Author: Nathaniel

Words – How important are they? Do they matter? What are the effects of words spoken, and what are the effects of words heard? The Scriptures shed light on these questions. This article looks at the Bible and words.

The Effects of Words Spoken

The  Bible reads in Prov. 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” The tongue can yield life or death depending on how it is used. It is said that speech is the picture of the mind.

Because of this, we are warned in the Scriptures regarding the use of our tongues. Eph 4:29 reads, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
In other words, if we don’t have anything good to say, don’t say it at all.

We, as Christians, must be careful about what we say. As part of the body of Christ, we are to be filled with his righteousness and holiness. Therefore, we must not allow any “corrupt communication” to come out of our mouths. “Corrupt” means tasteless and worthless (such as gossip and slander), and it involves foul talk (such as coarse language and cursing). This kind of speech is worthless, spreads worthlessness, and leads hearers to think about worthless matters.

Not only should our words be kept clean and truthful, but also we should use words that help build others up according to their needs. We must be sensitive to the situation and the needs of anyone with whom we communicate. We must be wise in choosing our words because even good words, when used inappropriately, can be destructive instead of beneficial.

We should not speak unclearly with words that could have many applications. Instead, our words should be sincere and specifically suited to the current individual, time, and place. Our speech should edify and enlighten, not tear down. Unless we are helping the other person, our words are meaningless. What we say should benefit those who are listening. Through our words, God can move to help others and bring his grace to them.

The Effects of Words We Hear

The words we hear can affect us in many ways. Because of this, it is crucial for us to monitor what we hear.

Prov. 15:4 reads, “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.“ NIV

This Scripture perfectly describes the effects of the words we hear. The tongue that brings healing is a good, positive tongue. A good tongue yields blessings. It delivers healing words to a wounded conscience by comforting it, to a sin-sick soul by convincing it that not all is lost, to harmony when it is broken by differences, compromising matters in conflict, and reconciling parties that are in disagreement. This description is a tongue that heals, described as a tree of life, with the leaves containing healing goodness.

On the other hand, a deceitful tongue is negative and wounding, for it deliverers perverseness, passion, falsehood, and filthiness, which crashes the spirit. Additionally, it injures the conscience of the deliverer and causes either guilt or grief to the hearers. Both are to be considered to crush the spirit. Hard words certainly break no bones, but they have broken many a heart.

There are numerous examples of good and bad tongues in the Scriptures. Let’s look at a couple of them. Numbers 6:22-27

 22 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

This passage contains the Lord’s instructions for blessing those who wished to become Nazarites. Aaron, the priest, and his sons were to speak these words of blessing upon the perspective Nazarenes.

Gen 9:24-27

24 When Noah awoke from his wine and found out what his youngest son had done to him,

25 he said, “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.”

26 He also said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem! May Canaan be the slave of Shem.

27 May God extend the territory of Japheth; may Japheth live in the tents of Shem, and may Canaan be his slave.” NIV

Here we have a negative tongue delivering a curse. In this passage, Noah cursed Canaan, his grandson, when he discovered what his son had done.

Therefore, we see that words can be used to bless, and words can be used to curse. However, we are encouraged to them for blessings instead of cursing. James 3:9-10 reads,

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 

10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. NIV

Here James acknowledges the dual use of words with our tongues. He knew that followers of Christ could be capable of both praise and cursing because of what he had witnessed with the disciples. As Peter promised Christ, “I will not deny you”
(Matt 26:35 NRSV), but later, he denied Jesus with oaths and curses (Matt 26:69-75). In 1 John 3:18, the apostle John says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (NIV). Previously in his life, John was willing to call down fire to destroy a Samaritan village (Luke 9:51-56).

Since words expose an individual’s heart, it displays the same probability to help or destroy. The tongue reflects the inner person (Matt 12:34).

May we take every opportunity to use our words for positive actions instead of negative ones.

Questions, comments, and concerns are welcomed below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

As amazing as it may be, the truth has become controversial. What is the reason for this astounding reality? This article will illuminate all about the truth.

What is Truth?

What is truth? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, truth is the body of real things, events, and facts: actuality. Also, the state of being the case. A transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality.

Therefore, truth is the body of real things—reality, but, oh how far we have been removed from this definition. Since the creation, there has always been the lie, which is the opposite of the truth. It is the body of false things. However, the truth has been at the forefront and objective, and the lie in the minority.

However, with the advent of the post-modern movement, the lie is now equal to or, in some cases, placed ahead of the truth. The truth has now become subjective, subject to what an individual feels truth is.

So, how big of a problem is this? Huge! Truth should be the base of our functions. Outside of time, truth is the only stable element in our lives. Without truth as a base, there is no credence for anything.

Truth is the stabilizer; there is no spin to the truth, and the truth is non-negotiable.

Our words are very important. We must be able to trust each other. Otherwise, our words mean nothing. Words are powerful, and we are judged by the words we speak. Jesus said in Matt 12:37, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” In the context of this Scripture, Jesus is referring to the judgment.

No word is immaterial to God, as every spoken word discloses what is in the heart. Since God knows our hearts, our words are crucially important to Him. Therefore, our words will be a basis for judgment because words reveal who a person truly is.

Additionally, Jesus also encourages us to speak the truth. In Matt 5:37, He is recorded as saying, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. NIV

Here, Jesus plainly emphasized that we should tell the truth: When we say yes, we mean yes, and when we say no, we mean no. Otherwise what we speak is from the devil. In other words, say what we mean and mean what we say.

Nowadays, we truly see how the world is by the actions and words spoken. We are living in an age where we are overwhelmed with information, but not all of it is necessarily true. We live in turmoil because we do not know what to believe.

We actually have a body of falsehoods known as conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories increase during periods of widespread anxiety, uncertainty, or hardship, as through wars, economic depressions, and natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes, and pandemics. Unfortunately, they do not provide aid during these events at all; they only add more confusion and uncertainty to the events that are supposed to be addressed because they are not truthful but are theories. Only the truth can bring absolute clarity and closure to a situation or issue.

The World of Unbelief

Thanks to the subjective approach to the truth, we now live in a world of unbelief. The former President of the United States could not be trusted to tell the truth. According to the Washington Post, President Trump’s false or misleading claims totaled a whopping 30,573 over four years. Lies, lies, and more lies!

So if we cannot trust the President to tell the truth, what about the rest of the government? Politicians on both sides of the aisle engage in “alternative facts.” Alternative facts—what an oxymoron!

Moreover, unbelief spreads to science. Citizens in the US refuse to follow science, such as scientific proof that wearing masks and being vaccinated prevents the spread of COVID19.

Many in the US claim that the virus does not exist, even though, at the time of this writing, close to a million individuals have died from it in the US and over six million worldwide.

It gets better. Unbelief spreads to religion. In the subjective climate we live in, it is easy to discard God and the Scriptures [For more info on this topic, please read the article, The Bible and Cancel Culture on this website]. Is there really a God; is the Bible really truth? Is there such a thing as sin? Why does it matter whom I have sex with or who I marry?

Unbelief spreads to our bodies: “my body says I’m a male, but I feel like a female” (and vice versa). See the article, Transgenderism and the Bible.

In the world of unbelief, people simply will not accept facts and are walking around in their own reality.

The Answer

How do we find the truth with all the deception and unbelief permeating the world? Unbelief is a spirit and one of Satan’s powerful and effective weapons used in spiritual warfare. He has been using it since the creation of man (Gen. 3:4-5). But praise God, He has supplied us with spiritual weapons of our own to counter Satan’s assaults.

Let’s look at what the Scriptures tell us in 2 Cor. 10:4-5

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Therefore, we do not use worldly weapons but God’s mighty weapons. We use these weapons to beat down human interpretations and strongholds and demolish false arguments. Casting down every thought and proud obstruction that stops individuals from knowing God. We “bring into captivity” their rebellious thoughts and ideas and teach them to obey Christ.

