Why do the Righteous Suffer?

 

Why do the Righteous Suffer?

Many people ask the question, why me? Why do bad things, happen to good people? We live in a fallen world, where two kingdoms are at war over the souls of men, the righteous are tried, through the hard knocks of life. We should never judge someone, because they are sick, or unemployed, or have experienced much loss in their life. I have known some Christians, as well as pastors, who believe that God is punishing those, who experience tragedy or loss. They are quick to reprove those, whom they are convinced are living in sin.

 Job is a good example of a righteous man, who was blameless before God, but was condemned, by his friends, because of his severe trials. Job lost seven sons and three daughters, as well as, all his servants, and livestock on the same day. It appeared to his friends that God was punishing Job, because of his sins. But, it was because of Job’s righteousness, that Satan accused him before God in heaven. Satan claimed that the only reason Job served God, was that God blessed and protected him. God allowed Satan to take everything away from Job with the exception of his life. Job naturally complained about the harsh trial that he was experiencing, but in the end, he remained faithful to the Lord. Because Job remained faithful to the Lord, God blessed Job with new sons and daughters, as well as more wealth than he had previously. Job was also, blessed to live one hundred forty years after his fiery trial.

 We are all tested and tried in many different ways; our hardships are normally not the result of wickedness. However, in some cases, sicknesses, as well as, tragedy, are the result of sin. Jesus told some of the people that he healed, to go and sin no more, so that nothing worse would overtake them. Habitual sins known as bondages, as well as un-forgiveness, will block people from being healed, or blessed. God’s Word teaches that if there are any sick among you, to have the elders anoint them with oil, and pray for their healing. James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. There are gifts of healings that God grants to many of his children. However, not everyone is healed, God grants healings, according to his will, and timing.     

 Jesus passed by a man who was blind from birth and his disciples asked him who sinned that this man was born blind. Jesus told them that no one sinned; he was born blind so that the works of God, should be revealed in him. This passage shows that sickness, or deformity, is not normally the result of personal sin, but is the result of living in a fallen world. John 9:1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. The prophet Elisha died from an illness when he was old, also Jacob’s wife Rachel died in childbirth, and their deaths were not the result of sin or punishment.               

1Peter 3:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,  8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,  9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

In the same way, that gold is purified in the fire, so our faith is also refined in the fiery trials of this life. The goal of these trials is that our lives may bring praise, honor, and glory, to our Lord when he returns. The trials of life may bring about bitterness or backslidings if we allow them to. We all have the choice to become hard or bitter, or to allow these trials to build character, as well as strengthen our faith. I am well acquainted with suffering. I have experienced the deaths of both of my parents, my brother (my only sibling), my nephew, as well as my wife of fourteen years. I was bitter toward God, for a period of time, and I had to learn to forgive him. When I forgave God, he granted me visions of the afterlife, as well as, explained things to me that brought me great comfort. The Lord has also blessed me with a wonderful new wife, and she is my perfect match. I have made the choice to reach out to others who are suffering the loss of loved ones, and use my pain, to help others get through their dark time. When you help others get through life’s hard times, the Lord will strengthen, as well as, bring healing to you.

 

Romans 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

2 Peter1:5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

 

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. 2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. 4 And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. 6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

7 And the Lord said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the Lord and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." 8 Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" 9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" 12 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. 13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house;

14 and a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away--indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!" 16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!" 17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!" 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!"

20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." 22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.   

The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son

 

The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Prodigal Son

 Luke 15:1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them." 3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety- nine just persons who need no repentance. 8 "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." ' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry. 25 Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.' 28 But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.' 31 And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.' "

 

I love the parables of the lost sheep, and the prodigal son, because they show the love that the Father has for us. The self-righteous Scribes and Pharisees were berating Christ, because he received tax collectors and sinners, as well as ate with them. Therefore, Christ told them several parables, that reflect how much he cares for every single soul. Christ said, Luke 15:4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' We all know John 3:16, that the Father so loved the world that he sent Christ so that we might have everlasting life. God left his throne in glory, and became a man, and humbled himself to the death upon the cross, so that we may be saved. Christ’s sacrifice of his own life for us, reflects how much worth each person has to God. Christ is willing to leave the ninety- nine sheep in the wilderness to search for the lost one. The same is true today, Christ will do everything it takes to restore a backslidden Christian through repentance. God’s Holy Spirit will convict a person of their sins, and the Lord will even use tragedy, as well as blessings, to teach us his ways. This brief life on earth is a school of hard knocks. We are exposed to both the kingdoms of God and Satan, therefore, it is up to us to choose good, over evil, in many of life’s difficult situations.

