Author: Kate Plourde Page 48 of 59

Are We in the End Times? Day 20

On December 9, 2021

(2Ti 3:5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Good morning! There are times that I am excited to sit at my laptop and embark on the writing for the day. I look forward to writing but I must say it is not always enjoyable. I’m led to humbly beg God: Heavenly Father, my heart weighs heavy on today’s topic! I pray that You will illuminate and inspire so that the words written are not of my own fleshly thoughts but those inspired by You, Lord. Please have mercy on those who read it and guide them through Your words. Inspire them with the Truth of those words and show them the Blessed light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. In Him, we receive His grace to be saved and I am so grateful for that grace and mercy. I don’t deserve salvation but I praise You for providing Your own Son to die for me so that I may spend eternity with You! I ask all these things in Christ’s precious and beloved Name! Amen!

Oh my word, today’s verse is one that truly disturbs me to my core! I shudder because the end times will be a time of godlessness. However, this verse says they will have a “form of godliness.” I see this godliness to be a deception, don’t you? One that has been culminating over the past few decades and now will be epitomized as the one-world religion. Do you remember when I previously shared with you how Satan is disguised as an angel of light? He and his workers will lead many to believe they are on the right path.

(2 Co 11:14-15) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

These end times are riddled with this type of religious person. They go to church and sit in their pew. They listen to the preaching but don’t change. Some churches have a short homily and the attendees leave just as sinful as when they first went in. What’s worse is that their pastor or minister is in the same sinful state as his congregants.

I challenge you, readers, to seek the Scriptures for yourself and prove me wrong. It is no small thing that the devil uses today’s sin in verse 5 to lead many astray! Please don’t be one of them!

This form of godliness is hypocrisy! It reminds me of the Pharisees in Jesus’ days. This was a display of religion on the outside and the devil on the inside. Paul tells us in today’s verse to turn away from people like this! Jesus didn’t mince words at all. He said:

(Mat 23:15) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
(Mat 23:27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

The hypocrite plays at religion and does it well. He may know his Bible, he may even be able to show you the plan of salvation. But hidden in his heart is deception. This is what we are seeing today. Tele-evangelists preaching but only to receive money! They are “religious salesmen” at best. They twist God’s holy Word to meet their own lustful needs.

It is so sad to me because the unbelieving world sees this hypocrisy and thinks all Christianity is like this. IF you are like this “Christian” and think yourself saved, you must search your heart! If you say that Christ dwells in you, are a reprobate?

(2 Co 13:5) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

A reprobate is one who is totally abandoned himself to sin. He first tasted the truth of the Gospel but never actually allowed that seed to be sown on the good soil of his heart. It was good for a time. This was evident in the Corinthian church – they were known as a very carnal church. Many were not saved yet they were accepted into the church and spreading their sin. Paul had to reprimand them several times for their worldliness.

Examine yourself, Christian. If you find yourself straying in your faith, you must first humble yourself and ask the Lord’s forgiveness. Repent of this form of godliness and hypocrisy and turn from your wicked ways. It is Christ’s life that we are to pattern ourselves after, amen? It is your life that the unsaved world is looking at to see Christ. You are first a “walking Bible” that people are looking at.

Now if you are not born again, no amount of going to church or doing good things makes you a Christian. You can sit in your garage 24-7 but it will not make you a car! It doesn’t matter if you belong to the biggest or best church on earth. Membership is not a pre-requisite to going to Heaven. Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to His baptism:

(Mat 3:7-9) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8) Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: (9) And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

If your spouse is born again and you’re not, you won’t be able to hold his/her hand when the Rapture happens! My husband said that to me many years ago. He thought it was funny then but it’s not funny at all. Each one of us has to make an individual and personal choice to either accept or reject Christ’s death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The Bible says that there has to be shed blood/death in order for there to be salvation:

(Mat 26:28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Jesus had to die in order to shed His own blood because the blood of lambs could not forgive sins. These sacrifices were a teaching tool pointing the Jews to their Messiah, Who would die and shed His own blood for their sins. Reader, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God! (Romans 3:23). The penalty for not accepting Christ’s salvation through His blood is death.

(Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Eze 18:4) Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

You cannot be part of a church or take part in that church’s rules and rituals and expect to go to Heaven. This is not how the Bible says it must be. Take a look at each of those rules/rituals. Does your church say you have to be baptized? Death is not required to partake in baptism. Does your church say you have to have to be a member? Death is not required here either. Does your church say you have to do good works? Again, death is not required.

The only time death was required was when Christ died on the cross and His shed blood as forgiveness for your sin. Once you accept His payment for the price of your penalties, your sins are forgiven and you are born again! The first time you were born, you were born in the flesh. This time, you are born of the spirit! There’s a saying I once heard and I love how it explains the difference:

Born once, die twice; born twice, die once!

I don’t know who said it but it’s quite applicable. If you insist on having a form of godliness and denying the power thereof, you will die twice; once at your physical death and again at your spiritual death when you are judged by God and cast into the Lake of Fire.

(Rev 20:11-15) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

If you are born twice (at birth and when you’re born again), you die a physical death but then your soul automatically goes to Heaven and you will not suffer that second death!

(Php 4:3) And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
(2 Co 5:8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

If you happen to be reading this and are not saved, it is no coincidence. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Are We in the End Times? Day 19

By Kate Plourde

On December 8, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

What brings you pleasure, Reader? There are many different answers; especially today! This sin says that in the end times, people will be lovers of pleasure MORE than lovers of God. I believe everyone is guilty of this at some point or another – even Christians. Lovers of pleasures comes in different forms. There are so many worldly pleasures today: cell phones, drugs and alcohol, video games, theme parks, cruises, etc. Somewhere, someone will come up with something pleasurable which will distract the population even more.

But do pleasures really distract from God? As I said yesterday, the devil is hard at work trying to distract mankind from anything spiritual. He does not want man thinking about God and has, therefore, created so many pleasures to capture man’s attention. Just 200 years ago, there were few things distracting people, such as newspapers or town gossip. They did have telephones or televisions to distract them. They were busy with chores because they didn’t have modern conveniences. Today, we are bombarded with information all around us. It’s easy to find anything we want at the touch of our fingertips.

Here’s an assignment for you: take an inventory of the pleasures in your life and put them under one of two columns: Worldly and Godly. Do the results speak to you? I’m as guilty as the next person and this is convicting! Thank You, Lord! Nothing should be put ahead of God.

Putting God at the center of our pleasures will not only benefit us spiritually, but will be an act of obedience. The Bible has a lot to say about this:

(Mat 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
(Col 3:2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
(Rom 8:5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Is it any wonder that this sin is in the list for the end times? Just when I think technology can’t get any more advanced, I hear of something new! Just another attempt of Satan’s to distract people away from God. The result is lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. I don’t want to be in that category! I want the Lord to find me faithful and focused when He returns. I want to hear these words from the Lord:

(Mat 25:23) His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Are We in the End Times? Day 18

By Kate Plourde

On December 7, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

As I sit here in the wee hours this morning, I think of households waking up and going about their daily lives without any thoughts of God in their lives. How very sad it is that they do not have the privilege of approaching God’s throne and sharing what is on their heart! Most precious Heavenly Father, what would my life be like without You in it? Where would I be? I dare say that I would be in that place prepared for the devil and his angels, burning and suffering, for all eternity! I’m so thankful that You sent my dearest friend to show me how to be born again before I went through with my thoughts of ending my life! Thank You, Lord for your endless mercy! Thank You for the opportunity to tell others about You! Thank You for watching over me and keeping me under Your wings! Please bless this post today and lead others to it so they may be saved! In Jesus’ precious and holy Name I pray! Amen!

The Apostle Paul covered so many words in the first nine verses of 2 Timothy! Each word has to be taken all the more seriously because of the times in which we live. We are to take them as a warning; whether it is for you personally or for you to warn others. Salvation is for you personally! You are no better than anyone else and in need of forgiveness, just as much as that bum you look down upon. In fact, you need salvation more because it will be easier for a bum to get saved. That bum isn’t presumptuous at all. In fact, he knows the state he’s in better than you do.

