Maranatha - Awaiting Christ's Return

1 Cor. 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Tag: 2 Timothy 3:2

Peace Through Troubled Times – Proud

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On December 15, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

2Ti 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

The word “pride” or proud has been hijacked by the liberal agenda today. Sadly, it has become totally the opposite of what the Scriptures intended. The first sin committed was the sin of pride and that was committed by Lucifer.

Isa 14:12-14  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.

It is not surprising that the Scriptures state that being proud is a sin! The definition has changed through the years but God’s Word never changes! It is settled, once and for all in Heaven. (Psalm 119:89) Look at the difference between the definition originally intended for the word “proud” and what today’s dictionary describes:

Proud

  1. Having inordinate self-esteem; possessing a high or unreasonable conceit of one’s own excellence, either of body or mind. A man may be proud of his person, of his talents,of his accomplishments or of his achievements. He may be proud of any thing to which he bears some relation. He may be proud of his country, his government, his equipage, or of whatever may, by association, gratify his esteem of himself. He may even be proud of his religion or of his church. He conceives that any thing excellent or valuable, in which he has a share, or to which he stands related, contributes to his own importance, and this conception exalts his opinion of himself. Proud is followed by of, before the object, supra.
  2. Arrogant; haughty; supercilious.
noah webster’s 1828 dictionary

proud

  1. Feeling pleasurable satisfaction over an act, possession, quality, or relationship by which one measures one’s stature or self-worth.”proud of one’s child; proud to serve one’s country.”
  2. Occasioning or being a reason for pride.”a proud moment when she received her diploma.”
  3. Feeling or showing justifiable self-respect.”too proud to beg.”
the american heritage dictionary

Is it any wonder that the world doesn’t see pride as a sin? But friend, it truly is! This sin of pride is from the devil himself. The Lord Jesus humbled Himself, leaving a kingly throne and became man so He could be the sacrifice for man’s sins. Humbleness is not taught today and it is so desperately needed!

Exo 10:3  And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.

2 Chron 34:27  Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

Pride is not something to one should practice as a Christian. Instead, humbling ourselves is far better. If you are not truly born-again, you won’t see today’s topic as a sin. But there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Unholy

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On December 6, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

“Unholy” is a song by English singer Sam Smith and German singer Kim Petras. It was released on 22 September 2022 through EMI Records and Capitol Records as the second single from Smith’s fourth studio album Gloria and as a bonus track on Petras’s debut studio album Feed the Beast. 

Wikipedia

Is it any wonder that when you Google “unholy,” the only things that come up refer to the song with this title, and video games of the like? If you happen to voice your opinion on social media, you are told that these are merely publicity stunts to increase sales. Really? Do you truly think it’s a coincidence that we are living in the end times and this is the kind of garbage that is promoted to our young people today? Impressionable minds follow fads and whatever pops up on their social media. It’s no coincidence at all. I have relatives who love this kind of music. 😥 It is truly sad when the devil is given so much attention. But it doesn’t end there. The hair on the back of Christians’ necks should be standing on end!

The news media is bent on reporting only unholy news items. What are they? Well first, let’s take a look what the definition of unholy is:

UNHO’LY, adjective

1. Not holy; not renewed and sanctified. 2 Timothy 3:2.

2. Profane; not hallowed; not consecrated; common. Hebrews 10:29.

3. Impious; wicked.

Noah webster’s 1828 dictionary

Notice the first definition of the word unholy: it refers to 2 Timothy 3:2. The state of men’s hearts in the end times prior to the Tribulation. The news reports on things which the Bible condemns. Examples are (1) a right to an abortion; (2) homosexuals’ right to be married (3) gender transitions, to name a few. Unless one is watching a Christian broadcast, one won’t see any biblical viewpoints in the news media.

One only has to look to the Ten Commandments to see a comparison. Everything God wants His people to pay attention to and adhere to is listed in those Ten Commandments. Is it any wonder that everything opposite would glorify the “god of this world”! However, Almighty God will have the last word and those who follow after Satan’s darkness will pay the price.

Heb 10:29-31  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?  (30)  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.  (31)  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

If you are not truly born-again, you won’t see being unholy as a sin. But there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Are We in the End Times? Day 9

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On November 28, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

Photography by Jill Petrillo

(2 Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

As I am writing today’s post, the sun is just coming up and the sky is a beautiful hombre of reds in the distance much like today’s picture. The Lord reveals to me His artistic abilities and paints a sky like no artist can match! The Bible says that no ear has heard or eye has seen the things which God has in store for us. We have heard the sound of birds, ocean waves and the gentle coos of a baby. We have seen glorious sunrises, colorful birds and flowers. But God has more waiting to show us in Heaven! Can you imagine?

