THINGS TO COME

Jesus is going to return soon—but before He returns He wants to tell us things to come.  He wants us to know ahead of time what our future holds even before it happens.  He wants us to be able to make a clear choice with His exact knowledge —of where we want to spend our eternity.

Thus, He is asking that we engage in His truths so we are not ignorant of the plans that He has for us—the good things to come.  He so longs that we live with Him —and His faith for that to happen is in His love for us.  His faith is in us —knowing Him and the good plan He has for us. 

First then concerning His return, we need to know He is not late.

His return has been postponed because it is not His will that we make the wrong choice.  He doesn't want us to be ignorant of the choice we have been making thus far, so He is waiting for us to listen. 

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

I love what He is saying here —He is not saying we are not going to make it, but He is saying we are not ready.  He has faith in us that we will respond.  If He didn't have faith in us—He wouldn't be waiting. Why would He be so patient if we were not going to make it?  He wouldn't bother warning us of things to come if we were not going to get it.  I love His faith and how His faith brings light, peace, and hope to us.  Just knowing He is waiting, is encouraging.

Jesus is loving us by telling us things to come.  Now He is waiting for us to respond to His love and prepare for Him to return. 

If we want to live with Him one day, then we have to respond by preparing for that day.  We respond by engaging in His truth.  His truth is in His Word. Check back tomorrow for the remainder of this message.

If You Love Me

Many times I have asked, “Lord why is this taking so long?”  He is so patient with me and repeats this phrase to me yet again.

f you love Me, you will obey Me.  Then He reminds me of what He told me to do that I had not done yet.  It is usually something I have put off and then forgot about, or something I just don't want to do.

God actually can't move in our lives if we don't obey Him because our obedience is faith in Him. God does not manifest Himself in doubt, but faith.  He is pleased when you trust Him!

John  14:21 The person who has My commands and keeps them is the one who [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him. [I will let Myself be clearly seen by him and make Myself real to him.] AMPC

God Will Do What He Said He will do

God wants us to know today that He is going to do what He said He would do. He is coming, yet He is not taken seriously—instead He is being mocked. Mocked?  Yes mocked.

2 Peter 3:3 To begin with, you must know and understand this, that scoffers (mockers) will come in the last days with scoffing, [people who] walk after their own fleshly desires. 4 And say, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the forefathers fell asleep, all things have continued exactly as they did from the beginning of creation.  AMPC

Not only do many say where is the promise of His coming —as If He is not coming, but they live that mockery.  

Maybe you are not saying it with your mouth, but you are saying it by how you live. If you are not saying it with your mouth but you are living as if He is not coming, you are mocking Him.  

That's it—if we are living it then we believe it! 

It doesn't matter when He is coming —but what matters is we live like He is coming, and like He is coming tomorrow.  If you can see it in your heart, you will see it with your eyes and it will change how you live.

Thus, whether you say it with your mouth or with your motives, you are saying it. That is mockery—you are mocking Him. What you believe in your heart will manifest in your life (a quote from Jesus). Saying Jesus isn't coming is mocking Him and living like He isn't, is mocking Him. Mocking Him is laughing at Him, belittling Him, and even calling Him a liar.

Not only are you jeering Him if you are not living in the promise, but you are a hypocrite. You are like a Pharisees —an antichrist. What is an antichrist? A person or force opposing Christ.

LOSE CONTROL

If we are in control of our lives God is not.  In order to live that good life Jesus came to give us (John 10:10), we have to submit to His plan.  

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. AMPC

—God has a plan but His plan does not come into action as long as we are conducting our plan.

His plan is a loss of ours.  What do I mean? I mean faith in Him is not faith in ourselves.  If you plan your life, you block God from that good plan He has for you.  In so doing —when things go wrong, you will run to God and at that time —in your searching for Him, He will show you He had a better plan. 

Now you will see that your efforts just prolonged His plan. He won't override your plan with His.  Yes you can get on His plan now, you can start again, but think of all the time you wasted doing it your way. 

Another scenario—what if you decided to divorce your unsaved spouse?  What if God had a plan for your spouse's salvation that involved you?  How will that make you feel when you find out you missed it?  When things don't turn out for you, you will go to God.  When you go to God He will show you the better plan He had, and you will regret your plan. 

We do things against His law of love because we don't see His plan, we don't take the time to seek Him before we act.  Now it may be too late, but of course you can repent and start again.  Now is the time of grace, and God will forgive you and even have another plan of action for you to take —recourse.

God is asking that we be faithful where we are, and let  Him do —what needs changing at the proper time.

Find out the plan and cooperate with Him in that plan, then see —the more than you can ask or think come into place!

