FMF Post August

The stories of the old are sometimes pictures or prologues of future events, giving us discernment.

Usually,
We lose when we argue with the Truth. Hebrews 4:12

We lose defending ourselves to those who love to gossip. Proverbs 20:19

We lose to those who love to have their ears tickled with empty philosophies. Colossians 2:8

You lose arguing with a narcissist. Proverbs 21:4: “Haughty and arrogant eyes and a proud heart, The lamp of the wicked [their self-centered pride], is sin [in the eyes of God].”

You lose when we say an empty prayer inviting Jesus into your heart but have not confessed and repented of your sins and turned from your old self. You must become a new creature in Christ. Repentance is an about-face, not two-face. Revelation 3: 20, Upon confession and repentance, Jesus enters in. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Salvation is on the inside, and baptism is on the outside.
Signs of the time, 
policies align
a shift in the fault line.
Is America given another chance? !! Chronicles 7:14
Defeat vs Victory, What does that look like?

Morning stillness
Rhythmic movement
Zephyr and leaf

My brother passed away on July 28. His funeral was at the Biloxi National Cemetery on August 16. At the end of his funeral, a gentle southern breeze blew during the final prayer.
1 Corinthians 15:55, "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The verse continues, “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Scene 3 Marriage of Ruth and Boaz
Ruth represents all Gentiles and is a picture of the future church. She left her country to follow Naomi and converted to Judaism. When Jesus died on the cross, He died for all mankind, Jews and Gentiles. Jesus' Jewish disciples were to preach His message of salvation to everyone. The church age began. We are saved by grace and adopted in. At the rapture, the church age ends, and God deals with both Israel and rebellious men.
Scene 2 The Lord is with Abraham.
The Lord said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?"
"The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly great. I will go down and see if they have done according to their outcry; I will know."
The two angels turned and went toward Sodom.
God is omniscient and knows the heart of every person there. God was there for the victims of Sodom and Gomorrah. He heard their outcry. The angels turned toward Sodom and Gomorrah to give the people one last chance to repent. And yet-
God would save the five cities for the sake of ten righteous. But there were not even ten righteous in Lot's family. Abraham bargained for Lot's family, which is why he stopped at ten.
Revelation 6:10
The martyrs cry out, "How long, O Lord, holy and true until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"
As Revelation reveals, Sodom and Gomorrah are testaments to God's future judgment of man's sins. When the rapture occurs and the Holy Spirit is removed, men will face God's judgment. Some will be like those in Sodom, some will die in disbelief, and others will still give their lives to stand for Jesus Christ, beginning with the 144,000 thousand from every house of Israel.
God hears the victim's outcry and will restore all that is lost. If not here, then in heaven, where he will wipe away their tears.
The stories of the old are sometimes pictures or prologues of future events, giving us discernment.

The Scene 1: I Kings 18:20-40 Eliha vs the the prophets of Baal
How long will you falter between two opinions? The God of Eternity vs the god of humanity.

One man, Elijah, stood against 450 prophets of Baal. Until the oblation hour, the prophets of Baal called on the god of their imaginations to act. Elijah taunted them. At three o'clock in the afternoon, Elijah called upon the Lord. Through Elijah's prayer, the fire of the Lord fell.
Next scene:
Jesus is hanging on the cross; it is three o'clock, the oblation hour. Jesus cried, 'It is finished,' and the wrath of God for mankind fell upon Him. Elijah was the prologue of what God was going to do on the cross. Revelation reveals God's judgement.

Revelation 3:15-18, I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

How long will we vacillate between the God of Eternity or the god of our own making? We have God's Word and now are in the church age, with Revelation as the epilogue.
Note: My pastor's sermon was much better at drawing the comparison.
Tolerate and tolerance do not equate in today's world. God's command to preach the Truth of the Gospel is clear: do not add to or take away God's Word. If you fail to preach about hell and eternal separation from God, then there is no true love, respect, or need for the free gift of salvation. If you preach God is love, and there is no hell, then there is no fear of judgment—who needs God? 

