I always tell them to pray and read The Bible. It is not up to me to cajole or convince a dissenter, or a sower of discord, to come to faith. I gave up apologetics long ago, in favour of speaking my love for Christ, and sharing gospel Truth when and where an opening is provided: I will not argue about the Word of God with anyone that tries to tear my faith and trust in God from me, and you must not either, dear one. It is not our job to save souls, or prove to anyone the veracity of the book of God; it is our work, to believe in the One whom God hath sent, and share the good news, with everyone that wants to hear it. 

Peace be with you, is a blessing, that can only be yours in Christ, the LORD of glory. I pray this Truth is one you embrace, and never ever let go of, no matter who tries to wrest your faith, your hope, your holiness, and your comfort, from you. 

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

NOTE: Keeping the peace, often looks like ignoring dissenters and sowers of discord: it works, keep it up.

Rent in Sunder Culmination

It is a way that Christ has consecrated for us through the veil, that is, his flesh. The veil in the tabernacle and temple signified the body of Christ; when he died, the veil of the temple was rent in sunder, and this was at the time of the evening sacrifice, and gave the people a surprising view of the holy of holies, which they never had before. Our way to heaven is by a crucified Saviour; his death is to us the way of life. To those who believe this he will be precious, Matthew Henry, Acts to Revelation, Volume 6, page 752. 

I ask that you consider the magnitude of what you just read.

When Jesus gave up the ghost on the cross, at the selfsame moment, the veil in the temple tore apart from top to bottom, and this, during the evening sacrifice. While the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world was sacrificed for you and me, your brothers and sisters, mother, father, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and long lost cousins, there was an animal sacrificed. The Jews in the temple where either in the right place at the wrong time, or the wrong place at the right time: 

1. Right place, wrong time: the temple was the perfect place for the passover, but how wrong was it to not be by the side of the Saviour?

2. Wrong place, right time: not being by the side of the Saviour, the Jews that experienced and witnessed the rending of the veil, the curtain that forbade them entrance into the throne room of God, may be just what they needed to see, to run to Jesus, and fall at his feet. 

Sunder: split apart: a universe sundered ages ago in a divine war

The meaning sunder is astounding. A universe, split apart ages ago, in a divine war. Does this not perfectly describe the spiritual warfare we know happens all around us, sight unseen, often tangible, and frequently evidenced in the behaviours of our fellow man? 

It can feel at times, as though my mind is in two places at once. I can be working on something and then there enters in, an offshoot thought that must be corralled, or captured, and placed in a line up for consideration at a later date; but man alive, I was in utter shock when I realized the timing of what Matthew Henry presented, and I had trouble being in two places at once, never having recognized the gracious gift God gave, to all the people that witnessed startling, heart pounding, blood rapidly flowing phenomena, on that day of culmination. God ended the Old Testament ordinances with the immediate and abrupt death of Christ on the cross, signified by the in sunder veil being torn apart. Animal sacrifice was a shadow of the purest Sacrifice, and nothing can compare, to Jesus dying for us and atoning for our sins.  

That is not all. Let us take a look into the scriptural account in the book of Matthew 27:50-54:

Jesus, when he cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 

Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. 

Listen again with me, to the words spoken by the centurion that was watching Jesus while he hung on the cross: Truly this was the Son of God. 

1. We don't choose when our spirit leaves the body, Jesus did.

2. The veil that hung in the temple was rent from top to bottom; a sure sign of the end of the Old Testament covenant, and the introduction of the new, where you and I have access to the throne room of God, through Jesus our LORD, our Mediator, our Advocate, our Redeemer, our High Priest.

3. The earth quaked and shook the people; so significant was this crucification, this death, this life altering sacrifice, that the earth trembled and so did the people.

4. Rocks rent; rocks split apart... the coinciding of these events with the immediate giving up of the ghost that Jesus accomplished, with eye witnesses accounting for all that is written, is beyond comprehension to modern man, except for to those that by faith, enthusiastically embrace the retelling, and become elated at the scene! Jesus was able to separate his spirit from his body, a feat you and I will never be able to achieve. 

