Window of Time

And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in His own power. [Acts 1:7]

It is the nature of people to want to know the who, what, where, when and [the] why of a matter and most certainly, this also pertains to those who have faith in Christ Jesus/Yeshua. We long to know what is going to happen and when, where will it happen and who will be behind it - who will it effect? How often do we ask the 'why' of a circumstance or event? 

As often stated in recent years, multitudes sense a foreboding as they witness and hear all that is happening in these turbulent times globally. Date after date and predicted cataclysmic event after predicted cataclysmic event has inundated believers throughout history, but never as much as in these past five years.

Asteroids and Comets

"While asteroids consist of metals and rocky material, comets are made up of ice, dust, rocky materials and organic compounds. When comets get closer to the Sun, they lose material with each orbit because some of their ice melts and vaporizes. Asteroids typically remain solid, even when near the Sun." Source: Universe Today

To a certain degree, there has been a fear of celestial objects plummeting into the earth for centuries.  Yet, since the comet Elenin scare in 2010/11, the fear of comets and asteroids hitting the planet has escalated to 'astronomical' heights (play on words intentional). 

The comet was first observed by Leonid Elenin in December 2010, hence its name. By mid-October 2011, Elenin had disintegrated to such an extent that it was no longer visible on even the more powerful telescopes.

Yet from the time of the first public announcement of Elenin's existence (dubbed Planet X or Nibiru), until its final demise in 2011, millions of people (unbelievers and believers in Christ alike) were filled with angst, panic and fears.

There was a mixture of reports circulating in written materials, in videos and on the airwaves from both mainstream and alternative sources, including from diverse Christian and religious communities. Confusion and conspiracies were rampant. 

Thousands postulated that the government and even certain religious leaders of all nations knew much longer than the general public about the impending destruction of life "as we know it" and were heading for their own "well-stocked" hidden places of safety. These were said to be the underground bases.  
News reports, predictions and yes, prophecies were unbridled. Once the comet disintegrated and the anticipated dangers of the comet became a thing of the past, the voices that had implanted much fear into the hearts of millions suddenly were silenced. Life "as we know it" continued on.

How soon do we forget? It seemed that no sooner had the fires of impending danger from the heavenly realms been quenched when again it was ignited. Fears were fueled yet again at the discovery of another comet. News coverage, predictions, prophecies and conspiracy theories regarding comet ISON were duplicated, but also greatly magnified. 

ISON

Two Russian amateur cosmologists, Artyom Novichonok and Vitali Nevski, were observing space and reporting to the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON). Accordingly, a comet that was detected by the astronomers in September 2012 became known simply as ISON.

When the comet was noticed in September 2012, it was dubbed ISON. Global havoc, earthquakes, pandemics, meteor showers were all predicted by supposed "insiders" working in fields and positions that put them in 'the know'. 

As time went on, it was stated that if the comet itself did not hit earth, then the debris from its tail would certainly wreak havoc globally. Prophecies and prophetic words were everywhere. There were also the naysayers, but for the most part, they were ignored by those who preferred to believe the bad news.

Even I had a prophetic word at that time. It was not so much the increased hype in the mainstream and alternative media that moved me to seek the Lord, but rather the volume of emails that I was receiving, not only including informative links, but a remarkable number asking questions and requesting prayer. 

Is it not true that the thunder of many voices affect us all? Yes, I did decide to inquire of the Lord specifically on the matter, not only due to the emails, but also after I had a dream that involved a puzzling scene involving two U.S. and Chinese generals. In the dream, as I walked uphill to deliver a message to the Chinese general (at the request of the US general), an asteroid zoomed horizontally across the sky. 

With the dream in mind, in my prayers later, I had asked if we 'should be watching the asteroid', to which the Lord answered, "No, watch the government."  

It was also the time of GridEx II (a drill to simulate a major blackout) and NERC, yet deep within I knew that the Lord's answer had nothing to do with any of these things - ISON, GridEx, NERC or the three days of darkness being prophesied.  He was speaking in a futuristic and sweeping (overall) sense. 

The NY Times reported:

"[...] thousands of utility workers, business executives, National Guard officers, F.B.I. antiterrorism experts and officials from government agencies in the United States, Canada and Mexico are preparing for an emergency drill in November that will simulate physical attacks and cyberattacks that could take down large sections of the power grid."   (End quote)

Prophecies were plentiful that announced "three days of darkness", a consequential earthquake and a far-reaching tsunami. These prophecies began with the announcement of the sighting of Elenin, but were echoed with the announcement of ISON. 

After prayer, I felt led to write.  Below are excerpts from the article. 

"Some believe the three days begin on either 28 or 29 Novermber (2013) as they believe ISON will hit the earth (Puerto Rico).  Prophetic words went forth from a few sources and went viral. I began prayer on the 17th (November 2013) in a serious mode, as emails increased and expressed urgency and excitement (some believe the Lord is coming for His Bride and the Bride shall be glorified to do the greater works and 'return to earth' OR they postulate that it will happen 'while we are in our homes' during the three days of darkness).