Ephesians 3:20  Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—  AMPC

In summation—regard God, don't say I am not doing that, or I am doing this! In doing so you block God out.  Then when we need Him again, we go to Him and find we missed it!  He had a better plan then you did —you missed it and now you have to backtrack and get on the original plan —His. 

Yes we can start over again, but starting over takes time.    

God is asking that we just stay on course.  That we look to Him and be patient in the plan He has. 

His return is soon and as we think we are waiting —He is.   He is waiting for you to find out the plan and then be faithful in it. Being faithful in little, as in caring about what God cares about, will bring you to having those — your dreams fulfilled.

God loves that person you may think is in your way and He will use you to make their life good.  So stay there, help Him—love for Him!

Whatever He can trust you with now —will determine what He can trust you with next.  Can He trust you with what you have?  Are you a good steward of what belongs to Him?  If not then how can He trust you with more — like with that dream He gave you, that one He planted in your heart?

Can He trust you to take care of your children, your home, your family,?  Do you care, or does He have to send someone else to do your work?  

Did you know doing His work is the most rewarding thing of all?  You may be asking for a new spouse, but He is asking you to serve the one you have for His purpose.  You don't know His plan unless you ask. You won't know the joy unless you agree.

You may be asking to move but He has a plan for lost souls where you are.  You may be asking to get out of your calling, but He has a plan for your calling to prosper you and bring you before great men.

You may be wanting a good paying job, but He wants to get the gods out of your life so you can live in heaven —with Him when you leave here.

You may be asking for a third job so you can get a new car, but He may be wanting to teach you how to live your talent out and get that car by your gift making room for you.

You may want a baby, but He may want you to have taken care of another child's needs.  

God has a plan, but in order that we may live in the best life ever we have to submit to Him.  In order to see we have to refocus our plan — to His. 

His plan is good and is love —it involves saved souls. We have to stop thinking of ourselves and think of Him and the importance of life!  Every soul saved is the desire of God, and He needs your help! 

Think of the reality of —a burning hot hell!  Who do you want to save from that?  Yes, I thought so, so then follow the plan God has for you.  Well, you may say I am not about saving souls, well then you better get about it!  If you don't, you don't love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind!  

If you don't care about what He cares about?  Then? You do the math!

Return My Call —Jesus

Jesus said this to me—The status quo, the normal thing for us —and has been for too long is—we are not ready for Him to come. He said If He came now many would be shocked at His response to them (Matthew 7:21-23).

I hear Jesus saying this is a season (right now) of getting ready for His return. That this is the last warning we will have before He comes—His status quo!

Our status quo is —NOT READY AND NOT LISTENING! I know I have heard You are coming JESUS —but busy, call you later.

HAVE EARS TO HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT IS SAYING!

Jesus is telling me to tell you that we don't get it, the Kingdom of God is taken by force, we have to go after it, it is a fight! Yet —we are acting like there is no effort involved, nothing to do. We act like it is done, it is finished and we can lay on our hammock and rest until He gets here.

It was finished that day, and it was finished for Jesus, His passion was accomplished. But ours? —When He left He said we should take over. We should do what He was doing.

John 14:12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. AMPC

Jesus’ assignment was finished and then He left us in charge. So even if you think you're good, that you are ready for His return In your estimation) if you're not doing your part —your part of the greater work, your work isn't finished, and you are not ready.

The five virgins were not ready and if we are not ready, if we bury our talent —we will be rejected as were they (Matthew 25)!

Paul finished the race. He did what he was called to do.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. AMPC

Well, maybe you're thinking he was appointed. So are you, if you are a follower you have a part (John 14:12). If you believe then you will do what Jesus was doing.

How rude of us—Jesus gave His life for us, He overcame —yet we are laying around like there is nothing to do. There are things to do like —HARVEST SOULS, our part of being ready. Besides having faith in the Gospel—not accepting whatever comes your way, but fighting—the Kingdom of God is taken by force!

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. AMPC

Even though the kingdom of God is taken by force —we are not fighting, it is a precious pearl —but we leave it buried. That is what Jesus is saying to us today. We have become stagnant, when the Kingdom of God is at hand!

Jesus said to me audibly —THE TIME OF JESUS HAS COME! It is time for us to get serious! He said it is a time of great testing! If you don't feel you are being tested, that is not a good thing! If you are not feeling challenged —then I am afraid you are waiting to be shocked!

Why do we think Jesus said our faith would be a fight —if it wasn't. Why would He warn of the ploys of the enemy if we didn't need to know (Mark 4:13-15)?

We're not not fighting, but we’re prideful in thinking we're fine when we're not.

