When Christians Don't Believe Prophecy...

In times of tragedy or perceived threat, we will often find the need to come together and reject anything that threatens our security. It is an intrinsic need in life to do this. We see it in the animal kingdom, how prey animals come together at the sight of what would kill them. We saw it in our own behavior at 9/11, and every major tragedy before or after.

However, among those who identify as Christians this causes a disturbing trend. Not that we aren't already dealing with disturbing trends, but this one really baffles me. See, we (and I use that as a very general, loose, and collective term for those who identify as Christians) are good for believing all the "good" verses of the bible. You know the ones: prosperity, long life, coming out of difficult situations, and others. We (again, general and loose) are also good for believing any prophecy that will bolster our current belief or promises our safety. But one thing we (again, well, let's just assume that from here on out this will be a general and loose term) are not good for is believing the warning verses, "if:then" clauses, and prophecies of the bible. And it makes me wonder, what are we learning on Sundays? Is no one going through the bible verse by verse anymore? Or are we only talking about concepts, theories, and funny anecdotes?

I can go on and on about this, but there is one specific thing I'd like to talk about. Lately, there has been a trend of Christians trying to "save" this culture. They are trying to teach people how to "love" and "accept" so as our children don't have to grow up in a "world of hate". They are teaching to unite with the things not of God and keep your judgments to yourself, "The world already has enough of that! Live and let live and let God handle the rest!". They are trying to "take back" the entertainment industry. They are trying to "take back" neighborhoods and cities. They are trying to "take back" politics and our financial system. And, all of this is done unsuccessfully may I add because these industries and causes were not created for believers or the purpose of making them righteous. This whole world lies in the hand of the evil one. This is why we as believers shouldn't be tangled in this world's affairs. They are mere distractions from what we are supposed to be doing. Our command was never to take back culture or live in peace and unity. Our command was to teach the Kingdom of Yahweh-God which will naturally bring division and hate because the world hates His message.

We know [for a fact] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] lies in the power of the evil one [opposing God and His precepts].-1 John 5:19 AMP

No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve. 2 Timothy 2:4 AMP

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

These same Christians are hollering for peace, and forget how the story is written. As long as Yahweh-God is God (and He will forever be) and the enemy is still here, there will never be peace. The two are diametrically opposed to one another. So much so, that the enemy will attempt to conquer and kill believers that continue the message of Christ, and he will succeed! That will be a bloody time and usher in a false peace.

And this is where the bible speaks to warn us of those hollering about peace and safety. The one who is in control of this world right now wants nothing more but chaos and more chaos. And if we look on the back of our dollar bill, we discover why. Because out of this chaos, he will bring his order. And his order will bring about a false peace and safety. Which will be to the detriment of all of mankind that serve him and his ideals. But before this happens, things will have to become so bad that people will want nothing more than to follow someone who can save them. And don't think that this can't happen. We are in the mindset of doing this very thing right now. We look to the government, our guns, our military and police force to save us. We look to the "lesser of two evils" politicians to save us. We look to ourselves and everyone else but the TRUE Savior- Yahshua, Jesus the Christ.

Because we miss this fact and over look the true Christ, this leaves room for the anti-christ to "fulfill" this need - to save people according to his will. And all will gather to worship him because he is going to be able to do what no one else on earth at this present time could. He will provide that peace everyone so desperately needs and looks for outside of Christ.

4 They fell down and worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; they also worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like (as great as) the beast, and who is able to wage war against him?” 5 And the beast was given a mouth (the power of speech), uttering great things and arrogant and blasphemous words, and he was given freedom and authority to act and to do as he pleased for forty-two months (three and a half years). 6 And he opened his mouth to speak blasphemies (abusive speech, slander) against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, and those who live in heaven. 7 He was also permitted to wage war against the saints (God’s people) and to overcome them, and authority and power over every tribe and people and language and nation. 8 All the inhabitants of the earth will fall down and worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the Book of Life of the Lamb who has been slain [as a willing sacrifice]. - Revelation 13:4-8(AMP)

Oh, everyone will get their "peace and safety", but the Lord will come and correct it in a mighty terrible way...

