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Bible Discussion / Dreams and Visions

« on: July 04, 2023, 01:39:14 PM »

"The Lord spoke to me in a dream!"

Just go to Youtube and type in: "prophetic dream".  You could waste hours watching people tell their accounts of dreams and visions that "the Lord has given" them.  Sadly, these people are confused and deceived.  They don't quite understand how the devil works, so they fall into the same trap that I did before I was born again.  (Believing that I had prophetic dreams that could only come from God)

It's crazy how many people are ready to hear the "word of the Lord" from a cat lady who claims to have had a dream from God rather than going to the Bible.  Some of these videos have tens of thousands of views (I saw one that had 253K views all from just one MONTH ago) and comment sections filled with "Praise the Lord!" and "Maranatha! Jesus is coming soon!"

And all this praise is because of someone's pathetic unbiblical dream.

The most exciting Youtube prophets seem to be the ones that share their "rapture dreams".  These accounts are  most definitely ear tickling fodder for those who lack discernment.  I saw that one of these videos (from 8 days ago) has already been viewed by 6K people.  The woman's channel is called FaithInTheFire777 so you know that with a name like that, she just has to be born again. 

Of course I'm being sarcastic, but it really is sad to see so many deluded people like this who think that they'll be translated into the Kingdom of Heaven.  This is nothing to laugh at, and to hear Jesus say "I never knew you: depart from me" would be the worst thing that anybody could ever hear.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:22-23

Unfortunately, the reality of this verse will become clear to this woman if she doesn't fall to her knees in humble repentance.  If you watch her video all the way through, you can see that her testimony lacks godly sorrow and grief over sin.  Instead, it's all about having a "divine appointment" making a "profession of faith" and "becoming born again".  This is NOT a testimony!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvnizBtUKVY

But this post isn't about a Youtuber's testimony.  (I just wanted to point out the churchianity/easy believism that we see all to often in the world.)  Instead, this post is about the danger and deception of prophetic dreams.

As I was reading in Matthew 27, I came to this passage (vs 17-18 are posted for context):

17. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18. For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
Matthew 27:17-19

Some might be tempted to say that this was a dream from God.  I mean, Jesus was a just man!  All that was true, so what would be wrong with someone having a dream that, if obeyed by her husband, would've saved Jesus' life?  The dream seems so innocent and good on the surface, but when you look at it up close, you can see how destructive it was meant to be.

The dream was given to the wife of the governor (Pilate). Not only was she (most likely) able to influence him with her opinions, but this was a prophetic dream that carried even more weight.  Pilate was the one person who had the power to overrule the mob's decision and release Jesus. 

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:10

This dream was a warning for Pilate not to be a part of the judgement against Christ, but was it also satan's attempt to ultimately stop God's plan of redemption? Or was this simply a case of Pilate's wife being troubled in her own mind and then eating something spicy before bed?  Why is this dream recorded in the Bible? 

We know that God DID give dreams to certain people throughout the Bible, but we see other instances of vain dreams from the devil. 

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.
Zechariah 10:2

We also know that satan transforms himself into an angel of light, so these false dreams can seem like they're good.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11:14

Before I was born again, I had numerous "prophetic dreams" that really ended up happening.  I used to think that they were a gift from God, but now I know that they were actually a wicked divining spirit.  The dreams were innocent enough, like I dreamed very specific things about people's pregnancies, injuries and other events.  In one case I dreamed that my grandmother hit her head on the fire place and laid there all night.  In my dream I couldn't pick her up or help her, but I stood in her kitchen and just watched over her all night long.  In the morning I called my mom to see if my grandma was okay (because when I would have these dreams about people, I was used to them being true.)  My mother told me that she wasn't okay, she had hit her head on the fireplace and laid there all night...just like in my dream.

Why would I now (since I've been born again) think that these dreams were from a wicked spirit and not a gift from God?  Because they did what they were supposed to do.  They made me feel like I was special, and I took pride in the fact that people were in awe of my "prophetic dreams".  It kept me on the wrong track to hell when I believed that I was going to Heaven because "God wouldn't give me a gift like that unless I was one of His".  Meanwhile, I never picked up a Bible to read God's written word.  My "spirituality" was based on my dreams, experiences, and foolish deceitful heart.

It's a miracle that I received salvation, and I praise God because I was once one of those who was fixated on rapture dreams, feelings and experiences, but now I see that it's complete nonsense.  God's word is the objective standard of truth, and nothing else. 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 17:17

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:16

The verse doesn't say, All DREAMS and experiences are given by inspiration of God, but so many people look to them as the final authority for all matters of faith and practice.  The woman (in the video) that I mentioned earlier might have read the next verse, but she still puts more faith in her "rapture dream" wherein she heard from an angel that her family was going to be raptured.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8

When people have dreams about the rapture and then see it as proof that "the believing will soon be leaving" (a cutesy catch phrase I've heard from pre tribbers); I just see it as satan having a hay day with those who follow their heart and trust in their experiences.  These foolish "prophets" are deceiving and being deceived when they boast their rapture dreams.

3. Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

6. They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.  7. Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?  8. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 13:3,6-8

Pre trib rapture dreams should be seen for what they are; a "gift" from another god (the god of the dreamer's wicked and vain imagination).

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Ecclesiastes 5:7

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Bible Discussion / Body of Corruption

« on: June 28, 2023, 06:59:42 PM »

As I was listening to Chris' teaching this last Sunday (6/25/23) on 1 Corinthians, I was blessed with some understanding of how I'm supposed to see things.  It was a correction of how I'd been looking at Job's life and his walk through that fiery trial. I hope that you'll all be able to follow me as I go through this.

You see, when I read Job, I can feel his pain.  I have a disease that is similar to Job's condition in that I have painful sores that don't go away.  These sores are only one of the aspects of the disease, but I don't really want to go into the ways I'm affected and/or the symptoms at this time.  That's not what this is about.  The point is that I identify with Job's suffering in a direct way.

The things he says, the way he describes his agony, his wondering why, his weariness of living, and even his friends advice and false accusations...I've experienced it all just like I'm sure you all have in one way or another in your own trials in life.  The problem was that I kept thinking that God was going to take this disease away, that I was going to see my suffering end, my life change for the better, I would gain back what I had lost and I would come out with the Lord blessing me in the latter end more than the beginning!

Forgive my naiveté, but I suppose it has much to do with a desire for this struggle to end, and also to get on to the business of living a "normal life".  So, I thought there might possibly be a happy ending to my own situation since I'm now saved and walking with the Lord.  Reading about more blessings being bestowed upon Job at the end of his trial sounded really good to me.

I want to post what I heard Chris say in his teaching on Sunday so you can listen if you want, but I can tell you that he was speaking on 1 Corinthians 15:38-45.  The specific verse that he was speaking about is 1 Corinthians 15:43 when all of a sudden I was reminded of Job, and glory to God, my understanding of that book was opened up in a new way.  https://ia902709.us.archive.org/29/items/bereansonline0453/bereansonline0453.mp3

This is Chris' commentary on the verses that led up to the understanding I got.

The glory (or the splendor and magnificence) of a blade of grass is certainly not comparible to the glory of the sun, and the idea is that we have a terrestrial body now, but the saints of God will receive a spiritual body that will be more glorious than the fleshly body, which is a simplistic way to give us a concept of the glory which is to come after Christ's return.

[v41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

The sun, moon, and stars all have their magnificence, but the sun far outshines the moon, and the moon far outshines the stars. Paul is pointing out the differences between them to make the next point.

[v42] So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

Just as there are differences in celestial bodies, there will also be differences in the glorified bodies of the saints in the reign of Christ, but all who repent and believe will be raised alive. Just as the seed breaks down in corruption, and is raised up without corruption, so shall the saints of God, having the same body, but different than what it was.

[v43] It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

Christ, as the only sinless man, was beaten, bruised, and pierced in His crucifixion, but after His death, He was raised in glory. We were sown into this world as sinful, shameful, and unclean, but by the grace of Christ, we will be raised into glory. We were sown in weakness, not just as babies who have no means to live on their own, requiring everything to be done for them, but also weak in that we are foolish, ignorant, subject to injury, starvation, and disease; yet, when we are translated into the Kingdom of God (Col 1:13), we will be raised in His power, having a clear understanding, and no longer subject to the weaknesses of the flesh.

If you listen to the teaching on audio, Chris adds a little more commentary which was part of what made me think about Job.  He said:

I'm going through the process of a seed. I'm slowly decaying, and I will die, and upon that death, then I will be raised incorruptible; far, far better than when I was younger.

...So, for us Christians, that's why we don't worry about those things [ie. ailments, the body breaking down, decaying and dying] it's because we're getting them [vibrant bodies] back, and not just getting them back, but getting much, much more.

*The brackets in these quotes were my understanding of what Chris was saying, so please forgive me if I got that part wrong.

If you want to listen, this part is at about @17:42-18:38 in the audio.

It was at this point that I thought about the story of Job. Yes, the book of Job is to be taken literally, but there is another way that I take it now.  Job's trial was difficult; so difficult, in fact, that he just wanted to die/wished that he had never been born, but Job endured and never cursed God.  He went through his trial magnifying God and trusting Him through the storm.

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job 13:15

At the end of his trial, Job received back the abundance of what he had lost, and even much, much more.

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
Job 42:12

When Job truly understood his foolishness to question Almighty God (God's timing and why this had happened to Job) then he abhorred himself (had godly sorrow and grief/repentance).

1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2. I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. 3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job 42:1-6

Job's body (when it was covered in sores) is a picture of a body sown in corruption. Through repentance and faith, we receive salvation/the gift of grace.  Job's trial is a picture of the way we are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus; by living in obedience, holding fast to His precepts, reading God's word, keeping every thought captive, and striving against sin.  With patience and trusting God through trials, we shall come forth as gold.