Therefore, let’s take a look at these weapons in Eph 6:10-15

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. NIV

This passage describes the armor we are to use with the metaphor of a soldier. We are, in fact, soldiers of spiritual warfare.

It encourages us in verse 10 to “be strong in the Lord,” as we cannot be strong in ourselves against this enemy.  Verses 11 and 12 identify the enemy and his location.

Notice in verse 14 where it mentions “the belt of truth.” This truth is the weapon to use against the spirit of unbelief. Truth will stand against falsehoods any day of the week! But how do we buckle this belt of truth around our waists?

Discernment

We must acquire a spirit of discernment to counter the spirit of unbelief.

So what is discernment?

• Discernment is about making the right judgments.
• It’s looking beneath the surface to see what is actually there.
• It’s having the ability to hear what an individual is saying and yet hearing what they don’t say.
• It’s taking nothing for granted by evaluating, investigating, and distinguishing; looking deep down below the surface to find the truth.

Spiritual discernment is an essential tool in our arsenal to fight against the spirit of unbelief. It is vital to knowing the will of God for our lives. We must know whether we hear from God, other sources, or ourselves when making crucial decisions.

Spiritual discernment is essential to differentiate truth from error and avoid being deceived by sin, and it leads us to question the consequences rather than focus on the immediate pleasure. It allows us to see beyond what we hear, see, or feel.

The fact of the matter is that it is hazardous in the times we live in not to have spiritual discernment because it is our most significant protection.

How do we acquire spiritual discernment?

The first step is prayer, such as the one David prayed in Ps 119:65-66

65 Do good to your servant according to your word, O Lord.

66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands. NIV

We must, as David did, pray to God to bestow “knowledge and good judgment” upon us, and He answers us through the Holy Spirit, who is the source of spiritual discernment.

Let’s look at Jesus’ description in John 14:16-17

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—

17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. NIV

When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, He gives us a “counselor” to live inside us. He is the “Spirit of truth.” He guides us into the truth about God, and He will guide us “into all truth” (John 16:13).

The Holy Spirit is our “Counselor”
and our “Helper” (KJV) and will help us make wise decisions and choices. Without the Spirit, we are as lost as a blind mind walking without a cane. Paul makes this clear in Rom 8:5-8

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Here we have a comparison of the spiritual mind against the carnal, fleshly mind without the Spirit. To be without the Spirit is to be in the flesh, carnal-minded, and an enemy of God. They are simply lost in their flesh. They cannot please God because they cannot understand God or the things of God. Paul additionally said in 1 Cor. 2:14, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” NIV

Bottom line: only the Spirit of God can provide us with the Spiritual discernment we need to know right from wrong in all areas of our lives. Without it, we are lost.

The next source for spiritual discernment is the Word of God, which is the basis of all Spiritual discernment and keeps us on the right track. Ps 119:11 reads, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” NIV

Hiding or keeping God’s Word in the heart is a deterrent to sin. One way to accomplish this is by memorizing Scripture. However, that is only the beginning because, in addition to memorizing Scripture, we must apply it and live by it (James 1:22).

Conclusion

The truth can be painful at times. However, denying it is not the answer. There are too many in the world denying the truth, walking around in their own reality. The problem with that is sooner or later, truth will prevail, and reality will come crashing down upon them.

Jesus warned about denying reality in Luke 17:26-30, where He is quoted as saying:

26 “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.

27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

28 “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.

29 But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.

30 “It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. NIV

This passage is part of Jesus’ prophecy regarding His second coming. As we are witnessing today, individuals will be in denial, carrying on with life until the time of judgment arrives, just as it happened in the days of Noah and the days of Sodom.

Therefore, we should seek the truth and walk in it to be able to stand before the Lord.

I close with this final Scripture. Luke 21:36

36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” NIV

Amen

Questions, comments, and concerns are more than welcome below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

There are a couple of articles on this website regarding the mind. One of them is entitled,The Mind is the Battlefield. That article explains the battle that goes on between the two spiritual forces for control of our minds, known as spiritual warfare. This article focuses on guarding our minds against the prevailing evil forces in the world we live in today. This article is about how to control the mind.

How to Control the Mind

Guarding our Gates

A gate is an entrance or threshold into a place of great significance, a place that is in need of protection.

What is meant by guarding our gates? We do things that have a profound impact on our minds. These activities involve what we see, what we hear, and what we speak. These activities follow pathways that lead directly to our minds and souls that manifest themselves both positively and negatively.

To be specific, the gates to our minds are our eyes, ears, and mouth. By way of these gateways, either light or darkness enters our minds. This action is based on what we look upon with our eyes, listen to with our ears, or speak out of our mouths. These observations are imperative to controlling our minds.

What we see—the eyes are often referred to as the “windows of the soul.” What we set our eyes on has a strong influence on our minds and can lead us down a path of destruction. Let’s look at an example. Gen 3:6

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

In the previous verses (vss. 1-5), Eve had the situation under control—holding Satan at bay. However, when she looked at the fruit and saw how desirous it was, her defenses weakened. Therefore, she capitulated, ate the fruit, and bought sin into the whole world.

No other avenue can lead us down a path of destruction faster than what we allow our eyes to feast upon. To illustrate how severe of an issue this is, Jesus said in Matt 5:28, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.“ NIV

Looking upon someone lustfully enters the mind so significantly that it is synonymous with committing the act physically. . This observation confirms that every physical action begins with a thought, and everything that occurs in the natural first occurs in the spiritual.

This statement is not the only warning Jesus issued concerning the eyes. In Matt 6:22-23, He said,

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.

23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! NIV

What we permit through our eye gates will seep into our minds and eventually into our hearts, or soul, which contain the mind, emotions, and the will.

Therefore, we must be on guard and be careful about what we watch on the television, the movies we observe that contain all kinds of violence and sexual scenes. In addition, we must avoid pornography at all costs.

It behooves us, therefore, to make the commitment David made in Ps 101:3 “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes….” And Job, who said in Job 31:1, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.”

What we hear— Similarly, the ear is another primary gateway to the soul. What we hear can have an impact on us positively or negatively. Satan’s assault on Eve began with him speaking to her before she even looked at the fruit, thereby convincing her to eat the forbidden fruit.

Our ears should be tuned to receiving wisdom and understanding that will enable us to fear the Lord and gain his knowledge Prov. 2:1-2, 5 advises us as follows:

1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. NIV

The passage says we should turn our ears to wisdom.

The Scriptures describe Satan as “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2.2), and “the prince of this world” (John 16:11). Satan is very cunning and uses music and the media to pollute our ears and, subsequently, our minds.

Therefore, we must secure our ear gates by avoiding gossip, worldly music, idle jokes, profanity, etc. We must use our ears to seek the Word of God. We should surround ourselves with positive individuals that speak encouraging words and have the same desire and goal of heaven at last.

What we speak—The tongue is a very powerful instrument. Prov. 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death….” The tongue can build up as well as tear down. Therefore, we must be careful how we use our tongues. Satan uses our mouths to manipulate souls, but a true and faithful Christian is recognized by the words that depart out of their mouth.

Eph 4:29

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

In other words, if we don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything at all.

As Christians we must be careful about what we speak. We must not let any corrupt communication come out of our mouths as part of the body of Christ, filled with His righteousness and holiness. “Corrupt communication” means corrupt, trite, worthless (i.e., gossip and slander), including profanity. Such speech is useless, spreads worthlessness, and leads those that hear it to focus on useless matters.

Our words should be kept pure and truthful, and we should speak what aids in building others up according to their needs. Our speech should edify and enlighten, not tear down. Unless we are helping the other individual, our words will be worthless. What we say should benefit those who listen. Then, God can work through our speech to help others and bring his grace to them.

