Something Old for Oct… As Old as Time… and a Tad Dark…

 What is TRUTH?

In today’s world the pursuit of truth is based upon a plethora of variables for so many that people say, it’s all relative and knowing which is TRUE TRUTH becomes actually indeterminate. Everything is up for grabs, because there seems to be no bases for truth that can be agreed upon. Truth becomes who shouts the loudest and longest, and this truth is all based upon mankind - who are surely flawed - I look at myself most mornings in the mirror - FACT - I am flawed. No gasp necessary.

Truth is the impetus for moving forward, backwards, and even stagnate - latter is rot. People claim to act upon what is truth when it seemingly, unknowingly or not, is a benefit to the “creator” of the truth. Any narrative can be pushed to promote the agenda of the creator and the populous may buy into it if there is some benefit to them/the populous… Look at the content created about how one looks and what can be done if you but only follow any given program, their agenda, “truly it works…”

On the flip side of truth are lies… equivalent to what is proclaimed to be truth…

I too often wonder, more than I care to admit, ‘what will happen when the truth is revealed?’ 

It’s really just a matter of of time… We are made of dust, (this is scripture Genesis 2:7 and scientific fact - dig up the remains of any human not preserved and casted away - dust - see with your own eyes)… But back to truth…

By the lake…

People make up truth, always with purpose. Even writing that ‘people make up truth’, implies that whatever is being presented is indeed not truth and has some diabolical purpose - not benevolent. Which again I wonder, (I am at times naive), would it stand to reason that if truth is manufactured/made-up, then it is only for evil? Literally that black and white.  So, if truth is for benevolent purposes - would it be manufactured? Methinks not, but… Sadly, in some cases such truth is actually suppressed… And so… truth that is manufactured is surely a lie on the premises that it is made-up. Sounds like circular logic, that has no end and is exhausting. 

Suffice it to say there is either truth or lies.

My Truth:

I am at peace and agreement, with scripture, that we- humans- did not arrive here on this planet by chance. This place that we reside upon is in just the right place from that giant heat source most call the sun. Too close and we’d be nonexistent… too far away and we’d be nonexistent. Our bodies are amazing. The eye, the brain, our blood, our DNA - all uniquely created  -billions of times over -uniquely each time, (there is only one me)… since the beginning of this planet and with purpose established by our Creator - Father God, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All One God but uniquely separate - with Divine purpose and of One mind. 

This is all a choice to believe this or not - remember “my Truth”.

…But the lies… They are out there. Some believe them as truth. One day the lies will all be exposed. Everyone will know the undeniable Truth. God!

For those who have died and will die - believing the lies… Their fate - they don’t get to say, “Oops!”… Father God makes it clear that everyone will have the opportunity to choose the Truth. No one gets out of here - off planet as it were, without the presentation of the Truth and therefore seeking, asking, hearing the Truth… And being presented with the choice to receive the Truth or deny it. 

Also, the kicker for me, are those who present the lies as truth… No one likes being had. I’ve been scammed before. The worst is being scammed, lied to by those whom I have trusted and I believed they loved me. Bottomline, I wake from the delusion - the lie and it’s a nightmare and I find myself digging out of a horrid mess. Even more ironic is realizing that those loved ones are equally delusional and believe their own lies or the lies that they have been fed and so push - hard - their lies upon me… It’s weird because they seem to be attempting to convince me that I’m the crazy one - This is also known as gaslighting. 

Father God, when will it all end? 

I am past the point of - just give me TRUTH no matter the cost. Truth is often pain-filled and very costly though it be, because people will try to hold on to their lies, their agendas, their profits - to the death.… The world as I know it will be turned upside down, but it will be righted… but imagine for a second what life would be at the establishment of absolute TRUTH. We/I have no premise for such a thought - given the world that I’ve only known is full of lies and inconsistent truths that are man-made and agenda-laden… But, I can imagine and believe the Words of God, (my Truth). It is indeed my most earnest prayer that the Lord JESUS come quickly, because I see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears and live with the lies that affect everyone adversely. Yes, there are those who profit from the lies and they suppose that life is good - but this is a lie too - from the pit of hell - they will find out the heavy cost of such lies. 

