Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

To people of the world, they will never understand why Jerusalem is so important and never at peace with the world. God said in His Word, “I have chosen Jerusalem as My home.” (Psalms 132:13) This is the place our Savior returns to; to live and rule. No wonder the Muslims desperately fight for it. They think that if they can take control of Jerusalem then Jesus cannot rule the world from there when He returns.

 

If you want peace for Israel we must wait for Jesus to rule in Jerusalem, and soon He will come to reign on the earth just as God has said throughout His Holy Word. Everything that has been and will be played out in the Middle East is written about in the Bible. Wars and even more wars are coming with multitudes of people dying. Revelation chapters 6-10 tells us that one-half of the world’s population will die with all that is coming.

 

This truth is not to be feared, but made ready for. How can you be ready? Get right with Jesus Christ, listen to Him as He tells us what to do now and for our family to be prepared, and REJOICE over what He will do in this world when He returns! Our Savior is coming again, and with Him comes everlasting peace and joy for those who love Him. Those who trust in their Savior Jesus Christ – will rule with Him. Make ready a people prepared for the Lord! Start with your own children and grandchildren.

 

So if you are fearful about what is happening, then you have not met Jesus Christ nor have you sat under His perfect teaching. Jesus Christ is the truth, the way and the life. Please allow Him to touch your life today.

 

 

 

The Wise Man – Part 12 – Power of Words

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

 

Unknown writer said: “But it is requisite that members of the common herd be imprisoned in abject ignorance, never doubting that they are ‘free and self-sovereign individuals’ who are in full control of their lives and families, and who can speak freely on any subject they choose, and worship whatever God their consciences dictate.”

 

When I was taking meetings in Denmark how a Danish fellow who had lived in Canada for many years immigrated back to his home country and what he saw scared him because he saw how he and the rest were being manipulated in what to think, to buy, etc.

 

One of the definitions of ‘word’ is “verbal signal.” It is a fallacy to think that words are just words from whoever speaks them. Words are not only verbal signals, but they also trigger what some call a “biochemical response” and can be used by powers to modify behavior. We see this in advertisements as well as propaganda that comes out from the government. (Testimony of the Danish man)

 

I remember growing up hearing an advertisement for Marlboro cigarettes: “So round, so firm, so fully packed.” Very simple, but very powerful. What this did was to appeal to the sucking sense that we are born with. Every day we have an avalanche of information bombarding us that has a mind-numbing effect upon us. This avalanche of information bombarding us is part of the spiritual warfare that we are in. It is to get us to conform to a herd mentality, not question its authority or its morality, but to accept its authority. So often we find that if we do question authority it is as if we have defiled a holy place and we are met with hostility from friends and neighbors. Once we begin to see through this maze of propaganda and begin to understand – we also see how different we are from people or from those we once knew.

 

We have today what we call “code words,” often used by those in places of authority. Today we are hearing more and more the code word ‘fake news.’ This basically means any news that is not coming from established politicians and mainstream media is to be considered as fake news. In other words, the only source of ‘truth’ or ‘real news’ is from the mainstream media. However, Denzel Washington had it right when he said “If we do not read the newspapers we are uninformed, but if we read them we are misinformed.”

 

There are other code words being used today that are beginning to shape opinions. Words like ‘loophole’ that lead to greater government regulation, ‘white nationalism or white supremacy,’ or ‘uneducated white voters’ referring to those who live in what is called “flyover country;” people who believe in a strong family, in God and the Bible, and with love for their country.

 

Moving closer to the end times we will find deception increasing and it is through this avalanche of propaganda we are seeing it and many are being deceived by it. These “code words” do not come about by accident, but are devised by those in power and when repeated over and over have a dumbing down effect upon us.

 

Satan uses a philosophy called “DIA-PRAX.” Dia means to dialogue to resolve conflicts. Prax means to practice. So, the two together means to practice dialogue to come to a certain reasoning or outcome. In this philosophy, there are three elements: Thesis, Anti-thesis and Synthesis or result.

 

So, when we apply this to Eve in the Garden of Eden – what do we have?

