Anguish is coming! They will seek peace, but there will be none.

The title of this post comes from Ezekiel 7:25.  This is prophecy from Ezekiel and should be a warning to all nations that disobey the Lord.

 

Ezekiel 7

1 And the word of the Lord came to me:

now_the_end_begins

2 “Son of man, this is what the Lord God says to the land of Israel:   An end! The end has come  on the four corners of the land.

3 The end is now upon you; I will send My anger against you
and judge you according to your ways. I will punish you for all your detestable practices.

psalm90_gods_wrath

4 I will not look on you with pity or spare you,
but I will punish you for your ways and for your detestable practices within you.
Then you will know that I am Yahweh.”

5 This is what the Lord God says: Look, one disaster after another is coming!

the_end_has_come

6 An end has come; the end has come! It has awakened against you.
Look, it is coming!

7 Doom has come on you, inhabitants of the land.
The time has come; the day is near. There will be panic on the mountains
and not celebration.

God's_Wrath_1

8 I will pour out My wrath on you very soon;
I will exhaust My anger against you and judge you according to your ways.
I will punish you for all your detestable practices.

9 I will not look on you with pity or spare you.
I will punish you for your ways and for your detestable practices within you.
Then you will know that it is I, Yahweh, who strikes.

10 Look, the day is coming! Doom has gone out.
The rod has blossomed; arrogance has bloomed.

11 Violence has grown into a rod of wickedness.
None of them will remain: none of their multitude,
none of their wealth, and none of the eminent among them.

12 The time has come; the day has arrived.
Let the buyer not rejoice and the seller not mourn,
for wrath is on all her masses.

13 The seller will certainly not return
to what was sold as long as he and the buyer remain alive.
For the vision concerning all its people will not be revoked,
and none of them will preserve his life because of his iniquity.

warning_sirens

14 They have blown the trumpet and prepared everything,
but no one goes to war, for My wrath is on all her masses.

incurable_plaguefood_shortage

15 The sword is on the outside; plague and famine are on the inside.
Whoever is in the field will die by the sword,
and famine and plague will devour whoever is in the city.

survivors_on_the_mountains

16 The survivors among them will escape and live on the mountains
like doves of the valley, all of them moaning,
each over his own iniquity.

knee_pain

17 All their hands will become weak, and all their knees will turn to water.

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18 They will put on sackcloth, and horror will overwhelm them.
Shame will cover all their faces, and all their heads will be bald.

19 They will throw their silver into the streets,
and their gold will seem like something filthy.
Their silver and gold will be unable to save them
in the day of the Lord’s wrath.
They will not satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs,
for these were the stumbling blocks
that brought about their iniquity.

20 He appointed His beautiful ornaments for majesty,
but they made their abhorrent images from them,
their detestable things. Therefore, I have made these
into something filthy for them.

21 I will hand these things over to foreigners as plunder
and to the wicked of the earth as spoil,
and they will profane them.

22 I will turn My face from the wicked
as they profane My treasured place.
Violent men will enter it and profane it.

23 Forge the chain, for the land is filled with crimes of bloodshed,
and the city is filled with violence.

evil_isis

24 So I will bring the most evil of nations
to take possession of their houses.
I will put an end to the pride of the strong,
and their sacred places will be profaned.

25 Anguish is coming!
They will seek peace, but there will be none.

oroville_spillway_disaster

fukushima_meltdown

whales_dead_in_newzealand

26 Disaster after disaster will come,
and there will be rumor after rumor.
Then they will seek a vision from a prophet,
but instruction will perish from the priests
and counsel from the elders.

27 The king will mourn; the prince will be clothed in grief;
and the hands of the people of the land will tremble.
I will deal with them according to their own conduct,
and I will judge them by their own standards.
Then they will know that I am Yahweh.


“Are You Washed In The Blood? — Kaleb Brasee”

66 thoughts on “Anguish is coming! They will seek peace, but there will be none.

  1. We who believe and hold to the Word of the Lord can believe in his promises that no plague or famine or other calamity will touch us. Unless its his purpose to make us go through the refiners fire. Even then he has said he will not give us trials above our capability to handle.