5. Graves were opened, and many bodies of saints which slept, arose. When Jesus resurrected, so did previously dead saints - they went into the holy city, and were seen by many. Can you imagine your auntie Gloria, saying, Hey kiddo, nice to see you! Jesus gave me new life, and I get to tell you all about him. 

6. The centurion was the spokesman for those that gathered at the foot of the cross, and watched Jesus. He looked at a dead man, hanging there, and spoke vital, life altering truth, by declaring, after experiencing what is described in Matthew and elsewhere in The Bible, Truly this was the Son of God. 

Dear one, do you, with the centurion, declare: Truly, this was the Son of God; and do you now, see Jesus as your way into the holy of holies?  

Again, I refer you to Matthew Henry:

Our way to heaven is by a crucified Saviour; his death is to us the way of life. To those who believe this he will be precious.

Is Jesus precious to you? 

The warfare of old continues still. Souls are booty for Satan, and so precious to God, that he gave his one and only perfect Son, to save the world. What does this mean, to you? 

Covid Curse

Moses had his orders: Tell Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. 

Here is a list of the plagues that befell the Egyptians, when an arrogant and stubborn Pharaoh, refused to acquiesce:

1. Blood - undrinkable water, turned to a crimson flow, killing all the fish

2. Frogs - frogs in the kitchen, mixing bowls, bedrooms, frogs everywhere

3. Lice or gnats - dust turned to lice, coating men and beasts alike

4. Flies - swarms of flies on Egyptians, and on the ground, but not on Israelites

5. Livestock - a pestilence on the Egyptian livestock, but not on that of the Israelites

6. Boils - ashes from a furnace, thrown toward heaven, became fine dust, coating the Egyptians, and causing boils to break out all over their bodies

7. Hail - thunder, hail, fire darted to the ground; hail hit men, beasts, and plants alike

8. Locusts - so many locusts that the earth was not visible; they devoured what was left after the hail storm, destroying fruit bearing trees

9. Darkness - this darkness was thick and tangible, lasting for three entire days

10. First Born - at midnight, death struck firstborns, including Pharaoh's child, and every first born Egyptian 

God differentiated between the Israelites and the Egyptians, and dear one, God still differentiates, between his children, and the seed of Satan, or those that worship idol gods. You may think, well, these things do not apply to me. I do not worship idol gods, or any god, and The Bible is not the voice of authority in my life; and what do I care, about the ancients and the "stories" of old? If this is your stance, then there will be a rude awakening for you and your fellow doubters, on Judgment Day, otherwise known as the day of the Lord. The Egyptians, headed up by Pharaoh, did not believe in the Sovereignty of God Almighty either, and with every decision made, to decline the request, to obey the LORD's command, Let my people go, that they may serve me, a plague or two was served up... no wait, there were ten denials and ten plagues, and the last one is the most terrifying to consider: imagine all first borns being snuffed out by an angel of death, just after the stroke of midnight. 

Now think with me: Does God really need to make requests of people? Couldn't he have hand plucked and delivered his people immediately out from slavery, and kerplunc them where ever he wanted? My answer: God doesn't need human permission, and yes indeed, he can deliver whomever he wants from where ever they happen to be, but what kind of a relationship is one, where all the power is lop-side heavy, while the other side is teeter totter high in the sky, without access to the ground? God created us to glorify him, via our free will choice, and I don't know about you, but I am not crazy about the idea of being in an obligatory relationship, where someone tolerates me because they have to, but they don't really love me. I am also disinclined to be really nice to people that are exceptionlly dismissive and rude with me... God tolerates far more, than you and I do, and while he sent plagues to punish Pharaoh and by association, his people, he gave plenty of time and room, for a change of thinking, and heart. Which brings us to the topic I have to discuss with you...