My Truth that I pray is- for you to know Truth:

Jesus the Son of God has always existed but miraculously was born a human, who became the perfect and full payment for the sins of the entire world - only God could do this. It was the Blood of Jesus that atoned for everyone’s sins, (the lies too). Why? Because Father God made/created us and loved the created beings He made… but because we rejected our Creator - believing the lie from the devil - that we could be more than God… Father God gave us a choice to follow Him or follow the devil. 

The truth. Following Father God is not easy - hence Jesus shows us the Way and He honestly says in His Word, it’s going to be hard but He would be with us always. The way of the devil may appear to be easy and nice and less troublesome but it’s not - it leads to hell - a place filled with eternal torments. 

In truth we live in a world that is riddled with lies, (this sounds like a type of oxymoron - riddled with lies - perhaps more a play on words - I digress) - for the most part all coming from external sources - outside of us. Even Father God’s Word is external, but it is He that has written His connection to us in our DNA. It’s like every child born has parents that are connected by DNA, so we who are God’s children naturally and even divinely, seek out that connection, but the devil who hates God and so hates us… wants to sever that connection - via lies - the outside - external sources. The devil is in this for the long haul - the longer the wait, the more time he has to lie and slowly convince unsuspecting folks of his lies… 

Read Father God’s Words - start now -for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and again at bedtime. Feast on His Word. Pray without ceasing - talk with God. Get outside. Go for walks… Look up at the sky and marvel at the clouds and birds… Try not to complicate life. Live simply. Live at peace with others. Smile at people.  

As I get older, I believe I become more and more pessimistic, and I used to be hope-filled. I have a daughter who says, “I live in a fantasy world”, (I forgive you)… In my world,… life is hard and ugly - anything but idyllic but, I do try to think and see the best of most people that I meet on a daily bases… But if the truth be told, we as a collective humanity are worsening at an insane rate… Whoever, believes that we are evolving, is truly blind. If we came from primates then we should run back towards the “circle”, and return to the primordial ooze we supposedly climbed from, (of course, I do not believe such a lies - but some do, sadly…). We are surely quickening our pace towards something worse than ooze, with every passing second… Dare I say, I wish I lived in this fantasy world my daughter claims I live.

Father God help us all… Help us do a 180 from the lies…

Get knee deep into Father God’s TRUE WORD!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Nina

Surprisingly from a walk down an alley.
I think the coloring is pretty.

Something More for the Near End of Sept that’s Definitely Old But Maybe New for Some of You

 I just got to thinking, again… What does it mean to be a Christian. I had a conversation with a family member concerning recent tragic events that gave me cause to wonder about their salvation. While of course, I do not judge any persons heart, I do judge fruit. 

There’s an old song that I used to sing as a child, that has a repeating refrain, “Yes they will know we are Christian’s by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” So while Christians surely love, - does a Christian hate?

There are “things” that Christians surely hate - conceptual non-tangibles -characteristics. For example - injustice, abuse/mistreatments. We who speak the English language use words too glibly and so make words ineffectual. For example we say, “Oh I hate tomatoes” but then apply the word “hate” to abusive behavior imposed upon another human being or animal. Obviously the weight of the word is not the same and context is the determinant, but why go the extreme with tomatoes - when one could simply say, “I dislike tomatoes”?…. And so correctly use the full weight of the word hate when applying it to an abuse. The same “rule” can be applied for the word love. “I love ice cream” to  “I really like the taste of ice cream or its characteristics”. Conversely, “I love you”… Using the full weight of the definition of the word - I will serve/care and behave in a respectful manner and have a most high regard for your well-being. Big difference.

It’s elementary to say words have meaning. The what one means when spoken. When one says, “I am a Christian”. What does it mean? For example, is it Matthew 16:24-28 the living out one’s life as a Christian? There are a lot more verses, but not rocket science.

I’m not going to waste space and play the game, guess what I’m thinking… Here are my thoughts - not necessarily your thoughts but I surely have grace… Being a Christian it’s ALL about grace. Father God’s grace, because I can do NO thing to merit/deserve Father God’s love, let alone His mindfulness of me, being mere dust, but it the Gift of His Son, Jesus’ sacrifice - death - offering HIS BLOOD as payment for my sins - all sins. The Gift.

PERIOD.

This is love.

The receipt of this Gift is what it means to be a Christian.

