Book of John 1

 Book of John 1

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

The Testimony of John the Baptist

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Behold, the Lamb of God

29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael

43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Living in Shame

 Unmasking the Lie: Moving from Shame to Grace

When the enemy uses shame, the goal isn't just to make someone feel bad about a past mistake; it is to alter their self-identity so they view themselves as inherently broken, unforgivable, or disqualified. This is what we are talking about today. Let us pray. 

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with love and praise. We thank You for all You are, have, and will do. Father, we need Your Word, Your truth, and Your wisdom today. As we discuss the enemy and one of his strongest tactics, we pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit to receive what You wish to show us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!

There is a subtle difference between what you did (guilt) and who you are (shame). Reminding us of past indiscretions to convince us we are disqualified from God's love, forcing our eyes inward instead of upward. Shame is the enemy's tool to isolate and paralyze us, but God's grace breaks the cycle by anchoring our identity in Christ's finished work. 

If you have your Bibles, turn to Genesis 3:7–10. This is where we see the first example of shame. 

“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?" And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself."

In Zechariah 3:1–5, we see a vivid image of Satan standing as the accuser, pointing at dirty garments, while God commands clean robes to be placed on the High Priest.

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.” 

Stop. Who is the Angel of the LORD? Jesus. When Jesus appears in the Old Testament before His birth, it is known as a Christophany. This is Jesus Himself standing here. 

“And the LORD said to Satan, 'The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebukes you! Isn't this a brand plucked from the fire?’ Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. And the angel said to those who were standing before him, ‘Remove the filthy garments from him.’  And to him he said, ‘Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.’ And I said, 'Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by.”

It is finished. 

"There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1

Remember 

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Revelation 12:10 calls Satan "the accuser of our brothers and sisters." Shame forces us to stare at our own flaws, current insecurities, and past failures. It convinces us that God's grace might be enough for others, but not for us. This is a lie. This lie, although powerful, has no authority over you unless you allow it. 

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”  2 Corinthians 10:5

Whenever the enemy tries this, ask yourself, "Is this thought pulling me toward repentance and freedom, or driving me into hiding and isolation?" Recognize that any thought telling you that you are "beyond grace" contradicts the Word of God. There is a difference between conviction and condemnation: Conviction (from the Holy Spirit) targets behavior to bring repentance and freedom (2 Corinthians 7:10). Condemnation/Shame (from the enemy) targets identity to induce isolation and paralysis (Revelation 12:10).

Shame keeps our eyes glued to our own inadequacies. Grace forces our eyes upward to Christ’s finished work. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.“ Hebrews 12:2.

Remember, the enemy wants believers to think grace has an expiration date or a threshold. The truth is the opposite. Scripture shows that God routinely uses "disqualified" people, such as Moses, David, Peter, and Paul, to demonstrate that His power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Holy Spirit corrects us to heal us, while the enemy accuses us to bring us down. Conviction points out our actions, whereas shame attacks our identity. Conviction leads to life and restoration, while shame causes spiritual paralysis and a limited acceptance of God's Word. It's important for us to understand the difference. When the enemy whispers, "Look at what you did," we should respond with, "Look at what Christ did."

One of the ways to do this more freely is to receive forgiveness: Confess specific sins, accept God’s clean robes, and refuse to re-try cases that Jesus has already settled at the Cross. You have to reclaim your disqualified purpose. 

Scripture is full of "disqualified" leaders. As we mentioned before. Moses (a murderer), David (an adulterer), Peter (who denied Christ), and Paul (who persecuted the church). God didn't discard them; He used their redeemed stories to display His power. Your past is not a dead end; in God's hands, it becomes a platform for His grace. Always remember, never forget. 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 

If it were up to you? If it had ANYTHING to do with your abilities, it would be impossible. You would have those filthy rags, and you would indeed be disqualified. But it is not up to us. It is not, nor is it ever, based on what we can do. If we are worthy in ourselves. 

Did you know one of the reasons the enemy wants you to think this way is to keep you down and stop you from turning it around? Which is exactly one of the most powerful things you can do. Step into ministry: Use the very areas where you felt most ashamed to extend comfort and hope to others facing similar struggles.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Do you remember this conversation between Peter and Jesus? It is one of my favorite conversations. Turn to Luke 22:31-34

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.” 