    Great is our Lord and above our reasoning is his ways, but our faith will keep us for eternity! That we can trust!

    Liked by 2 people

  2. I agree with you Stig. Faith is what will carry us in days ahead. We have his word that tells us days of Great Tribulation will be limited and his return will follow that time based on signs we have been told about in scripture.

    _________________________________________________________________

    Psalm 91
    The Protection of the Most High
    1 The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
    dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
    2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
    3 He Himself will deliver you from the hunter’s net,
    from the destructive plague.
    4 He will cover you with His feathers;
    you will take refuge under His wings.
    His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
    5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
    the arrow that flies by day,
    6 the plague that stalks in darkness,
    or the pestilence that ravages at noon.
    7 Though a thousand fall at your side
    and ten thousand at your right hand,
    the pestilence will not reach you.
    8 You will only see it with your eyes
    and witness the punishment of the wicked.
    9 Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
    the Most High—your dwelling place,
    10 no harm will come to you;
    no plague will come near your tent.
    11 For He will give His angels orders concerning you,
    to protect you in all your ways.
    12 They will support you with their hands
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
    13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the young lion and the serpent.
    14 Because he is lovingly devoted to Me,
    I will deliver him;
    I will protect him because he knows My name.
    15 When he calls out to Me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble.
    I will rescue him and give him honor.
    16 I will satisfy him with a long life
    and show him My salvation.

    ___________________________________________

    Luke 17:5-6 (Mustard Seed Faith)

    5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
    6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

    _________________________________________________________________

    Great Tribulation Endured, but limited (“Mark 13:19-20)

    19 For those will be days of tribulation, the kind that hasn’t been from the beginning of the world, which God created, until now and never will be again! 20 Unless the Lord limited those days, no one would survive. But He limited those days because of the elect, whom He chose.
    ________________________________________________________________
    After The Tribulation, Jesus Returns and Gathers The Elect
    Mark 13:24-27

    24 “But in those days, after that tribulation:
    The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light;
    25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the celestial powers will be shaken.
    26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.
    27 He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.
    ____________________________________________________________

    The Sixth Seal (Revelation 6:12-17)

    12 Then I saw Him open the sixth seal. A violent earthquake occurred; the sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair; the entire moon became like blood; 13 the stars of heaven fell to the earth as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a high wind; 14 the sky separated like a scroll being rolled up; and every mountain and island was moved from its place.
    15 Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the military commanders, the rich, the powerful, and every slave and free person hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 because the great day of Their wrath has come! And who is able to stand?”
    _____________________________________________________________

    Those Robed In White (Revelation 7:13-17)

    13 Then one of the elders asked me, “Who are these people robed in white, and where did they come from?”
    14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.”
    Then he told me: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation.
    They washed their robes and made them white
    in the blood of the Lamb.
    15 For this reason they are before the throne of God,
    and they serve Him day and night in His sanctuary.
    The One seated on the throne will shelter them:
    16 They will no longer hunger;
    they will no longer thirst;
    the sun will no longer strike them,
    nor will any heat.
    17 For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne
    will shepherd them;
    He will guide them to springs of living waters,
    and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Daily Devotional — 2/20/17

    RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
    “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. John 15:18-21

    Ron Boyd-MacMillian concludes his two-part analysis of religious freedom in our country:

    It was a persecuted Christian in the Middle East who gave me the eyes to see that religious freedom always needs protecting, wherever one is.

    “Freedom is fragile,” she said. “Religious freedom is not about having the right laws to protect belief—that’s a myth put out by the human rights community. No, religious freedom is protected not by laws, but by a climate of respect and openness that ensures the laws are correctly applied. A toleration law, for example, can be used for or against Christians. Christians always have to fight to ensure the climate is tolerant.”

    She added, “I don’t care what country or state you live in, you also live in a culture that hates Christ. That’s your fight, and every Christian on the earth has the same fight, whether you belong to a so-called Christian society or not.”

    She was right. A climate of prejudice against Christians has crept up by stealth in western cultures, even in apparently Christian ones. We are in a battle in our own backyard. Thank you, persecuted church, for awakening me to the fight!

