Shame

I heard of a dear church last night fresh off a split. Here is the sad familiar story:

A high up influential leader warranted Godly correction from the Senior Pastor. He got offended. He proceeded to hold private "prayer meetings". He systematically sucked up to the church members and leaders with money and or talent. He spread a narrative where God was behind what He was planning to do. He deceived as many innocent sheep as he could, not bothering with the financially poor or perceived loyal parishioners. After the meeting place was secretly secured He split the church, leaving a large once crowded building with huge financial responsibility / debt and a confused, torn up dwindled body.

It doesn't matter who the wolf is, they all operate with a similar MO and the split follows this similar sick pattern.

Nothing new under the sun.

Still my heart goes out to those left behind with all the burden and the aftermath of the devil's deed. My heart goes out to the innocent sheep who were hoodwinked and whom stats prove the vast majority will eventually stop attending church altogether.

And I can't help but feel sorry for the thief and his sidekicks. The people who knowingly or unknowingly spread lies and deception to ultimately get away with church rape. God spells out certain hated abominable sins in His Word. All of which apply in church splits but especially number 7.

Proverbs 6:16-19King James Version (KJV)

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

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, (wounded sheep)

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

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

To split a church there is Stealing (tithes and sheep), Killing (love and honor) & Destroying (unity, and a healthy body) - with the kicker being - doing ALL THAT with the "so called" prompting of the perfect divine and most Holy Spirit of God!

Newsflash . . . God has absolutely nothing to do with sin.

SHAME.

Lesson Beyond The Election

When I heard President Obama speak yesterday I understood why he still has a high "personal" approval rating. He is an excellent orator and has great finesse. He is just plain likable.

I can also understand why people were taken back by the "personality" of Donald Trump. Personally, I never had a problem with his style. I was raised in South FL and this is what some people from NY and South FL are like. Since I grew up around it I guess I saw it differently and I did not mind his personality. I also would much rather have a brash "real" person over a sweet talking "fake" person. We can like the man but do we like what he stands for?  In the case of Clinton vs. Trump both of them were not liked on the outward personality scale but enough of America looked beyond the superficial surface to the big picture. They understood that they better vote. Large numbers of Catholics and Evangelicals voted for Trump. They say we turned the election. Thank God.

My prayer is that as Christians, in respect to all our leaders, adopt the concept of looking beyond the outward appearance and the personal appeal to the heart and to the fruit.

I do know that Mike Pence is a class act who wears his Christianity boldly on his sleeve. I love that man but I also highly respect Donald Trump for choosing him as his VP. There is a ton of "draining the swamp" that is needed to be accomplished. Very likely what may have been needed to do so was a blunt, brash, strong, confident, accomplished winner who knows how to get a messy job done.  The road ahead is downright dirty. The coverage will be misleading. My prayers are just beginning.

I also thought about how many of those we should respect in our lives such as teachers, employers, preachers, etc. -  have participated in horrid locker room talk in their past? Who among us has no baggage and also has a few billion to spare to fight and successfully break the iron rock wall of establishment politics? If you think Mike Pence's personality could have done it, in my opinion, you are mistaken. However, once the Johnson amendment is overturned the door will open to many more opportunities to thrust forth with unifying support a candidate before the liberals can completely destroy (with partial truth or outright lies) his credibility.

Do we not respect a Minister of the Gospel who happens to be an Xcon? Of course not. Remember an Xcon didn't just speak wrong but actually committed criminal acts. We think it is a big deal that God can use an even an Xcon for his glory. We know that God is the transformer of our souls and the forgiver of all our sins. We agree that He can use anyone. We quote the verse that says "With God all things are possible" After all our God is in the "new beginnings" business! It is what He does.

I have not been this happy about an election since I had the privilege of casting my very first vote for Ronald Reagan. What a pleasure it is now to watch the news. What hope for America stands before us. What an amazing set up for someone like Mike Pence to possible hold the highest office in the land!!! My grandchildren's future is bright and hopeful. I am so relieved!

