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…

Something Old, but Not Really Because There is Nothing New Under the Sun…

Homemade sourdough bread

I was thinking about the prosperity gospel that is often preached for the sake of the accumulation of wealth for greed. “You can have your cake and eat it too… Life is supposed to be a walk in the park and a bed of roses…” Such preachers forget that too much sugar rots teeth, parks are not always safe havens and roses have thorns. 

Since we are being formed into the image of Christ, then the idyllic picture of prosperity that is often painted in sermons, is not the whole truth. Romans 8 speaks to the Good News and the walk of a Christ follower: verse18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us… 21 Because the creature, (us), itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, (this would be the sin nature and death), into the glorious liberty, (freedom) of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation, (this is everything created from the Genesis account),  groaneth and travaileth in pain together… 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, (pains, problems, issues, setbacks, etc. - you know what I mean - weaknesses, stuff of this life that has the potential to break a person), for us with groanings which cannot be uttered , (sit with that one for a minute or two)… 28 And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, … PLEASE READ ALL OF CHAP 8  

Colossians 3:10 …And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him…  Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. 1 Corinthians 15, (another good chap to chew upon but…) verse 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the Heavenly. 

So what is this image of Christ? Isaiah 53:3-6 “He, (Jesus) is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. 4 Surely, He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

This is a paradox. We do have the joy and hope of what’s to come because of all that Christ endured - the suffering; surely it was no bed of roses - but a crown of thorns. Prosperity - yes, but the cost is not free and as easy as some preachers present and the prosperity is not of this world. No, God does not want us to be in bondage to sin, nor to debt… both of these are choices… Yes, there are abuses of wealth. I look at the corruption of many governments who have not released resources to their countrymen. I look at the corruption of large companies who abuse their workers to the point of enslaving them in this 21st century. I look at the choices of people choosing to live beyond their means because they believe they should have all that they want - now - and so become enslaved to credit card debt or worse, they use people to get their cake, to eat now.

Sigh!

My point with this thought/question: As Christ followers - what are you expecting that walk to be like, especially when Father God’s Word states clearly we are to be transformed into the image of Christ?… That Image, (Jesus), knew sorrow, but also JOY because of what was set before Him - the  cross and what IT meant - Glory, Heaven, for us - sinners who reject Him going and coming, dropping our cross daily… 

Father God gave me a lesson, so here’s a little story:

I’ve had opportunity to do services, things; for someone who has absolutely no appreciation for what I’ve done, (it’s a bit like being a parent, because sadly, children rarely have an appreciation for what is provided until they become parents and/or simply mature - whichever comes first). But this someone is not a child of mine… just a person. This person seems to intentionally turn a blind eye to services I provide and oftentimes seems to hold me in utter contempt and disregards me. I continue to provide services irregardless, because others benefit as well - there is a bigger picture and I know this, so I continue to do as I do… And for those wondering, “Well if others weren’t benefiting, would I continue to serve?” Yes, until Father God says to stop, because I know He does not call us to throw our pearls before swine, Matthew 7:6; and “…there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, (read it, please).

Father God gives us all resources to use for His Kingdom. And resources aren’t just treasured - time and talents are surely undervalued and overlooked resources - these are indeed precious commodities. Give them.

The Lesson: This is being conformed into the image of Christ. Because it does hurt being not appreciated, nor regarded and dare I say hated… With tears I say, beloved, we, (me too), do this to Jesus everyday.

Taking up the “The Cross”, our cross, everyday, submitting to being conformed into the image of Christ, 24/7; is not easy. There is suffering in the cup, there is bitter gall in that cup, (I once was so ill because of gallstones, so I’ve literally tasted this bitterness). This is what Christ followers are called to: See others through the eyes of Christ and so serve and walk as Christ did: JOYFULLY FORWARD INTO HIS KINGDOM! 

