Category: Thoughtful Threads

Words No One EVER Wants To Hear!

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Matthew 7:21-23  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  (22)  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  (23)  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

I was once a woman who would have been told “I never knew you: depart from me” by the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, I was a very good “religious” person! I was raised in the Roman Catholic religion and followed its teachings until I turned 25. My heart was empty inside and I found no hope in my life’s circumstances. So much so, I was planning the end of my empty life. I had the sleeping pills, my mind was made up, and that was that.

But God ….

God was busy working in the background, drawing me to Him, without me even knowing it. He was orchestrating events and placing the right people in my life at precisely the right moments, guiding my heart and opening my eyes to the truth. Each small miracle and subtle sign was a chance for me to reflect on my path and reconsider my choices. He was giving me every opportunity to come to salvation before that fateful end, patiently waiting for me to recognize the love and grace He so freely offered, hoping I would turn my heart towards Him and embrace the journey of faith that awaited. I did not know it at the time, but praise the Lord He knew me and exactly what I needed.

He sent my childhood best friend, Vicky, from a thousand miles away. She didn’t know my circumstances but her desire was to see me born again. God heard her fervent prayers and during her short visit, her mission was accomplished! On April 1, 1980, I was gloriously saved and sealed by Christ’s Holy Spirit! Yes, I was sealed … blood bought by the King of kings and Lord of lords! I became a child of the King!

2 Corinthians 1:21-22  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;  (22)  Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:12-13  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.  (13)  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Revelation 7:3-4  Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. (4)  And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Sealed: sphragizō
sfrag-id’-zo
From G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication to keep secret, to attest: – (set a, set to) seal up, stop.

Exactly what does it mean to be sealed by the Holy Spirit? One must understand that in early times, a contract was sealed with a ring or stamp, a practice that holds significant importance in our understanding of how God views Christ’s redemption. This seal showed that the contract was not only final and binding but also carried the weight of authority and trust between the parties involved. It symbolized an unbreakable agreement, a pledge that was taken seriously, invoking commitment, if you will. In a similar way, being sealed by the Holy Spirit serves as a powerful affirmation of one’s faith in God, indicating that they are uniquely “marked” for eternal life with Him, eternally set apart from the world. This divine seal reassures believers that their relationship with God is secure and irrevocable, instilling hope and strength in their hearts. It signifies a deep, personal connection with the Creator, reminding them that they are cherished and loved. Additionally, this seal also serves as a reminder that nothing could break that contract… NOTHING! This assurance empowers believers to walk confidently in their faith, knowing that they are protected and guided by the Holy Spirit in every aspect of their lives.

One never knows when one’s final day on this earth will be, which is why it is important to think of the significance of the choices we make. People prepare for it by buying life insurance or making all the necessary arrangements for their funeral, making sure that their earthly affairs are settled. But what preparations are being made for their eternal destination, the one that really matters? Do not be like me prior to my salvation when I was a “good Catholic,” merely going through the motions of religious observance without understanding what salvation really means. You do not want to hear those words: “I never knew you, depart from me!” Imagine standing before the Creator, thinking you’ve done all that your religion required of you, then being filled with regret and realizing that all the good deeds performed pale in comparison to a genuine relationship with Him. At that point, there are no more solutions, no last-minute bargains, or desperate prayers that can save you. There are no more chances to change your mind and start over; nor to turn back and seek forgiveness. There will be no more opportunities to be saved, to embrace the grace that is offered to those who truly seek it. You can’t turn back; the time to act is now, for once that final moment arrives, the decision is irrevocably made, and the consequences of our choices become eternally clear.

Somewhere in the corner of man’s heart, there’s an emptiness, just as there was in mine back in 1980. Are you at that point? If you are, let me share the Scriptures that were shared with me. Have an open heart, devoid of life’s noisy traffic, and read them with anticipation. Follow this link and take time to read and absorb what God wishes to communicate with you!

Overwhelming Fear

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Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Fear grips each and every one of us at some point in our lives. It is inevitable and can be overwhelming, often creeping in during moments of weakness. That fear, however, only rears its ugly head because we do not know the outcome of what lies ahead. But Someone does! When you are in a relationship with the Almighty, you can rest assured that He knows the outcome because He transcends time and space. He doesn’t have a beginning or an end; He exists beyond our finite view of existence. Therefore, He can see what will come of your fearful situation. This divine foresight provides a sense of comfort, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our struggles. We can lean on His wisdom and trust that whatever happens, there is a purpose to our experiences, even the challenging ones. In times of distress, it is vitally important to remember that His presence can be a guiding light shining in those shadows of fear, leading us to hope and assurance.