Conclusion

Whether we realize it or not, we are involved in a spiritual war. Every individual is involved in this war. Either we are with Christ, or we are with the enemy. As Jesus said in Matt 12:30

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”

Those who are with the enemy do not have much of a struggle because Satan is not going to bother his own. However, for those who are with Christ have a mighty struggle to remain so as we are Satan’s enemy.

A lot of the struggle individuals must deal with is the result of not properly guarding their gates.

This task is entirely our responsibility. The good news is that we have the Holy Spirit who helps us fight against our flesh.

It behooves us to take this responsibility seriously if we are going to be effective soldiers in this battle for our souls and put on the “full armor of God” (Eph.6:10-17).

For more detailed information regarding spiritual warfare, please read the article, All about Spiritual Warfare, on this website.

Kindly leave any questions, comments, concerns, or experiences guarding your gates below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

We all have a will. But where does it originate, and how do we get it? Does God have anything to do with it? The article will inform what is the will about.

What is the Will?

So, what is the will all about? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has six (6) definitions for will. I have chosen two (2).

The first is mental powers manifested as wishing, choosing, desiring, or intending

The second is a disposition to act according to principles or ends.

So, will is a verb, a word of action upon something that we have chosen to do. We willfully get up in the morning, and we willfully go about our days. Some days our wills are more robust than others with these duties (like on Fridays-TGIF), but nonetheless, our wills play a crucial role in what we do. Without the will to live, we perish, and if we have no will, we do nothing.

So, from where does the will come? The first definition I stated was mental powers manifested. Therefore, it appears that the will is in the mind, the area in the brain that processes thought, memory, imagination, and sensation. [For more information on the mind, please read the article, The Mind and God on this website.

When someone leaves behind a will, it is known as their last will and testament. Meaning this is their last desire for the distribution of their earthly goods.

Last but not least, the will comes from God. God gave man free will to choose right from wrong.

The Will of God

So, what is the will of God? “The will of God” is an expression we use to address God’s will, which is what God intends to occur. If God wills it, it happens; it manifests. One example is the creation of man.

God created man in His image and after His likeness, according to Genesis 1:26-27. While the animals were created “after their kind,” man was a higher scale of being.

The Scripture reads, “In our image, after our likeness,” which meant that he was to be connected to heaven as no other being on earth. He was to be connected to the Everlasting Being (God) Himself. Initially, man was God-like, with clear limitations.

In what manner was man fashioned after the image of God and His likeness? There are several ways in which man was created in God’s image.

For starters, in intelligence –  God is the Ultimate Supreme Mind. He has infinite Intelligence. Man is comparable to God, given that he is gifted with mind and intelligence as well because he is capable of thought.

In moral nature –  Man was created after God’s image, in righteousness and true holiness. He was completed with a compassionate heart, a happy and prayerful spirit, and a longing yearning to advance the general good of the universe. In this sense, he was in God’s likeness, who is distinctly upright, divinely jovial in His life, and deep compassion with all within the circle of His Being.

In dominion – God is the unparalleled Sovereign of all things in heaven and on the earth. Both angels and man are His subjects. Material Nature is part of His domain and is under His influence. In this regard, man is made in the image of God. He is the king of this world. The creation is under his dominion, and the material forces are primarily under his command.

In immortality –  God is eternal, and man was initially created to live forever. Therefore, man partakes of the Divine immortality. However, man lost his immortality because of sin. Still, through Christ, he can be redeemed. 2 Tim 1:10 reads, “but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” NIV

This summary illuminates the will of God for the creation of man. However, God’s will goes beyond that. Everything that occurs on earth is according to God’s will.

There are different aspects to His will. For example, there is His providential will which is the mystery plan He uses to govern all things in the universe. Eph 1:9-10 reads:

9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. NIV

It was God’s will initially to give his people celebrated liberties. Since the Scripture ties the word “mystery” in with “God’s will,” it discloses the assurance of the outcome of God’s plans and promises. As with our election mentioned in verse 4, the revelation of the mystery of salvation is also according to his good pleasure. “Before the foundation of the world,” God planned to send Christ to die for us, but He revealed this mystery to us in later times. In essence, it pleases God to make the mystery of his will known to us.

God’s will includes His perceptive plan. This plan is the part of God’s will that can be understood from Scripture’s precepts or teachings. Mainly what we are required to know about God’s will has already been revealed in the Scriptures. Let’s look at an example. 1 Thess 4:3-7

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable,

5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;

6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.

7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. NIV

Okay, this is not rocket science; it is not difficult to understand. God wants our lifestyle to be separated from the world and does not want us to be involved in sexual immorality. This immorality includes pornography, homosexual sex, premarital sex, extramarital sex, incest, and beastology. These all fall under the umbrella of sexual immorality, and we must exercise self-control over our bodies.

Further, we should treat one another with respect and not harm our fellow man in any way. God does not expect impurity in our character but to maintain an honorable character.

Last but not least, let us not overlook that there is punishment for those who disregard this exhortation. Let us understand that three attributes of God are lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness (Jer 9:24), and He delights in these.

The third aspect of the will of God refers to God’s plan for our individual lives. To discover God’s will for our lives, we only need to observe the Scriptures. This is the primary way to know His will. Let’s look at a few.

Mic 6:8

8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. NIV

This Scripture depicts God’s first and foremost will for us; to walk with Him in humility and righteousness, accepting His Son, Jesus, as Lord and Savior (John 12:26).

Eph 5:1-2

1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. NIV

God’s will for us is to be more like His Son. To be more like Him by following his example in Christ, imitating his qualities in our lives (1 Peter 2:21). In verse 2, we see that Christ’s model of forgiveness should be the blueprint for us to follow. The word “be”
means become. Paul recognized that this is a process. For the reason that our relationship with God is through Christ and the power given to us is through the Spirit, we are to become God-like in our character and respectful disciples in our lifestyles.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God knows the future, and He expresses His plans for us, and they are good. This declaration does not mean we will not endure heartache, hardship, pain, and suffering but that He will see us through with a great conclusion (2 Cor. 4:17, Ps. 34:19).

Conclusion

God’s definitive will is the salvation and sanctification of his children through his Son, Jesus Christ (1 Tim:2:2-4, 2 Peter 3:9), the progression of his kingdom (Dan 2:44), and his adoration (1 Cor 10:31).

His will shall come to pass, as He said in Isa 46:10, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” NIV

But God also gave man a will—free will. This falls under the first attribute mentioned earlier, intelligence. Therefore, he can choose to follow God’s will or not, but it’s the choice to follow that reaps the most significant reward as the Scripture reads in 1 John 2:17, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” NIV

Therefore, it behooves us to align our wills with the will of God.

Amen

Please leave a question, comment, or concern below. You will receive a response.

Blessings

 

 

 

There are 92 verses in the King James Version of the Bible that contain the word mind. Therefore, there must be a connection between God and the mind. Hence, what is the relationship between the mind and God?

What is the Mind?

The mind is the group of senses in control of mental occurrences. Frequently the term is additionally identified with the occurrences themselves. These occurrences include thought, imagination, memory, will, and sensation.

The Difference between the Brain and the Mind

Conventional wisdom uses the mind and the brain interchangeably. Brain and mind are words used in reference to the organ within our skulls that we use for thinking. However, the brain and mind are two separate entities that are interconnected. You can’t have one without the other. The brain is the physical organ; the mind is not physical but mental and is contained within the brain.

The mind utilizes the brain, and the brain reacts to the mind. The mind, in addition, changes the brain. We choose our actions; our brains do not force us to do anything. While there would be no conscious experience without the brain, experiences cannot be reduced to the brain’s actions.

The mind is energy, and energy is generated during the course of thinking, feeling, and choosing. It is the source of our living, and without it, the physical brain and body would be of no use. Therefore, we are our minds; as the Scripture reads, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” (Prov. 23:7), and mind-in-action is how we generate energy in the brain.