On the seventeeth of Novermber, the Lord woke me for the third and fourth watch. It began with scripture [...]"

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. 

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in My name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. [Jer 14:13, 14]

Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal My words every one from his neighbour. 

Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. [Jer 23:30, 31]

(Note* - Although it was not mentioned in said article, it was obvious to me that the Lord's choice of scriptures was to still the fears that had burdened His people due to the false prophecies of the three days of darkness, along with the horrific earthquake announced and the tsunami that was predicted to follow. BP)

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. [Lam 3:22, 23]

Continuing onward...

Excerpt: (regarding November 13 and 14)"The Lord said nothing would happen on those days, so I posted that and aired it - the Lord was right (I know nothing more than anyone else about these things...only what He reveals during prayer, which He would do for 'any' who seek Him and inquire of Him.) He is Faithful and True; He alone is glorified."

Excerpt: (people prophesied that the darkness would begin the 28 or 29 November 2013)...I posted:

"There is nothing occurring 28/29 - no three days of darkness beginning there.

The 'destroyer' is coming. The Word of God cannot lie, but we cannot take things out of the order in which God (Yhwh) revealed them to us.  Isaiah, Matthew (Jesus' words) and Revelation all speak about the sun being darkeneed, moons as blood colour, the stars falling etc., but as Barbara Mallett, an  acquaintance from a northeastern state that I interviewed had wondered, (and I concurred)...is prophecy being 'pushed', trying to force things ahead of time?

I do know that she believes a nuclear device will be detonated and blamed as an asteroid, which will cause a tsunami and fulfill the prophecy regarding Puerto Rico. I do not agree at this time, simply because the Lord has not said so.

God is Sovereign. None can force His hand nor can they stay it."

Excerpts: " He warned us to watch the governments. He has warned us to watch for the 'Judas' '. He has warned us to keep in prayer, stay close to Him. He has warned us that brother will turn upon brother.
He warned us that there will be those who will kill us, believing that they are doing God a service. He has warned us of darkness, gross darkness and how there would be a famine in the land - a famine of God's word.

Behold the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: [Amos 8:11]"

[...] "ISON is a sign.  The Lord foretold us about signs in the heavens.  He also gave warnings.  There is an order of things that is consistent throughout His Word. We cannot change the order. His Word will not return void.  Seek God - abide in Jesus Christ - watch and pray."

[...] "We know that the sun will be darkened and the moon turn red (blood moon) and the stars will fall from heaven, the sky will be as a scroll rolled back; the earth will reel to and fro like a drunkard - the Word of God says so. The Word is Spirit and it is truth.

But we cannot force prophecy to unfold, nor can we take it out of God's order of things to happen.  What we can and must do though is: keep a repentant heart - watch and pray. Pray that in His judgment, He remembers mercy.  Keep looking up for our redemption draws nigh, in HIS time and in the way He foretold us.  Bless the Lord!"

Original post:  http://crossinthewilderness.blogspot.ca/2013/11/ison-november-28-and-29-and-three-days.html

A previous word of the Lord: 

You must decide and choose wisely - to not be overwhelmed by the chaos all around you. Keep your eyes upon Me, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Me [...] (see 2Cor 10:5)

Bring doubt into captivity, for doubt is the seed from which fear shoots forth and its fruit is unbelief. I continue to remind you, for all My people have need of reminding.

Keep a repentant heart and stay humble before your Creator.  For by Me, you shall scale a wall and run through a troop.  My angels go forth at My command. Have I not equipped you with armour? Have I not taught your hands to war and your fingers to fight? [...]

Mankind will never know all things upon this earth; neither will mankind come to understand all things, despite their wisdom and their most valiant efforts.

Fear not the earth changes, or pole shifts, or the stars and constellations, or the earth reeling to and fro as the seas rise, for the earth shall vomit and spew destruction.

I have forewarned in My word; I AM Sovereign.  These things must be.  The winds of war shall blow across this nation, as well as other nations and great shall be the death and destruction. 

(End of excerpts)

The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. 

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. [Is24:21]

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.  And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. [Is 13:10, 11]

The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter. [Rev 8:10, 11]

Asteroid 2012 TT5

Indeed, amongst believers there must be a definite paradigm shift. It is absolutely necessary. History repeats itself yet again. We are now being told that anytime now (up to the 28th or 29th of September), an asteroid of phenomenal proportions is going to hit planet earth.

There are (or were) apparently six asteroids that we should be concerned with; with one that has/had the potential to destroy London. NASA refutes any immediate danger, but conjecture and speculations are heard from those distrust the reports. 

Asteroid 2012 TT5 is said to be the worst of the six. Come again are the prophecies about the three days of darkness, a devastating earthquake and a tsunami, complete with calls to repentance. Many are referring to the prophecy of Efrain Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican minister and said prophet, who had apparently warned NASA years ago in a letter.

My understanding is that we should always keep a repentant heart and not just repent when we are afraid that we may die or a cataclysmic event is about to occur. As for the prophecies of the three days of darkness, an asteroid and tsunami happening by September 28th or 29th this year (2015), I do not concur.