 The parable of the prodigal son relates to most of us. The prodigal demanded his inheritance from his father and wasted it on rebellious living. Then a severe famine came upon the land and he considered eating the pods, that were fed to swine. Then he remembered that his father’s hired servants had plenty of bread, therefore, he decided to return home, to work for his father. There is no lasting peace in rebellious living, for the wages of sin is death. God will supply all of our needs, if we will live in obedience to him. True peace and fulfillment, comes by making Christ our Lord, through keeping his commandments. Believing in Christ, or saying an acceptance prayer, as well as being baptized, will not save your soul, unless you are truly born again. To be born again, is to become a new creation in Christ, by allowing his Holy Spirit to set you apart from the sinful world. We are all called, to bear much fruit for the kingdom of God. When the prodigal son returned home, and was still a great distance from home, his father saw him and ran to him, and kissed him. The repentant son said, “'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.” 22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

  This parable reflects how each of us would respond to our wayward children returning home. I love how the father ran to kiss his repentant son, and immediately put a robe and sandals on him, as well as, a ring upon his hand. The ring was a token of family membership; and reflects how our heavenly Father is willing to forgive and restore, his repentant children. There is grace, for sins that are repented of. When a person is truly sorry for their sinful lifestyle, God will blot out all of their sins, and give them a fresh start. Christ’s atonement upon the cross, applies to all sins, that are repented of, as well as sins that are committed in ignorance. Willful, habitual sins, are known as bondages, and they will lead to spiritual death, if there is no repentance. Those who keep the faith, and endure unto the end, shall inherit eternal life.

We should display the love of Christ toward those who are currently living the prodigal lifestyle. I have witnessed, self-righteous Christians, who like the Scribes and Pharisees, looked down upon those who are in a rebellious lifestyle. These modern day Pharisees, also despise those who attempt to befriend and reach out, to those who are lost, or backslidden.  We should all have the same attitude as Christ, and be willing to reach out in love, to restore those who have fallen away. If you will humble yourself before the Lord, he may send you out to recover that lost sheep. I have said many times, that we should look beyond the fault and see the need. God does not look at the outward appearance but on the heart, and we should do the same.

 It does not matter, if a person is poor, rich, or dressed in rags, we should display the love of Christ for all of mankind. We should not judge a person, based upon their race, the length of their hair, or what kind of job, or home, they may have. I greatly admire the late pastor David Wilkerson, who founded the Times Square Church in New York City. Pastor Wilkerson reached out to people of every race, and economic status, and created a truly diverse congregation that reflects his multi-cultural city. It is very beautiful, to see people of different races, and cultures, come together in unity to worship their Lord. If Christians, will get rid of their prejudices and learn to love one another, then they may see a true revival.

What is Your Foundation?

 

What is Your Foundation?

Matt 7:24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."  

It is easy to say that Jesus is your foundation, but how many can say that they are obedient to his commandments. In Matthew 7, Christ said, “whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken to a wise man who built his house upon a rock.” Christ continues to say, that when the rain fell, and floods came, and the winds beat against the house, it did not fall because it was built upon a rock. Christ also said,” that those who hear these sayings of mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand.” When the rain, floods, and winds came, his house fell, because it was built, on an unsecure foundation. I have heard many sermons on how Jesus is the rock of my salvation; but Christ was saying that, those who keep his sayings, are the wise ones, whose house will survive the storm. If you love Christ, and wish to abide in His love, then you will keep His commandments.  John 15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. God desires obedience more than sacrifice.