 

First, we have the thesis. This is what God says: “You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.”  (Genesis 3:3)

 

Secondly, we have the anti-thesis, the dialogue with serpent:  “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5) Showing the benefit of eating it that you shall be like God knowing good and evil.

 

Thirdly, we now know the synthesis or outcome: “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” (Genesis 3:6-7)

 

Apply this philosophy to homosexuality and what do we come up with?

 

First, we have the thesis of what God says: homosexuality is sin. We find this both in the Old and New Testament.

 

Secondly, in this dialogue we see the anti-thesis or reasoning coming out that Jesus loves everybody and so should we, and if call what they do a sin then we do not show that we love people. Therefore, we are those with ‘hate speech.’ So, the outcome or synthesis is that we accept homosexuality and the consequences.

 

When Jesus was in the wilderness we see the same philosophy being used on Jesus, but Jesus answered with the Word of God.

 

In this period of deception that is upon us all Paul tells us in Colossians: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

 

The only truth is the Word of God.

 

 

 

I hear the cry of My people!

Posted by & filed under Carols Blog.

“I have indeed seen the misery of My people in America.” “I have heard them crying out to Me because of the government’s oppression, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of their oppressors and to bring them out from under the further plans of their oppressors. Their cry has reached Me and I have seen the way they are treated.” (personalizing Exodus 3:7-9)

 

If God did this for His people in Egypt, and as God did for Lot in Sodom, will He do it for His people in America in such a time as this?

 

If God delivered His people from Haman’s secret agenda against the livelihood of God’s people – deceitfully trying to kill them off one by one – will God expose our enemies in high places of power and turn their evil plans back on them as He did with Haman being hung on the very gallows he had built for the Jews?

 

We don’t always see what happens in a progressive way until we feel the results personally and then corporately. By then we’re to a point of great complexity over what to do about it and we can only CRY out to God; repenting of our disobedience to God’s Word in our personal lives.

 

When there is a breakdown in God’s family order and purpose in the land the whole nation suffers. God’s people are to be the light and salt which preserves God’s favor and good in the land. There are instructions from the Lord that if we follow through in every generation – will prevent evil from progressively overcoming us.

 

When God hears enough crying out to Him by His ‘humbled’ people – will He answer; will He “come down to rescue His people?” In His “coming down” what does this look like?

 

Jesus said that if we’ve seen Him – then we’ve seen the Father. But the Lord has come down to rescue His people – working through various kinds of imperfect vessels such as Moses and Aaron, and Christ’s apostles.

 

How does it honor God or further His plan of saving people when His own people are fleeced in every way possible? Politicians and governments are not our shepherd; Jesus Christ is our Shepherd. His sheep know His Voice and they follow Him.

 

If God used a very worldly man named Moses, a wealthy man raised from infancy in Pharaoh’s house and a man who didn’t speak well; can He use a man like Donald Trump? Does a man’s worldliness, wealth and weakness discourage God or thwart His plans?

 

If God gave Moses an assistant, his priestly brother Aaron, to help Moses deliver His people, could God unite Michael Pence and Donald Trump as brothers in delivering God’s people?

 

As in any time of when God delivered His people, His people will need to get right with God in their hearts and homes and take advantage of God’s specific time for them to get-a-head. (As my husband would put it: “be a head and not a tail any longer.”)

 

The Old Testament is full of accounts of how God uses whomever He wants, and it has always been questioned and attacked. We see how our president-elect has been rejected and attacked by those trying to remake America by silencing and enslaving God’s people. God’s covenant was with godly men not wicked men; those faithful men who founded this nation and formed our good Constitution.

 

The next president after Donald Trump will not be as favorable towards God’s people in America. Each American leader after Trump/Pence will be more and more hostile towards God’s people. We know this to be true by the word of God. He tells us the things to come – to make us wise and ready for anything, so that we are not caught unaware but prepared.

