Exhortation to Keep Building

Things have been hard for so many people lately. Things have been hard for me too, and it seems that difficulties are ramping up rapidly. Today, I felt the weight of it all. I feel like there are enemies on every side and within, trying to tear me away from the work I am doing for the church and for our Lord, Jesus. I expect this to only worsen, and I fear that I do not have what it takes.

I wonder, how many people are out there, feeling just as I do? Although very few read the things I write as of now, maybe that will change one day. Maybe not. In any case, I received some reassurance and I want to pass that on.

I was led to the book of Nehemiah. I need to study this book more, but I think I understand this much:

Whatever it is that God has commanded you to do, though you might have many enemies who would try to stop you, keep building. Our people have gone astray and lead many into bondage, but there is hope. Keep building. We are not alone; many fellow servants are at work. It will all come together. Keep building. Guard your hearts in Jesus, so that the enemies will not enter in. Keep the Word faithfully and teach others to do the same.

We serve a powerful and merciful God, and Jesus is faithful to us. Whatever the Lord has given you to do, keep building, and pray for your fellow servants fervently.

Considering Proverbs 7:6-23

6 For at the window of my house I looked through my casement,

7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,

8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:

10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.

11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:

12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee.

16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.

19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey:

20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed.

21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

There are many “young men” and “little ones” in general who are seduced by the “strange woman.” Again, I want to be clear that I am not accusing any particular denomination or the true Christian church. Truth is not accusation nor slander. The ways of the “strange woman” are found in spirit throughout all of Christendom in churches large and small of all denominations including those found Online.

I was once a part of this church, and I did not know it. It was the teaching of another—zealous teaching full of passion for the Word of God, the Kingdom, and righteousness—that led me away from her. I know how seductive she is. I know how sleepy many Christians are, and many simply need to hear the truth. When I heard the truth, I did not hate it. I did not reject it. I was inspired to study the scriptures for myself to test what I was taught, and before long my life was given to Jesus as it should have been.

It is my heart’s desire to get as close to Jesus as He will allow and to help others do the same, even if I only reach one or two people. The separation of the faithful from the unfaithful has not yet come, so we cannot judge any Christian as false. However, there is a spirit within Christianity that is false, and I believe that many more will “come out of her.” So, to that end, I keep working.

I make mention of this in hopes of avoiding unnecessary despair, fear, or anger within my brethren. Though, I do think that if the things I write make some despair, fearful, or angry then maybe they need to hear what I am saying. Maybe people are so used to “women who sew pillows on the arms of God” that they are offended by a direct approach. There is enough soft Christian teaching out there. There is also enough overly harsh Christian teaching out there. I do strive to strike an acceptable balance.

The overly harsh and overly soft cause much offense for these “little ones” and both are tools of the “strange woman.”

She is subtle (crafty, keeper of secret knowledge). On one hand you have flattery that makes a person full of self-righteous indignation and fuels a heart of murder for sinners, and in so doing they murder themselves. On the other hand, you have flattery that causes a person to feel sufficient in themselves and comfortable in sin, thereby murdering themselves with their own sin.

She brings in bits and pieces from other religions and calls their practices acceptable paths towards enlightenment, power, life, and relationship with God.

She changes her methods depending on who she is talking to. Does not the “beast that rises up out of the sea” have “seven heads?” Each speak flattery to deceive the hearts of many—telling them just what they want to hear. “Her ways are movable. You cannot know them.” We could get lost in exploring all of their devices, which is why it is more productive to focus on the good teachings of Jesus.

However, there is a time for all things. Right now, my time is spent exposing the “strange woman” and bringing in the teachings of Jesus along the way.

The “strange woman” abuses the Word of God by misuse of scripture. She abuses the Word of God by misuse of the blood of Jesus—either by forgetting mercy or by condoning a sinful life. Both lead to accusations, slanders, murders, adulteries, and death.

Her “house” overly exalts mankind, especially those within ministry who are made rich by her—rich off the souls of men. She will come to her full one day, and many souls of men will be devoured by her. She operates in the night hours, just before the sun goes down—just before the coming of the false Christ and the darkness he brings to this earth.

She brings “peace offerings” of flattery with her words towards God, encouraging others to honor God with their mouths without considering their heart which is removed far from Him—and she moves them further away, even to their death. Her “vows” are in word only through recital of special prayers and all manner of legalism.

She does not encourage payment of vows as is fitting for a Christian. She does not encourage vows of service, “offering our body as a living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable.” Her vows are superficial and deceptive, even accusatory towards those who are faithful.

Her “bed” is adultery and fornication, and she lures the “little ones” to their doom. She goes around, “winning souls” for her kingdom, claiming to win souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. Many are deceived by her, thinking they are “saved.” Though they think they live, they are dead. She takes advantage of the fact that the Bridegroom is away, encouraging others to be “drunken” and to “beat the maidservants and man servants.” When the Bridegroom returns, He will appoint their portion with the unbelievers. Just as He has said.

She is a snare that leads many to their death. However, we can take comfort in this: God has purposed all things, and all things are working together for the good of those who belong to Him.

We do not need to doubt our salvation or the love of Jesus towards us. If we have faith in Him, then His blood covers us. If we have truly received His grace, then His grace will cause us to grow in love towards Him and towards mankind in general. We will not abuse His blood or His Word wantonly, without regard, and without repentance. We will bring forth some fruit, and a little good fruit is pleasing to the Lord.