Stop. Imagine being Peter. Here is God, your LORD and Saviour, telling you the Devil wants you. I can only imagine Peter thinking something like, “Cool. Glad I’m with you. I saw you raise the dead. I saw you cast out demons. I know you got my back.” But what did Jesus actually say? 

“But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." 

Wait what? 

“Peter said to him, 'Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.’"

Sometimes, the storms, battles, and our past failures are not about us. Sometimes, it is about strengthening others. Comforting others. Helping others. 

Shame wants to keep you paralyzed in the past. Grace invites you into a freedom that transforms your future. Today, lay down the weight of your past indiscretions and step into the full, undivided acceptance of God's Word and love.

I want to do something I do not do all that often. I want to give an altar call. If you do not know Jesus as your Saviour, or you are struggling with your past. Please bow your head where you are,  come to the altar, or just pray with me wherever you are. Let us pray. 

Oh heavenly Father, Lord God, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner. I understand that there is nothing I can do to change that, but I believe that You can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice on my behalf and believe that He rose from the dead. I repent of my sins and ask You to send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Please help me get to know the real You and save me. I ask this in the name of Jesus.

Father, I pray for everyone who is here today and for all those reading this message, wherever they may be, who are struggling with their past. I lift up anyone carrying secret burdens of shame, painful memories, and deep doubts. I pray that the Holy Spirit breaks those chains, turning the past from a nightmare into peace and from torment into a tool for growth. Please remind them of Your Word: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We ask this and pray in the name of Jesus. Amen!

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. Find a Church that God leads you to and be baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

Remember, you can always find this, and so much more, in the archives, over at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com. Don't forget the 1

May the Lord our God go before you as your way maker, as well as behind you as your rear guard, and may He be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Coming Up Here At TAG

 The Book of John

The Gospel According to John is the fourth book of the New Testament. Distinct from the three "Synoptic" Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), John emphasizes the divine identity of Jesus Christ through theological reflection, symbolic signs, and extended discourses rather than a purely chronological account of his life.

John explicitly states his purpose near the end of the text:

"These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." John 20:31

The Incarnation of the Divine Word (Logos): The gospel opens by framing Jesus as the pre-existent Word who created the universe and became flesh. Belief and Eternal Life: Faith is presented as an ongoing trust or allegiance rather than passive mental assent, leading to eternal life starting in the present. Light vs. Darkness: Constant thematic contrast between spiritual illumination/truth and moral blindness.

Key Frameworks include the 7 Signs (Miracles). Rather than performing numerous exorcisms or brief miracles, John focuses on seven specific miraculous acts designed to reveal Jesus' divine nature:

Water to Wine at Cana (John 2:1–11) – Reveals authority over quality and creation.

Healing the Official’s Son (John 4:46–54) – Demonstrates power over distance.

Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–15) – Demonstrates authority over physical infirmity and Sabbath traditions.

Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1–14) – Demonstrates provision as the "Bread of Life."

Walking on Water (John 6:16–21) – Shows sovereignty over natural forces.

Healing the Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41) – Brings spiritual and physical sight.

Raising Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1–44) – Exhibits power over death itself.

The 7 "I Am" Declarations: Jesus uses the divine phrase "I am" (echoing Exodus 3:14) paired with vivid metaphors: 

"The Bread of Life" John 6:35: Spiritual nourishment that permanently satisfies.

"The Light of the World" John 8:12: Direction out of darkness and ignorance. 

"The Door of the Sheep" John 10:7: The sole entrance to salvation and protection. 

"The Good Shepherd" John 10:11: Sacrificial leadership and care. 

"The Resurrection and the Life" John 11:25: Ultimate power over mortality.

"The Way, the Truth, and the Life" John 14:6: The exclusive connection to God the Father. 

"The True Vine" John 15:1: The essential source for spiritual vitality and growth.

Prologue (John 1:1–18)

Section 1

Introduces Jesus as the pre-existent Logos (Word) who was with God and was God, taking on human form to reveal the Father.

The Book of Signs (John 1:19–12:50)

Section 2

Details Jesus' public ministry across roughly three years. Focuses on the seven miraculous signs, public teachings, and rising conflict with religious authorities.

