A while back, the Pastor gave a very thought provoking sermon about how we, as the church, and the bride of Christ and about preparing ourselves for our wedding day. I went home and I thought about, “how does one prepare for such a glorious event?” It’s a little overwhelming to think that the “King of the universe has asked me to be His bride and that I’ve actually been chosen by His father to fill this role, wow! How exciting is that?” I can hardly wrap my head around it. The first thing I need to do, the most important thing, is to make sure that I accept His proposal! I certainly don’t want an opportunity like this to pass me by! Imagine, little old me, the bride of a Kind! And not just any king, “The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.” What an honor! And He told me that He has purchased for me the most beautiful gown that I could ever imagine, clothed in His very own righteousness, I want to be very careful and make sure that I don’t get it soiled before the wedding day. And invitations, I want to make sure and send out lots of invitations because I want all my family and friends to be there! I need to get busy because the big day is quickly approaching and I want to be ready! His Father is making all the arrangements for the banquet. He’s even giving us a week long getaway at a very luxurious resort (His Father is a very wealthy man). There’s even horseback riding there, how fun!

How well do I know this man that I’m about to marry? His friends all say that He’s a kind man, a loving man, a gentle man. I want to make sure that I’m spending time with him to get to know Him personally, to know His likes and His dislikes, so that I can be a good wife to him. (I think I’ll bring some fruit to the banquet because I know he loves fruit.)

Marrying into royalty is a bit daunting, after all, I’m just a plain old country gal with little to no experience in such things, sometimes, to be honest, I don’t even know what He sees in me, Bu He’s not the kind of man who’s impressed with status or standing, He loves me for who I am on the inside. But understanding my anxiety, His Father has even provided me with a wedding coach, a helper, who can instruct me in how to properly conduct and carry myself so I don’t appear foolish, and for this I am so grateful, because lets face it, I can be a little rough around the edges at times. I want to make sure that I’m playing close attention to Him so that I can learn how to speak properly and act properly. But I know that once the Big day arrives and I look into the gentle, loving eyes of my bridegroom, all my anxiety will fade away because I know He truly loves me and I feel such a peace whenever I am with Him. He even smells amazing! (Psalm 45:8) Which reminds me, I need to pick up some perfume because I want to smell good too (Psalm 141:2).

What a wonderful day it will be! The music, the flowers, the dancing, the wine (I’ve tasted the wine and it’s amazing). I can hardly wait! We’ll finally be able to move into that new house He’s been building for us (he’s a carpenter you know, and a very good one) so I’m sure it will be beautiful. And I’ll be able to start my new life with the man that I know I’m meant to be with, I can’t wait, It’s gonna be great!

I have been asked – on more than a few occasions “where do we stand up?”, “when should we stand up?” and “what should we stand up for?”….

Now, Before I give any thoughts or Biblical insights on this broad and heavy question, let me first ask my own questions in return: “what lines did the Lord draw for us?”, “when does the Lord say we shouldn’t we stand up?” and “what does the Lord say we should stand up for?”

I am convinced that if a believer is in their Bible on the regular – these questions are ten times easier to respond to – with confidence and conviction… but, if a Christian is only reading little morsels of daily bread, the milk and not the meat of the Word of God; it is harder to discern the things in which the Lord stood up for, the things in which Jesus drew the line, and when things should be stood up for.

First – a lack of knowledge is at the core of the issue of where, when and what to stand up for…. this insight comes from the following two passages of Scripture:

Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” and

Isaiah 5:13 “Therefore my people go into exile for lack of knowledge; their honored men go hungry, and their multitude is parched with thirst.”

Second – where did Jesus stand up? He stood up in religious settings, civic settings and personal settings. There are so many passages I have limited it to three, with one passage for each – religious, civic and personal:

Luke 6:6-11  On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

Here Jesus confronted religious folks about their persnickety interpretation of honoring the Sabbath that prevented the good that God intends to happen through its observation… they cared more for their rules than the people. Jesus stood up for proper understanding and application of the Word to the situation and in favor of the Spirit of the Law… bringing healing and life – “the letter of the law kills, but the Spirit brings life ” 2 Corinthians 3:6

John 18:33-37  So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world–to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Here Jesus, when questioned in the civic arena by Pilate, He called out Pilate and the people in their accusations without returning guile, but expressing truth. Jesus said His purpose was to bear witness – stand up to and for truth. Pilate simply followed the false narrative of the people in his line of questioning, and eventually acquiesced to the mob and ruled for Jesus’ flogging and death.

