Did God Create People to be Wicked?

September 16, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Proverbs 16:4 

The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.

This passage seems to say that the Lord has created some individuals for the explicit purpose to be wicked. Could that possibly be correct? We know that evil and sin are abominations to God; did He create evil to serve His purpose?

God created every one of us, surely He created wicked people too. History has dozens of high-visible examples of people who were truly evil. These wicked people were eventually brought down; I have no doubt they were judged severely when they stood before their Maker.

Looking at today’s current events, with the thoughtless vandalism and brutal beatings between those of differing opinions, perhaps the Lord really does make the wicked...what could be His purpose? 

This verse is often used to pick apart faith in God. I read quite a few articles by different Bible scholars about this verse. Almost all discussions refer back to the original Hebrew or Greek of this passage where the phrase, “everything for His purpose” comes from the Hebrew word maaneh, which means “to answer to, or to give a reply to.”

This changes the verse to read like this:

“The Lord hath made all things to give answer unto Him, even the wicked, who think they are off His hook. They will be required to give an account unto Him on the day of judgment."

Then, putting this verse into context, makes the message even more clear: (from the Amplified)

1The plans and reflections of the heart belong to man, But the [wise] answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 

 

2All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes; But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth]. 

3Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. 

4The Lord has made everything for its own purpose [every person and every deed must answer to Him], Even the wicked for the day of evil. 

5Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; Be assured he will not go unpunished. 

6By mercy, loving kindness and truth [not superficial ritual] wickedness is cleansed from the heart, And by the fear [reverence] of the Lord, one avoids evil.

From so many other passages in the Bible, it is abundantly clear that God did NOT create people to behave wickedly so He could use them or to punish them. All things have been created by God for His glory. And all of His creations will be required to give an account to Him for what they have - and haven't - done. Even those who think they are getting away with their violence, theft, and lawlessness today, are going to give an account to Him on the day of judgment.

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, we know that Abba Father is good to all, so good, that He gave His only son as a living sacrifice for us all.  We thank you, Lord, for what You did for humanity. We pray that many more will come to You, repent and live a lift of grace, charity and Love, in Your name. Lord, we pray for our country, our legislator, our president. We pray for the safety of those who fight daily to protect and preserve our constitution and our bill of rights. We know that wickedness exists in the world due to man’s fall from Grace and falling for Satan’s many traps. We love You. We worship You and we are grateful for Your many blessings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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God's Grace Delivers Big Wins

September 9, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 

Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Although it is ambiguous what Paul’s plea for relief was about, he asked God three times to remove it. Instead, Paul writes that God said no, and then told Paul to lean in and see God’s grace work in his life during his infirmity or his temptation.

Paul was meant to experience, firsthand, how God’s power is at its greatest when humans are at their weakest.

In other words, it is our physical, mental and emotional challenges that allow us to experience God’s grace and His unconditional love to lift us up during our most trying circumstances.

• But do we really trust Him when things look bleak? 
• How much can we let go of the outcome when we’re really scared? 
• How strongly can we exercise our faith and put the outcome in His hands?  
• Can we embrace the concept that God’s grace is sufficient in every circumstance, big and small?

This is so contrary to how the world operates.

Instead of surrendering to God's will through God's grace, we operate from, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” We like to show our grit, our tenacity. We feel puffed-up when something works out as we anticipated. We “locked and loaded, buckled down, and won.” We take all the credit for the success.

But God said, “My power is made perfect in weakness.” When God’s grace sustains you, you can’t take credit for the result. When things turn around under impossible odds, He alone gets the glory.

Remember: grace is the unmerited, unearned love and favor of God. 

When God says, “My grace [unconditional love] is sufficient for you” He intends to win big. There are many examples in the Bible about how the “underdog” had no chance of winning or physically surviving without God’s grace. The stories of Goliath and Gideon quickly come to mind.

David was a shepherd boy attacking a giant with a sling and a few rocks. Only God could ensure that David’s aim would literally be deadly. Gideon was only allowed 300 men to slay the largest army of the day, making victory possible only with God’s hand.

