Psalm 51:1-2 by Mando Matthews

 Have you ever stood on the same plot of ground with the publican, crying - 'God be merciful to me a sinner?'" - William Tiptaft

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:1-2

In 2015, I had a burning question on my heart the entire year, "Why haven't we yet seen the fullness of the next Revival, Great Outpouring, Great Harvest, Jesus People Movement, etc?" That year, I had three significant dreams in answer to that question. This is the first of the three dreams.

In the dream, I was walking through what seemed to be a heavenly location and encountered a man along the way. As I was passing, this man suddenly cried out to God with a loud voice, "Why?!?" I knew this man was asking the same question I had been holding before the Lord the entire year: "Why haven't we seen the fullness of the promised revival and great harvest yet?" As I walked closer to the stranger, I could see that he was King David! I immediately remembered how David would often inquire of the Lord. My heart resonated with his cry, and I also cried out, "Lord, why?!?" Immediately, Psalm 51 came to mind, the Psalm that David wrote, repenting for his sin of adultery and murder. I asked king David, "Should we start with repentance?" He nodded yes, and the dream ended.

While we long for billions of souls to repent and flood the kingdom, we realize that repentance must begin with each of us. Have I tolerated besetting sins, offense toward my brother or sister, gossip, or unforgiveness in my own life? Let us stand like the Publican (tax collector) and David and ask Jesus to forgive us for our own sinful ways and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. May this be a time that we go to our brothers and sisters and confess our sins one to another so that our lives, families, state, and nation may be healed.

I often think of the Californias as the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus had to visit her first before the rest of the city could be converted. The Samaritan woman was living a life of sexual immorality and deep shame. Yet, when Jesus encountered her, she immediately repented and instantly became a great evangelist to her entire region. I believe that the Californias have the same destiny.

While California has been the birthplace of many great revivals, many evils have also originated in this influential state spreading to the ends of the earth. For years, California has been the pornography capital of the world. The notorious Bloods and the Crips gangs and their corresponding violent gangsta rap music were birthed in California. The Berkeley rebellion in Northern California promoted rebellion which influenced an entire generation of youth. The Church of Satan, Scientology, and many other cults trace their birthplace to California. Like the Samaritan woman, California's sins have been many. But I believe God longs to encounter California again and for California and Baja California to turn into great evangelistic states influencing the entire world for Christ! His blood and mercy "speaks a better word" over the Californias.

It's time for another move of God in the Californias! Let it begin with repentance. Let this be the hour that we respond to God in repentance, like Nineveh in the days of Jonah.

Prayer:
God, we humble ourselves in repentance for ourselves and our state. As we pray for the rains of revival, we ask that you would shower down the rains of your mercy over our own lives and our entire state. Jesus, we plead your blood over our sins and the sins of the Californias. Only you can wash away our sins and make us white as snow.

Mando Matthews
Director
Hope Californias

Jeremiah 31:3 by Shelia Ann Smith

 

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have drawn you out with kindness." Jeremiah 31:3b NASB God says tenderly to you, “I have loved you, always.” Certainly, this is an eternal fact: His Everlasting Love was prepared for you before time began and continues throughout eternity. He is longing for you to receive it and experience its fullness. The Cross is an eternal bridge in the chasm between life and death, forever a symbol of God’s Everlasting Love. As you receive the body and blood of Christ today, receive the Love of God into every part of your life. Prayer: My Saviour and my God, thank you for your Everlasting Love. Thank you, Jesus, for the cross. I receive your life and your love today. May my life be filled with your love, bringing healing, life, hope, and peace to me and to those around me. In Jesus’ Name, I receive. Amen. Sheila Ann Smith

The Fruit Of Our Warfare!

 

The Fruit of Our Warfare!

Jesus said that the devil accuses believers and that he is a liar, a thief and a murderer. (John 10:10)      

He said that His followers would be persecuted even to death. (Matthew 10:21, 24:9; Luke 11:49, 12:4-5) The fruit of our warfare is the reason.