 

Jesus our Savior and coming King warns us: “Therefore keep watch…so that your house does not get broken into…be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the Master has put in charge of the servants in His Household to give them their food at the proper time? (Food is both physically and spiritually strengthening.) It will be good for that servant whose Master finds him doing so when He returns. Truly I tell you, He will put him in charge of all His possessions.” (Matthew 24:42-47)

 

Might we use this time wisely that our God has given us. Jesus is coming back sooner than we think!

The Wise Man – Part 11 – His Words

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

James 3:1-5 “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”

 

Watch your thoughts, for they become words, watch your words, for they become actions, watch your actions, for they become habits, watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

 

We all have heard the little jingle when we were kids: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It sounds good and perhaps even has a ring of truth to it, but it is not true. Words can hurt; words can kill or words can bring life.

 

The wise man portrayed in the book of Proverbs knows that words have great power. For example, we know that words of the wise man are able to rescue people from the wicked who lie in wait for their blood. “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.” Proverbs 12:6

 

Wise counsel or words have the power to help a person escape the traps that the enemy so easily puts in front of us to snare and destroy, and to bring on death. I have often said that a person can learn through experience, but it takes a wise person to learn from the experience and counsel of others. “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.”

 

Words have the power to bring healing and comfort, and to bring hope to a despairing soul. Sometimes, it is not even the words that we speak, but having a listening ear as they are able to express their sorrow or sense of despair. A wise man, according to the book of Proverbs, is a man who knows how to use faithful words and knows when to be silent. “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

 

As already mentioned, words have the power to either bring life or death. As I was meditating upon this the thought that came was how words were used by some of the dictators in this past century. For example, Hitler using words to rally a nation, inspired a war that left Europe desolate and in chaos with millions dead. Or, on the flipside, words that were used by men like CS Lewis, A. W. Tozer, Francis Schaeffer and many others were words of life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21

 

While our words have power we also need to understand that there are limitations on our words. We have often heard the saying: We should walk the talk. In other words, our actions should go along with what we preach. For example, we could talk about the perfect scheme to get rich, but if we do not work towards it we most usually end up in poverty. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”  Proverbs 14:23

 

Smooth talk cannot cover-up the fact of who a man is. In other words, using right words will not cover-up of bad character. “Like a clay pot covered with cheap silver, so is smooth talk that covers up an evil heart. Whoever is filled with hate disguises it with his speech, but inside he holds on to deceit.” In other words, smooth talk cannot alter the facts.

 

In closing, the wise man of Proverbs is a man whose walk and talk go together. What the wise man says coincides with his actions. A great need today in the church, and in our public discourse as well as in the political and economic realm – the need for men and women is to walk the talk.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Isaiah 53:2-12 NLT There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected- a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment …from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

 

So this Christmas when you are opening gifts, stop and think of this gift that Jesus gave you, and ask yourself this question, “Do I have the most important gift of all?”

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

The Bible says we have no excuse for not knowing the truth since God has made the truth plain to all. We are to know the truth ourselves, and then teach our children the truth of God, so that they will set their hope on God as we have. (Psalms 78:4)

 

So why is it that we have a new generation that refuses the truth? Could it be that we ourselves failed to live in the truth as God’s people? How then can we teach the truth when we have added rules and regulations and taken parts of the truth out to please ourselves, instead of pleasing God? Is that why this generation of millennials have rejected the truth? The survey today shows that this generation of millennials, for the most part, do not believe in God, nor do they want anything to do with the biblical God, replacing Him with whatever they want that makes them feel good about themselves. There is a growing belief among them that evil is good and good is evil. There is an arrogant stubbornness of rebellion that refuses to allow God’s truth in their hearts. They proudly reject the covenant our forefathers made with God and His Word. They have been deceived that God is not real; that God’s love is fantasy; that any attempt to trust in God would be the end of all things they have hoped for themselves.

 

We saw a great miracle this last year, when God’s people called by His Name humbled themselves and unitedly prayed to Him. WE saw what the world was not predicting and expecting with this 2016 election of President and Vice-president. This has given God’s people a reprieve from what was planned to come all the more against us – so that we can now have time to get prepared for the tribulation that God told us is surely coming. God’s people must not stop seeking the Lord and fighting the good fight of faith, hope and love. We must pray unceasingly for our leaders and for each other, ready to sacrifice for each other. The Lord’s Church needs to be ready in the ways the Lord can work through us! For many of us, that means a 180 degree shift in lifestyle and future plans.

