Repentance is a funny thing people don’t like to hear or talk about; like taking trips to see the in-laws. The problem is that the problem doesn’t go away if you don’t address it. You can’t sweep something under the rug and think that there won’t eventually be a pile of stuff under the rug. So the question is what happens when you repent?
Your mind changes. When you recognize that God is the One who determines what sin is and isn’t and you make the choice to align your mind with God’s Word; then your life will change in the right direction. Everything begins in the mind and we can see as far back as Adam and Eve. They allowed their stinking thinking to cause the turmoil that we all are born into. Acts 3:19 gives us the clear directives and getting to the refreshing and it starts with ‘Repent’ and ‘seek forgiveness’ so that ‘times of refreshing’ may come. With no repentance there is no forgiveness or refreshing. Our country reflects right now absolutely no repentance of fear of God. A mind changed toward repentance can fix that.
Your heart changes. When you repent your heart will change and in ways that you can’t imagine. Your heart wasn’t created to carry the burden and sin and all the things not of God; it just wasn’t. Because your body cannot go where your mind hasn’t been; the heart change will come after the mind makes the choice. A softened heart is one that God can work with. Psalms 32 is a great example of when King David repented to the Lord for his affair with Bathsheba. If you read the scripture carefully you won’t find where King David repented to Bathsheba; but rather to the Lord and his heart was changed. When things aren’t right with the heart; nothing else is right.
Your life changes. And of course if you choose to not repent your life will change; just probably not in the way you would like. In the story of Hannah we see where she wanted a baby more than anything and it was once she let go of her bitterness that her life changed; God gave her a baby! Now; it would make sense with bitterness that she wasn’t able to get pregnant since bitterness causes brittle bones; yet her story is a great testimony of healing, restoration, blessings, miracles and generations born.
If you want to grow in Christ repent for the things you have done; and you probably know what those deep dark hidden things are. Don’t allow the shame, guilt, condemnation or remorse keep you backpeddling. Just go to Jesus and let it all out; repent, seek forgiveness and let those times of refreshing come. Do it while you still can as I am quite certain you won’t regret it.
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries that helps people worldwide grow in Christ. To learn more about going deeper in Christ or to have Julie speak to your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
Image belongs to its original owner
Forgiveness is a process and an event; it’s twofold. It will occur many times in your life if you are willing to be obedient to the Lord. Additionally; you will experience expanded territory through forgiveness. Let me explain;
When you choose to forgive; which not forgiving too is a choice you are overcoming your flesh for something greater than your feelings about what someone did or didn’t do you that you may or may not agree with that wasn’t exactly what anyone else would think. You are laying it down at the foot of the cross. And what happens? God can use you and in bigger ways.
The prayer by Jabez was incredible because of its simplicity: bless me and expand my territory. Brilliant! Yet here is the thing: if you are not experiencing that after you have prayed that effective prayer there is a reason. And most likely a situation of unforgiveness or bitterness is related. The Lord cannot expand territory of an unforgiver. Why? Well; 1) it’s His Kingdom and reputation that you would be diminishing, 2) you choice to not be obedient in forgiving won’t be rewarded, 3) people don’t like being around unforgiving, angry, resentful, bitter people- trust me on that one! And because God is a just God and His Word reigns supreme in commanding us to forgive there are rewards and consequences with each choice we choose to make. Forgive and receive expanded territory and blessings. Don’t want that- then don’t forgive. It’s really that simple yet probably one of the hardest things you will ever do; or at least it was for me.
And so here is the most beautiful image of how this works: Jesus. You see His life on earth was filled with territory right? He walked everywhere, spoke with people, taught, healed, broke bread; performed miracles, casted out demons and on it went. He did it wherever He was. He did it in the territory that was His at the time He did it. But then look what took place:
Jesus completed the call on His life. He died for your sins and for mine. Whether you agree does not change the Truth of what He did. And on that cross he prayed ‘Forgive them Father for they know not what they do’ and after His death His territory expanded even more! It was His obedience and His own level of forgiveness that set the example; none other. So when people say that this is unrealistic or not doable well sure- this isn’t for the weak. Jesus was not weak and the Bible tells us clearly that ‘when’ you have struggles and not ‘if’ so it’s not a surprise that it’s not easy. It is realistic because the way has been made. And guess what? God’s Word does not give commands without a person having the ability to deliver. God does not set up people for failure; oh no He provides all the tools that people need in order to grow and expand His Kingdom. Just like Jesus.
