What you do Monday determines if you will attend Church on Sunday

Did you know that your decision to attend church Sunday morning takes prep work starting on Monday?

What you do Monday determines if you will attend Church on Sunday.

How do I come to this? Many years of making the firm decision to attend church every opportunity I have. 

Attending church, on a heavily regular basis is foundational for a secure walk with the LORD. Christians need to be in fellowship with other believers. We need to be under the teaching of doctrinally sound pastors on a minimum of a weekly basis. We need to read scripture daily. We need to pray daily (minimum).

In the era of Covid-19, I know that attending church can be uncertain. For a long while many church were shut down. First by mandates, then by choice as they navigated how to open and operate with all the requirements for social distancing. Many switched to an online platform, and have continued only with that. That is their choice. Other churches are open, and even those are split. Some have few precautions, many have so many that they are not welcoming. I honestly believe every individual Christian needs to decided for themselves HOW they will attend church. 

BUT, ATTEND WE MUST!!!

So how does Monday play into your decision to attend church on Sunday? It is with each individual decision you make, starting with Monday. If you have resolved that you will be attending church on Sunday, that will guide and direct every decision you make through the week.

In Daniel Chapter 1, we find the introduction to Daniel, the prophet. Starting in verse 8, one see's a young man who made a decision to honor God, even when he was in a pagan nation, and it could mean death. Please read...

Daniel’s Resolve

8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials. 10 The commander of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has allotted your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking gaunt in comparison to the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.” 11 But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Please put your servants to the test for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be examined in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.”

14 So he listened to them in this matter, and put them to the test for ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their appearance seemed better, and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. 16 So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables.

17 And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every kind of literature and expertise; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.

18 Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; so they entered the king’s personal service. 20 As for every matter of expertise and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the soothsayer priests and conjurers who were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus the king. (NASB)

Daniel was not alone, which shows the wisdom of having like minded friends of the faith. There is strength in that! There is accountability.

"But Daniel made up his mind" - v eight. Daniel did face persecution throughout his life, but by purposing his heart, by making up his mind to serve and honor God, he found favor, and his life was even saved. 

Let's be like Daniel. If your intent on Sunday morning is to attend church, stay the course. When you are invited to a Sunday Brunch, ask it start later or you have to pass. If your child is asked to take advantage of a extra sports practice, if it is during church time, pass. None of these things in and of themselves are evil. In fact, they are neutral. But if they take our focus off of Jesus, time with Him...then they are no longer neutral events. Friend, God will reward you for being in the assembly of believers faithfully.

Additionally, take control of your household. Create a schedule, that way nothing gets in the way of attending church. For our family it looks like this:

• 
  no sports or music practices on Sunday
• bills and meal planning are done on Thursday, Friday at the latest
• grocery shopping and all errands for the week ahead are complete on Saturday
• Laundry. It never ends. Ideally, for our family of 5, I do a load of laundry every other day. Or push come to shove, I wash it all on Saturday, and Sunday evening I hold a Folding Party while listening to the Prophecy update from Pastor J.D. Farag.

How serious am I about having my family in church? 

1. My children, all three, were in church the very first Sunday after they were born. No I did not put them in the nursery at church, for the first 3 to 6 months I would sit in the commons to listen to the worship and message as I held them. All three of my babies heard their momma sing praises to Jesus while she held them, comforted the, nursed them.
2.  Our family had a season of life when my husband was unable to attend church regularly due to his career. But none the less we, our older two children (this was prior to our youngest being born) and I would get up, have breakfast and attend morning services. 
3. I have been blessed throughout my life that I have been member to churches with Wednesday night services. Many families find the stress of attending Wednesday night to be hard, to be too much. Again, pray about it. If it is God's will for you and your family, He will provide the time, the peace, and the ability. I have managed to get children picked from daycare and school (in separate towns), get home, get changed, pick up dinner, eat and attend church on time. FOR YEARS! And now, our new church - Wednesday night doesn't start until 7 p.m. We can easily eat at home and arrive on time with homework done, and a few minutes of piano practice complete.

Now, life does happen! People get sick, bad weather is not safe to drive in. My family missed 2 weeks worth of Bible study and Sunday worship due to me recently being diagnosed with Covid-19. We obeyed the 14 days of quarantine, and Praise to God, only I was sick. I also deal with hereditary migraines. And occasionally they happen when I plan to attend a church function, and its not safe for me to do so.

This message mainly though, is for those who are able to attend and are not firm in that decision, or see the importance in attending.

I want to give a warning to those who think that attending church is not needed for a relationship with Christ. God's own word, the Bible, warns about not being with other believers regularly:

Hebrews 10:25 (NASB) - "not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Well, if you know me, I bring everything back to Jesus, and His soon calling of the Church home to heaven. And in light of current world events, I feel the strong urge again to warn EVERYONE that Jesus will soon call ALL BELIEVERS to Heaven.