(1Co 2:9)  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

So now my house is quiet and I turn my attention to the verse that we are focusing on today. It contains that six-letter word “unholy.”

People have difficulty defining what is holy and unholy today. It is not uncommon to hear the Lord’s name in vain, or see pornographic commercials on television. Our society has become so focused on sex and profanity that it no longer seems to bother them. Their hearts seem to have become hard to the things of God, doesn’t it? My heart aches for my beloved Country! I realize that God’s judgment is upon us and that it will only get worse if revival doesn’t come!

Oh Father, how I pray that the hearts of Americans be convicted of their sinfulness, repent and turn to You. I long for Your coming but I ache for those who will be left behind to face what is coming! Father, I beg you to change hearts today as your Holy Spirit draws someone to read this post. Please Father, use this for Your glory and honor!

Let’s back to this little word. What exactly does “unholy” mean and what actions does it involve? I like Noah Webster’s definition best:

Not holy; not renewed and sanctified. 2 Tim 3.

Profane; not hallowed; not consecrated; common. Heb 10.

Impious; wicked.

All I can say is, “Wow”! 😮 Re-read what I’ve underscored and then ask yourself if you think Noah’s definition is prevalent for today. Why do you think the world so unholy? First of all, they are not renewed, or born again. Second, if they are born again, they are not sanctified or set apart from the world. Reading the Bible every day is what pricks the heart and leads us to repent of our sin. When we apply what we have read in the Scriptures, we become sanctified. Christ reminds us how we can be sanctified in the following verse:

(Joh 17:17)  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The Bible holds the truth that God wants us to know. So doesn’t it stand to reason that Satan would make it a priority to corrupt God’s word so he can keep us away from it? If he can succeed to do so, he can keep mankind from the truth and they’ll listen to his lies. After all, he’s known to be an angel of light and the father of lies, amen?

(2Co 11:14)  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

(Joh 8:44)  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

As of 1611, the King James Bible was the only accepted Bible in the English language used by mankind. In the late 1800’s, the first “revision” came and since then, there have been over 100 different translations. Any time there is a new version, words have been removed and/or complete sentences (1 John 5:7 is an excellent example). Satan wishes to destroy the truth through these new versions. He wants to remove Christ from His throne by removing Christ from the Bible. Verses about Christ’s deity and His shed blood for the remission of sins are removed or re-worded to remove truth. Is it any wonder that mankind isn’t drawing closer to God but further away?

A good example of this is an antibiotic. If you take it at full strength, it will eventually help your body to heal. But what would happen if you diluted it with 25% water or broke the pill in four pieces and only took three pieces? It’s effectiveness would not be as good as full strength. Again, what would happen if you further diluted it with 50% water or swallowed only two of the pieces? With each watered-down version, the less effective it becomes. The true medicine, the Word of God, has the power to sanctify you. Is it any wonder this is what Satan is using in these end times? He began in the Garden of Eden by twisting God’s words:

(Gen 3:1)  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

And thus it continues today through all the versions. Take out a little here and change a little there, you end up with a diluted book. It is only through the Scriptures that we can be saved, cleansed and sanctified.

(Psa 119:9) BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

In relation to today’s sin, I can see unholy people all around me. I’m not trying to be pious or self righteous. As a born again Christian, I should be able to determine the difference between what is holy and what is not, amen? God’s word reveals it to us.

When one does not heed the Scriptures, his moral compass changes direction. His “true north” changes direction and he finds himself deep in sin. Dear reader, it is only through the Word of God, Jesus Christ, that we can become holy. We cannot do it on our own nor can we purchase it. Christ’s blood is what cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Then we have His Word which sanctifies us and creates in us a desire to grow spiritually.

(Joh 1:1)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(Rev 19:13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Where is your moral compass today, Reader? Are you born again? If you are, are you daily asking the Lord to change you into His image? If you are not born again, do you have a gnawing ache in the pit of your stomach? Is your conscience leading you to seek the truth before it is eternally too late?