God’s power is made perfect in our weakness because it shows that God can deliver in a Big Way. God’s grace – His love - is sufficient for everything.

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, the magnitude of Your grace is beyond our comprehension. Just a small glimpse of Your power allows us to lean in and give You with all our burdens, all our worries, all our consequences. Lord, help us to grow stronger and deeper every day in the knowledge and understanding of Your all-pervasive grace. When we fully trust You and Your love for us, we can truly be anxious for nothing. We know that no matter how large our weaknesses may seem in the flesh, by Your love, power and grace, all will turn out exactly as it should be accomplished for You and by Your glory. Lord, grant us the desires and petitions of our heart – this or something better. In all things, Thy will be done. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Be Silent and Wait Expectantly

September 2, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Psalm 37:7 

Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way or by the man who carries out evil plans.

 

It can be so incredibly frustrating when we see evil-doers that seem to get away with crimes, vandalism, theft, assault and even murder. We hang our head and raise our voice in disgust and in anger.

 

But the Word tells us to behave differently. We are told to not be agitated but to wait silently and expectantly on the Lord. God tells us to “Be Still and Know.” He tells us He will fight our battles. He even tells us that Vengeance is His.

 

Being human is hard...and participating in Earth School is even harder. We see so many disturbing events and behaviors by those around us. During these troubling times, it is more important than ever to draw close to God. Jesus paid the price for us already; He bore the burden of our sinful ways and once we accept Him into our life, we are His forever. The more difficult life becomes, the darker the times seem to be around us, the more fervently we need to read His Word and spend time with Him in prayer.

 

Loving our fellow humans can be so difficult. We are told to love our enemies and admonished to pray for those who persecute us. We hear you, Lord, but that doesn’t make it any easier when we can barely tolerate what is going on around us.

 

In today’s terms, I would say that we “fake it until we make it real.” We know we’re doing this for You and in Your name.  The only way out, the only answer is to know: Jesus is the Way. Today, as every day, we need to draw closer and closer to Him.

 

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank You that Your Word gives such clear instructions. We are to be still, even silent, and way in calm anticipation for You to clear the path and unmuddy the waters. We can watch without participating – physically or emotionally – with the disturbing events around us. We know that in the end, Lord, we are with You and no matter what, We Win. Thank You, Lord, for every victory, small and large. We are grateful for the “still time” with You and we are forever grateful we are Your Kids. Thank You the Eternity is coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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My Soul Will Not Be Shaken - With Guest Pastor Caspar

September 1, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Psalm 62:5-6 

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken.

 

When the world gives us so many distractions, so many reasons to feel hopeless, God’s Word gives us refuge. The psalmist tells us to “rest in God alone”. When our hope is shaken or we have doubts about the future, returning to God’s Word gives us the rock-solid solution we need to NOT be shaken.

 

Pastor Caspar (written only) 

Often sickness and diseases like heart problems can result from unexpressed grief. It’s important to not stuff things inside and put on a stiff upper lip in those times when things trouble you. Best to talk it over with the Lord Jesus/Yeshua, and let the tears flow.

 

Seeing how the Lord already knows all about it and has all the answers to all issues we shall ever face. We need to continually work on overcoming the spirit of fear which loves to project itself into the future.

 

My friend and associate Dr. Michelle Strydom taught me a number of amazing insights on the mind, body, spirit, and soul connection, particularly the principle about the importance of framing situations you face correctly through the grid of the Father’s Holy covenant, nature, and divine character. We must understand and remember not only do we have a heart, but we also have a heart that actually acts and works like a mini-brain.

 

We also must know the kidneys act sort of like a mini-brain as well by themselves. Research finds that our left kidney assesses the situation, and then based on how the situation is framed by the left kidney, the right kidney devises a strategy to move forward. So in other words, if the left kidney assesses the situation badly and listens to lies from the demons so it entertains the spirit of fear, then the right kidney is not able to resolve whatsoever it is that is troubling you. Resulting in the kidneys releasing those stress hormones. Obviously releasing stress hormones is not good for you and it ultimately would exacerbate things like heart problems (A-fib) and other such diseases.

