10 Bridesmaids (10 Virgins) and that pesky question about the Oil...

I will be taking advantage of some bible study conversations I have been having as of late with various friends and contacts.

I will be doing a series of entries from these conversations so as to share them with many others besides just those who had the conversation in private. I have always felt and believed that:

Answers from the Word, Belong to Everyone.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Bridesmaids)

This first one for today's blog entry will be from my good friend Rohit in India.

Rohit had asked me for some assistance on a project of his and we were talking about the problematic 10 Virgins Parable.

So, the answer will be centered around a question and argument for what exactly the Oil in this parable is.

Now before we get to that point, lets address the other issue with this parable first. Many argue and debate the timing of this parable with its intrinsic reference to the coming of the Bridegroom. Some feel it is a Rapture parable for the Church, others suggest it is addressed to those in the Tribulation period.

My opinion (such as it is) is that the context refers to the latter. Just because the Bridegroom is coming doesn't mean it is a wedding, since that is His title regardless of before or after a wedding. In other words, the title doesn't imply a timing.

Additionally, we have 10 Bridesmaids, not 10 Brides, and he isn't coming to marry the Bridesmaids.

Also, if we attribute this parable to the Church and before the wedding, we are faced with a twofold problem.

One, is that we see a 50% loss of the so-called saved in the church and would suggest that an already saved person could lose their salvation. This is not biblical at all.

Second, in the other extreme, means also that the Rapture and Resurrection of those in Christ would be 50% of all people who have ever lived up until that point. This is denied by Christ Jesus's own words about the Wide path and many who take it to destruction, compared to the Narrow path and few who find and take it to the Father and eternity. It simply is not a description of a 50/50 ratio.

This is not about the Church, or the Bride, or the Rapture. This is about something and sometime else. So, what is that then?

There is a place in scripture that has a lot to say in a few short verses, that contains this ratio of 50/50 and is also spoken by Jesus directly. (Matthew 24:37-40), the infamous "Days of Noah" verses with the "two in the field, one is taken (in death), and the other left".

 This immediately links it and the 10 Virgin parable to the time of the Tribulation.

So, who are the Bridesmaids then? These would be the possible friends of the Bridegroom for the Wedding Feast which comes after the wedding. They are possible because they are virgins and not spoiled by the world yet.

So here is where we get into the meat of the parable and its symbolism. The argument is often made that the Oil is the Holy Spirit. This doesn't work though, and the following is my reply to Rohit about it.

The problem is in the interpretation of the symbols, the Oil specifically, but also the lamps, and the vials of extra oil, and the trimming of the wicks, et all.

The “Oil” cannot be the Holy Spirit for this reason:

• The Holy Spirit is immeasurable, you either have it or you don’t. You are either full with the Spirit, or you do not (yet) have it. There is no “running out”.

This presents a problem then with the 10 Virgins, since they ALL start out with “Oil” in their lamps, and the 5 Foolish Virgins run out. Let that sink in a minute, the 5 Foolish Virgins had Oil to start with.

So… the question is what is the “Oil” then? Let us look at the symbolism of the Lamp and it’s components, and it’s operation and purpose.

Primarily, it’s purpose is to give Light to the world around it. For that light to be produced, you need a wick, you need oil, and you need a vessel to contain that oil, and you need a point of ignition, a spark or existing flame.

A lamp properly equipped will not give light without ignition. It will sit there dark and without fulfillment of purpose.

The Flame which gives light, is the Spirit. Paul reminds us not to extinguish the Spirit.

The Light is the Truth of God to a dark world.

The Wick is the mouth, the tongue, the acts of the person, the transmission of the oil from the vessel to the flame. And no wonder it must be trimmed from time to time. Trimming a lamp is to trim the wick from its crusty carbon build up and to reset its height above the oil.

The Lamp Vessel is the person, the soul which contains the Oil and the Wick.

And lastly the Oil, the fuel for the Flame (the Spirit). It is not the Wick that burns, but the Oil that burns.

We now, understanding that the “Oil”, cannot be the Holy Spirit because it is immeasurable, must look for another answer.