The “day drawing near” is the “day of the Lord.” This refers to that terrible day when Jesus will come to bring judgment on all unbelievers. Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church about this day in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.  Hebrews 10:27, describes that day as “a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.”

Paul was writing to believers. Why then was he concerning them about the day of the Lord?

Here are two reasons:

1. Some of his readers may not have been true believers and he was warning them. Paul indicates this in verse 26, as he wrote of those who “go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth.” This group no doubt includes those who mingle with believers but have not yet believed. They are those who are curious about the faith, and may be under conviction, but have not yet taken steps of commitment to Christ; hence they need this message. (I suggested studying the parable of the seeds – this is not a message of those in the world, but those in the church! Only a very small portion of those in the church are truly believers!)

Then there were those who were more willful in their unbelief, who were imposters—fake believers and even secret, false prophets. Paul wanted to warn these too, for there is always hope for even these. Remember, God wants none to perish – there is hope for everyone. Do not look at people and think – nope they aren’t worthy. God loves them as much as you. And remember, he who is forgiven much, loves much. Parable of Two Debtors

2. The approaching day of the Lord has an effect on believers. Just because believers will not experience the wrath of God on the Day of Judgment, all the days and years leading up to that day may cause us some sorrow and grief. Just think on all that is going in the world currently. Pandemic, political unrest, civil unrest, joblessness, famines, locust plagues, fires.

Nonetheless, there are things we can do to be encouraged.

As the final days of the earth draw near, Satan will do all he can to discourage and deceive us who are believers. He will try to pull us into all the trouble and chaos and will try to mislead us into thinking that there is no hope—that Jesus will not come for us (as I said before, many Christians are confessing that a Pre-Tribulation is not possible, and it is dividing believers).  That is why we need to study and memorize verses of hope, verses on the rapture that tell us that He is coming and that He has prepared a place for us (John. 14:2).  Likewise, we need to be comforted and reminded that even in the midst of trouble, one day, before the wrath of God comes on the earth, He will snatch us up together with Him in the clouds and take us to heaven to be always with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:17).

So, as trouble and chaos on the earth increases, we need more and more encouragement. And so this is why Paul exhorted them to not forsake the assembling together.  Fellowship is so important to our comfort and encouragement in these final days.

So friend, what will you and your family do?

Joshua 24:15 NASB

15 But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD."

Causing the Great Apostasy

Friends, to be honest, I have wrestled with writing this post. I am not wanting to accuse anyone of anything, or not doing anything. I am not wanting to compare churches to each other and point out anything. That is not where my heart is. 

So please know, I am writing this because of what I have observed since the lockdowns began in March of 2020. This is one way of looking at the responses that different churches have taken and the impact on the communities that they serve.

Spring Break 2020...I enjoyed the time immensely with my children, as one of the perks of my job is I have major holidays/school breaks off to be with them. I remember seeing the news of the "virus" picking up. I did attend church that Wednesday night, and my kids participated in children's ministry activities. I do not remember the sermon. I do remember being mad to be honest. That bothers me to this day. Because of the "virus" we moved out of our Chapel to our Main Worship Center, not a big deal, actually that had been a goal when our attendance went up. But they did it because of "social distancing." We were ENCOURAGED to not handshake, hug, or get near each other, in fact we had to skip every other row, and if we could, please wear a mask (this was before the mandates). Signs were up saying hand sanitizer was available, and that extra cleaning measures has been taken.

I was highly irritated through the entire service. But let me be clear, it was not directed at my church or the church leadership. They were doing all that they could to ensure a safe service. And based on what we knew at the time, these measures seemed over the top. Six months later I can still feel that irritation. And minus 2 Sunday mornings in June, I have not attended an in-person service at the church. 

Then Thursday of that week.

School districts in our area started to close for 2 weeks, to "help flatten the curve." Now I work for a private Christian school, and we are not apart of any district. But we do try to follow what 2 local districts do in cases of weather closures, etc. Both closed. So we closed.

Everything closed. Business were shut down. Restaurants. Grocery stores modified shopping hours, experiences, how to enter, etc. And even churches. In the first few weeks after Spring Break my hours at work were wonky because we didn't take an extended Spring Break. We started right away that next Monday with lessons at home. Packet pick ups were scheduled, curriculum lessons utilized at home, etc. And I have 2 kids that are school age. When I was at work I do remember hearing my boss say that he never thought he would see the churches in America closed. Many of us shared the sentiment.