We must know the judgements of God so that we can be refined, not so that we can despair. There are a lot of scriptures that warn of unfaithfulness, but just as the law of old, these things must be said because they instruct us. The judgements of God must go out. However, judgement does not require a just sentence of death. Jesus loves mercy, and those who love Him sincerely will find mercy.

So, please do not despair. Do not doubt your salvation. Only learn and grow strong in the faith. Learn the ways of the “strange woman” and be mighty in Jesus so that you may stand with Him in that time of greatest deception.

We need to learn from her and come to Jesus more earnestly. Those who are taken in by her and remain with her do not belong to Jesus. They are the “seed of Satan” as Jesus spoke of in His parable of the wheat and the tares. The “strange woman” caters to the hearts of man—the hearts of those who love the things of Satan, and this is good. As Jesus said, “if the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch.”

This is a blessing for the true children of God, and all the more as she comes into her fullness. Why? Those who are among us but not of us are fully carried away by her, and we who remain are “called, chosen, and faithful.”

However, many of us—like myself—could have easily been mistaken for the “strange woman.” Many of us could have been mistaken for tares among the wheat. Many of us could have been mistaken for goats, foolish virgins, and wedding guests without a wedding garment. That is why those who have “come out of her” are responsible for teaching the ways of Jesus and revealing the ways of the “strange woman” to others.

Many of our brethren are trapped by her, but we rest assured in the faithfulness of Jesus. He will call all of God’s children to Him and away from death. He will raise us up, both in heart during this present life as He frees us from the snares of the “strange woman” and eternally when He raises us from the dead and gathers us to Him.  The “strange woman” and the false Christ cannot bring life to anyone. They cannot raise any from the dead. They only have the power of death.

Proverbs Study Clarification 2: Judgment

I appreciate people who can observe without making judgments, but that is not me. God created me to have a very judgmental nature. I have been highly judgmental from childhood. I’m always evaluating. I’m always deciding what I think about things, and I want to do what is right. My judgments have changed as my values and priorities change, but I cannot escape my nature, and I don’t think I’m supposed to.

One of the things I asked of the Lord several years ago was for understanding of His will. I asked for God to show me what He wants from His people, from His church, and what He is doing with us. I have continued to ask these questions, and I have a strong desire for His judgments. I did not fully realize what I was asking for, however. This is a fearful thing, but I cannot neglect the way God made me and what I have asked of Him and have received.

When I write things that are judgmental, maybe that is because they are supposed to be judgmental. I know that I will be judged by the judgments I make. However, I have replaced my desire for my own judgment with desire for Jesus and His judgments. If I am listening, then the judgments I make should be His.

What if I, knowing the judgments of God, fail to perform that which He judges as righteous? That is why we need the blood of Jesus. That is why we need mercy. That is why we need to understand the difference between judgement and sentencing. I believe there is a difference.

Judgment declares what is right and what is wrong. Sentencing is the punishment given after the judgment. I cannot sentence anyone.

The judgments of God I write concerning the Christian church today are true. However, there is always room for pardon, and our God is exceedingly merciful. I do not know how far His mercy extends, but I do know that the Christian church today for the majority are judged as having gone astray due to their abuse of the Word of God, both in terms of the way we misuse scripture and the way we take the blood of Jesus for granted.

Jesus paid for our sins, but what about abuse of His blood that was shed to establish the New Covenant? Does the blood of Jesus cover this? Can we use His blood to forgive abuse of His blood? We cannot sacrifice Jesus afresh. We would bring Him to an open shame. Lord, have mercy on your church.

The Word of God will fight against many. Even so, mercy is found and who can know the end thereof?

Of course, there are many who have not abused the Word of God. There are many faithful individuals within all denominations and there are many faithful individuals outside of mainstream Christianity. Even so, the system of the church–the “principalities and powers”–have gone astray and they must come down. One day, they will. I do not know when, though I have an idea of what that looks like.

In the tearing down of these “principalities and powers” many individuals will be judged also. However, God will judge it. Only He can judge the hearts of men, and the Day of the Lord will reveal much.

My judgement is limited to the “principalities and powers” in the realm of ideas that lead the hearts of many astray. I judge no person individually. I have been tempted to judge some individuals, and I removed myself from them in hopes that the Lord would work in their heart and mine.

With God, all things are possible. I hope for mercy for His church. Though I do judge, and I believe it is not my judgement but God’s, I also hope the best for the church at large and I know that all individuals who sincerely love Jesus and trust in Him will be saved. The blood of Jesus colors all judgment with mercy, and the sentence is life everlasting.

I do not hope for the destruction of anyone, but I do hope for the destruction of the “principalities and powers” that destroy mankind, leading many into defilement of the Covenant that was bought with a precious price.

Considering Proverbs 7:1-5

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman

5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words.

Again, we have a call towards keeping the words, commandments, and law of God. What is the difference between commandment and law? We have the general commandments of Jesus, instructing us to love our God, our brethren, and our neighbor (John 13:34, John 15:12). The law instructs us in the details of this commandment, so that we can know what it means to perform this.

We find hints of this law throughout the scripture, but as the New Covenant promises, the best way to know this law is to have it written on the tables of the heart by the Spirit of God.

Jesus said:

12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you (John 14:12-18).

If we sincerely want to keep the commandments of Jesus, the Spirit of Truth will come and teach us the law of Christ. The Spirit will write these laws on our hearts, filling us with sincere desire to do what is pleasing to God and changing our nature so that we can perform His will.