I guess what I am most proud about is the majority of Christians who looked beyond the "personality" whether good or rough and looked at the full picture. I'm thankful enough of us were not brainwashed by Big Media but instead were mature enough to look at the policies and principles that this man and woman stood for.

Donald Trump is in office because of what Jerry Falwell called the "moral majority." Jerry Falwell was a successful Christian man who some say was the main reason Reagan got elected. But don't you remember how his name was maligned by the media and Christians alike? We heard enough dirt, enough spin and some joined the hate Jerry Falwell wagon. Shame on us! After this great man passed so did the movement. Subsequent elections saw millions of Christians staying home or leaving it all up to God's "supposed" will. This time that majority did not stay home. We unified. We got the job done. Lesson learned!

Hats off to Jerry Falwell Jr. for seeing first what many did not see. Such a historic and bold move. The apple did not fall far from the tree. His dad must be so proud of him.

Go ahead and pat yourselves on the back - we won. But also please kick yourselves hard if we ever forget the blessing and power of civic duty and unity.

Remember, the liberal media is still on the throne. I still hear many call Trump racist even though some of the first words out of his mouth during his acceptance speech was about rebuilding the inner cities, schools and infrastructure. I do not believe Trump is a racist. I also am convinced that his travels across this country did change his priorities in positive and specific ways. Maybe instead of building his own kingdom he will fully concentrate all that energy he has on building America. Therein lies the true victory.

Another telling comment at Trump's acceptance speech was this:

"So it's been what they call a historic event, but to be really historic, we have to do a great job, and I promise you that I will not let you down..."

I fully believe that President Elect Trump will fulfill his promises and is a man of his word which is the most important characteristic in a leader.

Yes, trust is earned. Yet, how can an authentically trustworthy person have a chance of earning our trust if we throw them out for a personality or appearance flaw?

I know people in my own life who said everything right and even smiled, gave me gifts, as they stabbed me in the back. I also know people who were less than desirable 'personality wise' but would give their right arm in the name of loyalty and to honor the integrity of their word. 

As scripture admonishes all of us - look inside - look beyond!

Let this be a lesson beyond the election and a turning point.


pw

Ten Things To Make Sure To Teach Your Children

Talk about the need for some basic Bible teaching! It is 2016 and the world has indeed been turned upside down! I recently spoke at a Women's Breakfast about some of the most basic stuff I have ever taught. This is not an exhausted list merely a basic check list of simple truths that have somehow been tarnished right before our eyes. God never changes. His word and ways never change either.

If we do not take the time to instill basic, normal, instinctive, knowledge into our children who will? I hope you take a few minutes and look over this list and let your children know that no matter what our lives are to please God and obey His word. These are the things that lead to fulfillment and happiness. God loves your kids. He will be with you as you train them up in His ways. His ways are simple, basic, and full of love. Sadly, no matter how different the world is now it will even get worse. But God! Thank God His grace will, at the same time, get more abundant! He will never leave you without a way out. He will always provide protection and a sound mind for your children.

My heart goes out to those who are raising little ones in this society. Unfortunately the days of a few good years of Sunday School and youth sermons to enhance the morals taught in your home is no longer enough. There was once a time that moms and dads warned about a "secular agenda". Those where the good old days because . . . 

There is no longer a secular agenda! It is now a way of life. The agenda is accomplished - each item checked off... done.

So how do we shield our children from cartoons, sitcoms, news shows, talk shows, K-12, college, social media, school curriculum, movie actors, music, and all other communications? What is right is now wrong and what is wrong is now right. Heaven help us. Worst of all if anyone objects to this mess they will be ridiculed, labeled, and mocked. The day of persecution for righteousness is here.

When I raised my kids I use to promote the concept of keeping them in the bubble as long as possible. In today's world there is not a bubble thick enough to shield even the smallest child. It is so very very sad. However, our God gave us some child rearing promises to stand on and the authority over the wickedness that is all around us. He made provision for this day and for His children.