The Mind and God

So what does this have to do with God? For starters, God is our creator, and He created our minds as well as our physical bodies. However, there are two influences on our minds; God through His Holy Spirit and the world’s forces controlled by Satan (Eph. 2:2).

Minds are vital because they are the means by which God communicates with us, we communicate with Him, and there is a spiritual battle for our minds. This battle is known as Spiritual Warfare. For a more in-depth explanation of spiritual warfare, please read the article, All about Spiritual Warfare on this website.

When we resist the worldly influences and accept Christ as our personal Savior, God will protect our minds from the evil forces of the world. Let’s look at some examples.

Here is how we communicate with God. When Jesus responded to the question of what the Greatest Commandment is, His response was, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind“ (Matt 22:37).

In this Scripture, the purpose behind Jesus’ statement is that we should love God with all of our beings. “Mind” alludes to an active element of our love for God. Conventional wisdom describes faith as a trait of individuals who do not think. However, Jesus’ words point to the importance of engaging our mind as a central aspect of our beliefs. Indeed, loving God with our minds involves much more than the practice of thinking about God. If we place our minds into serving God, it will enjoy its greatest usefulness.

Next, Rom 12:2,

 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Loving God and accepting Christ as Savior is not to find out how much like the world we can be but maintain our distinctiveness. But it is, declining to “conform” to this world’s values and must go even more profoundly than the level of behavior and customs — it must be unwaveringly planted in our minds — “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” If it doesn’t happen in the mind, it doesn’t happen at all.

Here is how God communicates with us. 2 Peter 1:2-4

2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. NIV

Once we allow our minds to be transformed, God ministers to us, our minds, through His Holy Spirit.

The power of Christ reveals itself in the lives of Christians. As the Scripture reads, “Christ has given us everything needed for life and godliness.” The power that allows us to grow does not come from within us but from God. Since we do not have the basis for living as he requires, He gives us everything we need for godly living (to keep us from sin and aid us with living for Him). “Godliness” represents moral uprightness and the honoring of God. Peter used the word in this passage and also1:6-7; 2:9; 3:11. When we are born again, God, by his Spirit, empowers us with his moral goodness, making it possible for us to live for him. See John 3:6; 14:17-23; 2 Cor. 5:21; and 1 Peter 1:22-23.

This transition has its benefits. One of these is—peace. John 14:27

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV

Jesus never promises that we will not have troubles. In fact, he says the opposite in Matt 5:11:

 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. NIV

However, the peace that Jesus supplies yields strength and comfort for the burdens we must carry. Jesus gave the disciples then and those of today peace that would help us through our own time of trial ahead.

We all have a desire peace. The peace the world yields is a sort of peace. It involves temporary freedom based on distraction that supposedly allows us to live with little interference. The world offers the peace of escapism found in our times of daydreams or amusements (shopping, drugs, affairs, etc.).

The peace the world provides yields a false sense of security. This circumstance goes back to Biblical times:  People say, “‘Peace, Peace!’ when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14 NKJV). In fact, the unquenchable pursuit for peace has often provoked some of the most dreadful conflicts in man’s history. The world waits with anticipation that we will work toward peace and get there someday if everyone collaborates. But will they?

However, the peace Jesus offers his followers is different. It is His peace. It is the peace He demonstrated in his daily life. The peace of Jesus’ did not flee conflict, pain, or death. In fact, the more severe the difficulties, the more evident Jesus’ peace became. His peace was the result of his relationship with the Father.

Phil 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV

Christians are not to worry. Even though we are to be responsible for ourselves and care for others, we are not to worry, fret, or exercise undue concern. Instead, we are to pray—“in everything.” We must worry less and pray more. Prayer is to be our lifestyle, not our life jacket.

In verse 7, we have the result—peace. The peace addressed above. The peace that “transcends all understanding.”
People just cannot understand how an individual can be at peace in spite of all that is going on around them.

It is not a natural response in times of sorrow, pain, or calamity. This peace is not self-generated; it simply cannot be; for it comes from God alone; it is his gift to us in a challenging world. As with a considerable amount of God’s dealings with humanity, we cannot understand it, but we can experience God’s peace if we accept it because of his vast love for us.

These examples illustrate how God communicates with us through our minds. If we trust Him, He will bless us and give us the strength and peace we need to survive this troubled world.

Isa 26:3

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

We may not be able to avoid the strife in the world around us, but we can know perfect peace even in turmoil when we fix our thoughts on God. We become steady and stable as we focus our minds on God and his Word. Supported by God’s unchanging love and mighty power, the surrounding chaos does not shake us.

God communicates through the mind. Therefore, if you want peace, focus your thoughts; your mind on God and put your trust in Him.

Amen

Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings

 

 

 

 

Did you ever think that you would witness what is going on in Ukraine? Did you ever think that a leader in the twenty-first century would unleash such death and destruction as Putin has? Those who pay attention to the Scriptures probably aren’t surprised at all, as these actions are contained in Biblical prophecy. Putin himself is in prophecy. This article will shine the light on Putin in Biblical prophecy.

Who is Putin?

His full name is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. He is a former intelligence officer (KGB) and Russian politician who is the current president of Russia, a position he has held since 2012 and from 2000 until 2008. From 1999 to 2000, he was also the prime minister from 2008 to 2012.

This brief description describes modern-day Putin.

Putin in Biblical Prophecy

Russia is the most aggressive and dangerous nuclear superpower in the world today. Therefore, you can be sure that Russia is contained in Bible prophecy. However, to find it, you must know its ancient biblical name. Then, prophecies about this nation can be located in the Old and New Testaments.

In the book ofEzekiel, chapters 38 & 39 contain the final battle against Israel. Verse 8 mentions the “latter days,” which is the time we are currently living in. This chapter includes some world-confounding news concerning the mighty Russian empire and its “prince.” This prince is looked upon with much trepidation.  Let’s look at Ezek 38:1-3

1 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. NKJV

It is important to note that the fulfillment of verses 2-3 initiates prior to the Great Tribulation, the Day of the Lord, and Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (the latter days).

The Son of man is Ezekiel, God’s messenger identifying the prince. There are two (2) explicit individuals in this passage. God gives the title of the prince, making it effortless to recognize him. Nevertheless, God still has to reveal who he is in the latter days.

God’s messenger warned the nations of Israel in particular about the danger of Russia and China and how events in these nations are all going to end. God explicitly warns three nations of Israel—America, the British peoples, and the Middle East’s Jewish state—Israel. For more information on The United States and Britain in Prophecy in more detail from the Bible and history, please read the article The Rise and Fall of America on this website.

Scholars agree overall that “Gog” is Russia and that “the land of Magog” includes China. The offspring of Meshech and Tubal have been found together throughout history. In Assyrian and Greek records, Meshech appears as Musku, Muski, or Mushki—all names related to the Russian spelling of Moscow, as stated in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Fausset’s Bible Dictionary.

Magog was Gog’s original kingdom; he additionally acquired Mesech and Tubal, becoming their “chief prince” (rest; the Scythian Tauri and the Araxes were called Rhos, from whence Russia). Mesech was once one of the most powerful nations in western Asia.

Concerning Tubal? On the eastern side of the Ural Mountains lies the city of Tobolsk, named after the Tobol River, a name derived from Tubal. Tobolsk was once the center of the Russian government over Siberia and was considered Russia’s Asian capital.

There is also a name for all Russian people in verse 2. There has been some controversy about how the Hebrew word Rosh (Roshe) should be translated in this verse. The King James Version translates it as an adjective as “chief.” However, the correct rendering (used by the Moffatt, NIV, New King James, and other modern translations) uses the word not as an adjective but as a proper noun: Rosh. Thus, the updated verse reads, “the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.”