2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night. 3 While they are

saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord]. - 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3(AMP) 

9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “Whoever worships the beast and his image and receives the mark [of the beast] on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he too will [have to] drink of the wine of the wrath of God, [a]mixed undiluted into the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone (flaming sulfur) in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (Christ). 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night—those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” - Revelation 14:9-11 

The enemy has done such a great job at getting us off of our mission. We are so busy trying to create peace, save a culture, and this world, that somehow people are going to church every Sunday and forgetting the main outcome of our message of Christ. HE'S COMING BACK. And when He returns, He WILL DESTROY THIS EARTH AND CREATE A NEW ONE. How do we forget that?

"Lift up your eyes to the sky, Then look to the earth beneath; For the sky will vanish like smoke, And the earth will wear out like a garment And its inhabitants will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not wane. - Isaiah 51:6

"For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. - Isaiah 65:17

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (vanished), and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, arrayed like a bride adorned for her

husband; 3 and then I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “See! The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them [as their God,] 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain; for the former order of things has passed away.”5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” - Revelation 21:1-5

So, what am I ranting on and on about? Really it's to make everyone, especially believers, aware that things are not going to get better before Christ's return. We will have to bear the burden of raising our children in a hateful and evil world because the hearts of men are cold and will grow colder. Those joining hands now trying to create peace, will also join hands later under the beast (anti-christ) because the peace outside of Christ they so desperately wanted will be here. And they will be deceived - believers and unbelievers alike. Because the truth is, the only peace that you will find that will be true is in Christ. And the only time we will see that peace is at His return.

So, stay focused. Our job is to win the hearts of men and point them to the Savior of this whole world. Lord, protect us, your children, as we wait Your Son's return....

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, before all time and now and forever. Amen. - Jude v24-25

I'm Back! Let's Talk Truth...

Maybe not, but let's say you did. Umkay?

It really feels good to blog again. Aside from the one I did yesterday, I hadn't blogged since October. So much has transpired in my life since then - the natural ups, downs, and sideways (or indifferent). Through it all, Yahweh (Yah or as some know Him - God) has been faithful. And He has taught me many lessons over the passing time. I wrote about one lesson, edification, just yesterday. Today, I want to talk about something I wrote on Facebook as well. This writing talks about Yah's way of uniting His people. However, I also believe that this writing can be shared with unbelievers. Simply because Yah is the truth, and His way will always prevail and stand. If they ever want peace, unity, and brotherly love, it's best to do it His way....and I'll explain below.

For the sake of keeping true to the Facebook post, I will just copy and paste....

I've had some discussions lately with some I consider friends. The discussions centered around the fact that there was obvious tension that "needed to be resolved". There were obvious division within the group, and there were good intentions to bring unity. But this is where we failed and things went awry. 

This stat is not meant to be passive aggressive in any way - all who know me know I absolutely loathe underhanded jabs and passive aggressiveness. So, please if you are thinking "ooo, Deidra is givin someone the business", I want to correct you and say that is *not* true. And for anyone I spoke with yesterday that might read this, please know and understand, I am not speaking in code, or "at" anyone. But I am writing this stat as a lesson for us all about seeking unity. 

The world is making a big push for us all to be united and seek unity. For Christians it is especially hard because we are being asked to push aside our convictions that we know to be truth just to "get along". For those of us who study, we know this is for an obvious and foretold end. Now, here is the thing - we should not be seeking "unity" but we should ALWAYS seek **truth**. 

Some may say that this isn't biblical. How dare I say that we shouldn't be seeking unity! But I should remind you, the same Christ Christians say they love said "Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against." (Read Luke 12) However, that same Christ said that the only way to achieve unity is to seek truth through Him and His word (see John 17).

There is an important lesson here for all to see. This world promises a false peace. People will promise you a false peace. Your emotions will promise you a false peace. False ministers will promise you a false peace. In doing so, they all promote a false unity. It is false because the "goal" is not to establish peace and unity based off of truth, but off of emotion. Going this route will keep your emotions stirred and keep you blind from seeing the truth. And if you can't see and come to truth, there will be no unity. 

So, when we find ourselves in conflict or trying to resolve it, we should ask ourselves two things:

1. Are my emotions leading my quest for "unity" and "peace"

2. What is the truth, am I allowing myself to see it and do I want to? (ok, that was really like 3 questions, but I made it one so I can keep in line with the "two" things we should ask ourselves LOL) 

I admonish my Christian brothers and sisters keep your focus on truth. Stand fast in it. Make that your goal. Make that your prayer - that *TRUTH* shall prevail, not unity. Speak it when Yah allows, for His timing is perfect. And remember along with truth comes the peace and unity we seek. 

