Saturday, August 31, 2024

A SWIFT destruction

 2 Peter 2:1

King James Version

2 But there were false prophets also among the people, 

even as there shall be false teachers among you, 

who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, 

even denying the Lord that bought them, 

and bring upon themselves swift destruction.


Amazing how the HOLY SPIRIT knows my heart.

I was looking for a verse to describe the Taylor Swift phenomenon.

He led me to the PERFECT verse above.

With the PERFECT phrase:

"swift destruction"


That phrase practically created this article.

No doubt about it, Swift's got talent.

She's got a following.

Young people go nuts at her concerts.

Creating billionaire status in her.


But this we must tell you --

Be not too swift to adore Taylor Swift.

That will bring "swift destruction".

Only GOD deserves worship.

warrior of the SPIRIT looks at her, with a careful eye.

Watching, and detecting signs, of undue influence upon the young.


She says she's a "Christian".

But her words, and acts, speak differently.

We are all about the WORD -- GOD's WORD.

And this young lady's life, and lyrics, don't reflect such.

As you shall see from this video.


There are idols that "speak".

Only because people have idolized them.

By themselves, they cannot have power over you.

Unless you allow them to influence you.

Please don't be such.

Save your soul from idolatry.

Don't be a "Swiftie".

Only GOD deserves worship.

These verses give the appropriate warnings:

2 Peter 2:2-3

King James Version

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; 

by reason of whom the way of truth 

shall be evil spoken of.

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.


2 Peter 2:10-11

King James Version

10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh 

in the lust of uncleanness, 

and despise government. 

Presumptuous are they, 

selfwilled, 

they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

11 Whereas angels, 

which are greater in power and might, 

bring not railing accusation against them 

before the Lord.


2 Peter 2:12-13

King James Version

12 But these, 

as natural brute beasts, 

made to be taken and destroyed, 

speak evil of the things that they understand not; 

and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, 

as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. 

Spots they are and blemishes, 

sporting themselves with their own deceivings 

while they feast with you;


2 Peter 2:14-15

King James Version

14 Having eyes full of adultery, 

and that cannot cease from sin; 

beguiling unstable souls: 

an heart they have exercised 

with covetous practices; 

cursed children:

15 Which have forsaken the right way, 

and are gone astray, 

following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, 

who loved the wages of unrighteousness;


2 Peter 2:17

King James Version

17 These are wells without water, 

clouds that are carried with a tempest; 

to whom the mist of darkness 

is reserved for ever.


2 Peter 2:18

King James Version

18 For when they speak 

great swelling words of vanity, 

they allure through the lusts of the flesh, 

through much wantonness, 

those that were clean escaped from them 

who live in error.


2 Peter 2:19

King James Version

19 While they promise them liberty, 

they themselves are the servants of corruption: 

for of whom a man is overcome, 

of the same is he brought in bondage.


2 Peter 2:20

King James Version

20 For if after they have escaped 

the pollutions of the world 

through the knowledge 

of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 

they are again entangled therein, 

and overcome, 

the latter end is worse with them 

than the beginning.


2 Peter 2:21

King James Version

21 For it had been better for them 

not to have known the way of righteousness, 

than, after they have known it, 

to turn from the holy commandment 

delivered unto them.


2 Peter 2:22

King James Version

22 But it is happened unto them 

according to the true proverb, 

The dog is turned to his own vomit again; 

and the sow that was washed to her 

wallowing in the mire.


May Swift wake up on time.

May people wake up on time.

May she take the path of holiness.

May she look upon her body as the TEMPLE of the HOLY SPIRIT.

May she flee fornication.

May we all do.

1 Corinthians 6:18

King James Version

18 Flee fornication. 

Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; 

but he that committeth fornication 

sinneth against his own body.


Face, fame, and fortune are temporary.

Only GOD's WORD is eternal.

Only GOD deserves worship.

Only GOD deserves ALL the GLORY.

The LORD JESUS confirms that:

John 17:3-4

King James Version

3 And this is life eternal, 

that they might know thee the only true God, 

and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

4 I have glorified thee on the earth: 

I have finished the work 

which thou gavest me to do.


Related material:

FEAR the LORD verses

The PUZZLING phenomenon

HOLINESS

Idolatry

SINS of the FLESH

Sin AWARENESS

GODLY men and women

BORN AGAIN articles


Related video:

Here’s Why Christians NEED to Beware of Taylor Swift


Monday, August 5, 2024

LEARNING the HARD way

1 Corinthians 15:34

King James Version

34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; 

for some have not the knowledge of God: 

I speak this to your shame.