Rosh was the ancient name of Russia, initially called Rus. Several encyclopedias and commentaries (i.e., the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) recognize this. So who exactly is this “prince” of Russia, Moscow, and Tobolsk? The use of these three names indicates that this is a particular ruler of all the populaces of Russia, from the east to the west. The mention of Moscow and Tobolsk aids us in seeing how vast Russian territory is in these latter days and indicates that the prince is likely to conquer more nations of the former Soviet Union.

Studying these scriptures in conjunction with current events illuminating modern-day Moscow’s imperialist direction indicates that Russian President Vladimir Putin could well be the prince of Rosh.

John records an astounding prophecy around A.D. 90 in Rev 9:16

16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

Verses 13-21 of this chapter describe the sounding of the sixth trumpet. The sounding of this trumpet released a force to kill a third of mankind or humanity. Verse 16 states the army’s size as a massive Two Hundred Million!

Verse 14 Indicates that the four angels who loosed the army were on “the great river Euphrates” which is on the eastern border of the Holy Land. This location is further confirmed in Rev 16:12, which mentions that the Euphrates River was dried up so that the “kings of the east”
could cross it for the battle.

Additionally, it is interesting to note that Russia has built a series of dams along the Euphrates, making it possible to dry up the river. Also interesting, Iraq’s water ministry has reported that the Euphrates and the Tigris, Iraq’s two main rivers, will run completely dry within two decades unless action is taken.

Ezekiel 38:2 and other Scriptures mentioned indicate that the prince of Russia will lead the 200 million-man army, which will include China and other nations. However, the two key nations are Russia and China from the east.

Further, only Russia alone has the oil to sustain such a colossal army. Details about this army are revealed in passages, for example, Revelation 9:13-21 (mentioned earlier), Revelation 16, Daniel 11, Jeremiah 50, and Joel 2. In Joel 2:11, this 200 million-man Asian force is actually called God’s army. This designation indicates that God is coordinating His plan at the center of all this warfare.

God is the Lord of Hosts, in charge of all armies, and He will utilize this colossal Asian force to meet head-on with the military of a united German-led Europe (to be covered in a future article) will also be on the scene at this time. It will annihilate Europe, but not the main European armies. These two armies will meet to fight at Armageddon (Rev. 16:16). They will be defeated when they battle against Jesus Christ. This annihilation will be God’s punishment on the Europeans for their sins—especially for their brutal treatment of His people Israel (e.g., Revelation 18:5-6; Jeremiah 50:29-31).

Current events demonstrate that this Asian army is already taking shape. It is displayed in Putin’s growing totalitarianism and outreach to other Asian powers. Russia has supplied China with numerous military safeguards over the last decade. It has additionally helped the Chinese to go nuclear. For decades, the Russians have been linked with China, to some extent.

From current events, we can further observe that China has not condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and Russia has even asked China for assistance with the war.

In addition, on April 7th, 2022, the United Nations voted to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council in a critical and historic move because of the atrocities committed in Ukraine. However, China voted against it.

Additionally, 58 countries abstained, including India, Brazil, and other oil-rich Arab states, exposing competing world orders and energy priorities.

Please take note of what it says in Ezek 38:5-6

5 Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets,

6 also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops — the many nations with you. NIV

However, there will also be other additional powers involved. Ezekiel’s prophecy pronounces the Russian-led army will include “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya … Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people …” (Ezekiel 38:5-6 KJV).

Gomer is believed to refer to Japan, which brandishes some of the world’s most sophisticated weaponry and technology. Ethiopia and Libya should be interpreted as “Cush” and “Phut,” as shown in the NIV translation. Some Cush and Phut inhabitants journeyed to African nations, and the rest traveled to parts of India. The context of this passage shows that it refers to modern-day Indians (and perhaps Pakistanis) rather than Africans.

These observations are noteworthy since India has approximately 1.2 billion people—and an advanced nuclear arsenal! When India and Japan are placed together with Russia and China, it is not hard to observe how an arsenal of 200 million soldiers could be fashioned. With possibly other Asian nations joining, combined populations of 3.5 to 4 billion people can quickly be reached. Under intense situations like the ones described in these end-time prophecies, it is not difficult to imagine 1 in 10 or 20 individuals going to war.

Putin may have a boyish innocent look about him, but the Bible prophesies that he will perhaps be accountable for more death and destruction than any leader in the history of man.

In 2005, Putin called the fall of the Soviet empire “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.” Not only does he mourn the USSR’s collapse—he is resolute in rebuilding it and restoring the glory of imperial Russia. Putin made these goals evident in August 2008 when Russia used military force to invade the former Soviet nation of Georgia. One publication wrote the following: “Russia’s attack on Georgia in August marks the beginning of a dangerous new era in history.”

This action was the first military strike of a rising Asian superpower. The thinking and questions that arose at that time were: will the Georgia strike ignite European unification? Will a crisis arise regarding Ukraine? Since that area is the breadbasket of Russia, most likely, it is willing to wage war over that as well.

These questions have obviously been answered.

It is essential to observe Vladimir Putin closely because it appears that he is almost sure to be the “prince of Rosh” that God stirred Ezekiel to write about 2,500 years ago! We need to observe what is going on in Russia and how Europe responds. Daniel mentions “tidings out of the east” troubling Europe (11:44). Putin’s campaigns in the Middle East, Georgia, Ukraine, and elsewhere are already deeply troubling Europe and the rest of the world.

On April 5th, 2022, General Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued this warning: “the Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening to undermine not only European peace and stability but global peace and stability that my parents and a generation of Americans fought so hard to defend.”

Russia’s resurgence—, which we see reported in headlines often—shows that end-time Bible prophecies are rapidly being fulfilled!

Mr. Putin’s warfare will lead directly into the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus Christ knows how to deal precisely with all leaders like the prophesied prince of Russia and that’s the good news!

In the meantime, remember what Jesus said in Matt 24:42, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” NIV We must always be prepared for the “Day of the Lord.” [2 Pet. 3:10]

Amen.

Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

The remnant of God is a theological concept that is carried throughout the Scriptures. But what exactly is the remnant of God? What is a remnant? This article will answer these questions.

What is a Remnant?

According to Webster’s Dictionary, a remnant is a usually small part, member, or trace remaining. A small surviving group—often used in the plural.

What is God’s Remnant?

From a Biblical perspective, God’s remnant refers to people—God’s people. It points to those who are faithful to Him and His original truth after a time of hardship. They remain loyal despite apostasy and opposition.

Through Abram, who later became Abraham, Israel has been God’s elected nation from the start. It is a nation that God foresaw and a nation that God selected to be His people, and He chose to be their God. Israel was a remnant of the nations.

The concept of the remnant continued to the time of the Prophet Elijah. According to I Kings 19, Elijah thought the nation of Israel had departed from God completely. But, God let it be known that He had left a remnant. God informed Elijah in I Kings 19:18 that He had left for Himself, 7,000 people who would serve and honor Him. Those 7,000 were God’s remnant.

Another Biblical example is in the first chapter of Isaiah, verses  1-8. God, through this prophet, delivered a blistering rebuke to Israel because the nation had swayed so far from Him. In verse 4. God said, “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.”

But in verse 9, it says, Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

Sodom and Gomorrah were utterly destroyed because of the sins that encompassed them. But because of the, as the Scripture reads, “a very small remnant,” the faithful remnant, Israel was sparred. This result illustrates the power of the remnant—a nation spared because of the remnant.

Who is God’s Remnant?

It is important to note that this principle doesn’t only apply to Israel. Because of the Sacrifice of Jesus as our redeemer, all can become a part of God’s remnant. The Scriptures tell us in Rom 11:5, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Just as it was in Elijah’s and Isaiah’s day, it was so in Paul’s day. In spite of widespread apostasy, a faithful remnant among the Jews remained chosen by faith. This remnant, chosen by God, succeeded in obtaining righteousness through faith in the Lord Jesus.

We can repeat what Paul could say with confidence in his day today. No matter how grim and hopeless the situation might seem, because of God’s sovereignty, we can confidently say that there is still a remnant chosen by grace in this present day!