1 Thessalonians 5:3 When people are saying, All is well and secure, and, There is peace and safety, then in a moment unforeseen destruction (ruin and death) will come upon them as suddenly as labor pains come upon a woman with child; and they shall by no means escape, for there will be no escape. AMPC

Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion]. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied up until John. 14 And if you are willing to receive and accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come [before the kingdom]. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing. 16 But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like little children sitting in the marketplaces who call to their playmates, 17 We piped to you [playing wedding], and you did not dance; we wailed dirges [playing funeral], and you did not mourn and beat your breasts and weep aloud. AMPC

Matthew 13:13 This is the reason that I speak to them in parables: because having the power of seeing, they do not see; and having the power of hearing, they do not hear, nor do they grasp and understand. AMPC

We have the power to hear, to see —but we don't listen. I recently had been texting with someone. It started with a phone call, then a text —call you later. Then , can I call you later? Sure—no response. Call again—sorry I can't talk right now!

Jesus was listening to me think about that conversation and said He gets that same response all the time. He calls and doesn't get a call back —other than I am busy, talk to You later Jesus, be right back Jesus — sorry Jesus. Later never happens!

Jesus said pretty soon it will be too late, He will be here and for those who didn't choose to answer His call —it won't be good. Why? Because when we reject Him, He has to reject us. When we don't have time for Him —we are going to miss the correction we needed to be right with Him and ready for His return.

Get ready, get on your knees and call Him back.

SAVE AND SOUND

Jesus will return soon, and if you didn't know He wants you to trust Him so you can be safe and sound. Those were His Words to me this morning, “safe and sound” —He longs for us to be safely encamped with Him. He wants to rapture us out of the earth before the tribulation.

His heart is that not one should perish, and so He has been giving us revelation to be prepared for His return.

That said He is leading us right back to the basic principle of being born again.  We need to know that being born of the Spirit is essential to seeing and understanding the Kingdom of God.  

Nicodemus, a religious ruler—approached Jesus with questions because he could see Jesus had power and that Jesus wasn't like them.

John 3:22 Who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know and are certain that You have come from God [as] a Teacher; for no one can do these signs (these wonder works, these miracles—and produce the proofs) that You do unless God is with him. AMPC

Jesus answered Nicodemus with truth, He said a man has to be born again to see the Kingdom of God.  To experience the Kingdom he must be born of the Spirit.

John 3:3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. AMPC

What Jesus meant was that Nicodemus was acting religious and was without true knowledge of the things of God.  Nicodemus couldn't see the Kingdom of God because He was self-reliant.  He wasn't born again because he depended on himself not God.

Many today are in this same circumstance because they haven't understood that being a Christian takes total reliance on God, to surrender to Him.  

Many have self labeled themselves —Christian due to a lack of knowing any better which then makes them self-dependent. They see themselves as a Christian, but God does not. 

That is why Jesus said many on that day will say Lord, Lord, we did this in your name and that in your name. Because really they didn't believe in Jesus but in themselves.

When you call yourself a Christian but you really are not a Christian, as did Nicodemus —you are actually just religious.   You are self reliant, self opinionated—relying on yourself and not on Jesus.  Living by your opinion makes you your god, and it results in you disregarding His command.

Thus on that day when you stand before Jesus and say Lord, Lord!  What you are actually going to be saying is—that you thought your opinion was right, you thought you were a Christian, you thought you were following Jesus.

Many are saying that today.  They think they will stand before Him and be right with Him, but they don't acknowledge Jesus now.  Many do not have ears to hear —and for some that is because they don't want to hear.

The Word is very convicting —and just the beginning of hearing the Word turns many away.     Not liking to be told what to do, makes one like a religious ruler with one's own rules.   As a self made ruler we cant fit into  the Kingdom heaven. 

 If you want to be born of the Spirit and see the Kingdom of God —you can't live by how you feel or your own understanding.  On the contrary you have to decide to believe every Word Jesus said. You have to decide the Word is your opinion.  You have to decide you will think only what Jesus thinks and feel how He feels, and live like He lives.  

Then you will see the Kingdom of God.  Then is when you made that decision to serve Christ. Then is when you are born of the Spirit.

Unless a man is born again, born of the Spirit, He cannot see or experience the Kingdom of God.

Jesus told me when I asked Him, that being born again is believing.  Put aside what you think and what you feel, and simply believe.

He said that is why there is so much debate in interpreting the Gospel.  Many think they know of spiritual things but really as Nicodemus did, they only can speculate.  Without that personal relationship without submitting to God you can't understand the things of heaven. You can't see in that spiritual realm, you can't have spiritual knowledge, but you will only have man's natural wisdom. 

That is why many will not believe you when you tell them the things of the Spirit because they can't see it, because they haven't submitted to Jesus.  Without submission to God you cannot be born from above, you cannot be born again without submitting to God.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. AMPC

Thus you can be born of the Spirit or you can be religious.  A religious man only has natural human understanding and will live in the world without God.  A spiritual man, one who has submitted to God is born of the Spirit and has the mind of Christ. He knows the things of God.  