The Lord has indeed written of things that will occur in His word. However, for any of us to state the day and hour is not for us to speak it forth. People insist that they are not giving a 'date', but instead are warning of the signs and the hour we are in. Yet, even though date-setting is denied, these prophecies come forth at the same time as potentially dangerous celestial bodies are announced.

There will be no asteroid hit in these next few days as prophesied or predicted, nor will three days of darkness occur in that time slot. I trust the Lord and that is the clear understanding that I have. I do not want the blood of any upon my hands, but I must speak forth what the Lord is revealing to me.

As always, people will sit and watch to see whose 'word' will be true. Well, it surely is not a competition, and surely none of us want to be wrong, but only God is true and only God knows all things. 

Yes, the Lord said He would do nothing unless He reveals it to His prophets (His people), but when He does reveal a thing, all who are His will agree, not conflict. We can discern by reading God's Word to see the order of what will occur, according to the written Word of God.

Yes, consistently the LORD tells us to "watch and pray".  Do we pray against these things, meaning do we ask if it is possible for a delay to a judgment?   Do we pray for His mercy in judgment or do we desire desperately for our prophecy to come to pass so that we will be considered a 'true prophet of God'?  Do we ask for His guidance; what He would have us do?

This is the third time in four years that we hear of 'three days of darkness', a devastating comet or asteroid hitting earth, followed by an earthquake, tsunami or both. It is obvious that the days are evil. It takes no prophet or seer to know these things.

I am not making light of what people are speaking forth or judging them, but are we not to guard ourselves, what we think, what we speak, what we allow ourselves to trust in? Many are genuinely sincere about what the Lord has told them, but is it not true that the Lord's timing is not our timing?  Man, I have had to learn that one myself the hard way.

The paradigm shift necessary is one that goes from fearing the events taking place (or that will take place, giving careful consideration to God's Word) to having a healthy fear of the Lord and "believing His Word, which does reveal that which is to come.

His people must learn to rest in Him and fully trust our God, myself included.

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. [Mk 13:33]

Yes, we must watch, but then we must pray. The Lord does not want us living in fear of what is happening, fear of the possible scenarios, circumstances and events that are said to be pending. These past years, fear has been propagated.

We constantly hear of deception on all levels (from political to religious and everything in-between), natural calamities, increase in crime, disease, drought, fires, earthquakes, tsunamis, famine, wars, terrorist threat, blood moons, Shemitah, economic collapse, martial law, changes in laws...

On and on and on it goes, like the never-ending story, the never-ending fears.

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till He come and rain righteousness upon you. [Hos 10:12]

And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. [Dan 11:35]

We cannot be moved by every wind of adversity; every prediction or prophecy. When we watch, we are not caught unaware; when we pray, the Lord will reveal. It is no wonder we were instructed to both watch and to pray, so that we would remain balanced and continue trusting the Lord will lead us.

He promised to guide us when we acknowledge Him, leaning on Him and NOT on our own understanding. We are not to be wise in our own eyes, and we are instructed to depart from evil. [see Prov 3:5-7]

Window of Time

Perhaps a month ago (I am not certain of the exact timing), I told a sister in Christ who is also a close friend that the Lord was giving us a 'window of time'. How large a window, I did not and do not know, but I believe Him.

We who love Him know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all that was written in His Word shall come to pass. Will others try to push prophecy to happen as Barbara Mallet had suggested a few years ago? Undoubtedly, yes. 

Do I believe the prophecy about Puerto Rico being hit by an asteroid and the horrific tsunami that will follow the foretold event? The Lord has not revealed to me that it is imminent. As a result, I had not given it much thought and only recalled it when told about the recent prophetic words from others that are again mentioning it, along with the three days of darkness.  

We must pray as led by the Holy Spirit. There are too many voices in agreement,belonging to those who are well-known and those not so well-known on the social media sites, amongst believers and unbelievers alike (about the three days of darkness, asteroid - all this month or early October 2015). Many are popular radio personalities that have their own websites and videos on Youtube, as well as on other platforms. I do not agree that it will be this month or early October (this year 2015). 

However, God's word is established. As stated in Deuteronomy, the heavens, even the highest heavens and the earth, and all that is therein belong to the Lord. (See Matthew 24; Revelation 6 and 8). God (Yhvh) is Sovereign. All that He does is done decently and in order, even if we, His creation, do not understand or agree with His ways. At the end of it all, we will understand and marvel at His wisdom and power. 

I do realize that I am going against the stronger current here with my position of opposing the prophecies circulating around these asteroids at this time. It is understood that the window of time is there due to God's mercy and grace (and the prayers of the righteous). In 2 Peter 3, the apostle wrote to us stating that a day is as a thousand years to the Lord and a thousand years as a day.

Peter also wrote that God is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering, not desiring that any should perish.  As I've often stated, as surely as an ant cannot know or comprehend the ways of mankind, neither can mankind know or comprehend the ways of our Creator.

In a day when the majority trust no one or anything, we who love and follow Christ Jesus (Yeshua) must trust Him.  When all else fails, He will not fail us nor ever forsake us. It would be us that would have to leave or forsake Him. Lord knows that all of us have failed Him at one time or another; all have fallen short of His glory - all of us!