This is the New Covenant that was bought with the blood of the Son of God. Our sins were forgiven, our debt paid, and the way made plain before us through the power of His Spirit and the promise of His resurrection.

When we enter His Covenant, we enter His service. We enter His Kingdom through His Spirit. Our hearts are “quickened” (resurrected) by His Word, and when Jesus returns with a shout at the last trumpet, the Word will raise us bodily and gather us to His Kingdom eternally.

If we take the forgiveness only and neglect the rest, then we are as those who “have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof.” If we deny the power of Jesus, should we expect to receive it? Should we expect resurrection, either presently in heart or at His coming?

Paul the Apostle wrote of this generation:

3 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:1-7).

It is a sad thing, but if I am honest with that which I have observed of Christianity in this nation, it would be impossible to keep this teaching of Paul without turning away from most people I know who call themselves Christian.

However, this was also true for me, and Jesus is still working on me so I do not think it is fitting that I should consider myself to be any better. That is why, when I write of the issues we face as a Christian nation, I say “we.”

Jesus still hears His people and He is calling His faithful servants to Him, but the separation of the “wheat and chaff” or “sheep and goats” is not full until the final betrayal of His church when they go after the false Christ (at least, that is my understanding). Until that time, I say “we.”

Let us do better. Jesus provided us with everything we need to glorify Him through our lives as we are created again in His image. If we seek to keep His commandments, He will send His Spirit to live in our hearts. He will change us. This is His work. He is faithful to perform it. He will free us from the bonds of sin that destroy ourselves and our world. Why would we neglect so great a salvation as this?

Paul the Apostle wrote:

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4).

If we neglect so great salvation as this, then we are welcoming the ways of the “strange woman.” Jesus gives us His commandment by His word which we have received through His testimony as shared in the scripture. He gives us His law through the Spirit we receive. He provides us with all wisdom necessary to stand faithfully with Him during times of great deception—even that time of the Great Whore of Mystery Babylon and the false Christ.

If we already love Christian teachings, media, and churches of flattery and deceit, how will we stand in that day? I tell you, we will be completely deceived and consumed by it.

There is much flattery and deceit in the church, especially among big television churches that neglect the cross of Jesus and the sinful state of mankind. However, these are extreme cases.

This spirit is in small churches too, rejecting the Spirit who will make them free or turning the Spirit into legalism and shows of flashy signs and wonders that are hard to be understood.

Many reject the Spirit because they do not desire to keep the commandments of Jesus. Instead, they desire to sin without punishment, so they abuse His grace. Many abuse His blood and they abuse each other. They accuse, slander, and make righteousness into hypocrisy.

It is a shame, and will Jesus not avenge it? Will He not avenge the “little ones” who are ensnared, starving, dying, and laying the streets? (Proverbially, but no less true.)

If we continue to neglect this Covenant that was paid with the blood of Jesus, do we think that we will escape the wrath of God, or at least experience some form of chastisement?

Be reasonable. I do not judge you, but the Word does judge us all.

His word has said it would be so. Why then do many deny it? Why do many hate the things I teach? Is the love of God in this nation? I pray so. I know of a few who are sincere, and I know Jesus is merciful towards much negligence. I also know His patience will run out, and few will stand in that day. Few indeed.

As for the New Covenant which writes His law in our hearts, you can read these scriptures. I highly recommend reading these chapters in entirety. They speak volumes to our generation:

Ezekiel 11:17-21

17 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord God; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.

18 And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence.

19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

20 That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

21 But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord God.

Ezekiel 36:20-28

20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the Lord, and are gone forth out of his land.

21 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

22 Therefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

23 And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Hebrews 10:12-17

12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Considering the destruction to come for this generation makes me very depressed, but I know the judgement and mercy of God is righteous. I know He is faithful, and though many will “lose what they seemed to have,” He will not allow anyone to take His away from Him. Nothing can separate us from Him. His grace is true, and it is by His grace alone that any of us can stand before Him without sin.

What about myself? I am thankful that Jesus will remember our sins no more if we trust in Him with a sincere heart. I am thankful that Jesus imputes His righteousness to those who love Him instead of imputing sin onto them. I am thankful that Jesus has dealt very mercifully and patiently with me, and I do not deserve it. I deserve to be given fully over to the “fruit of my doings.”

Even now, knowing what I know of the Lord I continue to struggle against sin, and I know the power to overcome was given to me. I need to do better too. I need to pray more and escape temptation, and if I perform a sin because I wanted to, then I should weep sorrowfully so that my heart is changed. I have seen the results of His work, and I need to see more of His work done.

I expect that if I were to lay hold of what He has given me more earnestly, I would. As upset as I get about the state of the church, my own state is the greatest torment. However, I trust in the Lord. I trust in His mercy, both to forgive and to deliver from sin.

Considering Proverbs 6:27-35

27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

Up to this point we have learned about the characteristics of the “strange woman.” Now, we read about the consequences for the man who steals the wife of another. We can read the parable and get the straight-forward meaning, and that is good. It is good for people to be reminded of the terrible sin of adultery, especially in this generation for which adultery and fornication are rampant.

I know someone whose place of work is so full of adultery, that their refusal to participate stood out as an abnormality because “everyone cheats.” It is a sad world we live in. Marriage is not valued as it should be, and there are many reasons for this, many of which I sympathize with.