 

For some reason there is controversy in the Church about warfare, especially when we call it spiritual warfare. So we are only going to look at warfare as Jesus did it.

Then a voice came from Heaven, “You are My beloved Son in whom I Am well pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. He was there in the wilderness forty days tempted by satan and was with wild beasts and angels ministered to Him. (Mark 1:11-13)

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. When He had fasted forty days and forty nights He was hungry. When the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of GOD, command that these stones become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD.’” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him up on the pinnacle of the temple and said, “If You are the Son of GOD throw Yourself down, for it is written: ‘He shall give His angles charge over You, in their hands they shall bear You up; lest You dash Your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “It is written, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your GOD.’” Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; then he said, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said, “Away with you satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your GOD and Him only you shall serve.’” Then the devil left Him, pay attention, angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:1-11)

JESUS healed the sick and injured (Luke 17:11-19; John 4:46-54, 5:1-9)

JESUS did miracles (Matthew 17:24-27; Luke 24:13-34; John 2:1-12)

JESUS proclaimed the Gospel (Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:42-44)

JESUS taught (Matthew 5-7)

JESUS’ disciples baptized converts (John 4:1-2)

JESUS cast our demons (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 8:26-33)

JESUS raised the dead (John 11:38-44; Mark 16:1-6)

This was Jesus’ warfare and look what He did for humanity and all creation!

 

What is the fruit of our warfare? People are saved, baptized, discipled, healed, delivered, raised from the dead and trained.

This is what preaching the Gospel is about; this is what The Kingdom of Heaven in the earth looks like.

Peter’s first sermon and 3000 people were saved and baptized (Acts 2).

Deacons were chosen (Acts 6:1-7).

Unclean spirits were cast out (Acts 8:4-8).

People healed (Acts 3:1-10, 9:32-35).

People raised from the dead (Acts 9:36-43).

Discipleship (Acts 14:21-23, Acts 15:1, 6, 22, 19:9-10).

Miracles (Acts 5:14-16, 19:11-12)

Training (Acts 19:9-10).

What Is Our Warfare?

 

What Is Our Warfare?

 

Jesus told us to watch and pray; to watch (know) the signs of our time and to pray for the LORD of the harvest to send in workers.

Jesus told us to seek, to ask and to knock: to seek the righteousness of GOD and His Kingdom, to seek His will for us and ours as it is in Heaven; Jesus told us to ask (pray) for wisdom, knowledge, discernment and understanding, to ask for His will to be done in the earth as it is in Heaven; Jesus told us to knock so doors will be opened to us to do the works of His Kingdom in the earth.

Jesus told us to build our life on Him, the Chief cornerstone and the foundation of our faith with the Keys of His Kingdom: Jesus Christ the Son of GOD and Messiah (Savior) of Humanity.

Jesus told us to be the salt and light of His Kingdom where we live and work.

Jesus told us to resist the gates of hell.

Jesus told us to love one another and obey His commandments so the world would know we were His disciples.

Jesus told us to preach the gospel to all the world, to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to raise the dead and to make disciples of the nations.

 

Paul told us to stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made us free.

Paul told us to put on the armor of GOD.

Paul told us to pray without ceasing, to rejoice always and to be thankful in all things.

Paul told us to resist the devil.

Paul told us our warfare is not against flesh and blood but principalities, powers and rulers of darkness; that the weapons (prayer, fasting and obedience) of our warfare are powerful for pulling down spiritual strongholds.

Paul told us to think (meditate) on things that are above and not below, on that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.

Paul told us to know the power of Jesus’ resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering and to be conformed to His death.

Paul told us to keep our bodies (the temples of Holy Spirit) pure and holy.

 

Peter told us to be sober and vigilant.

Peter told us to resist the devil.

Peter told us to be steadfast in faith.

 

James told us to submit to GOD.

James told us to resist the devil.

James told us to ask GOD for wisdom.

James told us to balance our faith with our works of GOD.

 

John told us to love one another.

John told us to not sin.

John told us to obey Christ’s commandments.