I see people wearing masks still, and I know that this means they more than likely are continuing to be injected with strange and not so wonderful things, to "protect" them from a concocted virus. The plague we currently face, is not swarms of flies, but vats of lies, boiled and brewed in witch and warlock caldrons, by schemers and scammers, that would not spare their first born, let alone yours. Dare I say that covid is a curse, brought onto the people, that could care less about knowing God, living for God, obeying God; people that like Pharaoh, worshipped their own strength, decision making powers, ability to make money, travel, and do whatever they choose, rather than see past the now into the future, where a hefty price tag hangs, and the balance owing is now due: 

Blood clots, sudden heart attacks, cancer gone wild, aneurysms, strokes, digestive issues, reproductive organ malfunctioning, memory loss, vision loss, itchy inflamed bubble like sores on eyelids and around them, diseases never see or heard of before and undiagnosed by physicians, because they can't really say that injections cause all the problems they are seeing in hospital rooms and offices, day in, and day out. People are chronically sick, and funeral homes are backed up, with too many bodies to bury... 

Dear one, humanity has brought upon themselves a plague, and God allowed them to go their own way, because he will not force faith or fidelity from anyone. He gives us the option of being jackasses and walking away, and into dark places. Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, the Egyptians and Israelites, are no different from you and I. Godly people obey God, and there is a spiritual Goshen in which they reside while they walk the earth. The ungodly that adore the flesh and live like pagans, get recompense of a natural sort, and this is precisely what we are witnessing, with one person after the next getting oddly ill, and then, existing no more. Sigh, if only they would bow the knee to God before they go... this is what I think about often, because souls are precious and eternal, and Jesus paid the price for salvation with his own blood. 

The life is in the blood, and I am very concerned for all the people that are clotting to death, without knowing Jesus as their Redeemer. 

You may by now, be very aware of how duped the masses were by global leaders. They are accountable for each lie they told and sold for a mercenaries reward, but each person that can think and act of their own accord, must take responsibility for their own choices, and if you wore a mask and got injected, or if you continue to do these things, then you are in danger, and need to reconcile with your Maker immediately. He loves you, and I am hoping you don't need ten plagues to be convinced, that God has the power to wipe all of us of the face of the earth in one fell swoop, but chooses to be merciful instead. 

Repent and turn to Jesus, time is ticking, and you ought not waste another moment. God requires your soul for the precious blood of his one and only begotten Son. 

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:17). 

You Keep That

Intro:

The other day, my mom asked me to try milk that she said tasted funny:

1. Milk products congest my sinuses

2. Why would I taste something someone has suggested, has gone rotten?

I told her, That's okay, I trust you; it's gone bad if it tastes bad.  

Outro: 

We don't have to taste what has gone rotten; our nostrils will flare, coupled with the sense of smell, to warn us to steer clear of what is inedible and unfit for consumption:

1. Learn from other people's bad experience

2. Why risk exposure to tastebud insult, and possible stomach upset?

Transferring the topic: 

Sin can be sniffed out, it can be tasted and leave a nasty flavour on the soul, but it can also be detected and one, say you, or I, can decide, No no, you keep that, I am not interested in tasting and trying, and running the risk of soul rot. 

Jesus died for the sins of the world, and those that believe in him as their Saviour, do not have to taste the wasting and rotting of their being, while in this world, or in the next; this said, it is the sinners that do not see anything wrong with defiling themselves without an ounce of repulsion, that will not be relieved of their own stench. In other words: Jesus will say to those that tasted and tried and indulged wickedness without regret, remorse and repentance, You keep that sin, it is all yours. 

Here is what Matthew Henry has to say on the matter: 

... the appointment of God concerning Christ... he must be once offered, to bear the sins of many, of all the Father had given to him, of all who should believe in his name. He was not offered for any sin of his own; he was wounded for our transgressions. God laid on him the iniquity of all his people; and these are many, though not so many as the rest of mankind; yet, when they are all gathered to him, he will be the first-born among many brethren, Matthew Henry, Acts to Revelation, Volume 6, page 749. 