 Many churches, are failing to teach their flocks, to be obedient  to Christ’s teachings. Faith in Christ alone, will save no one, a person must be born again. Christ said, that any tree that does not bear fruit, will be cut down, and thrown into the fire. To be truly born again, is to live a transformed life, by putting to death the sinful nature, and being set apart from the sinful world, by God’s Holy Spirit. The end time apostasy is the grace for everything message, that is shutting people out of the Kingdom of God. There is grace for sins that are repented of, but grace is not automatic. Habitual sins, are known as bondages, and if they are not repented of, they will lead to spiritual death. God is removing His Spirit from many churches today, because they refuse to preach holiness anymore; instead, they give their flocks a license to sin. The gifts of God’s Holy Spirit, are being replaced by demonic manifestations in a large number of churches worldwide.

 God is still the Ancient of Days, and he does not conform to our so-called progressive society or theology. God expects us to conform to his standards, by being obedient to His Word. The Lord has commanded me, to tell His children that they must put off the sinful old nature and return to him through holiness. The Lord has also instructed me to inform his children that the glory is departing from the churches. The modern day Scribes and Pharisees are doing the work of Satan by twisting scriptures to please men. God refers to the Christian denominations of men, as Babylon, which is a biblical term for wickedness.

1 Cor 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

If Jesus Christ is truly your foundation then your works should bring glory to his name. 1 Cor 3:11-15 Paul teaches us to be careful in how we build upon our foundation, because our works will be tested by fire. The many fires or trials of life, will prove what your works are made of. Paul said, that If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. Our good, enduring works for Christ, are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones. A pastor, or teacher, of God’s Word, is held to a high level of accountability, therefore it is very important to teach sound doctrine. Teaching the strong meat of God’s Word, is building wisely upon your foundation, and it will be rewarded. Whatever you do for Christ, make sure it lines up with God’s Word, and do it to the best of your ability. If you are not sure if your works are pleasing to God, I suggest that you pray, as well as fast, for an answer. Paul compares our vain works, to wood, hay, and straw, and he said If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Bad works, consists of more than just bad doctrine, because God looks upon the motive of the heart.

 When I was a young man, I was involved in the street ministry. Our ministry team, worked with other street teams, and at times, I worked under different leaders. At least three of the leaders, were very arrogant, as well as, were on a power trip. These men cared nothing about the people they were ministering to; in fact, they looked down upon them. Their only interest was to maintain control of their groups. They loved the praise of their church leaders, and despised the poor and homeless. These men were an example of fruitless ministry. The Lord will judge each man’s works according to sound doctrine, as well as, the motive of their hearts. If your motive for ministry is love, compassion, and genuine concern for your fellow man, then you, will be rewarded. If your motive is power, position, or selfish ambition, then your works will be fuel for the fire.          

 

Abiding in the Vine

 

Abiding in the Vine

John 15:1-8  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Christ said that he is the true vine and his Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Christ that does not bear fruit the Father takes away. If you have owned fruit trees, then you know that they have to be periodically pruned. You need to trim the good branches, so that the fruit will have adequate room to grow, as well as produce more fruit. You also need to cut off the fruitless branches, so that the good branches will be able to produce healthy fruit.  The same is true with the body of Christ; the Father must remove the bad fruitless branches, so that the true branches will not die out. The Christians who produce good fruit in their spiritual lives, the Father will prune, so that they may produce more fruit. Christ said that he is the vine and those who abide in him will produce much fruit. Apart from Christ, you cannot bear good fruit. Christ also said, if anyone does not abide in him, he is cast out and is withered. The bad branches, will be gathered together and cast into the fire of destruction.

This is a warning from Christ that we must remain in him to inherit eternal life. A Christian must remain faithful to the Lord until the end, to inherit the Kingdom of God. The bad branches were also in Christ for a period of time, but they did not bear fruit, so the Father removed them. This parable teaches that a person can lose their salvation if they do not bear good fruit in their lives. Luke 3: 9 "And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." The parable of the wise and foolish virgins also teaches this same lesson. The foolish virgins were also in Christ for a period of time, but they became empty vessels, and let their lamps grow dark. The wise virgins, who kept sufficient oil for their lamps, entered the wedding feast of the Lamb, and the door was shut. The foolish virgins knocked on the door and begged to enter, but were denied.