Women are not women and men are not men, and both are a torment to one another. Much could be said on that topic alone.

Another reason is this: our generation wants everything handed to them. They want an easy life, yet they do not want to work for it, and this extends to marriages as well. Marriage is work. Raising a family is work. If one partner is unwilling to work at these things then you have hell on earth, and there will always be someone out there who is ready and willing to boost an ego that needs affection without working at a relationship or taking on real life responsibility. Adultery results.

I know the writer of the Proverbs was not thinking about the Christian church, but I do not think it is wrong to consider Christianity when reading the Proverbs. I think there is a lot of parallels to consider, especially when we compare the Proverbs to the teachings of Jesus, the apostles, Revelation, and the prophets in general.

What happens when you have a church that wants everything the easy way? What happens when you have a church that is used to having everything handed to them without a debt of responsibility attached? This is precisely what we have today.

Of course, this does not apply to all. However, for those to whom is does apply, the carelessness I refer to is abuse of the blood of Jesus and the covenant therewith paid.

His forgiveness and mercy were graciously given freely through His blood. We entered into a covenant with Him, and we abused Him. Instead of entering His service as a faithful church who would take up our cross and follow Him, we wanted the easy way. We wanted the blood without the debt of responsibility that was attached to it. We rejected responsibility to our spouse (Jesus) and our children (young Christians).

Just like the adulterers of this generation, there are many out there who are ready and willing to boost an ego that needs affection without working on a relationship and taking on responsibility. Many Christians commit adultery with such pastors, churches, and teachings that abuse Jesus and His sacrifice, and they will find the covenant they claim is null and void.

Because we wanted it the easy way, we will have hell (death) on earth.

Jesus is faithful even when we are not. He is patient with us, and He forgives us of our adulteries towards Him, but we must repent and get serious about the covenant we lay claim to. If we do not, then another will come and seduce us away, and this will be easy to do considering many of the faith choose the ways of the “strange woman” already. This false Christ will take what does not belong to him, and his end will be just as this parable says.

Will there be forgiveness for the church who commits adultery with him? God is judge and He can show mercy to whomever He will.

Consider this passage as cited above:

30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

There are many sheep who steal bread (bad Christian teaching) because they are starving. There are many starving sheep doing the best they can with what they are given, and I do believe there is much mercy for them. Jesus willing, He will send more faithful teachers and pastors to feed the flock that was neglected.

However, there is a line. There is a line between doing the best with what you are given as a lost sheep and being an unfaithful shepherd who knows full well the negligence they perform.

These “hirelings” and “wolves in sheep’s clothing” are the ones who commit adultery. The sheep (the general assembly of believers) are as children that are neglected and suffer due to the negligence and unfaithfulness of their parents. I do believe many “children” are to be spared, though they will repay what they stole.

Chastisement will come. There will be great tribulation, and all the substance of our houses will be taken away.

The substance of our spiritual house so that we might see our poverty and be filled with the Spirit. The substance of our earthly houses so that we can seek the Kingdom of Heaven above this world. And the substance of our church houses as we prepare for the King of Kings who will replace all unfaithful pastors and the establishment of unfaithful Christianity at large.

Many will give their lives for the faith as their individual house is destroyed, and their reward in Heaven is great.

If we return to our true Lord, Jesus before that time comes, we might be spared of much tribulation. We might find peace and safety. However, many will lose their lives not because of chastisement, but because they are servants of God who will be honored with a more glorious resurrection.

The establishment of mainstream Christianity at large will be thrown down—and all the more when the ultimate adultery takes place.

We do not need to be ashamed for standing against the corruptions within the church. We do not need to be ashamed of our being ostracized. We do not need to be ashamed of our poverty or small ministries. We do not need to be ashamed of our hope in Jesus and hope for our fellow servants and brethren who are confused and without peace. Jesus will strengthen all who belong to Him and guide them towards greener pastures.

Again, we see the importance of the individual, and we rest assured in the just judgment of Jesus who tries the hearts of mankind. He is merciful to all Christian leaders and towards the general assembly of believers who sincerely love Him and trust in Him. He is merciful towards much misunderstanding, false teachings, and sinful struggles. He will provide for those who no longer trust in the lazy, self-serving adulterers who would leave the church fatherless and widowed.

Considering Proverbs 6:23-26

23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.

Sometimes, though we trust in the Lord, we do not know what He wants from us. Sometimes we feel so unworthy of His help that we think our problems are something we should deal with on our own, especially if we have done things to bring our troubling circumstances upon ourselves.

When we feel this way, do we put our trust in Jesus fully as we should, or are we tempted to put our trust in things of this world? When we take our eyes off Jesus, the “strange woman” is there, beckoning to us.

Her ways can seem beautiful for a time. She promises relief from the struggles we endure—struggles that the Lord has ordained for our good, even if it does not seem so at the time. She promises security, comfort, and hope of an easier future if we will only turn away from the difficulties our Lord commands.

Jesus does not lie or sugar coat things. He tells us when we are about to take a hard path. The ways of the “strange woman” will always lie to us, telling us just what we want to hear so that we might escape from the good, yet difficult, path Jesus would have us walk.

This scenario can play out in a variety of ways. Sometimes we are faced with a difficult life choice, and we know that the hard road is best. Yet, we see another way that seems easier, and we begin to rationalize taking that simpler road. We might even us the scripture to do so. Before long, that easy road leads to a mess of trouble that we did not see coming, and it would have been better if we had trusted in the path that our Lord placed in front of us.