John told us to seek the will of GOD.

John told us to pray for sinners.

 

Jude told us to contend earnestly for the faith that was delivered to the saints (us).

Jude told us to build ourselves up in our holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in love, looking for the mercy of GOD, having compassion on some and saving others.

 

Jesus, Peter, James, John and Paul all told us to endure to the end the trials of life, persecutions of the faith, and temptations of the flesh with joy and thanksgiving.

Jesus, Peter, James, John and Paul all told us to not sin (hating, lying, cheating, immorality, evil deeds, lust, lacking integrity, etc.), to be holy and to do the works of the Father in the earth.

Jesus, Peter, James, John and Paul all told us to not be religious but to be obedient to the will of GOD.

 

All of these are the weapons of our warfare because our warfare is against our flesh, against the world and against spiritual powers; all of which have been defeated by Jesus Christ and His victory given to those who believe in Him and call on His name in faith; being obedient to the will of our Heavenly Father in the earth as it is in Heaven.

Spiritual Warfare!

 

Spiritual Warfare!

 

Revelation 12:7-12, 17 “And war broke out in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in Heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, ‘Now Salvation and Strength, and The Kingdom of our GOD, and The Power of His CHRIST have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our GOD day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by The Blood of The LAMB and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their liver to the death. Therefore rejoice O Heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of GOD and have the Testimony of JESUS CHRIST.’”

 

Most Christians understand that we are in a spiritual war against the enemy of GOD. The devil rebelled against GOD and he hates us because we are made in GOD’s image. When the devil was a servant of GOD he was beautiful because he reflected the Glory of GOD. When through his rebellion he lost his position he no longer was beautiful because he no longer reflected GOD’s Glory. So he has been at war with humanity ever since our creation because we are made in GOD’s image and he is not. Genesis 1:26-28

 

For those who do not believe we are in a spiritual war with the devil – read the words of JESUS and the Apostles. To those who believe Jesus defeated the devil and all we have to do is claim the victory – read the words of JESUS and the Apostles. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear! He who has eyes to see, let him see!” Mark 1:12-13.

 

We know that we have the victory in JESUS and that we are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. (1 Corinthians 15:57; Galatians 2:19-21, 5:1; Philippians 2:12-18; 1 John 5:1-5) We know that we have spiritual armor for our warfare and there is lots of teaching on the warfare and our armor. My understanding of why many of us do not have the victory is that we do not properly use our armor therefore we have less than good results in our warfare.

 

What is our spiritual armor? In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul describes our armor and why we have it. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD and in the Power of His Might. Put on the whole armor of GOD that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of GOD that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore having girded your waist with Truth, having put on the breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; above all, taking the shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the Word of GOD; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the SPIRIT, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” NKJV

Study 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

 

The Whole Armor of GOD:

 

Belt (girdle) of Truth – Jesus is The Truth. How do we put on Jesus? In baptism we crucify our old nature and rise a new person in Christ, in the power of His resurrection we are conformed to His death, in the fellowship of His suffering we learn to be true to the Father’s will. We must live in GOD’s Truth for our belt to be effective. Study Luke 22:39-45; John 4:34; Galatians 2:20-21; Philippians 3:7-11.

 

Breastplate of Righteousness – We are the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST or the rightness, the justice of GOD in CHRIST. We must live rightly and justly this has to do with the Law, the 10 commandments and the commandments of JESUS (read the gospels). While we are set free from the obligation of the law by JESUS’ life, death and resurrection we are still required to keep them for our breastplate to be effective. Study Romans 5:18-19; 1 Corinthians 3:11-17; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, 5:21; 1 Peter 1:13-17.

 

Shoding our feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace – “How lovely are the feet of them that being good news?” We must know the good news of the Gospel and have the peace that passes all understanding to be ready to share the hope that is in us. Knowing the Gospel is the preparation so that our sharing will be effective and the Peace of GOD is the shoding so that we can go wherever He sends us. Study Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:14-17; Ephesians 2:14-18; Philippians 4:6-7.