And so if you want your territory expanded; to live the full and God call on your life it will require forgiveness. It will require you to get over yourself and know that He who is greater made the way; and that you can forgive. You just have to align your mind with God’s Word is all. When you do this then you will begin to see what God does; and you will experience it- trust me on that too. God is a good God and has a full life for you because He doesn’t hold back any good thing. So the question is: are you ready to get it? Are you ready to lay down the unforgiveness and have it replaced with more of Him operating in you, to you and through you; with expanded Kingdom? I certainly hope so as there is nothing like it in the world. There is nothing like following in the path of Jesus and knowing that God loved His Son so much that He became the freedom for you to live beyond what you could imagine. So get on the path today and expand your territory for His Kingdom; and while you still can.
For more about forgiveness and walking with Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak at your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
There is none greater that overcame than Jesus. He layed down the foundation for others to follow and at great cost. His mission was complete and in you; and now it is your turn to do the same. It is your turn to overcome evil with love and forgiveness; following in the footsteps of the Great I Am.
We know there is evil in the world and like never before. Turn on the television and it’s in the news; or even turn on a sitcom and it’s there and the dramas are filled with it. Schools are filled with even perverting our children with ungodly doctrine every chance they get; all in the name of tolerance and some idea of love that isn’t so.
As such it should not be surprised why the rates of depression, suicide, divorce, abortion, hate crimes against all people are all on the rise; even our military men and women who’ve returned home. Let’s not even get into the political arena for the evil spewing to and covering the people. It is everywhere and not just in yor backyard. But we know this; and if you don’t pay attention for it is written in 2 Tim3: 1-7
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
The good news is that while things are changing you can overcome! You see; Jesus equipped you with every single thing that you need to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. He died for you! He died so that during these times you would have a better way to live; and it is through and it is through forgiveness. There is a better way of life and it is all there just for you.
If you claim to be a follower of Christ and live like the world then you are the hypocrite the world laughs at; you are why people don’t want to become a Christian. There is no testimony or power in hate or revenge; there cannot be. Ad while it may seem like the hate and evil is prevailing rest assured the wicked and evil will experience an early death. There is no doubt. But you; not you should you choose to walk in love and forgiveness. The love and forgiveness that you give to others permeates for much longer than you realize. One only need to see Jesus to get this.
And so the question you probably are most interested in is how do you overcome evil with love and forgiveness? It’s quite simple really although it is a process and a lifestyle change. It is a choice to decide what you allow into your thoughts, your life; and your behavior. It starts with a heart turned toward Jesus. It starts with you asking for Him to increase your capacity to love; and to show you how to walk in love. It will require you to to take every thought captive to the Lord and remain focused on Him and His Kingdom and glory. It will require you to be still in the midst of the Lord at all times; for there is no other way. It will require patience like none other and an understanding that will prevail because He prevailed! He came to set the captives free- He did! And He wouldn’t have done it if He didn’t need to and if He knew you couldn’t be free. And so you overcome evil walking with Jesus knowing that there is a better way and that He is the better way; and let that not only sink in but be your thought for the day.
For more about forgiveness and walking with Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak at your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
Forgiving is not easy; there is no doubt. The good news is that it is possible! How do we know? Because God’s Word gives us everything we need in order to forgive. As a result there are some steps that you too can take to live your life in forgiveness.
1- Choose to live in forgiveness. While it may sound overly simple; the choice to forgive is one that most don’t think about. They by default live in ‘unforgiveness’. Living in forgiveness is a lifestyle lived on purpose. I never knew that; nor did I know that by default my unforgiveness was a choice. When you choose forgiveness you are choosing life and following in Deuteronomy where it tells us to choose life so that ‘you and your children’ may live.
2- Believe that with Jesus all things are possible. You can forgive and you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength so it reads in Philippians 4:13. So what this means is that not only can you do it; you have someone with you every step of the way. I didn’t recognize that either until I was faced with going before the Lord and actually dealing with it. It was decades of pain and the past that was bottled up ready to be overcome and with Jesus the way was made; and it will be for you too.