Grace is abounding. Supernatural help is ours to use. Prayers open eyes and alter destinies. 

You are not alone.        



Here is the list of:

Ten Things to Make Sure To Teach Your Children.
                         It is never too late

 1) There is only one God
We learn about Him in the Holy Bible.

 2) Not everybody knows God
That is why they do and say things that are not right. Jesus wants to save them just like he saved our family. He wants to make right and wrong clear to them and he wants to give them a clear mind and a new conscience.

 3) Love is the most important thing in the Bible
There is a difference between disagreeing with people and not approving of their ways  - and hating.
If you disagree with something or someone it is not that you are afraid of it "phobic" or that you hate the person. It is proper to hate the sin, but love the person.

 4) There is a devil
The devil is the reason that bad things happen. All Good things come from God.

 5) Always tell the truth
Lying is hard to do at first but the more you lie it doesn't bother you anymore. That's because your conscience can get seared or damaged. If a person lies they will not be trusted and believed when something really bad does happen. Being a truthful person will help every area of your life and relationships. 

 6) Obey the voice of your conscience
When you feel something is wrong your conscience is there to tell you. Learn to listen and obey your conscience. If you do something inside you know is wrong ask for forgiveness and pray to never do it again. God placed in each of us a conscience to be our guide. Protect it.

 7) Marriage is between one man and one woman
God created man then he created his help mate woman. God told them to marry and have babies to fill up the earth. Boys grow up and marry girls. That is the way God made it.

 8) Every human life is priceless
Every life matters. Old people, preborn people, handicapped people, rich and poor, black, white, brown, yellow, red, we are all important and God loves us all equally. Each baby is created special and unique. There is no amount of money in the whole world that is worth more than you. You are unique and you are priceless.

 9) Always stand up for what is right
Sometimes the devil tricks people to believing bad things are good and good things are bad. But deep inside people know it really isn't true. Your conscience will help you know the difference between good and bad things. Never agree with wrong. What is right is not always popular but it is the only thing that will set people free.

10) You were born for a reason
God wants you to be happy and that happens when we live our life to please him and obey his word. God knows all things and sees all good and bad things even when no one else can see. It is extra special when we do good things in secret because God rewards those things the best.


pw

Let the Lovefest Begin

Wow, most people will never know this...

*Of the 6,726 total Syrian refugee arrivals since the beginning of FY 2016, 6,625 (98.4 percent) were Sunnis and 23 (0.3 percent) were Christians.

The DNC built a four mile eight foot wall to keep unwanteds out of their convention. Because * to the Democratic National Committee elites, keeping average Americans away from their convention is a good idea, while protecting the southern border from intruding terrorists, rapists and murderers is a bad one.

*The recent hacked emails revealed (proved) the DNC’s hatred for Bernie Sanders and his movement. The documents reveal the party’s hidden ties with the liberal media. The emails reveal the heights of dishonesty of the party infrastructure. (This equates to a rigged election) . . . Duh.

DNC chairwoman booed off stage today. She resigns as a smoke screen / fall guy.

Yet in a few hours nearly every news organization and Hollywood elite will have a week long LOVEFEST for Hillary.

Just last week the same group decried for days the "scandal" of the re-use of a few lines from Michelle O's speech and a non-endorsement from Cruz. Not to mention the dark, negative, hopeless, Trump speech.  ?

To not be fully convinced by now that the system is rigged and elections are altered by the left media you need to be in a coma. No one wants to believe they are a victim of conditioning by well orchestrated lies. (Even when hacked emails, and failed promises & results prove it)

After all, remember the reason they lied about "a video" causing 4 Americans to die in Benghazi, was to win an election. They just, in unison, pushed the mantra of the decline of such acts. Benghazi happened on 9-11 and the election was just a few short weeks away!!!