We cannot gain the world and gain Jesus also.

Though we suffer, Jesus already suffered for us and He prepares our way ahead of time.

We might feel as though we do not deserve His help, but we cannot allow that feeling to tempt us into trusting in ourselves or trusting in this world. Jesus is there. If we focus on Him, we will not be led astray by temptations of an easier—and ultimately destructive—way.

The destruction we face as Christians is life. We all must take up our cross and follow Jesus in some measure during this life. If we suffer because of sin or carelessness, then we know that the blood of Jesus is there. We do not take that for granted, but we do not despair and think that He has turned His back on us.

Our suffering will refine us, strengthen our faith, and show what we are made of. If we suffer for righteousness sake or for the name of Jesus, then we know that our reward is great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Maybe we suffer both at the same time.

Though the Christian way has much blessing, even in this life, walking with Jesus will eventually mean suffering—and this is blessing also, even if we do not see the result until His Kingdom comes.

We do not want to forsake Jesus. When keeping His commandments feels impossible, we must be on guard against the “strange woman.” Will we lose our soul for a scrap of bread? The pleasures, security, and goodness of this world are mere scraps when compared to the Kingdom or Lord has prepared for us. This life will end, but life in Jesus is everlasting.

What about myself? Though I trust in Jesus, sometimes I feel unworthy to the point of looking for a solution on my own. I know that I should not “throw myself off the pinnacle of the temple” so I try to do what I can for myself.

However, there are many things I cannot do for myself. I cannot find peace, patience, and strength enough to endure the hard road that Jesus placed in front of me. I cannot keep His commandments without His work in me, and I cannot forgive myself of sin when I mess up.

This world can be so tempting, and I feel that temptation too. I feel the temptation of the “easy” way.

I know one day I will reach the end of my road, and there will be blessing. My faith will be tried, and I will see what I’m made of—what He made me of. I know what I’m made of without Him. Not much of anything but stubble that’s fit to be burned away. I am thankful that Jesus makes us again in His image.

I am thankful that we do not walk this journey alone. Jesus is with us, and our brethren are with us too. He comforts us and we comfort one another. He tells us the truth, even when it is hard, and we do the same for each other. We do not fall for the comforting lies of the “strange woman.”

Considering Proverbs 6:20-22

20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

This idea is found in earlier chapters of Proverbs, and I think this is repeated because of its importance. For a Christian, the commandments we keep are those given to us by our Lord, Jesus. Everything He teaches can be summarized as love towards God, our Christian brethren, and fellow man in general.

If we have love towards God the Father, then we will love the Son also.

If we have love towards the Son, Jesus, then we will honor Him. We will not take His blood and mercy for granted as a loophole for sinful living without repentance. We will learn His teachings, apply His ways to our life, and grow in service to Him. In so doing, we also grow in freedom from sin as the Kingdom comes to our heart—a Kingdom that Jesus rules as King.

If we apply the teachings of Jesus to our life, we will find that our service to Him entails service to others including those of the faith and those without the faith. This requires knowledge of what it means to love your neighbor and love your enemy—knowledge that we cannot properly discern without divine instruction, faith, and strength to do that which feels impossible.

We need the ways of Jesus to lead us. Though we all go through periods of “sleep” as written of earlier, we who hear the calling of our Lord will awaken more fully to the Christian way and Jesus will talk with us in Spirit through scripture, prayer, our brethren, and life experience.

Jesus has a lot to say if we will listen. His Spirit guides us and strengthens us if we will receive Him, and over time we find the ability to walk more worthy of the calling we have been called to as we grow in love towards God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, and love towards our fellow man.

There are not words that can contain the depths of this knowledge. We must get out there and live it, allowing Jesus to instruct our lives so that we can learn what love means. It helps to hear the instruction of others, but there is no instructor like life. We were given this life for a reason: so that we would grow into the sons of God through faith in Jesus.

Every Christian has some form of sin that they struggle with, and we all go through times of doubt. We go through different seasons in our Christian walk. Sometimes we feel strong in the Spirit and close to the Lord and other times we feel overly consumed by this world.

However, a Christian is not defeated. A Christian wars against sin. We are not a slave to it. A Christian fights for the faith. We do not deny Jesus to the point of perdition.

Everything we need is graciously given to us. Jesus has prepared the way ahead of time, and His faithfulness does not waiver. His strength is not limited. His mercy abounds to those who trust in Him.

There are misleading teachings within Christianity, just as there are misleading teachings in the world generally. Has not God ordained this?

If a person wants to live sinfully and use the blood of Jesus to excuse themselves without striving to overcome sin, they can find teachings and scripture that support them.

If a person thinks the measure of God’s favor is determined by wealth and popularity, they can find teachings and scripture that support them.

If a person thinks that a Christian should behave harshly towards sinners within the faith and without the faith, they can find teachings and scripture to support them.

If a person thinks they can approach Christian life and ministry through legalism that fuels hypocrisy and all manner of sin against our brethren such as slander, accusation, strife, division, they can find teachings and scripture to support them.

If a person thinks it is right to glorify high Christian offices and exalt men and women in these positions, they can find teachings and scripture to support them.

The ways in which the word of God is abused and used to fulfill the whims of man is vast, and there are always going to be preachers, teachers, and prophets so-called (usually for hire) who will give you everything you want to hear.