3-Remember you are no different than those who hurt you. This is hard to accept at times; especially when people do the unthinkable. It’s hard to not look at what they have done and hold it against them. It’s hard to not judge or be critical; or resent them. I’m not going to lie about this at all! It doesn’t matter if it is cheating, stealing, lying; murder or anything else. Hurt caused by others still hurts. While those things may not be the things that you have done or would do; if you look carefully at yourself are there things that you too have done that aren’t the nicest representation of who you are? Probably right? Now we all say reflect and think ‘yeah well I haven’t done ‘that’ but so what? It doesn’t change the fact that we are all fall short and the moment you compare what you haven’t done to what someone else has; that is the moment vanity and judgment creep in to your heart. When you forgive you are cleaning your heart toward the Lord and allowing Him to take that burden so you don’t have to carry it.
4- Accept and know it is a process. The process of forgiveness is one that takes as much time as it needs. Many believe that simply moving away from the situation is forgiveness; although that won’t work because you are still are who you are- just live may live by the beach. Others say that time heals wounds which is not true either because if it were; there would not so many people up in age that are angry, bitter, resentful and ugly about what did or didn’t occur or what they didn’t get that they should have in the past. The process of forgiveness is one that takes as much as it requires because each person is different, has different hurts; and has a different relationship with Jesus. If someone is pressuring you to just forgive already; know there is a reason and it probably has more to do with them than you. Just go forward with Jesus and know that it is something you need to do and do it at the pace that is in accordance with your walk with Him.
5- Be Quick to Forgive. Being quick to forgive can literally save your life. We all know things in life come at us and some are not what we want at all. What happens though is if you allow all of those things to stay; they will. And the enemy would love nothing more than for you to be angry, sad, resentful, bitter, unforgiving; ungrateful, self-centered and all the other 35 symptoms of unforgiveness. Every act of not forgiving is really an open doorway for the enemy to reside and continue to wreck your life. Don’t think he won’t! He will and every chance he gets he does so; and it’s even in more sly ways than you can think. Being quick to forgive keeps you on the offense and right with Jesus so that you can live your life in peace while advancing His Kingdom.
Forgiveness is not for the faint at heart. It is for those who want to live their Christian life in obedience and more depth in their relationship with Jesus; and more out of life itself. Forgiveness is and should be the standard of life for Christians as it reveals a level of obedience, love for others; and what is in their hearts. Living in Forgiveness will not only change what you see; but how you see and how you live. And it’s time now to start living in forgiveness.
For more about forgiveness and the full life in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
To have Julie speak at your church or business visit www.julieblair.com
One of the things about unforgiveness is how it’s tied to finances. If you are believing God for a financial breakthrough and it hasn’t yet happened; there is a reason. And it isn’t because you don’t work hard or enough. There is always a reason and most don’t recognize the element of forgiveness. Most people don’t get this. They simply blame God will increasing their level of bitterness and resentment and refusal to forgive. Oh how the cycle continues.
God’s Word is clear and no it doesn’t change because we may not like it. It’s us that must change and in His Word there are a few requirements in order to receive His blessings. Obedience to His Word is one such way and well; forgiveness is a command- something to obey.
In Matthew 6:14-15 it tells us, ‘For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.’ (NIV)
So- if you are not forgiving God won’t forgive you. Period. So that peace you want, that joy that’s been lost; that breakthrough in your finances. Yeah it won’t come. It can’t. There are no rewards for disobedience; regardless of what the world tells you. If you treat others with unforgiveness how would you treat the finances that God would bless you with?
Now the other caveat to this is that it isn’t about just forgiving and forgetting. There is a step further and one that many miss. They spend their time ‘forgiving’ others and sure that is required except Acts 3:19 gives is more that must be taken into consideration. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,…”(NIV) Most people who have to forgive also need to repent because more often than not there is the harboring of unforgiveness which is a sin against God, there is bitterness, resentment; and all the other cousins. With all this turmoil operating how could God bring storehouses of financial blessings your way?