If the country thought that terrorism is alive & well just before the election and a US Ambassador sought out help but was left to die, Obama may not have gotten a second term. That is what the whole thing including 33,000 deleted emails from a private server, witnesses pleading the fifth, etc., etc. is all about.
That is also why Bernie saying "Enough about your ____ emails" was such a strategic line in the Dem. primary. Even he was media brainwashed to make light of the so called nonsense about her deleted emails.
The truth is "this nonsence" could play out to be the biggest scandal/cover-up in modern history.

Here's a history lesson for young people:
• Nixon was relentlessly forced to resign over a few seconds missing from a tape.
• Dan Quale's political future was destroyed because he mispelled potato while reading a children's book.
•  Sarah Palin was ridiculed from every angle including cheap shots about her children for not answering quick enough what newspapers she reads.
The public went from loving her to being embarrassed by her faster than you can say "con job".

Unbiased media?

The DNC convention begins tonight. Pour the kool-aide and let the lovefest begin.


PS: No political party is free from distortion and spin. It is wise to personally search for the facts. However, when the main stream media, and the entertainment crowd (the places where Low Informed Voters get there political insight) works solely for the liberal progressives the scales are unquestionably, undeniably, categorical, utterly - tipped.

Just maybe it will take a loud mouth bold rich guy to call the media liars during each speech. He came out on top over 16 RNC candidates. Let's see how he does against Hillary, the DNC, the entire main stream news, pop culture, and the entertainment world.



* quotes from Drudge Report featured articles

Stages of Motherhood

For audio file go to  Stages of Motherhood

1) Acclimation Stage

adjustment

This begins when you find out you are pregnant. You may think you can plan way ahead of that but until you have a child forming inside of you it is just book learning. Something deeper begins when you conceive a child. Something changes forever.

^{Ruth 1:3} Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. ⁴ The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, ⁵ both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.

Ruth was fully acclimated to being in Naomi's family - no turning back

Ruth 1:16  But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. ¹⁷ Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

Everything she knew was permanently altered. Ruth would not leave. Even though her husband died. She was Naomi's family.

2) Auto Pilot Stage

instinct

When women become mothers instinct kicks in. That is why it almost doesn't matter how much practice you had with other peoples kids... your baby is your baby. Unique yet a part of you. If you just trust God and listen to that inner voice you won't need a training manual or even mentors . . . Once the initial freaking out occurs a motherly instinct sets in -  "I can do this" and amazingly you just do.

Ruth 2:2 One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go out into the harvest fields to pick up the stalks of grain left behind by anyone who is kind enough to let me do it.”

Naomi replied, “All right, my daughter, go ahead.” ³ So Ruth went out to gather grain behind the harvesters. And as it happened, she found herself working in a field that belonged to Boaz, the relative of her father-in-law, Elimelech

Interesting that at this point Naomi called Ruth "My daughter" not DIL.  It was Ruth's idea (not Naomi) to go out into the field to gather grain. Ruth's instinct / God's plan

It was God's plan that in that field she would meet her future.

When a new mom is on auto pilot it is just a matter of following her instincts. Instincts that God put there from the beginning. Motherhood is so much the character of God. The love and compassion He feels toward us causes Him to bring comfort, healing, and care. Not once in a blue moon - but every time we let him!


3) The Favor Stage

unconditional love

This is the stage of motherhood that is the most rewarding. Your children are young and dependant. To them you are everything and you can do anything.

The word mommy is heard a million times a day. You are their refuge and their world. This stage of motherhood is also the most crucial for your child.

It is the time you can form them into the person they will become. Remember moms being a mother is a job. And your job is to form a little person. They do not come out formed.  Your words carry weight. Your actions even more so.

This is the time to relish motherhood because you are the most important person on earth. And believe me it won't last forever.

^{Ruth 2:19} “Where did you gather all this grain today?” Naomi asked. “Where did you work? May the Lord bless the one who helped you!”

So Ruth told her mother-in-law about the man in whose field she had worked. She said, “The man I worked with today is named Boaz.”

²⁰ “May the Lord bless him!” Naomi told her daughter-in-law. “He is showing his kindness to us as well as to your dead husband.^[b] That man is one of our closest relatives, one of our family redeemers.”