 

Shield of Faith – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” “By faith…” JESUS said “if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed…” He also said “Have faith!” If we want to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one then we must just believe and do, that is what faith is, in fear, in doubt and our shield will be effective. One of the problems with faith is that it has become some mystical force that we are trying to call on or muster up. In many Bible translations faith is translated as trust in both the Old and New Testaments. Trust is easier for us to understand and practice; we trust GOD, JESUS and HOLY SPIRIT because of our experience and GOD’s Word. Trust becomes habit by experience and does not have to be conjured up to work, that is what Faith is! Study Mark 9:23-24, 11:20-24; Luke 8:22-25, 17:6; Hebrews 11.

 

Helmet of Salvation – Salvation is the gift that GOD gives to all who believe in and confess JESUS, who repent of their sins and are filled with His SPIRIT. When we allow HOLY SPIRIT to renew our mind and we meditate on the Word of GOD our helmet will be effective in keeping our mind on CHRIST and His Kingdom so that we understand the Will of GOD for us. Study Isaiah 26:3-4; Romans 12:1-2, 16; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 4:17-24; Philippians 2:5-7.

 

Sword of the SPIRIT – “For the Word of GOD is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” NKJV The Word of GOD read it, study it, live it and speak it! As Jesus demonstrated that is the only way to resist the devil effectively. Study Isaiah 34:5-6; Matthew 4:1-11 (4,7,10), 10:34-39; Luke 4:1-13 (4,8,12); John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:12-13; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 12:11, 19:11-16.

 

Praying always in the SPIRIT – Paul said he was glad that he spoke in the SPIRIT (tongues) more than anybody in Corinth; and “Likewise the SPIRIT also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the SPIRIT Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” He also said to pray without ceasing. We must pray in the SPIRIT as much as we can for our praying to be effective. Study Matthew 6:5-13; James 5:13-18; 1 Corinthians 14:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22.

 

So the armor is not something we say and act out each morning as we start our day (as I did for many years). Putting on the armor is not done by repeating the above scripture passage in Ephesians, it is the result of knowing, living and speaking the Word of GOD and doing the Will of GOD. The warfare we are in is the devil trying to prevent GOD’s Will from being done so that people will not be redeemed from eternal damnation into eternal life. So to fight the good fight we must know and do the Will of GOD which is found in His Word the Bible Philippians 2:13.

 

Not that we never have to do warfare face to face with evil in the natural and spiritual realms. JESUS said that we would cast out demons and that some would only come out through prayer and fasting . But, this should not be our daily activity; that should be worship and praise, reading and studying, and doing what GOD has called us to do. Study Matthew 5:11-12, 10:16-31, 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29, 16:14-18.

 

We find the Truth of GOD, the Rightness and Justice of GOD, the Peace of GOD, the Faith of GOD and the Salvation of GOD in the Bible which is the Sword of GOD.

 

The advantage is ours because when we are born again we are filled with the SPIRIT of GOD Who leads us into all truth, reminds us of what JESUS said, instructs us in the Will of GOD and gifts us so we can serve GOD resulting in natural and spiritual fruit.

Weapons OF Our Warfare!

 

Weapons Of Our Warfare!

 

Revelation 12:7-12, 17 “And war broke out in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in Heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the devil and satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in Heaven, ‘Now Salvation and Strength, and The Kingdom of our GOD, and The Power of His CHRIST have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our GOD day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by The Blood of The LAMB and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice O Heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of GOD and have the Testimony of JESUS CHRIST.’”

 

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are nor carnal but mighty in GOD for the pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the Knowledge of GOD, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of CHRIST, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (Psalm 144:1-2; Isaiah 54:16-17)

 

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are True, whatever things are Noble, whatever things are Just, whatever things are Pure, whatever things are Lovely, whatever things are of Good Report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything Praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

 

Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore brethren, that by the Mercies of GOD, you  present bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to GOD, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that Good and acceptable and Perfect Will of GOD.”