You see; God has plans for you there is no doubt. His Word is clear. The financial breakthrough will be able to enter when there is obedience. When I forgave my mother for all she had done to me I was also freed financially; and also in my faith. Before forgiving my ideas and thoughts toward money were distorted. It would have been a total set up by God to financially bless me before I fully forgave because if the order came from God for me to give to my mother- I never would have. Seriously I would not have. I hated her and who wants to give to people they hate? If you are going through a divorce and you haven’t yet forgiven and God tells you to give your spouse 70% and not 50% would you? Or would just resent every minute of it? Would you actually do it? Or would you just justify all the reasons why the other person is not worth it? Would you then have your list of all the stuff you have done good and that it all should be yours? Yep- now do you see the pickle you put yourself in? I had to be healed of all of that because my mother has great needs and I didn’t want to give once cent to her; and now that my heart and life have been healed and restored being a giver to her is now part of who I am. It is you too you just may need to get there.
God can’t bring to you all that He wants if you don’t let Him. If you want breakthrough in any capacity it will require you taking the step toward Him as He is waiting; just waiting to give you everything- and yes including a financial blessing. But if God can’t trust you and you choose to not trust Him then you are at a stale mate. No one wins. There is no breakthrough but only breakdown. Breakdown in your life and state of it; along with in some ways breakdown in impact for God’s Kingdom.
He didn’t intend for you to be poor and pride yourself on it like many Christians do. They wear it like it’s an honor and then live so selfishly in fear because if they were to give they won’t have- yet in actuality they will have more! But it starts with being obedient in repenting for harboring unforgiveness, asking for forgiveness and then walking and living in it. As you experience breakthrough; your finances and everything else will break through too.
For more about forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
In today’s society people pride themselves on being busy. Seriously; they do. Think about how often you speak of all the things that are keeping you busy. And through it all you are that much more important right? But here is the thing. Busy is a trap: Bound Under Satan’s Yoke. It’s time to break out of the prison. And now while you can.
The first step in even getting there is to recognize that being busy actually does put people in prison. Think of all the things that must get done; and how many of them are truly in need of getting done. What percentage would you say? 100% of course because you are in control and know all; you are the omnipotent one right that can handle it all. Yes you- are the hero! But get this; it’s only in your mind that you are.
If you were to remove just one item how much more time would you have? If you were to allow one person to do just one thing that needs getting done how much more peace would you have? If you were to pray two more minutes of prayer each day how much more wisdom would you grow into? If you were to make one change in your life how much better would your marriage be? Your business? Your employees? Your health? Your relationship with Jesus? How much? Count the cost of that and then calculate the cost of staying the same.
When you see it life will change. I too was locked up; in my mind. I didn’t know it. I didn’t know that all the running around was only keeping me out of breath; busy and in the end- tired and useless. You can’t be fruitful and busy at the same time because only one produces fruit. It was a process because I was able although just because you can doesn’t mean you should- do it all all the time that is.
So what do you do? How do you get out; break free? You make a choice. You go to the One who came to set the captives free for you are already free you just have to live free. And really; don’t think that you can do it on your own because if you could have- you would have known better than to get yourself there in the first place.
Your life is a reflection of the choices that you have made. Perhaps it’s time to start making new ones.It’s time to get a grip and be the one who is leading and not following the way. Don’t forget that Jesus was counter-cultural so if you claim to follow Him; don’t worry about being just that. It comes with the territory! And remember that it’s just as easy to create good habits as it is bad ones. So don’t let the bad ones exist just because you choose to not make good ones; you know the ones that keep you busy forever missing the actual life you were meant to live. Forgive yourself because if you don’t- you will only change your prison cell.