Here we are, six months later. The church my family has attended for years started in-person services again a few weeks ago, childcare through age 3 just 2 weeks ago. When we attended in June (the governor had said churches could open in May), there was no childcare, and it was a hard experience having an 18 month old in service. My husband and I alternated the 2 visits by one of us staying in the commons with him, with the older kids sat in service with the other parent. We didn't try the 3rd week, and then churches were "encouraged" to close if they had opened. It's not that we didn't "attend" any services the rest of the time - we did what almost everyone else did. We did church "online!" But videos can not replace in-person fellowship, worship, and instruction. My older kids are in 2 different departments, so they had different sermon video times, plus I was trying to watch the church services (so many tech issues on my end made it maddening!), and I was eventually apart of a class that met at 11 a.m. every Sunday.

My kids got tired of the videos. There were no crafts or projects, and I stopped pushing them to watch. I am an adult and can watch sermons online with no issue. I enjoy it. But my kids can barely watch a movie all the way through. My husband and I did our best to help our children in their walk during this time. We have a devotion book we have used on/off the past few years, the kids have Story Time Bibles that we would read, and we would have prayer times. 

I remember having some conversations 2 months into "flattening the curve" about how if churches do not reopen, we are going to have a generational gap. For some, the return to church will be an easy thing to do. But for some, the longer times goes, the harder it will be for them to want to get up, get ready and attend church in person. And that is especially true for families with children. 

Folks, its hard getting 3 kids ready for church. Breakfast, clothes, hair, brushing of teeth, gathering of Bibles. It takes work. To make it smoother in our household some of the work is done the night before. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (NASB). And I know our family is not alone in our stance that we will do whatever it takes to attend service, and to have a firm Biblical foundation. But what about the family that barely had started coming to church? The start to come, are getting into the routine, and then massive closures, going on 6 months. Depending on their convictions, it might not occur to them to come back, to search out when the church will open again. 

The other side of this issue of churches staying closed when they could be open is members of that congregation who are tired of online videos and not seeing other people might search out a new church to attend. And that attending could be temporary, or it could be permanent change.

About a month and a half ago, I saw a friend share a picture on social media that her little family had attended an in-person service, and it felt so good! I recognized the church, it was one my husband and I attended for about 2 years when we dated and were first married. We loved the teaching, I volunteered in the bookstore, and was active in the Women's Ministry. We only left because I was pregnant. We made the decision to go back to the church he grew up in, I was attending when we met because it was close to family and is the founding church of the private school we wanted our kids to attend one day. We wanted to raise our kids in a church with people they would do life with. And we never regretted the decision. My oldest daughter has been saved almost 2 years now. And my middle born has a heart for Jesus and is on the cusp of salvation. The foundation of faith my children have couldn't be any better.

But roughly 6 weeks ago, we as a family went back to the church my husband and I had attended all those years ago. The main consideration was that their children's ministry was open (birth thru 6th grade) on Sunday mornings. And for the first time in months, my husband and I attended service and worship together while children were with kids their own age learning about Jesus.

It was WONDERFUL! We all came home and started a new week with our cups filled. My kids asked daily that week if we could go to church. And every Sunday morning since, without fail, we get up, we get ready and we drive. This church is not right down the road for us like our home church has been all these years. Its a good 30 minute drive. But we all come home a better version of ourselves. My kids love telling us the stories they studied, the songs they sang, and the new friends they have made. My husband and I discuss the sermon points, and continue that through the week. Last week was great for me and the kids. We started attending on Wednesday nights, and last week was the monthly fellowship meal before service - so we got to talk with other church members. And the great part for me - the Lord's Super. I was able to take Holy Communion. 

For the past 8 years, at our home church, we have taken communion quarterly, and always on Easter. We make sure to always attend the Lord Super services, and with my daughter accepting Jesus as her Savior we have her join us for the services too. With the lockdown going in place in March, we were unable to meet at church for any of the Easter services or events that we always partake in, including the Lords Supper. Now, we did partake at home. I found a recipe for unleavened bread, bought some grape juice, and my husband read the scriptures. But in the months since, it didn't cross my mind. So to have a Pastor lead it last week was wonderful.

Additionally, my husband encouraged me to join the Women's Bible Study. It's only 1x a month (plus an additional monthly meeting for prayer), and this Tuesday was the first monthly meeting. Oh how wonderful it was. (Ha, I realize I am using that word a good deal, but I truly feel this way!). Worship, study, group discussion and fellowship. My heart is at peace.

I do not know what the future holds. 2020 has taught all of us many lessons, #1 should be, "Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:14 (NASB) 

None of us, even the most devout to Bible prophecy study, could have predicted what 2020 would bring. Or the changes to our lives. Mask mandates, church closures, distance learning at schools, schools not having in-person instruction. 

The church closures is one point that weighs heavy on me. I came across an article online last week, 1 in 5 churches facing permanent closure within 18 months due to COVID-19 shutdowns, and it saddens me. While a building is not the church, a building can be where believers come together to worship, study, fellowship, and be encouraged.