Matthew 8:23-27  And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.    Matthew 18:3

Have you ever thought what this verse means and why He would use a little child as an example of this warning? What do children do that adults don’t and why?

Let’s start by looking at little kids.  When they are first born, they can do nothing for themselves and rely on the parents for everything.  They are so innocent.  As they grow, they may only cling to the parents and be fearful of others.  Once they start to talk, some never stop.  They have no worries. They love spending time with parents. They are quick to forgive.  When they get a little older, they have learned to watch the parents faces to see if it’s ok to do what they are about to do or look to see what the parent’s reaction is when they fall…do they laugh or cry.  They learn to trust and fear the parents and understand the house rules.  How many times have we heard them say, “Mommy says….” or “Daddy doesn’t do it like that! I’m telling!”

What are the parents doing during this time?  They start teaching the baby how to fall asleep on their own, feed themselves, dress themselves, etc. and over time to be their own person.  A parents role is to teach a child to be independent and not to rely on others, cause one day they may not be there to help them anymore.  So what’s our next clue as to the verse meaning?

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.  Isaiah 55:8

This verse tells me that the things we were taught or taught our children may differ.  Let’s look at some more verses to see what His Word says.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18  (never stop talking)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ask and talk about everything)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (more talking-don’t worry-be thankful)

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:26

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalms 118:8(don’t trust in yourself or man)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.            

Proverbs 1:7 (what would Dad say)

You can see most of these verses are opposite of what human parents teach.  Our heavenly Father wants us to talk to him constantly and always be dependent on Him for everything from what we eat and drink to our peace and joy.  He also tells us to trust Him over men, including ourselves.  He wants us to cling to him in every way.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. John 14:23

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22

A song of ascents. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. Psalms 128:1

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 5:32

These last few verses are similar of what parents want from their children: to trust and obey them because of their love for each other. 

We can see how we can struggle to become totally dependent on God when we’ve been taught from a very young age to become independent.  This is why there are verses telling us to renew our minds to train our minds to think differently, to talk to God first in everything we do and rely on his constant help.  God can always be by our side and can be the source of all our needs all the days of our lives and for eternity, as long as we choose to be His child.  When we have said yes, we believe and ask Jesus into our lives and repent of our sins, and truly want our end goad to be with our heavenly Father for eternity, then we must also learn the new “House Rules”. We need to be that little child looking up at his Father as in Psalms 16:8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. We also need to realize that our lives should show that change of who we now fear as our Father.  I will end with Colossians 3, as I believe we should strive to have our lives look like this if we are truly His children.

Colossians 3

3 Since you became alive again, so to speak, when Christ arose from the dead, now set your sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven where he sits beside God in the place of honor and power. 2 Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here. 3 You should have as little desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. 4 And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with him and share in all his glories.

5 Away then with sinful, earthly things; deaden the evil desires lurking within you; have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires; don’t worship the good things of life, for that is idolatry. 6 God’s terrible anger is upon those who do such things. 7 You used to do them when your life was still part of this world; 8 but now is the time to cast off and throw away all these rotten garments of anger, hatred, cursing, and dirty language.

9 Don’t tell lies to each other; it was your old life with all its wickedness that did that sort of thing; now it is dead and gone. 10 You are living a brand new kind of life that is continually learning more and more of what is right, and trying constantly to be more and more like Christ who created this new life within you. 11 In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all.

12 Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. 13 Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

14 Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. 15 Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.

16 Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with him into the presence of God the Father to give him your thanks.

18 You wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what the Lord has planned for you. 19 And you husbands must be loving and kind to your wives and not bitter against them nor harsh.

20 You children must always obey your fathers and mothers, for that pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, don’t scold your children so much that they become discouraged and quit trying.

22 You slaves must always obey your earthly masters, not only trying to please them when they are watching you but all the time; obey them willingly because of your love for the Lord and because you want to please him. 23 Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, 24 remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for. 25 And if you don’t do your best for him, he will pay you in a way that you won’t like—for he has no special favorites who can get away with shirking.