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 10

Are We in the End Times? Day 8

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On November 27, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

Photography by Tori Leslie

(2 Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Good morning, reader! What do you think of today’s picture? It was shared by a dear missionary to Croatia, Mrs. Tori Leslie. I chose it because the tree had bent branches and, to me, it depicted a person who is not upright in his life – ungrateful of God’s blessings. Do you remember “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens? I’m certain it was intentional that the author depicted Ebenezer Scrooge as an decrepit old man. He was miserable and his one true love was money. He was not thankful for anything because he felt that everything he had, he worked hard to get for himself. It’s not wrong to work hard for the necessities in life but to take the credit for it all instead of thanking God for His blessings, is wrong. Scrooge was not a grateful or thankful person at all.

What a good segue to today’s sin, amen? 😀 The verse below tells us to give thanks in everything! Wow! Giving thanks to God for the goodness in your life is one thing. But what about thanking Him for the difficult things or the seemingly impossible things?

1 Thess. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

These are only two verses but there are countless others. I’ve seen the results of unthankful people and it never ceases to amaze me how someone can be so ungrateful! You give them a gift or you do something nice for them and there’s not even a thank you. It’s not that I need to hear a thank you, don’t get me wrong. It’s the fact that they are ungrateful and more or less “expect” that they desire your kind gesture or gift.

But as we approach the times and the coming of the Tribulation, we can see it more and more. People are not thankful for the job they have; or the spouse they have; or even, the home God has blessed them with. Why do you think that is? The following scriptures outline it well:

(Rom 1:18-21)  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19)  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21)  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

As the whole earth lunges toward a one-world church and government, the hearts of mankind have become vain and their foolish hearts were darkened by the devil himself. Satan’s lies have made man doubt God and His word since the beginning in the Garden of Eden. In turn, man has become “self-sufficient” without the need for God in their lives. Being ungrateful removes our eyes and heart away from the One Who provides everything! A darkened heart no longer recognizes God’s blessings in his life and, therefore, is no longer thankful. Oh how we see this today! People are not satisfied with what they have. They want more and more trying to fill that empty hole in their heart – that very same heart that God desires to love Him. We were created to commune and fellowship with Him. The unsaved search their entire lives to fill that hole which was originally created to be “at one” with God. Instead they try to fill that hole with “things” thinking that this will bring them joy. But it doesn’t.

Christians should lead the way in having a thankful and grateful heart. Scripture is very clear on this topic. Offering praise depicts a thankful heart:

(Psa 50:23)  Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

(Psa 140:13)  Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

The world lacks thankfulness because their hearts are cold and deceived. Is it any wonder that it is one of the end times sins?

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 9

Are We in the End Times? Day 7

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On November 26, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Good morning, reader! Are you receiving a blessing from this series? I know that I am! It has helped to me be fully convinced that we are most certainly living in the end times. If you are a born again Christian, pray for a burden to reach the lost. I remember being clueless to the things of God and anything having to do with Him. I praise Him for sending my dear precious friend to lead me to Him! It is this burden that compels me to reach out to those who may visit this blog. May the Holy Spirit of the most High God work in the hearts of all those who come here!

Today’s sin listed in 2 Timothy 3:2 is surprising to me because I was raised to obey my parents; not because it was the scriptural thing to do, but because this teaching was the result of the world’s moral compass at the time of my upbringing. If you were raised in a family where all Dad had to do was look at you and you knew you were in trouble, then praise God! It’s a rare thing in today’s world.

Today, however, a household with both father and mother are not as common as when I was growing up. A one-parent household means that it is more difficult when one parent has to play the roles of both parents. A mother who has to work to make ends meet cannot possibly provide her children with the same care as if she were at home. The children do not have the daily male influence that is much needed to teach boys how to be men. Instead, boys only have their mother to pattern themselves after. A boy doesn’t need to learn to be a woman – he needs to learn to be a man who will protect his family and teach his sons how to be men. It’s the same if the father is the one who has to be the only parent raising his children. He cannot teach his daughters how to be women because it does not come “naturally” to him.

Unfortunately, with the brazen boldness of social media and television ever present in a child’s life today, is it any wonder why children have become disobedient? Women have not taught their daughters how to raise respectful children according to the scriptures. Fathers have not provided the guidance and discipline that children so desperately need. My heart aches for Christian parents who are trying to raise godly children in today’s wicked environment. It takes a lot more work for them because children are influenced by their environment. They are in school eight hours a day during the week and with their parents, maybe a total of four hours. Today’s Christian parent must pack four hours worth of godly teaching to make up for eight hours of ungodly indoctrination!

These are just a few verses on how to teach your child which can be found in the very pages of our Bible. Don’t take them lightly, dear reader. God gives us instructions that we need to heed if we want our children to walk closely with Him.