If you want to be born of the Spirit, just ask Him to come and be your God, submit to Him and your life will change.  You were once blind and now see!

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me. AMPC

THE GREATER WORK?

To answer that question let's look at a few facts from the Word.

John  14:12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. AMPC

What does it mean to steadfastly believe in Jesus?  As an adjective steadfast —means to be attached, firm, unmovable, firmly planted, permanent as color, steady, definite, stationary, rigid.

Let's look at what Jesus said about one who believes.  

John 3:16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. AMPC

If we believe we will cling to Him, rely on Him and be immovable in our faith in Him.  How can that happen though, how can we be immovable in our faith in God? How can our faith in Him —be that strong?  

 Hang out with Him, make that choice to invite Him to be your Lord —and then take the time needed to know Him and how He thinks.

Pretty easy really, just by having a relationship with Him.  What if you can't see Him.  You may not at first, but you will.  As you sit with Him for a while you will start to see Him.

It is a thought relationship, like I believe it will be in heaven.  When you sit with Him, He shares His thoughts —you share your thoughts.  So it is a conversation with Him, but through thoughts.  

As you look at His thoughts in the Word, He is His Word (John 1:1), you have the thoughts of Jesus. Then as you come into agreement with Him, He will show you even more about Himself.

You will know Him and what is important to Him, you will learn of that steadfast relationship He longs to have with you.  He will tell you things to come, what He wants you to do for Him (that greater work).  He will tell you the thoughts and feelings of His heart (1 Corinthians 2:16).

 Having a relationship with Jesus is like any other, you will become familiar with Him and love what He loves and detest what He does.  You will realize He isn't just a religious duty, but what you have a part in —is your commitment to be His bride.  It is not just a prayer —but to really believe in Him and know who He is and what is important to Him, what is in His heart.  When that happens how can He say —away from Me I never knew you? 

You know how sometimes in some relationships people walk away from you.  They get to know you, you share with them your feelings and then they leave?  Obviously they didn't care for you, or agree with you.  Then really are you friends?

The same thing happens to Jesus, some start to know Him and then walk away, never to come back—unless maybe they may need something.   Then they wonder, where is He? 

 Jesus is not a one way relationship.  As much as He loves you and has given you —although you don't owe Him anything, if you believe in Him, then you will care about and be a part of what He is about.  

He asks that you love Him through your obedience (John 14:21).

You can't love someone and then separate yourself from what they are compassionate about—from what is important to them.  If you have kids and they are important to you, you listen to what is important to them, you make it your quest to care about what they are about.  Well Jesus is the same —He wants you to care about what He cares about.  He cares about what you care about and wants that same love in return..

 When I ask for things God always tells me, you take care of My stuff and I will take care of your stuff.

 So yes, the answer is yes.  If on that day, if you have turned away for Him. If you didn't want to do that greater work, that thing He is concerned with—ministering to His people caring about what He cares about—yes He will likely tell you away from Me I never knew you.  He will bring to your remembrance your willful rejection.

 Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. AMPC

 Jesus said if you love Me you will obey Me (John 14:21). If you don't obey Him, if you don't care about what He cares about —you really don’t love Him.   And — for thought — If you don't love Him then why do you want to move in with Him?

 What you loved here on the earth, what you worshiped here, will be that thing you will spend your eternity with. 

Love?  Be careful what you love, what you look to.  Be concerned about what is important to you.  Examine that thing you love, will you get love back, will it have compassion for you —or will it perish when the world perishes?

MEN’S HEARTS WILL GROW COLD

GOD SPOKE this to me this morning about social distancing. The Bible tells us in the last days men's hearts will grow cold—and they have.  Just go to the grocery store and run into someone (most) in fear. Look out, don't get near them, or even look at them, let alone talk to them —or you will get a deadly glare.

You can see them from afar, they wear masks, maybe even gloves.  Satan has taken over the planet with fear. However, whatever —the source is Satan, he is the underlying enemy.   Yes, he uses the flesh, but our warfare is not of the flesh, but with him, the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:3). And we conquer that fear with faith, but who knows that?

Because people don't know God —they only know the enemy, but unknowingly. They only know to give into the fear and then that fear (the enemy) rules them.  They only know to take care of themselves and know nothing about the ways of God, thus they end up cold toward God and others.  

Did you know that greater work is to tell those who don't know Jesus— about Jesus?  Tell them about faith and that God loves them— that is a great work! 

God loves them and He is crying.  He is in love with those who are walking around in fear of other people, the air, things, and in fear of death.  

Why are they afraid to die, because they don't know God.  Many have rejected God, knowingly —and in doing so fear has its place in their lives. Without God we don't know, those without God don't know their faith or their future. 