Jesus was tempted but never touched, nor tasted sin; he bore sin for us, and while it is true he died for the sins of the world, it is only those that look to him for their salvation, that are relieved of their burden of guilt. Let us take a glimpse at life and death for a moment, found on the same page mentioned in the last paragraph: 

The appointment of God concerning men contains in it two things: - (1.) That they must once die, or, at least, undergo a change equivalent to death. It is an awful thing to die, to have the vital knot loosed or cut asunder, all relations here dropped at once, an end put to our probation and preparation state, and to enter into another world. It is a great work, and it is a work that can be but once done, and therefore had need to be well done. This is matter of comfort to the godly, that they shall die well and die but once; but it is matter of terror to the wicked, who die in their sins, that they cannot return again to do that great work better. (2.) It is appointed to men that after death they shall come to judgment, to a particular judgment immediately after death; for the soul returns to God as to its judge, to be determined to its eternal state; and men shall be brought to the general judgment. at the end of the world. This is the unalterable decree of God concerning men - they must die, and they must be judged. It is appointed to them, and it is to be believed and seriously considered by them, Matthew Henry. 

Now try to tell me that we aren't beings unto death; and try too, to share your escape plan to ensure eternal in your current body, life. Of course I jest, but isn't it so, that people thumb their noses at death, mock the consequences of sin, and deny eternal life either as a damned one, or a saved by Christ one? 

I heard about a young woman that abruptly died recently. She was 26 or 27. Of a sudden, she did not feel well, and had a seizure. Her mother called an ambulance and in the ambulance, her life ended. It truly is, an awful thing, to die, to have the vital knot loosed and cut asunder, with all relations dropped at once, and enter into another world. I did not know that girl; what I do know, is her soul went somewhere when it was rudely ripped from her body, and I can only hope, it went to heaven, and that her sins did not damn her and send her to hell eternal, where there are no second, third, fourth chances, to get life, and death right, before the living Judge, known as God Almighty. 

2 Timothy 4:1

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom...

In the verse provided, Paul is exhorting believers to share the gospel, to charge them with the duty, of rebuking and warning sinners, about the coming judgment of the quick and the dead. We, you and me, the girl that died, and every human being quick (alive) or dead, will face our Maker, and my question to you, is this: 

Is the blood of the lamb of God, your cleansing from sin agent? Jesus shed his innocent blood for you: do you say to him, You keep that, or do you tremble at the thought of innocence being murdered on your behalf, and with weeping, thank him on your knees, for what he has accomplished on your behalf?  

Sin that is not repented of, separates us from the Saviour of our souls. 

We end our time together with a sentence selected and noted above, from Matthew Henry;

This is matter of comfort to the godly, that they shall die well and die but once; but it is matter of terror to the wicked, who die in their sins, that they cannot return again to do that great work better, Matthew Henry.

Hyper Denial

He told us he had been dead, for three minutes, and I responded, And now you live to tell about it. 

My son and I were leaving Costco, and he had a hot dog and fries, with ketchup. The man at the exit that checked our bill, made a comment about the french fries, and my son offered him some, to which he replied, No Thank-You. I asked, Do you eat that stuff? He said, Not anymore. I had a heart attack two years ago, and I swear, my father pushed me back, saying I wasn't done. I couldn't resist inserting, God sent you back; he wasn't done with you. Without a moments hesitation and absolutely no registering in his eyes or facial expression indicating that he heard my comment, the happy man continued his story, as told without deviation I presume, from all the times he had previously shared his death to life experience. He died of a heart attack, and had been dead for three minutes, and lived to tell about it: how extraordinary. 

You know what I find more extraordinary though, dear one? It is the fact that the man thought his dead father, had the power over life and death. I find it absolutely fascinating that the smiling and cheery fellow, attributes superhuman strength to a dead relative, that supposedly, can govern whether or not he lives, dies, or does both, within a three minute span. Anything but God. 

Anything, but God, dear one. Let us not give God any say, any credit, any acknowledgment either. A nod in his direction is frowned upon, and the devil you say? it is my mother, my father, my sister, my brother, a cardinal, a friend, my pet, from the other side, that keeps me going and gives me the energy and steam to carry on, inspired by their life and the words I recall them speaking, chirping, barking, meowing: the lessons I learned and the lessons they inadvertently taught, I have used as fuel to be a bright light to others. What the what what what?