God warns us as Christians from our Jewish beginnings through our Christian heritage not to add or take away anything to HIS Word. Scriptures contain the path to salvation-true salvation, the path to understanding God, gave us free will to worship Him-the one who created it all. You can't remove Romans 1 from understanding God's love or Galatians 5:19. It is our path to God- to understanding the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- the one God, Father, Son, and Spirit. God says to spread the message with tolerance, love, and understanding of the lost.

The Spirit draws and brings conviction to the lost, but we are commissioned to go and tell-not leave them in darkness or on the wrong path.
Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6, and Revelation 22:18-19:
How many will be in hell because I was being tolerant and not straightfordward with the Gospel? I will know when I stand before Jesus.  
"The Bible consistently emphasizes love as the foundational Christian virtue. Love is not merely tolerating someone; it is actively seeking their well-being. It is desiring the best for another, regardless of their beliefs or actions. Love is not blind to sin or wrongdoing but seeks redemption and restoration. Furthermore, the Bible presents truth as absolute and unchanging. It is not merely one perspective among many. While we are called to engage with those who hold different beliefs with gentleness and respect, we cannot compromise on biblical truth. To tolerate error is to dishonor God." This is from Grace Filled Moments/FMF post. 
https://www.gracefilledmoments.me/2024/08/01/fmf-tolerate-the-illusion-of-tolerance/

6 responses to “FMF Post August”

  1. Sandra K Stein Avatar
    Sandra K Stein

    “How many will be in hell because I was being tolerant and not straightfordward with the Gospel?” — very convicting.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. mendellrachel7 Avatar
    mendellrachel7

    Amen. Strong words for strong facts. We cannot accept the Gift of Jesus without knowing how badly we need it. Conviction, then salvation. So many skip the conviction part … Thank you for the reminder! FMF#6

    Liked by 1 person

  3. aschmeisser Avatar

    Some would have us tolerate 

    what we should not abide,

    approve, applaud their blind hate

    for another’s tribe.

    They want to make us something less

    than what we have set out to be,

    to publicly and richly bless

    the things we should not see,

    but I do not hold with that

    narrowing of my own mind

    ’till there’s no room to swing a cat

    without hitting someone’s paradigm

    a really good hard meowing rap,

    that was placed there as a trap.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. brontebrown2 Avatar

      I hope you are working on a book. May I repost?

      Like

  4. mendellrachel7 Avatar
    mendellrachel7

    Amen. Exactly. Nothing to add, except that it is difficult but necessary to tell others that you can’t get the good stuff without giving up the bad stuff, pride, arrogance, entitlement, etc. If you aren’t humble and know you NEED Jesus, then it’s all foolishness to you. I’ve had a few people say to me, “I don’t need saving.” Pretty arrogant … I’m still praying for them. ~ blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. dawnfanshawe Avatar

    Thank you for this.

    Liked by 1 person

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Summer FMF Post-June & July -Through the Looking Glass

Tolerate and tolerance do not equate in today's world. God's command to preach the Truth of the Gospel is clear: do not add to or take away God's Word. If you fail to preach about hell and eternal separation from God, then there is no true love, respect, or need for the free gift of salvation. If you preach God is love, and there is no hell, then there is no fear of judgment—who needs God? 

God warns us as Christians from our Jewish beginnings through our Christian heritage not to add or take away anything to HIS Word. Scriptures contain the path to salvation-true salvation, the path to understanding God, gave us free will to worship Him-the one who created it all. You can't remove Romans 1 from understanding God's love or Galatians 5:19. It is our path to God- to understanding the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- the one God, Father, Son, and Spirit. God says to spread the message with tolerance, love, and understanding of the lost.