Many have no idea, they can trust God, they just think it is up to them alone, they don't know they can depend on God. they only have themselves to depend on, which is why there is trouble brewing.

When we have to wear gloves and masks, putting our faith in them —rather than in God we have come to distancing ourselves not only from each other, we are not only cold to each other—but also cold toward God.

God is in love with those who don't know Him. Those who are tormented in fear —His heart goes out to them, knowing they are being harassed by the enemy.  Jesus went about doing good, healing those especially those who are tormented, harassed and oppressed by the enemy (Acts 10:38).  

Little do they know they are already healed.  Provision has already been made. If we choose Jesus we choose freedom.  No matter what's going on around you if you choose Jesus you are free to be happy, free to love, and free to be healed, and yes free to have that abundant life He promised (John 10:10)!

Our part as Christians is to be a witness to those who don't know Jesus. To go about doing good, laying hands on the sick casting out demons, telling the truth —thus they no longer have to be tormented, harrassed by the enemy anymore (Acts 10:38). 

It is our fault as a church for being so meek and quiet, it is time to raise our voices and do that great work Jesus asked us to do for Him when He left! 

Christians be Christians now!  If we are Christ-like then we will not be quiet. Yes we will make people uncomfortable, but that is what will make the change!  

2 Timothy 3 But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].2 For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters. They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.3 [They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman), relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), intemperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.4 [They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit. [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God. AMPC is real, and while many think it is not —or that they won't go there it still exists and many even if they think they won't go there —might.  Not only will many will go there, but once sentenced —it is for eternity.  

NOT EVERYONE GOES TO HEAVEN

I feel the Lord beckoning me to talk about hell and as we do it will become more real to us.  

 I was thinking this morning how different it will be to leave here and go to heaven.  I know it is going to be good, but the fear of the unknown brings uncertainty. 

I was thinking next of when my Mom wanted to go to heaven.  When it started looking apparent that she was about to go, she started getting anxious about it. It wasn't worry but it was uncertainty.  

She had previously for about three years —prayed actually begged God to take her. At one point she had been so distraught about being here yet—she desperately called out to God as to why she was still here.  He answered her and told her with certainty she was not ready. He said she wasn't ready for heaven because she was in un-forgiveness.  

Notice, He didn't say no, but He said —she wasn't ready.  She had clear instructions on forgiveness and as she forgave, things started to progress toward her leaving.

When things were close and as her exit seemed to be taking longer than anticipated, suddenly she wasn't sure she wanted to go yet.  

Even though she knew it is a good place and all the promises promised to her were good —  now, moving to heaven suddenly became an uncertainty —at that present time.    

She thought she knew what she wanted, but now because of a lapse in time, things became uncertain. 

I had a vision of my Mom walking in low margin clouds, as if on her way to heaven.  She was alone and picking flowers as she procrastinated. God was showing me that she couldn't make up her mind.  

Should I go or should I stay? She was indecisive all her life, so it looked natural of her to maybe change her mind.

I am sure though it was kind of scary, although it seemed a pleasant walk.   I wondered later if my vision (the same) was one God gave her, because now she seemed to have a knowing that she was going to trust Him and go.

Her last morning here,  she rose up from bed and said —I am going home today and laid back down again.  Later that day she left.

It was so exciting because she wanted to go for so long and now that day —she was able to do just that.  

From that experience —and the privilege of watching her go I have my own surety about going to heaven.  But, still how will it be? I need to know more, as she did. Before she left she wanted to study heaven —and how it will be and from that she knew where she wanted to spend her eternity.

I told you all that to tell you —too, hell is as real as heaven.  I prayed my mom wouldn't die when she was in un-forgiveness because I knew in her un-forgiveness, not being right with God —she would go to hell.  He was faithful —He helped her get to the place where she could obey Him and forgive.  

Had she told God no, today she would either be here suffering, or she would be in hell.  I am so grateful God helps us to obey Him and that my Mom is in heaven with Him, safe and sound.

He knows what is good for us.  Love is good for us and to forgive is love.  All of His laws are good for us and unite us with Him.  We can't live in heaven with Him if we don't agree with Him.

Can I encourage you today?  Make sure you know Him, that you can hear Him. Let Him correct you now —so that you can live in heaven with Him, now here —on the earth (Luke 17:21) and then —move in with Him when you leave here.

Matthew 7:21-23  Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. AMPC

Stay in agreement with God (John 15:1-8).  Hell is real and not everyone goes to heaven!

READY OR NOT HERE I COME!

Jesus will be here soon—He said that.  He also said if we’re not attentive we will miss our rapture.  

