Disgusted
I recently finished watching a video of a large church, with a young man giving a teaching on marriage. But, at the beginning, and end of it-he added short skits of entertainment, with magic and illusions. His goal was to lighten up the audience, get them to laugh, then get into his teaching when he got them softened up-and more willing to listen. That's what he hoped to achieve. He also had a man in the audience come up, and join him in one of his illusions, and participated in it. The skit at the end was the worst-depicting a huge box-which he positioned in several impossible ways, to stand on it's own-with no support; then it actually levitated off the ground, both right side up-and upside down. At the end, a woman came up from within it-as the box was levitating-and he turned upside down-and she dropped out of it. The audience was brought to raucous laughter. It was very hard to watch this- I almost stopped it several times, but felt God's prompting me to keep going, and watch it to the end. It made my heart sink, and my stomach churn.
What's wrong with this?
Apostasy has taken over. Instead of standing firm on the foundations of teachings of scripture against this-they have opened their doors to the devil, and said "Come on in"-and the devil is delighted, and has made himself right at home, with biblically illiterate Christians full blessing. It is a mockery of God's holiness, and what a church is supposed to represent. The vast majority of people who go to church, never bring a bible, including the "mature" ones. Most of them are social gathering places for pot luck dinners, and community events.
What he was doing was the beginnings of sorcery, magic, and illusions by tricks-it is teaching deception, and the powers of darkness. It is in the same league as the magicians of Moses day, when he contended with them during the plagues. It is also the same as what Daniel contended with in his day with the magicians under Nebuchadnezzar. Exo 7:11, 9:11, Dan 1:20, 2:2, we clearly told in Deuteronomy ch. 18 to have nothing to do with these practices.
Deu 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Deu 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Deu 18:12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Deu 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
Allowing this in the church is teaching people who may not even be saved, and kids, that it's ok to delve into this behavior, and it leads to the next steps- Ouija boards, tarot cards, seances, the dark arts-and Satanism. This is demonic. God's people are to have nothing to do with this kind of activity-the line must be drawn.
I'm saying this from experience. When I was a young girl, I watched family members get involved in these things, and friends-it ruined my life for years. We all used a Ouija board, held seances, went to tea readers, palm readers, sorcerers-the deeper we got, the worse our personal lives became. When you open the door to the devils activity-it never ends, it goes from one thing to another. Satan is after one thing-to steal, destroy, and ultimately kill you-and put you in hell with him forever.
At 25, Jesus rescued me, and delivered me from it all-but if I had never turned to the Lord, I have no doubt, I'd be dead now, and in hell. I repented of all occult activity, magic, sorcery and all forms of demonic activity-and recanted from it.
To see this in churches wrenches my soul, because it shows me they do not read, or believe what the bible teaches about separation from the world, and the warnings the bible teaches against allowing sorcery, magic, witchcraft, and that activity in their lives.
Satanism, and demonic infiltration is in just about everything now. The video games, cartoons, much of what's on TV and movies-it's all demonic. Walmart sells Ouija boards now in the kids toy sections-along with a lot of other junk that promotes the devil, and witchcraft.
Allowing this kind of activity in the church sends a double message, and the devil does not care how many times you go to church-what he cares about is-do you really serve Jesus Christ, or do you still allow the world to rule you, and your home. When this kind of thing is allowed to go on in a home-it opens the door to many oppressions. If you wonder why there's constant upheaval, unrest, problems with drugs/alcohol-check what you allow in your home, and your life.
Over a hundred years ago C.H. Spurgeon made a prediction-and I'm seeing it played out today, throughout the country:
"A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats."
The graphic above is a perfect example of the condition of many churches today.
When I was saved, the first thing the Holy Spirit began to do with me was bring to my attention-getting rid of the demonic activity I'd been involved in. That included books, some art work, jewelry that was objects of charms and incantations, rock music, and various other things I owned. God wanted me to come clean, and get rid of all demonic activity in my life, and what I allowed in my life from then on. It has proven to be the best decisions I could have made. It brought total freedom from those bondages. James says it clearly-a double minded man, is unstable in all his ways. Allowing this in a church shows that a whole congregation is in that state of mind, and the devil takes full advantage of it.
I've been told I'm too legalistic. The multitudes of ruined lives in this world today, causes me to cling to the bible, and choose to obey it-and let the world and the devil-have their parties. I wouldn't trade places with anybody. I've found "the pearl of great price", and intend to finish my journey-walking with the Lord. Going back is not an option for me.
Eternity in hell, is a gamble I don't want to take.
Joshua gives a short, to the point answer to this:
Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
I'll agree and stand with him.
Lorna Couillard
I recently finished watching a video of a large church, with a young man giving a teaching on marriage. But, at the beginning, and end of it-he added short skits of entertainment, with magic and illusions. His goal was to lighten up the audience, get them to laugh, then get into his teaching when he got them softened up-and more willing to listen. That's what he hoped to achieve. He also had a man in the audience come up, and join him in one of his illusions, and participated in it. The skit at the end was the worst-depicting a huge box-which he positioned in several impossible ways, to stand on it's own-with no support; then it actually levitated off the ground, both right side up-and upside down. At the end, a woman came up from within it-as the box was levitating-and he turned upside down-and she dropped out of it. The audience was brought to raucous laughter. It was very hard to watch this- I almost stopped it several times, but felt God's prompting me to keep going, and watch it to the end. It made my heart sink, and my stomach churn.
What's wrong with this?
Apostasy has taken over. Instead of standing firm on the foundations of teachings of scripture against this-they have opened their doors to the devil, and said "Come on in"-and the devil is delighted, and has made himself right at home, with biblically illiterate Christians full blessing. It is a mockery of God's holiness, and what a church is supposed to represent. The vast majority of people who go to church, never bring a bible, including the "mature" ones. Most of them are social gathering places for pot luck dinners, and community events.