Be Strong and of Good Courage

There are ten verses at least in the Bible that tell us to be strong, and at least nine times we are told not only to be strong, but to be of good courage. Below are only two of those examples.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with you whithersoever you go. 

And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with you; He will not fail you, nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.  [Josh 1:9; 1Chron 28:20]

Some may say that those scriptures were in the Old Testament and do not apply to us today. I beg to differ. The words of Yeshua (Christ Jesus) were recorded for us.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 
[Heb 13:5]

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach) is the Word come in the flesh and comes in the flesh (of believers). All that God has spoken, He will bring to pass in His timing, not ours. He created the time/space continuum, but He is not limited or contained therein.

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure:  [Is 46:9, 10]

All is in God's hands, including the timing of the events prophesied in His Word. There is an old saying that states: 'courage is not the absence of fear, but the acquired ability to move beyond fear.'

That quote was actually rephrased from the original version, spoken by Mark Twain who said: "Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."  

Interestingly enough, there are 100 verses in the Bible, where either God or an angel, a messenger stated, "Fear not", beginning in Genesis.

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.  [Gen 15:1]

End Times

With many of us struggling with trust, even in trusting the Lord in the more intimate matters of the heart or in understanding certain things that occur, the words of Jesus/Yeshua make more and more sense in these dark and evil days.

And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall He find faith on the earth? 
[Lk 18:8, 9]

Jesus was speaking of the widow woman who continually sought an unjust judge to grant her justice with a certain adversary of hers. She was wearing down the wicked judge with her continual pleas, so to rid himself of her, he decided to grant her request.

The Lord is judge over all and just in all of His doings. Can we trust Him to judge righteous judgment when it comes to those plotting evil? Can we hold fast to our faith, knowing that all is in His hands and that He is faithful to perform that which He has spoken?

Even when persecution comes our way, which is increasing exponentially as the day of our Lord's fast approaches, we must endure to the end - despite it all.

We are in a bloody war, with diverse battles forever manifesting.  It seems as if many go through times where one battle ends and another begins, with little or no relief. 

Indeed, we must abide in the Lord, keeping a repentant heart. We must watch and pray, trusting all into His hands. We must surrender to His will, dying to self and yes, I personally know how hard that is - but so does the Lord! Yet to the Lord, our obedience is better than sacrifice and our listening better than the fat of rams. [1Sam 15:22]

We have the armour of God to put on, remembering that our battles in this war are not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places. [Ephesians 6]

We must love and pray for one another, encouraging each other to endure to the end, holding fast to our faith and cleaving to our first love, Jesus/Yeshua. We are not ignorant of the devil's devices, and we can surely see the evil in our day, which we realize is rising, but we have instructions, one of which is below. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [Eph 6:12]

With that being said, I now step out on the proverbial limb, trusting in the strength of the Lord to uphold me, and post this. May it bring comfort to the reader and may the shalom of Christ, which passes all understanding, envelope you and keep you strong in Him.

for His glory

Bonita                                  dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

This is Your Time and Season! Part 1

This is going to be one very long post, one that I have been working diligently and very thoughtfully on.  It will be divided into three parts, with a link to the next part at the bottom of each insert.

Many times, I have had to stop and ponder, to hear what the Holy Spirit was saying to me, and what exactly was I to say in this piece. It’s a serious message. The reader may want to take it in bits and pieces.

If you do not feel led to read it; then please, be at peace.  However, I do not believe that you, the reader, have arrived here by happenstance.  When a man’s steps are ordered of the Lord (only those who trust Him and obey), then He leads the way in His wisdom.

In fact, if you are a disciple of Jesus, I would say that your steps have been ordered of the Lord. Do not faint in heart when reading certain parts, but rather, be glad that He is granting yet more grace and mercy. Be that as it may, also take into account that He is imploring us to heed His message (myself included).

Indeed, in yesterday’s post I mentioned how our forerunners, beginning with Adam and Eve and continuing right through the Old Testament and into the New Testament, up to and including the apostles were examples. Then I asked, ‘what makes us any different?’

The Lord did not go into retirement once the New Testament was completed. He did not quit being Sovereign, nor has He stopped allowing our faith to be tried or our obedience to be proven.  It is not a matter of cracking a whip; it is a matter of proving our love for God.  

What will be shared here may stir up some nests, and perhaps even bring controversy. Controversy is not my intent.  What I am going to share will not be speaking to those who are new to their faith in Christ (ofttimes called ‘babes in Christ’).

What, or rather, who I will be addressing will be those who have been walking with the Lord for a fair time now.  That does not necessarily dismiss the babes in Christ, but it shall serve as forewarning to them.  That is a given.

I believe this message is coming now (to the messenger, myself first) because of the time we are in. It does not take a prophet, or even a believer in Christ to discern the chaotic, dangerous hour that is upon all nations of the earth today.

There is not a single nation that is not in some kind of distress, economically, politically, socially and environmentally.  This can be broken down and categorized, but that is not the intent or purpose of this article.