The way we use the Word of God reveals what is within our heart—and the Word of God will be the undoing of many. His word divides soul and spirit, bringing death to those who would harm the servants of Jesus.

We can all learn to use the Word of God more honestly and effectively. We can all learn to apply His word to our life more fully. We can all be filled with the Spirit so that His Word comes to our lips when necessary—and if necessary, destroys our enemies.

This includes enemies who abuse His word first and foremost as a means by which they justify hate for God the Father, hate for God the Son, hate for Christians, and hate for unbelievers.

I do not know any Christian who has not struggled with these things to some degree. Struggle is not the same as wanton disregard. God knows our hearts, and His Word will try the hearts of every person. If our hearts are sincere towards Jesus, then there is mercy. If our Christianity is in word only or through shows of piety, then God will deal with that also.

Writing about such things is tricky. I know I was once a mislead Christian, and I needed to learn from someone else so that I could find my way out of the confusion of establishment, mainstream Christianity. I also know that establishment, mainstream Christianity will come under judgment (or at least chastisement) as a whole due to its abuse of God’s Word—including both abuse of scripture and abuse of the blood of Jesus who is the Word.

However, I also know that Jesus deals with individuals, and individuals are complex. There are many within establishment, mainstream Christianity who are sincere and Jesus will pardon them of much sin and misunderstanding. I never want a Christian to doubt their faith. Even so, we can all consider our Christian life more fully.

I also know that there are many Christians outside of establishment, mainstream Christianity who feel outcast, confused, and weak in the faith. My heart goes out to them first and foremost. There are many who do not have the support they need to grow in the faith because they see the problems within church and cannot find a place of acceptance.

Those who think they know it all already are more than welcome to go their own way, and I pray the mercy of Jesus for you. However, these “little ones” need to have the stumbling blocks and millstones removed from them. These have my heart, and for their sake I will say what needs to be said even if no one else listens.

I simply do not care anymore what other people think. By grace alone I trust in Jesus alone, and I know He is for the cast out and oppressed within the realm of establishment, mainstream Christianity that hates God, hates the ways of Jesus, and thereby hates the “little ones.” He will avenge them, and I do not want to be on the receiving end.

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones (Luke 17:1-2).

The beast that rises up out of the sea will come, and He will devour. This is also God’s will. He will cast water as a flood out of His mouth. This is also God’s will. God will make a place of refuge for those who are faithful to the commandments of God (love towards God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, and love towards Christian brethren as well as unbelievers). God will make a place of refuge for those who are faithful to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

This refuge might mean peace despite suffering and death, but the suffering and death of a faithful Christian is blessing and life eternal.

Considering Proverbs 6:16-19

16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

As Christians, we know that all sin is unacceptable; just one sin is enough to warrant the death penalty. We have all been sinners, and the only way to escape justice is through the mercy of God towards those who put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Are there sins that God hates more than others? Maybe there is some room to debate that question, but passages like the one above provides some insight into that which God hates, in any case.

When we read these passages, we have a few things to contend with.

Jesus is merciful to our country, and we have been blessed for many decades in a land that generally accepts Christianity and allows freedom of worship. However, if our country can be characterized by the above things that God hates, He will chastise our nation. Should it be any different?

We know this to be true to some degree, but the temptation is to blame others. The temptation is to blame the unbelievers, to harp over their sin, and to fight them in the realms of politics, law, and social movements.

However, we should consider our wrongs first. Could it be that the negligence of our Christian society is to blame? Even if we disagree on that front, as Christians we should know that it is always more productive to “get the beam out of our own eye” first.

Out of respect for His blood that was shed to cleanse us of our sin, and out of respect for the blood that was shed to provide us with a free nation, let us consider these things deeply and honestly—all the while remembering that Jesus knows all, He is great in mercy, and He will save everyone who belongs to Him.

First, there are certain sins that some Christians harp over as “abominations.” If we focus too sternly on certain issues that are easy to target, yet we forget that God also considers pride, lying, murdering the innocent (remember the way Jesus describes murder in the Sermon on the Mount), being quick to do wickedness, slander, and sewing conflict among fellow believers as abominable, we become hypocrites.

Second, we must consider how these abominations apply to us as individuals. Have we ever had a heart of pride? Have we ever lied? Have we ever lived a lifestyle that was sin seeking? Have we ever lied about another person? Have we ever caused conflict between other people purposefully? If we have, then we need to find a place of mercy for others who do such things. If we still have these issues to contend with, then we need to approach Jesus for forgiveness and continue to seek freedom from these issues.

Lastly, I strongly believe that the above issues reflect ideas concerning the sins of the Christian church as we see in Revelation 2-3—churches to whom Jesus said “I will remove your candlestick out of its place” unless we repent.

Here is the list included in the work on Proverbs 5:21-23 describing my thoughts on these problems in basic terms:

  • Exalting man over Jesus, including exaltation of religious leaders and our favorite denomination over the ways of Jesus.
  • When we accuse and slander others within the faith and without the faith, therewith we justify destroying others while remaining blind to our own faults.
  • When we abuse the blood of Jesus either by forgetting mercy or by excusing sins because we are “forgiven” or because of “grace.” Calling sinfulness righteous also falls into the category of abusing the blood of Jesus.
  • When we pursue the faith intellectually or legalistically and fail to take the ways of Jesus to heart.
  • When we pursue the things of this world over the things of the Kingdom of Heaven and therewith find contentment and the illusion of security or God’s favor.
  • When we abuse the Word of God as a tool by which we do all the above.