 

1 Peter 1:13-16 “Therefore grid up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the Grace that is to be brought to you at the Revelation of JESUS CHRIST; as obedient Children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He Who Called you is Holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I AM Holy.’” (Malachi 3:2-3)

 

Philippians 2:5-13 “Let this mind be in you which was also in CHRIST JESUS, Who, being in the form of GOD, did not consider it robbery to be equal with GOD, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of man. And being found in appearance of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him The Name that is above every name, that at The Name of JESUS every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the Glory of GOD The Father. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is GOD Who works in you both to will and to do for His Good Pleasure.”

 

James 4:1-3 “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

 

1 Peter 2:11 “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify GOD in The Day of Visitation.”

 

2 Timothy 2:3-4 “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

 

1 Peter 5:6-11 “Therefore humble ourselves under the mighty hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your cares upon Him, for He Cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the Faith knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may The GOD of all Grace, Who Called us to His Eternal Glory by CHRIST JESUS, after you have suffered a while, perfect, strengthen and settle you. To Him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

 

So the weapons of our warfare are to keep our mind and our body obedient to GOD and He will keep and use us as His servants.

New Creation!

 

New Creation!

 

When we are Born Again we are crucified and buried with CHRIST: we die to our flesh, sin nature, sickness, diseases, everything in our life that is of the world and flesh.

 

Then we are raised with CHRIST into New Life, we are a New Creation all the old things of our life are dead and buried and we are now entering into and receiving all the New Things of GOD’s Eternal Kingdom – where there is no sin, sickness or disease.

 

We must know it, believe it and receive it all by Trusting in JESUS CHRIST our LORD and Savior!

 

Help us LORD! Help us in our fears, help us in our circumstances, help us in our unbelief.

1 Corinthians 13:13-14:1

I Corinthians 13:13-14:1

 

“But for now, three things last – trust, hope, love; and the greatest of these is love. Pursue love! However, keep on eagerly seeking the things of The SPIRIT; and especially seek to be able to prophesy.” CJB

 

There have been many teachings on love based on these verses, today the Church needs trust and hope just as much as love. The key phrase is “But for now,” with so much fear and confusion about the future and the China virus many Christians are losing trust and hope which causes love to wane.

 

Many are becoming complacent and many are becoming politically radicalized. What Peter told the religious-political leaders of their day, was that they had to obey GOD rather than men.  That is where we must be today; political leaders want to stop us from obeying CHRIST’s command. Acts 5:29

 

We must proclaim JESUS as LORD and Savior in trust, we must gather in hope and we must love one another and our enemies in obedience. Hebrews 10:24-25

  

What Does The Book Of Proverbs Say For Today? Part 10

 

What Does Proverbs Say For Today? Part 10

 

Abomination

 

¹Abomination = n. detestation; that which causes abhorrence; anything vile.

Abominable= adj. hateful; odious; offensive.

Abominate = v.t. to abhor; regard with disgust or hatred.

²Abomination = Noun “abomination; loathsome, detestable thing.” Cognates of

this word appear only in Phoenician and Targumic Aramaic. The word appears 117 times and in all periods. First; something or someone as essentially unique in the sense of being “dangerous,” “sinister,” and “repulsive” to another individual. This meaning

appears in Gen. 43:32 (the first occurrence). People with habits loathsome to GOD are themselves detestable to Him. Second; it is used in some contexts to describe pagan practices and objects. In other contexts it describes the repeated failures to observe divine regulations. It may represent the pagan cultic practices themselves or the people who perpetrate such practices. Third; it is used in the sphere of jurisprudence and of family or tribal relationships. Certain acts or characteristics are destructive of societal and familial harmony; both such things and the people who do them.

Verb “to abhor, treat as abhorrent, cause to be an abomination, act abominably.” This verb occurs 21 times, and the first occurrence is in Deut. 7:26.