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Since He knows how your situation is going to end, and He only wants what is best for you, you can rest assured that you have no reason to fear. The enemy wants you to fear, as fear can cloud your judgment and lead you away from the truth. He doesn’t want you to seek the Lord because he wants to keep you deep in fear, trapping you in a cycle of doubt and anxiety that prevents you from experiencing the true peace that God can give. The devil desires you to attempt to find peace in anything but the Lord, directing your attention towards deceivingly false security. He will even provide temporary peace, luring you into a false sense of comfort, but it will never be complete peace. Only God can provide that! In His presence, you will find a peace that goes beyond your understanding, a peace that not only calms your heart but also strengthens your spirit, allowing you to face those challenges that come your way with unwavering faith and confidence.

If you are born again, you can easily find complete peace by reading your Bible and trusting God to open your eyes to verses that you need for the moment. If you are not born again, you won’t be able to find true peace … no matter what direction you take, you won’t find it. Please go to this link and read the Bible verses which can lead you to true peace! I pray you find rest for your soul there.

Only God Can Save

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The world’s view of salvation has taken a turn. When I first got saved, it was easy to talk about Christ and His gift of salvation. We would go door-to-door, spreading the Word, and perhaps one out of ten people would shut the door on us. In those days, the conversations often sparked curiosity, leading to discussions about faith and belief. However, in some countries today, openly discussing faith or evangelizing is extremely dangerous, with believers facing severe persecution for their convictions. The atmosphere has shifted dramatically, making it perilous to share such profound truths. Alarmingly, the United States is heading in that direction as well, where tolerance has shifted, and the freedom to express one’s faith openly is increasingly challenged. This shift leaves believers in Jesus Christ wondering about the future of sharing our faith in a world where open dialogue may soon become a relic of the past.

Furthermore, it has become ever more popular to seek spiritual satisfaction in man-made religions. For example, when have you ever seen more interest in the occult than we do now? Occultism is found in various forms: television, rock concerts, music, artificial intelligence, and even in trending social media discussions. Many people are drawn to these experiences in search of something deeper, yet they often overlook the emptiness that accompanies them. There is no salvation in these things; they merely offer a fleeting thrill that quickly fades away. These other religions do not provide total peace from sin, nor do they offer a genuine sense of fulfillment or purpose in life. They cannot provide peace because they do not lead a person to repentance, which is essential for spiritual transformation. Jesus said in John 3:3 that ye must be born again. True contentment and hope can only be found in a sincere relationship with the Creator, Jesus Christ Himself. There is only One who can provide salvation, and that is God through His Son, Jesus Christ! In Him lies the promise of redemption and everlasting peace that surpasses all understanding.

Mark 10:26-27  And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?  (27)  And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Genesis 22:8  And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

John 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 1:36  And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Some may say that I am being too narrow-minded. I am not the one who said this, but Jesus said it. Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth in order to become the sacrificial Lamb of God. His blood was shed for the sins of man because man could not achieve salvation by his own efforts. None of us can. Our attempts to reach perfection often lead us to frustration, as we inevitably encounter our limitations and weaknesses. This is where the beauty of grace comes into play—through faith, we can access the forgiveness and love that Christ offers. If you are interested in being saved, please follow this link and it will guide you through the Scriptures. It is an invitation for you to have a personal relationship with Him, transforming your life in ways that you may have never thought possible. I pray they minister to your heart!

Profit for Prophet?

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Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

It’s so disturbing to see what kind of preachers are leading people astray today! My heart aches because God’s Word has become the laughing stock of the world. Unsaved people will not research the Bible to find truth. Instead, today’s world watches Reels, YouTube videos, etc. to get their “doctrine.” The Apostle Paul warned Timothy that this would be a sign of the end times:

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

When did it become OK for a preacher to milk his congregation, online widows, and the poor with smooth talking words about “sowing seed”? One need only do a simple Google search to find out which preachers make the most money. These so-called preachers are millionaires, just to name a few:

  • Kenneth Copeland
  • David Oyedepo
  • T.D. Jakes
  • Joel Osteen
  • Alph Lukau
  • Edir Macedo
  • Rick Warren
  • Credflo Dollar
  • Andy Stanley
  • Benny Hinn

What do all these “prophets” have in common? They preach a prosperity gospel. They take a few Bible verses, and combine them together to form a totally different gospel! They are no different than the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. They are “prophets for profit”! But what does the Bible say about riches?