It's all been said --

"You are young."

"You have a whole future ahead of you."

"Make the right choices."

"Follow after your father's footsteps."

"Do the right thing."

"Make us proud."


And do you?

Do you follow their footsteps?

Do you want to duplicate it?

Do you do the right thing?

Do you know what the right thing is?

Or would you rather do it your way?

And what would that way be?

Would you rather find out for yourself?

No matter how long it may take?


I did the latter.

I found out for myself.

And found out the hard way.


No one taught me about money.

I knew how to earn; I just didn't know how to save.


No one taught me about relationships.

I didn't get into painful ones, but I caused many pain.


No one taught me about the right career to take.

I did whatever decent job was offered, to learn from.


No one taught me about the world.

I had to find out my way, the hard way, through every experience.


Give yourself a pat on the back if you chose the hard way.

No matter if it seemed smart at the time.

Which is finding things out 

for yourself.


Every person finds a process for himself.

That he may learn whatever he wants to learn.

Or experience whatever he wants to experience.

He may create it, or stumble upon it, or search for it.

Sometimes, it will be given him, or thrown at him.

Weird, but those things happen.


It's not the wrong way.

It's just a different way.


It's not pride.

It's just curiosity.


It's tough.

But it can be an adventure.


It's not for the weak-kneed.

You've got to have a tough, unshakeable "inner" core.


It's not a short cut.

More often than not, it's a long cut.


It's not for those who like things easy.

You need to think independently of others.


Finding things out for yourself takes courage.

Trying to see what fits, what works, what you're cut out for.

And speedily making adjustments along the way.

With the mistakes you'll be making, you need to be "on your feet".

You'll need to make quick adjustments.

That you may survive your own mistakes.

And miscalculations.


Some days, you're "winging" it.

Most days, you need to get creative.

You need to be confident in self, and what you're looking for.

Standing by your beliefs, principles taught by your parents.

With no illusion that the world offers you any assurances.

You are as a lamb, among wolves.

We all go through that stage.


Some say life is like riding a bicycle.

Keep pedaling, or you'll fall off.

Well, I don't know how to ride a bike.

For the life of me, I can't seem to get it.

Anyway, I fell flat on my face, many times.

Without riding a bike.

But I would just get up, and dust myself off.

Analyzing where I could have gone wrong.

Making the necessary "adjustments".

And simply keep going.

Maybe even heading in a new direction.

Obviously, if something doesn't work, why would you keep at it?


Life isn't fun if you're not learning.

If you're bored, you can harm yourself, and others.

You'll be a danger to everyone, most of all to yourself.

Many have been "damaged" by boredom.

They've lost the zest for life, love, and laughter.

They've lost hope, and childlike curiosity.

The light had gone out of their eyes.


Well I didn't want that route.

Never did, never could, never would.

My head was forever brimming with ideas

My eyes were forever shining with curiosity.

My heart, and mind, forever experimenting with "combinations".

My soul ever eager to learn.

Where people socialized, I didn't need to.

My whole being was alive, with stuff to do.

I had a whole lab in my head.


When you try it your way, prepare for the following:

You've got no map.

You're on your own.

You'll make tons of mistakes.

You have to own up to those mistakes.

You have to bear the shame of ignorance, or failure.

You will have many humbling moments.

You will have lots of hits and misses.

It may cost you, more than a buck, or two.

It may cost you everything you've got.

Money was not as important as keeping my family.

I never bartered my folks for anything.

They were priceless.


Life will test your mettle.

Be ready for it.


Experiencing things, first hand, is truly invaluable.

It makes the lessons stick.

You'll have a whole PhD of life experiences.

Which school cannot teach you.

Which parents may not have gone through.

Which friends may not have experienced.

Which your boss may have no idea about.

It may all be new to you, and others.


In truth?

The world will keep many things from you.

It doesn't want you to find out.

But find out I did.

The hard way.

The long way.

But the sure way.

And you will see what I found, as you continue to read.


Consider EVERYTHING in your life as valuable.

As a RICH source of lessons.

Honor your own experiences.

Great, or small.

Happy, or painful.

Sweet, or sour.

Sublime, or mundane.

Mentally "file" it for "future use".

For you surely will.

Maybe, even for work.


Which, in all probability, is TEACHING.