 

This new generation is very upset about what has taken place with this election and there is a bent up anger that intends to increase its hostility towards anyone who holds to biblical values and speaks out with the truth. We need not feel threatened by these lost and angry souls, but rather pray for them and take advantage of every open door the Lord provides us to tell of His wondrous love and sacrifice. When our time is over – everyone who is has rejected the truth and grace of God will not be prepared for what is coming; they will be overwhelmed by it all, helpless. All they thought they knew and had will not help them at all.

 

But the Good News is that God is still on His mercy seat accepting anyone, no matter what they’ve done, if they will put their faith in His Son: the Truth, the Way and the Life.

 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, understand that the world hates you because you do not belong to it any more than I do. I have made you holy by My truth in you; by My Word that you continue to feed on daily. Man will continue to try and remove My Word from their schools, courthouses, and government buildings but they cannot remove My Word; for My Word FOREVER firmly stands and is over everything in the life I’ve created.

 

What is in My Word that scares people so they do not draw close to me? It is what I say that will happen to those who refuse My Son! And YES, I AM is coming again – just as I’ve written in My Word. But, I am holding those close to My heart who have trusted in Him to save them, and who draw close to fellowship with Him; those who eagerly follow My instructions and are willing to be persecuted for standing up for the truth – I will in no way ignore or refuse what they ask Me for. I will be their shelter and provision.

 

Understand this My children; I never grow weak or weary, and no one can measure the depths of My love for you and your children. Those who stand with My Son in truth and spirit, I will give them power and strength so they can walk in this wicked world and not get tired of living for Me. For I enable you to serve Me without any fear; for I have poured My love into you by My Holy Spirit.

 

But to those children of Mine who compromise My truth and My way so that they can feel safe and secure in their lifetime by trusting in others instead of in Me, they will lose what they thought they had with Me, and they will lose their children to the god of the world. Their children will reject Me and the promise I have for them. I am calling to these of Mine that are compromising; calling them to return to Me and My Word; to My wisdom and love, before it’s too late to return and I’ve shut the door.

 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, I am here and ready to listen to anyone that will call on My name. I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers. I was ready to listen, but most are not looking for Me. I was ready to respond, but most do not ask for My help.

 

So My children whatever happens, rejoice in Me. Put your trust in what I have done for You. Have no confidence in human efforts, it is worthless when compare…d with the infinite value of knowing Me as your Lord. Remember when My Spirit came powerfully in you; you were changed into a different person. My Spirit will always tell you what must be done, and do not fear for I am with you.

 

For My hands made both heaven and earth; everything in them are Mine. I am coming soon, and will take your weak mortal body and change it into a glorious body like Mine. So don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Me what you need, and I will give you the strength you need. I will supply all your needs, for you are blessed by Me

The Wise Man – Part 10 – What is Truth?

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

John 18:37-38 “’You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’ ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked.”

 

We live in a day when issues around the world are becoming very complex. I was reading Stratford’s report on the complexities that we face in today’s world regarding North Korea, the Middle East, China, Russia and realize how we need TRUTH to prevail.

 

In his day Isaiah made the statement which seems to fit ours as well. “So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.” Isaiah 59:14-15

 

Pilate asked “What is truth,” a question that begs an answer and Jesus answered that question in John 14:6 with “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

 

Another question that we can ask is: What happens when truth (Jesus) has been cast aside?

  1. Words have no meaning. Things made out of words – laws, vows, contracts, etc. have no meaning.
  2. Values have changed. Sacrifice, loyalty, morality, accountability, etc. have changed to independence, personal happiness, tolerance, comfort, instant gratification and the right to make one’s choice. And we know that our choices are made based upon three things – the 51% (we make our choices based upon what the majority say), or the fad that is popular today, or one’s belief system. Our choices determine our destiny.
  3. Image becomes more important than substance. How do I look rather than who I am?
  4. Character is no longer important.
  5. There is no such thing as evil.
  6. Follow your own heart is the way many make decisions. (Jeremiah 11:8 But no one knows how wicked their heart is.)
  7. There is no big story. Nothing makes sense. Everything is in bits and pieces. We do not see the ‘big picture’ of what God is doing.