We all hear what is going on; it takes no genius to understand this world is in a quandary, but those who know the Lord God and his Word realize what is taking place as we see prophecies being fulfilled.  We, who have been walking with the Lord for a time, also understand that we will and must go through trials and tribulations. We also know that we must go through a purging and purifying.

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on My name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is My people: and they shall say, The LORD is My God. [Zech 13:9]

The Enduring Ones

To those of you who have stayed with me or rather endured alongside me through this quiet time, I thank you from the depths of my heart.  I have appreciated the emails, the texting and/or the calls.  Most do not know why the silence, but understood that it has been a 'time with the Lord' (man, is that an understatement).  Yet, there is more to it and I reckon it is time to be transparent in all things because indeed, time is short.

Some have written me to speak of their failures in areas, whilst others wrote to ask for prayer.  Not all who contacted me received answers to their emails and those who did hear from me received only brief emails.  It surely is not because I do not care because I do, and whether one received a reply or not, be assured that indeed prayer went up for each situation and each of those who wrote.

Who Wants to Be a Hypocrite?

So one may wonder why the hesitancy or the refusal to answer certain emails if I care as I claim I do. Who wants to be a hypocrite and still claim they are a child of God?  The word hypocrite is derived from the root word “hupokrites” [Grk]. Strong’s Concordance defines hupokrites: an actor under an assumed character (a stage player); that is, figuratively, a dissembler.

Dissembler: to give a false or misleading appearance to; to conceal the truth or real nature of – to put on the appearance of; feign – to conceal one’s true motives, thoughts etc., by some pretense; speak or act hypocritically

Simply put, a hypocrite is a person who says one thing, but does another (opposite).   In Luke 12:1, Jesus/Yeshua warned people to “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, neither hid that shall not be known.”

Pretty serious stuff, isn’t it?  So how could I answer certain emails and not be guilty of ‘leaven’, or how could I help others with their splinter if I have a beam in my own eye?

Either how can you say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote [Grk:karpho – dry twig or straw] that is in your eye, when you thyself behold not the beam [dokos – stick of timber/beam] that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of your own eye, and then shall you see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. [Jesus-Lk 6:42]

'Sister, how would you be a hypocrite?  And what beam do you have in your eye?'

We all know that there are those who sit like wolves, hiding in the background, waiting for the time or moment when a believer may trip up.

Then when they are in a weakened or vulnerable state, they run and begin to tear them apart (eat them alive).  Others wait for some ‘sin’ to be uncovered so that they can go about spreading discord amongst the brethren, a whisperer who would seek to separate close friends (as spoken of in Proverbs 6 and 16, respectively). 

There are others still who may be more generous in their understanding and reason within themselves. "Ah, she should not worry. God understands that we all have weaknesses; He will forgive her."  

As much as I would prefer the latter understanding of the matter (where I could then justify my sin), it really would be no more acceptable than the former. In this, both viewpoints are wrong. We can hide sin, ignore it, deny it or refuse to repent.

You see, when the Lord has given me a word to share, particularly over the past recent years, He ofttimes spoke about "secret sin" and how we must allow Him to purge us of all that is not of Him.  He purifies His people, particularly His remnant or elect.  How often has He reminded us to pick up our cross and die to self?

There were times in the recent past (year or less) that even as I would obediently post what He gave me, I would feel a tug in my heart – NOT condemnation, yet a sense of conviction.  

Yet, I could not think what secret sin I could possibly be guilty of, not that I felt I had arrived, but surely I was not hiding anything.  Yet the truth is I did know; I knew that He wanted me to give up a certain ‘thing’ that I had been hanging onto.  Ah, but surely it was not a sin, I convinced myself.

It strikes me as odd, yet perhaps it should not, given the corrupt world we are in; however, more often than not, it seems that whenever people hear of a ‘secret sin’, the tendency is to think that the sin must be of a sexual nature. Although it is true that many times secret sins do fall in that category, the hidden sin is not always one of such obvious nature…not always.

Confess Your Faults 

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

     Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.  [Jam 5:16; 19]

     The more I write about this, the more I tremble within my spirit man. It is almost as though more and more is being revealed to me as I bring this matter into the light.  I begin to wonder about the difference between secret faults (secret sin) or presumptuous sin.  The difference between the two is strikingly different.

     Frankly, I had not even considered it, until I was looking up scriptures as I began to write this confession.  King David surely knew the difference and he spoke about it in Psalm 19.

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  [Ps 19: 12, 13]

     Before I go any further, I am just going to say what it is that I do that has been weighing me down; that which I consider sin.  The secret fault or presumptuous sin that I have is the habit of smoking cigarettes.  It is something that I have struggled with for a very long time.  Indeed, I have quit, even recently…several times, yet to date I have not overcome it.

The past couple of months, the Lord has been dealing with 
 me about smoking.  It is the one last big thing that stands in my way.  Does that mean that once I overcome cigarettes, I have arrived?

No, I am not saying that because I think we all know that as long as we are in these bodies of clay, dust, we have to daily pick up our cross and die to self.  Dying to self – what an easy thing to say; what a harder thing to accomplish!  Yet, it is not impossible or the Lord would not instruct us through his word to do so.