I mean, what else are you gonna do with all that "knowledge"?

Or that breadth of experiences?

Keep it?

Hoard it?

Lock it up?

Nope, you gotta share your experiences.

That others may learn from it, too.

That others may be warned, if need be.

Should they care to listen.

Even as you know they'll have to find their own way, too.

And have their own sets of experiences.


When you've got sufficient mileage to your years, teach the young.

Give them your BEST knowledge.

Give them the reality of life.

As I give you, through our blogs and books.


Life teaches you more than a thing, or two.

Pain, misery, and shame, teach you most of all.

Without failure, how can you sufficiently learn?

How can you ever be an effective teacher, if it's all "theory"?

You must have lived it.


That makes you authentic, believable, credible.

Even if your experiences seem impossible.

Even outrageous.

Just be real.

Be true.


LEARN, every chance you can get.

If you're an observant child, you've got an edge.

If you learn your lessons once, you've got a greater edge.

If you listen to the right person, you've got the greatest edge.

It you're a naturally curious person, you're unstoppable.


But who's the RIGHT person to learn from?

Is it your dad?

Your mom?

Your friend?

Your grandpa?

Your grandma?

Your husband?

Your wife?

Your boyfriend?

Your girlfriend?

Your colleague?

Your boss?


Truth be told?

We all learn from each other.

Listen, and learn, from people.

Let them tell you of their own stories.

Make time to listen, and listen well.

We all have a story to tell.


But who can tell us the RIGHT thing?

Who can lead us to the RIGHT path?

Who's got ALL the answers, to ALL our questions?

Who's got the DEFINITIVE answers?

Who can back themselves up 100%?

Who's got our back?

Who can we rely on with all our heart?

Who can we trust?


Have we found such a person, or persons, in the world?

Are they reliable, trustworthy, true, solid, sure, steady?

Have they given us the answers we seek?

If you've found such a person, or persons, I'm happy for you.

But more often than not, we're all disappointed and disillusioned.

Why?

Because we're all "flesh".

We're not perfect.

Only JESUS is.

1 Peter 2:21-22

King James Version

21 For even hereunto were ye called: 

because Christ also suffered for us, 

leaving us an example, 

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin, 

neither was guile found in his mouth:


And that's how all my "learning the hard way" ended.

GOD finally took pity on me.

He saw I had exhausted all my "combinations".

Nothing worked anymore, so I surrendered.

I was kaput, dumbfounded, broke.

He knew I was ready for His knowledge.

My experiences had served me, to a point.

This time, I was ready to listen to GOD's story.

After I repented of my sins.

GOD had my COMPLETE attention.

So, I sat at His feet.

In rapt attention.

As always, He saved the BEST for last.


As reward, He made me born again in 2019.

Such a long journey for me, but so very worth it.

That's what happens when you try to find out for yourself.

Not relying on what the world tells you.

But sifting through everything yourself.

Waiting for what's real.


It wasn't easy.

It took long.

But who cares?

Important thing is the destination.

Of having arrived.

And finally knowing TRUTH.


What happened the day GOD made me born again?

RIGHT AWAY, He led me to Bible prophecy.

RIGHT AWAY, He led me to Scripture.

RIGHT AWAY, His SPIRIT started guiding me.

RIGHT AWAY, SPIRIT started teaching me about JESUS.

Making me understand the Bible pretty easily.

Wonder, of all wonders -- in my case.

I'm the first one in shock, and in awe.

In one day, we started making up for lost time.


It will have been 59 months tomorrow.

Yes, I count the months of being born again.

I always like to chart my progress.

I'm nearly FIVE years into this.

And I haven't looked back.

For my search is over.


I actually got it pretty easy.

Even if I chose the "hard" way.

Of finding things out for myself.

JESUS got the HARDEST HIT for all of us.

He absorbed ALL shock, and sin.

He died for our sins.

My "hard way" is nothing compared to the LORD's.

It cost Him His precious, precious life.

He gave us the promise of ETERNAL LIFE.

He gave us the ABSOLUTE answers we sought.

He offered us SALVATION.

He showed the WAY.


As I look upon it now, GOD didn't say,

"MY WAY, or the highway."


He just let me be.

He let me find out.

He let me make mistakes.

He let me form conclusions.

He let me research all I wanted.

He let me find out, to the point of exhaustion.

In the end, His way was the HIGH WAY.