(Eph 6:1)  Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

(Eph 6:2-3)  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (3)  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

(Eph 5:6)  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

(Jas 4:17)  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

(Col 3:20)  Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

All disobedience should be corrected at the moment of the infraction. It is parents’ responsibility to teach their child to be obedient because that child will grow into an adult who knows the difference. But a child left to himself will bring embarrassment and shame. He will act like a wild child in public and the mother will spend her time yelling at him. Instead, teaching him to obey will help him as an adult. When there is a serious offense, like lying, a spanking is in order. This should be used as a last resort when other means of discipline (like restrictions) don’t work.

(Pro 22:15)  Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Some children have softer hearts than others and don’t ever need to be spanked. A simple talking to or restriction is all that’s needed. But the end result is a child who will grow up knowing there are boundaries and they will love their parents.

(Pro 22:6)  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

So getting back to this disobedience being a sign of the end times, one can witness it in a grocery store or restaurant. Children left to themselves yell and scream and act like a wild child. They don’t stay seated and run around the store or restaurant like they own the place. That child grows up to think that he/she is the center of everyone’s world. They grow up to be narcissists and hard to live with. I’ve seen the decline in obedient children first hand when I worked in Junior Church, as well as the nursery. It’s truly sad to witness our future generations turn out to be defiant.

It’s up to us Christians to train our children so that it is evident to the world that there’s a difference! I’m not saying that it’s impossible for children living in a one-parent household to be well raised. I’ve seen this with my own eyes but it was a lot of work for that one parent! Some things come with much prayer and fasting.

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 8

Are We in the End Times? Day 6

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On November 25, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times, Salvation

Photography by Chris Michaud

(2 Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Good morning, dear reader! It’s still dark outside and the house is so very quiet. It’s a wonderful time to sit and write what weighs heavily on my heart. My heart aches because those bygone years of “The Andy Griffith Show” are gone and we are seeing our beautiful world not getting better but rotting from sin.

As we go through mankind’s attitude and sinful displays, I see that today’s word has seriously grown worse with time. I walk into a store and music from a rap artist is filling the air with cursing and explicit sexual content. My goodness, what has this world come to? I have grandchildren growing up in these end times and this weighs on me so heavily! Oh how I beg the Lord to protect their innocent hearts and ears!!

Blasphemy is no small matter. The original meaning means to blaspheme God. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines this as:

BLASPHE’MER, n. One who blasphemes; one who speaks of God in impious and irreverent terms. 1 Tim 1.

Blasphemy does not just surround God but anything involving Him, such as an unborn child. Christian, do you actually see any reverence of God in your life other than at church or amongst your Christian friends? Television, radio, podcasts, etc. are filled with indignation. All of these have a root problem and that is sin; in this case, blasphemy. They don’t have to speak a blasphemous word – their actions speak volumes! We see this indignation in the laws that are being past in our own country as well as around the world. God Almighty destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for the sin of homosexuality. Yet, mankind has grown so cold toward sin that it is now law that allows this to be legal, along with marriage. Furthermore, the liberals now claim there are 112 genders! 😯 The Bible says differently:

(Gen 2:7)  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

(Gen 2:18)  And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

(Gen 2:22-24)  And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
(23)  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. (24)  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

The fact that this has taken over our country proves that the Bible is the furthest thing from people’s minds. God created male and female – none other. Period. Only a female can bear children – none other. Period. Only a male can provide the seed to create that baby – none other. Period. Set aside the fact that adoption is out there for these people who claim otherwise. Get to the root of this issue and it comes down to male and female. Period.

This liberal belief blasphemes God. They defy what a Holy God created by being deceived by the father of lies, Satan. Satan is rejoicing because of the downhill spiral of morality on this earth. Friend, God would have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah for destroying them. God is righteous and would not contradict His word.

You may say this is my opinion. But let’s see what the Bible says as it is the Final Authority on what is sin and what is not. Some say that this condemnation was in the Old Testament and not stated in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul said the same thing in the New Testament:

(Lev 18:22)  Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.

(Rom 1:26-27)  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
(27)  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

God can and does help homosexuals to forsake this sin. I know this from experience. I shared the gospel with a co-worker in 1984 and she kept insisting that God could not possibly forgive her and that she had to “clean herself up” before He would forgive her. As I continued sharing the gospel, she finally admitted she was a homosexual. I explained what salvation is and where she spends eternity was the most important thing at this point. God’s Holy Spirit would clean her life up after she was saved. She accepted Christ that evening and bit by bit, I saw her change before my eyes. She set aside living with her roommate and began to blossom into a beautiful Christian woman, growing in God’s word. Today, she’s married with four children and a grandchild! Today’s homosexual battles leaving their lifestyle because they will be harassed and their name, phone number and home address will be published by those who don’t want to admit their sin. This is a scare tactic but nothing is more disturbing than spending eternity in Hell, where there is burning and gnashing of teeth.