Now as I ponder this in light of my conversation with a family member… Our differing opinion made me wonder about their receipt of the Gift. Father God’s grace does indeed cover a multitude of sin, Ephesians 2:8-9 and infirmities 2 Corinthians 12:9 - just to note two, but there are many verses on the word GRACE from Genesis to the Revelation. Indeed a beautiful word… This Gift is extremely perplexing to many, hence, why sadly so many resist, turn down; this amazing Gift. Some only see Father God in terms of their own humanity and being like us - They could never forgive sin, (important note: forgiveness is not excusing sin - there must still be an atonement-payment-punishment for sin - that would be Jesus’ sacrifice). 

However, some folks have their “Yeah, buts…”. I used to. There are many sins that are vile, and evil, even sins that are totally unnatural to the laws of nature, BUT GOD…. I’ve said it many times, this is why God is God and we are not… Father God does see and knows everyone’s heart. We do not. So all sin is sin to God. Also while it is not our good deeds that earns us any merit with Father God, (our goodness are as “filthy rags”), it is our actions as Christians, (as we do bare the title), that identifies us as belonging to Father God - being called a part of HIS Family - grafted in, adopted, (Romans 11:11 - the “church” gets to benefit from what was rejected. Our Jewish brothers and sisters are chosen of Father God to be His own people - forever, Deuteronomy chapters 7-27 - The Promise, (lots of Christian’s disagree - I am not one of them!). The Jews will have their time of reckon with Jesus, Zechariah 12:10 - an ah-ha moment).  The LOVE we profess to have because of Christ Jesus… and out of that LOVE - compels us to want to do Father God’s will… LOVE more - as He so LOVES… 

BE LIKE JESUS!

SO… When I see or hear of a Christian behaving contrary to Jesus whom they say they have in their hearts, they say they live for Him, they say they LOVE HIM… but the fruit is, dare I say rotten… What be this?

I repeat. I do not see into the heart, only the fruit… and I am saddened - greatly… Especially, when people “feel” justified in their hate and/or view of others… But the devil is the father of all lies… and feelings are surely deceitful… Because I see people totally ignoring the very Words Of God. 

How can this be?…

What does it mean to be a Christian? To receive the Gift of Jesus’ Blood for the remission of sin. It is a given - we ALL have sin… We are “ALL like sheep, have gone astray…”

Dear momma, when I used to do something contrary to being her child, aka stupid; would ask, “Whose child are you?” My actions were saying something contrary to whom I belonged… and I knew this to be true… Momma just had to give the look… 

Where are the shepherds asking their flock of sheep - “Do you really belong… Do you understand what it means to belong to Father God because of Jesus’ Blood… Are we reading the same Bible, the Word of God… Are you entertaining doctrines of man - aka demons… Whose child are you really?” Contemplate all the words of Jesus.

Beloved I simply have tears… I know not who these Christ Followers are - family, friends, strangers… anyone who professes to be a lover of God, but who “hates” fellow sinners like them and what are you actually hating… What does the Word of God say beloved? What does Father say in HIS WORD? 

1 John 4:20

Sigh!

Lord Jesus, help us all - we are all so lost… in this darkness. 

Come

Soli Deo Gloria

Nina

1 John 4:20 

Something That’s Never Old and Always New for Sept.

Dare I say, I just caught a thought, from the Lord… because I don’t think this way and it stuck in my head… Also, I don’t necessarily connect dots… I just think and wonder a bit, out loud…

SCRIPTURES:

First off - I do not like the hype that- however well intended, folks put out stuff about Rapture dates… I pray for that blessed call of the trumpet blast EVERYDAY… BUT scripture does say in Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man,…”

Well, concerning the recent interest in Sept 21-23, (Rosh Hashanah starting on the 23rd)-Father gave me a thought, but maybe it’s just my earnest prayer with some skin on it 🤷🏾‍♀️

You know in Matthew 27:52-53, after the resurrection of Jesus, many of the saints who were once dead appeared to many… AND in 1 Corinthians 15:6 Jesus was seen by 400 believers and lastly by Paul… over a short period time after His resurrection… AND in 1 Thessalonians 4:17  Father speaks of what will happen during His call for HOME… We will be with those who rose from the grave… and be with Jesus forevermore… 

THOUGHTS:

…The thought came, the dead in Christ may visit us -believers, (after all they have resurrected bodies - like Christ), perhaps to tell us the Rapture is soon to happen. I’m supposing they will not be clueless as to their momentary return before their and our final exit destination - Heaven. However, scripture does not state how much time will transpire between the dead in Christ rising and our ascent into Heaven. We only know that our bodies will be changed in a “twinkling of an eye”, 1 Corinthians 15:52. So perhaps we will have one last time to reach out to those unbelieving family members and friends to tell them it’s happening- that the Rapture is really imminent! Like Noah had opportunity to tell folks before he entered the ark. Of course, folks saw Noah building the ark for some years and made sport of him. I’m sure mercilessly, (Matthew 24:38). Lot had opportunity to tell his family, on the last day… So, we may have one last chance to tell about our Jesus one last time - maybe - I don’t know… through texting, calling, social media… one last time… Of course, shouldn’t we be speaking about Jesus everyday?… Just sayin’

I don’t know, but Father God does… and He doesn’t desire that any should perish… And I don’t think people would want to perish either, IF they believed that hell was a real place for the devil and that it is his, (the devil’s will), that you be with him in hell… forever- separated from God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit… Because he hates God that much… The devil wants to keep as many who willingly believe the lies he spews - that he does not exist and that hell is not a real place and that Father God means to keep you from knowing good and evil… 

Guess what. We all know good and evil. It’s inherent thanks to that Garden of Eden incident, but believe that Father God sent His Son Jesus to die, to offer His Blood as atonement/payment for our sin - the stuff we do wrong… because one day we will die - and our thoughts and deeds are the things we own! We get to answer for them - OR we receive Jesus’ sacrifice… We will all get to stand before Father God and either Jesus will be standing beside us because of our receipt of His Blood atonement or you choose to stand alone -on your own - in which case you will be casted into hell, because NO ONE but Jesus can clear your sins.

So the point of all this thought 🤔… Choose this day Whom you will serve. Rapture next week, next month, years down the road or death which is inevitable - we all get out that way, should Father tarry - but choose Jesus or the devil. My suppositions are just that… I am not god… I am dust and I just have ideas and wonders about what things may look like, because I get ideas squirreling around in my head that I don’t believe are my own… 

I do pray about what I write and share, and have trusted friends that I rely upon to pray with me and offer their godly advice… to which I am really grateful. They are Heaven sent to me and help me to remain grounded… I mean I have ideas about a lot of things that Father says - keep that to yourself Nina 🙄…

So I’m hoping to see you on the other side of the vale… The call for HOME… is sooner, I pray.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Nina

A dahlia on one of my walks…

An Addendum to Sept. 5th’s Posting…

 

Concerning Stories and Dreams

I’m slowly, finally, realizing how important words really are. And sadly, with today’s mass-disconnect many people do not bother to go deeper than surface - 5 -10 “thoughts” comprised of emojis and first letters of words that are supposed to be universally known, but aren’t always - especially with the “older” generation - i.e. SMH - which I still don’t know… 

Marriage is supposed to be for life, so that one grows, which means one learns about another. One learns to value another highly. One learns to sacrifice for another. One learns to develop -build dreams together… People, sadly do not bother to take the time to do this any longer, because they seem to believe that their time will run out and they won’t accomplish what they want - all the while forgetting that this development, this build - was to be done together…

My story, however, not completed - is still being read to me by Father God… While I have choice to do as I please - free will - Father God being Omniscient, already knows my book… For those jumping in mid-stream, they seem to neglect all that came before as a culmination to bring me, the readers into the present pages… and no one wants to look back… however, it should not be negated… When folks come together stories are doomed to fail if one or both parties pretend that either can step into the middle and under -stand - “Praytell, what are thee standing upon? Ye are sinking! And what it that smell?” The past is not always roses - there be thorns too. 

I recently got to thinking about dreams, (in truth, just this morning), and realized that I don’t have those anymore… Too many of my dreams have been broken, dashed, crushed, discarded, used, disregarded, abused; usually by others sometimes, some by my own undoing of possibilities …Some simply fall to the floor of my mind  and collect dust… Dreams in this life are temporal. Hence, they are subject to all that I listed above, because of living in a fallen world… This world can-not sustain the mere weightiness of unbelievable possibilities  - only Father God can. 