Soli Deo Gloria

Nina        

Something New for July - But Not Really

 Remember this is just me thinking aloud. I am not the authority on much of anything… Although, my sourdough bread has improved a lot… I do read Father God’s Book daily… I’m learning to simply chew on bits and sit with it more than usual… Like my sourdough bread making… It has to sit, then stretch and fold and then sit and stretch and fold again… before the bulk rise… and then longer fermentation later. Such are my readings… 

In my personal study, I’ve been through Psalms a few times… This time way slower, making notes on top of notes - I even bought a translation with Hebrew, (No, I don’t read Hebrew), but the translation is even more so than my KJV - which is right beside me most times… BUT, my point: I’m not an authority nor even consider myself a teacher in Bible studies… I’m just sharing my thoughts as Father instructs and it is HE that does what He may with these words and thoughts He gives me… It’s like He’s tossing a ball with to me and says, “Try…”. He never tires of my mess-ups and often fills in the gaps for you that I miss. 

Please study and seek after Father God - especially if you’ve come across these writings, (not by accident - nothing is by accident)… Maybe these are the impetus to get you seeking more and Father is tossing the ball to you…🙂

  

Philippians 2:12 -Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

This is NOT a suggestion from Paul to the Philippians to throw Father God’s Grace to the wind… Nor is it about the doing of “works” that earns points with Father God …. having the attitude, “Look what I did God - for You!” We can never do enough to earn our way into Heaven - in fact I often look at the thief on the cross… We know very little about his life other than he took what wasn’t his, once too many times, and got caught. He was sentenced to die a horrible death for his crimes, but Father God… had purpose for him, even in his sinfulness, (Remember, “…yet while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8). This thief saw the sacrifice and humility of Jesus and was moved to understand that this Man dying at his side, was way more in this life and so saw the potential for something more, to come, and asked humbly -to just be remembered “…when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom.” Luke 23:42. This thief did nothing, but received the grace afforded to him through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection.

The thief did not have the opportunity after this divinely appointed encounter to “take up his cross daily…” Although, he did follow Jesus into Paradise that day, but this scripture from Luke 9:23 is an admonition for those who literally and figuratively follow Christ daily, to remember the burdens, the cost of carrying the cross - the sacrifice and also the power of the cross, that the wiles of the devil can not prevail against. More importantly, the devil can not win against the very name of Jesus! It is unbelievable that such a simple name, (but, God’s Son’s name - Jesus), carries such power. In the words of Martin Luther’s hymn, A Mighty Fortress; “One little Word can fell him…” The cross - an instrument of detestable punishment commandeering such attention that it is used to identify ones allegiance. Unbelievable… but, it is. A transformational paradox. It’s like suffering, (for some and at some-times); it has the potential of touching the heart and so changing it.

We are all works in progress - even those on the other side of our beliefs. The believer is simply working out their salvation, taking up their cross - daily. It varies for all believers, but whatever path Father God has for each of us - it is surely intentional - it is purposeful. Nothing is ever wasted. No suffering, no tears, (Psalm 56:8). To this point, look at King David, who was broken in spirit at the illness of his first born child with Bathsheba. For seven days King David fasted, wept and prayed for a healing, but the Lord did not heal the child’s earthly body. “…Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me”. 2 Samuel 12:22,23. 

Likewise, “Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him… When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, … he went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:1-7 

In both of these accounts where babies seemed to suffer, (according to our perceptions), because they were conceived… it seems tragic, but is it? The greater lesson… King David’s first son brought about a deeper repentance…and he, King David; had the Hope of Glory, (“I shall go to him.”). The man born blind, had a life. We do not know if it was good or bad, (he begged), but his parents were with him and were responsible parents until he became of age… And He was healed, by Jesus as an adult. He was grateful, worshipped Jesus and believed Jesus as the Son of God. John 9: 35-41.

Both babies had purpose. Established by Father God before conception. They had work to do - totally unbeknownst to them of course - once accomplished… They either went Home to Father God or lived out their lives, then went Home to Father God.

Oddly, suffering begets a deeper understanding and walk with Father God that we can not often acquire when life is relatively good, (it’s funny, but not, how that works out that way). Sadly Father God shouts at us in our complacency - because we are easily lulled into slumber, but He whispers tenderly and consolingly in our pain and suffering. Too many people, believers and non believers alike - don’t listen for Father God’s voice in any instance.