 

That spirit of fear also works well with a spirit of hopelessness and it is experienced deeply spiritually, emotionally, and physically, and as the Holy Scripture says – hope deferred literally makes the heart sick. 

 

Proverbs 13:12, ”Hope deferred maketh the heart sick:

but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”

 

However, the good news is if you frame the situation right and proper by determining to trust the Lord for all things, then the kidneys will release DHEA which carries the emotion of joy and so your heart releases ANF which carries the emotion of peace – which is healing spiritually, emotionally and physically.

 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made and I am in awe every day of the Lord’s creations and the amazing testimonies that happen as people are healed of all sorts of things as they queued up with the Holy Word of God.

 

Psalm 139:14, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

 

The Lord Jesus/Yeshua said in John 10:27,

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

 

Fight back overcomers, trust Papa God for every detail and stay in faith! Jesus said in Luke 21:15, “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.’

 

I say hallelujah! Because “All”, things are possible with God! I pray the Lord’s supernatural peace, healing, provision, and protection cover you always with oceans of agape love in the almighty name of Jesus/Yeshua!

 

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, everything about these two verses is exactly what we need to hear in times of trouble, in times of fear. Guide us to a place of stillness so we may know and feel that HOPE comes from God. When we trust God to be our STRONGHOLD, we will not be shaken. Lord, Your Word gives us so many assurances that You will never leave us, never abandon us. You will always give us strength so that we can never be shaken. We are grateful for Your presence and Your Greatness, Lord. Please hear our voices as we cry out to You for our personal safety, for our country, for our world. As we make our petitions know, Thy Will Be done...and in all things, we pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.

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Did Your Pastor Sell You Out?

August 21, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

 

Proverbs 24:10

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.

 

It is obvious the Day of Adversity is here. 

For the remainder of my days, I will always be perplexed as to how the entire world “rolled over” and became enslaved by the Globalists in a matter of a few weeks.

 

Masks. Distancing. Mandatory tracing. Quarantines. Lockdowns. And now, mandatory vaccines. 

 

Today, a group of more than 4,000 Evangelical pastors joined together and signed a pledge that says, “As Christians who uphold the authority of God’s Word and see science as a tool to understand God’s world, we call on all Christians to follow the advice of public health experts and support scientists doing crucial biomedical research on COVID-19.”  

 

The document closes by saying, "Therefore, because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we will:

• Wear masks – Masks only serve to harm the health of the person wearing it.
• Get vaccinated - The document claims that, “Vaccination is a provision from God that will prevent disease not only for ourselves but for the most vulnerable among us.” Apparently, they know none of the ingredients found in vaccines, especially the known carcinogens and the cells of aborted fetuses.
• Correct misinformation – Currently, “misinformation” is defined as anything that is not lockstep with mainstream propaganda 
• Work for Justice – Social justice, claiming to be doing things for the common good, is an excuse for total state control.

And then the Pope came out a few hours later with a statement calling for universal vaccines to not be reserved just for the wealthiest. Yes...let's be sure to poison and kill all the poor people too...

Let's examine today's verse - Proverbs 24:10 - more closely.

 

What is the definition of faint?

• Lacking conviction, boldness, or courage; 
• To be timid 

What is adversity?

• A state of hardship or misfortune
• A calamitous event

.

What is the definition of strength? 

• The capacity to resist attack
• The capacity to resist strain or stress
• Durability

So, let’s reread Proverbs 24:10 like this:

If I am timid and I fail to have conviction, to be bold, or to demonstrate courage in these days of hardship, misfortune and/or calamity, then my ability to resist external stress and/or personal attacks is small. I have little courage and no durability.

 

That’s powerful.

 

Our church and spiritual leaders have become faint. They are worshiping the god of government and the god of science. Our church communities have become obedient, bending a knee to the god of government and becoming subjects of fear, which is the opposite of faith. They showed NO durability with the first sign of hardship and misfortune. What will they acquiesce to next?