²¹ Then Ruth^[c] said, “What’s more, Boaz even told me to come back and stay with his harvesters until the entire harvest is completed.”

A mom doesn't have to work at having favor with their children. They are too young to know all you do for them. Yet they love you so unconditionally that you can speak anything into their lives and they will believe it and they will receive it. Use this stage wisely.


4) The Trusting Stage

patience

When your child becomes a teenage something awful happens - they realize they have a mind of their own and they have the power to actually use it.

This is when you need to believe that all the things you put into them will stay put. And even if it looks like they are being led in the wrong direction the promise of returning is in the Bible. All children stray from their mothers at one point. Some not very far. Some become extremely distant. Some in between. 

Cutting the cord and allowing independence is the hardest part of motherhood.

The truth is you do know what is best for them, But your advice does not fall on open ears.

This is the time to trust God that as they test the waters they will do so with the caution and wisdom that you instilled in them. One thing is certain  - no matter what, they need to know that you have not gone anywhere neither has your unconditional love.

^{Ruth 3:16} When Ruth went back to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, “What happened, my daughter?”

Ruth told Naomi everything Boaz had done for her, ¹⁷ and she added, “He gave me these six scoops of barley and said, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’”

¹⁸ Then Naomi said to her, “Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won’t rest until he has settled things today.”

... Ruth 4:3 And Boaz said to the family redeemer, “You know Naomi, who came back from Moab. She is selling the land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. ⁴ I thought I should speak to you about it so that you can redeem it if you wish. If you want the land, then buy it here in the presence of these witnesses. But if you don’t want it, let me know right away, because I am next in line to redeem it after you.”

The man replied, “All right, I’ll redeem it.”

⁵ Then Boaz told him, “Of course, your purchase of the land from Naomi also requires that you marry Ruth, the Moabite widow. That way she can have children who will carry on her husband’s name and keep the land in the family.”

⁶ “Then I can’t redeem it,” the family redeemer replied, “because this might endanger my own estate. You redeem the land; I cannot do it.”

Thank God that the wrong choice was not the road that Ruth took. God protected His calling on her life. Patience and trust was needed to see it come to pass.


5) The Rewards Stage

fruits of your labor

They say when a child reaches 19 or 20 they realize that though you were not perfect you gave it your all and they become sincerely thankful.

Sometimes it doesn't happen until they have a family of their own but it will happen.

Rewards come to the mom who endured hardships and prayed in faith for their children. Blessings that are more rewarding than anything you felt up to this point.

The sense of accomplishment when they use your words to make hard decisions, or train their own child.

A friendship is formed that lasts a lifetime and will not be diminished or broken with time or distance.

And like Naomi who lost both her sons became family to her DIL who eventually gave her the greatest reward of all - a grandson.

^{Ruth 4:13} So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. ¹⁴ Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. ¹⁵ May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”

... 17 1/2 And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.  -

Obed was famous he was in the genealogy of the messiah!

Enjoy each stage of motherhood. You have been called to partner with God in raising up a future warrior. When it feels out of your control that is when you are on the right track.

God formed each person in the secret of the womb and knows the number of their days. He sometimes puts people in your life to open the door to your destiny.

A mother is there since day one. And even when they are gone from this earth, they are never gone from the child's heart until their own dying breath. She will always be the one person you wish was still there.

Every mom makes a permanent imprint. And sets in motion how the future will turn out.

It takes time, even a lifetime.

Moms, you have an invaluable job.

You have invaluable worth.

Happy Mother's Day




pw
5-8-16

Exposing Deception (pre-sermon)

Deception comes in all levels and degrees of effectiveness. Some deception is obvious and can be discerned even without supernatural help.

Sometimes, however, Satan uses advanced strategies meant to bring havoc and deceive even the elect. That is when yielding to the gift of discernment is needed. I want to talk about a few strategies of advanced deception. That of a Master Manipulator or Master Deceiver.

