💥 Podcast: Isaiah 54: When God authors that work we do, our righteousness is of God.

 

 

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on August 1, 2020) 

 

Isaiah 54:17  No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of ME, saith the Lord.

(Righteous of God because it was God who told you to do this or gave you this information.)

Consider those things God told you to do.

*****

The servants of God are those who obey God; those who follow the Word of God:

Some people who say they are Christians have actually told me they do not follow scripture because they have their own church doctrine.

Jesus warned HIS own disciples:

Matthew 16

6  Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

12  Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

We have Bibles.  Each of us are responsible for the doctrines of the Bible and when those doctrines conflict with that which we hear taught at churches, we must choose Bible.  

***

I Corinthians 14:27-28  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 

 

*** 

 

James 3:17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

 

*** 

 

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.

 

*** 

 

Matthew 7:21-25  Jesus says ...  Not every one that saith unto ME, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of MY Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to ME in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in THY name? and in THY name have cast out devils? and in THY name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from ME, ye that work iniquity. 

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of MINE, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 

 

*** 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4   Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 

 

 

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Scriptures:

 

Proverbs 20:15   There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

 

 ***

 

2 Corinthians 2:14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.

 

 ***

Proverbs 16:2-3 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.

3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. 

 

 ***

 

2 Corinthians 1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

 

 

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💥 Colossians 4 (Reading through Bible)

 

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

² Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

³ Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: ⁴ That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

(Turning to God constantly, asking God to give you wisdom in what you say and in what you do toward those without the church.)

⁶ Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

⁷ All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: ⁸ Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; ⁹ With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) ¹¹ And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. ¹³ For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

¹⁴ Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

¹⁵ Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

¹⁶ And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

¹⁷ And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

¹⁸ The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

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💥 Podcast: Ephesians 3: The "power of God" that works in us

 

 

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on July 24, 2020)

 

Ephesians 3:20  Now unto HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

I've often heard people ask, "What is that power that works in us?"

That "power" is the Holy Spirit given to the believer at the time God reveals HIMSELF to that believer.

The Holy Spirit in us is a great power:

* He teaches us all things.

* He reminds us of that which Jesus has said to us.

* He guides us into all truth.

* He shows us things to come.

(John 14:26 & John 16:13)

He usually leads us by bringing thoughts or concepts to our minds.

He searches the heart of God to show us the will of God in the specific issues of this life. 

 (I Corinthians 2)

***

Acts 1   Jesus says to the early disciples.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

***

I John 2

20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

27 But the anointing which ye have received of HIM abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in HIM

 

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Scriptures:

 

Romans 14:19  Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

 

*** 

 

Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

 

 ***

 

Proverbs 21:30   There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

 

*** 

 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.

 

*** 

 

Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose.

 

 

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💥 Colossians 3 (Reading through Bible)

 

 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.

⁵ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

⁶ For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

⁸ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of HIM that created him:
¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ (the Word) is all, and in all.

¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

 (Thanking God is a great weapon of spiritual warfare.  When we begin to feel down, if we begin to thank God for that which we are grateful, devils flee from us.)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

²⁵ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

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💥 Podcast: People want a sure thing ... but our faith in that which God tells us is that sure thing!

 

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on July 11, 2020)

 

Pam Padgett, put her car up for sale.  Her neighbor was interested in buying Pam's car.  The neighbor borrowed the car and took it to her mechanic to examine the car.  That seemed so strange to me for she knows Pam well and should know Pam would conceal nothing from her concerning the car.  Further she knew Pam took good care of the car through the years and the car was priced at a low price for the quality of the car, $6,500.  A new car of the same model and equipment would cost $55,000.

The people who bought my house in Texas wanted a sure thing so they hired a man to inspect the house.  They seemed to need a guarantee from another human.  The inspector found a few very minor things wrong at the house.  (He was being paid to find things wrong, so of course he had to find things wrong to justify the amount he was being paid by the buyers.) The buyers could have fixed these things themselves but they wanted me to fix them. 

So I just added $7,000 to the price of the house to allow me to fix these things.  I didn't know how much it would cost, so I had to guess at the cost, and I raised the price of the house to cover the cost.

It ended up costing less than $3,000 to fix the items.  The buyers could have saved $4,000 by just fixing these things themselves.

Being wise in your own eyes can cost you money.  But this is the way people of this world live.

Also the people who bought my house wanted a "warranty" which cost $600.  I added this to the cost of the house and these people ended up paying for that warranty themselves.