 

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, we know not what is coming to bear upon us next. Many of Your people believe what we are experiencing now is just the beginning of the radical subjugation that will come at Your people next...and very soon. We pray that each of us – all of Your people, called by Your name – will humble themselves, seek Your face, and pray for mercy. We pray for protection and for strength. We pray to find solace in Your Word. We pray that Your love will give us the durability, the courage, the bravery we need for the times of adversity that are ahead. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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"Vengeance is Mine" Sayeth the Lord

August 20, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Romans 12:17-19, 21

Do not pay anyone back evil for evil, but focus your thoughts on what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, live at peace with everyone. Do not seek revenge but leave room for the wrath of God. For it is written, 'Vengeance is mine', says the Lord. 'I will pay them back.’…..Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

With the continual destruction of our cities, our way of life, our humanness, I’ve had quite a few people say to me – purely out of frustration, “I just want to take a bunch of those Antifa punks and beat the crap out of them...!”

 

I have to admit, I’ve had a few of those thoughts myself. And then I remember this verse that reminds me to not seek revenge but leave room for the wrath of God.

 

The Bible has quite a bit to say about revenge. According to GotQuestions.org, in both Greek and Hebrew, the words “vengeance,” “revenge,” and “avenge” are associated with the idea of punishment. His vengeance is for the purpose of punishing those who have offended and rejected Him.  When His people suffer and the wicked appear to prosper, it is for God alone to punish. If we do the revenge, it is a sin.

 

What if those who have suffered from this current wave of national violence, loss of businesses and loss of employment stood back and claimed God’s promise – that Vengeance Is His and HE will pay them back with divine retribution and in a way that only HE can see?

 

The Lord's instruction to US is to not repay evil for evil and to live a peace with everyone. 

What can we do today….to conquer evil with good? 

 

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, as those Lawless ones who have no concept of right vs wrong, of good vs evil, of what it means to respect the property rights of others, seem to be taking over our Country, thank You for reminding us, through Your Word, that YOU will have the final say as long as we choose to live in peace and stand firmly with You.  Remind us that we are to treat others in ways we wish to be treated: with kindness, with appreciation, with respect, and with love. Lord, YOUR people are praying, asking for your help. We believe that You are hearing our prayers. Thy will be done. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

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Persecution Cannot Separate Us from God

August 18, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Romans 8: 35, 38-39 

Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

For I am persuaded that not death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

According to Open Doors, an International NGO advocating for persecuted Christians, there are approximately 2.48 billion Christians in the world today. Out of these, 1 in every 12 is considered to be suffering from “extreme” levels of persecution.

In January 2020, Open Doors released its annual World Watch List of the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe types of persecution. At the very top of the list, the three countries which show extreme levels of persecution, we see North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia. Further down the list is China. 

The situation in China continues to worsen as more and more churches are experiencing pressure at the hands of the Chinese state. An estimated 5,500 churches have been destroyed, closed down, or confiscated. In May, an official in the eastern province of Shandong raided the home of a local Christian and hung pictures of Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping on the wall in place of Christian images, saying, "These are the greatest gods. If you want to worship somebody, these are the ones to worship.”  Cash rewards are being offered to those who inform officials and law enforcement about the location of underground churches and other ‘unofficial’ places of worship. 

In America and around the world, we are soon to become the Cashless Society which has been anticipated for several decades. COVID19 will be the justification, blaming our “dirty money” to get rid of cash. So many have bought the hype, the propaganda about the masks, social distancing, and contact tracing that the notion of being microchipped will be the “next logical step” for transacting money. The chip that will go into our hands - or at our hairline - so we can pay without touching. 

"He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." - Revelation 13:16-17

The Bible mentions in many places that Christians will be persecuted, tortured, and even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.

"Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.~ Revelation 20:8 

It is highly probable that the COVID19 vaccine will be part of the mark of the beast God has long warned us about. Social conditioning, the steps getting us mentally and physically prepared, is “Masking” and "Distancing." This is the first "Mark.” Think about it: we can barely shop or participate in life without wearing the illness-inducing mask.