If you or someone you know has been rocked by a master manipulator in a spiritual setting it is so important not to blame God!  It is normal to feel extreme let down or even violated. If you are currently affected, you may seek hands laid on you and or a season of counseling. The Spirit of deception on a clean child of God leaves a mark, a scent. An unclean odor that feels like it needs to be washed off.

Why?

A Master Manipulator uses deception and deception is a seducing spirit.

How do we spot a master manipulator so we are not deceived again ?

Education

The better informed people are with the techniques of deception, the more they can recognize them and protect themselves against them.

Here are a few
Effective rhetorical strategies of deception
by Claudia Moscovici, in
Dangerous Liaisons: How to Identify and Escape from Psychopathic Seduction

Learn them so that you can recognize this behavior.

● Glibness and Charm.
Master manipulators lie pretty easily and in a smooth fashion. They get you mesmerized by them not by what they are saying - distracting you by their charm.

● Slander
A Deceiver often slanders others, to discredit them and invalidate their truth claims. If a person cheats on their spouse they point out the spouses faults to draw attention away from "their" sin.

● Evasion
When you ask a straightforward question that requires a straightforward answer, they usually go round and round in circles or talk about something else altogether. They may also use flattery. Such distractions are intended to cloud your reasoning and lead you to forget your original question.

● Pointing Fingers at Others.
When you accuse a master manipulator of wrongdoing, he’s likely to tell you that another person is just as bad as him or that humanity in general is bad. The first point may or may not be true. At any rate, it’s irrelevant. It is childlike - Johnny did this or that too.

● Playing upon your Emotions.
Very often, when confronted with alternative accounts of what happened, master deceivers play upon your emotions. For example, If a concerned observer attempts to warn you of certain obvious things the manipulator replies “Who are you going to believe? Me or them?”

A tangled web of lies

 
Deception constitutes a very entertaining game for the master deceiver. They use one victim to lie to another. They use both victims to lie to a third. They spin their web of mind-control upon all those around them. They encourage antagonisms or place distance among the people they deceive, so that they won’t compare notes and discover the lies. Often they blend in aspects of the truth with the lies, to focus on that small grain of truth if they’re caught. Manipulators use both truth and lies instrumentally, to persuade others to accept their false and self-serving version of reality and to get them under their control.
 
A master manipulator usually has a string of co-dependants surrounding him. Thinking they are supportive they are actually hurting by enabling an ongoing destructive pattern.

John.12.4-6. MSG - (emotional plea tactic)
Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, even then getting ready to betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold and the money given to the poor? It would have easily brought three hundred silver pieces.” He said this not because he cared two cents about the poor but because he was a thief. He was in charge of their common funds, but also embezzled them.

Master Deceivers, like the father of deception himself, have no shame using bizarre ironic twisted analogies and metaphors. Imagine selling Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver yet right before pointing out how the so called wasted oil could have helped poor people. Finding fault with others is a deceptive tactic meant to distract. Leaving out important details is a form of lying and a major way they deceive. Master manipulators have seared consciences due to repetitive lying and therefore have tons and tons of nerve. After reading a teaching like this they would never see themselves in a negative light manipulating even themselves.


Using God's Holy Word  (Blasphemy- using God's Word in vain)
Luke 4.9-13
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect and guard you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’ ” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’ ” When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came.

Using Scripture to "prove" lies is a most grievous sin. What the Spiritual manipulator is doing is tricking a child of God. Causing one of these little ones to stumble. Woah!
Mark 9:42
If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

If you were conned that is terrible. But not as terrible as the consequences to the one who does the conning.

Thinking about that fact will help you operate in mercy and intercede for the one who led you into deception.

Where does this spirit originate?
How to we practically triumph over it?

The originator of deception is Satan himself.

What is deception? Deception is a well orchestrated lie. It is used to manipulate people from the actual truth in order to obtain something.

When in doubt first check your spirit- something won't feel right.

Then remember this verse:
Proverbs 18:17
"The first person to speak always seems right until someone comes and asks the right questions." and this one:
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false teachers who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are wolves and will tear you apart."