2  Corinthians 11:19-21  For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! For you bear (suffer or tolerate) it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!

If you have not noticed before, the Holy Spirit has Paul employ sarcasm that cuts to the bone in this inditement of the Corinthian Christians for being weak push overs and tolerant of being abused by either fellow so-called Christians or those who might possibly maybe become part of their congregation. The Apostle only put up with so much, even as a Christian that was willing to “become all things to all men that he might save some”, even after “turning the other cheek”, even after “not returning insult for insult”… Some would decry Paul and fallaciously think or express a Tu QuoQue (appeal to hypocrisy or returning a criticism for criticism) – But, in spiritual battle and church leadership, one can ill afford to be weak willed, over tolerant and unable to stand firm for and in the truth, of the Gospel, God’s Word and in anything related to truth for that matter… including confronting bad behavior and out right abuse of the church.

So, God has Paul be assertive and direct with sarcasm to challenge the Corinthian Christian’s inferred accusations against Paul for being to forward, strong, harsh and that Paul and those in his missional and pastoral entourage should be more like them or more like whatever they falsely considered more “Christian like”… makes me think they were “more loving that Jesus” – whom also had a few not so “churchy” terms, labels and accusations against the Pharisees, Scribes and spiritually arrogant people that had smiles with a forked tongued agenda hissing against the back of their teeth.

Anyway – you can see the snarky sarcastic tone I attempted to also employ… in the above passage there are 6 characteristics, behaviors and abuses that seemingly creep into congregations or are marks of a weak church that does not resemble the one Jesus said “the gates of hell will not prevail against”…

1) anechomai = too tolerant (for you bear)

Note: the very first thing Paul mentions that tolerance of being used and abused by others, especially within the fellowship is really foolish and concludes with it as a mark of weakness within the church. Tolerance is NOT a virtue when it allows others within a congregation to be mistreated on a leaders watch. It allows the proliferation of users to take control, take your energy, take your resources, take liberties – even allowing abusive tendencies to harm brothers and sisters. Nowhere in the Bible does it teach to tolerate sin and evil among God’s people… though the world will abuse and use with impunity, Christians are not to tolerate it within the fellowship. If it is overlooked and “bearing with one another in love” turns into “tolerance of misuse and abuse” then the following, as the passage points out, will pursue – and in the Corinthian Church these did:

2) katadouloō humas = tyrannical using (makes slaves of you)

Slavery of any kind is sinful, ungodly and am abuse of those made in image of God… and worse is allowing it to happen! When weak leaders in church let the domineering and narcissistic push them around, or church leaders willfully let the church as a whole be moved by the whims of the controlling then the congregation will be enslaved to whatever greases the squeaky wheels. This word is only used one other place in the Scriptures – Galatians 2:4, where it is used of the efforts of the Jewish party to bring the Christian Church under the ceremonial law. They want you enslaved to what they think Church should be and what Christians should act like – verses what God’s Word and Jesus says…

3) katesthiō = uses you up (devours you)

Some folks in church and yes, not even in fellowship, are not on the up and up, they are not contributors but consumers. They sap your energy and resources without blushing and wear you out – “taking supplies of you”… Never considering that God has you doing something else or prioritizing other things. The word used here has the context of “to take as prey”… these folks will eat you up like a wolf that devours a deer… those that take liberties of your willingness to put yourself out for their sake and do not think of you in the process – only what they can get from and out of you. Weak people, of which I am often like this, let people walk all over them thinking it will somehow help the person stepping on them to come to Christ… sometimes yes, most often though it doesn’t.

4) lambanō = being exploited (takes advantage of you)

This one is related closely to the last thing mentioned – But it moves from personal resource to church resource, even taking advantage of the love, hospitality, and fellowship among followers of Christ… it is like someone coming only to church for the physical food and not for spiritual sustenance. For instance, a person comes at the end of worship service just before fellowship hour and then fills their plate four times. Or when an individual asks for monetary help over and over without ever attending or being part of the fellowship but calls you a bad Christian if you do not give each and every time.