You know what IS measurable?

Faith.

We have many examples in the scripture. Weak faith, little faith, faith the size of a mustard seed that can move mountains, and even no faith.

Oil is Faith.

And the example of the 10 Virgins is this:

They ALL started with Faith, but only the 5 Wise Virgins had Enduring Faith (till the end when He came), because they had extra faith (Oil) stored for the long haul.

It is interesting to note here also that they ALL trimmed their Lamps (speaking to a self-correction and adjustment.

Also, the answer of the 5 Wise Virgins to the 5 Foolish Virgins about going to town (the world) to buy Oil (Faith) almost sounds a bit cynical, as you don’t buy Faith to begin with, and you certainly, don’t get Faith from the world.

It sort of addresses a thought about works justification vs justification by Faith in the only One who can justify us.

It is to say sarcastically, that if you believe justification by your works, then go out into the world and gain more faith by doing your works in the world.

We won’t be waiting for you; we will rely on our Enduring Faith in Him.

Salvation has always been about Faith and the Tribulation saint is going to face a very heavy testing of their faith, much more so than those of us in the Age of Grace.

And perhaps that is the lesson to us still under Grace, to really appreciate just how good we have it when we didn't deserve it.

Grace and Peace to all of you in Christ Jesus our Lord, God in the Flesh!

In His love!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Not so subtle anymore

As we slide ever further and ever faster down the slope of America's decline, the subtle perspectives I spoke of on June 28th in my blog entry Subtle Perspectives seem to be eroding away into full blown prideful arrogance of a nation.

Last week, I forced myself to maintain, my self-imposed rule, of keeping Politics out of this blog.

I'll be honest, I'm seriously conflicted about the upcoming vote in November. I feel I must vote, as it is something I feel falls under Paul's discourse about government in the land you live, in (Romans 13).

I am registered Republican for the simple reason to be recognized as being ABLE and VALID to vote. Although, since I don't drink Diet Mountain Dew, that might be in question.

But I tow no party line, I worship no man, and I am appalled at the behavior of many who would claim the Name, in their doing just that.

Last week's Attempted Assassination of the Former President, and his pick of the Appalachian son as Vice President (who's history and upbringing I have much in common with), had me reeling in memories and old patriotism. I almost buckled under the weight of the feels.

And whenever I am in a spot like this, I have learned long ago to step back, shunt everything to irrelevance and just wait and watch. For me, the Holy Spirit has this one this year (actually He always has had it, but you know what I mean).

He has to, as I am fighting against a blinding fog of deception and occupied by overwhelming distractions. I know that so many are as well.

In the recent decades, I have become quite jaded about almost everything you hear or see. It creates a problem for me in navigating new encounters with people and for trust issues.

I can't help for example, to suspect that iconic image of the Former President fist pumping after being shot in the ear with the flag behind and the secret service around him, as being a setup for patriotic propaganda. It's the classic strength and hero shot much like the Flag of Iwo Jima of World War 2. And yes, that WAS created for that very effect it has on most. Understand here, that I am in no way diminishing the sacrifices those who came before us made for our country, but the truth has to be stated. The use of their blood and pain to further an agenda is an insipid act and a betrayal of what is good and honorable.

I could be totally wrong, but the point is made clear that if I can be wrong, I have no valuable discernment or experience because of my bias. This requires me to let go of it and let God.

Putting my own situation aside, there is indeed a very real and serious problem with the "Christian Nationalism" at work. It's been a problem for a while. Elevating the Former President to be equal to or greater than Jesus in bible misquotes, and artwork. But since the assassination attempt, my goodness!

We get this, and do I have to really explain what is so wrong with this?

I will anyway, since I don't wish to deprive anyone reading this of the details.

• Jesus tied to the American flag, and thus America
• Jesus smaller that the American flag
• Jesus looking up, as though lower than the Flag or America
• The Bandage on the ear, tying Jesus to Trump. This is not the wound that saved all humanity.
• And obviously, the text, "Jesus stand with Trump"? How about Trump stand with Jesus!