Thank you for reading....

From this writing, I received one response from a brother in Christ. This is his response and my clarification. I will make my point after this.

I believe a misunderstanding of the Father's will is where things went awry. 

The "world's" push for unity calls for compromise. Unity within His body requires obedience and humility. 

The Scripture that was referenced above is about separation from the world not separation within His body. Christ did not come to divide His body. 

Seeking unity is very much biblical. Here are a few of many examples;
You mentioned John 17 so I'll start there. Christ prayed to the Father for unity amongst us...... 

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 

1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 

Colossians 3:13-15 KJV
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 

1 Peter 3:8, 1 John 4:12, Eph 4:3, Romans 12:16, Matt 23:8, etc., etc. There are so many more examples! 

I will now attempt to answer the 2/3 questions you believe one must ask oneself whilst in this conflict.
1. Whether one is emotionally driven or not, the orders are very much plain that we are to seek unity and peace within His body.
2./3. What is the truth? He is the Truth and His Word it's true. One is allowing himself to see by going to His Word and allowing it to have the final say.
I appreciate any lesson that is based upon Truth. This one does not hold up to biblical standards. 

My response:

Hey ____! Hope you are well. The fact is this truth still remains - Yah will never put anything above truth - as, He *is* the truth. We are to always seek Him, His truth and His kingdom above *all* things, the rest - unity, peace, "brotherly love" will be added unto us. 

Oh and one more thing. I apologize to you (and others) for not being clear in my interpretation of John 17. I didn't go into too much depth because it was suppose to be a short stat and not a long blog entry (hence the reason I didn't give all of the verses I was referring to, but the chapter. Besides, the whole chapter is great to read in context anyway). Come to think of it, I think I will make this into a blog entry... 

You are correct in that to *be* in His body requires obedience. But, regarding John 17, we all know that is Christ's prayer both for His disciples that were given to him as well as those who will eventually come to be a part of His body that won't be taken away from Him. The one thing they/we *all* had/have in common was all sought and accepted the *truth* first - for no one can come to Him unless they do. So, while He never explicitly says it, it is understood that His prayer for unity of the body was predicated on the fact that those in Him sought and accepted truth *first* above all things and *then* were united in Him. I hope I cleared where I was coming from with that scripture as I am hoping that anyone reading our discussion will have clarity on both of our parts.Have a good one!

The brother had a good point. Christ never preached against unity. The scriptures don't speak against unity. And quite frankly, neither am I. As with everything Yah does, He sets things in place and in order. While unity isn't preached against, it is taught that we should seek first the truth. The truth is what unifies us. If you should ever find yourself in conflict with someone or people, the questions I posed were meant to help you take your focus off of your emotions and look for the truth. 

And I also understand his point in that He, Yah, is the truth. But, I also want to clarify that if you have children and one breaks a lamp, while Yah and His word is the truth, one of those children still broke the lamp - that is the truth. What happens when the one who did it lies and says the other did? Conflict arises (I DID NOOT! YES YOU DID!! DID NOT!! DID TOO!!). It's best to get the children out of their emotions and come to truth quickly so that there can once again be peace and unity in your home. If you try to make them make up without coming to or seeking truth first, you may be able to make them do it by force, but you better believe there will still be resentment. And the next time the slightest thing happens (HE'S LOOKING AT MEEEE!), you will once again have conflict. So, I said all of that to say, once you find truth, then you will find peace and brotherly love. If you attempt to find unity and love before you find truth, you will always be in conflict.

I also wanted to clarify the statement I made about the "world's peace". I understand that concept is different, but I believe the point I was making was overlooked. Many people want peace - from the secular world to the various denominations (yes even "non-denomination is a denomination) in "church" to what some call the "true body of Christ". And the way that many are trying to achieve it is through human efforts. Often these efforts do involved conformity or not allowing truth to flow freely.