10. But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.  11. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.  12. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Job 23:10-12

Suddenly it became clear to me that the end of Job's life was a picture of being raised in glory.  His healed body is a picture of being raised in power; in a sinless, incorrupt and spiritual state. The abundant blessings that came after his trial are a picture of our new bodies and treasures in Heaven.  Yes, Job experienced more blessings than before in this life while he lived out the remainder of his days on earth, but that's not the case for many people.  We are told that we will suffer affliction and go through this life having tribulation.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Receiving healing blessings and being able to "live life" at this time would be a wonderful thing, but I have to keep in mind that the suffering in this life is nothing compared to the glory that I will see in Heaven.

17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2 Corinthians 4:17

15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  16. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:15-18

So, this was just a little more of a reality check for me and helpful for my growth, and I just wanted to share what I learned about the lesson in Job with everyone here.

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Evangelism / "He's already got us"

« on: June 03, 2023, 08:07:01 PM »

Today I was passing out tracts and it went rather well (I passed out more than my goal).  However, I noticed that the people who didn't want to even take a tract or chat were the ones that said things like, "I'm already a resident of Heaven" or "I already read mine every day" (I wasn't passing out Bibles), but the one that really got me was "No thanks, He's already got us".  I barely heard what she said as the woman and her friend walked off, but then looking back over her shoulder she said, "I'm glad He has you too!"

I'm not very quick, but there was so much I could have said at that point.  There was no humility from what I could see as they walked off, but her comments stuck with me. 

...He's already got us.  I'm glad He has you too.

  It got me thinking, Wow, what a prize I am.  Isn't God just blessed to have us? (sarcasm)

Really, what would God want with me?  I kinda look at it the other way around because I did NOTHING to deserve salvation in Jesus. I wonder "why me?" sometimes.  Why would God lead ME to salvation?  I lived my whole life a fool and disgrace.  I'm surprised that He didn't give me over to a reprobate mind, but I don't think that "He's got me" now, so the Kingdom is that much better off.  Rather I think that I have received salvation all Glory to God!  Now I have HIM for a Father.

It's just a little experience that I had today that I wanted to share.  I was glad to have some conversations with people that I didn't expect and they went well.  One man said that he was "working on it".  I'm assuming that he meant salvation, so I told him that he couldn't work on it.  "Well what am I supposed to do?" he asked.  "I ask for forgiveness all the time".   I was then able to tell him that repentance is godly sorrow over sin, he must have repentance and faith and then gave him a bit of my testimony.  (He took a tract with him)

Anyway, the lady's comment made me ponder. 

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Bible Discussion / Was Jeremiah Referring to Psalms?

« on: March 16, 2023, 07:06:23 PM »

Reading in Lamentations today, I saw this verse:

The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the LORD, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen.
Lamentations 4:20

It just made me wonder if Jeremiah was referring to Psalm 91 when he was reflecting, "...of whom we said"

Here's the verse in Psalm 91 that made me think that:

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1

If he's not referring to Psalm 91, does anyone have more of an understanding of this passage (Lam 4:20)?

If Jeremiah is referring to Psalm 91, it's really cool to see how the Bible unfolds and it just makes it more alive to me.  It paints a broader picture when I see instances like Jesus talking about Jonah, Paul quoting from the OT, Jesus pointing back to Isaiah (pointing out prophesy of Himself) and Jeremiah possibly referring to Psalm 91. 

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General Discussion / "Apostle" Kathryn Krick

« on: March 10, 2023, 03:37:23 PM »

Yesterday, in the church meeting, I mentioned the false apostle Kathryn Krick.  Today when I went to my computer I received a reply to my comment that I made to her.  When I clicked on it, I realized that I had left the comment under my other channel, so apparently it had not been erased like I initially had thought.

Just for some back story for anyone who was not at the meeting, a video of Kathryn Krick was recently sent to me and the sender asked me what I thought about her.  It's obviously hot garbage, but if you want to see what I'm talking about, here is the video:

https://youtu.be/GRTSnO0zlB0

I realize that you can get an idea just from the title that this woman has given herself, but it's definitely trippy that so many people can be deceived by such nonsense. 

Here's the comment I left in her comment section:

Morgellons is Nanotechnology
2 days ago

Kathryn Krick:  If you have the fear of God and you call yourself a "Christian", then you need to get on your knees and beg God for forgivness of your MANY sins that you are commiting here.  You're a deceiver, a profiteer, and a false apostle. (Just to start with)   Don't you believe the word of God?

1 Tiimothy 2:12  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Don't you fear God???
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.


You are walking on THIN ice, lady.  Deceiving all these lost souls and making MERCHANDISE of them all.

2 Peter 2:3
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

I would NOT want to be you.  No way!