Recently I had some sound materials added to a car.  They tried to charge me $700 for insurance on the speakers.  I told them I did not want that insurance.  The way I live is this:  If I can afford to replace the item. I don't buy insurance.  If I cannot afford to replace the item, then I will consider insurance, such as on a house or medical supplement.  I had difficulty in getting the store manager to remove the insurance from the cost of the project.  But I insisted and he removed the insurance.

We had exactly the same problem when we purchased the car.  They wanted to add an extended warranty.  We insisted that they remove this.  They really fought us.  But we did get it removed.  The dealer must make a great deal by getting people to buy these "warranties".

Pam's neighbor, Jim, bought warranty on his house but he could never get them to fix anything.  When it broke, they just said, "The warranty does not cover that."

I manage to have money left over after purchasing something and I keep that money in my savings and pay for the item, if something goes wrong.  I find it is less expensive for me to do it that way.

But I find the people of this world usually want this world to protect them.  And often it ends up costing them more than it would have cost if they had just saved money to replace that item after the lifetime of the item.

Also when something goes wrong, the company issuing the "insurance" sometimes files bankruptcy if there are too many claims and they don't cover the warranty anyway.

It is better to trust in God than to put your trust in humans.

I like to be sure God is showing me to make "that" purchase.  That is my peace.  But this world has no peace in God.  Their peace is in their plans.  It is a very hard way of life.

*****

Proverbs 3

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil

***

Philippians 4:6-7   Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

***

James 1:5   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

***

 II Peter 3:14   Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.

***

Does God approve the purchase you are considering?

To me, this is the starting point.  I ask God this question, "Should I buy this? or should I do this?

Examples:

* Fireplace:  changing from gas to wood burning
* Defective TV:  what God showed me to do

James 3

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

If we are trying to impress someone, we are already in trouble.  My cleaning woman once came to me and said, "Don't you ever feel you have to keep up with the Joneses."  I was shocked, and replied, "NO".

***

Psalm 51:10    Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 

 ***

 

I do not buy anything unless I have the cash to pay in full for the item, and have cash left over after purchasing that item.

God told me this in 1975, when I was born again:  "Get out of debt ... and stay out of debt."

I did that by 1976 and have never been in debt again since that time, not even for a house.

I believe this is the better way to live.

***

II Corinthians 5:10   For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

***

God showed me incredible things to do which allowed me to accumulate money whereby I could afford to pay for things I never even thought of buying.

Ephesians 3:20   Now unto HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

The power that "worketh" in us is the Holy Spirit who brings ideas to our minds.

* Houses

* Sound equipment for car

* Home theater equipment

***

Revelation 18:11  And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

 

***  

 

Ephesians 1:12-14   That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye  heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

 ***

John 14:26  Jesus says ...  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13  Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE  speak: and HE will shew you things to come.

***

 

2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.

 

*** 

 

 Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Ephesians 3

20 Now unto HIM  that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

The power of God that works in us is the Holy Spirit.  As we follow the Holy Spirit, one step at a time, everything falls in line for us in ways that later amaze us.

The people of this world strive and plan to get things of this world.  We just follow God by HIS Spirit and things appear around us in our lives.  It is amazing.

One scripture at a time ... 

 

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Scriptures:

 

Proverbs 21:1  The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: HE turneth it whithersoever HE will.

 

 ***

 

1 Peter 3:8-9  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 

 

 ***

 

I Timothy 6:6-8   But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

 

 ***

 

Matthew 6:34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

 

(Comments from Pam Padgett)  In 2022 I was diagnosed with high-grade, muscle-invasive bladder cancer.  The specialist recommended chemotherapy followed by surgical removal of my bladder.   I had heard how debilitating chemotherapy can be, and recovery from the bladder-removal surgery was expected to take a few months.  So I felt I needed to prepare everything I could think of before chemotherapy started in two weeks.  

 

But the Holy Spirit kept bringing to my mind "Take no thought for the morrow."   So I stopped the various preparations that seemed to be needed, and tried to focus only on what was right in front of me each day, trusting God to lead me to do what actually needed to be done.  This was a much easier and more peaceful way.  

 

During this time I also prayed and asked God if there might be a way for me to be spared having my bladder removed.   About 10 days after praying this, an alternative treatment was shown to me ... chemotherapy with radiation therapy.  I believed this was an answer to my prayer, and asked God to help me get my treatment changed to this.  HE did.

 

While going through chemotherapy and radiation therapy, I was able to continue with my usual activities. Since bladder-removal surgery was not done, there was no need for all those preparations I assumed were needed. 

 

God know the future and what is actually needed.  And God is able to lead us so we want nothing of any kind.  HE provides all our needs.