So, I titled this post "Causing the Great Apostasy" and let me get to that now. I know I laid a good amount of foundation above, but I hope you will see where I am coming from and where I am going. Let us start by defining the word for those who are uncertain:

a·pos·ta·sy      /əˈpästəsē/
noun
the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.
"the execution of their leader for apostasy brought widespread criticism"

My salvation story is that I was saved at revival at my church after hearing and being taught the Book of Revelation. And the message of the apostasy to occur in the last day was strongly emphasized. So for 20 something years, I have been aware of the fact that in the "Last Days" there will be a falling away of believers.  The verse referring to this event is, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (NASB)  "Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction."

I want to break 2 Thessalonians down some from my studies. The gathering in this verse is generally considered the Rapture, in the Greek harpazo. In verse 2 Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica  because a letter came to them, telling them they missed the Rapture. Paul was writing to reassure them that they had not.Verse 3 talks about being deceived - and folks I am afraid that so many are deceived these days as this group of believers back then almost was. Having studied the Bible, I stand firm on the belief that the Rapture is a Pre-Tribulation event. And the rest of verse 3 helps to confirm that. Paul outlines the timeline of events:

• Apostasy
• Rapture
• Man of Lawlessness Revealed

Before the Church can be raptured to heaven, there will be a falling away. For the past several years, many "BIG" names in Kingdom work have "left" the faith.

• Pastor Ryan Bell
• Hillsong United's Marty Sampson
• Joshua Harris

And every time, I have heard the same conversation, "God did say there would be a falling away."

But when I think of falling away - a person here, a person there feels more like a trickle, not a mass exodus. So these situations with these individuals, while disheartening and distributing, I don't think they reach the mark of a true apostasy. 

On the other hand...churches in America closing their doors for 6+ months, having online services only. Now that to me sounds like a falling away.

    

Every church, every denomination has been impacted. I will say, not all churches have stayed shut. I do believe almost all did close for a week or two, because we are a "civilized" society, and we have a sense of patriotism of coming together for the common good. But, it did not sit right with some churches, a with some individuals, the continual closure of life that has transpired. Two weeks has spread to six months. Governors of almost all states mandated church closures for a while, and in Texas that was rescinded in May. But many churches opted to stay closed. That is their decision.

But the churches that chose to open - they have seen growth in this time as families have sought out places of worship (my family included) where all members of the family can actively participate in their faith. 

Some states have gone a bit draconian though, and you can easily see the politics of these issues when you see the party affiliation of the sates where churches are still banned from opening. In the midst of the virus, our country has become more divided. Cities have been destroyed, police departments defunded, and riots with looting have occurred in many major cities. And the perpetrators have not been punished, or even looked for. In fact, many victims to these crimes have had charges brought on themselves, for defending themselves. 

Isaiah 5:20 (NASB)

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!

And because of this lawlessness, many churches have fought back by opening up. 

• You can Protest (loot/riot) but Not attend Church
• Churches are essential.
• restricting church services but allowing protests
• Pastor John MacArthur, in fact has opened up his church and is facing eviction from a parking structure his church has used since 1975.
• John MacArthur's church to be evicted from land leased for parking lot 
• CNN: Pastor Defies Public Health Ordinances 
• Biblical Duty for churches to be OPEN 
• California Churches Keep Worshipping 
• John MacArthur Opens Church for Services
• And churches in Nevada have attempted to legal action against the state because abortion clinics and casino's have been allowed to open, but not them. 
• Supreme Court: Nevada Churches Closed - Casinos Open  
• Supreme Court Rejects Nevada Church’s Challenge to Shutdown Restrictions  
• it is illegal for churches in Nevada to meet with more than 50 people

I heard one pastor recently say, they chose to open because if people need to find a place to go, let it be the church (not a bar, or somewhere worse). And Pastor J.D. Farag, oh, he brought the word this past Sunday. Sermon Link He will not be closing the doors to his church. Listen to his very words. Impactful!

Each Pastor has to decide for himself how we will act. Will he open or will he be closed. You and I are not to judge. We have to believe that all pastor's have been in prayer over this matter, sought the counsel of the LORD, and acted accordingly. We as parishioners if we do not agree should seek the LORD in a likewise matter. Our household needed, yearned for in-person fellowship and found a warm & welcoming congregation to be apart of. We do not know if we will stay where we are at, or come back to the church that we have called home these last eight years. We are praying over it, my husband and I.

So to each, pray. Pray for our country, pray for our leaders, pray for the pastors, pray for your family. I believe we are in the apostasy right now. So next on the Biblical timeline is the Rapture. Are you ready? Will you hear the trumpet call? Or will you get to know who the Man of Lawlessness is?

Endure

 2020.

Every year 2019 and before, when someone mentioned 2020, it was in in regards to vision.

• Someone has 2020 vision (present tense)
• Hindsight is 202 (looking back).