It is a blessing to be satisfied, to hope for the best, to achieve goals, but to have dreams and imagine them soaring even higher than one thought… Only Father God. Yes, I also think “dreams” are something that should be shared with another and very few people get past or go deeper into anybody’s story - Only Father God does this. In the Garden, Father God said, “…it’s not good for man to be alone…” I think this was because of service. Sharing in a job to do together, but also now that I think about it - to share in the impossibilities of dreams… Sadly that so got so messed up! Free will and sin… BUT it is only with free will that one can be truly loved, because of the sacrifice of one’s will… BUT it should be congenial - and it is so not. 

It’s crazy that Father God - waits - on us to love Him. That’s so crazy… BUT only Father God - LOVES that purely!!!  And being GOD! He knows ALL - of everything and everyone! And He delights in us! 

Lord Jesus! Totally unfathomable - because i am mere dust!

I think dreams are for Heaven not of this earth… Gravity holds dreams down.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Nina

To be clear - I have had impossible dreams - dreamt: Dreams of opening a restaurant/bakery… Working as a missionary… Life partner dreams… Even opening up a gun range - called Roses and Thorns… but life… 

I still have hopes - hopes aren’t so much dependent upon me, but really are prayers I pray for family, friends and fellow folks in this walk… but these are different… These are accomplished by Father God… I don’t think my dreams were His will - least they would be accomplished… 

This is a drawing I did for a collaboration
And testing markers

Something Old and New for Sept.: Mary and End Times aka Waiting

 

Morning Glory

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was indeed a very special woman, but not eternal, nor super natural… but a young woman that existed in a time and space who grew up to become the woman that Father God gave a very special calling… Similar to Abraham who was given the opportunity to leave everything and everyone he had known to receive a calling… When I think about some of the lives of the people from scripture that Father God used and what they went through - it seems crazy… Each being called at a specific time for specific “jobs” to accomplish details, if you think about it; that may have intersected with our lives today in this 21st century… Were you inspired by the youthful antics of David as a shepherd boy as he must have practiced slinging stones or from his later in life psalms of praise to Father God… or by the feisty words of Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar or the cunning planning of Queen Esther, or the submission of Ruth… and there are many from New Testament, but I’m off script - again.   

 

Still, Mary, the mother of our Lord, had nine full months of waiting after her visit from a messenger of the Lord. I have heard and agree, that at the very moment she said, “… Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38  - the waiting started…

After the angel departed… Was there angst?  What did Mary do? Did she begin to second guess herself, especially considering the possible consequences of her being pregnant by someone other than her betrothed?  I wonder was dear Mary an over thinker? What did she do in her head - where battles are often waged? She was no doubt a remarkable woman, similar to many people Father God chooses to use… Noble and humble, obedient and knowledgeable and yet bold. She took a major step in faith, similar to Noah building a boat on dry land and telling others about the Lord’s impending judgement…For years people mocked Noah and his family for his efforts. Still, Mary knew Old Testament and knew there was a promised Redeemer King coming. Had she spent regular time listening to the Pharisees, Sadducees and religious scribes speak about a King? 

Father God knew Mary’s heart and what was in her head. Subsequently the angel informed her that her cousin Elisabeth was with child in her old age. Mary went to be with Elisabeth for three months. No doubt to assist her - kind of busy work, (to take her mind off of what was happening to her), and for encouragement and affirmation, (Elisabeth’s baby, John; lept in her womb at Mary’s voice. Luke 1:44), and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. After the birth of Jesus she did ponder things in her heart after the shepherds visited she, Joseph and Jesus Luke 2:18-20. Then there was the surprise visit of the Magi, and their gifts...