What he was doing was the beginnings of sorcery, magic, and illusions by tricks-it is teaching deception, and the powers of darkness. It is in the same league as the magicians of Moses day, when he contended with them during the plagues. It is also the same as what Daniel contended with in his day with the magicians under Nebuchadnezzar. Exo 7:11, 9:11, Dan 1:20, 2:2, we clearly told in Deuteronomy ch. 18 to have nothing to do with these practices.
Deu 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Deu 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Deu 18:12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Deu 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
Allowing this in the church is teaching people who may not even be saved, and kids, that it's ok to delve into this behavior, and it leads to the next steps- Ouija boards, tarot cards, seances, the dark arts-and Satanism. This is demonic. God's people are to have nothing to do with this kind of activity-the line must be drawn.
I'm saying this from experience. When I was a young girl, I watched family members get involved in these things, and friends-it ruined my life for years. We all used a Ouija board, held seances, went to tea readers, palm readers, sorcerers-the deeper we got, the worse our personal lives became. When you open the door to the devils activity-it never ends, it goes from one thing to another. Satan is after one thing-to steal, destroy, and ultimately kill you-and put you in hell with him forever.
At 25, Jesus rescued me, and delivered me from it all-but if I had never turned to the Lord, I have no doubt, I'd be dead now, and in hell. I repented of all occult activity, magic, sorcery and all forms of demonic activity-and recanted from it.
To see this in churches wrenches my soul, because it shows me they do not read, or believe what the bible teaches about separation from the world, and the warnings the bible teaches against allowing sorcery, magic, witchcraft, and that activity in their lives.
Satanism, and demonic infiltration is in just about everything now. The video games, cartoons, much of what's on TV and movies-it's all demonic. Walmart sells Ouija boards now in the kids toy sections-along with a lot of other junk that promotes the devil, and witchcraft.
Allowing this kind of activity in the church sends a double message, and the devil does not care how many times you go to church-what he cares about is-do you really serve Jesus Christ, or do you still allow the world to rule you, and your home. When this kind of thing is allowed to go on in a home-it opens the door to many oppressions. If you wonder why there's constant upheaval, unrest, problems with drugs/alcohol-check what you allow in your home, and your life.
Over a hundred years ago C.H. Spurgeon made a prediction-and I'm seeing it played out today, throughout the country:
"A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats."
The graphic above is a perfect example of the condition of many churches today.
When I was saved, the first thing the Holy Spirit began to do with me was bring to my attention-getting rid of the demonic activity I'd been involved in. That included books, some art work, jewelry that was objects of charms and incantations, rock music, and various other things I owned. God wanted me to come clean, and get rid of all demonic activity in my life, and what I allowed in my life from then on. It has proven to be the best decisions I could have made. It brought total freedom from those bondages. James says it clearly-a double minded man, is unstable in all his ways. Allowing this in a church shows that a whole congregation is in that state of mind, and the devil takes full advantage of it.
I've been told I'm too legalistic. The multitudes of ruined lives in this world today, causes me to cling to the bible, and choose to obey it-and let the world and the devil-have their parties. I wouldn't trade places with anybody. I've found "the pearl of great price", and intend to finish my journey-walking with the Lord. Going back is not an option for me.
Eternity in hell, is a gamble I don't want to take.
Joshua gives a short, to the point answer to this:
Jos 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
I'll agree and stand with him.
Lorna Couillard
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The Gospel In A Sentence
1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
In this verse, Paul's thankful heart, and expression of humble gratitude to the Lord, was referring to his past-let's take a look at his life as Saul of Tarsus:
He also consented to Stephens death by stoning:
Saul Ravages the Church
Act 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Act 8:2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Act 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
After his conversion, Paul stands before Agrippa and gives testimony of God's power and mercy to him:
Act 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Act 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Act 26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
During the time he persecuted the churches-he was fully involved in putting them in prison, and putting them to death, both men, women and children. After his salvation, there's no doubt the memories of this through the years brought fresh remorse and sorrow to his heart, but also the flood of thanksgiving to God-for His great mercy on him-and then calling him into the ministry.
F.B. Meyer brings clarity to his story:
AN EXAMPLE OF CHRIST’S LONG-SUFFERING
The Apostle breaks off into expressions of heartfelt thanks to God for the abounding grace which had overcome his former obstinacy and blindness. Only his ignorance could palliate his outrage and insult toward Christ, who was now the beloved object of his entire surrender. He had been a blasphemer against God, Act_26:9-11; a persecutor towards his fellow-men, Gal_1:13; injurious, insolent, full of overweening pride. He felt that he had been the chief of sinners, because he had sinned against more knowledge and opportunity than others. It is only when we see God, that we know ourselves and repent in dust and ashes. The Apostle, however, comforted himself in this at least, that through coming time the most hopeless and abandoned sinners would take heart as they considered his case. He was a sample of mercy, a specimen of what Christ could do, an outline sketch to be filled in. Believe on Christ. Faith rests on Christ as foundation. Peter and John use another preposition, toward, or into, i.e., they conceive of union with him, to which all else is preliminary. War the good warfare, that against sin. When men thrust away faith and a good conscience, they stab their pilot and make shipwreck. See 2Ti_2:17-18; 2Ti_4:14-15.
Also, from another study:
of whom I am chief; or "first"; not that he was the first in time; Adam was the first man that sinned, though Eve was before him in the transgression: it is a most stupid notion, that some gave into from this passage, as if the soul of Adam passed from one body to another, till it came to Paul, and therefore he calls himself the first of sinners: but his meaning is, that he was the first in quality, or the greatest and chiefest of sinners, not only of those that are saved, but of all men, Jews or Gentiles; and this he said not hyperbolically, nor out of modesty, but from a real sense or apprehension he had of himself, and his sins, which were made exceeding sinful to him; or he was the chief of sinners, and exceeded all others in his way of sinning, in blaspheming the name of Christ, and persecuting his saints, otherwise his conversation was externally moral, and in his own, and in the opinion of others, blameless: he was no fornicator, adulterer, thief, extortioner, &c. but in the above things he went beyond all others, and was a ringleader in them; and the remembrance of these sins abode with him, and kept him humble all his days; he was always ready to acknowledge them, and express his vileness and unworthiness on account of them: hence he here says, not "of whom I was", but "of whom I am chief".