"What do you mean, Deidra?" Well, I'm glad you asked. I will give you two examples, one that I have witnessed personally, and one that I read about:

1. Worldly example - I read about a fire chief in a major metropolitan city in our country. He was a believer and wrote a book that glorified our Father. Within the whole book, there was a very minuscule portion that spoke against the gay life style. He was given the option to recant or resign/be fired. The mayor of this city didn't try to gain peace the way that Yah would have us which is through truth, but he did this through his own human efforts by trying to make this man conform and push aside his convictions.

2. "Church" example - I once belonged to a few different churches, different denominations. Each time I left was due to a church split because there was deceit going on whether it be stealing, manipulation, false doctrine, or basic immorality. Each time during the "church meetings", truth would try to be shared, but emotions ran so high that no one wanted to see it. And each time, those in favor of "unity" urged us to "be quiet" and shove aside our convictions, discernment, even outright evidence, and "stop causing trouble". Unless you have been in the situation, you have no idea how hard it is to share the truth with those who don't want it. But here again, we have a mass of people trying to achieve unity not Yah's way, but theirs. The inevitable happened, and the church split or people left.

Our emotions are very fickle because we are human and imperfect. When we let our emotions get in the way, we don't want truth. Maybe we don't want it because if we have the truth, we have to face ourselves. Or maybe it's because if we accept the truth, we have to get rid of what we thought we built. Or maybe it's because if we accept the truth the very thing we hoped and dreamed for we now perceive can no longer be. Or maybe it's because if we accept the truth we have to admit wrongdoing and say "I'm sorry".

Case in point, I have had talks with atheists before. As long as we didn't talk about Yah (the weather, how's the family, how's the job?) all was well. But as soon as anything pertaining to the personhood, grace, mercy etc of Yah comes about, their emotions quickly get the best of them becoming angry and not wanting to see truth.

Another case, co-workers may get along, and have a great working relationship. But, as soon as a lie is told, recognition isn't given, or feelings are hurt - things spiral out of control. The boss can do all he can to bring unity to his group. He can hold socials, meetings, team building conferences, but unless he gets down to the truth and the group sees and accepts it, he'll just be blowing his "team social budget".

These are two "worldly" examples that I'm using, but the point is still the same. When we let our emotions get the best of us, we become blinded. And unity will never form until the truth can be seen and shared. And if the truth can't be shared freely or seen, then a greater wedge (satan) will come to continue to divide and conquer. I hope you caught that "will come" - sometimes it is not satan at all that starts things, but it is us who gives him the open door. I think of the conversation that Yah had with Cain before he killed his brother Abel. Yah told Cain to get a hold of his emotions and do what is right otherwise sin would be waiting for him. Cain never did what Yah told him - anger was still in his life and he left the door open for sin to come in.

I didn't get to write all of this before because like I said, it was suppose to just be a Facebook stat. But, I will close with this last reminder:

If there once was peace and unity as a result of everyone operating out of the truth then a conflict and confusion arose, somewhere and somehow a lie entered the scene. It is wisdom to not prejudge, but watch, pray, confirm and when the Spirit of Truth (The Holy Spirit) says speak, then speak. If you ever want peace and unity again - don't chase after it until you first seek and accept the truth. And don't be afraid of where the truth may lead you. Our plans are not Yahweh's plans. Don't blind yourself in emotion trying to hold something together that could be the opposite of what Yahweh wants. Truth is truth - no matter where it lands. We as believers need to understand that where ever it lands, Yah is faithful to keep us just as He has before and He will keep us on His path of righteousness and truth. It is there while walking with Him on that path, you will once again find peace, unity and love.

I hope that all made sense. :-)  Good night everyone!

What I've Learned Today: Homeschooling Works!, Let Dead Things Stay Dead, Be the Voice of Reason

My husband and I embarked on this homeschooling journey this year. I often look around at posts on Facebook to get ideas, but more than I like, run across questions that just baffle me. I read about people wondering how to handle family members that don't "accept" their decision to homeschool, people feeling anxiety that they can't teach their child, people trying to find the "next best" homeschool curriculum, and people wondering even after years of doing this, if this was the right decision.

I thank God, that I didn't have this problem. I had a supportive husband, family, and friends. I knew that this was going to be a great decision because I prayed about it and got confirmation more than once. After research, I knew how I wanted to run "my school" and what I wanted my children to learn. And we've been having a great time learning since. Sure, there are things I would like to do better - find more "outside" learning activities that introduce my children to the world they live in...for FREE or low cost lol - but all in all, I am loving this journey God put me on.