As a new wife and mom to be, Mary had a lot going on initially being privy to some astounding news… and she had to wait and watch her body change. After her return from Elisabeth, she was approximately three moths pregnant… I wonder did Father God extend grace as far as how she felt physically. Although, I don’t think so because Jesus was 100 % man… and so along with Mary would have to go through all that entails… Literally, the growing pains… (btw, Jesus was still 100% God the Son - while being developed as a baby…)

I’m not going to detail all that I suppose Mary went through with being graced with carrying our Lord, her Lord, to term, and being His mother… My thoughts are focused on the pondering she may have experienced during the nine months… Knowing what’s to come and the gravity of it all… Of course, most women who give birth go through something similar, but perhaps not to the same degree, given that Mary was carrying the Son of God. One’s perspective is surely different with such knowledge…

Similarly, some believers are looking forward to something huge -with the anticipated Rapture of the church. As believers many, (not all), are overthinking - like Mary; what’s to possibly come. Some believers aren’t even anticipating this event, even though it’s clearly in Father’s Book. We don’t know the day… The event, not the date is alluded to in Isaiah 26; Daniel 9,12; Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 17; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 3; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation 3, 4; (I purposely didn’t give verses - READ the FULL chapters and this is not an exhaustive listing - just some scriptures). 

Something BIG is going to happen in a tinkling of an eye… How will Father God find you? What will you be found busily doing? While Mary couldn’t help being focused on the Baby growing in her womb, we have different birth pains that definitely catch our attention - sometimes… Sometimes we are lulled by trappings of the world, other times we are overladen with worries and cares, both take our eyes off of Father God’s Word and so we neglect prayer - communication/relationship building with Father God… and we loose Hope… We don’t anticipate as we once did… We grow weary and don’t give our Hope of Glory a second thought… Worst, we don’t tell others about Father God and the sacrifice of His Son Jesus for sin and what’s to come as a result of that Gift… We allow ourselves to be distracted and simply go about our very own business - our willfulness.

Of course, as some wait, the onslaught of life happens daily -  2 Corinthians 4:6-16, but by the grace of Father God we are not beaten. Despite it all - the worry and doubt and trouble - we keep the faith. Like Mary, we ponder and more importantly for us we share our faith. We walk and talk about our Blessed Hope in Glory. This is what we should do while waiting… We share why we are not beaten down despite life’s circumstances. We explain the deep cause for JOY - surely being sadden by what happens, but Father takes those times and promises to use them for His glory… Nothing is wasted beloved - not one tear… Granted everyone has troubles. I have them, but by the Grace of Father God He is the Lifter of my head… and I move on… 

Obviously, I do not know your journey, only my own. Without going into needless details know that I speak from the experiences of  2 Corinthians 4:8 and 9 - in a first world sense, but Father God has got me and I will always proclaim His love and goodness and His much anticipated call for Home. Like Mary, surely there is much that I ponder in my heart - the angst… The whys, and how can this be… and the need for reassurance - sometimes daily… but I have a Hope - Jesus. Do you?

…and I just had a final thought… It’s good that we don’t have a clue as to when this long awaited call for Home will occur… If we did, so many would wait aka live and let live -  and not have a genuine longing for Jesus, (So many believers act as if they don’t have much of one now - They say and believe that being “good” is enough - not that being super good is it either - it’s knowing and receiving Jesus’ good - Remember it is HE that takes our place for our due and sure punishment-hell - because we are ALL not good - filthy rags=our goodness). 

Probably, if believers knew the day and hour of our call Home, they would not speak of our Blessed Hope to those who don’t believe and wouldn’t even have a testimony of a life that speaks of Jesus… Like, there wouldn’t be a witness of a changed life or a life that was impacted by Jesus’ sacrifice,… Because believers, sadly, may be living similar to those who don’t believe and there would be no difference, (like now)… They too, would simply wait til the last minute…  

Many preachers/pastors/priests, don’t speak of Jesus’ call for Home and our Blessed Hope - Heaven - let alone hell… and even less believers speak of it… So many more would probably be lost - going to hell as a result of this foreknowledge… 

No - it’s good that we do NOT know the hour nor day… 

Be like Noah - carry the proverbial umbrella from now on - everyday. Tell someone why you believe Jesus is going to call us HOME.

Soli Deo Gloria

Nina ☂️

Something Old for the End of August

Choices in platforms

I wrote this once upon a time in response to a query on the existence of hell… But I share it today, because I have realized that sometimes, when evil occurs to someone and eventually forgiveness is extended to the one who did the evil; by the person that was the recipient of the evil… It makes a difference - at least one would hope… Father God gave me this thought this morning… that this is why there is free will and so the good and the evil… So that the opportunity for the extension of forgiveness is unequivocally valid. Additionally, when the person offering forgiveness speaks of the opportunity of avoiding hell - it too, is most certainly true.