Therefore, we, too, the gentiles, can obtain righteousness and be a part of God’s remnant as well through faith in Jesus. As the Scripture reads in Eph. 1:4-6 NIV, For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. “In love (5), he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— (6) to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

Therefore today, those who are a part of God’s remnant are individuals who understand they are saved by grace and not by works. They do not abide by the false teaching that you must perform good works to go to heaven. They just do their best to live for God because they already know they are going to heaven.

Those who are a part of God’s remnant are those who serve God and not just the church of their God.

Those who are a part of God’s remnant acknowledge God in all their ways, even when their actions do not always please God. These are the individuals who always confess their sins to God, believing He is always faithful and just to forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.

Those who are a part of God’s remnant are those who know they are righteous because, at their conversion, the righteousness of Christ was put on them. They have accepted Christ’s righteousness instead of establishing their personal religious self-righteousness through church rituals and programs. They have also learned to put their trust in Christ instead of putting their faith in church practices and activities.

The members of God’s remnant are those who are blessed beyond any measure in spite of their failures and weaknesses. They are blessed because they are pleasing to God because of their faith. The Scriptures clearly state that it is impossible to please God without faith, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

The Remnant and the End Time

Regarding the end-time, the remnant will be those who keep God’s Commandments. Rev 12:17 reads:

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The book of Revelation is full of symbolic prophetic imagery, using symbolism to represent literal events. In Revelation, Satan is depicted as a furious dragon, while God’s church and His people (the remnant) are denoted by a woman that the dragon hunts to make war with to destroy.

Those who are part of this remnant are recognizable by how they choose to obey God’s commandments at all costs, pledging their allegiance to Him and turning away from sin.

How Relevant is the Remnant to the Church?

Today the church serves as God’s chosen people. But akin to the people of Israel, the church has become a sinful nation that consists of believers fraught with iniquity, a seed of evildoers. They have abandoned the Lord and have provoked Him to anger. They have gone away backward.

But in the face of the state of the church, God once again has left a small remnant. A remnant that is far from perfect, but a remnant that trusts God.

For example, the Remnant is very relevant to the Seventh-Day-Adventist Church. They believe that the seventh-day Adventists are the remnant that came out of the Protestant churches and the final remnant people. In fact,  they refer to themselves as the remnant church, not that they are superior, but because of the grace of God in their lives in the final period of the world and because of their adherence to the Commands of God.

They also believe in spreading the message of the importance of keeping the Commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus Christ.

But it in the end, really doesn’t matter the denomination, the Scripture in Rev 12:17 reads,

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

There is no mention of domination. Therefore, anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, keeps God’s Commandments, and has the testimony of Jesus angers the enemy and has God’s favor (Rev. 14:12).

As the Scripture reads in John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Christ died for all!

A Remnant within a Remnant?

Is this an accurate term, or is it symbolic speech? Let’s examine.

Israel, the nation, was the original remnant of the nations, but as time went on, the remnant shrunk to as, the Scripture reads, “a very small remnant.
There is no indication of a “remnant within a remnant.” This small remnant was the subsequent remnant of Israel.

A remnant within a remnant seems to indicate that you can be part of a remnant and still be lost.

Although Israel was the original remnant, it became ensnared with sin; the majority of the inhabitants were lost, leaving again, as the Scripture reads, “a very small remnant.”

Therefore, individually, we are either part of the remnant, or we are not. When we fall out of the will of God, we are no longer part of the remnant. When evaluation or judgment arrives, that is when the remnant is evaluated, and it is determined who remains and who doesn’t. [e.g., the ten virgins, the wheat and the tares]

Consequently, “a remnant within a remnant is symbolic speech to express that there will always be members of an original remnant that will not follow through with their calling.

Revelation 2:25-26 reads:
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:

Presently, those of us who are part of the remnant are encouraged by Christ to “hold fast,” hold on until His return, for there is a great reward in the end. This is God’s message to the remnant!

Let us pray that God will impart His strength upon us to be His remnant.

Remember:

Amen!

Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

Prophecy contributes a significant portion to the entire canon of Scripture, some fulfilled, some not yet. The prophecies that haven’t been fulfilled include the end time. This article addresses Bible prophecy and end times.

What is Prophesy?

A prophecy is a forecast of events that will occur in the future. The Author of prophecy in the Bible is God.

When we think of prophecy, we usually think of predictive prophecy. Specifically, we think of prophecy that predicts the future. The prophecy predicts
what will happen. However, there is another kind of prophecy that is called forth-telling
prophecy. Forth telling prophecy is when God speaks a word concerning the present.

When we speak about the number of prophecies that have been fulfilled, we are usually concerned about predictive prophecies — prophecies that will be fulfilled in God’s timing.

What is Prophecy’s Place in our Existence?

Prophecy induces us to have a proper fear of God, including having faith in Him and being obedient to His laws. Because numerous judgments are falling upon peoples and nations because of the disobedience to God’s law, we realize that commandment-keeping is essential for our relationship with our Creator (Matthew 19:17; Revelation 22:14).

Prophesy serves as a warning to us regarding future events. Jesus said in Matthew 24:22, “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”
Here is Jesus’ statement containing a prophetical warning of the great tribulation coming in the future.

However, God has a plan by which we can be delivered from “this present evil age world” (Galatians 1:4) that we may avoid the great tribulation.

Prophesy shows us that God has a plan for this world.

The Scriptures state that just as in Noah’s day, most people in the future will also be unaware of God’s imminent intrusion. Matt 24:38-39 reads, “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;

39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” NIV

Therefore, what are the signs of the end of this age? What will occur during this time of tribulation? Why will all this evil event befall mankind? Taking these prophecies into account, what does God expect of us? Rev 22:14 reads: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” The book of Revelation, which solely contains prophesy of the end times, states that those who keep God’s commandments will be saved from eternal damnation and receive eternal life.

Prophesy in the news. Observing biblical prophecy evolve while staying close to God is something Jesus strongly entreats us to do. In Luke 21:36 He said:

36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” NIV

Jesus stated that the purpose for our watching and praying is that we may “stand”—or take our “place before the Son of Man.” Moreover, God wishes to place us in the positions, “kings and priests” when Christ returns, and we will be serving under Him during His millennial reign on earth (Revelation 1:6; 5:10).

Observing prophecy aids us in remaining focused on God’s plan to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. In addition, it gives us the inspiration to get ready now so we can assist Christ to rule over those who survive the Great Tribulation and live during His coming millennial reign.

Biblical prophecy is a beautiful endowment from God. Through the lens of fulfilled prophecy, we can have sureness in what the Bible predicts. Through future prophecies, we can know what will occur in the future in advance.

The Validity of Scripture and its Relationship to Prophecy

The Bible continues to prove itself reliable through prophesy. Scripture gives a solid testimony to its validity by foretelling persons, places, and events, even hundreds of years before they are fulfilled.

Fulfilled prophecy proves the authenticity of Scripture. Christ fulfilled over 300 prophesies while He was on earth.

Prophecy fulfilled gives us assurance that God exists and that He will bring about what He has said about the future.

Given that prophecies of world-ruling kingdoms and just as the name of a specific ruler long before his existence have all come to pass, we can be confident that the rest of the Bible’s prophecies will also come about.

Bible Prophecy and End Times

The Scriptures play an extremely significant role in revealing the signs of the end times that indicate the return of Jesus Christ.

The Bible contains prophesy that prophesied the trends and events of today. For example, Jesus prophesied that there would be “famines,” lack of food—and “pestilences”—disease epidemics just before His return. Unfortunately, we are presently seeing just the beginning of these curses, which will increase to the point that they will have a massive effect on our entire way of life!

As noted earlier, Christ directly prophesied that our time would be like in the days of Noah. The days of Noah’s were typified by “wickedness” and was filled with “violence” (Genesis 6:5, 13), just as it is today. In addition, just like the days of Noah, we will be carrying on with life unaware of the return of Christ’s arrival.