It's as crappy as the "Jesus Gets Us" movement, lowering Christ to the ordinary man, and elevating everyone and everything else. None of us, and nothing are equal to God, be He in flesh or in Spirit. It's an insult, it is disrespectful, and it is shameful. No servant is greater than their master, and they certainly aren't equal to Him either.

I am left feeling even more jaded about any real authenticity of anything coming out of the Republican camp.

The Lord has comforted me mentally a bit though on the dilemma that I have about November, in reminding me that things are written as fact already in scripture, long before they come about.

For the longest time, people often wondered why America, or more correctly, the USA, is not mentioned in the Bible. I actually believe she is, in particular of Jeremiah 50 & 51 as the "Daughter of Babylon", but that's a discussion for another day.

And looking at the issue we are discussing now, I think we have our answer. The proud are brought down. The names of the individual or party that is opposed to God or His ways are rarely given credit in the Word. At best they are likened to other infamous persons or groups who failed.

So, to say it simply, my comfort will be, (IF) and when the Holy Spirit tells me to vote for Trump, I will be progressing God's prophetic will, that will come to pass as scripture foresaw, and not a failure on my part to go against His will.

It may seem a bit crazy to the rational mind, but it is an example of letting God make the choice, because He sees and knew already what was to come, and I have still performed my duty under Romans 13's direction. And we must remember that God establishes and removes kings and leaders by His own counsel.

I don't make the decision to vote my conscience (which is sorely conflicted in a trap with no way out), rather I vote what He directs, and He will sort it out from there. I'm not voting for the sake of Trump, or the sake of the Republican party, or the sake of America, I'm voting what God directs me to, even if I didn't or don't understand why.

Only here, can I be free of the turmoil over it, and this sort of posture requires every bit of making myself not part of the equation.

So, I keep quiet, keep watching, keep waiting on the Lord. It's the very best thing I can do. It's much more profitable to focus on the things above anyway. Is there not enough already in life to deal with?

May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus or Lord, the only truly begotten Son of God, God in the flesh.

Be calm, and know that He is God, and watch the Lord work our salvation in progress to that very joyous end.

In His love!

---

2 Timothy 2:23

But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 

---

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

How clearer does it need to be?

A short one for today. 

Romans 5:19

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

- - -

I grow really weary of the "work for it" crowd.

They're coming out of the woodwork like bugs in the dark fleeing from the light.

You will not intimidate me with your scare tactics and fear mongering. You can shout "Law" to my face all you want, and to your own end, I will reply with a whisper of...

Grace...

A Grace that is sufficient for all who received it...

Grace and Peace to all Christ's beloved!

Maranatha!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

The walk...

It's been a rough path this last week.

Aside from the physical impact of my medical situation and the intense heat of the recent days, there is also the mental and spiritual impact as well of the input overload. It's overwhelming.

I am navigating the tall canyons of noise from the world, which attempts to drag me into diving into useless speculations and sensationalism. I am plagued by the distraction on all sides.

My path before me; I must remain focused on. For I have no time for dwelling on myself.

A truth in life I learned long ago is that sometimes you must go down in elevation, to be able to go forward, and even sometimes go backwards and to the side in a proverbial switch back, to get further along.

Such is the nature of the terrain of life. Hills and valleys, wide detours, steep crags and drop offs, where a leap of faith must be made. Thin places where footing is unsure, swampy bogs where progress is inhibited by being stuck in the muck.

The world is so full of it right now, and at a pace and at a volume I never thought could be, much less be a witness to it's rise. And this is not the end of the matter, as it will only get worse. I am sickened to my stomach at the amount, and the degraded quality, of it all.

I think to myself what Noah must have thought in his time with the world, before the flood, or how Lot was grieved at the city gate day after day after day, with the conditions and debased morality and depravity all around him in the city, and even in the other cities of the plain around them.

I am reminded of a dream I had back in October of 2018, where I am on a forested dirt road, headed uphill in my Jeep, trying to find, and round up some semi-wild dogs, who like to go off on chases at the drop of a hat.