That word highminded is an easy word and its definition isn’t complicated. It’s just another term for being proud or arrogant and it most definitely describes the attitude of many today. If it weren’t true, mankind would be humble and we all know this is not the case. Just try telling someone about the Lord and see the reaction you get. Man’s thoughts are not on spiritual matters. They do not see their sin and think they are above needing a Saviour. But alas, they are displaying the spirit of the antichrist. Lucifer was cast out of Heaven because of the sin of pride – he was highminded. The sins go hand-in-hand.

(Isa 14:12-15) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (15) Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Lucifer (Satan) was so highminded and proud that he thought he could do better than God. So are the highminded people who live in today’s world. They think they don’t need God because they’re doing fine on their own. They attribute their success to their own efforts.

Our churches are filled with people but their hearts aren’t in it for God. They go through the motions but there’s no desire to have a close relationship with Him. Then once church is over, they’ve done their duty and they move on with their lives – lives that do not change.

(Mat 15:8-9) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

It is this same high-mindedness, this pride and arrogance, that makes man think he is better than the prostitute, bum, or better than the drug addict. “As long as I don’t do what they do, I’m doing OK.” But are you? This contempt of others only serves to make the heart cold to the things of God. One presumes that he’s doing OK but that is the furthest thing from the truth. Just as Lucifer exalted himself, the world is doing the same today.

We must point people to Christ. He came to die for their sins as well.

(Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

This sin is no better or worse than let’s say lying. Any sin keeps us from entering Heaven; even just one sin. It is difficult to admit you need a Saviour if you suffer from the sin of high-mindedness/pride. However, it is not impossible. This sin makes one think you’re too good to go to Hell. Maybe you don’t even believe in Hell. I would rather be born again and find out that there is a Heaven and Hell than not believing and finding out it is real. What have you to lose? You have everything to gain by humbling yourself before God and admitting you are in need of salvation!

The devil knows his time is short and does not want anyone to get saved. The Holy Spirit of God is hard at work in these last days and is delaying the Rapture so that one more soul can be saved. Can that soul be you? Don’t let the sin of high-mindedness keep you from being born again. If you are born again and are guilty of this sin, confess and forsake it. You are no better than anyone else in the eyes of God. All are equal to Him.

Jump to Day 19

Are We in the End Times? Day 17

By Kate Plourde

On December 6, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Good morning! Thank you for joining me this morning! My prayer today, “Most Gracious, Heavenly Father, You are such a wonderful Father to me! My heart is full of gratitude for the countless blessings and loving care that You provide to me. Lord, I pray that what is written on this blog leads others to You, either for salvation or a closer relationship with You. May You use it for Your glory, Father. May Christ’s blessed light and truth shine here! I pray these things in His precious, precious Name, the Name above all names, the Alpha and Omega, the King of Glory, the LORD of Lords, my Saviour, Amen!

Now on to our next word: it is not used very often in the English language. I’ve actually never read this word except here in the Scriptures. Although I got the gist of what Paul was trying to communicate, I still had to look it up. What I thought was the gist was just the tip of the iceburg:

HEADY, a. hed’y. [See Head.] Rash; hasty; precipitate; violent; disposed to rush forward in an enterprise without thought or deliberation; hurried on by will or passion; ungovernable.

I may sound like a broken record (for those of you who even know what a record is 😂), but does not this sound like it was just written this year? The Bible is not some ancient book, friend. It is living and breathes afresh each and every day; each and every time we open its pages, we are able to read something that is fresh and new and applicable to our lives … right now!

(1Pe 1:23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Jesus Christ did not leave this earth so mankind could wallow in their sin. He provided mankind with salvation through His shed blood on the cross. He also left us with the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity. That same Holy Spirit who abided with the disciples, abides within every born again believer!

Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

The world as we knew it has changed. Unless there is total repentance in our beloved Country, we are headed toward a very deep precipice; one where there is no return. No other time in U.S. history have people rushed to conclusions without thought! Thinking for one’s self is no longer a part of someone’s character. Instead, it has been replaced with threatening and aggressive responses. This generation has become one that rushes into judgment without research. They plow ahead and join up with likeminded, ungovernable individuals with intent to destroy anyone who doesn’t agree with them; even if they are wrong. No research is done with these individuals. They will take the opposite side of what is right every time. What an excellent definition for “heady,” amen?