 

(Several followup tests have been done since the chemo/radiation therapy was finished in January, 2023, but no cancer has been found.)

 

 

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💥 Colossians 2 (Reading through Bible)

 

 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 

² That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

³ In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

⁴ And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

⁵ For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

⁶ As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:

(We received Jesus by faith ... walk in faith in everything, trusting in God always by faith in God.)

⁷ Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

⁹ For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

¹⁰ And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:

¹¹ In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 

¹² Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. 

¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
¹⁴ Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross;

¹⁵ And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

¹⁶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

¹⁷ Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

¹⁸ Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
¹⁹ And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

²⁰ Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, ²¹ (Touch not; taste not; handle not; ²² Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

²³ Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

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💥 Hymn: Great is THY faithfulness

(Click play symbol, > ... to start music)  
(Click pause symbol, || ... to stop music)

 

1.  Great is Thy faithfulness,
O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning 
  with Thee;

Thou changest not, 

Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been 
  Thou forever wilt be.

Chorus:

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy WORD hath provided— 

Great is Thy faithfulness, 
Lord, unto me! 


2.  Summer and winter, 
and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

3.  Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

***** 

Scriptures pertaining to this hymn:

James 1:17    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.


***

Genesis 8:22  While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

God set all things in the solar system and they are faithful to continue in the commandment of God.  We see the faithfulness of God's word day by day as the seasons continue and as the sun is visible day by day.

As God is faithful in this word, we can have faith God will perform every word HE has given us.

==

 

Music for this hymn downloaded at:  hymnal.net

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💥 Podcast: That which Bible says is coming concerning money in the last days

 

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on July 12, 2020)

 

Ezekiel 7:19   They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

***

Luke 21   The powers of the heavens will be shaken ... before Jesus returns ...

11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

(Hasn't Coronavirus helped us to see how it will be possible for such things to happen to the whole earth and lives to change on this earth?)

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
 
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
 
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  

 

 So how should we live between now and the time the sun turns dark in the middle of the day and the powers of heaven are shaken ... How does money fit in to all these things?

*****

If you live in debt, you live in a worldly way.  You will be better off if you downsize as quickly as possible and get out of debt, if possible, before Jesus returns, and if you begin using this world without abusing this world.

***

I Timothy 6

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

***

Revelation 18  ... The fall of Babylon

Destruction of a great city during the great tribulation, that wrath of God that is coming upon this earth in the last days, before the heaven and earth are destroyed by fire from God.

1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Coronavirus gave us a glimpse of that which is to come.  Coronavirus was not the "fall of the great city" of Revelation 18, but don't we think of that which we saw in various cities around the world in 2020?  NYC closed.  Times Square was vacant!  Stores were closed.  No one bought their merchandise any more.  

I think Coronavirus showed us how fast the destruction can happen!

12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

They returned after Coronavirus, but in the great tribulation that is coming upon this earth, "they shall find them no more at all" ... and then the heaven and earth will be destroyed after the great tribulation ... destroyed by fire from God.  II Peter 3:10-14

15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

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2 Thessalonians 2:3-4  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (of the Lord) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

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Joel 2:30-31  And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.

 

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James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

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2 Peter 3:11-14   Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

 

 

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Scriptures:

Proverbs 24:1-2   Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
 

2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 

 

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Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please HIM (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.

 

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Hebrews 10:30-31  For we know HIM that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto ME, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge HIS people.

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

 

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Proverbs 16:32  He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

 

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Psalm 37:28  For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not His saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

 

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(Comments from Barbara Preston)  Many years ago when I was a fairly new Christian I answered the door one day and two young men stood there wanting to share the Bible with me.

I was kind of excited about it because here were people I could talk about God with. But it ended up being very frustrating because they couldn’t understand what I was saying and I knew the things they were saying concerning the Bible were not true. 

After they left, I cried out to God in frustration asking why they could not understand what I was saying.

I heard the following… 

 

1 Corinthians 2:14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 

 

 

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💥 Colossians 1 (Reading through Bible)

 

 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

² To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse:

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
⁴ Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

⁵ For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

⁶ Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

⁷ As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; ⁸ Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

⁹ For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

¹⁰ That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

¹¹ Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

¹² Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

¹³ Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son:

¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

¹⁵ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

¹⁶ For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:

¹⁷ And HE is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

¹⁸ And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.

¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell;

²⁰ And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

²¹ And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled, ²² In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight: ²³ If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

²⁴ Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body's sake, which is the church:

²⁵ Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

²⁶ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: ²⁷ To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

²⁸ Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

²⁹ Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.

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