A Comforting Passage

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes?  And whence came they?  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.  And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.  Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.  They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.  Revelation 7:13-17

I’m not totally sure of the exact meaning of this passage, but I still like it because it’s comforting.  I feel that when we’re in heaven with Jesus, we won’t have any more stress and tribulation, because He will take care of our every need.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

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Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

Only One True God!!!

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is a partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John, Chapter 1:9-11.

There are groups that say “Your higher power as you understand him,”or, “ god as you understand him.”  At first, I thought this was a polite way of acknowledging people’s different beliefs.  Then, as I read the Bible more, I realized that every time I said this, I was condoning the other people’s concept of god as being God, but that wasn’t right.  The Bible lets me know that I’m not supposed to condone any other concept of god.  There is only One True God.  Facsimiles just won’t work!  (That doesn’t mean that I’m supposed to be rude or judgmental of people who believe differently than I do.)  It does mean that I shouldn’t give credit to their version of god as being The One True God.

Here are some related passages:
*And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.  Exodus, Chapter 23, verse 13.
*Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.  Psalm, Chapter 90, verse 2.
*Unto thee it was shown that thou mightest know that the LORD He is God, there is none else beside Him.  Deuteronomy, Chapter 4, verse 35.
*For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.  Psalm, Chapter 96, verse 5.
*I am the LORD: that is My Name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images.  Isaiah, Chapter 42, verse 8.
*Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the LORD of Hosts; I am the First, and I am the Last; and beside Me there is no God.  Isaiah, Chapter 44, verse 6.
*Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even My witnesses.  Is there a God beside Me?  yea, there is no God; I know not any.  Isaiah, Chapter 44, verse 8.
*Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by Myself.  Isaiah, Chapter 44, verse 24.
*I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside Me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me: that they may know from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none beside Me.  I am the LORD, and there is none else.  Isaiah, Chapter 45, verses 5-6.
*For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.  I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.  Isaiah, Chapter 45, verses 18-19.
*Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else: I am God, and there is none like Me.  Isaiah, Chapter 46, verse 9.
*Hearken unto Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called; I am He; I am the First, I also am the Last.  Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and My right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call upon them, they stand up together.  Isaiah, Chapter 48, verses 12-13.
*What profiteth the graven image that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols?  Woe unto him that saith to the wood, Awake; to the dumb stone, Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.  But the Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.  Habakkuk, Chapter 2, verses 18-20.
*There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  Ephesians, Chapter 4, verses 4-6.

You wouldn’t think God should have to repeat it over and over throughout the Bible, but people are weak.  They get distracted and become vulnerable to other people and other religious groups and cultures.  Since He knows we are very forgetful, He keeps reminding us that He and He alone is the only God as you can see through all of these Bible passages.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections. 
Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

These Passages Show the Antichrist Isn't Just One Particular Person

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.  This is a deceiver and an antichrist2 John, Chapter 1, verse 7.

This was an interesting passage for me because I have heard people talk over the years of the antichrist.  I think their comments were always directed to the reference of the antichrist in Revelation.  This passage makes me aware that the antichrist isn’t just one particular person.  It’s anyone who deceives people and leads them astray from God.

Here are some related passages:
*For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.  But take ye heed: behold I have foretold you all things.  Mark, Chapter 13, verses 22-23.
*Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world.  1 John, Chapter 4, verses 1-3.

*For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Behold, I have told you before.  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not.  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.  Matthew, Chapter 24, 24-27.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections. 
Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

Bragging About All Our Christian Deeds

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in Truth.  And hereby we know that we are of the Truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His Commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John, Chapter 3, verses 18-22.

We could go around bragging about all our Christian deeds, but God knows what’s in our hearts.  He knows if we harbor resentments or biases toward others.  He knows if we are hateful and rude to our family members and people who are different than we are.
He knows if we give to others through our actions and our finances with a willing heart.  (Although I have tried to help others, I have often been guilty of being resentful for the amount of time or money I have given.  Fortunately, God has taken the time to show me this.  I do know that He would much rather that I do these things for Him with a willing heart.)

God can see what really is in our hearts and minds, although we can disguise it from others.  We need to truly believe in God and not just in outward ways.  We are to love Him with our whole heart and He will be there to answer our prayers and to take care of our every need.  (Of course, getting the high-level position you want at work may not fall into the category of basic needs.  God, alone, knows what is best for us.)

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections. 
Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

Growing Beyond Needing the Approval of Others

Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.  He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  1 John, Chapter 3, verses 13-16.

I have spent most of my life trying to be a good person and I got a certain amount of attention from others for the “Good Debbie’s”.  I hope God has helped me grow beyond needing that type of attention and approval from others.
I still find that I’m hurt when someone doesn’t really care for me, because of who I am, my beliefs or what I represent.  I have to remember that not everyone in the world is going to like Christians and it’s okay.

It would be easy to respond to these people that don’t care for us through retaliation or resentment, but God wants us to love everyone, not just the ones that are nice to us.


Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections. 
Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

Christians Can't Expect a Big Pat on Their Back

BEHOLD, WHAT manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him: for we shall see Him as He is.  And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.  1 John, Chapter 3, verses 1-3.


Christians can’t expect this big pat on their back and an “Atta Boy” from society for all their dedication to their faith.  The majority of society is too busy living worldly lives to focus on acknowledging people who make sacrifices because of their commitment to God.  They wouldn’t understand what is involved because they don’t know God in their lives.  Their worldly choices cloud the Light that God provides to lead them to Salvation.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections. 
Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

Going Through the Motions of Being Good Christians

He that saith he is in the Light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.  He that loveth his brother abideth in the Light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.  1 John, Chapter 2, verses 9-11.

We can go through all the motions of being good Christians, but if we hate another human being, we aren’t walking in the Light of God.  It doesn’t matter if our hate is directed to a relative or somebody with skin, beliefs or lifestyles that are different than ours.
Hate takes up too much space in our hearts and squeezes God out.  In order to allow God to totally Light up our lives, we have to let go of our hatred and biases.  I know that isn’t always as easy as it sounds.  If we turn to God with this, He will truly take care of it, if we ask Him to.
Here are some related passages:

*Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.     1 John, Chapter 4, verse 11.
*No man hath seen God at anytime.  If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.  Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit.  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.  God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  1 John, Chapter 4, verses 12-16.

*We love Him, because He first loved us.  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God Whom he hath not seen?  And this Commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.  1 John, Chapter 4, verses 19-21.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.

This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections. 
Please click on comments below to share your suggestions. Thanks! Debbie

I Need to Be a Do As I Say and Do Christian...

He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the Truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth His Word in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.  He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked. 1 John, Chapter 2, verses 4-6.

I need to be a “Do as I say and as I do Christian” and be more than boastful talk.  We need to be examples for others to see how God works in our lives.
Here are some related passages:
*For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 18-19.
*I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.  Blessed are they that do His Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.  Revelation, Chapter 22, verses 13-15.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


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Prayer Chains...

Is any among you afflicted?  let him pray.  Is any merry? let him sing psalms.  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  James, Chapter 5, verses 13-16.

I like the way that some of the churches I have gone to have a prayer chain.  When someone brings a special need to the attention of this group, they call the next person on their list and then there are a multitude of people praying for this same cause.  Having the additional prayers of the prayer chain gave me a sense of relief when I asked them to pray for my friend’s husband and my uncle when they both had bypass surgery.
I have since realized that if I think the prayer chain is such a positive thing, I should try to give something back by volunteering to be a member of the prayer chain, as well.

Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.


This is a connection I've made from this Bible passage. Please share your connections.