I will still have to keep emotions in check, resist temptations that may come, bridle my tongue and onward it goes; keeping the old man dead and allowing Christ Jesus and not ‘self’ to reign on the throne of my heart.

Do not misunderstand me, please. Whenever smoking was brought up by the Lord, I quit – the longest time being seventeen days.  I wanted to be obedient and quit I did.  Yet, it only took acting on one thought that caused me to fall again into the habit.  That was a couple of years ago.

So much was going on then that I believe the Lord gave me a space of grace and mercy. Yet recently (the last couple of months), the conviction began again.  Each time I would quit – four days, then two, then three.

Every single time, without fail, something came up that was a great stressor and I felt that if I could just deal with the stressful situation, I would quit…which I did, until great stress presented itself again…the next time I quit.

My heart has become so grieved, yet even there, I cannot dismiss it. Why?  I must own up to my fault and take responsibility for my actions. Truly, He has dealt with me in the past regarding this filthy habit, yet this time it is as if there is a deadline, or rather, a line being drawn in the sand…and it is the LORD who is drawing the it!

I sense the urgency, and yes, I sense His displeasure.  I do not desire His wrath or His judgment in this.  Yes, I can go on until the day I die making excuses, procrastinating, justifying my ‘willful’ sin, but God will not contend with me forever.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. [Gal 6:7-9]

We are at a very serious time in God’s calendar. We all know it.  We can continue on, hoping “God understands” and blatantly be disobedient to His leading regarding a matter (conviction of the Holy Spirit), or we may become apostate.  I reiterate that I am speaking to those who, like me, have walked with the Lord for some time.

What is Sin?

Well, more came to light, which I must share.  It comes back to us being examples, and it goes back to those who were examples for us.  When do we cross the line from struggling to outright disobedience?  This is the question that makes me tremble within.  It should make any of us tremble.

Yet, before I speak of us being examples, let’s touch base about sin. Now most of us know what sin is, but please bear with me. It will all come together, with the Lord’s guidance.

Strong’s Concordance: sin - an offence, to miss the mark, guilt, fault, failure, sinful deed; (forfeiture because of missing the mark); the brand of sin that emphasized its self-originated, self-empowered nature (not originated or empowered by God); not of faith – a violation of the divine law in thought, word or deed

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: an error of the understanding; a bad action, evil deed. In the New Testament always in an ethical sense (dealing with morals or the principles of morality; the accepted principles of right and wrong that govern the conduct); a sinning, whether it occurs by omission or commission, in thought and feeling or in speech and action; held down in sin; the man so possessed by sin that he seems unable to exist without it, the man utterly given up to sin

That is only a taste of the meanings in Greek and Hebrew, depending on the statement and context that the word ‘sin’ is used in.  It is so in-depth and exhaustive that if you like, you may go here to read for yourself: see biblehub.

Secret Faults

We know what the bible describes as works or sins of the flesh.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (provoking, giving to or expressing lust),

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance (strife, discord, contention), emulations (attempting to equal or excel, rivalry), wrath (anger, indignation), strife, seditions (stood apart-rebel, divisions), heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings (boisterous intemperance, carousing, lustful indulgence), and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [Gal 5:19-21]

At this point, many would breathe a sigh of relief, stating that they are not involved in any of the above. There are those who came to Christ at a young age and did not involve themselves in much of the above. 

I am sure we have all heard testimonies of those who came to Christ Jesus and every bondage fell away, promiscuity, drugs or alcohol, even cigarettes, gambling or some other kind of addiction, criminal activities, everything – bam! It was just gone! 

Instant and complete deliverance! Those testimonies are wonderful to hear, but it is not common. We all know that the person must continue to walk the walk along that narrow path.

Many of us deal with one or two sins at a time and step by step, the Lord delivered us from such sins, or we overcame them with the help of the Holy Spirit and faith. Yet, we all know that according to the Word of God, all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. [Rom 2:23]

Others still were delivered from very wicked lifestyles and behaviours, or demonic possession, or strong oppression and found new freedom in Jesus/Yeshua.  Others were healed in amazing ways. We all have a different testimony that helps those who are still lost and in bondage; held captive by sin and Satan.

Yet, many (if not all) of us have hidden faults, sin that we may not even be aware of; we are ignorant to it.  It is easy for us to spot faults in others and judge them for it, but when it comes to ourselves it is as though we are blind to them.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? [Jer 17:9]

Some of our hidden faults may be self-righteousness, legalism, a religious spirit, a hardness of the heart, or any one of a plethora of faults.  Whether we are aware of these things in ourselves or not, others can often spot it rather quickly. When we ask the Lord with great humility to search our heart, be sure that He will answer that request and when a fault surfaces, we must acknowledge it and repent.

How often does it seem that a few things will crop up and we deal with them, sighing with relief when we have overcome, only to have twice as many appear just when we thought we had dealt with them all? 

Purging seems never-ending at times, to become as one without spot or blemish.  How often do we wonder if we ever will be done?  Yet God is faithful and will complete the work He began in us, howbeit, with our cooperation.