Does this scare you? It should, if you’re not born again! The born again believer has the power of the Holy Spirit in his life. This Holy Spirit is God Himself and can help the believer to overcome fear: at least He did in my life! I don’t fear what is coming but rejoicing that I am one day closer to Christ’s return! If you are saved, then do the work of an evangelist! Tell others about Christ and His precious salvation. Once He returns for us in the Rapture, our work here is finished.

(2Ti 4:5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Jump to Day 18

Are We in the End Times? Day 16

By Kate Plourde

On December 5, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Good morning, Reader! I pray you are being blessed by this series! Please leave me a comment, whether you’re in agreement or not. Today’s word was an eyeopener for me. I always thought the a traitor was a person who betrayed his country, like Benedict Arnold. But as I studied this word, I discovered there was a tad more to it!

Luk 6:16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
(Act 7:52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

The same Greek word was used in today’s verse as well as the other two above:

G4273
προδότης
prodotēs
prod-ot’-ace
From G4272 (in the sense of giving forward into another’s [the enemy’s] hands); a surrender: – betrayer, traitor.
Total KJV occurrences: 3

Did you happen to notice that these two verses refer to Jesus’ betrayal? It causes me to think that the third occurrence of this same Greek word in 2 Timothy 3:4 could be referring to betrayers of Christ as well. If so, how much more have we seen the great falling away in Christianity than today? According to the Pew Research Center:

Currently, 43% of U.S. adults identify with Protestantism, down from 51% in 2009.

The 43% of those who identify with Protestantism (any religion that is not Catholic) does not mean that they are born again believers. It’s easy to do a Google search to find out just how many born again Christians there really are – and who is to know if they are truly born again or just saying they are because their parents were.

(Luk 18:8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

There are a lot of “Christians” out their in name only. They don’t read their Bibles, they don’t pray, nor do they practice the basic tenets of the faith. They have become as traitors to the very faith on which this country was founded. Our Constitution was built on this faith and Scripture is strewn throughout many of our government buildings and monuments. Granted our country was not without sin or error. But its foundation was solid until 1963.

There are many betrayers (traitors) of the faith. Satan is at the root of them all. Christ called Peter out on it when Peter didn’t want to admit that Jesus would be killed:

(Mat 16:23) But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Jesus wasn’t saying that Peter was Satan but that Peter was speaking with the “spirit of Satan” – Peter wanted to stop the fact that Jesus would die. But the Scriptures had to be fulfilled so Christ could bear our sins on the cross. Scripture will also be fulfilled when Jesus comes again.

Religious people can be compared to traitors just as Judas Iscariot. They don’t point to salvation through Jesus Christ – instead they’re more interested in filling their pews and getting monetary gain. Isn’t this betraying the cause of Christ? Are we born again Christians any different? Are we also traitors of the cause of Christ? The decline of Christianity in America doesn’t lie on the shoulders of the unsaved. It rests on the shoulders of every born again believer because we are not actively telling others about Christ’s payment for their sin and His plan of salvation.

Search your heart, reader! Have you slacked off and, therefore, betrayed Jesus and His gospel? Or are you someone who was led to this blog in search of some answers. If you happen to be reading this and are not saved, it is no coincidence. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Jump to Day 17

Are We in the End Times? Day 15

By Kate Plourde

On December 4, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

As we continue with this series, I pray that you realize that these posts are not based on my opinions. I provide Scriptures for everything so that you can know the truth. Some of my own family despise my boldness for the Lord. But it’s not me they hate. It’s God, whether they want to admit it or not.

Jesus said that when we began to see certain signs, we would be able to recognize that we are at the “beginning of sorrows.” I quote scripture because I know that God’s word is Truth!

(Mat 24:4-8) And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. &7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Today’s sin goes hand-in-hand with these verses. We have wars in the Middle East and rumors of greater wars coming. We also have nation rising against nation, especially against Israel. We also have famines and pestilences like we’ve never had before. Covid-19 has affected the whole world. There has never been a pestilence that has affected every single nation on this earth! This is certainly monumental!