Seems pretty fitting...

That path is my walk, the wild is the world, and the dogs are my relevant concerns in life.

Hold the line, keep the word, do not deny His name. We're almost at the summit.

- - -

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.

- - -

2 Timothy 2:23

But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 

- - -

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

- - -

Grace and Peace to all in Christ our Lord, God in the flesh!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Subtle Perspectives

I was listening to a so-called "Christian song" the other day, parsing the lyrics in my mind as I was doing some task. I think it was morning dishes if I remember correctly...

I got jolted by a subtle perspective that I found to be in discord (pun intended). The premise was that if God agrees with you, then you are invincible... ??? What?

Now before you have a cow reading the rest of this, please be gracious to me, and be patient. I will explain further where I am going with this, as it's a big deal these days, and not too many talk about it, or worse, talk in a way that supports the opposite.

Now to start off, I am well aware of, and believe the scripture that states "If God is for us, who can be against us?". I totally accept it, and I totally believe it. I would also accept and believe that "with God, all things are possible."

My problem is not in the truth spoken but in the delivery that some use.

I've said many times and fully believe that we do not work here in life, but rather allow God to do HIS work through us. If we did the work, it would be spoiled, tainted, and valueless, since all Glory belongs to God alone.

Contemplating this further as I was being fed the many thoughts and things to write down here, I thought about the Wheat and the Tare parable, how, in the beginning both look similar and are almost indistinguishable. Yet the proof is in the end result.

In how the Wheat bends and bows to the will of the wind (Holy Spirit if you will), how it becomes white in the field (Children of Light if you will) at harvest time.

Contrasted to Tares, which are stiff and toxic (Prideful if you will), and grow darker (Children of Darkness if you will) toward the end of their cycle. They are gathered and burnt like chaff on the wind.

This subtle difference appears in other scripture as well; and is characterized by the tense and perspective of the individual.

Yes, the dreaded statement of Christ to those He says, "Depart from Me, for I never knew you". The ones who, in their lives used Jesus's name like a talisman or a Jeannie lamp, justifying and elevating themselves in status by dropping His name as a certification of their work. Like some kind of transactional relationship, quid pro quo. Probably uttering insipid words like "See...Jesus agrees with me" as they manipulate others to their own personal will and glory, all the while never having a real relationship with Him. They never knew Him, nor did He know them as His own.

The perspective is the same as the Tare. Standing on it's own, self-sustaining, among other kinds of plants like the Wheat, which is humble in nature, and relies on the Sower to develop and bring it to maturity.

There was a point in Joshua's life when standing in the presence of Christ unknowingly (pre-Carnate / Christophany), he (Joshua) asks if He (Christ), is with him or with the enemy. Christ simply said "No" and proclaimed His title as Commander of the Hosts. Joshua's rude awakening to the realization of Christ before him, ended in Joshua dropping to his knees and worshipping Christ who was and is the Commander of the Hosts of Heaven.

Here was an error on Joshua's part that can be easily forgiven because of ignorance (not stupidity). It wasn't a blatant pride on Joshua's part to treat Christ as just some other person he might have to battle. Joshua responded correctly once he knew the glaring truth (and this is why it's not stupidity).

But there's a lesson here for all of us too, and that is, to not get so comfortable with your faith, that you treat Christ as an equal... 😄 There should always be an awe and reverence in our hearts for our God who has adopted us as children of His family.

So then, the perspective is this:

Are you with God? and not, Is God with you? Though He is surely with us all when we chose Him. 😊

It may seem like a small thing, but like anything else, error grows from the smallest seed.

Either perspective are marked by one or another characteristic, either Humility and Compassion, or otherwise by the scent of Pride and Hardness.

You often find that the ones who use Jesus's name for their own ends to be cold, calculated, and harsh in their dealings with others. Always works oriented and unreasonable expectations run high, respect demanded and often not returned in kind. An air of "Prove yourself to me and my expectations", always acting like they are better than you regardless...