There is hyper denial happening all around us. Perhaps junk food killed the Costco man, and he has a new found appreciation and lease on life after his revival, but surely, he has lied to himself, about his daddy's contribution to a pulse and return to life in the flesh. Sage advice given and well received from a parent can prevent many a misstep with consequences, but it is our Father in heaven, not our daddy on earth, that can be counted on to guide and protect, each of his human creatures. 

Did the man's daddy form his body, give him breath, and a steady heart beat? Did the man's daddy, go with him everywhere he went, and did he see all that the man thought and did? Did his daddy know his mind and heart entirely? Did his dad shape him in his mother's womb, picking his eye, hair, and skin colour? Did he decide how tall he would be, and what his disposition would be like? And as a dead man no longer walking, would his earthly father, want this man, to know the heavenly Father, and give him praise and glory, which is his due? Would his dead dad say, Son, do not give me so much credit. Stop looking past God, in my direction. I have nothing to give you: it wasn't me that saved you and gave you another chance to adore your Creator, it was him. Can you see the dad of the Costco man, pointing toward Jesus? 

The hyper denial is epidemic dear one. I have been watching videos of lawless people that break rules, put others at risk, and when confronted by law enforcement, they seem to be on re-tard-ed repeat, saying the same things over and over again, believing that with belligerence, they can get out of the trouble they have placed themselves in. These people are emotionally and intellectually, delayed for their age, and act like five year olds, while physically having the privileges of driving, drinking, and being out in public, where commerce takes place. It is a strong delusion they hold near and dear, and it is common place to hear these people say, Why, why, why, and when given a reasonable answer for why they are being detained and questioned, they insult the one holding them to account, and they again, return to Why, why, why. 

Now look with me to the one holding us to account for the lives we live, and the death we face. The Costco man has a story to tell, but his ending is horrible and horrifying. He attributes to a dead man, what only God can do for anyone and everyone: bring us back to life! Resurrect us from the dead! Why, why, why, I ask you, is this so hard to comprehend? 

Children grow-up, and when they marry, they are meant to cleave unto their spouse, and have children of their own. When I held my son in my arms, I was dewy eyed awe struck, and I knew that he wasn't mine, he was on loan to me! I most certainly did not handcraft the little guy, but I did know that I had been entrusted with one of God's precious creatures, and that I was accountable to my Maker, for how I raised the child he had blessed me with. How, in the name of God Almighty. do people twist things into pretzel knots, to the point of believing their dead daddy, can do what only God can do? 

I am very glad the Costco man is alive, and relishing his return from the dead, but I am very alarmed too, that he denies God in his story, in favour of a make-believe childish take, with a wishful fantasy fairytale ending that gave him a new beginning belief, that it was his dead as a doorknob dad, that pushed him back into the shell his spirit currently resides in. He has time, and he has not a clue how much time, since his heart already suffered an attack, and I pray he reconciles his life with Christ as his Redeemer, and ditches the lies, in favour of Truth. 

Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Luke 12:7

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Genesis 3:17-19

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat of the herb of the field; in the sweat of they face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground, for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 

Have you seen a dead body, dear one? Have you felt a dead hand? The strange stillness is startling, and the physical changes are immediate and drastic. It is shocking to see a body that is no longer animated, and it makes sense to a reasonable mind, to comprehend, that rotting is inevitable, and there is a point of no return, no matter how hard we beg, plead, or pray, for the heart to restart, and hands to again, hold ours, and the smile to return with joy at seeing our relieved faces. 

I would love to see my father and sister again. I would be overjoyed to hug them and feel their warm embrace. Alas, I will not in this life time, see them again, and I know that God is in charge of each of us, and where we go, depending on whom we relied on and praised, while we had breath in our lungs and hearts that beat on repeat. 