Presumptuous Sins

Willful or presumptuous sins are spiritually dangerous and this is where my heart pounds.  I pray the Lord helps me through this part, for it is not my intention to bring condemnation to any. Satan does an expert job at that. Neither is it my intention to sweep that matter aside lightly, but rather to face if dead on.

However, there are so many who are in the camp of “once saved, always saved”.  No matter what they do, no matter how many times they sin, they believe that they are saved by grace and that the precious blood of Jesus/Yeshua saves them from all sin, past, present and future.  

Present?  Future? That is not what the word of God says. The Word of God makes it abundantly clear that we are forgiven of sins that are PAST.

Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [Rom 3:25]

This makes it clear that firstly, we cannot keep on sinning, believing we are already forgiven, and secondly that we must keep a repentant heart.  When the Lord convicts us of sin and we continue to do it anyway, that would be considered willful or presumptuous sin. 

Satan tempts us in many ways until he finds our weakest point. Once he discovers what our greatest weakness is and sees that we are striving to be obedient to God's call on our lives so that our destiny (His original blueprint) for our lives will be fulfilled, he launches a full-fledged war against us, bringing in many temptations.  

He would have us keep silent, hoping no one will find out about anything we may prefer others do not know about us, if we struggle in an area, or if we are failing to overcome something. 

However, confessing to others is not enough because we have to face a holy, righteous and just God.  Yes, it is true that if we confess our sins that we are forgiven because of what Jesus/Yeshua accomplished on the cross.  It is not by any good works that we might do or have done either that cleanses us from our sins. 

Like you, I have had to listen to teachers (preachers) to come to an understanding about things and allow the Lord to reveal more through His precious Holy Spirit and His Word. It is because of God's love and His grace that we can declare his righteousness, for Jesus was sent by God to be the propitiation through FAITH in Jesus and His death on the cross.  

We cannot earn it; it is by grace through faith by knowing that Christ's blood was spilled for us. Jesus/Yeshua willingly laid down his life as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God to reconcile sinful mankind back to a holy God (the one, true Living God).

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [2 Cor 5:21]

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  [1Jn 4:10]

Yet once more I repeat, our concern should be as David’s: Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 
[Ps 19:12, 13]

Blaming Satan

There are two extremes when it comes to Satan. The first extreme is that only a little more than half of those who call themselves believers (58%) believe in the devil (Satan) and hell, down from 62%, according to a 2014 CNS News survey.

That means that a little less than half of the believers (in the USA) deny the existence of Satan.  What would that figure be on a global scale?  Revelation 12:9 states that the devil, Satan (the great dragon) deceives the whole world.  It is not surprising therefore to see figures in surveys that prove people’s denial of him.

The other extreme that believers take is to blame everything on Satan, especially our sins. The bible makes it very clear what the end times generation shall be like and we are in those last of the last days now.

 This know also, that in the last days perilous (dangerous, fierce) times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (powerless, without self-control), fierce, despisers of those that are good (hostile to virtue), Traitors, heady (rash, falling forward), highminded (self-conceit, proud), lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [2Tim 3:1-5]

Many believers are caught up in the sins of fornication, adulterous relationships, homosexual relations, pornography, masturbation, stealing, extortion, lying, abortions, covetousness and yes, addictions (drugs, alcohol, smoking, gambling, sexual etc).

Are you involved in the occult on any level (Ouija board, tarot cards, fortune-telling, crystals and stones, levitation, runes, palm or tea reading, shamanism, Wiccan, astral projection, dream catchers, spiral dances, rituals, spirit guides, ESP, telepathy, clairvoyance, necromancy, Satan worship, witchcraft, etc)? 

This is not an exhaustive list, as there are also cults, covens, occult circles and false religions. There are Christians who believe horoscopes, lucky charms and even New Age spirituality, beliefs and practices are harmless. 

Again, there are those who would say they do none of the above, yet one has to be very honest with oneself.  Do you look at a woman (or man) with lust in your heart?  Some would say, “Sure, everyone looks but I don’t touch.”   

It is written:  But I say unto you, That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. [Mat 5:28]

Do you murmur (complain), gossip, slander, curse, swear, physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually abuse another?  Do you hold unforgiveness towards another, including yourself?  Do you hate?  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 
[1Jn 3:15]

Are you selfish, jealous, a busybody, gossip, slanderer, two-faced, double-minded, unrighteous judge, deceitful, a false witness, quarrelsome, a nag, a glutton, drunkard, arrogant, a braggart, prideful, impatient, etc?  The list goes on…

The Lord revealed to me some years back that all sin falls into one or more of three distinct categories.

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. [1Jn 2:16]

My sin may not be your sin or vice versa, but we have to get our hearts right before God.  Like David, we must ask for any secret faults to be exposed and to keep us from presumptuous sins.

Can We Stop Sinning?