Most countries who don’t practice democracy are anti Christian. This is why democracy is so important for our country. You can be certain that Christians will be persecuted if our country abandons democracy. Open Doors USA yearly publishes the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted; there are currently 65 countries in total who do so but they list the top 50. When we stop to look at statistics, we find there are 195 countries in the world today. That means that 33% of this planet persecutes Christians! When looking at their map, we find that two countries south of our own borders do so! Drug cartels do not want Christians “cleaning up” their business so they are eliminated. Open Door states:

There are countries on the list which have a rather large Christian population and remain on the list for numerous reasons. In countries like Colombia, Christians face persecution from rebel groups in certain parts of the country. While non-Christians also experience violence from these groups, Christian leaders are specifically targeted because many people have left the rebel groups after coming to Christ. The church is often seen as a threat by these groups because of this and is often attacked.

According to a USSA News report:

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) released a report on how hate crimes against Christians and Jews have increased dramatically. Compared to the previous year (578), it means a 70 percent increase in crimes against Christians. The number of anti-Semitic hate crimes also increased, from 600 to 2,316.

Just in Europe alone, hate crimes against Christians went up 59% and against Jews it almost quadrupled just in one year! It’s easy to see how those who do good today are being attacked in unbelievable proportions!

Look at our own country! Good, honest, hardworking people who protect their property from rioters and looters, are being attacked! Nor are law enforcement allowed to go in to stop it. Their properties and livelihoods vanish in just a few minutes of rioting! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the country we came to love so dear has changed; and it’s not for the good.

But don’t be discouraged, dear reader! We are not to fret because we have Jesus Christ, and nothing is catching Him by surprise! We are to continue to do good and to tell others the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone. He will put everything in order, in Good order, when He returns!

(Act 4:10-12) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Jump to Day 16

Are We in the End Times? Day 14

By Kate Plourde

On December 3, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Good morning! It’s a beautiful sunny day in Northern Virginia! Even though it appears to be so warm outside, it isn’t! It’s a brisk 27 degrees but it sure is nice and toasty inside 😊 I thank God for the invention of heat!

Today’s word is a simple one but yet has such a powerful and frightening definition. Fierce is a small word but it certainly packs a wallop! It is defined as:

Hostile and violent, especially by nature or temperament; ferocious.
Characterized by or showing hostility.
Extremely powerful or destructive.
Merriam Webster

Could anyone have imagined the fierceness displayed in our country as of late? The rioting in the streets and destruction of property seem to be a daily occurrence on the news. One only has to look at the development of social media to understand. It’s as though it has produced people who can say anything they want because they are not face-to-face with the person they are being mean to. We would not see this kind of violence and hostility twenty years ago! There’s nothing pretty about this at all.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the “knockout game” that surfaced in New York City a few years ago. Groups of teenagers thought it was funny to go up to a senior citizen on the street and knock them out with a sucker punch! What in the world???!!! Yet another group of teenagers set a homeless man on fire! The fierceness in these teenagers’ hearts is unbelievable to me. This is not something that happens overnight. Sinfulness has developed over a period of years to a point where it doesn’t even phase them!

The scriptures are quiet clear about this:

Ps 11:5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

Violence for violence sake is all over the news; whenever a group doesn’t like the outcome of a law, regulation or news story, they riot in the streets and steal from stores. This is anarchy pure and simple and God is not the author of it. God hates violence and will judge it.

But what is a country to do? Are we to sit back idly and do nothing, thinking it will all go away? What does the Bible say?

(2Ch 7:14) If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The people of our country need to humble themselves, turn from their wicked ways and pray! There is still time for God to turn things around in our country if only we will repent of our wickedness! We saw a turning on 9-11 but there was no repentance. Therefore, our country is going the way of the world and can only end in destruction. 😥

All these sins point us to the end times. We must be ready for the Rapture if we are saved. If you happen to be reading this and are not saved, it is no coincidence. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Jump to Day 15

Are We in the End Times? Day 13

By Kate Plourde

On December 2, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Good morning! This series is seriously going by so quickly! I can’t believe that we are nearly half way through already!! I’ve learned so much and stand convinced we are living during an exciting time! Christ could come rapture His church at any moment. Nothing needs to happen before this event. However, it is the restraining power of the Holy Spirit that keeps this world in order. This study shows us the attitude of mankind at the end times. Can you now imagine once the Holy Spirit is removed? 😲 I’m thankful I won’t be here to witness it. But I am heartbroken knowing that some family members will be left behind. I pray that you are not one of those.