And some of you are saying, “… But want a minute - God sacrificed those children and their lives and purposely gave them what seemed to be way less than ideal lives…” 

Yes He did.

And Father God IS good.

He is Father God.

And Father God IS good.

He sees the BIGGER picture.

And Father God IS good.

We do not.

We are finite - super tiny, minuscule! dust!

Father God is Infinite. Way beyond our understanding - ever.

And Father God IS good.

    Please - just stop trying to fit GOD into your tiny box. He i s  n o t  l i k e  u s.

    Just STOP! 

    No, I don’t have it figured out. Yes I do get angry, (mainly at people - like me), at what I see daily, 

    but GOD -  i am not!

You as believers, do realize that Father God sacrificed His ONLY SON for you? Jesus, GOD’S ONLY SON took the punishment for your despicable sins, (mine too)… just so I can take His BLOOD GIFT and so be covered - atoned for - so I get to be adopted as a daughter of Father God. 

When was the last time you took a punishment for someone? The death penalty?

And what about the millions of babies sacrificed on the altar of convenience… of an unplanned pregnancy?

Not throwing rocks here… Some of you have buried yourselves under boulders of guilt and shame… I’m throwing nothing -nada.

But…

Those were innocent babies - not just products of conception, tissue, a clump of cells … sacrificed so you could go on - seemingly, with what you thought was your life! Men and women participated in this…

But God…says… “You will go to that baby…” 

Hope of Glory! Heaven…

The baby aborted…

The baby that lived 3 days…

The baby who grew up to live 44 years and had such a full impactful life and then a mis-diagnosis… and she’s gone - Home…

So many babies that lived in this broken world… (We were all babies, once upon a time…)

All jobs complete… Jobs well done… Father God called you Home, (it’s so close…now…you can see the veil moving…blowing in the gentle breeze…), and those left behind… 

…will go to you… 

Lord Jesus… Your ways are unsearchable. They make no sense to me so much of the time… and to so many, but I have faith. I have a Hope. I have Jesus and His cross - nothing more do I cling to.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Nina

Home! So close…

While we wait: Romans 12

An Added Something Before We Close Out June

 I’ve been pondering my perspectives… That sounds a bit redundant… repetitive somehow...

The Past: I surely can look back and see where I’ve been, however, my perception of events does fade over time… The important events stand out, while the details, literally fall by the wayside… like the proverbial books on the shelf without bookends… 

The Now: The present is now, (I know -a really big profound thought), but, it’s where most folks live - in the now…Some do not. It’s difficult to argue contradicting thoughts on the now, when we are all living it. However, what plays into the distortions of the present -sometimes, are those with evil intent and so the gaslighting whispers. The serpent - aka - the devil, did so to dear mother Eve, (and won BIG), and he attempted to do so to Jesus… (There are a ton more examples, but these are two big ones that serve my point for explanation). Just a drop of poison in a glass of pure water taints the entire glass… So, sadly… many folks are questioning what they know is true - even when they see it all with their own eyes…

BUT… 

There’s the future… That thing we argue about all day long, every day… 

“No I’m right!” 

        “No! I’m right!!!”

“No! You’re’ both wrong! I’m right… I KNOW what’s going to happen!”

As far as seeing into the future, for me, (of course, I don’t see the future. I believe scriptures and have faith) … Father God WINS! The devil surely looses. When I am no longer here on this earth - I WILL be with Father God in Heaven because I received the sacrificial Gift of the Blood atonement, (payment), for my sins, (ALL of them), thanks be to Jesus Christ - Son of God. Father God says, no sin in Heaven - you must be washed clean by the Blood of His Son Jesus - freely given for such a purpose - no one else EVER has done this, nor could - Only Jesus!