 

“For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD, but His secret counsel is with the upright. These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him (Lit. His soul): A proud look (Lit. haughty eyes), a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Dishonest (Lit. deceptive) scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight (Lit. perfect stone) is His delight. Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their ways are His delight. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces (Lit. hand to hand), none will go unpunished. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord. Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and dishonest scales are not good. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent! The mouth of an immoral woman is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord will fall there. The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly (lit. his voice is gracious), do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. One who turns away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer is an abomination. An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.” (Proverbs 3:32; 6:16-19; 11:1, 20; 12:22; 13:19; 15:8-9, 26; 16:5, 12; 17:15; 20:10, 23; 21:27; 22:14; 24:9; 26:24-26; 28:9; 29:27)

 

Proverbs 13:19b says, “…it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Those who love evil are fools and will not willingly depart from it unless they see they are sinners and receive salvation through CHRIST. We see that evil doers, scoffers, cheaters, sexually immoral, murders, the proud and foolish are all abdominal to GOD and men, even to each other. In Luke 16:1-13 JESUS tells the parable of the unjust steward, “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided (Lit. turned up their nose at) Him. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but GOD knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of GOD.’” Luke 16:14-15 There is an incorrect worldly proverb that ‘there is honor among thieves’. The proud, the foolish, the dishonorable, liars, cheaters, and thieves treat each other the same way they treat their victims. Honest people and those made righteous by CHRIST JESUS abhor their behavior and they abhor ours. “Therefore, since CHRIST suffered for us (NU omits for us) in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of GOD. For, we have spent enough of our past lifetime (NU time) in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to GOD in the SPIRIT.” (1 Peter 4:1-6)

 

In Proverbs 11:1b, 20b; 12:22b; and 15:8b we see that the LORD delights in those that do not practice abominations. “…but a just weight (lit. perfect stone) is His delight…but the blameless in their ways are His delight…but those who deal truthfully are His delight…but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” What is better, to be the delight of the LORD or an abomination to the LORD?

 

King David said in Psalm 14:1, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no GOD.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.” In Psalm 53:1…” they have done abominable iniquity…” I heard Dr. Jack Graham say, “Obeying GOD is wisdom and disobeying GOD is foolishness.” “…but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.” Proverbs 13:19b. Paul tells Titus, “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know GOD, but in works they deny Him, being abominable (detestable), disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:15-16 In Matthew chapters 5 thru 7 JESUS compares living the lifestyle of the Light and the lifestyle of darkness, which included the parables that you cannot serve GOD and mammon 6:24, good and bad fruit in 7:15-20 and the narrow way in 7:13-14, but the parable that makes it clear that there are some who will chose the evil way no matter the cost is the parable of building on the Rock or on sand 7:24-29, both groups hear what JESUS says but not all obey. These three chapters are about choosing and the only two choices are being a delight to the LORD or being an abomination to the LORD!

 

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him (Lit. His soul): A proud look (Lit. haughty eyes), a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” “But the cowardly, unbelieving (M adds and sinners), abominable, murders, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake of fire which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” “And he carried me away in the SPIRIT to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city (NU, M omit HOLY city), the HOLY Jerusalem (NU, M HOLY city, Jerusalem), descending out of Heaven from GOD.” “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes (NU, M profane, nor one who causes), an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8, 10, 27

 

Study Matthew 7:21-23, Romans 1 through 2, and Revelation 21. Then study John 3:16-18, Romans 3 through 8, and Revelation 22.

 

To avoid the lake of fire and have your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life study Romans 10:8-11, “But what does it say? ‘The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the Word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that GOD has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’”

 

No matter what you want to believe there is only one GOD, Jehovah the GOD of the Jewish and CHRISTian faith and there is only one way to avoid eternal damnation in the lake of fire. That is through believing in and confessing JESUS CHRIST is the Son of GOD and that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, willingly went to the cross to die for our sins, took our punishment and went to hell where He defeated death and hell, taking the keys of their kingdoms. That He by the Power of His Own SPIRIT (The HOLY SPIRIT) rose from the grave and ascended to Heaven to be seated at the right hand of GOD.