We have to be ready.  Jesus said if you knew a thief was coming at an appointed hour, one would be there watching for him, you wouldn't let him break in and steal from you.  

What does that mean —are we more attentive to our things and not His return?  Shouldn't it really be the other way around?  

What is Jesus saying to us today?  Are we watching for Him or are we distracted?  Would one be distracted waiting for a thief? I think not. 

I believe He is saying to us today to anticipate Him, seek Him, find out when and what we need to be doing in our anticipation.  Because as it is—we have nodded off and forgotten about Him.

Matthew 24:43 But understand this: had the householder known in what [part of the night, whether in a night or a morning] watch the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have allowed his house to be undermined and broken into .44 You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him. 45 Who then is the faithful, thoughtful, and wise servant, whom his master has put in charge of his household to give to the others the food and supplies at the proper time? 46 Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) is that servant whom, when his master comes, he will find so doing. (That greater work) 47 I solemnly declare to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that servant is wicked and says to himself, My master is delayed and is going to be gone a long time, (for got and fell asleep) 49 And begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with the drunken, (sin)50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he is not aware, 51 And will punish him [cut him up by scourging] and put him with the pretenders (hypocrites); there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. AMPC

Being ready is being informed, knowing what is going on, knowing Jesus' agenda.  Knowing He needs to find you being about taking care of His household. Will He find you doing so, having taken care of his household?  Then you will be blessed, but if you are not about His household—

Do you hear what Jesus is saying?  The greater thing you and I are called to —when He comes, will He find us doing it?  Or will we have nodded off? If we have nodded off, and if we are getting drunk with the rest of the world —how are we about that greater thing He's calling us to?We won't be and then verse 51will take effect.  More than an ouch!

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE

Mark 9:23  Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." NKJV  

Did you know that there is more to believing than just saying that you believe?  Jesus isn't talking about you just saying that you believe, He is talking about trust.  He is talking about totally relying on Him. He is talking about trusting Him so much you would do whatever He tells you to do, and without hesitation!

Ask The Plan!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. AMPC

One day God reminded me of this scripture. Then He said, “Ask Me the plan.” I never thought of that, maybe you haven’t either? If not —I want to encourage you today to ask Him that plan. Ask Him that great plan He has for you for that good so you can walk in it!

He has something awesome for you to do for Him and you want to walk in that plan because that plan is not only for your good, but for Him. For Him? Yes, His desire is for you to show Him —as you do that greater work He has for you to do for Him.

John 14:12 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father. AMPC

Be Actively Waiting For Jesus!

God is not calling us to wait for Him, but He is calling us to actively be busy doing HIs greater work —before He gets here. The last thing He said when He left was if we believed, we would do what He did and even greater things. You and I are a part of the plan. Make sure you are doing that plan, make sure you are in agreement with Him before He gets here! After the trumpet blows it is too late (Matthew 25)!

The Hour Of Jesus Has Come!

I heard this as I sat up from my bed the other morning—audibly . “THE HOUR OF JESUS HAS COME”.  I asked, what does that mean Lord? He said, “THE HOUR OF TESTING HAS COME!”

Things To Come

If you are in communication with the Holy Spirit then you know that Jesus’ return is soon.  

John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. AMPC

If you don't hear God, it is not a good thing.  If you don't hear God, now is a good time to get serious about your relationship with Him.   

If you don't hear God then His return will be as for many —like a thief in the night, and you won't be ready.

Matthew 24:  42 Watch therefore give strict attention, be cautious and active], for you do not know in what kind of a day [whether a near or remote one] your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: had the householder known in what [part of the night, whether in a night or a morning] watch the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have allowed his house to be undermined and broken into. 44 You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him. AMPC

Hear Him to know the things that are to come, know what is next—what you have to do to be ready.  

How can you start? Ask Jesus if you haven't to be your Lord.  Invite Him in your Heart.

Revelation 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me. AMPC

Pray—Dear Jesus I am asking that You come in my heart and be my Lord, guide my steps— and teach me Your way.  Thank You for loving me so much that You laid down Your life for me. Thank you for taking those strips that I may be well.  Thank you for Your grace and mercy. I am asking You to correct me and empower me to be faithful to You. Help me to know what You are thinking and how I should spend my days.  Help me to act out what I say I believe. In Your Name, Amen!

Now get to know Him—spend time getting to know Him by reading your Bible.  John 1:1 tells us He is His Word. Get to know the Word of God. Then do what the Word (God) tells you to do —to be in agreement with Him. 

This is how you form your relationship with Him.  Remember a relationship takes time. The more time you spend with Him the more you will know Him—and things to come!

I would suggest reading starting in Matthew so you can learn who Jesus is and what He did for you. Him your most High and dwell there!

Our Protection From The Hour

Iwas getting my coffee this morning and I heard the Lord speak to me.  