5) epairō = arrogant attitudes (puts on airs)

All I can picture is a so-called Christian thinking they are special because they are spiritual and are doing well, and part of leadership, and even well liked – but are simply conceited because of familial pedigree or long membership. Like the virtue signaling liberal – looking and speaking the part while pride fills their heart. This is the one type who says I ain’t ever smoked, did drugs, drank or gambled in my life – while still playing the lottery, chasing women or men, and over-indulging in sweets and meats (a.k.a. gluttony – which is the same as eating or drinking too much). Weak people tolerate arrogant people to avoid abuse or because they do not see how God has put them on the same level – “there is no freeman or slave, no rich or poor, neither Jew nor Gentile… in Christ”

6) drō eis prosōpon = insulting attack (strikes you in the face)

In the Middle East, the ultimate insult was to lightly or not so much, slap someone in the face with the back of your hand. Like when Batman in the comics slaps Robin for a stupid remark, or like Gibb’s when he slaps one of his NCIS team members in the back of a head. OK – so putting up with verbal attack is one thing, but tolerating flat out being insulted by a fellow believer is weak!! Yes, maybe we ask for it at times – but when this kind of thing is tolerated among brothers, human nature will most likely prevail and fights, schisms are the result. Paul put up with this from the world and even the Jewish persecutors, but he did not tolerate it among fellow Christians and within the Churches…

Well, as Paul said – I am too weak for that, too foolish and unwise to tolerate all the above. In a time as distressing and perilous as this, full of the fake and the false, of users and abusers… though at times long-suffering is the godly thing, some things need to be addressed in the fellowship. If any one or all of these are not addressed within fellowships and congregations, the relation bonds will deteriorate and the scoffers, slappers, supercilious, users, abusers and indulgers will dominate over a congregation… that is why God calls leaders to be strong, straightforward, steady all the while loving, caring and protecting the flock the Lord has given them stewardship over… any church leader worth their salt will gladly give of themselves – but know when to stop being co-dependent, indulgent and letting people walk all over them or their congregation. And like wise as Paul said ‘Pray for me that I may be bold, as I ought to be”…

Standing Up for and Standing Sure in Christ,

Pastor Daren Lee Barnett

Upon Iron Lake, a definitive line of plumage from the fire cut the surface waters in two, and there I sat in the midst on the line…. the smell of the smoke filled the air, overpowering the normal scent of northern Minnesota pine that fills the atmosphere. A perfect picture  of heaven and hell, of the judgment and mercy, of salvation and condemnation. Next thing to come was a pre-evacuation warning and being told to be prepared for evacuation. I pondered and slept on the realties to come in the foreseeable future. The imminence of the fires sweeping over the area (where retreat, solace, tranquility, spiritual renewal, prayer, Bible study  are the whole reason for going up to Gunflint); which placed upon my heart and mind the following Scriptures, that I read the next morning:

Hebrews 12:25-29  See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken–that is, things that have been made–in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-12  This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering– since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:5-10  For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

You see, the prayer retreat was cut short, due to the fires being just 23 miles from the campsite. On the first full day it was windy – that is when the plumage was seen and the sky divided, on the second day, the pre-evacuation warning came – that morning before– during Bible study is when the statement came, then the forestry personal came to give notice, and on the third day we were told to evacuate and not only did we prepare, but that is also the day we departed.

Well, I could not easily express the overwhelming sense of what the Holy Spirit was impressing upon my heart, mind and a statement that keeps coming back to me…. “be ready to evacuate”…. rapture …. Christians need to be ready, prepare…. out of time up north and the fire approach – the following poem / prose / pre-evacuation notice comes:

The smoldering of God’s anger is about to burst int flames.

He has issued the “be ready to evacuate” warning before the fire of His wrath comes

down upon the world as its tempestuous wind blows the burning across the lands.

The songs of new morning have ceased obscured by darkness

and silent in the thick turbid ash air.

One can smell the smoke and see it hang in the atmosphere in this age’s end

with thickness of sins silty scent tainting the clear truth’s call.

Stored up for years – the Lord’s pain with red, yellow, and orange dark billows.

Escape the coming tribulation of humbling only in turning to the Son and His Way.

The age of grace is closing soon, before the wrath brimstone burns.

Not much longer and salvation comes, with tribulation after

for those who refuse to listen to the Gospel’s plea.