But it has always been about bringing clarity. Well, almost 8 months done of 12 in 2020 and clarity is the last thing any of us have. 

• Fires - Australia and California
• COVID-19 - GLOBAL PANDEMIC
• Riots and Looting - Global again, mainly in the USA though
• BLM, ANTIFA - terrorist organizations on American soil
• Election 2020 - Biden vs. Trump
• Mask mandates
• Q, Anon, - Conspiracy theorist or truth?
• Hurricanes - Marco and Laura in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time. Laura was a category 4 hurricane, and got close to being a 5.

If 2020 has taught any of us anything, is that we have absolutely zero control over anything. As a Christian, I know this. But I am human, I have flesh, and this flesh has control issues. So this year has been stressful for me.

But, looking back (see what I did there), the last few years have been rough. Specifically the last three years have been hard, on a personal level. Job changes, hardships in my marriage, a miscarriage, fincial uncertainties. 

In my last post, I shared how we were bracing for Hurricane Laura. By the grace of God, we didn't even get a drop of rain. Louisiana on the other hand, devastated completely. The timing of it all, another God thing. Three years ago we braced for and dealt with Hurricane Harvey.  Seeing the memories on Facebook - it felt like the rain would never end, and it gave me a new and greater appreciation for Noah and his family on the ark. Speaking of timing...a pastor I listen to and study is J.D. Farag out of Hawaii. His mid week sermon yesterday was titled: In His Time (Sermon LINK) It's a great one! I highly encourage you to take an hour and listen, process, and take to heart what Pastor Farag has to say.

It was a great reminder that EVERYTHING is in God's time. To be honest, I am over "it". It being the chaos, the riots, the lectures, the shut downs, the mask mandates, the trying to explain to my children everything that is going. Thankfully, I have my faith. And by reading scriptures, listening to sermons, studying God's word - I am at peace that I do not understand everything. What I do know is this.

Matthew 24:13 (KJV)

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Jesus calls believers to endure to the end. To not give up. And what is the end? Death of the physical body, or rapture. And friends, I strongly believe that I will be raptured before this physical body of mine dies. Scripture tells us that we do not know the day or hour in which the trumpet shall sound (Scripture Link). But He did say there would be signs of the coming of the age (Luke 21:25-26). 

Thinking on everything that has occurred in the last three years, I ponder on all that the Church has gone through. The falling aways, the natural disasters, the financial and economic upheavals, the pure evil witnessed on a global level (beheading, child kidnappings, sexual slavery). And I am reminded about the plagues on Egypt from Exodus 7-12. I don't remember when I "found" this out, but I know I did not always know the following:

• 10 plagues
• The first 3, not only impacted the Egyptians, but also the Israelite's.
• The remaining 7 were on the Egyptians alone.

The first three plagues, were as Anne Graham Lotz said in series on Joel, were nuisance plagues. They made life uncomfortable. I just realized, it was 2015 when I started listening to Anne Graham Lotz when I learned this. And she is right. They got the Israelite's attention. The remaining plagues devastated every part of life for the Egyptians. 

Friends, I see the 10 plagues as an Old Testament picture of the Tribulation. Now, hear me out. 

Yes, the Tribulation is 7 years. And I believe each of the plagues that came upon Egypt represents the 7 years of sorrow on the nations that brings Israel back to their God. What about the first 3 plagues/ 3 years? Well, if 2020 is the year that the church is Raptured (I am not date setting - just thinking things out), then the last three years have been getting the attention of the Church. Pastor Farag here recently said he thinks that God is making everything so uncomfortable here on earth that we LOONG for His return in a way like we have never before. Friends, this is me. I love my family, my husband, my children, the life we have. But the world? The chaos? Uncertainty? The riots? Destruction? I am over it and want FAR AWAY from it. So much, that with each new story coming out, I look to Heaven and ask "when Lord?" 

What if the trumpet does not sound in 2020?

Hold tight friends. That means that things are going to get worse here on earth. That is why Jesus told us to endure to the end. He knew it would be hard, but for those of who do endure? Oh sweet reward! To hear:

Matthew 25:22-24 (NASB)

22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

There is no great reward for a believer in Christ than to hear our Lord and Savior say those words to us. So lets endure. Let's cling tight to our faith, study the Word, share the Gospel, and give what we are able to the brethen.

I want to end my post with sharing how to be saved if by chance anyone reading this post does not know Jesus.

This is from Pastor J.D. Farag's church website, but it explains saving salvation so well. ABC_Salvation

If you are unsure of your salvation, reach out to a Bible Believing and Teaching church, message me, find someone you know who saved. Do not delay. Remember, we do not know the day or hour, but the rapture will occur in the twinkling of an eye.

God and Government Authority

I heard an amazing sermon last week on God and Government Authority.