Proverbs 30:7-9  Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:  (8)  Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:  (9)  Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Matthew 6:19-24  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  (20)  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  (21)  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  (22)  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.  (23)  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!  (24)  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Mark 10:17-25  And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  (18)  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.  (19)  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.  (20)  And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.  (21)  Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  (22)  And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  (23)  And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  (24)  And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  (25)  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Luke 12:13-15  And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.  (14)  And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?  (15)  And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

1 Timothy 6:3-5  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  (4)  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  (5)  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

What is the point of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Is it not to bring the lost to repentance and salvation? The oiliness and slickness of preachers pushing prosperity is not at all what the Bible teaches. Be careful who you follow! Let the Bible be your guide to knowledge.

If you have stumbled upon this post and desire to know more about salvation, please follow this link and it will list Bible verses that will guide you!

The Spirit of Antichrist

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1 John 4:2-6  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:  (3)  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  (4)  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  (5)  They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.  (6)  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

If there was a spirit of antichrist in the Apostle John’s day, how much worse is it today? Not everything you see and hear today is of the Lord! There are many false prophets today saying God told them, or God told them that. But hath God said? The devil asked Eve this same question, but he surely was not trying to guide Eve into doing what was right. The devil was guiding Eve to sin! Verse 4 is quoted by many Christians and interpret it to mean that God is greater than the enemy. This is true, but in the context of verses 1-6, it means that we don’t have to be deceived by the spirit of antichrist because God is greater and He will guide us!

1 John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Born-again believers possess the Holy Spirit of God. He wants us to check with Him whether what we are seeing or hearing is truly of Him and guides us through the voices and influences that surround us. God, in His infinite wisdom, bestows upon us discernment in our spirit, enabling us to discern truth from deception. This wisdom acts as a compass and directs us toward righteousness, and away from confusion. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher, always ready to teach our hearts and minds, leading us closer to an understanding of His Word and His will for our lives.

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Acts 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

We are well equipped with God’s Word. We need nothing else to guide and direct us. The only thing we have to do is to pick up our Bibles and read for ourselves. Are you well equipped? If you are not born again, you cannot possibly understand the Bible. If you would like to be born again, follow this link and it will guide you through the Scriptures showing you how to be saved.

Eight Calamities of Religion

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There are seven “woe” statements in Matthew chapter 23. Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and scribes. However, they are still applicable to “Christians” today! Why do I use quotes around the word Christians? I use quotes because many profess they know Jesus Christ, when in actuality they only of Him. I was very religious before my salvation. But my heart was dark with sin and had not experienced the freedom that Christ’s salvation brings. So let’s take a look at these “woes” to see if you can see yourself in them.

  • Matthew 23:13  But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Do you invite people to your church in hopes that they will start attending and your numbers will increase? Is salvation in Jesus Christ, and only through Him, a priority in your church? If you are one of these, then you are guilty of this woe.

Matthew 23:14  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

The Pharisees knew they were supposed to take care of the widows. But instead, they would cheat the widows out of their property. They also would stand in the marketplace and make long public prayers so people would notice them and think how holy they were. Do you pretend to be more spiritual than you are? If you are one of these, then you are guilty of this woe.

Matthew 23:15  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Are you a Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness going door-to-door spreading a false gospel? They don’t believe that Jesus IS God but yet they adamantly spread their false teachings. If you are one of these, then you are guilty of this woe.

Mat 23:16-22  Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!  (17)  Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?  (18)  And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.  (19)  Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?  (20)  Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.  (21)  And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.  (22)  And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Jesus is confronting them about their teachings which had become tradition rather than what God had taught their fathers. Making an oath to God was serious business but they found a loophole. They could make an oath and swear by the temple, for example, because it couldn’t possibly be a binding oath since it was not made to God directly. They got around this by deception. If you are one of these, then you are guilty of this woe.

Matthew 23:23  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

They were paying their tithes but they did not enforce righteous law, judgment, mercy and faith. They did the obvious but left out what meant something to God. It’s no different than a religious person going to church to fulfill an obligation but leaving and living the same way. If you are one of these, then you are guilty of this woe.

Matthew 23:25  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

If you are “religious” looking on the outside but your heart is full of sin, then you suffer from the same thing Jesus was pointing out. You are guilty of this woe.