    As Ron writes, we are in a battle even at home. It doesn’t take much insight—or even imagination—to assess the direction of the moral slide in our free societies, especially in the Western world. Biblical values are disappearing and secular philosophies with a pseudo-biblical aura are fast taking their place.

    As I’ve travelled and spoken in western countries, it is not uncommon to have folk share with me how they lost their employment because of their faith. They had not been obnoxious nor spending company time witnessing. They had simply expressed their support for biblical principles that were being violated. Jesus warns in our scripture today that this treatment is because of His name. Let’s make sure that it is not because we refuse to be His salt and light.

    RESPONSE: Today I will walk with my eyes open to the reality of anti-Christian prejudice. And I will retaliate with the only weapon Jesus authorized: love for all others—even my perceived enemies.

    PRAYER: Lord, I know that because of Your life in me I am bound to generate negative reactions. Help me to respond in a truly loving manner as You exemplified and be Your salt and light in a darkening world.

    Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

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  4. DAILY SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER
    by “Jolie”

    “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers…” (Ps. 1:1).
    “The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (Prov. 12:26).

    Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom of Your Word! Whether we are 5 or 95, who we choose to be friends with and associate with – can greatly affect us all the way to eternity. Whatever beliefs and views our friends have – will undoubtedly affect OUR beliefs and views. If our friends encourage us to turn to You and obey You, we will very likely be influenced by their encouragement. But the opposite is very true as well. Countless believers have fallen away or walked away from You b/c of the negative influence of their friends / family. Please give us WISDOM, Lord Jesus, with who we bring into our inner circles and who we hang out with, confide in and seek advice or input from. If our friends’ views don’t line up with Your word (as much as we may like, love or respect those people) – we need to make the choice to pull away from them. These are literally life and death matters. Please guide us Lord God, and help us to make the RIGHT choices! Amen.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Testimony of healing — 2/21/17

    This morning I woke up with some nerve-related pain. I prayed about this and received healing immediately. Thank You Lord 🙂

    Matthew 7:7-8

    7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Daily Devotional — 2/21/17

    FEAR OF DEATH
    There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

    Satan uses and plays on one of the basic elements and instincts of our nature—fear. It is natural for finite man to fear—especially the fear of the unknown, the fear of being hurt and the fear of death. There is nothing more Satan would like than to see us paralyzed with fear just like King Saul when facing the Philistines and Goliath.

    Why do we allow fear to be so controlling? On the one hand, we have past experiences that we don’t want to relive and on the other hand, we are very hesitant about what might lay ahead. But often the events and situations creating most fear in people have no basis in reality.

    All fear is based on perception. Thus fear has been described in the English language as an acronym for “False Evidence Appearing Real.” If we could consciously remember this, it would help us to allay many fears. But that false evidence sometimes is so convincing! However, we must always realize that dread and fear—like other tactics of the enemy—are based on a lie. This is why throughout the scriptures we are repeatedly commanded—366 times—to “fear not.” It is intensely liberating for our witness when we personally overcome the fear of death. This allows us to focus on Christ and His kingdom.

    Living as a Christian under Romania’s dictatorship posed extreme difficulties and dangers. Even though Rev. Joseph Tson had counted the cost and served the Lord and His flock faithfully, he feared the day that he would be called in by security. He knew the possibility of facing death was inevitable.

    The day that Joseph feared arrived. Security officers arrived at his home one day and took him to their headquarters. He was instructed to sit on a chair and a gun was put to his head. “The choice is easy,” came the commander’s voice. “Deny Jesus or we pull the trigger.”

    This was indeed the moment that Joseph feared all through his ministry. But suddenly the Spirit of the Lord filled his whole being. “If you kill me today you will do me a great favor. All my sermons that were recorded will be in great demand because I will be a martyr for Christ. You will help me greatly to share my messages. You will also help me to go to my Lord quickly!” Joseph fearlessly replied.

    The officer dropped the gun. “You Christians are crazy,” he shouted and then commanded the officers to take Joseph back home.