The Costco man could have a wonderful story to tell, if only he gave God credit for giving him life, and saving it too... if only. 

Protruding Tongue

Isaiah 57:3-5

But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore. Against whom do ye sport yourselves? against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? are ye not children of transgression, a seed of falsehood. Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children of the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?

Kids sometimes stick out their tongues, either at strangers, or at someone they know, that is saying something they do not like. The sticking out of the tongue is an act of defiance, and perhaps, it is a natural defensive reaction for little ones, that gives them a way of displaying their distaste. Don't we spit out from our mouths, distasteful things? I always found the act to be exceptionally rude, and I admit, I have mimicked, much to the surprise of the insolent child, the sticking out of the tongue, in response to their unexpected impertinence. I noticed a certain aggressive arrogance in the eyes of these children, and it makes me wonder what they have seen and heard from the adults in their lives, behind closed house doors. 

Occult indoctrination techniques are used on very young children. Children are physically violated, and violently exposed to vulgar and soul nauseating sights and sounds. I dare not think too much about what they see and hear and feel and are made to touch and do - it makes me heart sick to consider how the vulnerable in our midst are mistreated. It is appalling to the spirit, and is age old, and does not go unnoticed by God, or his people. Reread the scripture above, and then return here to join me once again. 

God speaks directly to the sons of the sorceress. Now hold up, for a moment, and let us consider what God is saying. There were sorceress', or witches, way back in biblical times, and their sons were doing what they were taught to do. Their fathers are called adulterers, and their mothers are called whores, and with this strong language, we see a culture of sexual deviancy that directly defies God's commandment of fidelity between one man, and his wife. In the depiction of occult culture, we see sons being instructed by their parents to behave in certain ways that run counter to the laws of God. 

God asks two rhetorical questions:  

Against whom do ye sport yourselves? In other words, Who is it that you make fun of and defy, whilst doing what you do? 

Against whom make ye a wide mouth, and draw out the tongue? Who are you opening your mouth wide against, and sticking out your tongue toward?

I see the sticking out of the tongue often, and it isn't just the entertainment crew, the famous and infamous actors and actresses on the world stage, that rudely project their tongues, while posing for cameras. Young women, men, and children, are modelling themselves unknowingly, after these dull stars; the entertainment crowd are soul sell outs, that purposefully lead our young ones astray, and into the dark places where sorcery, black magic, witchcraft, and the worship of the Devil, are practiced. Sexy poses alarm me greatly - young girls in skimpy clothing, try to allure, and add the protruding tongue suggestively, before the camera clicks and captures images, and I am always concerned for their souls, as I suspect they may be travelling in a dangerous direction. 

The god of this world is being glorified, adored, and worshipped, and this is not at all new. It is obvious, from the Old Testament, that sexual deviancy coupled with sticking out the tongue at God in acts of defiance, were common place practices, for sorcerers and their offspring. God calls these people, children of transgression, a seed of falsehood. 

Children of transgression, a seed of falsehood ... yikes. Makes me think of children of the lie, and of course, Satan is the father of lies. 

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (John 8:44). 

There are people in our midst that want to kill faith, destroy belief in God, murder the truth, and bludgeon hope. These people are the seed of Satan, and they have blood lust, just as their father the devil has. 

Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children of the valleys under the clifts of the rocks. 

Enflaming themselves with idols under every green tree, and slaying children... this is what the children of transgression were doing way back in biblical times, and dear one, these witchy practices have not stopped; the devil worshipping murderous activities have continued to this day, and now we see how publicly proud the transgressors are, wearing their costumes brazenly and boldly, whilst sticking their tongues out, in defiance of the living God, and believing they are beyond reproach and recompense for their wickedness. 

This morning I am grateful for the sanctuary God has provided for my soul. I rest in my Saviour, and while encircled in the safety of his loving arms, I pray for the little ones, and I pray for the naive and vulnerable, that haven't a clue that they are tracking along the same blood soaked path, that so many have travelled before them, that leads to perdition and eternal damnation. 

I leave you with scriptural instructions: 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).