(Mat 13:42)  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

It may seem as though it is too difficult, but it is not impossible. God can and will help anyone with any addiction or sin!

Is it any wonder we are discussing the state of mankind today? Can you not see how sinful our nation (and world) has become? In no other time in history has it been this bad! God’s Word is in print in every language and is available everywhere, including the internet. Yet, with His Word being everywhere, man is becoming more depraved. Mankind will be without excuse because God places people, even His creation, before every single person on earth so they can see who He is and how to have a relationship with Him.

(Rom 1:20)  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

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 7.

Are We in the End Times? Day 5

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On November 24, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

Photography by Cecelia Becker

(2Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Good morning! Who else is excited about diving into God’s word today? I know I am 🥰 It excites me to know that anyone of us can open our Bible and be taught by God Himself! We don’t need anyone to interpret what the words mean. The Holy Spirit is the Author of the Bible and He is the One who will teach us! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Today’s word is a small and simple word; but is it really? It doesn’t seem like it would be indicative of the end times but if you hone in on its meaning and how it is used, you will come to realize that it most certainly does apply to these end times. It’s like peeling back the various layers of an onion, isn’t it?

Let’s look at the modern definition in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Definition of proud:

1: feeling or showing pride: such as a: having or displaying excessive self-esteem b: much pleased c: having proper self-respect

But now, let’s look at the definition according to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary:

Having inordinate self-esteem; possessing a high or unreasonable conceit of one’s own excellence, either of body or mind. A man may be proud of his person, of his talents, of his accomplishments or of his achievements. He may be proud of any thing to which he bears some relation. He conceives that any thing excellent or valuable, in which he has a share, or to which he stands related, contributes to his own importance, and this conception exalts his opinion of himself. Proud is followed by of, before the object, supra.

Arrogant; haughty; supercilious.
A foe so proud will not the weaker seek.

Daring; presumptuous.
By his understanding he smiteth through the proud. Job 26.

Ostentatious; grand; as proud titles.

WOW! 😮 Can you see why I turn to this dictionary instead of today’s modern English dictionaries? It allows me to understand what the real intent of the word was and when it was put into the English language. So now let’s look at the Greek word used for “proud” in Strong’s Concordance:

ὑπερήφανος
huperēphanos
hoop-er-ay’-fan-os
From G5228 and G5316; appearing above others (conspicuous), that is, (figuratively) haughty: – proud.
Total KJV occurrences: 5

The scriptures that contain this Greek word are found in:

(Luk 1:51)  He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
(Rom 1:30)  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(2Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(Jas 4:6)  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
(1Pe 5:5)  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Can you see that none of these have a positive connotation? In fact, the last two verses referenced above say that God resists them. It’s truly not a good thing to be considered proud. But let’s forget about us for a moment and let’s see how the Lord feels about it:

He scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart;

He marked them with the rest of those who will suffer the wrath of God in Rom 1:18-30;

He said they would be prevalent in the end times;

He resists them and gives grace to the humble.

No where do we see that God views pride as a good thing, friend. You can do a word search for yourself in the bible and you’ll discover the same thing. So how does this tie in with the end times, you may ask?

How many people do you personally know that are truly humble? I can name a few in my church, my Pastor and a few close friends. But with those I come in contact with that are not believers, I see how much more pride has filled their hearts. The unbelieving world doesn’t see their own sinfulness. They don’t want to be told they are sinners. They don’t acknowledge Jesus Christ, the Lord in their actions! Their pride leads them to believe that they are on the right path, which as a result is the path to destruction.

If you are one of the prideful, ask God to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you (Psalm 51:10). Be humble and admit your sin of pride. After all, the first sin of pride came from Lucifer himself!

(Eze 28:17)  Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

The phrase “lifted up” here is defined as swelled with pride. Here lies the very first sin committed and it was from Lucifer! He is the father of lies.

(Joh 8:44)  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

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 6.