Pastor Nathan Cothen is the Pastor for Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX - just a short one hour drive from where I live. I listen to him most afternoons on my way home, local station 100.7 FM. He preaches God's word, and in unapologetic about it.  He is one of my favorite pastors to listen to these days.

Their Day in Court - Sermon Audio

If you are able, please listen to the sermon. Below are my notes that I took when I had a chance to re-listen. 

Their Day in Court

Acts 4:13-22

Trouble: Government says "No" and we say "Yes" to GOD

What are believers to do when the laws of the state are in conflict with the laws of God?

Acts 4:13-22 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Threat and Release

13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 

15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 

16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 

17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” 

18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 

20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 

21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 

22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Guilty - Peter and John

• healing a cripple (a miracle)
• speaking truth

Charges not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

Jesus to Pilate, night before crucifixion - "You would have no authority over me if it were not given to you from above."

Natural Revelation - everyone deep in their heart knows there is a God (Romans 1).

Nobody who thinks he is a god wants to hear about sin.

Verdict - The Sanhedrin wanted to kill Peter and John but too many were watching. So for the time, told them to shut up.

PROBLEM - Sanhedrin told them to stop preaching about Jesus, and Jesus told them to preach Jesus no matter what!

Romans 13:1-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Be Subject to Government

13 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 

2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 

5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 

7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

How do we deal with when God says one thing and man says another?

• Does God put in place irreligious governments? Yes. He uses even those who do not bow to Him, as agents of restraint and unregenerate men to keep some semblance of order in the world.

God & Government Authority

What ranks what place? Is the state above authority? No. GOD is!

3 Categories:

1.Agreement
        When everyone agrees.

        Even in non-Christian societies, have some general guidelines (Hindu, Communist, etc) they all say on "paper" - 

            - murder is wrong

            - rape is bad

            - lying is an offense (sworn in at court)

Remember - all truth is God's truth.

John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me."

On the BIG stuff, there is generally agreement, no problem, all on the same page.

2. Aggravation

        Not Morally or Biblically wrong, just irritate you.

            - IRS - take your money and do not ask you waht should be done with it.

                     - we may disagree with them and their policies - it is not immoral or Biblically wrong - so                         we all pay our taxes

            - Motor Cycle vs. Car

                    - in a motor cycle

                        no helmet

                        no doors

                        no seat belt

                    Perfectly Legal

                    - in a car - roughly 6,000 pounds can get a ticket for not wearing a seat-belt

3. Abomination

• God says one thing and government says another. 
• 2 sub types
• Gov. says "yes" & we (Christians) say "No"
• i.e. 1973 ROE v. Wade
• Prior to this God and Gov. said no to abortion.
• If there is any good news, when evil people are allowed to do evil things, and we says no, they cannot flog us, put us in jail, or kill us.

Where we run into trouble is when...

• Gov says "no" and we say "yes to God.
• God said to do it, not only did He say to do it, but we are under compulsion to do it.

What then?

3 answers

1. Obey God - Don't even need to pray it. When the two are in conflict, we are going to obey God.
2. Accept what comes (man up!) (don't organize an army)
1. Peter was in jail twice.
1. 1 time freed
2. 2nd time crucified

Why was it God's will to miraculously free him one time, an angel escorting him out of the city and next time he goes in, its God's will for him to be crucified?

What do both of these have in common?

Glorifying God

• Enhance the reputation of Jesus Christ
• and we as believers in Jesus Christ signed on the dotted line that we no longer live but die to ourselves and live for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Cothen -

"I don't mind dying for Christ, its the flogging. Dying for Christ is relatively easy, being in prison for heat speech, which is three (3) things away from happening in this country. Me being in prison, for hate crimes ir right around the corner. Hate speech . If you have any grit, you too."

Do what the original disciples did - we suffer.

    3. Watch

            Do you know what did Saul in? Holy Spirit was bringing a number of things against him. But, at the end of Chapter 7 of Acts, "stoning Stephen, to death, in total innocence, they laid their clothing at the feet of the man named Saul, who had told them to do it.

You know what breaks people inside? Watching innocent people suffer, unless you are a total mental case, it will break you watching innocent people suffer, because of your corruption. It is what turned the Roman Empires into the Christian world order. He'll do it again, but He has to have people ready to man up, and do what He says, which is obey Him and accept whatever comes and watch because what God chooses to do with it - that is His business.

Romans 8:28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When we follow "obey, accept, watch & know" we may be delivered on this side or in heaven. His will, will be accomplished and we will hear....

Matthew 25:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

And that is what it means to be a Christian.

Sermons To Watch Concerning Pentacost

Dear friends,

I hope you will take the time to watch these 3 videos. Brother Chad reveals some connections in scripture that I find very enlightening.

And in light of what the world is going through currently, I found tremendous peace as his outlined the scritpures. Please read his disclaimer before watching.