Isaiah 35:8-9

King James Version

8 And an highway shall be there, 

and a way, 

and it shall be called The way of holiness; 

the unclean shall not pass over it; 

but it shall be for those: 

the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

9 No lion shall be there, 

nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, 

it shall not be found there; 

but the redeemed shall walk there:


Keep at it, dear children.

Even if you deliberately chose the hard way.

Or unknowingly found it was the hard way you chose.

GOD watches over you ALL the time.

GOD loves us all.

John 3:16-17

King James Version

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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world 

to condemn the world; 

but that the world through him 

might be saved.


Romans 5:8

King James Version

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, 

in that, while we were yet sinners, 

Christ died for us.


Galatians 3:28-29

King James Version

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, 

there is neither bond nor free, 

there is neither male nor female: 

for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, 

and heirs according to the promise.


Remain diligent in your SEARCH for self, and truth.

After all, that's what compels us to search anyway.

Only through some goal can you keep at it.

Every single day.

To have a sense of self.

A sense of purpose.

Truth we can believe in.

People we can believe in.

A life worth living.

A life that matters.


I found mine.

THANKS to the LORD!

You will find it through JESUS, too!

2 Peter 3:13-14

King James Version

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, 

look for new heavens and a new earth, 

wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, 

seeing that ye look for such things, 

be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, 

without spot, and blameless.


You may not know it, but your search is towards ONE thing.

You're actually seeking GOD, even if you don't know it yet.

And that's always a good thing.

GOD rewards the diligent.

Galatians 6:9

King James Version

9 And let us not be weary in well doing:

 for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.


Related material:

BORN AGAIN articles


Sunday, May 5, 2024

EQUIPPING the youth

 

1 Timothy 4:12

King James Version

12 Let no man despise thy youth; 

but be thou an example of the believers, 

in word, in conversation, in charity, 

in spirit, in faith, in purity.


You're the generations after us.

We're the baby boomers.

Our time is past; yours has just begun.

We care what happens to you.

How shall we equip you?

That you may survive these chaotic times?

And all that have been prophesied.

As workman, I'm here to share Scripture with you.

SPIRIT and I have much to tell you.

Do you know which generation you are?

We've written a post on generations recently.

Know which generation describes you:


Generation X

"Researchers and popular media often use the mid-1960s as its starting birth years and the late 1970s as its ending birth years, with the generation being generally defined as people born from 1965 to 1980.[1] By this definition and U.S. Census data, there are 65.2 million Gen Xers[2] in the United States as of 2019.

As children in the 1970s and 1980s, a time of shifting societal values, Gen Xers were sometimes called the "latchkey generation", which stems from their returning as children from school to an empty home and needing to use a key to let themselves in. This was a result of what is now called free-range parenting, plus increasing divorce rates, and increased maternal participation in the workforce prior to widespread availability of childcare options outside the home."


Generation Y

"Researchers and popular media use the early 1980s as starting birth years and the mid-1990s to early 2000s as ending birth years, with the generation typically being defined as people born from 1981 to 1996.

As the first generation to grow up with the Internet, Millennials have also been described as the first global generation.[5] The generation is generally marked by elevated usage of and familiarity with the Internet, mobile devices, and social media.[6] The term "digital natives", which is now also applied to successive generations, was originally coined to describe this generation."


Generation Z

"Researchers and popular media use the mid-to-late 1990s as starting birth years and the early 2010s as ending birth years.

As the first social generation to have grown up with access to the Internet and portable digital technology from a young age, members of Generation Z, even if not necessarily digitally literate, have been dubbed "digital natives".[6][7][8][9] Moreover, the negative effects of screen time are most pronounced in adolescents, as compared to younger children.[10] Compared to previous generations, members of Generation Z tend to live more slowly than their predecessors when they were their age,[11][12] have lower rates of teenage pregnancies, and consume alcohol (but not necessarily other psychoactive drugs) less often."


Generation Alpha

"Researchers and popular media use the early 2010s as starting birth years to the mid-2020s as ending birth years (see § Date and age range definitions). Named after alpha, the first letter in the Greek alphabet, Generation Alpha is the first to be born entirely in the 21st century and the third millennium.

Generation Alpha has been born at a time of falling fertility rates across much of the world,[6][7] and experienced the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as young children. For those with access, children's entertainment has been increasingly dominated by electronic technology, social networks, and streaming services, with interest in traditional television concurrently falling. Changes in the use of technology in classrooms and other aspects of life have had a significant effect on how this generation has experienced early learning compared to previous generations. Studies have suggested that health problems related to screen time, allergies, and obesity became increasingly prevalent in the late 2010s."