He said, “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand but it will not come near you.”

Psalm 91 tells us if we make Him our most high we are fixed, stable —under His shadow!  How exciting is that? Exciting! 

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

Nothing can harm us or come near us.  We are inaccessible, nothing can come near us, we are under His protection!

Psalm 91:7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 

8 Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

10 There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

That means we can continue in our Kingdom living as before and watch only be a spectator, inaccessible to the virus!

Make Him your most High and dwell there!

No Excuses

 Some tell me they don't hear God or know what He wants for them.  They say they have uncertainty about Him, and things in their lives.   But God said He makes evident to us —plain in our inner consciousness, Himself.

Romans 1: 19 For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them. 20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],AMPC

Therefore we can only conclude that we are not listening to our conscious when we feel that conviction, that knowing He has said that He has given us.

That's Why We Can’t See Him

I was at the end of my writing yesterday when God said something to me.  He said, that's why you can't see Me.  Because you would judge Me based upon how I look.  And He said I want you to know Me by My character. Wow what a revelation.  Right?

How often do we look at what we see with our eyes and judge? How many times did you decide that you didn't like someone because of: how they looked to you? It might have been what they had on, or they may have had a look on their face you didn't understand, maybe it was that they seemed to have snubbed you.

As I am writing this God is showing me someone I judged just yesterday.  A man digging through the trash. Normally I would give to someone in need, but he rubbed me the wrong way.  He seemed angry and he was violent as he was throwing the trash covers off and on—and even kicking one of the trash cans. 

Now, today I realize I was sent to help him.  I wasn't listening to God apparently. He told me to do my errands I wasn't going to do until the next day.  One of those errands was getting gas which is where the man was that was digging through the trash.  

He scared me and so I wanted to just get out of there.  Now thinking back I can see God sent me to love him. I can see now he was angry about his circumstances. I can discern now when he looked at me in that mean way he was telling me he hated himself and his life.  He needed help but I just drove away without giving him what he needed. I wasn't listening. I drove away. Just like James said, when you see a brother poorly cald and in need and you walk away —you have no faith.

James 2: 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clad and lacks food for each day,16 And one of you says to him, Good-bye! Keep [yourself] warm and well fed, without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does that do? 17 So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead). AMPC

I so wish I could do that over again and am sure God will give me another chance— and I will sure to be more attentive.  

Thinking —is how we communicate with God, His thoughts when we hear Him is our image of who He is —and how He designed it to be. There is no visibility of who God is.  We see Him only through thoughts, and can only see who He is by knowing His thoughts that identify His character.

When Jesus came He came in a body, but what would He look like all the time?  

If we were made in His likeness how does that make Him look?  Does He look just like you and I? What if He does, would we judge Him for that?  What if He wore the wrong clothes and didn't cut His hair. What if He stood out on the street corner and waited for His offering?

Remember Mary?  She was about to be stoned when Jesus got down on the ground with her and defended her.  The crowd looked at her as dirty, but Jesus loved her. That is what God looks like, that is the picture of love, our knowing of who He is and what He looks like.  He looks like love.  

I should have known better, the man I was sent to last night was as angry and needed God but I judged him by his covering.

God's child —a man in whom God loves, and a man God sent me to , but I wasn't aware of God's feelings, only mine.  I had me on my mind. 

Another time, at least ten years ago, I was out for an early morning walk and saw a man digging in a dumpster.  This man was equally as angry, and his stares scared me. But God asked me to tell the man that He loved him. I did and the man tried to scare me further with more looks, looks that I better leave or he would kill me.  God said —say it again. I did but still the man was angry and told me to leave him alone. I wanted to so I did, my flesh got in the way, but what if I would have persisted? What if I wasn't so fleshy and had my mind more on what God wanted.  But because of his covering I judged him. What he really needed was love but I only had me on my mind.

UPDATE JESUS—TIME TO UPDATE

Even though God does not change —He is always the same, we unlike Him, change. We waiver in our faith which is why we need to update everyday!  We don't attain the Word without the Word, we were created to be connected to the vine (John 15:1-8).

If you have a computer and it starts acting funny, —like inconsistent, or sickly, the first thing you should do is check to see if you missed an update and then restart the computer.

Here is the function of a computer update I found on the web.

—Updates contain important changes to improve the performance, stability and security of the applications that run on your computer. Installing them ensures that your software continues to run safely and efficiently. Keep in mind that many web exploits look for outdated software with unpatched security flaws.

I got so excited when I read this because it is exactly what I knew God was saying.  Just like He is saying in James —when we don't update, we change to low performance, we lack stability and fail to apply the truth to our lives —because we didn't use the application of updating our minds with the Word of God.  

We start acting funny and even sickly when we don't update.