It is true that all believers fall at some point in time; we stumble, we struggle, we trip, we make mistakes. For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. [Prov 24:16]

And also:  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholds him with his hand. [Ps 37:23, 24]

These scriptures can be an encouragement when we make mistakes or fall into a temptation; however, we cannot use those scriptures as never-ending excuses to keep on sinning (repetitive sin – willful, presumptuous sin).  There is a way the Lord wants us to run.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 
[Heb 12:1]

Obedience Requires Faith

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [2Thes2:2, 3]

There are those who believe that the falling away mentioned in the scripture above pertains to the rapture, yet I beg to differ. 

Strong’s Concordance: [Grk – apostasia – falling away, defection from truth, forsake, revolt, a leaving, from previous standing

I have often stated that one cannot fall away from a place where one did not once stand.  Apostasy: to depart from the truth, seduce, mislead, to blind the eyes of the people by manipulating the truth. 

An apostate is one who turns away from Christ Jesus, never really trusting Him; they abandon their faith or fall away from the faith they profess.  We are warned to consider the cost. 

Do our mouths speak one thing and our actions another? God forbid! Please don’t skip over the following scriptures, as tempting as it is. It is part of the Lord’s message.

O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 
[Gal 3:1-4]

Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 
[1Tim 4:1]

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. [Gal 3:7; 11]

The Lord did not stop His ways or methods when the last book (Revelation) was written. He continues on today – the same yesterday, today and forever.  Just as in the days of old, the Lord still makes personal covenants with His people today. 

Obedience

Not always, but numerous times, the Lord makes a promise, but it is conditional. We must do our part and He will do His. We can look at the forerunners as an example.  Noah had to build the ark knowing only that he and his family would be saved from God’s pending judgment upon the earth. [Gen 6:13-15]

Abraham had to leave kin and his father’s house [Gen 12:1]; Moses had to stretch his hand over the waters of the Red Sea for the Lord to part it [Ex 14:21]; Joshua had to march around Jericho once a day for seven days, and then seven times in one day [Josh 6:15].

And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken (listen) than the fat of rams.  [1Sam 15:22]

Faith

Faith is always part of the covenant. Noah had to believe God would wait to bring judgment once he finished building the ark; Abraham and Sarah had to believe for the son of promise to be born to them, even though they were old; Joseph had to believe and wait seventeen years for his dreams to come to pass; then he had to gather food for seven years before the prophesied famine struck.

David had to believe God would help him bring the giant warrior Goliath down with a mere stone; Mary had to believe that God had chosen her to give birth to His Son, though she was yet a virgin.  Many women had to have faith for the sons that God promised them though their wombs were barren.

How many times have we heard incredible testimonies in our lifetime of people who stated that God gave them a promise, they believed and it came to pass?  How many times have we heard that they had to follow specific instructions before a thing came to pass, with some declaring they had to keep their faith and wait years for the fruition of their promise?

Has God made you a promise that demands your faith and patience?  He has me… What is required in every situation?  Faith; obedience; trust and patience are still required of God’s people today.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [Mat 19:26]

Be sure that faith will be tried, and be sure that it will not be easy to hold fast to that faith.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [Heb 10:23]

We are also told to be sober and vigilant because we have a very real adversary who goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. [1Pet 5:8]  He is a thief who comes only to steal and to kill, and to destroy, but Christ Jesus came that we might have life and that more abundantly. [Jn 10:10]

Being an Example

If we keep on sinning, when the Lord gives us fair and final warning, then we are choose to disobey God. He will not contend forever.  We have to lay down our pride and allow the Lord to search our hearts and bring ever wicked or unclean thing out.

We can be hypocrites and deceive ourselves, filled with unbelief, or we can confess our sins to God and repent.  Our forerunners were examples to us, from Adam and Eve, to the Israelites, to the apostles and disciples of Jesus the Christ (Yeshua the Messiah).

But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand;  Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. [1Cor 10:5-11]

And speaking to the Thessalonians, they were urged: And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. [1Thess 1:6, 7]

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  [2Thes 3:9]

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [2Pet 2:6]

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.  [Jude 1:5-7]

What am I to be to you?  An example! What are you to be to others?  An example! When temptation comes, we do not have to give into it.  We have to make up our minds and choose wisely.  We have to confess and repent of our sins; surrender to God and press onward!  When we do, let’s not look at others and become self-righteous.

Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  [1Cor10:12, 13]

Are we serious about our walk? I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. [Phil 3:14]

 I realize that I am presenting a lot of scriptures, and if you are as me, you have read them many times before. Yet, I am exhorting you; there is urgency to the Lord’s message.  Some of you, as me, have pushed aside something that must be dealt with, and now is the time to face it. 

Either we continue on making excuses, downplaying the importance of what the Holy Spirit is revealing and convicting us of in this late hour.

 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly (flesh), and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) [Phil 3:14; 18-19]

Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence comes! Wherefore if your hand or your foot offend you, cut them off, and cast them from you (let go of the sin that hinders; cut it off):

 it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if your eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you (get the lust/sin our of your vision): it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [Mat 18:7-9]

If we do not heed the strict warning, we may well end up being the very words come from the Lord on that day that we do not ever want to hear.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [Mat 25:41]

And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? [Lk 6:46]

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. [Act 7:51]

Con’t – Part 2