I would not want to stand in front of a Holy God and hear Him say: I NEVER knew you. DEPART from Me!  The thought of that should scare the white pants off of you.  Cause that is what you are going to hear.

Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

To the rest of you.  This is a pathetic grifter.  Kathryn is A SINNER who needs salvation.  This is just another case of the blind leading the blind.  Repent and seek Jesus now before it's too late.

This is what I received in my inbox this morning:

†𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟔𝟕𝟎𝟏­𝟕👈𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐚̀𝐩𝐩 replied to Oso Weak But He Is Strong's comment
   Revival is Now South Africa
   
†𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟔𝟕𝟎𝟏­𝟕👈𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐚̀𝐩𝐩
Thanks for watching Get in touch directly!!!⬆️ Thanks🎗️🎗️.
REPLY

Actually, now that I'm looking at it, I see that she replied to this comment which IS from my channel, Oso Weak But He Is Strong:

Oso Weak But He Is Strong
22 hours ago

Kathryn Krick the DECEIVER!!  You are of your father, $*t@n and not of God/Jesus of the Bible.

I don't plan on calling this woman.  My thoughts are that she's a deceiver and this could possibly even be a scam or trap.  It did, however, make me wonder; does anyone have an account of preaching to a charismatic or a person who calls themselves an apostle?  Where would you even start with someone so deceived?  Are there any verses that you could point to that would make them think about this doctrine of devils and possibly help wake them up?

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Evangelism / Passing Out Tracts

« on: March 05, 2023, 07:49:55 PM »

I've never passed out pamphlets before, but recently I aquired a large box of Bible tracts.  I was very excited to get started so I prayed that God would lead me to where I should go.  Today was a nice enough day (not rainy), so I decided to put them on car windows at a location where there are a bunch of differents bars and restaurants in one area.

As I was putting the tracts under the wiper blades of random cars, I wondered if that was such a great idea.  Am I being lazy by not handing them out to individual people...face to face?  Is there a more effective way I could be doing this?  My goal, of course, is for these to be read and not tossed out.  I know that even if I hand them out the same thing could happen, but at least it would mean that the recipient was willingly accepting something. When I put them on car windows, I'm kind of forcing something on them.  Or am I?  Maybe this method is okay.

I was just wondering if anyone could give me some feedback.  Have you passed out Bible tracts before?  How did you do it?  Do you have any advice or tips for me?  Is the car window idea a good one or not?  Thank you for any and all advice.

By the way, yesterday I actually gave out my very first tract to a person who knocked on my door.  They were asking for a donation for their little league.  One thing I know for sure, if you're a random person who knocks on my door, from now on, you're gonna get a Bible tract. 

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Bible Discussion / A Time In The Wilderness

« on: March 02, 2023, 04:33:00 PM »

Just so you all know, I can be a little slow sometimes when it comes to "getting it".  I don't know why I never saw this before.

And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.Psalm 78:17-18
 
When the Israelites were in the wilderness God was providing for them already.  They had everything that they needed, but it wasn't enough for them.  They asked for meat and complained about all the things that they had in Egypt; never thinking about the promised land where they would have milk and honey and all the good stuff. 

I looked at my own life and how I have complained and been unsatisfied with what I have at times.  (Especially as a baby Christian) when I should have been looking forward to the Promised Land which is Heaven!  I don't know why that just hit me so hard. Their time in the wilderness is a picture of our time here on earth!   Why am I just getting that now?

I should never complain!  I don't want to provoke God.  He makes sure that I have what I need. (Plus, God makes it clear that He hates murmering and complaining).  Instead, I should always be looking to the Promised Land that is soon to come.  This world is not my home; just as the wilderness was not their home.  While I'm here I just need to trust God that I will get exactly what I need and not seek to make my life more comfortable here.

I just had to sit down and right this because it's always a blessing and I'm filled with the joy of the Lord when He gives me ANY understanding.  It's something probably everyone already knows and gets, but I'm just happy to get a better grasp of how God wants me to live. 

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Bible Discussion / My Zeal Hath Consumed Me

« on: February 20, 2023, 03:12:42 PM »

As I was reading in the book of Psalms, I came across this verse:

My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
Psalm 119:139

It reminded me of this verse:

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
Psalm 69:9

Which then also reminded me of this verse:

“And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”
John 2:17

Obviously Psalm 69:9 is a prophecy that points to the Lord's righteous anger when He saw the wickedness that was happening in the temple.  This is made clear in John 2:17. 

My question would be, is Psalm 119:139 another verse that points to Jesus and this moment where we see Him being provoked?

9

General Discussion / There Is A Way That Seemeth Right Unto A Man

« on: February 18, 2023, 11:14:03 PM »

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 16:25

Have you ever watched an unsaved family member make a poor choice and wondered, "WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?"  I know it's a stupid question because everyone has.  That was the case for me today as I heard that my sister chose this last Friday 2/17/23 to go visit a friend in Ohio.  While people are leaving their homes due to the danger, my sister decides that it's a good time to go visit the area.