Are We in the End Times – Day 4

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On November 23, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

Photography by Chris Michaud

(2 Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

As I continue with this devotional series, I literally shudder at the relevance of these scriptures for a time such as this! My heart aches and wants to explode with desire to reach those who are lost and Christians who are misguided! Lord, I pray that You would draw those who need these scriptures so they can be alerted to just how late it is in Your prophetic clock! In Christ’s precious name I pray!

Today’s alert is the word “boasters.” I love Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary because it defines exactly what the English word meant at the time the King James Bible was printed! His definition is below. Because the definition needs expanding, I’ve also included the definitions for “vaunt” and “ostentatious”:

BOASTER, n. One who boasts, glories or vaunts ostentatiously.

V’AUNT, v.i. [L. vanus. This ought to be written vant.]
To boast; to make a vain display of one’s own worth, attainments or decorations; to talk with vain ostentation; to brag.
Pride – prompts a man to vaunt and overvalue what he is.

OSTENTA’TIOUS, a. Making a display from vanity; boastful; fond of presenting one’s endowments or works to others in an advantageous light.
Your modesty is so far from being ostentatious of the good you do –

Showy; gaudy; intended for vain display; as ostentatious ornaments.

Now that you’ve read through these, does it open the meaning of boaster to you? With the invention of the internet and social media, we see people boasting so much more than before. In the past, we were limited to newspapers and boasters were really not something to write about, unless they were politicians. But today, we are truly in the “I” generation. Everything is about me, me, me! Narcissistic people are everywhere. They are obsessed with their own image, their own progress, and they have an exaggerated idea of their own importance. What once was prevalent in politicians and the pharasitical attitudes of church leaders, is now running rampant in the human heart. Is it any wonder that Christ said:

(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?

The believer is held to a higher standard than the world. We should not be caught up in the “I” generation’s belief system. We should not be boasters. In fact, Scripture says:

(Pro 27:2)  Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Social media is filled with apps that record one’s actions and words. You don’t have to watch them for long until you see people boasting about themselves. It’s really not something I would have thought of when I first was saved in 1980. Of course, social media was just starting and it wasn’t used for this purpose. Perhaps that is why I see today’s word so clearly.

If you are a believer who is guilty of this, I pray that this post will speak to your heart. As Prov. 27:2 says above, it’s not up to us to praise ourselves. Let it come from someone else and then be humble about it.

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 5.

Are We in the End Times? Day 3

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On November 22, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

Photography by Bob Sabo

(2 Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Isn’t today’s picture appropriate for the word, “covetous”? It’s like you are looking out into the world and desiring what it has, doesn’t it? We know this cardinal isn’t doing that but use your mind’s eye 😉

The word “covetous” is very much an indicator that we are in the end times! The minute something new comes out in the world of fashion or technology, lines form in order to purchase it. Look at the latest iPhone releases! Who would imagine paying $1,000 for a cell phone! Or even paying $800 for a pair of sneakers! 😲

Let’s see what we can glean from today’s word. Noah Webster defines the negative aspect of the word covetous as:

COVETOUS, a.

Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain and possess; directed to money or goods, avaricious.

Never has there been $1,000 cell phones in history but we sure have them today. The sad thing is that Christians, as well as the rest of the world, will gladly pay this! Why? This is truly the definition of avaricious! People have the insatiable, inordinate passion for property!

Strong’s Greek word for covetous is:

φιλάργυρος
philarguros
fil-ar’-goo-ros
From G5384 and G696; fond of silver (money), that is, avaricious: – covetous.
Total KJV occurrences: 2

As you can see there are only two occurrences of this Greek word in the New Testament: once in today’s verse and the other is in Luke 16:14:

(Luk 16:13-14)  No servant 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. (14)  And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

It’s interesting to note that the ones who were covetous in Luke 16:14 were the Pharisees! They were the leaders of the Jewish faith! Wow! Furthermore, what did the Pharisees do when they heard they couldn’t serve God and riches? They laughed, ridiculed and mocked Jesus! How applicable is that to the world today??? Today’s world is definitely laughing, ridiculing and mocking Jesus, aren’t they? They may not necessarily all be using words, but their actions certainly do.

Is it any wonder that this action is included in a sign of the end times? Remember, Paul was making a point with Timothy so that he would be able to recognize the signs. Even though the end times didn’t occur in Timothy’s lifetime, it surely is a warning to us! All believers should be honing in on what to expect when Christ will allow the antichrist to usher in the Tribulation. All believers should recognize these signs and know that the end is at the door!

Dear friend, don’t be naive! Be a reader and student of God’s word! Recognize where we are in God’s timing and don’t be deceived.

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 4.

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