…But, my point - we as believers argue and divide, drawing lines in the sand and ready for a fight over lots of stuff we don’t know too much about - The future. Yes! For sure, read scripture, a lot is there. It’s for edifying, encouraging - giving the blessed Hope, showing the right way to live in this fallen world that we get to - p a s s - through! But many godly people argue about that which they know not and so presume to be god - knowing it all. Whatever happen to faith? Father God has got it , (the managing of the universe), or He does not! 

Do not worry… Father God has got it!

For me scripture is black and white. I believe it cover to cover…I’m not changing one word that addresses me… For example, some folks would rather we live under the law, attempting perfection… When it’s purpose is to let us know when we do wrong and so provide the standard - Father God’s standard. But Jesus gave us freedom from the law in that we do NOT use the law as a means to usurp GRACE - because we can not work our way to Heaven. We can not be good enough to take up residence in Heaven on our own… least there would be no need for Jesus’ sacrifice and Blood….

How Father must shake His head at His children…

What’s the important thing. Tell a non-believer or someone who’s doubting, about what and why Jesus did what He did for them… TELL THEM JESUS LOVES THEM! And SERVE… 

Father God draws those that belong to Him and He DOES the work… We just get to walk along side of a person, we get to plant, we get to water, we get to prune, we get to encourage… We get to do whatever it is, (for those listening), Father God wants us to do… and just keep trying - even if you mess up or miss an opportunity…

I confess… I am a rule follower aka a bit of a Pharisee, - I am ashamed to state such. I am a stickler for doing “things” the way it’s supposed to be done, (not so much attempting perfection…but crazy, I know for a person who thinks outside of the box in the area of creativity). I like order and for me, order comes from following rules… even ones made up in my head… I have driven so many people, co-workers, family, my children - to swear, I’m sure; under their breath - because of the way IT is supposed to be done. I’m sorry folks…

BUT… I know this world does not operate anything close to what it should be because the prince of this world is at large… the devil… And his time is so short that he’s ramped up his agenda - so it seems… and in the words of chicken little, “… The sky is falling! The sky IS falling!” Not an acorn. Not pretend! Not a joke! This is not a simulation! This is NOT a drill!

This world IS coming to an end… In my last posting I said I was a like a pessimist… so, a realist… 

JESUS IS COMING. Great News! So…

TELL SOMEONE JESUS DIED IN THEIR PLACE -TAKING THEIR SIN PUNISHMENT BY GIVING ALL OF HIS BLOOD FOR THEM… 

LOVE PEOPLE - (not necessarily pets - take care of the pets, but the investment should not be on par with another human - I know I ruffled feathers, (pun), here! I do prefer people!) 

READ your Bible. I prefer KJV

S l o w your lives down if you can… Look for the details about you… So much is still very beautiful. Stop with the vain pursuits… and just see!!!

Stop looking to fight… Like, why are you fighting? Really folks? I’m talking about among your children, family, neighbors, co-workers, friends, etc. Do you really want to die on that hill?

Serve: You don’t have to find a soup kitchen or whatever… For some of you that’s way out of your comfort zone, hence, why you pour yourself into a pet… I’m just saying…(Short Aside Story - I should explain. I am a retired teacher. Once an upon a time we weren’t allowed to eat nuts or have anything nut related in our rooms nor even in the school… because of allergies. The schools went the extreme… BUT NOW people with pets can enter grocery stores, buses, trains, restaurants… with their “Comfort Pets!” Totally ignoring those of us who are allergic to them - Our health doesn’t matter! I extend a lot of grace to comfort pets… but it is unnerving - especially when I’m walking the WIDE circle around you and your pet and you suppose I want to pet your animal because - why?! - I digress - See my Pharisee-ism, (kind of), is shining through today)… 

You can share - some - of what you have. You can smile - really, such a small thing if it’s genuine. You can laugh at the little children walking by being silly. You can listen to the stranger on the bus or train… minimally, offer some tissue.  … There so much you can do that is so small, but can mean the world to someone  a l o n e,  h u r t i n g,  b ro ken… 

Love - respect others. These are cousins.