Christians, more persecution, more pressure, more bullying is coming. But stand strong. Know that God will never leave us, especially in times of our darkest need and our most frightening circumstances. No matter what comes upon us, He will be with us every step of the way. 

It's important to decide now: 

Will you choose freedom and God...or choose slavery, the mask and the vaccine?

Today’s Prayer: 

Lord, in the midst all that is swirling around us, it is magnificent to be reassured, again and again, that You will always be with us, You will never abandon us and no matter what happens to our physical body, we can never be separated from You. 

When the toughest assaults start to appear, keep Your Word - especially Roman 8: 35-39 - resonating through our minds and our hearts. Without You, we are nothing. With You, we are the Overcomers of the world and by Your grace, we will live a life of righteousness and courage. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen. 

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Are Our Leaders Worthy of Respect?

 August 17, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Titus 2:2 - “Older men are to be level headed, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance.” 

This verse struck me. My first thought was, “Aren’t most of our POLITICIANS “older men”? Where do our leaders stand with being level headed? Sensible? Of sound in faith, love, and endurance? And most of all…being “worthy of respect”? 

Aren't most of our church leaders "older men"? 

 

The Book of Titus is a short letter from Paul to Titus, a young protege who was living on the island of Crete. The Book has just three short chapters in which Paul outlines instructions for Godly living. In Chapter 1, Titus is told to “correct whoever teaches what is wrong.” He is to silence and strongly rebuke rebellious people who are "full of empty talk that they may be strong in the faith.” 

Again - politicians? church leaders? 

 

Titus 2:2 draws the line in the sand about following man-made rules, especially the illogical, baseless MANDATES coming against churches and their congregations regarding masks and social distancing. 

 

On May 30, 2020, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling that churches were only allowed to have 100 members meet at one time, ostensibly to contain the spread of the coronavirus. 

Apparently, the Supreme Court justices have not seen the size of the so-called protestors destroying properties and looting businesses. So the church cannot open but the protesters and terrorists have free rein to flood the streets. Most of the hoodlums are wearing masks, not to protect against coronavirus but to hide their identities from law enforcement.

Further lawsuits from the Church Resisters have followed, with some success.

 

On August 16, the California Court of Appeal issued a stay of the lower court’s order, allowing the county’s Health Order to remain in effect and prohibiting John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church from meeting indoors. 

The church met anyway — inside, unmasked, and without adhering to social distancing. MacArthur noted the church’s defiance during the service, saying, “...the good news is that you’re here, you’re not distancing, and you’re not wearing masks.” The congregation cheered in response. 

God’s Word says clearly in Matthew 7:21-23:  

“Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.

 

Many will say, ‘did we not prophesy in Your name, cast our demons, perform many miracles?’ And I will declare to them publicly, Depart from me; I never knew you.” 

 

Are church leaders – pastors, priests, rabbis, imams – leading their people, teaching them to fearlessly avoid the social engineering of the mask and social distancing? Can they see this where this is leading? 

Are church members acquiescing to fear and depending on a mask – a flimsy piece of material that does NOTHING to protect from infection – instead of trusting God and their God-given immune system to keep them healthy?

 

Ask your church leaders: Who are YOU going to serve? 

Nothing is more significant than a solid foundation in Christ. Nothing is more motivational than the power of confidence given to us through the Word of God.  Nothing is more important right now than being obedient to God. 

 

Today’s Prayer: 

Dear Lord, fill your people with Your Word, Your power, and Your Courage.  For the last 100+ years, the people of this country, this world, have turned their backs to You, Your Word, and Your ways. This country was founded by those who experienced religious persecution. It is time, now more than ever, for Your people to take a stand for You. 

 

Please awaken up the sheep, Lord; many of them are Your people. Show them their collectivism is leading them into the hand of the Enemy. We pray for their souls Lord, that their eyes may be opened to see and their ears may be opened to hear. We are grateful to be together for You. And yet, with all that we want, we ask that Thy will be done....in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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