Now such sinners, and all sorts of sinners, Christ came to save from all their sins, original and actual; from the law, its curse and condemnation; from the bondage of Satan, the evil of the world, and wrath to come, and from every enemy; and that, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, by fulfilling the law, bearing its penalty, offering himself a sacrifice for sin, thereby finishing it, making reconciliation for it, and bringing in an everlasting righteousness: and a great Saviour he is, and an only one; a full, suitable, able, and willing Saviour; a Saviour of the soul, as well as of the body, and of both with an everlasting salvation." John Gill comm.
I can relate to Paul's life.
I also am a "chief of sinners". If it was not for Jesus-and His great mercy to me, there would be no hope for me. I, along with Paul, can only say-I am a great sinner, but God is greater than my sin. For His own purposes, and glory-He has saved and redeemed me, and because of his blood that covers my sins-I know His saving grace to me.
I've found Jesus word's to be true:
Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
When I came to him, he washed me, and cleansed me of all my sins. His finished work on the cross for me, rendered them "Paid in Full".
My mind cannot fully comprehend this, but the bible teaches me that even when I was deep in sin-Christ had died for me, because of His great love for me.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
There is room at the cross-for you.
Lorna Couillard
1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
In this verse, Paul's thankful heart, and expression of humble gratitude to the Lord, was referring to his past-let's take a look at his life as Saul of Tarsus:
He also consented to Stephens death by stoning:
Saul Ravages the Church
Act 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Act 8:2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Act 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
After his conversion, Paul stands before Agrippa and gives testimony of God's power and mercy to him:
Act 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
Act 26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Act 26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
During the time he persecuted the churches-he was fully involved in putting them in prison, and putting them to death, both men, women and children. After his salvation, there's no doubt the memories of this through the years brought fresh remorse and sorrow to his heart, but also the flood of thanksgiving to God-for His great mercy on him-and then calling him into the ministry.
F.B. Meyer brings clarity to his story:
AN EXAMPLE OF CHRIST’S LONG-SUFFERING
The Apostle breaks off into expressions of heartfelt thanks to God for the abounding grace which had overcome his former obstinacy and blindness. Only his ignorance could palliate his outrage and insult toward Christ, who was now the beloved object of his entire surrender. He had been a blasphemer against God, Act_26:9-11; a persecutor towards his fellow-men, Gal_1:13; injurious, insolent, full of overweening pride. He felt that he had been the chief of sinners, because he had sinned against more knowledge and opportunity than others. It is only when we see God, that we know ourselves and repent in dust and ashes. The Apostle, however, comforted himself in this at least, that through coming time the most hopeless and abandoned sinners would take heart as they considered his case. He was a sample of mercy, a specimen of what Christ could do, an outline sketch to be filled in. Believe on Christ. Faith rests on Christ as foundation. Peter and John use another preposition, toward, or into, i.e., they conceive of union with him, to which all else is preliminary. War the good warfare, that against sin. When men thrust away faith and a good conscience, they stab their pilot and make shipwreck. See 2Ti_2:17-18; 2Ti_4:14-15.
Also, from another study:
of whom I am chief; or "first"; not that he was the first in time; Adam was the first man that sinned, though Eve was before him in the transgression: it is a most stupid notion, that some gave into from this passage, as if the soul of Adam passed from one body to another, till it came to Paul, and therefore he calls himself the first of sinners: but his meaning is, that he was the first in quality, or the greatest and chiefest of sinners, not only of those that are saved, but of all men, Jews or Gentiles; and this he said not hyperbolically, nor out of modesty, but from a real sense or apprehension he had of himself, and his sins, which were made exceeding sinful to him; or he was the chief of sinners, and exceeded all others in his way of sinning, in blaspheming the name of Christ, and persecuting his saints, otherwise his conversation was externally moral, and in his own, and in the opinion of others, blameless: he was no fornicator, adulterer, thief, extortioner, &c. but in the above things he went beyond all others, and was a ringleader in them; and the remembrance of these sins abode with him, and kept him humble all his days; he was always ready to acknowledge them, and express his vileness and unworthiness on account of them: hence he here says, not "of whom I was", but "of whom I am chief".
Now such sinners, and all sorts of sinners, Christ came to save from all their sins, original and actual; from the law, its curse and condemnation; from the bondage of Satan, the evil of the world, and wrath to come, and from every enemy; and that, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, by fulfilling the law, bearing its penalty, offering himself a sacrifice for sin, thereby finishing it, making reconciliation for it, and bringing in an everlasting righteousness: and a great Saviour he is, and an only one; a full, suitable, able, and willing Saviour; a Saviour of the soul, as well as of the body, and of both with an everlasting salvation." John Gill comm.
I can relate to Paul's life.
I also am a "chief of sinners". If it was not for Jesus-and His great mercy to me, there would be no hope for me. I, along with Paul, can only say-I am a great sinner, but God is greater than my sin. For His own purposes, and glory-He has saved and redeemed me, and because of his blood that covers my sins-I know His saving grace to me.
I've found Jesus word's to be true:
Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
When I came to him, he washed me, and cleansed me of all my sins. His finished work on the cross for me, rendered them "Paid in Full".
My mind cannot fully comprehend this, but the bible teaches me that even when I was deep in sin-Christ had died for me, because of His great love for me.
Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Rom 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
There is room at the cross-for you.
Lorna Couillard
FOR HE, HIMSELF IS PURE
To all Pilgrims of Our Lord
To the Pilgrims who walk upon earth
mere strangers here, treated as alien
or madmen.