Christ said, that some will bear thirty fold fruit, others sixty, and some one hundred fold. Matt 13:23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” We enter the Christian life as babies, who need to learn to walk spiritually. We take baby steps at first, and the Lord is patient with us, as we grow from milk to strong meat. But the time will come when the Lord expects us to produce the good fruit of the Spirit, and not the bad fruit of the carnal nature.

Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,   20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,   21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.   22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,   23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.   24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.   25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.   26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

The most important fruit of the Spirit to have is love. Christ said that if you keep his commandments then you will abide in his love. He also said, this is my commandment that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this that he should lay down his life for his friends. God’s Word also tells us, that the Law and the Prophets are fulfilled, in that we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, body, and soul, and love our neighbor as our self. God’s Word is clear that without love our faith is worthless. One way that we show the love of Christ is by meeting the physical needs of those who are suffering. God is commanding us to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. James tells us that when we see our brethren naked, or destitute without food, and do nothing to help them, then our faith is dead. We show the world our faith in Christ when we display love for our fellow man. 

 John 15:9-14 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. ¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 

James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?   15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,   16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?   17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.   18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.   19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe -- and tremble!   20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

   

               

Love Your Enemies: A Short Story Written by my Wife

 

From my wife's blog: http://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/

Note:  All  the short stories I post will be fiction, the products of an active imagination.  For example, I was never bullied or harassed in school.  Any resemblance to real people or real places will always be coincidental unless otherwise specified.  However, I did have teachers named Mrs. Yamamoto, Mr. Kurtz, and Mr. Waters.

<sup>Love Your Enemies

It is often difficult to feel compassion for a bully.  Especially one that has harassed and tormented you since the fifth grade.  Yet, that is what I have been taught to do: to "pray for those who despitefully use" me.*  I know I should try to understand what pains Darcy is going through that cause her to lash out.  Yet, because I am her main target, it makes it harder to care about what she's going through and so I focus only on what I have to deal with.

Darcy moved to our town of Remington seven years ago.  From the first day we met in Mrs. Yamamoto's class, she made up her mind she did not like me.  I had been asked by our teacher to help the new girl feel welcome and help Darcy get acquainted.  One look at Darcy and one look at me quickly made our classmates wonder why Mrs. Yamamoto had paired us together.  Darcy only wears dark colors often decorated with skulls.  She dyes her naturally blonde hair black and reeks of sour body odor.  I may not outwardly wear my faith in God by sporting crosses on my clothes, but everyone knows my father is a preacher.  I am childishly known as a goody-goody-two-shoes.

As far as I know, I have never done anything to cause Darcy to dislike me.  She has judged me solely based on my appearance.  Well, that and probably also because of my father's occupation.  We are usually products of our environment, after all. Yet after many long years of tripping me so I spilled my lunch tray, refusing to let me into the girls' bathroom, and following me down the hallways shouting, "Smelly Belly is a Jesus Freak," I ceased the to need know her reason.  And, no, my name is not Belly, of course, but Belinda.

You may wonder why the school never intervened.  Simple, I never complained.  Darcy never caused me any physical harm, just a lot of immature pranks at my expense.  Humiliation I could somewhat tolerate, but being labeled as a snitch would make things unbearable.

Oh, how I longed to be homeschooled, but my parents had five growing children to feed.  My father was a full time minister and part time nursing home janitor, so my mother needed to work outside the home as well.

It was the end of our senior year, but it was not graduation I looked forward to the most, it was leaving Darcy behind forever.  Just one week to go, and I would be free.  But not yet.  God would make sure I learned a lesson that had never taught in any secular school room.

I had Mr. Kurtz for sixth hour psychology.  Our final assignment would be worth 30% of our grade.  According to Mr. Kurtz, it would cause us to think outside our own selfish little worlds.  We would be forced to look at another person we typically never talked to, and see him or her in a whole new light.  I should have sensed danger from the word go, but I had foolishly assumed Mr. Kurtz was being his typical melodramatic self .  It was not until he started naming off the students he had chosen as teams that I realized he paid attention.  He knew which kid had which reputation, and had meticulously matched students based on polar opposites.  The rich cheerleader who lived in a mansion was paired with the poor homeless girl who lived with her mother in their car.  The football captain was placed with the captain of the chess club.  The gothic girl was teamed with the preacher's kid.  Wait!  What?