Just as in Noah’s day, the world is full of wickedness and evil. The US leads the world with a prison population of thereabouts 0f 2.2 million, in incarcerations. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, just in 2013 alone, the United States saw a violent crime rate of about 23.2 victimizations per 1,000 people,

Throughout the country, endless reports about the rise of drug-related, violent crime and an overburdened justice system play a role with individuals feeling insecure about their safety. In excess of 68 percent of Americans surveyed by Gallup in 2011 felt that the crime in the US was gettint worse, despite reports of “declining” crime rates (“Most Americans Believe Crime in the U.S. is worsening,” October 31, 2011.) Moreover, in 2022, the problem has only progressed to a worsened state.

Further, Jesus said in Matt 24:6, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

This prophecy is being fulfilled in the Middle East. Militant Islam is currently spurring millions of people in opposition against the Western democracies, even as the U.S. military finds itself pushed to its limits in the “war against terrorism.”

We must understand that radical Muslim leaders’ ultimate goal is to dominate the world in the idea that all people either become Muslims and totally submit to Muslim domination or ultimately be wiped out!

Militant Islam is setting the stage for a dramatic completion of Biblical prophecy. Armageddon is to take place in the Middle East (Rev. 16:16).

However, as of late, not only militant Islam but President Putton also wants to conquer the world. This ruthless, barbaric, and narcissistic leader is shedding innocent blood to quench his thirst for power. So now, there is war in Europe. This war is a war that will only intensify if Putton decides to push beyond Ukraine. Additionally, he has already heightened the concern for nuclear war.

The book of Revelation reveals the dramatic end-time events leading up to the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Revelation chapter 6 contains the events that lead up to the Day of the Lord. All of who are living on earth will see dramatic and frightening actions in the skies. Revelation 6:12–14
describes these heavenly signs as the sixth seal. Jesus said: “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” (Matthew 24:29). The celestial signs described in this Scripture pave the way for “the Day of the Lord” (Joel 2:30–31), which is the year of the Lord’s judgment on the nations. Then, after these events, the Messiah—Jesus Christ—will rule all nations on earth (Revelation 11:15).

So, what role will Jerusalem play in the coming kingdom? Will it indeed be the imminent capital of the world? Will it perhaps be in our lifetime? Scripture gives us an excellent and encouraging forecast. In Isaiah 2:1-2, it reads, “The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. (2) Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.” NIV

In biblical prophecy, mountains symbolize kingdoms or governments (Jeremiah 51:24–25). Isaiah stated plainly that the Lord’s Kingdom would be established in Jerusalem and that “all nations shall flow to it” (Isa. 2:2, Mic. 4:1). This kingdom will not be a government in the hands of self-centered humans. Since it has rejected God’s rulership and sovereignty over the affairs of man, humanity does not know the way to lasting peace.

God’s government on earth will be dispensed from Jerusalem, the world’s future capital, as Zechariah confirmed with a delightful description of life there in the future. Notice what it reads in Zech 8:3-5

3 Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

4 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

However, today, the streets of Jerusalem are filled with bitter enemies who share a rich heritage and history—but also share a history of conflict.

But change is coming in the future, and it is all contained in Scripture. Since previous Biblical prophecies have been fulfilled, we can trust that prophecies concerning the future will come to pass.

So, without prophecy, we would not be aware of these significant forthcoming events, leaving us to be blindsided and consequently lost. But God, who is merciful and wise, has made way for us to be aware. As the Scripture informs us in Amos 3:7, “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” NIV

Any questions, comments, concerns, or experiences with prophecy may be left below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

Women are a crucial part of society. However, what exactly is the role of women? There seems to be a shift. Is it for the better, or is it for the worst? More importantly, for Christians, is it Biblical? This article looks into women and the Bible.

What is a Woman?

A woman is an adult female created by God as a helper to the man (Gen. 2:18). After the male, Adam, gave names to all of the animals (Gen. 2:19-20), all of the creatures had mates but him. Therefore, God’s work of creation was not complete until He created a mate for Adam.

Therefore, he removed one of Adam’s ribs, thereby forming the woman (Gen. 2:21-22). God could have created her from the dust of the ground as He did with man. Instead, He made her from the man’s flesh and bone, illustrating that marriage between man and woman is united into one.

Throughout the Scriptures, God addresses this special relationship earnestly. It is a joining together of the couple’s hearts and lives. A couple’s goals for marriage must be more than friendship; they must be willing to take the vow for oneness, thereby being united as one.

What is God’s Purpose for Women?

It is evident in Genesis 2:18 the purpose for which God created woman; as a helper for man. After God created the woman for Adam, He blessed them, commanded them to multiply, and have dominion over the earth (Gen. 1:28). There were in the Garden of Eden, and everything was perfect. Life in the Garden of Eden was the same as living in heaven, and if Adam and Eve had obeyed God, they could have lived there forever.

However, after Adam and Eve sinned against God, God handed down judgment, and things were no longer perfect. Let’s look at  this in Gen 3:16-20

16 To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.”

17 “Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:“Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life.”

18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field.

19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are,And to dust you shall return.”

20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. NKJV

What we see in the passage is that with Judgment, suffering arrived. We also see clearly the defined roles for Adam and Eve.

They were still to multiply. Eve was to have the children and bear them in pain. They were still provided with food, but Adam had to labor for it to provide for his family.

Together, as one, they were to function as a family. However, they had clearly defined roles. God is a God of order and not of confusion. With this judgment, we see God’s divine order for the family.

While this order is from God, man, in his imperfection, took this order way beyond God’s intended boundaries. This action has resulted in treating women as second-class citizens and a little above slavery. Men abused their God-given authority; they have deserted their families, leaving them to fend for themselves. In some third-world countries, women are not even allowed to operate automobiles or educate themselves. The west adopted a more civil behavior over time. However, the overhaul double standard culture continued.

This behavior goes way beyond God’s intention of male and female relationships and families. God did not tell Adam that Eve was beneath him in any way. They simply had different roles; “and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, cf. Matthew 16:5).

It is simply out of God’s will, and there is a consequence for every action. Once again, man has allowed Satan to have his way and interfere with his relationship with God. Satan has and still is doing all he can to destroy the family unit God proposed.

So what happened? Women have rebelled. In the US, there have been such actions as the women’s rights, feminist, and women liberation movements, movements to bring attention and action against the ill-treatment of women.

While these movements may have had good intentions initially, they too have become tools of Satan to destroy God’s family structure. He is like the fly in the ointment; it started out for good, then the fly drops in and ruins the whole batch.

The present phase of the women’s movement in the west is women’s empowerment.

Women’s Empowerment: Is it Biblical?

What is Women’s Empowerment?

Women’s empowerment is the process of empowering women, raising their status through education, awareness, literacy, and training. This seems reasonable, right? So what is the problem?

The Problem

All of these movements collectively have the same problem; they threaten God’s divine order for the family. Instead of the woman being a helper to the man, the ultimate goal has become to overpower the man; to usurp man’s God-given authority.

The theme is: anything a man can do, I can do better. Women have proceeded to tackle any male-dominated trade and profession. This objective has started a dangerous shift in culture and society.

In education, according to the Wall Street Journal, 60 percent of college admissions are women, and schools of higher learning are struggling to keep the male population at 40 percent. One university reported that 55 percent of males graduate in four years, while 70 percent of women graduate.

These statistics, if continued, will cause women to become the primary breadwinners of families, and this is out of divine order.

In sports, women reporters demand access to men’s locker rooms to interview players, and young women aspire to join boys’ baseball and football teams.

In 2017, The Boy Scouts of America made the decision to allow girls to join their organization. This action was quite disturbing for the Girl Scouts of America.