For more about freedom in forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
Forgiveness is a reflection of what is on the inside of someone’s heart. Those with unforgiveness reveal their heart condition as do those who live in forgiveness. What is disconcerting; however, is that most do not recognize what is in their heart. Matthew 15:18 states it plain: “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” (NIV) More people may be interested in what they are putting in their mouths that will cause weight gain all the while not even having a clue that what is stored in their hearts weighs them down more than any junk non-food! On the inside of each person is what matters most to the Lord as outlined in 1 Samuel 16:7, ‘7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” It should be no wonder that people do not take or have the time to look inward when everything in current day society is focused on outward appearance. With over 7,000 fashion magazines in the US and 2010 Harper’s Bazaar’ generated 206.7 million U.S. dollars by selling advertising space’ it is evident where the hearts of people are. (http://www.statista.com/statistics/198055/advertising-revenue-of-us-fashion-magazines/) Let it too not be forgotten that the words of Matthew are not minced. “21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? (Matthew 6:21-25)(NIV) When people fixate their hearts and minds on the things not of God it is a reflection of where their heart truly is. In the book If I don’t Remember…. Why Should You author Keith Lyvell Brooks writes,
“Selfishness in the lives of humans is at an all time low. People are losing their jobs, homes, cars, boats, pension plans, and stocks. Churches are shutting down. Debt, debt and more debt continue to snowball in a person’s live without an answer. Everyone is looking for a way out, but for some odd reason they don’t want to humble themselves, pray, and seek my kingdom….my system of doing things. Where there is disobedience, there is selfishness, there is selfishness and why people are so selfish! This is because of fear which is born out of being selfish.” (p11,12)
The reflection of what people are seeking that simply glorifies self is an indication of where we are in current society. Until the level of selfishness is removed to reveal the righteousness in Christ the continued results will be evident. The lacking of fruit within the lives of Christians and nations will expand to an ever increasing rate. This is why recognition that forgiveness is a reflection of what is our hearts and dealing with the bondage that it breeds is a must for internal freedom to reign.
Luke 6:45 reads that “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” When a person is filled with unforgiveness it pours out of the heart of that person. From personal experience; it was what was known. It was decades of personal internal clutter that spewed out like poison. I was not aware that the prism of what was internally being shown to others was not a prism of beauty in color. It was rather dark, dim, and diminishing. It wasn’t until the scripture came alive and revealed the deepest level of what was lurking in the innermost part of my heart that I began to get free. Once reality hit; life changed. It is only until the revelation of what God’s Word reads and one gets honest in front of the mirror can true change occur. Forgiveness and unforgiveness alike are revealed in the heart of every person. On this day I encourage you to seek Him for what you must relinquish; what selfishness and selfish ways you have chosen that are keeping you in bondage. Your life depends upon on it.
For more about forgiveness in Christ watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ weeknights at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork.
The story of Hannah provides us much to reflect on. It is one where you can be like her in the beginning or the end- it’s your choice. But rest assured if you try in all your own strength you will fail. Why? Because God’s Word tells us that apart from Him we can do no good thing. (John 15:5) How hard it must have been for her to desire something so much and yet get it; that is until she surrendered. You may think that you are so smart investing in the stock market; and when it fully collapses what will you have? Anger toward God? Bitterness of the loss when in reality you just didn’t listen to God Almighty? Surrender to Him now. The reality is that you have nothing to lose and if you don’t; well you will lose and more than you know.
You see; you can’t have it both ways: serving yourself and God at the same time. You must choose. Hannah finally got the memo and guess what? It was ‘God’ who blessed her with a baby. No one else. No dead god or universe will bless you. It can’t. It doesn’t even know you! But the God who created you and knows every hair on your head can! It is always God and if you deny His ways then you will live with the consequences. It doesn’t matter if you are one individual or one nation turning your back on Him will prove to be disastrous- and one only need to look around and see the devastation surrounding us.
The good news is that there is still time! Who knows how long but rest assured if you do what Hannah did and repent and seek forgiveness; times of refreshing may come. Her bitterness left her ‘and then’ she became pregnant. Now- this would make sense right because bitterness rots the bones so in reality how would she be able to carry a baby to term with bitter bones? But if you choose to be independent and pride yourself for it you will fall. And why fall on your face when you can stand on God’s Word and live to tell about it?
It’s a wake up call for each of us to recognize that regardless of the amount of wisdom you think you have; you don’t. You did not create yourself and you really are not the best thing since sliced bread and when that sinks in and you understand that it isn’t about you but about Him your life will change. When I got over myself and all my accolades of man made ideas and trophies everything changed. Remember that on judgment day there simply won’t be a trophy or stupid ribbon given to you just because you were born. God is a just God and if you don’t choose to show up you won’t reap the rewards. Choose Him now.