Matthew 23:27  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

Hypocrisy is at its best when you paint a picture of yourself to others as being a holy Christian but yet you live a life filled with lies. I have heard many a “Christian star” living in the limelight but yet their personal lives were filled with sin. They were living a lie. If you are one of these, then you are guilty of this woe.

Matthew 23:29-33  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, (30) And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. (31)  Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. (32)  Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. (33)  Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 

These Pharisees promoted their prophets and claimed they would have never had them killed. However, they were making the same religious mistakes as their fathers had made. They were following traditions, rather than faith in God. If you are one of these, then you are guilty of this woe.

If you see yourself in any one of these woes, ask yourself if you are truly born again? If you are not certain, follow this link and read the Scriptures that will show you how you can be born again according to God’s Word!

Petra Versus Petros

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Nothing has caused so much division and confusion than these words by Jesus Christ. It has been twisted so as to create a “religion” that is far from what Christ’s teachings were! The Apostle Paul taught clearly that Jesus is the head of the body, the Church!

Colossians 1:17-18 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

This clearly teaches us that Peter is not the head of the Church, as the Catholic church teaches. It is Christ who is the Head. It is Christ who is the Rock on which the Church is built. He is the only Rock.

Deuteronomy 32:4  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

Deuteronomy 32:15  But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

Who is the “the Rock of his salvation”? Acts 4:11-12  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  (12)  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Deuteronomy 32:18  Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

Deuteronomy 32:30  How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?

Deuteronomy 32:31  For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

2 Samuel 23:3  The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

1 Corinthians 10:4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

So applying this to the graphic above, one can see how these verses were twisted. Christ would not contradict the Scriptures for they are perfect! Jesus is revealed in all the books contained in the Bible! The entire Bible is all about Jesus so why would Jesus bring Peter into the mix and say Peter is the rock?

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Jesus stated that God the Father had revealed this truth to Peter in verse 18. The Greek word for Peter is petros. In my research, I learned that this word is a masculine noun that means:

A detached stone, a stone that might be thrown or easily moved” (Zodhiates, S., The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, AMG Publishers, 1992, p. 1,154).

The Greek word for rock in the phrase “upon this rock,” is petra, not petros. Petra is a feminine noun that means a mass of rock or a cliff, which is bigger than petros. It reminds me of when Jesus talked about building your house upon the Rock in Matthew 7:24-25. Why would there be two different uses? Of course, Jesus knew that the Catholic church would take this and create its own religion. Here is a religion with an ounce of truth turned into many, many heresies!

However, I believe these verses are talking about Peter’s statement that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah. Jesus said that this is what the Father revealed to Peter. Israel would not recognize her Messiah but Peter and the other Apostles were learning that Jesus was/is their Messiah! That is the foundation of the born-again Church! Peter and the Apostles would be part of that foundation with Jesus being the Chief Cornerstone!

Ephesians 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Paul could have easily worded this verse “and are built upon Peter, the apostles and prophets…” But Peter is not even mentioned here. The apostles and the prophets are the foundation according to Ephesians 2:20. Therefore, Peter cannot be the rock spoken of by Christ. Christ would not contradict the seven verses (eight uses) using the capitalized word “Rock.” Rock is used to represent God, the Lord Jesus Christ! When you study God’s Word as a whole, you come to the same conclusion. You cannot take a few verses and base an entire religion on it. It will eventually be like the house built on sinking sand. The lies and errors will eventually cause the foundation to fail.

Isaiah 28:10  For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:

Isaiah 28:13  But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

But not the foundation of Christ, our living Rock! If you happened to stumble onto this post, I pray that it has helped you to understand what Jesus meant in today’s verses. If you do not know Christ as your Saviour, I pray that you will follow this link and read the Bible verses that will show you how you can be saved.