The Book of Glory (John 13:1–20:31)

Section 3

Covers the private Farewell Discourse to his disciples (including the promise of the Holy Spirit/Paraclete), followed by his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection appearances.

Epilogue (John 21:1–25)

Section 4

Describes a post-resurrection appearance by the Sea of Galilee, the restoration of Peter, and a final note on the eyewitness testimony behind the gospel. 

Join us next week for one of my favorite chapters of the Whole Bible. John Chapter one. See you then. 

Be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord. 

To Silence You from Sharing the Gospel

 To Silence You from Sharing the Gospel

We are discussing 6 things the devil wants from you. We already discussed not trusting the Bible and paralyzing you with fear. This one is one of the aspects he wants you to fear. Sharing the Gospel. This is what we will be talking about today. Let us pray, 

Father, LORD God, we come before You today with thanksgiving and praise. We praise You because You are God, and there is no other. We thank You for life itself and for life everlasting. We thank You for the ability to gather in Your name and to learn from Your Word. We understand that the devil is real and that he wants us to stay quiet. He wants us to “keep it to ourselves.” But we know that You, Jesus, commanded us to go forth and preach the gospel throughout the land. Please, Father, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and the ability to receive Your truth and revelations, so we are better equipped to deal with the enemy. In Jesus' name, Amen! 

Here are some ways that the devil tries to keep you from sharing the Gospel. 

Fear and Intimidation: Fearing rejection, awkwardness, or not having all the answers.

Distraction and Busyness: Overcrowding schedules so outreach feels like a low priority.

Apathy and Indifference: Numbing compassion for those who don't know the Gospel.

Insecurity and Shame: Convincing people they aren't "holy enough" or "qualified enough" to speak.

Fear is a powerful tool of the devil. Fear can and does paralyze you. It can keep you from doing what God asks, receiving what God has for you, and yes, of course, sharing His Word. How does fear play into this? Fearing rejection: what will people think? They may think I’m a weirdo. They may hate me. They may think I think I’m better than them. What if I lose my job? What about awkwardness? I mean, is now really the time and place? I don’t know; it seems a little, well, awkward. Oh, and who am I? I’m not a pastor. I never went to seminary. Who am I to teach others?

So sadly, more times than not, we simply keep quiet. Have you forgotten who you are? There is a growing fear sweeping through the Land and the World. God is under attack, and His Word, His Will, His Truth, and yes, His Children, are under attack. "Gay Rights" has nothing to do with "Gay Rights." If it did, there would be cries all over the world against Muslim Countries who tie Gays to trees and torture them to death. They drown them, set them on fire, and sell them into slavery. Yet nothing. In this country, Muslim Bake shops refuse to bake a cake, or refuse to allow Gays to join their companies or groups? Nothing. But if a Christian simply says, "Homosexuality is against God and nature," they are attacked.

Some really good people {Worldly sense} who are not founded in the Word of God, even Children of God who have not grown in Faith, are celebrating Sin being justified and called Good. Great confusion is sweeping the land. Even those that should know better are being swept up in the false compassion of equality, and confusion of sin vs. good. 

Why? Is it true compassion to watch someone walk right up to and through a fire? Or is it true compassion and love to do whatever you can to warn and stop them? The Gospel is not bad news.

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16. 

For how can we? 

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

If we are so afraid? We can’t; that is the point. Remember the armor of God? In Ephesians 6:15 

“And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” 

Ok but I’m afraid I do not know what to say. 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.“ John 3:16-18

Ok ok. I get all that. But you know what? I’m too busy. I got work, kid sports, wife, something, and I really have to cut the grass. I really do not have time. Well? Then I would suggest you do not think about time all that much. You have less than you even know. 

Our life is so very short here on earth. The Word declares it is but a vapor, a mist. Something that is here one second and gone the next. You may think you have a long time. Let's say you are blessed with a long life here on earth; let's say 75 years. Now, picture 100 years. In that time, you were born, raised, became an adult, married, and had kids; they had kids. And you have now been gone for 25 years.

Let's do some math. How about 500 years? Do you know how old America is? It is 250 years old. That equates to approximately 3.31 people whose lives would total 75 years each. Currently, 341,138,802 people are living in America. According to world population statistics, there is one birth every 9 seconds and one death every 10 seconds.