He then distributed a set of seven questions we were to ask our partner.  After we had each answered all the questions, we had to write an essay on what our preconceptions had been, and how our opinions had changed.  I noticed he did not say if our opinions had changed. 

Mr. Kurtz wisely understood that if we took this assignment out of the classroom, they would never be completed.   He knew his students would either make up the answers, or just refuse to do the assignment.  No stuck-up privileged child would ever allow someone living in a trailer park into his or her home.  Therefore, we were to spend the time interviewing each other in the classroom.  We were to volley questions back and forth rather than individually go through the entire set. We would ask and answer every question to his satisfaction.  If he looked over our papers and felt our answers were in anyway lacking, we would be sent back to our partner.  We were not limited to the seven questions and could add any of our own at will.

Our desks nosily scraped across the floor as we rearranged ourselves into groups of two.  I felt my stomach twist into a roller coaster of knots as I approached Darcy at her desk at the back of the classroom.

I had not expected any pleasant small talk, or any greeting of any sort, so when she began asking the first question before I had even finished sitting down, I was not surprised at her cold tone.

"'What is your full name?  Include any nicknames.'"

"Belinda April Carston.  My parents and sisters call me either Bel or Lindy," I replied, noticing the smirk on her face as she wrote down my answer.  I knew she was thinking of her rude nickname for me as well.  I then repeated the first question for her to answer.

"Darcy Suzanne Jenkins.  I don't have any nicknames, and you can't include what my dad calls me."

"Why not?"  I wondered.

"Because your delicate ears aren't conditioned for swear words," she explained with an abrasive laugh.  She moved on to the second question,  "'Who do you share your home with?'"

I did not know if we were supposed to be specific, so I vaguely answered, "My two parents and four younger siblings."

"Technically I live with my dad, but he spends more time at the bar than at home," Darcy revealed with a mixture of bitterness and sadness in her tone.  She shook it off and read,"'What are your hobbies?'"

"Reading, singing, hiking with my dog, and..."

"Praying?" she completed my sentence with a sneer.

"No, well, yes, but I was going to say baking and swimming," I replied, taking a slow deep breath.  Three questions down.  It was too early to get angry yet.

"My hobbies are smoking and listening to heavy metal music."

I started to write down her response, but she stopped me.

"Wait," she insisted,  "Don't write that.  My real hobbies are playing the trumpet, learning foreign languages, drawing, and I also like to read and go for walks with my dog."

Okay, so I had not expected those answers, and half-wondered if she was telling the truth.

"What kind of dog do you have?"  I ventured.

"White trash hound.  And you?"

I ignored her sarcasm and said, "He's a mutt from the dog pound.  I think he's German shepherd mixed with yellow lab."

"Sounds like a dog with a lot of energy," Darcy remarked, her tone sounding civil for the first time in seven years, "My dog is a Rottweiler mixed with a pit bull."

Again, I did not know if she was being truthful or facetious, but we moved on to the fourth question.

"'What career do you want to have?'"

"I want to go to culinary school and eventually own my own bakery that also sells dog and cat treats," I offered.

She nodded her head as if she approved.  "I want to illustrate children's books."

"Who's your favorite author?"  I shot, trying to call her bluff.  I could not imagine her ever reading for pleasure and did not expect her to know the names of any authors.

"Kate DiCamillo.  I would love to illustrate one of her books."

"I love her stories.  My favorite is 'Because of Winn Dixie,'"  I said a little too enthusiastically.

"Of course it is; it's about a preacher's daughter."

"Yes, but it's also about reaching out to people who are lonely or considered outcasts," I countered.

Her blue eyes glared at me from behind the black eyeliner.  "That's why it's called fiction.  Real preacher's daughters don't make friends with anyone different from herself.  They just roll their eyes and wrinkle their noses at the smell when the teacher asks her to be the new girl's guide."

"Darcy, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"I was a scared and lonely young girl who just needed a friend.  And instead you became my judge," she accused.

Her stark truth burned right into my heart.  All this time I felt like she had been the instigator of our opposition, but in fact, I had been the one who first rejected her.  True, it did not excuse her bad behavior, but she was acting out of hurt.  I was ashamed of myself.