To the Pilgrims who are persecuted
To the Pilgrims who live in greatest danger.
To the Pilgrims whose hearts are broken.
To the pilgrims who are quickened by
The Holy Spirit to say
'Lord if its Thy Will make me clean today'.
To the Pilgrims who pray assured
'Take my sins & let Thy Light from Heaven
shine through my heart for His names sake,
For He, Himself is Pure'.
To the Pilgrims of sorrow, weariness & pain
God feels ALL, He knows ALL,
As valleys of tears in paradise overflow
the old has gone, come, now, be restored.
For He, Himself is pure.
To the Pilgrims, hold Christ's Doctrine close,
Cleave to His Holy Word as a lamp for thy soul,
a mighty abode of treasures
that can be neither purchased, bartered or sold.
For He, Himself is pure.
The length of the journey is shorter now
arise, the bridegroom awaits.
The Pilgrims have oil that forever flows.
The empty vessels? Yes Yes,
the walking dead have slept away their fate.
The Wrath of Judgement,
see the innocent ascend, set apart,
raised high in Gods Victory
never to see corruption,
never to feel pain.
neither to stand amongst
the dead, the dead,
the dead will all arise, arise, arise again.
Our Lord hastens His Coming
furnished in All Majesty & Glory,
Look,evil trembles in shock,
falling to their knees,
a pagan world that mocked.
Myriads of Angels rise to wash away,
filth and corruption to purify Gods Day
Hail, The Light shines bright, encore
He is Coming, forever His love endures
For He, Himself is pure.
By sanction of a flaming sword,
Behold His Promise is His Word
Be awakened by The Grace of Our Lord
For He Himself is pure.
To all Gods Pilgrims keep the faith ...Amen
To all Pilgrims of Our Lord
To the Pilgrims who walk upon earth
mere strangers here, treated as alien
or madmen.
To the Pilgrims who are persecuted
To the Pilgrims who live in greatest danger.
To the Pilgrims whose hearts are broken.
To the pilgrims who are quickened by
The Holy Spirit to say
'Lord if its Thy Will make me clean today'.
To the Pilgrims who pray assured
'Take my sins & let Thy Light from Heaven
shine through my heart for His names sake,
For He, Himself is Pure'.
To the Pilgrims of sorrow, weariness & pain
God feels ALL, He knows ALL,
As valleys of tears in paradise overflow
the old has gone, come, now, be restored.
For He, Himself is pure.
To the Pilgrims, hold Christ's Doctrine close,
Cleave to His Holy Word as a lamp for thy soul,
a mighty abode of treasures
that can be neither purchased, bartered or sold.
For He, Himself is pure.
The length of the journey is shorter now
arise, the bridegroom awaits.
The Pilgrims have oil that forever flows.
The empty vessels? Yes Yes,
the walking dead have slept away their fate.
The Wrath of Judgement,
see the innocent ascend, set apart,
raised high in Gods Victory
never to see corruption,
never to feel pain.
neither to stand amongst
the dead, the dead,
the dead will all arise, arise, arise again.
Our Lord hastens His Coming
furnished in All Majesty & Glory,
Look,evil trembles in shock,
falling to their knees,
a pagan world that mocked.
Myriads of Angels rise to wash away,
filth and corruption to purify Gods Day
Hail, The Light shines bright, encore
He is Coming, forever His love endures
For He, Himself is pure.
By sanction of a flaming sword,
Behold His Promise is His Word
Be awakened by The Grace of Our Lord
For He Himself is pure.
To all Gods Pilgrims keep the faith ...Amen
GOD'S PARTNERSHIP WITH MAN
"Come now, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh And God said, I AM THAT I AM: Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." — Exo_3:10-14.
NOTHING IS more needed to-day than God's Partnership as a realised fact in Christian experience. Many of us may assent to what is written in these lines, and then put it aside, as a dream which is too ethereal to be of practical service. But when the Apostle said that "our fellowship, i.e. our partnership, is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" it is surely meant that we should enter upon our inheritance. "I AM... " says our great Partner; "fill in your need, and I will meet your demand, according to the riches of My glory in Christ Jesus." Let us tear out the order-forms from God's service-register, fill them up, and present them for delivery. Not one of them would be dishonoured. And if it happened that we had wrongly diagnosed our need, He would erase the demand based on our imperfect knowledge, and substitute what we would ask if we knew. There is nothing more certain than that the more we ask of God, the more pleased He is to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.
Our Lord made use of this incident when He was challenged by the Sadducees to adduce proof of the future life from the Books of Moses. He answered by quoting this paragraph of the burning bush, calling special attention to the fact that Moses referred to God as the "God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob." He said that the use of the present tense—I AM—proved that God is not the God of the dead but of the living, and that all live unto Him.
What a comfort there is in this thought, that our beloved who have passed from us are in-breathing the same atmosphere as we are. We all eat the same spiritual meat and all drink the same spiritual drink. We see in a mirror darkly, but they face to face; but this identity of fellowship, of partnership with the "I AM," the ever-present God who fills heaven and earth, is a proof and a pledge that they have not altered essentially. They are drinking of the same stream higher up and nearer its source: "One family we dwell in him." (from "Our Daily Walk")
To enlarge more on this, Jesus revealed Himself as that one and the same "I AM" to all those in his hearing, when he proclaimed to his accusers:
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
"Come now, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh And God said, I AM THAT I AM: Thus shall thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." — Exo_3:10-14.
NOTHING IS more needed to-day than God's Partnership as a realised fact in Christian experience. Many of us may assent to what is written in these lines, and then put it aside, as a dream which is too ethereal to be of practical service. But when the Apostle said that "our fellowship, i.e. our partnership, is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" it is surely meant that we should enter upon our inheritance. "I AM... " says our great Partner; "fill in your need, and I will meet your demand, according to the riches of My glory in Christ Jesus." Let us tear out the order-forms from God's service-register, fill them up, and present them for delivery. Not one of them would be dishonoured. And if it happened that we had wrongly diagnosed our need, He would erase the demand based on our imperfect knowledge, and substitute what we would ask if we knew. There is nothing more certain than that the more we ask of God, the more pleased He is to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.