J.S.

Disclaimer: I am not saying the rapture of the Church will occur this year in 2020 ( it very well could), and I am not saying the rapture of the Church must occur on the Feast of Pentecost. This is simply a study. However out of all 7 feasts of the Lord...I believe Pentecost without a doubt paints one of the most beautiful pictures of the pre tribulation rapture of the Church. This year on the Gregorian Calendar Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Other calendars have it in late May- early June time frame.

The way you should live your life is in constant expectation as if today could be the day Jesus comes for His Church...but at the same time occupying if it's years from now ( I believe Jesus is at the door ). Keep watching with me. Keep looking up! Jesus is coming soon!

Video #1

Video #2

Video #3

Questions....

I have questions. Many, many, many questions.

Not about my faith, that is rock solid in Jesus, and this time has drawn me closer to Him, and yearning even more for the trumpet to call.

But this present world. This world where I am raising a family. I have so many questions about decisions that have been made, about what is to come, and is there something more going on.


Why can you go to Walmart but not Penny's?
Why the Dollar store and not a mom and pop shop?
Why can’t you have an elective surgery, but you can have an abortion, which is elective?
Why should you stay inside but yet heat and sunlight kill the virus?
What makes a person essential and another not?
Why have most other death rates dropped during the virus?
Why did world leaders meet in china in October 2019?
Why are the common people being controlled by the governments and no one is controlling the government?
Why are hospitals paid more for Covid 19 deaths?
Why does Sweden have some of the lowest cases but yet never locked down?
Why did Obama give the Wuhan lab $334 million dollars?
What does a computer geek have to do with a pandemic?
Why do they blame Trump for a world problem?
Why isn't there ever anything on the news but Trump or the virus?
Why did the CDC have a job posting for pandemic relief workers in November 2019?
Why did Dr. Fauci say in 2017 that the Trump administration would be faced with a " SURPRISE PANDEMIC " and now runs the pandemic team?
Why are they infringing on Christians religious freedoms, but yet Minneapolis MN is allowing muslims to install speakers in neighborhoods to do the call to prayer?
I don't care if you’re Republican or Democrat.
If you’re not asking these questions, you should.

Why are videos of doctors speaking out against Dr. Fauci being removed from all platforms? Why are pharmacist not filling prescriptions unless a doctor tells them the diagnosis (this is not normal)?

I have read too much scripture, overlaid it with world events, to not see more going on. These days we are in, are exactly like the days of Noah.

Matthew 24:37-39 (KJV)

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

I see the technology being pushed for the mark of the beast. I do believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. But right now it is being proposed that people get a vaccine (once available), or carry proof of anti-bodies to go back to work/school/society. There is push back. Those Christians who have read scripture are warning that this will condition society to accept what will happen in the Tribulation. And so many have complied so easily with government overreach, I see how easily the mark of the beast will be implemented.

Friends, I have said for several years that conditions on earth are going to get worse. And honestly, on a personal level, we have been pretty comfortable for the last 2 months. We have had to food to eat, even if we what we normally buy has not been available. We have not missed a meal. As a family of 5, I keep toilet paper on hand, so we never went without that. I buy my cleaning/hygiene products online, and that company has done an amazing job of monitoring supplies so everyone can still buy the essentials.

The upheaval to our life has been financial, schedule based, and routine of life. Our gym has been closed for over 2 months.  My husband has found handy-man work, and done wood working. But the loss of revenue to our business more than likely will not be overcome.  My children never went back to school or daycare after Spring Break. We are finishing up their school work this week, at home. We have not been to an in person church service since Spring Break. I have worked half days, a few days a week.

We show signs of the stress here and there. Bickering, short tempers, etc.

It has not all been bad on our personal level. Plenty of family time, time outside, movie nights, easier day-to-day schedules, projects long put off finally done. We have grown closer, leaned more about each other, and tried new things.

Even with the changes, we have had a peace about all the going ons. And a healthy skepticism about the actions of those in authority.

But then I look at what is going on around the world. Drones are being used to monitor people. Protest in front of government buildings. Tornados destroying towns. Locust destroying crops. Government leaders pushing to help themselves and not those who elect them. Abuses of authority, disregard for the common man.

And all of these, the questions, the actions, the inactions....leave me with one more question:

When?

When will the LORD return? When will the Church hear the trumpt call to glory?

I believe soon. Very soon. Any second.
I wake up every day with the expectation that today will be the day. And I go to bed each night, thankful for the day I had, because the LORD tarrying means more hearts are being won for the kingdom of God. More people are not going to hell each day we the Church remain on earth. But time is short.