    Joseph’s life was spared but in a sense he lost it that day. “Never again did I fear what man can do to me. Never again did I fear to lose my life,” Joseph concluded.

    RESPONSE: Today I will not allow Satan’s favorite tactic of fear and intimidation to conquer me in any way.

    PRAYER: Lord, enable me to overcome the fear of physical death as I realize that I am already dead to myself in You. May this be true today too for believers in conflict zones of our world.

    Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Amen JC. It’s just sad to see what appears to be so many in deception. I hope it is like Elijah saying they killed all the prophets, when they hadn’t. That there are many, many more than what we think. 140,000 of the Jewish tribes isn’t many either considering the numbers. Hope this all came out right

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  8. Here’s part of that scripture you referenced about the tribes. Also talks about the great number of those robed in white which nobody could count.

    Revelation 7:4-9
    4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed:
    144,000 sealed from every tribe of the Israelites:

    5 12,000 sealed from the tribe of Judah,
    12,000[b] from the tribe of Reuben,
    12,000 from the tribe of Gad,

    6 12,000 from the tribe of Asher,
    12,000 from the tribe of Naphtali,
    12,000 from the tribe of Manasseh,

    7 12,000 from the tribe of Simeon,
    12,000 from the tribe of Levi,
    12,000 from the tribe of Issachar,

    8 12,000 from the tribe of Zebulun,
    12,000 from the tribe of Joseph,
    12,000 sealed from the tribe of Benjamin.

    9 After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! The burden for prayer as never before. Judgement is happening all around………..yet………people that it doesn’t effect think nothing of it 😦

      Liked by 1 person

  9. From BPEarthwatch — 2/21/17 — This is the guy that provides scientific information on weather (Storms, asteroids, earthquakes, volcanic activity, magnetic pole changes, etc.)

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  10. What are the chances of 2 major dams failing at such a short interval? First california and now this…..this is judgement or deliberate action by somebody.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Daily Devotional — 2/22/17 — Goes well with the topic of post from Mike Fisch.

      PEACE IN THE FACE OF FEAR
      You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

      Twenty-nine-year-old Maryam Rostampour and thirty-two-year old Marzieh Amirizadeh spent 259 days in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison in 2009 in Iran. They had to overcome the fear of life imprisonment and the possibility of execution because they loved and followed Jesus Christ. They had to remain strong through weeks in solitary confinement, and endless hours of interrogation by Iranian officials and religious leaders. They had to endure months of harsh living conditions and debilitating sickness. In their first interview (with Sam Yeghnazar of Elam Ministries), they shared what life was like in prison and how they survived.

      When asked about the worst part of the prison experience, Marzieh wept as she explained:

      “One of the worst was the execution of two of my fellow prisoners. I had never experienced such a thing. One of those killed was my roommate. We had spent a lot of time together. And one day they took her to be executed. For a week I was in shock that killing a human being was so easy…After these executions the spirit of sorrow and death hung over the prison. There was deadly silence everywhere. We all felt this. There was nothing we could do. Everyone was under pressure. The sadness was overwhelming. We stared at each other but had no power to speak. This was the worst experience. It was horrifying and tangible.”

      When asked if she feared execution, Marzieh responded:

      “I never thought about execution, I thought we might be sentenced to life imprisonment because that is the punishment for women convicted of apostasy. I just thought this was something we would have to bear.

      “Before prison we talked about execution, but when we got to prison and experienced the fear of it—our way of talking changed. The very first night that we were arrested, when they threatened us, we were really frightened. We never imagined we would be so frightened; we had talked about these things before. But the atmosphere there and what happened to us frightened us beyond our expectations. We were confined to a dark and dirty room and paralyzed with fear. We could see the fear in each other’s faces. We prayed and what calmed us was the presence of God and the peace that He gave us.

      “It is easy to say that I give my life for the Lord and I will do anything for Him, even die. I always thought it would be a privilege to give my life for the Lord. You say these things. I know for sure that if this would happen to us we would rejoice ultimately. But human fears gripped us. The power the Lord gave us helped us to overcome these fears, just as when we prayed in the police station, God banished our fear and renewed our strength.”

