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.

A Taste of What is to Come...

Psalm 34:8, "O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"

God is good. God is merciful. God is just.

And to believers, He is our refuge during times of uncertainty and hardship. In the past weeks I have had many conversations with friends, fellow believers, about how people are dealing/coping with the current situation (COVID-19). We as believers are at peace, slightly irritated with the government overreaches, missing in-person fellowship, and thankful for technology allowing us to communicate with each other. Now, its not all cherry pie in the sky. Jobs have been lost, families are facing uncertainties about the future, but we realize everyone is. Our boat situation might be different, but we are all in this storm together.

We no longer trust what the media says due to conflicting stories and updated week in and week out, and do not get me started on the president's updates and how his words are twisted every single time.

As believers, we know we have hope, and we know this world is not our home. But we are concerned with those we know who are not saved. Those who do not know the LORD personally. That ways heavily on our hearts.

But, we are trusting God. His word is true. And roughly 26.8% of the Bible is prophecy. Think about that! A quarter of the book that is to guide is us while we are here on earth is about future events. Many, most of which, have come true.

There is one book, Revelation, that is yet to come to pass. But, friends, we are getting a glimpse of the seals, trumpets, and bowls right now in the year 2020.

I want to walk you through the days of Noah and how the days at the beginning of the Bible are completed in the last book of the Bible, and how right now we are getting a small taste of both.

Luke 17:25-27  (NASB)

25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Matthew 24:36-38  (NASB)

36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 37 For [a]the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,

Noah, the world had never seen rain, but he told them it would, and so much so that the world would flood. He might as well have been speaking a foreign language to them. He was the only one of his generation to have a relationship with God. And God told Noah to build an ark, bring on animals, his family and be ready to hunker down. The world was completely different after Noah and his family came off of the ark. That much time together, (it was more than 40 days by the way, that is how long it rained - then they had to wait for the waters to go down), him and his family were different. Not only that, they got to see a different world. They got to explore a different world when they came off the ark.

The world they left behind was ugly, was horrible. There was perversion, murder, corruption, godlessness, idol worship, people loved themselves and money. Folks, we are right back to where the world was when Noah put foot on the ark.

Jesus Himself told us that He will come back when the world is like it was when Noah was on earth. Friends, have your hearts ready. Now is not the time to do anything you will be ashamed to explain to Jesus. Honestly, you should live that way always.

2020 has been an interesting year. Fires in Australia, swarms of locusts across Africa, and the coronavirus (COVID-19).

People united over Australia (aide, prayer, resources).
Locusts, really has not gotten as much as attention even though it has destroyed so much.
COVID-19.

Countries have shutdown, gone into lock-down, for a virus that is highly contagious, but the death rate is extremely low. People have lost jobs/businesses, schools are shut down for the remainder of the school year, states are talking about not opening school until January 2021 (its April 2020).

When they shut our businesses down, we did it in unity, because we wanted to flatten the curve. When they told us to keep our kids home, school at home, not go to parks, we agreed. Keep our kids safe and healthy, yes, we will do it.

People still went crazy. Toilet paper shortage, egg/milk/bread shortages.

Then the stores started to limit not only how many of certain items you could buy, they limited how many people of your family could go shopping, then how many people could be in the store. They put markers on the floor to ensure 6 foot social distancing. Installed hand sanitizer dispensers. You cannot pick your own cart, they push it into the sore for you and tell you when you can go in.

And now, in my county, tomorrow morning a mandate goes into effect saying we have to wear a face mask when in public, anyone age 10 or older.

At the store today I saw the sign saying for entry, one must wear a mask to be in compliance with the new mandate.

God is giving us a glimpse of what will happen after the Church hears the trumpet call. Through this entire experience I have seen God's hand working moving. The very first establishment God created was the family. And through this God has given the family a chance to reset, recharge, and draw close to Him. Church buildings are closed, but families are spending more time together. Mother's are showing daughter's how to cook and sew. Dad's are doing wood-work, sons are watching. Kids are playing outside, using their imagination, families are sitting together watching church worship services.