Jesus is merciful to us. He is merciful to our individual problems and He is merciful towards the problems within the Christian body collectively. However, in His mercy and goodness He will chastise us as sons if we continue doing the things He hates.

Should it be any different? Should we expect Him to bear our sins indefinitely when He provided us with everything we need to do otherwise?

Now the question becomes, what do we do about this?

One of the great things about Christianity is the power of the individual. This might not seem like the fast-track solution we want, but I believe this is the best way: each Christian individual who becomes aware of these problems should seek Jesus for their own forgiveness, healing, and strength to overcome.

We can look at ourselves honestly, make amends with our brethren as necessary, and consider how we might be more effective at bringing Jesus to those around us. We can hold our Christian leaders accountable by speaking with the pastors and other authority figures at the church we attend if necessary. We can hold our Christian culture accountable by refraining from Christian media that perpetuates such problems.

We should NOT go on a rampage against other Christians or churches. We should NOT go on a rampage against unbelievers.

Jesus will handle the large-scale problems. If we want to escape, we need to get our own house in order beginning with ourselves as an individual, our homes, our local churches, and our local unbelieving community to the degree to which it is possible.

Each person, according to his or her individual conscience has a role to play in furthering the Kingdom of Heaven. If we seek Jesus earnestly and above all else (or sincerely strive to make Him above all else), He will make the way clear.

We might not know what we should do, but we can have faith that God has a plan and whatever we end up doing is part of that plan. Anything we do or face will work out for our good and for the good of our Christian church collectively.

What about myself? For now, my attempts at being faithful to what Jesus gave me is accomplished through writing and through working on my life. I probably have some measure of these issues yet to contend with in myself, and I certainly want to do a better job of reflecting Jesus to those around me. I have also considered talking with a couple pastors that I have some respect for, but I don’t think I’m quite ready for that.

I need to keep working on me and on my home while seeking Jesus for greater wisdom and understanding–and most importantly, the ability to walk worthy of the Christian calling by conforming myself to His image to the degree He allows in this present life.

Considering Proverbs 6:12-15

12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.

15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.

When I read this, I think about people who like to stir up problems, and they do it so well it is as if they put their whole self into it.

I’ve known people who seem to be this way.

I’ve known some who seem as if they are so used to a life of conflict that they cannot handle times of peace. So, whether consciously or subconsciously, they tend to cause chaos when things are going well.

I’ve known some who sew conflict between people simply because they have no ability to have real connection with people, so they despise the genuine relationships of others.

I’ve known some who slander others or gossip because it makes them feel superior, and they must remain the best in the eyes of everyone around them (at least in their mind).

I’ve known some who cannot come to terms with their sinful nature, so they project their faults onto others.

I’ve known some who are so consumed with hatred that they must have an enemy at all times, so if they make peace with one person, they shift focus to a new target.

There are people in this world who are so full of resentment, envy, pride, and contempt that they become toxic for other people.

How should a Christian handle such a person?

I think the most important thing is to remember grace. Any good thing we possess within our character came from God. If we think we are any better, we first remember that grace is what separates us.

We can also consider the deeper reasons behind a person’s toxic nature. Maybe we can relate to some of the behaviors. Maybe we have done similar things in one way or another.

In any case, humility and compassion frees us from being consumed by the negativity of others and helps us to forgive.

Does forgiveness mean continued relationship? No. Sometimes it is best to walk away from people. Sometimes you walk away because they will not admit to their faults, and they consistently cause problems for other people. Sometimes you walk away because they are Christians, but they have a tendency to abuse the forgiveness of God when dealing with their own sins yet they are merciless towards others.

Sometimes you cannot escape. Maybe you are an older child living with a toxic parent. Maybe you are stuck in a toxic work environment. Maybe you have a toxic spouse and you cannot leave. Maybe you are dealing with a friend or family member and you don’t have it in you to hurt them, no matter how much they have hurt you and others.

People are complicated. Relationships are complicated. We should do our best to be at peace with everyone as much as it is possible, but sometimes peace cannot be had.

There is a time to get away from damaging people, but we should not allow hatred to consume us. We should pray for them, have pity on them, and hope that God will open their hearts.

Toxic people are bred by other toxic people, and if we are not mindful, we might become the toxic person.

We should not let toxicity consume us, and no matter what situation we find ourselves in Jesus will make a way. He will make a way for us to escape, either literally or in heart. He will deal with our adversaries. Vengeance is His. However, it is better to hope for His mercy than to hope for His vengeance.

If we enjoy the destruction of others, we might find the critical eye of the Lord looking at us instead of at our enemies. His gaze is piercing, and you want that gaze to be merciful. Therefore, we must always remember mercy and hope the best for others no matter how toxic they are.

We can apply this to individuals, groups, social movements, and even issues within the Christian church. In whatever capacity, we deal with these matters by putting on the full armor of God, knowing that we do not “wrestle with flesh and blood.”

We do not fight people. We fight the destruction that binds them and harms others. We fight destructive ideas and lies. We attempt to find the source of problems, such as deep wounds a person caries and bring the healing ways of Jesus to those who will receive it. In so doing, Jesus is honored and the person is restored.

There are many who do not want to receive Jesus and the freedom He brings. Many are so attached to ideas, lies, and sin in general that they become one with such things. In such cases it becomes nearly impossible to fight in spirit without destroying the person.