      RESPONSE: Today I acknowledge that God can grant His peace in every trying situation I face.

      PRAYER: Thank You Lord for the promise of Your presence, Your peace and renewing strength.

      Standing Strong Through The Storm (SSTS), a daily devotional message by SSTS author Paul Estabrooks. © 2011 Open Doors International. Used by permission.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. One of my favorite Mike: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
      – Hebrews 11:6, NIV

      It is the simple faith in God. That He is, that He will move mountains with a childlike faith. Nothing in self, we are just conduits to reach those while we can.
      I want to share a couple praise reports:
      This past week my husband was working a home show. He called for prayer due to a hernia that was causing pain. Jesus removed the pain instantly! Also this week he woke with a raging headache. It took 3 times to pray but it left 100%, thank you Jesus!!!!
      Yesterday the lady who lives on our place, called from work to say she blew her knee. I asked her to stop by on her way home for prayer. She had told me it was swelling down into her foot. We had a cup of coffee, visited, then I laid my hand on her knee and prayed. Jesus removed the pain!A few minutes later, we went to check on the flock. She said her shoe was loose again. Half and hour later we were chasing chickens back in! Jesus healed her knee instantly, and a bit later all the swelling went away. God is so good!!!!!!

      I am learning to step out in faith. It is a HUGE transition/change for me. Normally family is harder to pray for than strangers in the sense of receiving healing, but as with most things I’m a bit of a backwards redneck. Over the past month there are numerous praise reports of Jesus healing! My friend and I are praying for others when we go into town/city (yikes at the city driving) and seeing Jesus heal!! I just am in awe of Him and all He did, does and is going to do for the times we are living in. Thank you Lord. You are our All in All.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. I found that the concept of being backward is in the eye of the beholder. Usually highly educated people of city origin consider people living more rural lifestyles backward.

        But consider which life style is more proven, the recent high tech lifestyle dependent on so many variables and gimmicks or the age proven way of preparing from natures gifts for sustenance.

        IF i had the know how id choose the backward redneck way of making My living and in a way i am atm but im no farmer or such.

        Im saying in times the backward ways will prevail and those who look down will have to swallow their pride and come asking advice. And then Sonshine can shine in a gospel way!

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Regarding backwards ways. I know a minister who used the illustration of a baton race? Relay race. He said he had a dream where when the baton was being passed to the one behind him, he instead, pulled the person in front of him!

        I love that. This person Jesus healed yesterday has not been “churched or religioned” to death. The Lord showed me some time ago ‘if’ she were to grab ahold of Jesus, put Him first, she would run with Him. She would race ahead IN HIM of so many, me etc. Boldness combined with a child-like faith (she’s the most child-like person I know and it’s been ups and downs) grabs the simple Truth, much faster than those like I, who have to keep erasing error in doctrine. So excited for her and how God will use her in these last days!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. This may sound a silly area of fear..but I began to get hammered by fear this past week, of not getting enough done in my home and biz etc. To the point it was getting in the way of an area I knew the Lord wanted me to do. The fear (I allowed in) became overwhelming for a few days in several areas.

      This is what the Lord gave me and the very last 8 words just now hit me with a wave of tears:

      Luke 10: 38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

      39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

      40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

      41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

      42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Invitation for anyone out there that has a blog, feel free to share a link to your posts on jcsouthwest.wordpress.com . I do not follow many blogs or other subscriptions these days. Please share whatever you are led by the Holy Spirit to share with others. I have this blog setup so I can review/approve links provided before they get posted.

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      1. Wondering where Vicki has been? Its good to have you back, now waiting for painting……tap tap……..hmmmmm…where is it…….oooh my look at the time…..Yup its here soon.

        Liked by 3 people

    1. Its a wonderful Picture. Since I can barely draw a strawman without critique Of it being out of shape I have to conclude Vickis painting is something I can only dream Of painting.