Always verify with Scripture. Does the end result of you falling for the deception line up with scripture?

Remember your mother's advice - All that glitters is not gold. If it sounds too good to be true it probably isn't true. And the biggie: Who benefits and who hurts by you believing their lies?

Third do some checking up i.e. - resumes, previous employers, previous breakups, background checks, etc.

The best things in life are real and free. The worst are fake and (eventually) extremely costly.

God's children need not be gullible

Protect yourself and your family by learning how to expose deception. The inner voice of your spirit will show you how. The ability is in you.

1 John 4:1-21
Do not believe every spirit. Test the spirit whether it is of God.

1 Cor 12: 1-31
● Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
God wants you to use the Gift of Discernment so you will not be ignorantly deceived.
● The manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Profit withal = gain advantage over Satan. Not be fooled by a Master Deceiver

John 16:13
"And the Spirit is come, He will guide you into all...what?...truth." The Spirit of God leads you into all truth, these spirits lead you into all error. They seduce, they lure, they deceive and they are powerful.

So we have been given the gift to discern or see into the realm of the spirit (both good and bad) And to clearly tell the difference even when it is a very fine line.

Lastly, do not blame yourself if you have been fooled by a master manipulator. They are masters at it. Instead forgive yourself as well as the one who deceived you.

Nothing is impossible with God even the deliverance of such a person. God wants them set free from that satanic spirit.

Until then some good advice is to pray but stay away. Less you be tempted once again or those you introduce into the equation become additional victims.

Remember once you are saved the enemy works overtime to steal, kill, and destroy you or at least destroy your effectiveness as a believer.

He will use anything he can and unfortunately in a spiritual setting a master manipulator using advanced deceptive strategies meant to bring havoc on the church is one of his favorite choices.

Satan will use that tactic as long as Christians fall for it and it keeps working.

Be diligent in the washing of the word ask God for discernment and you will spot even the most crafty deception.

Then boldly resist it, expose it and decimate it.

pw

Holy Week

Garden of Gethsemane  -  Eastern Gate  -   Church of the Nations

When it was known that this was the area where Jesus prayed hours before the cross, the Church of the Nation's was built adjacent to it. (Actually this was the 3rd structure built in the same spot) The Olive trees in this Garden of Gethsemane are the oldest in Israel approx. 2000 yrs. And the view looks upon the place of the second coming. .. the Eastern Gate! Wow! Jesus, knowing the agony of his death, (especially the temporary separation from the Father), briefly sought another way. Yet, the Father's will was "the" way. Jesus knew that. He also knew the end result and decided to concentrate on that. He fixed his eyes on the Golden "Eastern" Gate (quite possibly) and endured willingly with a renewed comprehensive motivation of what He was born to do.

How much more can we (though we walk through difficulties) seek renewed strength through prayer, see with the eyes of faith the provision he suffered for, and fight for it?

The place of divine health, overcoming victory, family restoration, joy full of glory, inner peace, love that passes all understanding, an inheritance of souls, and tears of grief wiped away completely and permanently.

Fulfill your call. Not your way but His. Regaining strength through prayer. Fixing your eyes always on the end result. Resolute, unmovable, Christlike

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

____________________________________________________________

The Last Supper

Ever experience a Judas? You are not alone! Our Lord did. (Hebrews 4:15)

He understands and can get you through.

Jesus saw that spirit on Judas long before the act of betrayal. Interesting that he told him to do it quickly, not talking Judas out of it. He knew how hard it is to win someone lost in selfishness, disloyalty, untrustworthiness, and greed. Pray for your Judas. Most never repent, however, "If" they ever realize the gravity of their sin it is almost impossible to live with that guilt.

____________________________________________________________

 Caesarea Philippi

◄ Luke 9:20 ► NIV

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah."