Our Lord made use of this incident when He was challenged by the Sadducees to adduce proof of the future life from the Books of Moses. He answered by quoting this paragraph of the burning bush, calling special attention to the fact that Moses referred to God as the "God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob." He said that the use of the present tense—I AM—proved that God is not the God of the dead but of the living, and that all live unto Him.
What a comfort there is in this thought, that our beloved who have passed from us are in-breathing the same atmosphere as we are. We all eat the same spiritual meat and all drink the same spiritual drink. We see in a mirror darkly, but they face to face; but this identity of fellowship, of partnership with the "I AM," the ever-present God who fills heaven and earth, is a proof and a pledge that they have not altered essentially. They are drinking of the same stream higher up and nearer its source: "One family we dwell in him." (from "Our Daily Walk")
To enlarge more on this, Jesus revealed Himself as that one and the same "I AM" to all those in his hearing, when he proclaimed to his accusers:
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Jezebel
The bible first mentions Jezebel in 1Kings chapter 16:31, when Ahab took her for his wife:
1Ki 16:31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.
This begins a long reign of destruction, deceit, and depravity between the two of them. The story of their evil deeds runs through first and second Kings.
A long study on this could be done, but the most important points to bring out in this woman's life are:
1. Open hatred of God, and his people. She will feign worship of her choice of gods-as a cover. She really worships herself.
2. Aggressive hostility and hatred of those who preach/teach God's word-and actively working to destroy true men/women of God called to his service. Witches, those deeply involved in cults, and Satanists are possessed with this demonic spirit.
3. Total immorality, and uses every kind of seduction to achieve her own goals.
People oppressed with this spirit will stop at nothing to gain the power and control to get their way-The ultimate goal is total control-and if she can do it-your death.
We are shown in the accounts in the gospels of John the Baptist being imprisoned, and beheaded because of the treachery of Herodias and her daughter as they both conspired, by the daughters lustful dancing, and the bribe it won them- to get him killed. They both were possessed with the spirit of Jezebel. See Mat 14:8-11. Mark 6:25-28
Many marriages are brought to ruin, by this same spirit.
I could name several political women who fit this description perfectly; and sadly many women in the business world.
1Ki 16:31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.
This begins a long reign of destruction, deceit, and depravity between the two of them. The story of their evil deeds runs through first and second Kings.
A long study on this could be done, but the most important points to bring out in this woman's life are:
1. Open hatred of God, and his people. She will feign worship of her choice of gods-as a cover. She really worships herself.
2. Aggressive hostility and hatred of those who preach/teach God's word-and actively working to destroy true men/women of God called to his service. Witches, those deeply involved in cults, and Satanists are possessed with this demonic spirit.
3. Total immorality, and uses every kind of seduction to achieve her own goals.
People oppressed with this spirit will stop at nothing to gain the power and control to get their way-The ultimate goal is total control-and if she can do it-your death.
We are shown in the accounts in the gospels of John the Baptist being imprisoned, and beheaded because of the treachery of Herodias and her daughter as they both conspired, by the daughters lustful dancing, and the bribe it won them- to get him killed. They both were possessed with the spirit of Jezebel. See Mat 14:8-11. Mark 6:25-28
Many marriages are brought to ruin, by this same spirit.
I could name several political women who fit this description perfectly; and sadly many women in the business world.
She is relentless in her attempt to destroy Elijah, but does not succeed. After Elijah's translation to heaven, Elisha commissions a young prophet to speak judgment on both Ahab and Jezebel in 2 Kings ch. 9:
2Ki 9:6 And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.
2Ki 9:7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.
2Ki 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:
2Ki 9:9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:
2Ki 9:10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.
The account of this prophecy fulfilled can be read in 2Ki 9:35-36
2Ki 9:31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
2Ki 9:32 And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
2Ki 9:33 And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.
2Ki 9:34 And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter.
2Ki 9:35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
2Ki 9:36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:
2Ki 9:37 And the carcass of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.
As we can see, God was meticulous in His detail of her destruction. It should give us cause to be well warned, and examine ourselves, to see if there is anything of her wicked traits in our character; and quickly go to our knees-and pray earnestly-to be forgiven, and delivered from all of it-so we do not meet a similar fate.
David Wilkerson - Eating and Drinking- https://youtu.be/Lm2PAfaloYI
2Ki 9:6 And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel.
2Ki 9:7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.
2Ki 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:
2Ki 9:9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:
2Ki 9:10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled.
The account of this prophecy fulfilled can be read in 2Ki 9:35-36
2Ki 9:31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?
2Ki 9:32 And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.
2Ki 9:33 And he said, Throw her down. So they threw her down: and some of her blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and he trode her under foot.
2Ki 9:34 And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said, Go, see now this cursed woman, and bury her: for she is a king's daughter.
2Ki 9:35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.
2Ki 9:36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel:
2Ki 9:37 And the carcass of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.
As we can see, God was meticulous in His detail of her destruction. It should give us cause to be well warned, and examine ourselves, to see if there is anything of her wicked traits in our character; and quickly go to our knees-and pray earnestly-to be forgiven, and delivered from all of it-so we do not meet a similar fate.
David Wilkerson - Eating and Drinking- https://youtu.be/Lm2PAfaloYI
What is God's Viewpoint on Immorality?