Think about this. We die. Our loved ones mourn us. In a year or so, they feel better. In 5 years, “Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 5 years.”  20 years pass, and we may end up being pictures on someone's wall that no one remembers. In 50, we are all but forgotten. Is your life really just about working and paying bills? 

Well, I don’t know. They seem pretty happy not hearing the Gospel. Hey, I got mine; I’m good. They can figure it out. Right? Live and let live? No. What this mindset actually says is live and let die. Remember, those who do not accept Jesus. Those who do not believe join these. 

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

They do not have to commit murder, dance naked around a fire, or anything else. All they have to do is not believe. 

“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Romans 10:13-15 

This is you. You are the one. I, as a pastor, see you. Hi Mary. Hi, Joe. You? You see people all the time whom I will never meet. Guess what? You may be the only Jesus some people see. What are they seeing? What are they hearing? But the truth is, YOU are the Child of God in their lives. 

OK. I get it. I’m responsible. But let’s say I start talking about God and the Bible and stuff, do you even know who I really am? I’m not talking about church. I’m talking Tuesday afternoon. I’m talking Friday night. I’m not "holy enough" or "qualified enough" to speak into someone else’s life. If you only know what I did. 

Well? Noah got drunk. Abraham pimped out his wife. David committed covetousness, rape, and murder. Don’t forget the one who wrote a lot of the New Testament, Paul? Attacked, enslaved, and murdered God’s people. So, uh, what is it that you think God will not forgive you for and use you to spread the good news? 

The truth is, they do not know what they do not know. They do not understand that it is all very real, and what it is that is truly awaiting them. What if I tell them and they say, "I do not believe in God." Or "I do not believe that you have to accept Jesus to get to Heaven." Or "Religion is for Idiots." Something to this effect. Have I failed? Have I not communicated properly? 

Are you responsible for the fact that they will now die, not accepting Christ, and forever be cast out? You think about this. Someone you care about, someone you love, and you have the Key to give them, so that they may enter into Heaven, and yet, they are on their way to Hell. Have you failed to save them?

The simple answer is NO. You have fulfilled your obligation. You are now free and clear. You have told them the Truth. You are not responsible for their decision to accept or not.

"When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 33: 8-9

It is your responsibility to tell people the Truth. It is your responsibility to live as God commanded us to live. John wrote this to warn us not to think of ourselves as higher or more Holy than anyone else. We are responsible for keeping ourselves in check and spreading the Truth. He wrote this.

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:5-10

Check yourself. Make sure you are right with God. Then, do what He told us all to do. Share the Gospel. Those who do not know or do not accept await a hell they cannot even imagine. Don’t let the devil keep you from warning them. 

We talked briefly about one aspect, one tool the devil uses, that needs more direct attention. Insecurity and shame: convincing people they aren't "holy enough" or "qualified enough" to speak. We'll discuss this next time. Won’t you join us? 

Remember, you can always find this, and so much more, in the archives over at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the Lord our God go before you as your way maker, as well as behind you as your rear guard, and may He be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Song of Solomon 8

 Song of Solomon 8

If only you were to me like a brother,

    who was nursed at my mother’s breasts!

Then, if I found you outside,

    I would kiss you,

    and no one would despise me.

2 I would lead you 

    and bring you to my mother’s house—

    she who has taught me.

I would give you spiced wine to drink,

    the nectar of my pomegranates.

3 His left arm is under my head

    and his right arm embraces me.

4 Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:

    Do not arouse or awaken love

    until it so desires.

Friends

5 Who is this coming up from the wilderness

    leaning on her beloved?

She

Under the apple tree I roused you;

    there your mother conceived you,

    there she who was in labor gave you birth.

6 Place me like a seal over your heart,

    like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

    its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

    like a mighty flame.

7 Many waters cannot quench love;

    rivers cannot sweep it away.

If one were to give

    all the wealth of one’s house for love,

    it would be utterly scorned.

Friends

8 We have a little sister,

    and her breasts are not yet grown.

What shall we do for our sister

    on the day she is spoken for?

9 If she is a wall,

    we will build towers of silver on her.

If she is a door,

    we will enclose her with panels of cedar.

She

10 I am a wall,

    and my breasts are like towers.

Thus I have become in his eyes

    like one bringing contentment.