I ask what happened to Jesus, and why are you here now? 😊

Do not be bullied by these types. Walk away if you must. Give no quarter to their brand of evil, nor tolerate it in your presence. Christ has given you every right to do so.

Romans 8:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

So now, if you are in Christ, and there is now no condemnation for you, why would you accept any from anyone else?

Grace and Peace to all in Christ our Lord, God in the flesh!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Dispatching Serpents

It is required of all of us to defend ourselves from the evil of the world. This in turn requires us to stay the course in our faith, and keep focus on the One, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, since without Him, we can do nothing.

We are defenseless and naked against the evil on our own, as we are born into it's bondage. His example; His word we have written down, and His command; simple and not burdensome, to love as He has loved us.

His Word, the basis of our defense against temptation, and the promise of forgiveness when we fail that test. His Word, that power of the Two Edged Sword of the Spirit and a most formidable weapon, is a part of us now.

His command, we are able to achieve through His Power and Divine Love given to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit as comforter, teacher, and seal of Promise of Redemption for all eternity, a gift of life forever more with Him.

The Word and the Command are intertwined like a rope of two cords, like two witnesses bearing truth, temperance, compassion, and patience.

He is a God of Love and Patience, bestowing this nature onto His creation through the rebirth and union of the Holy Spirit, by an act of Grace and Mercy that is priceless beyond measure, and unwarranted by any merit. Something we did not deserve, but received at Salvation, and were spared what we did deserve for eternity. These are the fundamental aspects of His Grace and His Mercy shown us.

Our mission, to show this truth by witness and testimony, so that any who are willing within our reach may know this truth and be saved.

The antithesis of this of course is the Idolatry of the World, and specifically that of Idolatry of Self. There's a common name for this Idolatry of Self, and that is Narcissism.

Anything that opposes Jesus as God in the Flesh is of an antichrist spirit, and you can identify this antichrist spirit as also a Narcissist spirit. It is defined by self will, self worship, self regard, self judgment, the list goes on. Paul described 19 points of the end times Narcissism that has gone viral in the world.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Turn away from such as these!

And Paul finishes this context with an admonition to Turn Away from such people. It has distressingly become nearly the whole population of earth.

It is here where the honest and empathetic, self-evaluating Christian often gets hung up on a guilt that they don't own, in their witness and testimony to everyone in their circle of influence.

Our call is to preach the Gospel, but the choice is theirs to make, regardless of how sad the outcome. They own the consequences as well.

We often feel like we have failed and can't save anyone. I will tell you that we never could save anyone to begin with, including ourselves. Our task was to bring them to the knowledge of and to the feet of Jesus. We however, did not fail our task when we witnessed and gave our testimony. We finished our calling. The choice was theirs all along, as are the consequences.

The problem now in these Perilous Times, which is woefully obvious that they are here now, is reaching anyone left who hasn't heard or made a choice about Jesus Christ the one and only messiah, the only name in or under heaven that can save a man (or woman).

I am aware of, and consider in sadness of a recent tragedy, in which a woman passed without salvation. Defiant and rebellious to the end. She was every bit the definition of Narcissism. Her passing wasn't the tragedy, but her passing without Christ as her savior was a considerable loss.

I know this state of loss to be true, as she was very verbal in her blasphemous rants and rebellion against Jesus and the Father. She worshiped her own opinion, and demanded respect from everyone, but would give none to others. Always enraged and bitter, blaming everyone else, she would spit out her tirades and insults often. She had no compassion, and her love was nothing more than manipulation and transactional relationship. A means to an end.

This tragedy repeats itself daily, and in horrible numbers globally. The world is inundated with this Narcissism. A true cancer, and a cancer of the spirit.

It will only get worse. Especially when the restraint is lifted, and ultimately, the ultimate Narcissist will arrive on the world scene and put every other Narcissist to shame and under submission.

I turned 61 a few days ago. I have seen a lot, and done a lot in my short life. So many I have known as friend, or co-worker, or family, are gone now, and yet I remain. I sit in quiet contemplation a lot anymore. I watch as people I don't know, argue endlessly about things that don't matter. Trapped in their own passions and worldly traps, burning the candles of their lives away at high speed.