When Jesus calls us, and trumpet blows beyond earthly plain….

‘Evacuate’ – the fires of heaven fall; My wrath does come upon world’s all –

it can no longer be contained.

Oh – it is not for those who do call on My name, I will protect them from the flames;

for by My blood the have been saved, believing in the Lamb slain.

I came back from the dead so God’s wrath they need not dread,

I know the numbers of hairs on each of their heads, and I paid the price of sin in their stead.

He has issued the “be ready to evacuate” warning before the fire of His wrath comes

down upon the world as its tempestuous wind blows the burning across the lands.

The smoldering of My anger is about to burst int flames.

Are you part of the remnant ready for the rapture? Are you prepared, made whole by Jesus through His Word? Are You ready for the evacuation?

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11  Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Remember God Loves You and So Do I,

Pastor Daren Lee Barnett

I had spent a lot of time, and miles, this last few weeks on the motorcycle from Canada to Wyoming.   Much needed time to think about the State of affairs of this nation and the world.  If you know me at all,  you know one of my favorite Bible verses is John 13:19

“I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.”

We need to use that Wisdom to walk in power. As a wise Christian once said “The world is not falling apart, it is falling in to place”.  We need to use that Wisdom to

strengthen our faith, that Jesus’s word is true.  With that Wisdom, comes a sense of “calming” from his words Matthew 24:6

  “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for ^]all these things must come to pass.”

We need to be in the word, “For the of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword”  We need to use this tool from the Christian tool box.

We need to be the light of this dark anti-Christian  world… Matthew 10:16

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”

We need to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us so we are not Deceived and live in the truth. Proverbs 1:2-7

“So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;”

To walk in power without fear Proverbs 3:21-25

My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
For the Lord will be your confidence,

Proverbs 14:6

A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it,
But knowledge is easy to him who understands.

Another Tool in the Christian Tool box is the power of prayer -The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. This is the power that that we all have “IF” we are righteous and wise.

We need to understand Gods plan through his word and pray intelligently and wise, for instance, we know the time we are in. We know the state of

our once God loving country is in decline.  In the end we know that Israel stands alone and America is not there, this is Gods plan.

So a wise prayer would be,  to pray for the church  and Pastors to wake up. Pray for protection of fellow Christians-remnant. Pray for the Military under ungodly rulers.  Pray for yourself and family to have unwavering faith that we will go in the rapture of the church.  Pray that we will keep out of sin and be righteous to the Lord.

Now after reading this think…   the best payer of all, almost 2000 year old prophecy from Jesus

Powerful

Offering forgiveness to those who have hurt us is not easy. I think it is safe to say that many of us have been in a situation where we know we need to offer that forgiveness, but we hurt so badly that we feel the person receiving our forgiveness doesn’t deserve it.

Every communion Sunday when Pastor Daren reminds us of what Jesus went through to forgive us for our sins,  I can’t help but think how selfish I am when I struggle to forgive someone who has hurt me. Scripture reminds us that if we don’t forgive, we will not be forgiven by our Father. Forgiveness relieves our hearts from anger, bitterness, resentment, and hurt. Forgiving someone even when we feel they may not deserve it, is being obedient to our Lord.

Romans 12:17- Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

Ephesians 4:32- Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Mathew 6:14- For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Mark 11:25- And when you stand and praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Proverbs 17:9- Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Daniel 9:9- The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.

Luke 6:27- But I say to you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.

I pray we remember the image of Jesus on the cross and everything He went through to forgive us our sins even when we did not deserve it.

Blessings,

Melissa King

GOD’S GRACE IN COVID

As you all know, we have been dealing directly with the intentions of leaders using COVID to bring about a time of transition into globalism and “The Great Reset” through propaganda inducing fear that leads to voluntary submission and bowing down. All this is eerily parallel to Daniel Chapter 3 (take the time to read the account) where Nebuchadnezzar’s mandate to have people bow down and worship a golden statue of his image and the three faithful remnant followers of God that did not submit and obey him – and the Lord’s miraculous deliverance from the fiery furnace).