I'm sure that she'd purchased her ticket a while back, so she could not have foreseen or factored in the current event that is now taking place in East Palestine.  However, God knew what she didn't, and if she'd gone to our omniscient Heavenly Father for guidance, I know that He would have led her.  (Keep in mind that she's a professing Christian, so the first thing that needs to happen is she needs to be born again.)

11But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Psalm 5:11-12

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that born again Christians aren't kept from trouble and safe at all times, I'm simply pointing out that when we base our decisions on God's commandments and put our trust in Him, we are in the best position for HIS will to be done.

Planning According To The World

It's true that she found herself in a pickle and was walking according to her own understanding.  She'd purchased the ticket and didn't want to waste the money that she'd paid.  Plus, (as far as I know) this trip had been planned for some time, so I'm sure there were other reservations, worldly activities and things they'd planned to do during her stay, so she was probably factoring in all that.

15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1 John 2:15-16

My sister is worldly, so it would stand to reason that she was led by her pride of life and love for the things of this world...which is not uncommon or specific to her.  That's how the majority of the world makes decisions, so I'm not trying to pick on her.  I'm simply using this example as an illustration to show the decision making process of most people.

Planning According To Pride

Before I was born again, I'm sure that most of my friends and family were all thinking that same thing about the majority of choices I made...and for good reason.  I made TONS of stupid decisions based on my desires, lusts, own understanding, stubbornness, etc. 

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Proverbs 28:26

Sometimes I would even be so stupid as to base my plans solely on pride and rebellion.  If someone told me not to do something, I might just go ahead and do it just because they said not to.  Although, mostly, if I wanted help planning I would seek counsel from other like minded, unsaved people without godly wisdom.  Talk about the blind leading the blind!

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
Jeremiah 7:24

The Perpetual Pit Of My Plans

Without any regard to God, I would make bad decision after bad decision and wonder why my life was spinning out of control.  I was an absolute fool who trusted in my own heart, and in doing so, it caused me a lot of grief.  It's so funny (but at the same time pathetic) how I couldn't see what my problem was.  "Why is this happening to me??" was my frequently asked question.

Looking back at the old me I just shake my head.  Hindsight is 20/20 and I could have answered that question, but would the old me have even listened?  Not a chance! I always had to learn the hard way, and even the hard way didn't work.  Inevitably, I would always go back to life as usual making the same dumb decisions and mistakes.

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Proverbs 26:11

Planning According To God's Providence

These days I can clearly see the importance of going to God in ALL things, seeking His will above my own and putting Him first.  What a blessing it is to know that whether it seems good or bad, God knows everything from the beginning to the end, and He always has my best interests in mind. 

I've personally seen prayers answered speedily as He led me through difficult decisions and other times when prayers aren't answered and instead I was called to be still and know that He is God.  It was those times where I only understood afterward, that God was stretching my faith or protecting me from something that I couldn't have foreseen.  That's why these days I pray that He puts up stumbling blocks if He doesn't want something to happen.  I've found it's much better to yield to the Spirit rather than kicking against the pricks and trying to get my way.

Planning For God's Purpose

I just feel incredibly blessed to have received salvation especially at such a time as this.  It's tragic to see people trusting in their own heart as a basis for making plans.  We're approaching a time when the world will be swimming in chaos.  It will be a time of great fear and people don't make sound decisions when they're living in fear.  (This is a subject I have first hand experience with). 

There's no better time to seek a relationship with God than right now, and learn how to be led by Him. Making a habit out of involving God in every decision is the safest and best thing that anyone can do.  Unfortunately, I still have to work on getting out of the habit of walking on my own will. 

After years of living without Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, it's just second nature to make decisions off the cuff.  However, I'm certainly getting better at it due to chastenings and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  It's all glory to God, that I'm developing a NEW habit of going to Him before I make any decision, seeking His will to be done and trusting that ALL things work together for good to those who are the called according to His purpose.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28

10

Bible Discussion / The Burden of America

« on: February 12, 2023, 03:10:21 PM »

Currently I'm reading through the book of Isaiah and will be going through all the books of the prophets, so I was just wondering if anybody could tell me if this wicked country is mentioned anywhere in prophecy?  I see that in Isaiah 14:26 that all the nations are mentioned:

This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.
Isaiah 14:26

This would inlude America (I'm assuming) since it does give a hint with the words, "In that day" in verse 3 of the same chapter.

Interestingly, I typed accidentally typed in Isaiah 26:14 when I was trying to type in 14:26.  I got them backward, but that chapter also starts out with, "In that day" and if you read verse 14, I wonder if this is also all the nations.

They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish.
Isaiah 26:14

I don't know. I realize that the WHOLE WORLD lies in wickedness, and it's all going to go through the worst time in the history of the world.

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Matthew 24:21

I guess I just want to see the words, "The Burden of America", but God did not include that because, of course, I'm sure that it wouldn't have made sense for the prophets to say such a thing.