Did you know that through love and obedience in Christ in all things you will inherit the Kingdom? Yep. But if you choose to ignore His ways and teachings then you miss out. You will not inherit anything but what you deserve. Period. Tough lesson but it’s the reality of what happens when you disregard God and His Word.
I missed out on for a long time. I thought I was doing right by going to church. I didn’t grow up in the church I grew up in the world. And so it was just show up on Sunday with your best clothes on. That is what I knew.
I went to the bar Saturday night and I thought I was cool setting my midnight curfew and then church on Sunday. It’s what everyone else did so why not? It doesn’t matter what city you are in; it’s the same. I didn’t realize it until I moved and saw it. Dallas is no different than Denver is no different than Seattle; no different than Nova Scotia. Churchgoers all around yet where is the power and authority in Christ? Where is the love? Where is the forgiveness? Where is the obedience to all of God’s Word? I thought those 2 hours a week would really get me to the fullness of Christ- NOT! There was no fruit; there can’t be. It’s like straddling a wooden fence and thinking you won’t get splinters.
I was told years later if I wanted radical change in my life and relationship with Jesus it would require 40+ hours per week; and the man that told me wasn’t kidding. I didn’t know what that meant or how 40 hours would work out with hockey season starting and all. I wasn’t sure how I would endure all of it but I chose and it was worth it. Beyond anything I can tell you!
You must choose. You must adopt the full lifestyle of being a follower of Jesus if you claim you are; otherwise you are making everyone else and yourself look like idiots. It’s not a very good witness and I know you know you that. I know that you may not know what to do with yourself if you don’t go the bar; and in Dallas I get it. But it’s everywhere and the choice is still yours. Why not choose the better thing? Jesus is better than a night at the bar. He’s better with you alone anywhere than you with some stranger who’s name you don’t know. He is better than anything you could have experienced with anyone around you; and He is waiting for more of that just with you. With you; no pretense just you and Him.
You see time is running out. Look around. It is really running out and you don’t want to miss out all because you thought the scotch tasted good and he or she was attractive. You don’t want to miss out for one more sale that isn’t going to really get you the dream job that you already know won’t make you happy. Time is running out. Make the choice for what is most important. In the end you can’t take your career, BMW 3 series of Christian Louboutin’s with you. But you can take the love of Jesus with you!
For more about love and forgiveness watch ‘Living in Forgiveness’ Monday-Friday at 9:30pm CST on the UANetwork. Stream live at www.uanetwork.tv or watch on Roku or On-Demand.
Love in today’s society must reign. it doesn’t matter what part of the world or who you are. Love must reign. It must if we intend to live as Christians. And in these times; we must stand in accordance with God’s Word to love our neighbors regardless of what we think of them. We must love and be prepared in and out of season to walk and live in love.
In a recent conversation; I listened to a story about a group of people were discouraged and disappointed after studying and watching to learn about the Shemitah, the blood moons; and other various things that were expected to take place.
These people followed along intently and believed all the words spoken and all the concepts taught; and waited for what would occur. Sounds great right? Except; it didn’t. The expected calamity did not strike on the day or the days that were prophecied. As a result; the group was left with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Situations like this are not uncommon; they are just not probably talked about daily at the dinner table. It is one though that leads us all to be prepared and in a way that only is in love.
You see; you can be the best prepper and listen to this alleged prophet or that and have every study guide and 2,000 rounds of ammo but if you have no love for your neighbor you have nothing. What do you think you will do when calamity strikes and you instead of love; hate? What will happen to not only your neighbor but to you as well? If you allow yourself to get discouraged by one person then what will happen when there are three or four or more that have a false word? There can be no room for anything but love; and love for another.
No one is doubting that these are tough times for the world. One doesn’t need bifocals or binoculars to see it. It’s here. Look around. Some are looking for that specific date except the largest clue that is evident when Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 25:13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (NIV) The search to know this or that instead of focusing on love and hearing from God will only serve as a distraction and right now; who needs more distractions?
It is time that in order to know and be in the know that it isn’t about this person teaching or speaking that; but the Almighty God speaking directly to you. Period. When you get to a place of hearing directly from Him and in love- you will be more prepared for anything than you can possibly imagine.