I know I’ve had sins and matters of my nature that are so deeply rooted in my being that it feels impossible to fight the issue without destroying myself. So, find compassion in such cases, and maybe walking away is the best thing to do. Jesus will handle it.

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

What about myself? I have a long way to go in dealing with destructive people (of course, I mean those of an extreme variety. We are all destructive in greater and lesser measure).

I do not like when I see someone hurting others while refusing to admit to their own wrongs. I can become all-out irate and ready to fight such a person, and I make it personal instead of dealing with the deeper issue in spirit. I can forget all mercy and patience.

I can become so full of negativity that my own personality shifts when I’m around certain people, and that is not good. I need to trust in Jesus more. I need more compassion and mercy. I need more humility, knowing that I have been toxic too at points in my life and I still need Jesus to work on me.

It is always more productive when I focus on my personal goals of growth in Jesus than it is to focus on the faults of others.

Even so, there is a time to speak up, especially when others are being harmed. However, in speaking out or taking some other action, we must care for our spiritual state first, putting on the full armor of God so that we are not consumed by the forces we fight against—all the while mindful that we do not fight in the flesh but in the spirit.

Considering Proverbs 6:6-11

6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

I like the obvious meaning of this passage. A person who is self-motivated and works hard will prosper while those who refuse to work hard will come into poverty. That is generally true, though not always. Some people work hard and never seem to get ahead in life. Some people work hard and accrue large amounts of wealth. There are numerous reasons for this gap and there are differing ideas about how our system of government and economics should deal with these issues.

I know the talking points from the two main sides of the argument (by two sides I mean from a Left Wing and Right Wing perspective, or a Capitalist and Marxist perspective, relatively speaking) but I don’t know enough to weigh it all and come up with my own opinion. As with most things, I suspect that I’d come to the conclusion that both sides have valid points and both sides have faults, then the next step would be to create a third idea that brings a balanced perspective while placing the teachings of Jesus at the center.

I guess I’m arrogant enough to think that I could create solutions to many problems if I simply knew enough. There is danger in that, isn’t there? It is dangerous for man to throw any system down because that which rises next could be infinitely worse. I suspect that if our current way of life in the West is overthrown, the system that arises will be hell on earth. All the promises of peace, equality, and prosperity will prove to be nothing but flattery and lies, because the spirit at work within this new system is satanic.

It is a good thing that Jesus will be the one to make all things right. Though there is a time and place for patriotism, all nations are vanity to God. To Him, all systems of man are nothing and they will come to nothing. This is for our good. However, the process will be painful to say the least. To that end, I want to think about another way we might consider the above passage.

In the previous writing, we considered sleep in terms of spiritual sleep, and we were encouraged to awaken to the Christian calling more fully.

If we are serious about the things of Jesus, He will feed us “meet in the summer.” His word will teach us, strengthen us, and prepare us for the “winter” which is a season of spiritual darkness—that time when the great system of man descends upon the whole earth. This system will bring poverty, not just in the literal sense—but most importantly—in the spiritual sense because Jesus is made darkness by way of the false Christ and Christianity is made bloody by way of the Great Whore.

“The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.” This could be literal, of course, but that is not the only meaning here.

We do not want to be taken in by this deception. Should we fold our hands and sleep, thinking that no harm will come to us? Or, should we rise and prepare?

This makes me think about the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25). In that parable we see the coming of Jesus. We should prepare for His return, and in so doing we find ourselves also prepared for the coming of the greatest deception ever to occur in this world: the coming of the false Christ. How do we prepare? We put Jesus first. We learn of His ways through scripture and friendship with other dedicated Christians. We learn to trust in Him.

All the worldly things we trust in will fall. The false Christ will promise to restore all things, but His ways are deceit, flattery, and all the devises of the “strange woman” as we previously discussed.

It is good to think about the difference between the ways of Satan and the ways of Jesus, both in the church and in the world at large. It is good to separate ourselves from all paths of the “strange woman” and align ourselves with Jesus so we become as His bride should be.

All things are working according to His will and all things are for the ultimate good of those who love Him. Once all wickedness is caught in the net they made, Jesus will return and throw it all down. Only then will we see the Kingdom of Heaven come. However, we can see the kingdom come now in heart, and with Jesus ruling us in spirit we are made strong against the greatest of deceptions and calamities. We need to be awake and ready.

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh (Matthew 25:1-13).

The call has gone out—the call has always gone out. The call has rung sure from the time Jesus was resurrected form the dead. We are always in a sort of “last days.” We only have this life. Whatever should come, being filled with Jesus makes us so that we are able to stand. Should we be destroyed along with the overthrow of man’s devices, we know that Jesus will raise us up. Death has no real power over us.

So, we should not sleep. We are not dead, but alive in Jesus. Let us awaken and be alive.

What about myself? I know that one of the surest paths to deceit is pride and thinking that we know everything already. If we want to be “wise virgins” then we should understand how much we lack.

I want to continue to seek what is true, good, and pleasing to Jesus. I never want to assume that I have it all figured out or that I could fix things. I never want to assume that my walk with Jesus is good enough as it is. There is always room for growth. I will not trust in teachings that say otherwise. I will trust in the mercy and patience of Jesus, but out of respect for His blood I will continue to seek Him so long as He will allow me to do so. This is the grace of God towards those who believe in Him.

We are not better than anyone else. We have all been foolish and we are all still foolish. We all need more wisdom, and Jesus is the way.