11 Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon;

    he let out his vineyard to tenants.

Each was to bring for its fruit

    a thousand shekels of silver.

12 But my own vineyard is mine to give;

    the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon,

    and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.

He

13 You who dwell in the gardens

    with friends in attendance,

    let me hear your voice!

She

14 Come away, my beloved,

    and be like a gazelle

or like a young stag

    on the spice-laden mountains.

To Paralyze You with Fear

  To Paralyze You with Fear

Fear is a tactic often used by the enemy. Fear can bind you. Fear can make you lie, cheat, and steal. Fear can cause you to commit murder. Fear can give others power over you. Fear can enslave you. Fear can rob you of your very life. Fear is very real. In the field of psychology, fear is so predominant that they have named it a Phobia. From Arachnophobia to Acrophobia (fear of heights), all the way to Pantophobia. Not fear of pants, though, if that's what you're thinking. It's fear of everything. Including pants, I suppose. In that case... Sorry. Let's go on. 

But fear is a very real and very powerful force. I will never forget that back in the days when I was a Hotel Manager, I met this Woman and her soon-to-be husband. They were asking me to host their wedding guests and the wedding itself, which they wanted to have in the lounge. Well, that's not possible, I told them, because the lounge is a nightclub, and we would not be able to shut it down for a private function, and I offered to show them other rooms and put them in touch with my salesperson.

Well, the woman said, "I really need to speak with you privately." So we went into my office, and she told me that her sister has been diagnosed with Agoraphobia, Anthropophobia, and Ochlophobia. I said, understandably, "What?" So she explained it to me. Agoraphobia - fear of open spaces, Anthropophobia - fear of people or the company of people, and Ochlophobia- fear of crowds. She believed that she also suffered from Xenophobia - fear of strangers. Now, setting aside my wondering how Anthropophobia, Ochlophobia, and Xenophobia are any different, and what that difference would really matter, I said: "Please go on."

She said, "Well, the lounge has that greenhouse dining room attached that can be seen from the rooms, and my sister could stand outside it and watch the wedding. This way she would not miss it." So I agreed. She is going to have the wedding in the lounge. But she was not done.

"Can I ask you a HUGE favor?" I thought, "You already did." But what I said was, "Sure." Then she said, "I need you to meet my sister. She cannot go outside by herself, and she really wants to see me get married. If you meet her and spend some time with her, she may trust you enough to go outside and stand with you for the ceremony." "Uh, OK."

So I did. I met her. Through the door. I went to the room often for two days. She eventually opened the door. To my surprise, here is this absolutely stunning young lady. I mean it. She was beautiful. I kinda pictured an Igor-looking person. I know, I know, not nice. But it's the truth. I thought she would be homely and mousy. But here stood this model-looking young lady.

At first, she would not make eye contact. But we talked, and I spent time listening to her. Then she asked if I would bring her something to eat. So I did. After some time, she looked up and into my eyes. "Will you come and get me right before the ceremony?" "Of course I will." Was my response.

So there it was, time. I went and got her. She opened the door and was all dressed up. She was wearing what she would wear if she could go in. It took her a little bit to step outside. I had to remind her that the ceremony was about to start. To my absolute shock, and it even startled me for a second, she took my hand. We walked together to the outside of the greenhouse, and she watched her sister get married. She asked if we could stay a bit longer so she could watch the dancing and stuff. To my surprise and without thought, I said: "We can stay here all night if you want." She smiled. We only stayed for about 30 minutes, and she felt she needed to go back to the room. So we went back, and I brought her some food and cake from the wedding with her sister.

I saw firsthand, call it what you will, how fear can rob you of your very life. This absolutely beautiful woman was a prisoner to her fear. This is what we will be talking about today. Thing two that the devil wants is for you to be paralyzed with fear. Let us pray. 

Father, we come before you today with thanksgiving and praise. We know instinctively, beyond any doubt, that you, Father, are the great I Am and there is nothing besides you. We know instinctively that since we are yours, we have nothing to fear. Your Word declares, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Father, we come and gather today to learn your Truth, which we know is the Truth. We pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, and the Spirit to receive your Truth and revelation. Show us, Father, that we have nothing to fear. In Jesus' name, amen! 

You, as a Child of God, have nothing to fear. Seriously.