 

Jesus said: “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (ekkleesia), and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18

 

CT Studd who opened the Belgium Congo to the Gospel said: “Some wish to live within the sound of Church or Chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell.”

 

The question is: Where are the gates of hell? Could the gates of hell be the places where influence is being consolidated and affects our society today?

 

Lance Wallnau brings out seven places where we have influence that are being consolidated today and it is in these seven places that we desperately need truth to prevail.

  1. The church or religion which would be the case in some nations. For example, I think of India and Hinduism or the Middle East and Islam. These definitely are places of influence. In my situation when I think of the church we need to make sure, like the Apostle Paul said:

2 Corinthians 11:2-3 “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.”

Philippians 2:15-16 “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”

We know that the church does have influence whether it is good or bad. How many today are turned off from the church because of what they see and hear. When it comes to religion in other parts of the world we see the tremendous influence or sway over the people keeping them locked into their prison.

  1. Our educational institutions from kindergarten to university. Some of our great universities, Ivy League institutions were started to train pastors for Christian work and now the word Christian is anathema.
  2. The family. Keeping the family intact and with the values of the church we can survive. We see this with Israel. Today there is a tremendous attack on the family. However, we see with quick divorce, children out of wedlock, premarital sex, and now new definition of marriage (two men or two women).

I wrote in my series of the Ten Commandments: “It is interesting to note with the Ten Commandments that the first four commandments in the first tablet deal with our relationship to God our Creator. The first Commandment brings out how we need to honor God. In the second tablet the first Commandment is dealing with man’s relationship to man – in the command to honor our father and mother. From this it would seem that in God’s eyes, as in a small child’s eyes as well, a parent stands in the place of God. When you think about it – a parent is the child’s creator, provider, lawgiver, teacher and protector. The child’s response to this relationship will greatly determine the child’s response to society and even his relationship with God Himself. How often we have heard how it has been hard for a child who had a cruel father to relate to the goodness of our Heavenly Father.”

  1. We have government – laws. This is another place of tremendous influence and how we need men/women in these places to be the influence like Joseph and Daniel in the Old Testament.
  2. We have the media and oh, how powerful it is! The media is shaping the culture to its likeness. It is forming us according to the opinions of others.
  3. We have the arts and entertainment and see the impact of this today. Our movies are going out all over the world and influencing many.
  4. We have business. As business goes so goes the rest, because it takes money to run the rest.

 

Might God raise up people who are willing to run a rescue shop within these gates of influence!

 

New Vine – New Branches – New Fruit = Judgment!

Posted by & filed under Carols Blog.

My friend, a woman in her early fifties, checked out a church and was telling me about it. The people were so very gracious and likeable, but there was one thing she spoke of that really bothered her, and me too. She noticed the women, certain ones, over-speaking their husbands in conversations. What I mean by “over-speaking” is that when their husband started to speak the wife would but in to take over the conversation, and in a way that seemed acceptable to the husband. She also was disturbed in her spirit to see the pastor of this church occasionally speaking at the pulpit. His wife and another woman preached more than he did, seeming appropriate to honor women as well as men for what they have to say.

 

As I was listening to her talk about this church (like so many other churches in America), something kept coming to me: “New Vine!”

 

I waited on more information from the Holy Spirit: It’s a ‘new’ Christianity that has formed here in America where God’s Word doesn’t mean what it says; it doesn’t mean what it ‘used’ to mean. There’s been a different spirit at work to deceive and misinterpret the Word of God so that it keeps Christians pleasing to everyone, except God. These young believers with families of their own – are afraid of being persecuted and rejected in society. They are looking for the way to ‘fit in’ and still hold to their belief in Jesus Christ. It won’t happen, says the Lord! We can’t walk the fence of having the best of both sides. That “fence of compromise” will eventually shake and we will have to decide which side we fall on.