Maybe someone could help me out with this?

Also, am I correct in my understanding that when I read the words, "In that day" (in prophecy) that we are talking about the time from the tribulation clear up to the millenial Kingdom?

Thanks for any help with this.

11

Bible Discussion / Why the "Y" names?

« on: February 10, 2023, 11:29:31 PM »

Yeshua, Yahweh, Yah...

Why do these names not sit well with my spirit?  I can't find them in my KJV Bible and if I may be so bold, when I hear people use these names, it's like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.  WH"Y"?

Perhaps I'm over reacting? Are they not as bad as I think? It's good that I get this out on the table because I need this to be settled, and I feel safe asking a body of born again believers.

There are a few things that I do know:

1) Shortly before I was born again, I tried to pray to a "Y" name and I literally felt repulsed.  It just didn't feel right.

2) Then I heard that Yeshu in Hebrew means, "may His name be forgotten(?) or obliiterated(?)"

3) Shortly after I was saved, I happened upon an article that was entitled something like this:
Rabbi Finds Yeshua By Reading the Torah

I'm not sure if that was the exact name of the article.  I think I could probably find it again if anyone is interested, but that article led me to believe that the "Y" names are actually evil.

Maybe my thinking is off and one of these names is okay?  Or maybe I'm on to something and none of them are good (and quite possibly even evil).

I know that I feel comfortable with JEHOVAH...

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
Exodus 6:3


That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.
Psal  83:18


Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.
Isaiah 26:4

I feel safe with JAH...

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
Psalm 68:4

I'm secure with "I AM"...

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14


I'm most comfortable with Heavenly Father..

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Matthew 6:9

And, of course, Jesus...

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 1:31

Maybe someone can help me out by clearing some things up for me.  There's just so much to learn and unlearn, and I've been wrong many times since being born again. I just want to finally put this to topic to rest and be settled about it for good.

Thank you so much for any correction or confirmation. 

12

General Discussion / God Resisteth The Proud

« on: February 10, 2023, 04:44:58 PM »

I just want to share what God has recently done in my life to encourage anyone struggling with a stronghold of sin.  It's no new secret that I'm about to share, but nonetheless it felt like the Holy Spirit had just unlocked a new understanding for me.

Let me begin by saying that I do NOT give credence to the whole "deliverence ministry" nonsense.  Deliverence does happen, but you don't need any man to lay hands on you and you don't need to recite a certain prayer in order to be delivered.  Jesus delivers you once you are born again, so if you did have devils (which I did) they are cast out glory to God!!

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17


Although a born again Christian cannot be possessed as the Spirit of God now lives inside them, they can be opressed by wicked spirits.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12

***
Throughout this testimony whenever you see "PC", just know that it stands for Professing Christian.
***

Once I was born again, I was delivered from the wicked spirits of witchcraft, drug and alcohol addiction, depression (and others) immediately.  Soon after that, I was delivered from 30+ years of cigarette smoking (that's another story). Praise God!! Other things started to go, (root of bitterness, covetousness, etc.) but I was still very prideful.

While reading in Psalms, I came to Psalm 139:23-24
23.Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

This Psalm became part of my daily prayer and has remained to this day.  I wanted to see growth in my life; Soon after I started praying this prayer, the Lord started to convict me of my pride. 

One day I visited my PC parent's house and my PC brother mentioned that I was the same as I was before, "just more religious".  That didn't sit well with me.  The whole reason I'm even alive is to give glory to God and to be an ambassador for the Kingdom, so if my brother saw me as being the same as I was before (when I was an unsaved, professing Christian, drug addict???) then there was a major problem.

Looking back, I believe that the devil was trying to use my brother to provoke me because I'd been saved for over three years when he said that.  There's no way that my life didn't look any different, but God used that comment for my good.  It was the motivation that I needed to begin to pray for more growth.

It became glaringly evident that my disgusting pride is what my brother saw.  It was what was blocking people from seeing Jesus in me. Actions speak much louder than words and I was being very preachy, but it was always blanketed with a thick cloud of pride.  I could preach until I was blue in the face, but if I've got that same old prideful spirit, then nobody is going to hear a word I say. 

While my mother and I were talking one day, I mentioned to her that God was convicting me of my pride.  I was reading in the Bible about how much God HATES pride, and if God hates it, then I need to hate it just as much and it has to go.  I needed to see the sin of pride like HE sees it (and that became part of my new prayer as well.) 

I told her that I saw the need to repent of my pride, and she told me that was great, but I would alway have to repent of it (her definition: turn from it) because pride always plagues everyone.  She told me that I could never be truly free of this sin, that it would always come back.  (According to my mom, she's been saved since she was 25 years old, but her pride is stll HUGE...just like mine was)

Her answer was not good enough for me. Why couldn't I be delivered for good?  God had already delivered me from so much; I KNEW that He could even deliver me from this stronghold.  In my mind, I knew the pride had to go...but how?