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mat 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Mat 19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Mat 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Pro 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain,.... A well favoured look, a graceful countenance, symmetry and proportion of parts, natural or artificial beauty, are vain and deceitful; oftentimes under them lies an ill natured, deformed, and depraved mind; nor is the pleasure and satisfaction enjoyed as is promised along with these; and particularly how do they fade (e) and consume away by a fit of illness, and through old age, and at last by death? And so vain and deceitful are the favour and beauty, the artificial paintings, of Jezebel, that whore of Rome; all her meretricious deckings, dressings, and ornaments; her gaudy pomp and show in her worship, and the places of it; see Rev_17:4. Jarchi interprets this of the grandeur and glory of the kings of the nations;
but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised; any single individual, man or woman, that fears the Lord; or a collective body of them, a society consisting of such persons, as the true church of Christ does; who have the grace of fear in their hearts, which is the beginning of wisdom, and includes the whole of religious worship, internal and external, private and public: such are taken notice of and highly valued by the Lord; his eye is upon them; his hand communicates to them much grace; and many benefits are bestowed upon them here, and great honour is conferred upon them, and great goodness is laid up for them. John Gill comm.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain,.... A well favoured look, a graceful countenance, symmetry and proportion of parts, natural or artificial beauty, are vain and deceitful; oftentimes under them lies an ill natured, deformed, and depraved mind; nor is the pleasure and satisfaction enjoyed as is promised along with these; and particularly how do they fade (e) and consume away by a fit of illness, and through old age, and at last by death? And so vain and deceitful are the favour and beauty, the artificial paintings, of Jezebel, that whore of Rome; all her meretricious deckings, dressings, and ornaments; her gaudy pomp and show in her worship, and the places of it; see Rev_17:4. Jarchi interprets this of the grandeur and glory of the kings of the nations;
but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised; any single individual, man or woman, that fears the Lord; or a collective body of them, a society consisting of such persons, as the true church of Christ does; who have the grace of fear in their hearts, which is the beginning of wisdom, and includes the whole of religious worship, internal and external, private and public: such are taken notice of and highly valued by the Lord; his eye is upon them; his hand communicates to them much grace; and many benefits are bestowed upon them here, and great honour is conferred upon them, and great goodness is laid up for them. John Gill comm.
Following God-By Choice
When I first was saved, the first thing the Holy Spirit began to deal with me about was my conduct, and what God desired of me as a woman. He's still teaching me today, and He always gives us free choice, to heed His word, or go our own way. I'm also still learning-it's to my benefit to obey the Lord's instructions, and apply them to my life.
I've been accused of being hard on women, and too critical; I've been the most critical of myself over the years, as I've read what scripture teaches about women, put it into practice in my own life. and allowed it to transform me. I'm far from being what God wants of me I'm sure, but I'm not what I was when He first saved me-and I intend to continue to let the word of God renew me, and change me. I've learned if I'm a woman who fears the Lord-I will want to obey Him. I may fail, and may have to endure chastisement. But I'd rather be chastised, knowing I belong to Him, and know He's correcting me for my own good, than keep going down a wrong road that will lead to destruction. The best decision to make is be quick to repent, and quick to make the changes to align myself with the Lord. This is what opens the way for God to bless us, and restore us
I've sat under many godly women, and those who were true to the bible, would teach it as it was written, whether anyone liked it, or not. As a bible teacher myself-I've found this to be all-important. I'm going to teach the scriptures on what it says about women-no matter the outcome. I'm not going to just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear-in order for the Holy Spirit to bring the needed conviction, and prick your conscience, even if it makes you angry. I care enough about your soul, and hope for your salvation-to teach the verses you'd never want to hear-hoping it will get you to turn around, and give your life to the Lord.
For many months after my salvation, I would sit alone and study the scriptures and go to the Lord about what the verses were teaching me. The word of God reveals us to ourselves. When this happens to people who don't want to see themselves as God does, they close the book and won't allow it to change them.
I watch with sadness as many young women do the same as I did before coming to the Lord; to get attention, or make a statement. It does make a statement; but not in a godly way. For example: When I was still a teenager, many girls were getting their ears pierced, and some also pierced their noses. I had my ears pierced, and over the years, a few times they became infected, and I'd have to stop wearing earrings until they healed. It didn't happen because of being unclean-my doctor said it happened to many women with piercings. Later, after my salvation, I began to study what the bible taught on the subject, and found I was putting myself in bondage spiritually by doing this. I repented and stopped wearing earrings, and hoped they would completely heal over, but to this day-over 40 yrs. later, the imprints of the piercings are still in my lobes.
If your a young woman who has pierced your ears, nose or any other part of your body-you are sending a message in the spirit realm; you've put yourself in bondage, and are broadcasting it. If you have a pierced nose- you are representing a sow, or cow bound; and allowing yourself to be led by the nose. Jesus can set you free-and you don't need a ring in your nose, or any part of your body. You were made to glorify the Lord-not the devil.
Deu 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
Lev 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Jer 16:6 Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:
New Testament scripture gives more clarification-we are bought with a price, we are not our own:
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
You may have been brought up, and taught in school that we are just animals, and can do anything we want, with no consequences. That's a devils lie. We were born to glorify God, and obey His commandments. He wants us to live forever with Him, in heaven. But, we'll only get there by turning from our sin, and obeying His word.
Once you've lost your youthful beauty, and find yourself in old age-the mutilations you've done to yourself-will do you no favors. They add nothing to your charm, or attractiveness, when the wrinkles and sags take over. Another aspect to this that you won't hear talked about much-is the possibilities of getting a serious case of skin cancer, which can lead to surgeries, and there's cases of those who do not recover, and the cancer eats away at the skin, and some have suffered greatly from years of treatments and the disease spreading throughout the body. Some have died long, agonizing years like this, because of them. I never regret not going any further, and not getting tattoos.
A study of Proverbs ch. 31 was one of the first things I did. It speaks of the many godly characteristics of a wise woman, who follows God. Faithful, diligent, hard working, honest, cares for her family and provides for them, a good business woman. It is worth taking the time to go into it.