I believe God is using this virus as an altar call before the trumpet call. While church buildings have been closed, families have had a time to build each other up. Satan has first and foremost always attacked the family unit. And many families have probably fallen apart in this time. But other families are going to shine coming out of this. If you are still at home more than normal, use this time to build up your family. Make sure your foundation is solid, is in Christ. The days are only going to get longer and harder.

The day and age we are in...

Life has changed. It does not matter where you live, which of the 7 continents you live on, your life has changed in ways that many of never could have even imagined. Thoughts currently:

• If you had told me 2 weeks ago that churches in America would shut their doors to gathering, I would have laughed.
• If you would have told me 2 weeks ago that there would be lines outside grocery stores in an effort to curb mass hoarding, I would have laughed.
• If you would have told me that San Francisco would be in lock down, I would have reminded you that the homeless population is to great for it to work.
• If you would have told me 2 weeks ago that a majority of the schools in America would be closed, and teachers providing lessons from home, I would have told you that you are crazy.

Yet, here we are.

Church Cancellations

Houston Area School Closings

San Francisco Required to Stay Home

SF Gov: Stay Home

HEB and Walmart Change Hours

I remember in early January hearing about this virus in a part of China that I had never heard of. And if not for this virus, I probably never would have heard of Wuhan, or learn how to spell/pronounce it.

And even as the weeks went by, and seeing the virus spread to Europe, and seeing China lock down its society, I don't think I ever thought it would come to America. Even after it did hit the shores of America, I don't think I rationalized it spreading like it has, and as fast as it has. Add in the media parroting that it is just like the flu - I kept pondering why were people freaking out.

We all know China is communist, and if you have ever studied any history you know that:

Communism = No rights, No opinions, Much oppression

So seeing Communist China take draconian measures against their own people is not out of step with who they are as a country/government. It did prompt me to pray more for the people of China, as their already questionable quality of life was drastically changed even more. 

But then Italy....

Lock down of all citizens, their healthcare infrastructure crumbling from the burden, over 35,000 cases confirmed, with over 3,000 deaths. This made me realize that maybe something bigger is going on. In my regular shopping I picked up some extra rice, the next size up on toilet paper from what I usually buy, an extra box of my kids favorite snacks. I have been doing this now for a few weeks. And honestly, I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas, hurricane season is knocking at the door, so if nothing comes of the virus, I will be prepared a bit early...I thought to myself.

Then came Spring Break.

We stayed home, had a staycation, because we have been faithfully working to pay off debt. My kids knew no different, I sent them outside to play, we read, my daughter learned to use her rubber-band loom (and we are all now sporting some fabulous creations). Wednesday night we went to church, but that is when this virus started to change us in noticeable ways. Instead of meeting in our chapel, a more intimate setting for the smaller service we hold weekly, we met in our very large worship center. Doors were open so people didn't have to touch them. And notes were posted about stepped up cleaning practices, and please use the available hand sanitizer that is available.

The news media started informing us each state having confirmed cases, then the deaths.

The next day schools started talking about not being open the next week. Then it became action, many schools would close the week after Spring Break in hopes to stop the spread of CoVID-19. My own place of employment followed suit, and we had to implement distance learning. All while this is going on, cases of the virus hit every state but West Virginia, which 2 days ago confirmed its first case. 

Our church then announced no in person services, all church functions and events cancelled for the immediate future. Many churches have followed suit. I am thankful we live in the day and age we do, this past Sunday I was able to steam online and hear my Pastor preach out of Psalm 46.

Psalm 46  (NASB)

God the Refuge of His People.

For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah,set to Alamoth. A Song.

46 God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change

And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

3 Though its waters roar and foam,

Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;

He raised His voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,

Who has wrought desolations in the earth.

9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;

He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;

He burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Cease striving and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

And the closures are now beyond a week. Many schools are closing through April 10th. The governor of Texas just mandated all schools (public/private) to switch to remote learning through April 3. Restaurants/Bars - dine in closed, carry out/delivery only. Gyms (which my husband owns one) now must close.

I cannot even say month by month or week by week life is changing. These past few weeks show that by the hour your life can change. I referred 3 people this morning to my husband's gym, and now we are having to lock the door.

To say these are uncertain times would be the biggest understatement.

BUT

God is control. God has a plan. God has a way. God loves us.

None of this caught God unaware.

What all is going on, God is allowing. For many, many years He has been trying to get the attention of everyone:

• to the unbeliever, He wants them to believe
• to the believer, He wants to grow their faith
• to the leaders, follow Him
• to the husband, love his wife as Christ loves the church

Folks, lets be nice. Let's pray for each other. Check on your neighbors. Give each other a break, be supportive.

Maybe turn the news off. Be mindful of what you read/share online. It is in times like these that many false messages spread - they do more harm then good. As believers, just remember, we are in the hands of the Father, and we cannot be snatched from His hand. EVER!

I leave you with some scriptures from God's word:

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Matthew 6:34  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.