I've lived the last 51 years of my life as a prideful person.  How do you just stop being something that is so ingrained?  It's just a part of who I was!  I didn't like it, but I just saw it as a mountain that seemed insurmountable (another lie from the devil).  We all grew up in this world were pride is celebrated and promoted.  How can anybody come out of such a stronghold?

Well, I knew the answers to these questions thanks to God's perfect word/truth.

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mark 11:23

4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.John 15:4-5

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26

And finally...

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Matthew 17:21

It became clear that a fast was in order, so I began the days of fasting and prayer.  I began to quote His word back to Him, that ALL things are possible and I believe with all my heart that I can be delivered of such a horrible spirit (Especially one that He says cannot enter Heaven.) 

This was the sin of satan and if I choose to remain prideful, then essentially I'm serving satan.  It's my desire to serve YOU LORD, in Spirit and in truth!  The wicked spirit of pride has to go forever!  Break my heart of it, Lord!  I don't know how to stop!!

For three days I fasted and prayed and on the third day, something happened.

I'm going to just show a letter that I wrote to a brother in Christ (Nate @Sound the Battle Cry) since I wrote to him the next day after the miracle happened on December 28th 2022.  It was still fresh when I wrote this.

Something just happened that I had to share. 

Lately, I've been convicted about my pride, and I just wanted it gone.  I was led to fast and pray for God's help with this sin.  I'm on the third day of my fast and I'm reading 2 Kings 18 and I came to the broken reed verse, so I thought, maybe I should listen to Nate's Wartime Leaders: Broken Reed vs Strong Staff message.

I started listening to it and got to the part where you started to talk about pride. You think maybe God was leading me? LOL!  I listened until 1:20:30 and then I thought, what are some more characteristics of a prideful person?  I looked for biblically based  articles, searched the scriptures and wrote everything down in my notes.

Then I was led to look up "what are the characteristics of a humble person", and did the same thing.  Wrote down the characteristics and linked scripture with each characteristic.

Suddenly, I started to feel like I was going to puke, so I stopped what I was doing and started to pray.  I repented for my sin and prayed fervently against the spirit of  pride, that God would help me overcome this sin. I started to feel wiped out and then all of a sudden...peace!  The nausea went away and I felt this overwhelming wave of God's love. 

God really does resist the proud and He really does give grace to the humble!  I just started to sob and praise Jesus!  Thanking Him for His love and grace.  It was so amazing!!!  "Lord, you are so AWESOME!"  What an amazing God we serve. He is beyond words. I'm just so thankful and wanted you to know that
your teaching was the catalyst for my deep dive on the sin of pride.  And I'm just thankful for the brethren.  I feel so blessed right now.  I'm still in tears.

Thank you, Nate.  God bless you!

Reading that letter brings tears to my eyes because it just reminds me of that HUGE blessing and miracle from God.  I realize that the letter's not very well put together; it didn't really capture everything that I was feeling.  Being in this state of shock and awe of everything that had just happened, I was not calm at the time.

To be more specific, my prayer (that I was telling Nate about) was asking God to take an axe to that root of pride.  Dig it out of my life and replace it with a new spirit of humbleness, meekness and kindness and gentleness.  Don't let it spring up and regrow!  Cauterize the place that pride once came from, and deliver me from the thing that YOU HATE.

God not only answered my prayers, gave me a new understanding (of how He resists the proud/gives grace to the humble), but at the same time he poured His love out on me, and I was SO overjoyed and in awe that I could not help myself to sing His praise and give Him glory.  (My cup was running over.  Praise the Lord!) 

The nausea that I was feeling was the spirit of pride.  It did not want to go, but with God, (His word is true)  ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!  Glory Alleluia!! Jesus delivered me from that wicked stronghold and I could actually FEEL the moment that it left me.

What a beautiful moment with my Heavenly Father.  I will always be able to look back on that memory whenever doubt starts to creep in.  I know the TRUTH that God is able to deliver me.

Reminds me of the hymn: He Is Able To Deliever Me

Since this miracle has happened, I have seen a HUGE difference.  I believe that I was NOT ready to be a part of a church body with such pride, and God led me here at the right time.  He is helping me to be humble and understand more of His word. (Before, I'd been studying with the wrong motivation.  A prideful heart)

I see that I still must watch for the sin of pride and that the devil will try to tempt me, but now his temptation has less power over me and able to overcome, GLORY TO GOD!!

Thank you for reading. 

PS. Forgive me if you see any misspellings.

13

General Discussion / Morgellons

« on: February 08, 2023, 02:41:36 AM »

Hi Everybody,

My name is Annalisa and I just introduced myself yesterday.  In my introduction, I said:

"Over 14 years ago, I was given a horrible disease that would eventually lead me to a point where I understood that I needed to "get right with God." 