Mercy Versus Sacrifice

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Hosea 6:6  For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mercy versus sacrifice … just what does that mean? I was raised a Catholic, and sacrifice is a major tenet in their beliefs. What was the point of sacrifice in the Old Testament? It was to atone for sin, an act that sought to restore the relationship between man and God. These sacrifices were a way for people to express their remorse and desire for forgiveness through the offering of innocent lambs. If sacrificial lambs had been sufficient, then what was the point of God sending His own Son to be the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world? This act symbolized a transition from mere ritualistic sacrifices to the incarnation of divine mercy, highlighting that true forgiveness comes not just from the act of sacrifice, but from love, grace, and the ultimate sacrifice made for our redemption. It serves as a reminder that while sacrifices can demonstrate faith and repentance, it is the mercy that follows which completes salvation and offers hope for a renewed life.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Therefore, following a religion and all of its rules cannot gain entrance to Heaven! The only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ, who stands as the ultimate Mediator between man and God. Jesus frees His followers from sin; He secures their salvation and guarantees them a place with Him in Heaven, a promise that brings hope and joy to those who believe. God’s mercy is beautifully reflected in Jesus’ very entrance into this world, His perfect and sinless life so that He could die for our sins and offer us redemption. God’s mercy is revealed in the mere fact that He knew we could not live a sinless and perfect life, acknowledging our weaknesses and sinfulness, so He provided a way—through grace extended to us through faith. That is love … that is mercy! It is a divine gift that invites us to respond with a transformed heart, leading us to share this beautiful truth with others, encouraging them to seek the path that leads to eternal life with Him.

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:1-4  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  (4)  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Not all roads lead to Heaven, and one must be extremely careful in their choices. If you go by the most “popular” route, often filled with the allure of comfort and acceptance, you will never find the true way that leads to eternal life and true joy. Jesus wasn’t popular in His day; He was often criticized and is even less popular today, as society increasingly favors messages that align with worldly values over spiritual truths. One won’t get kicked out of school for wearing a t-shirt with Buddha on it, celebrated for its perceived inclusivity and tolerance. But if that t-shirt has a cross on it, the child will be sent home, and there will be a considerable uproar, reflecting the cultural clashes around Christianity. This is true for Christians and Jewish people. The slick Joel Osteen’s of the world and their “oily” lectures do not lead people to Heaven; instead, they merely serve to distract their congregations with a feel-good message, enticing them with promises of prosperity and happiness so that they think they are on the right path. These teachings often prioritize human comfort over Biblical truth. But what does Jesus say? Are we truly prepared to follow Him down the narrow path that may lead to trials and tribulations, or will we continue to seek the wide road that many travel, even when it leads away from His teachings? That’s a good question. Look what Jesus says about the two different paths:

Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  (14)  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Be leery, dear Reader! The only road to salvation and Heaven is through Jesus Christ! Any sacrifices you make before salvation are worthless and will not bring you closer to God. You can give up things during Lent, showing superficial commitment, but they will mean nothing in the eyes of God. You can be the best philanthropist on earth, generously donating your time, money, and resources, but such acts, while noble, will ultimately mean nothing if they are not rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. Once you are born again, however, God wants us to embrace the profound responsibility of showing mercy to others by sacrificing ourselves for their benefit. Just what does that mean? It means that you will think of the other person before yourself, prioritizing their needs and wellbeing above your own desires. You will show the love of Christ through your actions and sacrifices to the unbelieving world, embodying compassion and selflessness that reflects His teachings. Self-giving will not only transform you but will also touch the lives of those around you, revealing the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness.

If you happened upon this post today, please take a moment to follow this link. It will walk you through the Scriptures that will show you how to be born-again according to the Scriptures. This journey towards being born again is not just a change in perspective; it is a transforming act that connects you with God, as a child with his parents. Won’t you take this opportunity to broaden your understanding and strengthen your faith as you delve into the wisdom contained within these Bible verses?

Just How Far is Close?

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughtful ThreadsLeave a comment

Matthew 15:8  This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

James 4:8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

I have never heard anyone say they are too close to God, have you? If you stop and think on that for a moment, you will see how much sense my statement makes. The more one draws close to God, the more one wants to be closer, as this relationship enriches the soul and brings peace and purpose to one’s life. God desires that closeness with you; He wishes to reveal His love to you, His guidance, and understanding. It is a promise, and God never breaks His promises, standing steadfast in His commitment to us. If He says He will draw close to you as a result of your search, He will do so! Every step taken in faith brings you nearer to the heart of the Creator, lighting your path and feeding your spirit in ways you can’t even imagine.