Boys are invading girls’ sports, claiming that they are females trapped in male bodies. How preposterous! This nonsense is sheer madness! This manifestation is only the tip of the iceberg for males and their psyche. In the west, more and more men are being looked upon as incapable of fulfilling the leadership role that God gives to them.

When boys are left without the correct guidance and direction, too many of them become confused about their expected role in life, which is the role of a loving leader. Not only does this confusion hurt men, but it also hurts women and all of society.

Males are the dominant species by nature; it was given to them by God. Men are equipped physically and mentally to be protectors and providers. It is their nature to provide and protect. Therefore, having their wives as the principal breadwinner has consequences, if not immediately, ultimately on society overall.

The radical feminist, many of whom are man-haters for whatever reason, deny the God-given roles of men and women and that a woman should be independent of a man. However, this is so contrary to Scripture: 1 Cor. 11:8-10, 11-12

8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.   11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. NKJV

It is essential to understand that this has nothing to do with ability but everything to do with God’s divine order. Sure, women can perform many things that men can. However, it’s not God’s plan for them to do so. Men and women have defined roles.

The Scriptures are very defined and balanced of the husband and wife relationship.

In Eph 5:22-24 it reads:

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

The wife is to submit to her husband because he is the head of the wife and family.

However, the passage continues in Eph 5:25-31, which reads:

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

Even though the man is the head over the woman, he is not to treat her poorly; he is not to abuse his authority. Verse 28 makes that clear. A husband is to love his wife as his own body. That says a lot on the part of the man. It is God’s Word and he must adhere to it. After all, Scripture says in Col 3:19, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” NIV

1 Peter 3:7  goes even further.

7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. NIV

Peter’s admonition to husbands is that if they were not considerate and respectful to their wives, their prayers would be hindered. Therefore, husbands, if you want your prayers to be answered, love and respect your wives as you do with your own body.

God’s plan values both men and women, and we should adhere to it.  Men and women were created to complement one another, not compete against each other.

In a marriage, the unity of males and females is essential to a well-ordered society. It has been proven that as the family goes, so goes the nation. Marriage between males and females can bring offspring into a balanced, nurturing, loving environment where both husband and wife contribute unique qualities. Children learn good manners, care for others, self-discipline, and self-sacrifice in this environment.

Men and women are to build each other up, not tear each other down. Both have their roles to play in God’s purpose for humanity. But Satan does everything he can to disrupt the family structure God designed. Again, as the family goes, so goes the nation.

God warned us that a reversal of traditional gender roles would occur at the end of this age through the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 3:12

12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.

This verse is part of a judgment for the latter days that begins in chapter two. The connotation of this verse is that to be under the rule of women is not favorable and leads to unfavorable consequences.

Is women’s empowerment Biblical? Yes, it is. Jesus empowered women in ministry. Something unheard of in His time. However, he didn’t empower them to the point that they usurped the authority over men.

This article, along with other articles on this website, brings to light how far the world has moved and is still moving out of the will of God.

I pray that soon, our eyes will be opened to Satan’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11).

Amen

Comments, questions, and concerns may be left below.

Blessings!

 

 

 

We recently posted an article on this website entitled Patience and the Bible that shared Biblical instruction to Christians regarding patience. It included how we are to be patient with each other and with God, for He blesses us when we wait on Him. This article shares the danger of impatience when we do not wait.

What is Impatience? 

Impatience is the inability to be patient and a state of intolerance. This state causes individuals to be irritated or even angry when more time is required than they are willing to accept to accomplish a task or goal.

The Danger of Impatience with each other

The  Scriptures encourage us to be patient with each other. One place this encouragement is found is in Eph 4:1-3

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV

In verse 1, Paul calls on Christians to live the life they are called to live. This calling is a call of service to God. Christians are called to be representatives, ambassadors for Christ on this earth (2 Cor. 5:20).

Verse 2 tells us how to live out this calling; by being humble, gentle, and patient. As Christians, we must be patient with one another in spite of our various faults. We must be willing to forgive and bear with one another, which involves empathizing, sympathizing, and having compassion with others.

So what happens when we do not exercise patience?

When we do not have patience (impatience), it wreaks havoc on relationships. It can lead to confusion, strife, heartache, and termination of a relationship. We must be patient with one another. The closer the relationship, the more patience may be required.

The Danger of Impatience with God

It is essential to realize that not only do we need to exercise patience with our human relationships, but we must have patience in our relationship with God as well.

This truth has been increasingly difficult to implement in today’s fast-paced world. We want results yesterday, if not sooner. However, God does not work according to our timetable. He moves in His own time according to His wisdom.  As the expression goes, we live in a microwave society, but we have a crock-pot God.

King Saul

However, not having patience with God can have dire consequences. One clear example is the one of King Saul, who was the first King of Israel. However, early in his kingship, he got into trouble because of his impatience.

Let’s take a look at this tragic event. 1 Sam 10:1-2

10 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, “Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance?  NIV

Samuel, the earliest of the great Hebrew prophets (after Moses) and the last judge of Israel, anointed Saul king over Israel and proceeded to give him instructions (vss. 2-7).

The last of these instructions are contained in verse 8:

8 “Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do.” NIV

Gilgal is where the Israelites were to fight the Philistines, a long-time enemy of Israel. Saul was to journey there and wait seven days on Samuel, who would offer sacrifices to God on Israel’s behalf and instruct Saul on what to do from there. Samuel’s words were the same as those from the Lord. As a prophet, He was God’s spokesman.

Let’s take a look at what happened, 1 Sam 13:7-9

7 …Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. 8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. 9 So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” NIV

Samuel’s instructions to Saul were to wait on him to offer sacrifices and receive further instructions. However, he did not wait for Samuel and commenced to offer the sacrifices himself.

Let’s see what happens next in verses 10-14

10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him.

11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, 12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.”

13 “You acted foolishly,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” NIV

Saul’s impatience cost him dearly because He would not have a dynasty in his name, as with David. His sons would not follow him as subsequent Kings because of his impatience. Imagine losing such a powerful anointing from God. Jesus, our Lord, and savior could have come through his line instead of David’s. What an honor that would have been. If only he had been patient and followed the instruction of the Lord.

Instead of keeping the Word of God, he focused on the circumstances around him and took matters into his own hands. It was a tragic mistake.

Let’s look at one more example of impatience and the subsequent consequences.

Abraham and Sarah

God promised Abraham that he would have a son. Not only would he have a son, but also his descendants would be numerous, as numerous as the stars in the sky (Gen. 15:1-5). However, this promise was not fulfilled right away, and they grew impatient.

Sarah, Abraham’s wife, suggested that he sleep with her Egyptian maidservant to conceive a son through her (Gen. 16:1-4). However, there was trouble in paradise when the maidservant despised Sarah after she conceived. This situation caused much confusion in Abraham’s house, and Sarah mistreated the maidservant. As a result, Hagar, the maidservant, fled from the household (vss.5-6).

Hagar was met by an angel of the Lord who instructed her to return to Abraham’s household and submit to Sarah. The angel also told her that she would have a son, and he was to be named Ishmael, and her descendants would be “too numerous to count.”

Eventually, Sarah did have a son, Isaac. Because he was the promised son, it was he who would receive the promised inheritance. This situation caused even more strife in the household. As a result, this strife continues between the Arabs (Ishmael) and Jews (Isaac) to this day. They are in a constant battle over the occupation of land in the Middle East.

Just think, had it not been for Sara’s impatience, perhaps there would be peace in the Middle East or, at the least, more peace.

Here we have seen two Biblical examples of the dangers of impatience. A kingdom dynasty lost, and perpetual war and chaos between two nations over land, both initiated by impatience.

The Lesson

The takeaway is when God gives us instruction, obey it, and when God makes us a promise, believe it. Because when we do not obey and when we do not believe, the consequences can be severe and perpetual.

Bottom line: we must trust God!

Amen

It would be much appreciated if you left any question, comment, concern, or experience with impatience below.

Blessings!