"Who's your favorite author?" she suddenly blurted, choosing to change the subject back to the previous topic.

"Charles Dickens," I answered, my voice still shaky with remorse.

"He's pretty amazing too," she agreed, then looked back at the assignment to question five.  "'Do you think you will get to follow your dreams?'"

"Maybe someday, but not for a while," I said, forcing my mind to focus on the new issue, "The nearest culinary school to Remington is 300 miles away, and I promised my parents I would stay close to home until the younger kids are old enough to help do the cooking and cleaning.  The next oldest is only thirteen.  I help mama now because she doesn't get home from work until 7:00.  I'll make sure I get a job so I'm home when the kids are off school."
 
"Why don't you just do what you want to do and let your family hire a nanny?"  Darcy wondered.

"My family is my top priority, and they can't afford a nanny.  After all, they've paid for my upkeep for 18 years, it's the least I can do."

"Noble," she muttered rather sarcastically.

"Your turn to answer the question," I prompted.

"I've already submitted some of my artwork to a literary agent, and she believes I have real talent.  I have an appointment to meet with the children's editor at Elgin Publishing in New York City the week after graduation," she reported.

"That's exciting!  I bet your dad's proud of you," I said.

She made a noise something like a grunt and went on with the assignment.  "'What will you miss the most about high school and what will you miss the least?'"

"I pretty much hate school, so I can't say I'll miss anything.  As far as what I'll miss the least?"  I paused and locked eyes with her.  I wanted to say it was being bullied by her, but I think she got the idea.  "I won't miss lunch."

"Why?  We have good food here."

"I know, but I always end up sitting alone reading a book.  The time kinda drags.  I'd rather skip lunch and go home and hour earlier."

She studied me thoughtfully.  "I never thought of you as being lonely."

"No one wants to be friends with a square."

"I don't think anyone uses that word anymore."

I sighed.  "I guess not.  But at least I won't look back at my many years trapped in school with ay regrets."

I hit an unintentional nerve again, and she made another grunting sound.  "I will miss my art class.  Mr. Waters is the one who encouraged my talent and helped me find an agent," she paused as she thought over her next response, "I also will not miss lunch.  I have people to sit with, but the people who party with you are not the same ones who rejoice when you get a meeting in New York.  I know I'll never see any of them again."

"I guess I never thought of you as lonely either," I returned.

She nodded, but did not want to dwell on it.  "Question seven:  'Is there anything you would like to add?'"

I was uncertain if I wanted to approach the subject again, but figured it would most likely be my last opportunity to do so.  "I'm sorry for being so judgmental of you.  I hadn't realized until now what I snob I have been.  I always thought you didn't like me because I'm a Christian.  But that doesn't matter; I still should have been kinder to you.  We have a few things in common, we may have even become friends."

"I wouldn't go that far!"  she said with a mocking air, but sincerely added, "Maybe we could have."

"'Is there anything you would like to add?'"  I repeated.

I naively expected her to apologize to me as well, but instead she simply said, "No."

"Fair enough," I decided.

The bell then rang and Mr. Kurtz dismissed the class.  And just like that, the conversation with my enemy was over.  We never spoke again.

All the way home from school that day, all I could think of was that I had never once considered Darcy's home life or her hopes for the future.  I had never seen her as anything but my own personal bully.  It turned out she was an ambitious young woman about to achieve her dreams.  Yet, she was still just a sad and lonely little girl wanting someone to be her friend. 

Of all the years I spent in classrooms, the lesson Mr. Kurtz taught stuck with me more than any other.  I prayed for Darcy every day after that eye-opening assignment.  I also prayed for forgiveness for being so self-centered.   I prayed I would never again waste the opportunity to be a friend to someone in need, no matter what she looked like.  I never again wanted to squander the opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

I was certain there would be more bullies to face in my life, but I vowed after that day that I would see them through less critical eyes and reach out to them, even if they rejected me.  Perhaps next time God placed someone in my life to witness to, I would not drop the ball.  I would pray to make up for my past mistakes, and to be transformed into a woman God could use; a woman who could learn to love her enemies.   