As we continue our study, I find that today’s word is an unusual word to be applied toward the attitude of mankind in the end times! It obviously doesn’t mean what we “think” it means in today’s English. Merriam Webster defines it as:

not continent: such as: (1) unable to voluntarily control retention of urine or feces in the body (2)a: lacking self-restraint (2)b: not being under control

I’m sure this isn’t what the Apostle Paul meant – it wouldn’t make any sense. So let’s dig a little deeper and see what the word actually meant at the time that the Bible was translated into English. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary (which contains the definitions of words used during that time period):

INCON’TINENT, a. [L. incontinens.] Not restraining the passions or appetites, particularly the sexual appetite; indulging lust without restraint or in violation of law; unchaste; lewd.

The definitions in Merriam Webster’s dictionary came second while this is the primary definition in Noah Webster’s. We should lean toward the latter’s definition if we are to make any sense of mankind’s attitude in the end times.

Today’s mindset is whatever “feels good, do it”! But is it a biblical mindset? Is this what God would ask of us? No! So how are we supposed to gauge the moral compass of the world? How can we be sure what is right and what is wrong? God’s word, the Bible, is our ultimate guide, reader! God gave His word to mankind to be their “measuring stick, or ruler” in life. We can’t measure ourselves by comparing ourselves to someone else. God wants us to measure our spiritual lives to His word.

(Joh 12:48) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Just because the world says it’s OK to have babies aborted, it doesn’t mean it is right! Just because it has become law doesn’t make it right. One must turn to the ultimate guide and that is God’s word. It’s should not be, “what does the world or the law say”? It should be, “What does God’s word say?”

God’s says that in the end times, incontinence will be prevalent amongst the unbelieving world. There are anywhere from 64-100 genders according to Google. Really? A world that is incontinent came up with that and is currently pushing their agenda so much that it is gradually becoming accepted. Kids in public school can’t use pronouns to refer to a person! Has this world gone crazy? What does the Christian do with this? Do we sit by idly and keep quiet? No! What is evil is still evil and what is good is still good, no matter what we are told by a sinful world.

(Isa 5:20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
(Isa 5:21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
(Isa 5:23) Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

God’s word is quite clear as to what happens to people who do these things. They have eliminated God’s word from the schools, from the government and now from their homes. It’s no wonder the unbelieving world is incontinent. God will have the last word, however.

(Isa 5:24) Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

These sins laid out so clearly in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 are exactly what the heart of man is like today. Is it any wonder we are in the end times? Don’t take this lightly but do take a spiritual inventory of your own heart and see where you are. Do you come up short according to God’s word?

Jump to Day 14

Are We in the End Times? Day 12

By Kate Plourde

On December 1, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Good morning, dear Reader. 😀 Every morning I wake up looking forward to spending time with the Lord as well as sitting at my laptop and writing. I pray for inspiration and wisdom to be able to communicate what God wants me to, not what I want to write. Sometimes it’s easy and sometimes not so easy. My heart fears that I will receive negative comments and be falsely accused but that fear must be set aside and left in the capable hands of my Father. Lord God, Almighty and King of the universe. There is nothing that is too hard for You, Lord. I know that You want the world to know and love You. I pray that You would use this blog to reveal Yourself to them. I also pray that You use these topics to Your glory and honor, Lord.

It isn’t difficult to know the meaning of today’s sin. A false accuser is someone who wrongly accuses another, or a slanderer. Boy, can we say YES that this is definitely prevalent in our current times? The news reports false information; they report stories filled with lies so that they can influence their viewing/listening audience. Why? The spirit of the antichrist is alive on earth and the goal is to move us toward his agenda, which is a one world government where he reigns.

Our country is on the verge of anarchy and it will happen if the righteous do not stand up in defense of Truth, amen? We must call out what is wrong and say what the Bible has to say about the devil’s agenda to enslave people.

(Psa 107:2) Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
(Eph 5:11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

We must be bold for the Lord and speak up when someone is wrongly accused. The evil works of Satan are running wild and if Christians don’t speak up, we are literally turning this country over to his control. False accusers come in many shapes and forms, at any given time. We must be wise as we deal with false accusers.