Once the church is called home, in time God's wrath will be poured out on humanity with fire, disease, pestilence, and so many horror's people will make 1 of 2 decisions. Believe and accept God as their LORD, or mock Him, and turn their hearts to stone. And right now, here in 2020 we are getting a small taste of what is to come. I believe in a Pre-Trib Rapture, so I do not believe that the Christians will experience the wrath of God. But, just as Moses and the Israelite's experienced the first few plagues along with the Egyptians, Christians right now are getting a small taste of what will happen to humanity once they are no longer on earth. For Christians, this is a wake up call, share the GOSPEL! Tell people about Jesus. HE is coming soon, time is short.

While wearing a face mask is not a mark to buy or sell, governments already have the idea, and by the number of masks I saw people wearing in the store today, people will take the mark. People want life easy, and following Jesus is hard.

But it is worth it. Psalm 34:8, "O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" He is good. He is giving us another chance before it is too late.

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.

Revelation Sequences

The following was shared in several Facebook groups I am apart of, and I felt a strong prompting to share here.

A big thank you for a post by Sally Ann Medina shared on Bible KJV and Devotions -Facebook page. Sharing post on this page. Read more below

REVELATION SEQUENCES 🕊

As stated in Matthew 24... The 'Rapture' is an event that will occur 'Seven (7) Years' prior to the 'Second Coming of Jesus Christ' ... The events of the 'Rapture/Caught~Up/Snatched~Up/Taken~Up/Harpazo' (which is a silent even known only to God's children, they will be the only ones to hear that trumpet call) are as follows:

In the Book of Revelation Chapter 4:1 ~ The 'Bride of Christ' is Raptured and during the first half (42 months) of the Tribulation, chapters 6 through 19 will take place! ♥️

The 'Wrath of God' ... Please remember that the 21 Judgments begin in Revelation chapter 6 ... Therefore, as children of God, we are NOT appointed to His 'Wrath' ~ (1 Thessalonians 5:9) ~ "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." ... Therefore, God will save us from that hour! Understand the following analogy: Jesus will ~N~O~T~ 'Beat His Bride to a Pulp' and then take Her 'Home!!'

Also please note, that the 'Church/Bride of Christ' is never mentioned again between chapters 5 through 18... Why? ... Because the 'Bride of Christ' has been Raptured and while the '7 Years of Tribulation' are in full bloom with all of its of horrors... The 'Bride of Christ' will be in heaven at the feast of the 'Supper of the Lamb' ... ~S~O~ pray always that you are found worthy to escape all of those things which shall come upon this 'Wicked and Fallen World!'

The "Throne In Heaven" ~ Revelation 4:1 States: ~*~

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this."

We are experiencing the prophesied painful 'birth pangs' ... The "Seal, Trumpet and Vial Judgments" occur after the Rapture! They are the following:

"Seal Judgments" ~*~
This Is The Beginning of The Program of God to Pour Out Judgments Upon The Earth. They Include:

1. The World's Greatest Dictator (Revelation 6:1~2)
2. The World's Greatest War (Revelation 6:3~4)
3. The World's Greatest Famine (Revelation 6:5~6)
4. The World's Greatest Death Blow (Revelation 6:7~8)
5. The World's Greatest Persecution (Revelation 6:9~10)
6. The World's Greatest Ecological Disaster (Revelation 6:11~12)
7. The World's Greatest Hour of Fear ... Actually The Lull Before The Storm (Revelation 8:1)

"Trumpet Judgments" ~*~
The Trumpets of Heaven Sound An Alarm Throughout The World Announcing The Public Judgments of God. Each Blast Ushers In An Added Judgement.