 * "</sup>But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."  Matthew 5:44

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Matt 25:1-13 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. ³ Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. ⁵ But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. ⁶ “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ ⁷ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. ¹¹ “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ ¹² But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

It is very important that God’s children be spiritually ready for the Lord’s return. Faith alone is not enough to inherit the Kingdom of God, a person must be born again. The Lord is returning for a bride without spot or wrinkle. I believe that the Great Tribulation will be a time of purification for the body of Christ. When people no longer have electricity to power their televisions or internet, then they may get serious about cleaning their lives up. Some of the greatest revivals in history have occurred during times of persecution or distress. Many communist nations have seen these great revivals spring up from the persecuted home churches. I believe that the time of the great testing and shaking, will once again bring about true revival. A true revival, is marked by repentance of sins, and mass conversions.

The counterfeit revivals of today, where people act like drunks, and fall on the floor laughing, as well as make animal noises, are a mockery to a holy God. There is no true repentance, or genuine conversions, occurring in these flesh fests. In fact, most of their revival leaders, have been caught in sexual immorality. The modern church of today is dyeing spiritually, because of the grace for everything theology, which produces big tithers. When you tell people what they want to hear, they will fill the offering plates up. A healthy church where God’s Spirit is still present will preach holiness (to be set apart from the sinful world by God’s Spirit).

In the parable of the ten virgins, Christ makes the comment, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Christ gives us an analogy of five wise and five foolish virgins, in order to stress the importance of being prepared for his return. The five wise virgins were prepared to meet the bridegroom, because they took oil in their vessels with their lamps. The five foolish virgins took their lamps, but no oil to keep their lamps burning. As the bridegroom tarried, they all slept until they heard the midnight cry, “Behold, the bridegroom is coming, go out to meet him!” The five wise virgins were prepared for the Lord’s return, because they were the overcomers who kept their light burning until the end. The oil they took for their lamps, is symbolic of being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is essential for all Christians, to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, in order to be prepared for the Lord’s return. The foolish virgins were also born again Christians, because they are labeled as virgins. However, the foolish virgins let their lamps grow dark because they were empty vessels. Christians must remain filled with God’s Holy Spirit (God’s oil), by remaining faithful to the Lord until the end. To remain faithful to the Lord, is to be obedient to him, by keeping his commandments and ridding our lives of sin. Christ said, that those who endure unto the end, shall be saved.

 While the foolish virgins went to buy oil for their lamps, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also,  saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!” but he said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Un-repented of sin will lead to spiritual divorce with God; that is why the Apostle Paul taught that we must cross the finish line in order to receive the crown of eternal life. 1 Cor 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.  27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

We need to keep our lamps burning with the oil of God’s Spirt until the end, to inherit the Kingdom of God. Even Paul said that if he didn’t discipline his body to bring it into subjection, that after preaching to others, he could become disqualified. Paul was saying that like a runner in a race keeps his body in good physical condition, we must also keep our spiritual body in good condition, so that we might be able to cross the finish line and win our crown.

 

 Matt 10:22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

 Matt 24: 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

 Rev 2: 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.  5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Rev 3:1  “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.  3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.            

   

Halleluiah Jesus is Coming!

Halleluiah Jesus is Coming!

On Saturday, the Lord gave me a vision. I saw an opened magazine and both the pages were black, with a picture of Donald Trump in the upper right hand corner. I saw a profile of Trump’s face turned to the right, facing the edge of the magazine. Trump had a fierce countenance and appeared very stern. Above Trump’s head, was a full, very dark red, blood moon.  I also heard a female voice singing, “Halleluiah, Jesus is coming!”

This vision indicates that President-Elect Trump, will play a major part, in end time events. The black pages of the magazine, indicate a time of both spiritual, as well as, physical darkness. The two black pages, may also represent, two terms in office, or possibly the start of the Great Tribulation. The dark red, blood moon, probably indicates the great war to come. Trump’s profile, was facing the edge of the right side of the magazine, this may indicate that, Trump will be America’s final president. I am going to pray more for the interpretation of this vision. The good news is that Jesus is coming back immediately after the Great Tribulation! Those who endure unto the end, will be given the crown of everlasting life!               