Getting closer to God means placing a barrier between what the world is teaching us and what God’s Word teaches us. It brings to mind how we wore masks during the pandemic in order to keep the germs away from us, creating a protective shield that helped preserve our health and well-being. Are the world’s teachings any different than those germs? Just as we took precautions to guard ourselves from sickness, why aren’t we protecting ourselves in like manner from the practices of the world that can corrupt our faith and values? I can think of so many things the world promotes that, as Christians, we should be “masking” our spiritual selves against! It is essential that we recognize these influences, ensuring that we align more closely with the teachings of Christ rather than the teachings of society. To name a few of these teachings:

  • Abortion
  • Pornography (yes, those who call themselves Christians should not be engaging with this)
  • Antisemitism
  • Gossip
  • Anger

We can say all we want that we love God and are Christians. But how does your heart really feel? You can lie to yourself, but deep down you know the truth! I know that when I sin, the Holy Spirit of the Living God convicts me and I feel awful, as if a heavy weight rests upon my conscience. This conviction not only brings spiritual discomfort but also serves as a wake-up call, urging me to realign my life with God’s will. Each moment of struggle with sin becomes an opportunity for growth and deeper understanding of His grace. This conviction causes me to acknowledge to God what I have done and leads me to repentance and the need to turn back to Him. Repentance is a complete turning away from that sin, a desire to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love. Granted, one can fail in this area, but those occurrences will happen less and less as the Lord guides and directs you. Every step forward in faith brings a renewed sense of joy, knowing that with each failure, there is an opportunity for His mercy to abound even more.

1 John 1:6  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

1 John 1:9-10  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  (10)  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Praise the Lord that Jesus Christ has paid the debt for our sins … all of them! When we come to Christ, our sins are forgiven; we now possess the Holy Spirit who enables us to say no to sin! However, we live in this flesh … in this body … which desires to sin. That is why we must stay close to God in order to overcome sin.

1 John 2:1-6  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  (2)  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.  (3)  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.  (4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  (5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  (6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

The Christian walk is not an easy walk. We are constantly battling with the physical flesh that craves to sin. But it is a “doable” walk, my friend! It is not an impossible walk. We can use each failure to draw nearer to God. In so doing, He gives us the strength to overcome. Reading my Bible every day strengthens my inner woman.

Do you need more strength to draw nearer to God? Read your Bible! It is the answer to all struggles in life! If you happened to stumble onto this page, I pray that you know the Lord Jesus Christ in your inner man, not just your head. If you don’t, please follow this link and read the Scriptures that will open your eyes to eternal salvation!

You Can’t Do Both!

On By KateIn Devotionals, Thoughtful ThreadsLeave a comment

I am absolutely amazed at how many “Christians” turn to their daily horoscope to see what’s in store for them! I never knew there were so many! 😮 Signs of the Zodiac have a demon attached to them. They represent a specific demon, specializing in the dark evils of the enemy. I would post examples here, but that is not the purpose of this writing. I am stunned at the number of Christians who dabble in Tarot readings, horoscopes, and other such things.

Most Christians don’t engage in psychic phenomena. But 27 percent consult astrology such as horoscopes at least once or twice a year, Pew Research found, with 9 percent turning to tarot cards and 6 percent to fortune tellers just as frequently. And while many respondents said such activities are mostly a fun pastime, 25 percent of Christians believe the astrological positions of the planets and stars impact their lives. That’s nearly as high as the 27 percent of the general U.S. adult population who say the same.

Although I am discouraged at the percentage reflected in this Pew Research, I am not surprised considering the “signs of the times” in which we live! I’ve heard believers say that when someone dies, they are made into angels. To a Christian that reads the Bible daily, we clearly see how ignorance prevails in today’s culture. Some believe there are good and bad witches. There’s no such thing as a good witch. There’s no such thing as harmless divination. All are harmful. Granted, the following verses are from the Old Testament, but God does not change and He feels the same way today as He did in these verses:

Deuteronomy 18:10-12  There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,  (11)  Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  (12)  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

Exodus 22:18  Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Why do you think the punishment is so great? We are warned not to be deceived in this world. The only way we can avoid deception is by knowing the truth! The simple-minded believer will most certainly be deceived! Know the truth! Read your Bible; highlight verses that speak to your heart; listen to the Holy Spirit as He guides and directs you! He will not lead you to have your horoscope read!

Romans 16:18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Are you being deceived? Have you engaged in these “seemingly harmless” practices? They are not harmless at all.

Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Ephesians 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Research and study before you dive into something that seems OK! Yoga, for example, has become a common practice. Some churches even have groups who hold “Christian yoga”! Do you know that each yoga pose is to honor a Hindu god? Why would a Christian be involved in something like this?!

As a born-again child of God, you cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons! Be a Joshua!

Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

If you have happened on this devotional by accident, and you are not 100% certain where you will go when you die, please visit this link. It will give you Scripture verses to show you how to be saved!