Now – before we tackle the vaccine issues and God’s grace regarding them…. it is of necessity to talk not of God’s grace (unmerited favor); which means nothing one does warrants God’s favor and grace – but simply His merciful, compassionate, choice to give grace that He offered to all who would believe and receive it. This defined and known makes ALL the difference in an age of COVID. How Pastor? You might be saying to yourself or out loud in alarm…. Simple.

First, to those who have been vaccinated (either willfully, fearfully, coercively, ignorantly, or thinking it is the right thing to do)…. Ultimately the choice is each person’s own responsibility , unless someone held you down or captive in some way and administered it against your will. Yet, the direction of what those “in charge” are using it to do – well, it is slowly limiting freedom and changing society, the division and same old “clean” verses “unclean” issue is at hand. The Lord’s grace is more than enough to cover…. As you know my convictions are strong and I believe that the vaccine is beginning the soon  implementational part of the mark of the beast system that is coming ahead, as found in Revelation 13; yet – there is the grace of God – and He gives grace upon grace, if one is concerned if it is too late for them because they took the vaccine (actually a therapeutic just like the flu therapeutic injections) – here are the three that I hope sets your mind, heart at soul at ease:

Acts 3:16-17  And his name–by faith in his name–has made this man strong whom you see and        know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.”

Act 17:30-31  The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

God gives grace to those affected by the ignorance of leaders and God gives grace to those who react without knowing all the ins and outs. And His grace is so big that He overlooks things done without knowledge – though HE does say through Hosea “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” – though side effects may come, not knowing the true intentions of the ‘vaccinations’ mandates – God’s grace is greater than COVID and those things attached to it!! One needs to repent….

1 Corinthians 3:15-17  If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but   only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Jude 1:18-23  They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Though this part of God’s grace in the moment is coming in an unexpected and difficult manner, the truth is we are the temple of God, our bodies are set apart, made holy, and the place where the Spirit of the Lord dwells…. God’s grace is that – even if we have defiled ourselves with something  with our bodies, though the body may be destroyed – God saves the soul in grace…. And since we who believe, that is in the Gospel and Jesus, get a whole new immortal incorruptible body after our departures (deaths) or are taken up to glory (raptured), as 1 Corinthians 15, 2 Corinthians 5, and 1 Thessalonians 4 states… God’s grace covers your eternal life in Christ, despite your earthly temporary life is shortened by the choices made while in the body.

1 John 5:16  If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life–to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.

Ezekiel 33 tells me, as a man called by God to preach the truth of Jesus, the Gospel and His Word – prophetically and pastorally – I am a watchman called to warn of the dangers ahead for individuals and peoples and nations…. And God’s grace is being administer through us by warning about the dangers of COVID’s ulterior motives through vaccination and vaccine passports and the globalists agenda moving us away from trusting in God to worshiping and trusting in government. Note the passage from 1 John 5 above parallels warning others when sinful direction is being taken and if we pray and as God for life for them – they will be given life. So – if there be concern over ones decisions revolving around COVID – at this point in time and juncture, Biblically speaking, God’s grace is given in prayer for those concerned.

NOW, there is likewise God’s protection and grace for the unvaccinated. For those under Biblical conviction that the vaccines are directly related to the mark of the beast and consider it wrong to participate in the vaccinations due to the same convictions of vaccines being made through and tested with aborted babies and the fetal cell lines derived from them as the source of the fetal cell lines (which are more than just the COVID therapeutic injections); if one is lead by God to stand up and not bow down, obey and accept the vaccines – even if mandated and forced to do so…. Take the Grace and protection and deliverance of God, well known and true from the Daniel 3 passages that follow:

Daniel 3:8-30  Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. Because the king’s order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

A mandate of outrageous proportions is decreed; just like the current mandates by executive orders and fiat are today for COVID, which many are bowing down to, if you stand like these three men – God’s Grace is supernatural protection, divine intervention and deliverance through the fires of the consequences of obeying God rather than men! His grace is so great that your standing up can turn the mandates around and give one the freedom to follow God, and even shut-up the governors and leaders as they watch God’s grace be poured out on those who trust in Him.

May God’s Grace Cover You,

May His Grace Keep You,

May His Grace Give You Peace,

May His Grace Supernaturally Protect You,

May His Grace Deliver You!!

Remember God Loves You and So Do I,

Pastor Daren Lee Barnett