(Mat 10:16) Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Christ told us to be wise but yet be harmless as doves. We are not to resort to the same violent tactics as the unsaved world. It is best to arm ourselves with God’s word and let His word fight our battles. Truth is what defeats the lies of false accusers.

(1Sa 17:47) And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.

The Lord is always there amongst us and His Holy Spirit will provide exactly what is needed when it is needed. Remember, the battle is His and He always wins His battles.

Deu 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deu 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Jos 23:10 One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you.
Psa 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
Psa 108:13 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

We are so blessed to have God Almighty to fight our battles against false accusers. Remember, the Lord wins in the end. Be encouraged and fight for what is truth and righteousness!

Jump to Day 13

Are We in the End Times? Day 11

By Kate Plourde

On November 30, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

I woke up to what will be a glorious day! There’s a heavy frost on the ground in my part of the country. Some of you have snow already! Today’s picture even “feels” cold, doesn’t it? 😄 However cold it is, it is a necessary season that prepares us for Spring! Not only is it necessary for the earth, but it speaks to us spiritually, amen? We don’t want our hearts to become hard but to be soft and ready for the seed of faith to grow. So let this seed of faith grow, Heaven Father. Take that seed, water it and regenerate our hearts so that we may be of service to You and Your Kingdom to come!

As I continue writing on this topic, I find today’s word, “trucebreakers,” quite disturbing. The term explains itself but it’s interesting to see what was intended by the Holy Spirit. Just what did He have to communicate to us? Who is the only one who has never broken a promise? The answer is emphatically God!

God has never broken a promise or a covenant! We can find 272 verses in the Bible that contain the word “covenant.” With so many verses, it must be important to God, amen? Is it any wonder to you that covenant breakers would be prevalent in the end times? It isn’t to me. Can you imagine if God broke His promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ? What would we do?

A good example of trucebreakers can be found right in the institution of marriage. What used to be considered holy is now considered “old fashioned.” At one time, vows were taken seriously and couples would work through their difficulties in marriage because feared what divorce would do their family. Divorce not only separates husband and wife but it destroys the children. The world today has convinced itself that it is OK and the grass is always greener on the other side. After all, the world says it’s easier to just leave and marry someone else. But what does God say?

(Mar 10:4-9) And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. (5) And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. (6) But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. (7) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; (8) And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh .(9) What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines it as:

Also known as breaking a promise, commitment or contract.
TRU’CE-BREAKER, n. [truce and breaker.] One who violates a truce, covenant or engagement. 2 Tim 3.

To examine it even further, the Greek word for trucebreaker is:

G786
ἄσπονδος
aspondos
as’-pon-dos
From G1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of G4689; literally without libation (which usually accompanied a treaty), that is, (by implication) truceless: – implacable, truce-breaker.
Total KJV occurrences: 2

I find it interesting that this word is also used in Romans 1:31. The same Greek word for trucebreaker is used here for “implacable”:

(Rom 1:31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Noah Webster defines “implacable” as:

IMPLA’CABLE, a. [L. implacabilis; in and placabilis, from placo, to appease.]
Not to be appeased; that can not be pacified and rendered peaceable; inexorable; stubborn or constant in enmity; as an implacable prince.
Not to be appeased or subdued; as implacable anger; implacable enmity, malice or revenge.

Now that you have read these definitions, don’t you see that the words don’t mean the same as today’s modern definition? We can have a clearer understanding of what the Scriptures say and we can see how it applies to marriage. Couples live together rather than get married – it’s unbelievable how this is even seen amongst “Christian” couples! My heart aches to see the decline in marriage and the choice being made to live together. God says that fornication is sin but no one wants to think about that. The divorce rate amongst “born again Christians” is 33% according to these statistics! Is it any wonder that born again Christians are not the testimony they should be to the unbelieving world? We are no different than they are! We ought to be ashamed of ourselves! Is God not the center of these Christians’ lives? Apparently not! They have taken Him off the throne and put self on it.

Dear reader, if Christians are trucebreakers, then we cannot condemn the world for doing so. Is it any wonder that this is a sin indicating the end times? It’s not being done by an unbelieving world, but by believers also!

Jump to Day 12