 

 Joel 2:30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

 NKJV Matt 24:29  “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ³⁰ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ³¹ And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Clay for the Potter's Hand

Clay for the Potter’s Hand

Romans 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

 

We cannot save ourselves through the strivings of the flesh, nor be transformed by our own merit. We must get out of the way and yield our lives to Christ, and his transforming Holy Spirit. We are saved by faith in the atonement that Christ provided upon the cross following true repentance. Then the Holy Spirit molds the clay into vessels of honor. We are sanctified by the blood of Christ unto salvation, and transformed (sanctified, set apart) by the Holy Spirit. To walk in the Spirit is to walk away from sin. You must be born again to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

If you belong to Christ, you are an ambassador for the Kingdom of Heaven, and your life should be a living testimony to those around you. We are not all called to be pastors or evangelists, but there are many members to the body of Christ, and we are called to be faithful to the ministry that God has placed us in. God is the potter, and we are the clay, if we will allow His Spirit to have His perfect work in us, then we will be vessels of honor that He may work through. A potter is an artist that molds, and shapes vessels into many forms, for many different uses.  If we live a sinful lifestyle, then we will be vessels of dishonor to be destroyed by the potter. For the wages of sin is death, but there is forgiveness through Christ if we repent and turn from sin. The Bible also gives us examples of people who were vessels of dishonor, like Pharaoh king of Egypt, whose heart was hardened by the Lord so that God could show the world His miraculous power. Through His foreknowledge, God knows who vessels of honor or dishonor will be, however, we still have a freewill. We must choose this day, whom we will serve.

 

If you do not know where you fit into the body of Christ, I suggest that you pray, as well as fast, for an answer. When a person goes on a fast, they are showing God that they desire heavenly food more than earthly food. When you seek after God, as well as, put his Kingdom first, He will reveal his plan for your life. God’s timing is perfect, but we sometimes get impatient waiting upon the Lord to open doors to ministry. A Christian preparing for a ministry does not need a theological degree, or any training from man- made institutions. However, we are to study God’s Word to show ourselves approved, a workman who is not ashamed. We need to get alone with God and allow his Holy Spirit to teach us the ways of the Kingdom of Heaven. I refer to this time of Spirit led training, as the wilderness experience.

 

 There are many examples in God’s Word of holy men who left their hometowns and spent time in wilderness locations, or foreign lands, being taught by God’s Spirit. After being water baptized, the Spirit led Christ into the wilderness to be tested and tried by the devil for forty days and nights. Christ fasted during this time of testing and fought off the devil by quoting scripture. After this time of preparation, Christ began his ministry. We are not above our master, if Christ was tested and tried by Satan, we will also most surely be tested. When Moses was forty years old, he fled pharaoh and dwelled in the land of Midian for another forty years, before beginning his ministry at the age of eighty. During his forty years in the wilderness God was purging Moses of his former life in Egypt and preparing him to be a vessel of honor that he might work through. The wilderness experience is a time, when the potter molds and shapes his vessel into the object that he desires. Joseph is another example of a man who was hand crafted by God for a great purpose. When Joseph was seventeen years old, he was sold into slavery by his brothers. After the incident with Potiphar’s wife, he was thrown into prison for thirteen years until the day he was brought before Pharaoh. This time of preparation for leadership was necessary for Joseph to be the humble man useable for God’s purpose. When Joseph’s wilderness experience was concluded, Pharaoh made him governor over all of Egypt and he prepared for the time of famine.

      

 After his road to Damascus encounter with the risen Christ, the Apostle Paul also had his time of preparation for ministry. Paul did not confer with any man, nor did he go immediately to Jerusalem to see the apostles. Instead, Paul went into Arabia for three years, to be taught by God’s Spirit before going back to Jerusalem.  When he returned to Jerusalem, he stayed with Peter for fifteen days and also met with James the brother of Christ. Then Paul went into Syria and Cilicia for another fourteen years, before he presented himself to the churches in Judea.  It was by revelation from God’s Spirit, that Paul knew when it was time to present himself to the Judean church. A true vessel that God can work through, is taught and led by God, not man, nor man- made institutions. Man- made theology stifles the Spirit, as well as shuts people out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

 

Galatians 1:15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace, 16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 20 Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Then I came unto the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc; 24 and they glorified God in me. Galatians 2:1 Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2 And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.