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Pro 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
F.B. Meyer gives a very good commentary on the Proverb 31 woman-
“HER WORKS PRAISE HER”
The ideal woman, as portrayed here, is a wife. She is the stay and confidence of her husband. Not only when she comes as a young bride into his home, in the glory and beauty of her youth, nor only when her womanly beauty holds his admiration, but long after and to the end of life she does him good. She is always busy. She is thrifty in administering his earnings. If he brings the money to her, she expends it economically for their common weal. When a friend of mine was sixty, his wife came to him with an annuity which she had purchased for them both, by her wise administration of the money entrusted to her through forty years of married life.
It is in the home-place that the man’s strength is gathered for public life. The woman in the home communicates the inspiration and strength which make him “known in the gates.” Her secret, unobtrusive loyalty, counsel, and thrift inspire a growing depth of appreciation; so that the man who chose her in the spring will say of her amid the snows of age, “Other women may be good and true, but ‘thou excellest them all.’”
In the New Testamant, it goes deeper into godliness, and good character. These verses show us what a godly woman should exemplify.
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. See also 1Tim 2:9-10, Psa 45:13
This is a world that tells you that what you wear, how you look, and what you project is all important. These verses go against everything the world teaches. This is why they are largely ignored, or mocked and laughed at.
During the years I was divorced from Lynn, it was the scriptures that held me fast, and kept me praying for a reconciliation, when everybody I knew was telling me to give up. It was the scriptures that helped me to keep living for God, and doing what was right, whether or not anybody else understood, or cared. God kept His word, and we were remarried. Greater obstacles, and trials awaited, but God was there when they came as well, and kept His word to me through all of them also. The greater the storms, the greater God's word prevailed. Like the song says, the ship is battered, but the anchor holds.
It's the final destination that matters-eternity is in view. Heaven is my goal, and am determined to not allow this worlds goods to trip me, or turn me aside to the lust, and goods that rust. I'm laying up my treasure where neither moth nor rust can corrupt what God has prepared for me in heaven. I pray you will make the same decision.
It is possible to be a strong woman, and be compassionate, honest, and walk in integrity. Being meek doesn't mean weak. People may lie, and spread slander, but if you are walking your life out for the Lord, your heart will remain steadfast, no matter what anyone does or says about you. If you've been in deep sin before your salvation, God's word is clear. His forgiveness washes us clean, He forgives, and He forgets. It does not matter whether anyone else forgives, His love and grace is enough. The power of the Holy Spirit within will give the strength to help you make changes in your life to please the Lord, and establish His peace in your life. If you stumble and fall, He will forgive and restore, again. The world is a very cruel, merciless place; but under the shadow of the Almighty, we always will find a refuge, and strength to get back up, and go on again.
The next verses goes into the life of women who are widowed, but also women's conduct in general. It is brutally honest about human nature without God:
1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
During the years I worked with the elderly, I saw and heard a great deal of things that most people don't want to hear about. Abuses, ill treatment of elders, neglect, etc., which has made me outspoken against these issues, and am willing to pay the cost of speaking up.
I also know that younger women in the business world can, and do make it very difficult for other's if they are not catered to, or their conduct is brought up. They can make someone else's life very difficult and they know all the ways to do it. A woman who has no moral compass will use any strategy to get their way, whether it's lying, slander, manipulation; to them the end justifies the means. I've watched it and observed it over and over, it's sad to see what they will stoop to, but the worst of it is, what it's doing to themselves. Think about Hillary Clinton, and women like her.
I've been on the receiving end of some of this, but it doesn't bother me, it just proves my point. I avoid these kind of women, not out of fear; but what the truth of this verse tells me:
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
At the end of your life, what kind of path will you have left behind you, and what do you want to look back and see? What pattern of influence do you want to leave behind you? I keep this in the forefront of my mind, and then turn around, face the road in front of me, and walk it out with the scriptures shared here as my guide.
Lorna Couillard
When I first was saved, the first thing the Holy Spirit began to deal with me about was my conduct, and what God desired of me as a woman. He's still teaching me today, and He always gives us free choice, to heed His word, or go our own way. I'm also still learning-it's to my benefit to obey the Lord's instructions, and apply them to my life.
I've been accused of being hard on women, and too critical; I've been the most critical of myself over the years, as I've read what scripture teaches about women, put it into practice in my own life. and allowed it to transform me. I'm far from being what God wants of me I'm sure, but I'm not what I was when He first saved me-and I intend to continue to let the word of God renew me, and change me. I've learned if I'm a woman who fears the Lord-I will want to obey Him. I may fail, and may have to endure chastisement. But I'd rather be chastised, knowing I belong to Him, and know He's correcting me for my own good, than keep going down a wrong road that will lead to destruction. The best decision to make is be quick to repent, and quick to make the changes to align myself with the Lord. This is what opens the way for God to bless us, and restore us
I've sat under many godly women, and those who were true to the bible, would teach it as it was written, whether anyone liked it, or not. As a bible teacher myself-I've found this to be all-important. I'm going to teach the scriptures on what it says about women-no matter the outcome. I'm not going to just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear-in order for the Holy Spirit to bring the needed conviction, and prick your conscience, even if it makes you angry. I care enough about your soul, and hope for your salvation-to teach the verses you'd never want to hear-hoping it will get you to turn around, and give your life to the Lord.
For many months after my salvation, I would sit alone and study the scriptures and go to the Lord about what the verses were teaching me. The word of God reveals us to ourselves. When this happens to people who don't want to see themselves as God does, they close the book and won't allow it to change them.
I watch with sadness as many young women do the same as I did before coming to the Lord; to get attention, or make a statement. It does make a statement; but not in a godly way. For example: When I was still a teenager, many girls were getting their ears pierced, and some also pierced their noses. I had my ears pierced, and over the years, a few times they became infected, and I'd have to stop wearing earrings until they healed. It didn't happen because of being unclean-my doctor said it happened to many women with piercings. Later, after my salvation, I began to study what the bible taught on the subject, and found I was putting myself in bondage spiritually by doing this. I repented and stopped wearing earrings, and hoped they would completely heal over, but to this day-over 40 yrs. later, the imprints of the piercings are still in my lobes.