In conclusion then without that exercise of doing those updates —we can't receive anything from the Lord.

James 1:5 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. 7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, 8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. AMPC

I know many would say to me, I can't help it, this is how God made me —I just don't have much faith.  No He did not, He made you with the ability to draw on His strength (Philippians 4:13), but it is up to you to draw from Him the thing you need to overcome. 

God has given us all the same measure of faith (Romans 12:3) Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17) thus there is no excuse for any of us to say we do not have faith. 

If we have committed to a relationship with Jesus, that relationship needs our time and attention, us having time to be with Him—to talk with Him.  Just like any other relationship Jesus needs our time so we can be close.

Our part is to update so we don't hit that low performance mark (wavering faith).

Do you go to God and get wisdom?  If you do you will get that wisdom you need —that update you need to change your thinking to as His.  As well —He is going to continuously give you more wisdom where your updates will be automatic —as you consistently sit with Him.

But if you waiver and or hesitate, not being sure if you want this God  life, then you won't receive anything from Him. Why? Because you are not serious about your relationship with Him. If you are not serious you are not going to make that effort to hear the Word consistently—to update your thinking (make your thinking like His) to a place of no hesitating. 

If you choose Jesus and you update—plug in daily you will win against everything Satan tries you with.  You will have the present, most up to date personal information designed for you, your certain circumstance updated into your harddrive (mind) so that you can continue to function in faith. Updating will keep you from wavering, wavering comes from not updating.

Not deciding what you are going to do comes from listening to the enemy, getting his virus and then listening, meditating his lie—unplugging from God.  Then going back and forth trying to decide which you will do.

Remember that definition of an update on your computer?

—Keep in mind that many web exploits look for outdated software with unpatched security flaws.—

If your software is outdated —you will miss it.  If you are not updating —Satan will take advantage of (your outdated software) your weak state.

Being double minded you won't receive anything from God, you have to clearly choose Him and when you do He expects that you are faithful to Him by updating; staying close to Him so you can hear Him. Meeting with Him everyday will enable Him to pass His thoughts through to your thoughts, the most complete update ever! You will know what you need to know for that day. 

FEAR

God was talking to me today about fear and I wasn't surprised with all the fear present in the world as of late.

He hasn’t of course given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

—2 Timothy 1:7  For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. AMPC

Living in fear is worshiping the devil because he is fear, he torments and harasses for satisfaction.  He enjoys his success in his ploy to bombard God’s children with worry —leaving the manifestation of his presence, which is undoubtedly everywhere these days.  His presence is anxiety which leads to oppression. 

Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and went about doing good in particular curing all who were harassed and oppressed by the power of the devil.

—Acts 10:38  How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him. AMPC

Jesus went about telling the truth to those who were being controlled by the enemy.  Obviously it is a thought process the enemy uses. All we have to do to consider this truth, is to look at the Word. In Corinthians we are told to take captive our thoughts.  The reason to take captive our thoughts is because the enemy comes into our thought life, that is entrance in our lives, in our thoughts. 

—2 Corinthians 10:5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), AMPC

Either we will control the enemy by not thinking his thoughts, or we will go along with him by allowing him to control our thoughts.  

 Most don't know this truth so they just tag along (cooperate) on that leash Satan has on them. Because they are ignorant of the fact that they are being controlled by Satan they go along with him.   

If we don't know God we live in ignorance to God and His ways. Without God we don't have the understanding we need to live victorious in the Kingdom of God, right here on the earth. 

When we are in agreement with God and know His ways of living we will make it our quest to stay in agreement with Him by changing what we think to be in-sync with His thinking. 

We will purposefully think His thoughts knowing His thoughts are true and His thoughts will free us from the bondage of fear (the lies of the enemy).  

We can be free of the lie and live the truth, free of those harassing and oppressive thoughts he is trying to control us with by staying updated with the thoughts of God.

—John 8:44 You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false. AMP

So the way to be free from fear is to resist it, then receive the truth of who God is by filling your mind with God's thoughts.  

Resist the enemy and he will run.

James 4:7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

If you never asked Jesus to be your Lord, all you have to do is ask. 

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me. AMPC

Romans 10:9 Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. 11 The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.

Now if you want to we can ask, pray with me —dear Jesus, we are asking that You come live on the inside of us, fill us with Your Spirit, give us Your peace as we rely on You.  We believe and we confess with our mouths that You are Lord and we commit to live well in Your Kingdom right here on the earth as Your true disciple!

Now open the Word of God ,that is how you will know Jesus.

John 1:1 Tells  He is His Word—so that is how we begin our journey with knowing Him is by knowing the Word (Him).

Then as you do the Word, don't just hear it, but do it —apply it to your life (James 1:22), He will manifest Himself to you (John 14:21).