 

I believe this is what God meant by speaking through Amos His Prophet about our day, the last days:

 

“’Behold, days are coming’ declares the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger from sea to sea and from the north even to the east; they will go to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.’” Amos 8:11-12

 

The old ancient path of God’s Word meaning EXACTLY what it says – does not ‘fit in’ with today’s progression of all religions taking people to heaven; not one above the other; all religions uniting to tolerate each other’s lifestyles and to not stand against anyone’s lifestyle (of what God hates). Believers in Jesus Christ must compromise the Word of God in order to escape the ‘persecution of progressives’ for obeying God in exactly what He says in His Word. This New Vine Christianity is not of the OLD VINE. This New Vine has different branches and different fruit than the OLD VINE.

 

God does not change. His Word does not change. The Holy Spirit’s interpretation of God’s Word never changes. We are the ones that go along with the change in culture and society, and try to make the Word of God support our changes.

 

Christians (so they call themselves) are not taking God’s Word literally and personally as His people once did in America. We have repeated Israel’s mistakes:

 

“An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule on their own authority; and My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? Says the LORD, through Jeremiah His prophet. Jeremiah 5:30-31

 

“No prophecy from God was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21

 

“Then the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My Name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds.’” Jeremiah 14:14

 

New Vine! New Branches! New Fruit! JUDGMENT!

 

Jesus said, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” Matthew 12:33

 

Jesus Himself said that every branch ‘in Him’ that bears NO good fruit will be cut off, while every branch that does bear good fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:2) I would rather be (painfully) pruned than forever cut off!

 

Jesus tells His followers:  “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.  I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 14:4-5

 

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will remain – so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.  This is My command to you: Love one another.” John 15:15-17

 

Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!” Luke 17:1

 

Far too many church pastors are “stumbling blocks.” Far too many parents are “stumbling blocks” for children. Far too many husbands are “stumbling blocks” for their wives, and wives to their husbands – like Eve was to Adam in the Garden.

 

“Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1

 

“For this is a rebellious people, false sons, sons who refuse to listen to the instruction of the Lord; who say to the prophets, ‘You must not prophesy to us what is right. Speak to us pleasant words, prophesy illusions.  Get out of the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.’” Isaiah 30:9-11

 

“For they are a nation lacking in counsel, and there is no understanding in them. Would that they were wise, that they understood, that they would discern their future!” Deuteronomy 32:28-29

 

“For such as these are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Romans 16:18

 

“Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness (the son of destruction) is revealed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3

 

“For the time will come when men will NOT tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

 

This is how this New Vine has been able to spread like crab-grass, a fast-growing weed, all the land of America to where we are having great unrest and destruction taking place.

 

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

 

“They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ But there is NO peace.” Jeremiah 6:14

 

Through God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, He says: “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will NOT be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” (Matthew 12:32)

 

Why did our Lord Jesus say this? What does He send His Spirit to do for us that if we reject Him – we are forever lost and separated from God?

 

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.” John 16:13

 

TRUTH comes from God’s Spirit! Being prepared for judgment so that we do not stand in the JUDGMENT along with the wicked – is the work in us done by God’s Holy Spirit. Understanding fully what is ahead for the Lord’s disciples, the timing of things promised – is revealed by the Holy Spirit.

 

If we refuse to listen to the Holy Spirit – we will be deceived – believing every wind of false teaching and false prophecy. This is the working of the devil for a counterfeit vine to replace the TRUE VINE: Jesus Christ and His leadership in our lives.

 

Hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches! Repent! Return to our First Love! Be still and know that HE IS GOD! Purify ourselves with the cleansing of the Word of God – obeying exactly what it says and means. Pray without ceasing and with the whole armor of God (all power and authority in Christ). And, do not be caught unaware of the devil’s schemes, falling into his traps. Be wiser than our enemies, with the holy wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Ready your families. Jesus is coming sooner than we think!