Each generation has its own challenges.

How to survive it all?

TURN to JESUS.

Hebrews 12:2

King James Version

2 Looking unto Jesus 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 

despising the shame, and is set down 

at the right hand of the throne of God.


Only JESUS can give you ALL the help you need.

Without JESUS we can do nothing.

John 15:5

King James Version

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.


Only JESUS knows GOD's will.

To survive in this world, you must know that will.

And it is surely NOT the world's will.

Romans 12:1-2

King James Version

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, 

by the mercies of God, 

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, 

holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: 

but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, 

that ye may prove what is that good, 

and acceptable, 

and perfect, will of God.


You must also honor your father, and mother.

It's a decree from GOD.

Exodus 20:12

King James Version

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: 

that thy days may be long upon the land 

which the Lord thy God giveth thee.


King David wrote in his psalms:

Psalm 119:9-16

King James Version

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? 

by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: 

O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, 

that I might not sin against thee.

12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.

13 With my lips have I declared 

all the judgments of thy mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, 

as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate in thy precepts, 

and have respect unto thy ways.

16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: 

I will not forget thy word.


What is that "word"?

It's the WORD of GOD.

From which we all must live.


To understand all these, you must be of the SPIRIT.

The only way is to be born again.

Pray to be one, for it is the most marvelous thing in the world!.

JESUS commanded we be born again:

King James Version

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born again, 

he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, 

How can a man be born when he is old? 

can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, 

and be born?

5 Jesus answered, 

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 

he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, 

Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, 

and thou hearest the sound thereof, 

but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: 

so is every one that is born of the Spirit.


Lastly, a BLESSING for you, from Scripture.

That you may know, and have the life GOD predestined you for:

Numbers 6:24-26

King James Version

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.


Related material:

Which GENERATION are you?

PEACE through JESUS

FEAR the LORD verses

BORN AGAIN classics

GOD's GLORY blogs


Image: Clipart Library


Monday, February 5, 2024

GIFTS young people can BRING

 


1 Timothy 4:12

King James Version

12 Let no man despise thy youth; 

but be thou an example of the believers, 

in word, in conversation, in charity, 

in spirit, in faith, in purity.


What gifts can young people bring?

How can you make life better for others?

What spirit lives in you?


Life is not about feeding off each other.

Life is about love, peace, joy, truth, understanding.

Life is best lived, when you give of yourself.

According to the WILL of GOD.

That's how you can also avoid vultures.

And those who wish evil upon the young.


Live, according to GOD's will.

And He shall protect you always.

Psalm 144:15

King James Version

15 Happy is that people, 

that is in such a case: 

yea, happy is that people, 

whose God is the Lord.


How to live a truly purposeful life?

A worthwhile one acceptable to GOD?

A fulfilling life you can be content with?

Be SPIRIT-driven.

Be born again.

Be of GOD.


Here's how you know if you are:

You do not live for self.

You are not vain.

You are not greedy.

You are not cruel.

You are not self-absorbed.

You desire to help others.

You wish to be of service to others.

You want to help, according to GOD's will.

You want to live, according to GOD's plan.

You live by Scripture.


You are all that, if you're born again.

For GOD's SPIRIT lives in you.

He teaches you, all you need to be.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

King James Version

19 What? 

know ye not that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.


The young have youth.

You have spirit.

You have drive.

You have creativity.

You have imagination.

You have energy.

You have fire.

You have strength.


Those are your gifts.

Now, the question is, who does it serve?

Matthew 6:24

King James Version

24 No man can serve two masters: 

for either he will hate the one, and love the other; 

or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. 

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.


Luke 16:15

King James Version

15 And he said unto them, 

Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; 

but God knoweth your hearts: 

for that which is highly esteemed among men 

is abomination in the sight of God.


Colossians 2:8

King James Version

8 Beware lest any man spoil you 

through philosophy and vain deceit, 

after the tradition of men, 

after the rudiments of the world, 

and not after Christ.


1 Timothy 4:1-3

King James Version

4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, 

that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, 

giving heed to seducing spirits, 

and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; 

having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, 

and commanding to abstain from meats, 

which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving 

of them which believe and know the truth.


1 John 2:16

King James Version

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.


Walk with SPIRIT, and you shall do wonderfully.

There will be TRUE life in you.

Which you can give others.


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