Fear of Death? Death itself is nothing.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. “ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Notice there is no time to fear. Death itself is as natural to life as living. Death is not a punishment. It just is. It is only appointed for us to die one time.

“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.“ Hebrews 9:27-28

When you leave this world, that is not truly death. When you die in the flesh, you stand before Jesus Himself. If you have accepted Jesus and been adopted into the family of God, you allow Him to be your substitute. He died for you. You died already. If not, then you are cast into the lake of fire. However, if you are a child of God, then your life is no longer yours to give, nor anyone's to take. So why fear?

Fear losing your job? Your needs will be met. Matthew 6: 25-34

Fear anything else related to it? Bills, Debt, Food? Same thing. Your needs will be met.

Fear God? Is He now your Father? Romans 8

Fear the Devil? He has no power over you. But he wants you to fear. Why? 

Fear paralyzes or restricts

Look at the parable of the Talents.

"Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'"  Matthew 25:24–25

Fear leads directly to inaction and hiding what God has entrusted to you. Looking at circumstances through fear distorts reality, magnifies the obstacle, and causes an entire community to turn back instead of moving forward into God's promises. Look here. Numbers 13:31–33

“Then the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.’ So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, ‘The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them."

This created fear in the whole community. Instead of trusting what they were told God said, they feared because of what these men said. 

“Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would we have died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?" And they said to one another, "Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt." Numbers 14:1-4

The evil we know, rather than the evil we fear? In 1 Kings 18, Elijah stands alone against 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Fire falls from heaven, the people declare Jehovah as God, and the long drought ends. Yet, in 1 Kings 19:1–3, Queen Jezebel sends Elijah a death threat. Despite just witnessing a massive display of God's power, Elijah looks at the threat, becomes terrified, and runs for his life.

“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went on a day's journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers." 1 Kings 19:1–4 

Even after a major victory, a sudden threat of fear can cause spiritual exhaustion, isolation, and a desire to give up.

It should not be this way with us. We are children of God. 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear does not originate from God; His Spirit provides the internal strength and clarity needed to act.

God's presence is the direct antidote to paralyzing anxiety. Understanding and resting in God's love breaks the tormenting hold that fear relies on.

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."1 John 4:18

Anchoring confidence in who God is reframes external threats.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

Fear is completely irrational and has no place in your life when you come to the full realization of who you are as a child of God. Who your Father now is. Do not allow the fear of anything to place you into bondage. To rob you of your very life itself. "Greater is He in you than in all the World." 1 John 4:4

Join us next time for number 3; this is a big one. The enemy wants you to fear sharing the Gospel. Join us, won’t you? 

Remember, you can always find this, and so much more, in the archives, over at TAG

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the Lord our God go before you as your way maker, as well as behind you as your rear guard, and may He be with you always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Song of Solomon 7

 Song of Solomon 7

How beautiful your sandaled feet,

    O prince’s daughter!

Your graceful legs are like jewels,

    the work of an artist’s hands.

2 Your navel is a rounded goblet

    that never lacks blended wine.

Your waist is a mound of wheat

    encircled by lilies.

3 Your breasts are like two fawns,

    like twin fawns of a gazelle.

4 Your neck is like an ivory tower.

Your eyes are the pools of Heshbon

    by the gate of Bath Rabbim.

Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon

    looking toward Damascus.

5 Your head crowns you like Mount Carmel.

    Your hair is like royal tapestry;

    the king is held captive by its tresses.

6 How beautiful you are and how pleasing,

    my love, with your delights!

7 Your stature is like that of the palm,

    and your breasts like clusters of fruit.

8 I said, “I will climb the palm tree;

    I will take hold of its fruit.”

May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine,

    the fragrance of your breath like apples,

9     and your mouth like the best wine.

She

May the wine go straight to my beloved,

    flowing gently over lips and teeth.

10 I belong to my beloved,

    and his desire is for me.

11 Come, my beloved, let us go to the countryside,

    let us spend the night in the villages.

12 Let us go early to the vineyards

    to see if the vines have budded,

if their blossoms have opened,

    and if the pomegranates are in bloom—

    there I will give you my love.

13 The mandrakes send out their fragrance,

    and at our door is every delicacy,

both new and old,

    that I have stored up for you, my beloved.