I just wanted to elaborate.  This disease is called Morgellons.  It's a long shot, but does anyone here also suffer with this disease by any chance?  Has anyone even heard of it?  I just wanted to reach out and connect with anyone who might also live with this evil disease.  If not, maybe someone who has lyme? 

14

Bible Discussion / Where is the scribe?

« on: February 08, 2023, 01:44:14 AM »

I'm reading through Isaiah and I came to 34:18

"Thine heart shall meditate terror.  Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?"

Of course it made me think of 1 Corinthians 1:19-20
"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
"Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?"

Is Paul using that language to point us back to this passage in Isaiah?  Is there a connection here or was this simply just a common question?

15

General Discussion / Turkey Earthquake

« on: February 06, 2023, 05:06:33 PM »

I'm new here, but I just saw the devistation of the earthquakes in Turkey and I'm in absolute tears.  I know that God is about to shake the world and this should be no surprise, but seeing the footage of children being pulled out of the rubble is just horrible. I'm praying for the Christians in Turkey and surrounding area.  Praying that the people who are trapped will repent and be converted.  Also praying that God will have mercy on the children who have just lost parents.

And this is just the BEGINNING of sorrows! 

16

Introduce Yourself / Why did I check "other" on beliefs? Annalisa's Introduction

« on: February 06, 2023, 03:33:15 PM »

Hi, I just want to be clear that I only checked other, because my whole professing Christian family would check the "Christian" box.  I am a born again believer who was a professing Christian, completely lost, addict for 40 years of my life.  Although, I was deep in addiction and filled with demons due to drugs, fornication, oujia board dabbling, tarot, yoga, accupunture, tattoos, etc... I STILL believed that I would go to heaven because "God knew my heart". 

Praise God that He brought me to my knees and to the foot of the Cross and let me see the severity of my sin.  It's actually a miracle that I was born again.  I was a beast before Him. (Psalm 73:22 describes me).  My sins were many and grievous, yet I could not even see them because, well,  "at least I'm not like THOSE wicked people".  I compared myself to other's and NOT to the HOLY and righteous Judge/Word of God.

Over 14 years ago, I was given a horrible disease that would eventually lead me to a point where I understood that I needed to "get right with God."  I was so lost and confused.  Even though I thought that I was going to Heaven, when you're facing death, you start to wake up a little.  But even then, I believed in the false doctrine that you had to get right with God before you can be saved.  I think that I thought that I had just backslidden and needed to get back on track and THEN I would be safe.

So, I went about on a mission to reform my life.  That didn't work out so well.  I found that I could not do it.  I confessed all my sins (that I could remember) to God, but there was no godly sorrow. I knew they were sins, but no tears.  I asked Jesus into my heart, but no life change happened.  I still could not stop the habitual sins. (the spirit of addiction is STRONG)

One night I got drunk and sinned so horribly.  It made me sick to my stomach.  I spent days in bed crying without sleep, and knowing that there was something seriously wrong with my spirituality/profession of faith. I was sick and tired of the habitual sin, and wanted something else...something better.  It was what I desired; for my life to completely change,and be transformed. Finally, looked up on the internet, "What does the Bible say about how to forgive yourself."   Praise GOD!!!  He lead me to an article that said you CAN'T forgive yourself!  Only Jesus can forgive you!

I happened to be listening to Carter Conlon (who I realize is a false teacher) but he was talking about the Holy Sprit and I prayed to God asking for that.  I told the Lord that I did not want the fake hypocrisy in my life.  I wanted the real deal.  I wanted to walk the Christian life HIS way not mine. 

At that moment, the verse "Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way the truth and the life.  No man cometh to the Father, but by me."  I had been a "truther since around 2012(?)  (maybe even before that), but suddenly I saw the REAL TRUTH!  My eyes were opened and I was blown away.  I remember thinking, "WOW!  JESUS IS the TRUTH!  This whole time I've been looking for the truth and it was right here in the Bible!  The Bible IS true".  I'm not quite sure why I was so shocked, (I mean, after all, I was raised in a "Christian" home) but I at the same time I understand since I was very deceived.

Once that verse popped into my mind and I had those thoughts, I was FILLED with the Holy Sprit and I KNEW that something had changed.  It was as if the scales had been removed from my eyes and suddenly I saw the REAL truth.  I was filled with a peace that I had never experienced before in my life, and things have never been the same.  From that day forward, I have never had to worry about the spirit of addiction, beause I was delivered from it!  PRAISE JESUS!!!!!!!!  Thank you, Lord!

***
That's the short version of my testimony.  There is so much more, but it would be a LOT to write. Since I was saved, I've made sure to reject and pray against asking for the Holy Spirit that Carter Conlon was speaking about (as the devil tried to make me doubt my salvation at times), but thanking God for transforming my life.  As I walk closer to Him, I am able to have peace and thank Him for my salvation in Him.

Thank you for reading and I appreciate this process as I have been deceived by wolves who try to act like Chriistians.
-Annalisa