8. The World's Greatest Fire (Revelation 8~7)
9. The World's Greatest Oceanic Disturbance (Revelation 8:8~9)
10. The World's Greatest Pollution of Water (Revelation 8:10~11)
11. The World's Greatest Darkness (Revelation 8:10~11)
12. The World's Greatest Pestilential Invasion (Revelation 9:1~6)
13. The World's Greatest Army (Revelation 9:16)
14. The World's Greatest Storm (Revelation 11:15~19)

"Vial Judgments" ~*~

15. The World's Greatest Epidemic (Revelation 16:2)
16. The World's Greatest Contamination By Blood (Revelation 16:3~7)
17. The World's Greatest Contamination By Blood Continued (Revelation 16:3~7)
18. The World's Greatest Scorching (Revelation 16:8~9)
19. The World's Greatest Plague (Revelation 16:10~11)
20. The World's Greatest Invasion (Revelation 16:12)
21. The World's Greatest Earthquake (Revelation 16:18)

Reminders: ♥️♥️♥️

~1 Thessalonians 5:9; "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ."

~1 Thessalonians 4:16~17; "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

~Revelation 3:10; "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

2020: To Stand. To Serve.

It is a new year. For most, the start of the new calendar year means resolutions, new starts, fitness goals, ambitions, and the such.

And this is all fine and good, but those of us who have secured our salvation we need to remember this:

Lamentations 3:22-23  (NASB)

22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness

New every morning. As believers we get to have a fresh start every day. Not that consequences don't continue, but we can wake each day excited to serve the Lord anew. We just need to stay with Him, continue walking with Him, have that relationship with Him that shows that we are the good seed.

I find resolutions to be daunting, maybe even intimidating. I like goals, like praying more, reading a Psalm a day, essentially small steps to get closer to God ad further from my old self. But I even admit this is pretty vague. I do like the notion that has developed in Christian circles the past few years of claiming a word for the year. And many Christian websites have quizzes to help you find a word.

Claiming a word to guide my year has been very beneficial for me. For 2019 I chose "intentional" - I wanted to be intentional in my reading, relationships, my comings, my goings, in all I did. And I would say I was. I did it. Maybe no as good as I could have, but when it came to interacting with others, I know that the word "intentional" would come to mind repeatedly making sure that I made eye contact, used the persons name in the conversation, the word "intentional" helped me to become more genuine in my interactions.

So here we are, day 3 of the year 2020 and what word will define me, define my life?

I took one of those quizzes I mentioned previously 20202 Word Quiz and it gave me the word: Stand

I decided to look up the word "stand":

stand

/stand/

Learn to pronounce

verb

verb: stand; 3rd person present: stands; past tense: stood; past participle: stood; gerund or present participle: standing

1. have or maintain an upright position, supported by one's feet.

2. (of an object, building, or settlement) be situated in a particular place or position.

3. be in a specified state or condition. adopt a particular attitude toward a matter or issue.

4. withstand (an experience or test) without being damaged. INFORMAL be able to endure or tolerate.

noun

noun: stand; plural noun: stands

1. an attitude toward a particular issue; a position taken in an argument.

2. a rack, base, or piece of furniture for holding, supporting, or displaying something.

3. the place where someone typically stands or sits.

4. a large raised tiered structure for spectators, typically at a sports arena.

5. a cessation from motion or progress.

6. a group of growing plants of a specified kind, especially trees.

For me, for my Christian walk in the year 2020 I am going to stand for Christ, for His commandments. I am going to solidify my position, my faith, what I believe. I will make my stand for Christ and not be moved.

Before I took that quiz, the Lord had been placing another word in my heart and I feels strongly that the two go together. 2020 for me will be defined by 2 words, and the second is serve.

serve

/sərv/

verb

verb: serve; 3rd person present: serves; past tense: served; past participle: served; gerund or present participle: serving

1. perform duties or services for (another person or an organization).

2. present (food or drink) to someone.

3. LAW deliver (a document such as a summons or writ) in a formal manner to the person to whom it is addressed.

4. be of use in achieving or satisfying.

5. (in tennis and other racket sports) hit the ball or shuttlecock to begin play.