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  12. My sister Linda shared this link with me. This person had a Prophetic dream about a shopping mall

    https://z3news.com/w/prophetic-dream-reveals-sudden-changes-terrorist-attack-shopping-mall/

    This is a dream I had back on 8/2/16 and it took place in a shopping mall (**Note ** I do not claim to have the gift of prophecy, anything I share from dreams/visions — take them to the Lord for confirmation — see Acts 2:17)

    https://jcsouthwest.wordpress.com/2016/08/02/dream-080216-mass-executions/

    Acts 2:17
    And it will be in the last days, says God,
    that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity;
    then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
    your young men will see visions,
    and your old men will dream dreams.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Daily Devotional — 2/23/17

    The Highly Effective Christian
    Luke 19:11–27

    Recommended Reading: Exodus 4:10–12; Isaiah 6:8; Ezekiel 2:1–7; 1 Corinthians 12:4–31

    In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen Covey recommends the following mental exercise: Imagine that you’ve died and that four people representing different aspects of your life speak at your funeral: a relative, a fellow church member, a business colleague and someone else from your community. What would each one honestly say about your life?

    While it’s not easy to imagine others testifying to the effectiveness of our lives in the context of a funeral, this exercise does provide some much needed perspective. There’s nothing like the end of a life to get others to consider the course of their days. Take a few minutes to seriously think about what these individuals might say about you to a gathered crowd.

    Now take a few moments to imagine what Jesus would say about your Christian life to this point. What does he think about your faith? What does he think about your accomplishments for his kingdom? Would he describe you as someone growing closer to him each day?

    Jesus told a story about three servants in order to illustrate that God expects each of us to be faithful with what he has given us. Of course, any number of fears might hinder us from using the gifts God gives us: fear of failure, fear of ridicule, fear of God’s disapproval, to name a few biggies. Failure to invest represents the most serious potential shortfall of all. Only when we use our faith does it stand a chance of growing. If we don’t exercise it, it becomes stagnant and lifeless. Can you think of anyone whose faith looks like that?

    Let’s look ahead ten years and repeat the mental exercise. If you spend the next ten years investing your faith and wholeheartedly using the gifts God gives you to serve him, what would a relative, a fellow church member, a business colleague and someone else from your community be likely to say at your funeral? What would Jesus say?

    To Take Away
    What gifts and opportunities has God provided that you can use for him?
    Be honest with yourself. How have you done at living a life of faith in God?
    What aspects of your life have you been withholding from God? What steps can you take to invest these areas in faithful service to him?

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  14. **NOTE** Will be offline until later this afternoon. Lord willing, I’m leaving soon to have a short fellowship with some people in Arkansas. Heavy fog in this region, so prayers for travel are much appreciated.

    Have a blessed day everyone.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. Prayers James…Safe travels for you and your friends.

    I ask you Father God in Jesus Name that you move that fog, lift it making a clear path to and from wherever James and his friends travel. Protect them from any and all harm or danger and bless there fellowship with all that you are. In Jesus Name…Amen

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    1. It is a heavy but necessary one. I face the idea here also about God using Trump to save the Usa and if i bring evidence to contrary it is dismissed or it is said it might be so but he is doing good things anyways?

      Good things are done by many but deeds is not the way? To see that professing christians are so blind to the world in face of scriptural truth is staggering.

      If i could id post Mikes blog on all the worlds most popular sites on the frontpage and let the world see.

      We really most likely are within the great falling away or Apostasia in Greek atm. Only praying will help and preaching from wherever you can!

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    2. Excellent post…We feel it too. The signs are everywhere. The Lord is showing His mercy in His messages to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see.

      A very bold message I feel…Thank you for sharing.

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    1. What he says about Judgment of others — we must take the lead from the Holy Spirit on that. This is where Clarity, Discernment and Wisdom come into play. We are never ever to Judge someone when we need to be set free from sin in our own lives.

      I agree with what Jacob states — we need the full Gospel and salvation must be taught, even the parts of scripture that make people very uncomfortable. We are not to just pick out scripture that makes us feel good, as we need all of the word.

      Sometimes we must part ways with those people who continue to refuse the truth and go on doing things “their way” — we still must pray for them and always show the Characteristics of Christ.

      Matthew 7:1-5
      “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

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