I sometimes wonder why has this been so easy for me. I think much of it is because I put my faith in what I know to be true. And those things are this:

1. It is my husband's and my responsibility to train our children. 

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) 

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I get to teach them what matters most to us as well as give them a well rounded education. I get to guide them in exploring things that interest them. I get to influence them and their decision making - not someone else who only knows my children for about 7 hours a day, and not other children that may have different worldviews and upbringing than my children.

2. God has equipped me for this service.

2 Timothy 2:24 (NLT) 

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

Think about it. We teach our children everyday, and sometimes can be some of the most difficult people we come across in a 24 hour span. And, sure, our teaching may not be institutional teaching, but we teach our children how to follow directions, how to read, how to dial a phone, how to do daily living. And not once do we really worry about if we are "doing" it right. We trust that we are raising and teaching our children in the best way we know how. Yes, there are some parents that haven't gotten very far in their education and some "concepts" may be hard to understand. Some parents may have a very skewed moral compass. But, for the most part all of us have the ability to teach - good or bad. The bonus is when we have a pure heart and can also teach skills as well as godly character! So, yes, God has equipped me for service to our children.

So, if you are thinking about homeschooling, if it has ever crossed your mind and you've talked yourself out of it because you think you can't "do it", I challenge you to kill the negative talk. Take inventory of what you know to teach, and discover with your child what you know you don't know! Grow together with them...this homeschool thing really works! And just like the gospel of Christ, it's not as hard as people make it out to be.

What I've Learned Today: Think of homeschooling as living, exploring, and discovery - it's what you do everyday.


Don't Return To What's Dead 

I learned from an experience I had today - well, yesterday. And it reminded me of the story of Sampson. I know many of us may have heard of this extraordinary biblical man. He was a man of great strength, also a man of pride and disobedience which also became his downfall. He was a man who was born to be set apart from the rest. God had given his parents special instructions in how to raise him and a set of rules he was to follow to stay pure. As Samson grew older, he defied those rules the Lord gave him. One such rule was to not touch anything dead. Well, as it is written, one day, Samson defeated a lion. Completely killed it. After killing it, he went on his way. Eventually, Samson returns the same route he left and he sees the carcass of the lion, but this time, a colony of honeybees set up shop in the lion. Instead of Samson following his instructions of not touching anything dead, he saw the honey was good to eat, and returned to the dead lion and defiled himself.

There is a strong parable here that I have to point out really quick that goes hand in hand with what I learned today. God calls His children to be like Samson - set apart. When we chose to live by His rules and instructions, He gives us power. It may not be physical strength, but there's power that He gives to equip us to walk in His way and do His works, as well as live holy before Him. He gives us the power to kill situations that are before us so that we can walk on without fear and live in victory. But while He gives us clear instructions, He also gives us freedom of choice. Samson could have chose a different route. We too, once we kill something that prevented us from walking closer to God can choose a different route so not to come back in contact with that "something". When we choose to be like Samson and return to what is dead because it's enticing (that relationship, that argument, the street life, that friendship etc), we defile ourselves before Him. So is the situation that I encountered and learned from yesterday.

taken from Artist Alexandra Beguez
http://www.alexandrabeguez.com/SAMSON

What I learned today: If He gave you the power to kill it, don't touch it! Chiiiile, let that thang stay dead! The honey is not that sweet....believe Him.

Voice of Reason

My children and I are learning about wisdom this month. I taught them that wisdom is totally different than intelligence and knowledge. Wisdom is the application of what you know. Sometimes not everyone uses wisdom because not everyone has the knowledge to do so. And sometimes that might not be because they haven't studied something, but because they are emotionally blind and can't access the knowledge so that they can use the wisdom. For example, if person A is in an argument and person B comes to their defense - person B could be emotionally blind, not access or gain knowledge of the full situation, or make good knowledgeable decision making, and therefore can't use wisdom to help the person or defuse the altercation appropriately. This can cause more harm than good. IF WE ARE IN CHRIST, we must always remember to be the peacemakers He has called us to be IF you can help in the situation. If not, just hold your peace and pray.

What I learned today: Use wisdom to help bring truth and peace - don't be a pot stirrer.

GN!!