For sure… The world is winding down… What are you going to do my beloved?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Nina

A felting project I did with my oldest daughter

 

Something New for June

 My children have often come close to calling me a naysayer, cynical… 

They would say I have a preoccupation…

with dying. But they never focus on what I am actually saying and that is: IF one is a believer then, surely the next life is way better than the present - even on the best of days. Still, I make it a point in these posting to encourage folks to live for the day they have and make it the best day ever… because this life as we live and breathe  - is short… Eternity is forever and sadly, very few folks have their eyes on - the forever prize… 

My children talk about what they plan to do, assuming that everything goes according to their plans… Not to be the naysayer, but there are no guarantees in this life… I’ve learned to plan for the future but not hold onto that which can be so dramatically upended…by someone else’s plans. People who sleep soundly are sadly caught unaware of plans of war as they nestle next to their loved ones… Ask anyone literally caught in the throes of people in power in any given country anywhere in the world… They trusted, as they slept silently, that all was well and right in their world… and then it was not… Horribly not. At one moment people are singing praises to God and then locked in their church and burned a lived…

This insanity that is happening worldwide is not what any average hard working person expected, (not that those at either end of the spectrum expect either)… But it’s not just within the world’s political scene. There is a lawlessness that is incomprehensible everywhere… Where what is totally evil is now renamed, repackaged and totally redefined and presented as good. From what is done to unborn children, to “consenting minors”, non-consenting minors, (those children that are trafficked), to young adults strung out fentanyl…

I sound like a pessimist… I am realist because my Hope is so not of this world. I do not wear rose colored glasses, but I have a Hope - JESUS.

So how does one enjoy life in the face of such unspeakable evil? Where is the JOY of the Lord that is my strength… I know I am weak folks… But when I am so… then my God is strongest in me and rises up. It is not me that people see, but Father God working through me to accomplish His plan, (a way better plan than I could ever come up with). It blows me totally away that Father would even bother to use me… I’ve been broken and found in the potter’s field and called His treasure… Unbelievable, I know… And Father God pieces me back together and repurposes this old broken soul… This is why He is God and I am not. 

This part starts my short rant: I stare at a blank canvas for some time before I make a mark… Not because I’m contemplating. I fearful from my past mess-ups… So why bother? See IF I were god - I’d see the mess-ups and say - that free-will stuff is for the birds… Those creatures called humans  - created in my image - totally screwed up… Scrap the project… See I’d be the god off in the corner of the universe happy by myself… Who needs their love? But I digress again!!! 🤷🏾‍♀️

I enJOY reading Father’s Word daily, throughout the day. I enJOY going for walks, talking to people that I meet - engaging in idle chit-chat. I enJOY looking at clouds, and birds, touching leaves, smelling the earth after a heavy rain. I enJOY being creative - doing art-ing, ( Father’s hand-over-hand with me ), and making sourdough bread … BUT then I think how can I enjoy anything when so many people are in such desperate straits… dying - and so many without the hope of Jesus… As a believer - this is my bottomline - to die without salvation is hell …and I make bread? I paint a pretty picture? I walk through fields of spongy clover - just moistened by summer rains? It’s such a paradox - something in contradiction to what is. But to live in a stoic state is not living in the JOY, in the abundant life that Jesus said we have despite circumstances - that are constantly changing.   

People go about their lives everyday unaware of the doom that will beset them… They either willingly believe a lie that nothing is wrong and so gaslight everyone who opposes their views or simply are truly unaware that life - is that bad. When something turns sours they play the blame game without realizing that the table and occupants seated around the table are in a constant state of change - while the game goes on… Same game just varying players - constantly. In politics you’ve heard it said - “left wing or right wing - the wings belong to the same one bird”. 

Are you getting my point?… My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus own righteousness… Jesus and the Hope of the good life IS only in HIM. Beloved this is not based upon what I think of Father God, but what I know of Father God from His Word. I’ve said it several times do NOT make Father God into a being that is like yourself, so likewise, far be it from me to tell you what I think about Him… This is why reading scripture for yourself is so important as well as praying = having conversations with Father God without ceasing, (listen more than talk). 