I'm mentally tired, my body broken and breaking a little more each day. I want to go home. I want that Spiritual life eternal. Should I pass before the Rapture, I am okay with that now. I am settled.

Some would dismiss this as Depression, but no, that doesn't fly. I'm banking on a promise, that does fly!

Yet... I'm still here, which means I have something I still have yet to do.

And to this end I patiently endure as we were all commanded to do. Holding fast to His Word and His Name, and denying neither, even at the ultimate cost of that or those, who can kill the body, but not our spirit.

As Paul said, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain!"

Grace and Peace to all Christ's beloved!

Maranatha!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

God has made Peace with us...

I was in a bit of a quandary for a bit on what to title this blog entry.

Should I focus on the negative aspect of "Failures, All of Us...", or the positive aspect of "God has made Peace with Men..."?

I'll choose the high road, and go with making Him the topic, and thereby giving Him the glory as it should be.

I've been contemplating this subject for a while now, thinking back on my childhood, recent passings in both my wife's family tree and in mine. And also that too, of neighbors and friends and their kin. It seems mortality creeps up on us all, and how easy it is for all of us to lose track of the years that have passed in our lives.

I have considered also the years wasted in grudge and hate and anger over things and events unchangeable, and praise God for the distance He has brought me in change of heart and spirit. I have further to go of course until my very last breath in mortality, when I go to my creator and wait along with those who went before me, for His finishing work in the redemption and judgment of men.

Now, it's pretty much a fundamental truth in life that people will fail you. In truth also, we fail others ourselves, daily.

No one is able to solve all their problems in full, any more than we can solve all of our own.

The wisest among us, know and accept that the good wisdom and common sense comes from the Lord, and the pursuit of the Lord in our faith.

Fear God, not man.

We are not to hope in, trust, nor worship any man (or woman). We are not to let any earthly relationship damage or ruin our relationship with God.

When people fail us, we should be ready for the possibility, ready to forgive, plan for a contingency, not take it personally to heart, realize that we all fail, understand that there may have been a larger reason they failed you from God's design, and celebrate when they come through by acknowledging them, and with thanksgiving to God for His Grace and His Mercy in all of our lives.

These days, I expect nothing from anyone, and know that all things are from God in the day-to-day playout of life. The thing I treasure most, and where my heart is, is Jesus my Lord, His sacrifice for me, His promise of eternal life (which has already begun even here in this mortal stage), and His promise of His soon return for us all who are His own, our adoption, our heritage, our inheritance, our victory, our shield, our sword, our help, our wisdom, our comfort, His provision for us in the here-and-now, and our future beyond the flesh.

With this as a foundation, I reflect and examine myself daily, before responses, before decisions, etc, since His command to us is to love others as He loved us. And Paul warns us about these days, not only to not participate in deeds of darkness, but also to Clothe ourselves in Christ, to be Children of Light, to be sober and conscious of our walk in these times.

- -

Ephesians 5:15-20

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion.

Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- -

Romans 13:11-14

And do this, understanding the occasion.

The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber,

for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near.

So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness

and put on the armor of light.

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime,

not in carousing and drunkenness,

not in sexual immorality and debauchery,

not in dissension and jealousy.

Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

- -

May our days be fruitful for His will, in rest or in trials... He is our strength, when we have little or none.

Rejoice at all times.

Pray without ceasing.

Give thanks in every circumstance.

Hold fast to what is good.

Abstain from every form of evil.

Grace and Peace to you all in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord, God in the Flesh!

---

Proverbs 1:7 The fear (respect and reverence) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear (respect and reverence) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear (respect and reverence) of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

Romans 3:21-24 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:17-20 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

1 Enoch 1:8 But with the Righteous He will make peace. And will protect the Elect, And mercy shall be upon them. And they shall all belong to God, And they shall be prospered, And they shall all be blessed. And He will help them all, And light shall appear unto them, And He will make peace with them.

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Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]