If your a young woman who has pierced your ears, nose or any other part of your body-you are sending a message in the spirit realm; you've put yourself in bondage, and are broadcasting it. If you have a pierced nose- you are representing a sow, or cow bound; and allowing yourself to be led by the nose. Jesus can set you free-and you don't need a ring in your nose, or any part of your body. You were made to glorify the Lord-not the devil.
Deu 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.
Lev 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Jer 16:6 Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:
New Testament scripture gives more clarification-we are bought with a price, we are not our own:
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
You may have been brought up, and taught in school that we are just animals, and can do anything we want, with no consequences. That's a devils lie. We were born to glorify God, and obey His commandments. He wants us to live forever with Him, in heaven. But, we'll only get there by turning from our sin, and obeying His word.
Once you've lost your youthful beauty, and find yourself in old age-the mutilations you've done to yourself-will do you no favors. They add nothing to your charm, or attractiveness, when the wrinkles and sags take over. Another aspect to this that you won't hear talked about much-is the possibilities of getting a serious case of skin cancer, which can lead to surgeries, and there's cases of those who do not recover, and the cancer eats away at the skin, and some have suffered greatly from years of treatments and the disease spreading throughout the body. Some have died long, agonizing years like this, because of them. I never regret not going any further, and not getting tattoos.
A study of Proverbs ch. 31 was one of the first things I did. It speaks of the many godly characteristics of a wise woman, who follows God. Faithful, diligent, hard working, honest, cares for her family and provides for them, a good business woman. It is worth taking the time to go into it.
The Woman Who Fears the Lord
Pro 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Pro 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Pro 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Pro 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Pro 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Pro 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Pro 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Pro 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Pro 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
F.B. Meyer gives a very good commentary on the Proverb 31 woman-
“HER WORKS PRAISE HER”
The ideal woman, as portrayed here, is a wife. She is the stay and confidence of her husband. Not only when she comes as a young bride into his home, in the glory and beauty of her youth, nor only when her womanly beauty holds his admiration, but long after and to the end of life she does him good. She is always busy. She is thrifty in administering his earnings. If he brings the money to her, she expends it economically for their common weal. When a friend of mine was sixty, his wife came to him with an annuity which she had purchased for them both, by her wise administration of the money entrusted to her through forty years of married life.
It is in the home-place that the man’s strength is gathered for public life. The woman in the home communicates the inspiration and strength which make him “known in the gates.” Her secret, unobtrusive loyalty, counsel, and thrift inspire a growing depth of appreciation; so that the man who chose her in the spring will say of her amid the snows of age, “Other women may be good and true, but ‘thou excellest them all.’”
In the New Testamant, it goes deeper into godliness, and good character. These verses show us what a godly woman should exemplify.
1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. See also 1Tim 2:9-10, Psa 45:13
This is a world that tells you that what you wear, how you look, and what you project is all important. These verses go against everything the world teaches. This is why they are largely ignored, or mocked and laughed at.
During the years I was divorced from Lynn, it was the scriptures that held me fast, and kept me praying for a reconciliation, when everybody I knew was telling me to give up. It was the scriptures that helped me to keep living for God, and doing what was right, whether or not anybody else understood, or cared. God kept His word, and we were remarried. Greater obstacles, and trials awaited, but God was there when they came as well, and kept His word to me through all of them also. The greater the storms, the greater God's word prevailed. Like the song says, the ship is battered, but the anchor holds.
It's the final destination that matters-eternity is in view. Heaven is my goal, and am determined to not allow this worlds goods to trip me, or turn me aside to the lust, and goods that rust. I'm laying up my treasure where neither moth nor rust can corrupt what God has prepared for me in heaven. I pray you will make the same decision.
It is possible to be a strong woman, and be compassionate, honest, and walk in integrity. Being meek doesn't mean weak. People may lie, and spread slander, but if you are walking your life out for the Lord, your heart will remain steadfast, no matter what anyone does or says about you. If you've been in deep sin before your salvation, God's word is clear. His forgiveness washes us clean, He forgives, and He forgets. It does not matter whether anyone else forgives, His love and grace is enough. The power of the Holy Spirit within will give the strength to help you make changes in your life to please the Lord, and establish His peace in your life. If you stumble and fall, He will forgive and restore, again. The world is a very cruel, merciless place; but under the shadow of the Almighty, we always will find a refuge, and strength to get back up, and go on again.
The next verses goes into the life of women who are widowed, but also women's conduct in general. It is brutally honest about human nature without God:
1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
During the years I worked with the elderly, I saw and heard a great deal of things that most people don't want to hear about. Abuses, ill treatment of elders, neglect, etc., which has made me outspoken against these issues, and am willing to pay the cost of speaking up.
I also know that younger women in the business world can, and do make it very difficult for other's if they are not catered to, or their conduct is brought up. They can make someone else's life very difficult and they know all the ways to do it. A woman who has no moral compass will use any strategy to get their way, whether it's lying, slander, manipulation; to them the end justifies the means. I've watched it and observed it over and over, it's sad to see what they will stoop to, but the worst of it is, what it's doing to themselves. Think about Hillary Clinton, and women like her.
I've been on the receiving end of some of this, but it doesn't bother me, it just proves my point. I avoid these kind of women, not out of fear; but what the truth of this verse tells me:
Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
At the end of your life, what kind of path will you have left behind you, and what do you want to look back and see? What pattern of influence do you want to leave behind you? I keep this in the forefront of my mind, and then turn around, face the road in front of me, and walk it out with the scriptures shared here as my guide.
Lorna Couillard