Yes, a day rarely passes without me praying, ‘Lord Jesus, come quickly’, (Revelation 22). I see no other Hope for this world - once perfect and beautiful - Paradise… most assuredly lost. We need Jesus’ intervention. We cannot fix this mess ourselves. We are not evolving into something better. Let me burst that bubble - Darwin was a lair… and there’s no Santa Claus nor Easter bunny - all these things are not of God folks. Do I want happy, joyous times… of course… But I will praise Father God even in the darkest of storms. Good times are indeed fleeting, so it best to know how to get back up once you fall, because we fall, fail faint… more than enjoy and appreciate the nice mountain tops… Set your eyes on Jesus. Stay focused. May I suggest listening to old hymns. They are rugged - those writers, (read their testimonies), went through some wretched storms and came out by the grace of God with Father’s Light shining for others… 

Read Father’s Word. Talk and listen for Him without ceasing. Sing hymns.

Jesus is coming soon… You’ve gotta tell someone… Plant a seed… Father brings the increase.

Soli Deo Gloria

Nina

Foraging today-Father’s provision 
Even in the city as I walk about…
Look at my God!

Something Old for June and Some Random Thoughts to Chew Upon

 

From 2023 and even now.

I have been thinking about what is prayer again. What battle are you facing in your life that requires powerful, meaningful prayer? In looking at my own prayers as they relate to God and what I "hear" and/or His response - I must simply listen. Prayer is a conversation between Father and the pray-er. Would you broadcast your private conversations between yourself and a friend?

And the asking for forgiveness... as a follower of Christ we know we are already forgiven - it is something really, that needs not to be "reviewed" constantly with God, (for myself, like a little child whose been caught being naughty; I want to make sure Father yet loves me, in spite of my disobedience - He still does!); but, it would be better we "confess", (and so honestly acknowledge them to ourselves), and so, go before God to seek out His guidance for a better, less sinful walk... Matthew 6 

Folks I’m just thinking aloud here… Needless to say, this is not gospel… Just an older lady thinking.

…and what does it mean to “Bless the Lord”.  Worship, honor, uplift, to consecrate, invoke favor, celebrate, thanking, approve of… These are all synonyms and the list is way longer…

In church people applaud… Lifting their hands towards Heaven where we seem to presume Father God is… but is He not, all around us?  And scripture says, in Psalm 51:17 “The sacrifices, (gifts) of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Actually, there are many Psalms that speak of “blessing” God, (please read them)… When we bless someone, it’s usually a gift that is given or support or special acknowledgement… So coming before Father with such a mindset of giving - what could we possibly give to God, but our broken hearts for Him to use for His glory. Father God wants His children Home with Him, so being useful - sharing the Hope and Glory - makes Him pleased - blessed. The closest analogy I can imagine is when - once upon a time - all my children were with me in church - I was always so happy/joy-filled having my babies seated around me, (I do long for this now…)… I know that Father desires all to come to Him, but sadly, not everyone will, but it is a gift/blessing that we can give to Father, sharing about Jesus’ sacrifice and love, so those who will come - will. 

Also, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

What does that light look like coming from Christ followers, to the world? I think, it is not so much a physical appearance, but a behavior, a state of being. Is it that thing that sets you a part? Do you feel burden with something about you that causes others to shy away from you - and you don’t even know what it is, and so you may feel lonely… Remember, feelings are deceptive- you are a chosen son or daughter of the King - and so you do indeed look more and more like Him everyday, (and since Father God is Spirit then that look is a spiritual look). The world fears exposure and runs in the opposite direction away from the light… Sadly, the world - some believers included - prefer to believe a lie… A lie that only comes from the father of all lies… “You did the wrong thing,… You should have kept your mouth shut!,… You should never try, you’re only going to fail - again.,… You are alone, no one cares, no one sees what you do…” All seed lies beloved. Frankly speaking, I could write a book on the lies that I and other folks I’ve allowed to garden in my heart. Do NOT believe the lies… Seek Father in His Word and talk with Him - without ceasing. Like breathing - you can not live without doing it, so is the case with Father’s Word and time with Him. 