Amazing portion of Scripture. This picture is the actual place in the Holy Land where Jesus asked a question two different ways. Who do men say that I am? And then Jesus made it personal and specifically asked who do "you" say that I am? Too many times we look at what the Christian crowds think and join what's most popular. Do you base your faith on popular opinion, and current cool doctrine or do you possess an inner knowing that can not be shaken? Have you taken the time to allow faith to cometh? Romans 10:17

Look deep down into your heart. Are you convinced that He is the one? If so how can any trial, problem, hardship, or demonic plot ever make you hesitate or doubt him? Jesus is not a way or an answer he is the way and the answer. It is that kind of belief that causes the supernatural to take over. It is that place of restful knowing that Jesus wants to remind us is available. The place of confident unwavering trust. A faith so powerful even a tiny seed of it destroys the mountains around you. Who do you say He is?

____________________________________________________________

Pool of Bethesda

This is the Pool of Bethesda. It is located near the Sheep Gate and is associated with healing. There was a superstitious ritual that stepping into the water after angels stirred it would bring healing to the physical body. When Jesus saw a man unable to enter the water due to his infirmity, Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

John 5: 8-9

He did not need faith in the ritual, only a touch by the Son of God. Jesus is the Sheep Gate and the Living Water. All who enter, drink are made cleansed - spirit, soul, and body. After this miracle the religious of the day brought criticism that He healed on the Sabbath and that the man carried his bed on the Sabbath. Some will rather remain sick & oppressed then give up their rituals.

____________________________________________________________

Place of the Skull

Jesus was crucified just outside the walls of the city at Golgotha which means place of the skull. This picture is Skull Hill just outside of Damascus Gate in the old city quarter of Jerusalem. Early scholars believe this is where Adam's skull is buried. It is common belief this is the very place of His crucifixion just outside the camp, near a road where passers by would be reminded what happens when you challenge the authority of Rome. Also a rich man's tomb was discovered near by - yet another scriptural reference.

Public displays of devastation always have an curious audience. Just remember the last time you were in a traffic jam and figured out the reason was the horrendous car crash spectacle off the side of the road.

People stop.

People look.

People wonder what happened.

Some wonder why.

It is that place... "the place of why" where we come in!

Be ready this season to share the why when they pause to look at the cross this Easter. Remember this is not called Black Friday but Good Friday!!! Jesus took your place. He took upon him the sin of the whole world nailing it to the cross. He willingly gave his life so that you could live beyond this temporary life and have eternal life in Heaven. For the sinner (all of us) it was a good Friday.

____________________________________________________________

 The Lowest Place on Earth

The day before the resurrection is known as Holy Saturday. Very little happens on this day as far as customs or religious traditions. It is a time of quiet reflection between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. However, in reality Jesus was very busy on the first Holy Saturday!

Jesus made His descent with His soul, whereby He destroyed the gates and bars of Hades. Death was put to death, Hades was stripped of all its captives, the forefathers and all the righteous who died from the beginning of time were set free (Ephesians 4:8).

He had already sacrificed himself for our sins. Now he ripped the keys of death, hell and the grave from satan. He descended before he ascended.

Heb. 2:14 ...through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

Rev. 1:18

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Here is a clear to the point description of what occurred during Holy Week which ends the close of Saturday. I recited this a gazillion times before I had a clue what it really meant. Before I was born again and my eyes were opened to its meaning.

The Apostles Creed:

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty…"

The glorious manifestation of resurrection happened on Sunday. But do not discount the devil womping, utter humiliation and taking of the spoils that was done for you on Saturday!

This picture is of The Dead Sea which is a terminus for the flow of rain and surface water. Water flows in but not out. Its water has no escape, but is trapped to evaporate. The Sea has always had a large surface area and a negative altitude – the lowest point on Earth!

Funny, you could replace the words "Dead Sea" with Hades or Hell.

Aren't you thankful that Jesus provided a way of escape 'a way out' for those in the bosom of Abraham long ago and for you and me today!

____________________________________________________________ 

The Empty Tomb

When you are there and you see it - it leaves an impact that can not be put into words.

 The Sea of Galilee