Evil has been done to so many, but speaking personally - to me, and I can say most assuredly, I do not desire for anyone to go to hell. For me we exist to proclaim the Good News - there exist Father God, Who gave His only Son, Jesus, as an atonement, (payment), aka sacrifice for all of humanity who are sinful and condemned to hell as punishment. Because of this sacrifice - Jesus, also being 100% man and 100% God, rose from the dead in triumph/defeat over death and hell, (our punishment). Jesus offers His Gift of life - His sacrifice - His Blood - for a n y o n e -e v e r y b o d y- a l l so that they may literally get out of hell. It’s like being given a remedy for illness that will surely kill you… 

Like, who wouldn’t take such a GIFT?

Sadly, lots of people, because they simply do not believe in God, nor believe that they commit sins against God, and they surely don’t believe in hell and most times don’t believe in Heaven either… We - believers in Father God, exist to tell others about this unbelievable GIFT, to those who are non-believers… It is a choice. Father God NEVER forces a person to believe that He exists and that His Gift is free…just for the receipt. 

This is LOVE.

I think people don’t receive this gift sometimes because they still see and experience suffering, evil… and say, “Where was God?” Folks forget that everyone has choice so we all still sin… BUT GOD, for the believer, the one who is truly repentant - being sorry enough to do a 180 from their sin and live for Father God… This be the work of the third person of the Trinity - the Holy Spirit, (also God)… He is constantly speaking into the lives and ears of the believer - if we listen… Sure we fall off the proverbial wagon but it is the Holy Spirit that calls those- the believers back to TRUE NORTH - back to Father God, and so repentance. 

What are you waiting for, what are you chasing after beloved? It is either Father God or the devil… These are the only choices. 

Jesus is coming soon for His bride the church - this is the Rapture - so all who belong to Jesus - believers, will be taken away… Should He tarry - not wanting any to perish, (waiting for you to choose Him - but not forever beloved) - then eventually, some folks will die… Either going to Heaven as a believer or to hell - there are no do overs. Once to die then the judgement. 

So, this is what I wrote about a tad more than a year ago - perhaps for such a time as this:

It is my thought that one of the many lies that satan whispers is that we always have time… and the most egregious lie is that there are no eternal consequences to sin - that there is no hell penalty… that it’s a made up construct to control the masses, (I’ve heard this argument). Sadly in this way of thinking, the redeemed may not earnestly pursue his forsaken brother, whose very soul is in danger of hellfire… but may merely believe nothingness/annihilation - awaits those forsaken - those who choose not to believe - the nonbeliever… so it’s not really that bad, because God would never penalize/condemn His created beings to such a place. Then the argument would be made - if they choose not the Way of Jesus then they would just simply not exist - which isn’t a penalty.  Nonexistence is not a penalty.

There must be a hell - a penalty for unbelievers - those who reject Jesus’ death, blood atonement, resurrection and anticipated return because Jesus spoke of the extreme opposite- Heaven the “reward” for receiving His grace, ALL that He did for humanity. 

God IS just - so the two “consequences” must exist. 

Hell is indeed an unimaginably horrible place - so horrible that Jesus gave ALL He had to keep unbelievers/sinners from going there, and through His Words we have an understanding, so to share the Good News that ALL are free to NOT go there… But it is a choice. 

For follows here are a hodgepodge collection of Scriptures that speak to hell and damnation. 

King James Version

Psalm 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Matt. 23:33 …Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Matt. 5:22 … But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Mark 3:29 … But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.

Mark 9:43, 45 … And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched... And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.

2 Thess 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ...

Isaiah 33:14 The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?

Luke 16:23 [(not a parable)] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom

Psalm 11:6. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

Psalm 55:15. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.

Proverbs 5:5 Her feet go down to death her steps take hold on hell.

Proverbs 7:27 Her house is the way of hell going down to the chambers of death.

Isaiah 14:15 Yet thou shall be brought down to hell to the sides of the pit.

Matt. 13:42 … And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Rev. 14: 10,11. The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Matt. 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Psalm 116:3  The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Final judgment 

Rev 20:11-15

11And I saw a Great White Throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14And death and hell were cast into THE Lake of Fire. This is the second death. 15And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into THE Lake of Fire.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Nina

Something New for August: Waiting Still…

A friend recently asked, if I were still waiting on this life to end… I replied that I was waiting for the real life to begin…So I guess so. What we are engaged in at this very present moment is only the dim view of life - unpolished’. 1 Corinthians 13:12 “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 

Confusing? 