From 2023: I just had a thought . Isn't it interesting that God brings about major conquering changes by using sound? Remember at the walls of Jericho? The children of Israel had to shout after they marched around the walls seven times and there was another time when they had to break pots and so they won a battle because the folks were confused. There are other times but this is why I think the Rapture trumpet will be a pitch that only Father's children will hear... and so we will be translated in a twinkling of an eye...That loud and that fast... 😉

2024  God is so good... everyday! He gives one thing, (actually, He gives a ton), but we take it for something different or less and really it's something so much better. He alone takes death and says it's New Life!  A crazy paradox but with God -endless beautiful possibilities! 

2024 How do you think God gives us relief from our sin/sinful past? Especially since nothing is ever wasted… Father repurposes. Thanks be to Father God, He gives us a changed perspective on our behaviors… good and bad and changes them for His glory. We get a testimony… Also, lessons for others and/or lessons we get to re-learn when we forget… Seventy times seventy…

2025 What do you suppose when Father God is silent? When people I love are silent for whatever reason, I start assuming way too much - mainly thinking - what did I do wrong? However, in the case with Father God, I assume the same but sometimes I suppose there’s a lesson I’m missing… But, I just heard a thought - sometimes Father wants me to see what I would do…in His silence. It’s an opportunity for me to develop or grow my relationship with Him - Faith . It’s similar, (not the same), to when Father asked Adam, “Where are you?” Father God knew where Adam was, but Adam didn’t know his own state of mind, nor his own heart towards Father God… Perhaps IF Adam had given the question some deeper THOUGHT… Maybe, I wouldn’t be giving any thought to this question at all… 

Last thought… On dark and light: You know the darkness is as light to Father. He sees all that you do in the dark- but once again we put Father God in a box of our own making and say, “Oh God is like this-He is like me!” You do know what you do in the dark, but you pretend that you do nothing and that Father God, being like you, (this is a grave mistake- to make Father like us and so small and incapable of anything… but I digress…), can’t see what you pretend isn’t there. Father God can see into the dark and has no fear - He made that darkness - its cloak hides nothing from Father. Come out of the darkness into Father’s Light. 

One more thought, before posting - I had a silly thought but not so much… What if folks walked around with signs or stickers saying “Hello my name is”_____ (insert a characteristic), describing the type of people they are. Then I thought again - many people may never be spoken to because of their character and/or lack thereof. I thought about this because I’m going a trip by rails, (my preferred mode of travel), and I usually don’t engage people unless they start speaking with me… Once upon a time, (I’ve shared this in a past posting), I’ve been told I was very gullible aka lacked discernment… Hence, why I do tend to stay to myself - unless Father God prods me onward… But, with the use of handy character stickers - problem solved, right? But this is exactly why Father God allows us free will… We get to choose and figure life out our way -because of love… not because we know everything ahead of time… Father does not leave us alone, (and He alone knows everything about everybody). He is with us every step of the way and we get to choose His way or not. Think about it for a minute… He knows exactly what we are going to do - imagine how painful it is knowing everyone’s bad and hurtful decisions… So imagine knowing someone’s character and so never speaking to them, because he or she is that type of person. It’s kind of like stereotyping… In some cases some people never get the opportunity to show how different they are because of a sticker/stereotype… but your simple kind greeting or even just a smile at someone could make the difference to a self damming perception… Because people can CHANGE - thank God! It’s that choice thing! We do have free will to be our stickers or grow to be better, different,… and so get rid of the stickers. 

I take risk, even being an old bird; every day. For me I think this is what Father God wants me to do. It’s not lacking discernment, but trusting Father God to guide me to whom I should speak and share a thought with… No, I don’t take strangers home with me… anymore… Do I share the food I may have… yes. Do I take steps in faith… always… Of course, most people I think have me pegged as soon as they see me… I think. I pray that they see my Father’s Love… for this there should never be a sticker needed. 

Soli Deo Gloria, 

Happy Father’s Day ABBA 

Nina 🙃