6. NAUTICAL bind (a rope) with thin cord to protect or strengthen it.

7. MILITARY operate (a gun).

How the word serve came to me is beautifully woven through my interactions and life with two beautifully, godly women who I admire.

The first woman is Mrs. Diane. I want her energy and her zest. She is hard on herself, she sees her shortfalls, but oh friends, the fire and passion in her - you not only see it but you feel it when you are anywhere near her. She will fill in from time to time in my connection group when our main teacher needs to be out. And when she teaches? It stays with me in ways I cannot explain. My main teacher has fed my soul, and her messages have impacted my life, but Mrs. Diane feeds a different part of my being. I am thankful for both these lades.

Awhile back Mrs. Diane subbed in for a few Sundays, and over time she went over numerous women
in the Bible. Wow, it was amazing. And when she went over Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, God inspired me. Any woman who has had walk with Jesus for any length of time has studied these two godly women. And identified more than likely, with a self-negative perspective, with sister Martha.  And then longed, with doubt of aspiring, to be more like Mary.

The lessons she taught, reaffirmed that Jesus needed both of these ladies in His life, and hat humanity needs both types of women. The house Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived in was Martha's house.

Luke 10:38  (NASB)

38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

This lesson was so eye opening. Martha wasn't just a woman running around doing all the work, she was a business woman, who owned a home big enough to house her, her sister, and her brother, and host Jesus and the disciples. She was business savvy enough to be able to afford to feed this large group. Which makes her appeal to Jesus a bit more understandable. Martha provided for Jesus a resting place, as He was a man with no earthly home. 

And then Mary. In light of her sister we can say she was lazy. But oh friend, both these sisters were socially abnormal, and what examples they set for us. Martha owning property as she must have, was not the normal. And for Mary to sit at the feet of Jesus was socially taboo. Men and women did not sit together as such. Mary was at Jesus' feet. She risked ridiculed and tisked, but she chose Jesus. It is implied that Mary was rooted where she was. And Jesus was her light and her water, His words and His teachings fed her spiritually for her to produce fruit that would later serve her well in her Kingdom task.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

I was so inspired by the idea of Mary rooted at the feet of Jesus I even did a drawing for Mrs. Diane. I haven't draw in ages, but I was happy with the final product.

After I finished this drawing, the week of my church' Christmas program, I ran into Mrs. Lynne.

She is the wife to our Minister of Music, and caretaker of the banners. Oh my favorite part each year at the Singing Christmas Tree is the presentation of the banners. Each one represents a name or attribute of Jesus, and they are brought into the worship center with ceremony. It is breathtakingly stunning.

Her and I had a private conversation as she was mending one of the banners to be used, but it got my mind thinking about the drawing I did of Mary at the feet of Jesus. In my mind there was a flip, and it wasn't Mary at His feet, but it was Jesus at the feet of the disciples  He wasn't rooted, but he was serving. And until then, I am not to sure I had given much thought to that attribute of my Lord and Savior.

Matthew 20:28 (NASB)

28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 (NASB)

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His [a]life a ransom for many.”

John 13:1-17 (NASB)

The Lord’s Supper

13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them [a]to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, 4 *got up from supper, and *laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

5 Then He *poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He *came to Simon Peter. He *said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter *said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter *said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus *said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “Not all of you are clean.”

12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord; and [b]you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

Jesus came to serve. And from the definition above, when we serve, we have someone in authority over us. Jesus had God the Father. And as a Christian we serve Jesus and God. 

Jesus came to serve. Oh, He came to do more, and He did and He will. But He served as part of His ministry. And He is calling me to serve.

I have this blog, which I must and will do more with. This is but one platform I can utilize to do my part of the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:16-20 (NASB)

The Great Commission

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

I have also felt God put on my heart to do an in-home Bible study on the Book of Joel, and a few other tasks. I am willing and waiting.

So in 2020 I will stand and serve God.