I believe there’s so much more to what is real life, what Father God intended before the fall… He graciously gives us foretaste of what’s to come… Some of you might be thinking, well if we can have the occasional foretaste, why can’t we have the proverbial it now… Why can’t we have it all now! Always! The foretaste we are given are gifts, not the norm. This world that we are all, merely passing through, is tainted - incapable of sustaining good, because we are all messed up - by choice… I know some of you think yourselves good… Oh dearly beloved… none are good, not one of us, except Jesus, Who is with His Father… 

Subsequently, Psalms 67 I thought was in reference to the millennium Kingdom where everyone - ALL nations would be rejoicing and singing for joy…(it’s a short Psalm, you can read it).  God will bless us, and all will revere Him to the ends of the earth… I can’t wait for this… but I got to thinking about the “all”… and wondering who they are and would they all be rejoicing… Surely, Father God’s elect, but those who choose not to be part of the elect, because they supposed they’d have their fun and happiness on earth and so gave no care to the great thereafter, the real life…These that supposed this life was all there is… What will they be doing?…

People suppose they are happy and content or of course, the opposite. While we wait for the real life, the thereafter, I look and think about people who are supposedly happy but so many of them are not, (I people watch - remember. I ride buses and trains and walk everywhere and I listen to what people say) - especially those who don’t have Jesus as Lord of their lives. Yes, there are folks now saying, “…But Nina you shouldn’t impose your morality - religion - beliefs on others and determine that those who don’t think as you do are unhappy...” 

…But so many people are…unhappy… while possessing the things that supposedly make them happy. People are searching… looking for that “thing” that will satisfy. 

I see and experience their fruit. Words, and deeds speak volumes. It is the discontentedness that spills over into the lives of people all around - believers and non-believers, both get the proverbial slap in the face. No one is exempt when anybody is unhappy; but particularly those who are without Father God as their source of strength - they grow this bitter fruit in bushelfuls and are equally affected by that nasty fruit when it is hurled. Matthew 19:29, speaks about forsaking, stuff and people, (not holding these in higher regard over Jesus), … for Jesus’ name sake. In the previous verses in this chapter, Jesus was chatting with the rich man who really thought himself “good enough” and so wanted to hold onto all of his benefits of the good life. When in truth, it was holding him back from the better life, the real life with Jesus, because those things were his god... John 15:19 talks about how the world loves its own, but not so much those who are chosen out of the world. 2 Timothy 3:12 the apostle Paul speaks about how living godly causes persecution… Which is crazy when one thinks about it… You are trying to do what is right, (live godly), by people, and you get trouble for it… Why? Because those who do not want Father God or anything connected with His Kingdom - really in their hearts - hate you because they hate Father God - you just happen to be in the way of that stuff they hurl… 🤷🏾‍♀️ What did you expect this world to be like… especially as we draw nearer to our destruction… Rainbows, daisies chains, and marshmallows?

My point - we are all waiting and all will revere Him…Even those who were discontented but claimed to be happy, because of stuff they gathered among themselves… Yes. Father God does bless some - for His Kingdom purposes, remember the servants who were given varying talents… When they increased their portions they were blessed with more… 

This life is like a giant waiting room… 

Waiting rooms are set up in places usually when something is wrong and people are waiting to hear that something is better or repaired… Life has indeed lost its color… if what we’ve seen is real… and its taste is just bland. I once described a visit to communist China this way… but it’s life everywhere now. If it weren’t for my hope in the glory to come - faith in Jesus as the Lord of my life… I think I’d be like so many I see on trains or even walking - scrolling through life and not living it… Not to speak morbidly but rather realistically, one must loosen the death grip one has on this life of what we suppose is the “good” life - at least that which the world dictates is the good life - t h e  w o r l d  l i e s beloved… A few people are waking up to the shift in the air… that something has changed, something is off with their perceptions and they know there’s no going back - only forward… Don’t waste another minute scrolling aimlessly, “… look up …for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28 

🎺

Soli Deo Gloria

Nina 

On “that Blessed Day” I will not be found here,
just like, I’m not there now… I was just
passing through…