The Spirit draws and brings conviction to the lost, but we are commissioned to go and tell-not leave them in darkness or on the wrong path.
Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6, and Revelation 22:18-19:
July 19, 2024
What do you MAKE of this?
There is nothing that can separate us from God's love Romans 8:38-39.
There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:27-28.
There is a Spirit that knows our weakness, who intercedes to pray, when we don't know how to pray with groaning too deep for words. Romans 8:26-27.
There is hope that God causes all things to work together for our good, whether from evil-doers, haters, or demons, Romans 8:27-28.
There is a God that we can call "Abba, Father!, Romans 8:15.
There is true freedom and peace that does not come from the world or the American Constitution, but from the law of the Spirit of life in Christ has freed you from the law of sin and death, Romans 8:2.
There is coming a day that even creation will be set free, Romans 8: 21.
There is Jesus, who was raised from the dead, who gave his life and indwells you (of your own free will) (Romans 8:11).
There is only Jesus.
Can we see God's hand working through hard times? 
That lump of coal may be a hidden jewel among the trials- remember that dark colors absorb light, and outer pressure creates a precious jewel inside. Maybe these are the jewels in our crown that we lay at Jesus' feet.
JULY 12 CAPACITY to see
The CAPACITY to see beyond oneself and trust God's plan for your life is a challenge. It is full of unexpected events, trials to trust, and benefits of blessings.
"The American dream is nothing compared to following God's plan for your life. The church of the next generation is the outcome of our life, individually and corporately, as we take a stand for Christ(Gideon Speaker)."

Today, we need TRUTH with SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT as we take off our (western) spiritual blinders. As a christian with a westerner perspective, there things in scripture that I don't understand unless I look from with middle eastern perspective- (culturally, not from a Muslim, Hindu, etc. I've listened to preacher on YouTube like Voddie Bachman and Allen Nolan. Study for yourself to know the whole gospel story. God, the Father is not a Santa Clause. We are here to worship Him.)
Serving the Lord has challenges to give up what the naked eye sees and looking through your heart-eyes (Holy Spirit guidance) to know God's will.


June 21,
Choice and our free will
God acts through our prayers.
Compassion for the lost
Concern about the possibility of hell for your neighbor
Confidence to speak the truth
Cooperation means to listen to the Holy Spirit
Caring manner is shown through kindness
Creative ways to spread the gospel will happen when you are prepared.
July 5, Specificly seeing another person's point of view
I attended a local Gideon Faith Fund Rally today with a speaker from Slovakia, just below Ukraine. He told a story about the war many years ago and how two men ended up in jail. One man was a Muslim who read the Koran every day. One day, he asked the man beside him why he did not read something. The other man, an atheist, said I have nothing to read.
The Muslim man said as he handed him a Gideon Bible, "Here, read this. Someone gave me this, and I don't believe in this stuff."
The man began reading the Bible every day and was saved. His zeal for the Bible and Jesus led him to witness to the Muslim man who gave him the Bible and was saved. The former atheist, saved because a Muslim gave him a Bible, now heads up a Gideon ministry in Russia.
Days are darkening in Russia. Christians are being watched and questioned. Please pray for him.
We can no longer study scripture through a Western lens. Looking at today's war in Israel helps us to understand why God commanded the Israelite to wipe out certain groups of people. Hamas has no intentions of letting Israel live in peace. Grasping a bit of the Middle Eastern mindset puts a new lens on understanding the Old Testament and why specific actions were necessary to preserve the Jewish race. If not, they would not have existed.
It is the same for us in the US. The live and let live philosophy has eroded our moral fabric to the point of putting porn books in school libraries, gender-altering surgeries, and abortion of the unborn to 28 days after birth.
The blessings come by adhering to God's Word- which is a sword dividing good from evil.
June 28, Same
Swimming with cousins and playing with friends,
hoping summer will never end.
Hopscotch with sea shells, swinging high through the air,
outside till dark and roaming without a care.
Farmer's market down the street loaded with snacks ready to eat.
Family picnics with seed-spitting contests and fresh corn on the cob are simple ways to show how blessed we are.



Reflecting over the years is like seeing through a rose-colored looking glass. I say rose-colored because as you (I) reflect, God's hand is sometimes evident and mysteriously absent.
Remembering times spent with family and friends brings both laughter and tears. By weaving those same experiences for my children, I hope they can build cherished memories with their families someday. God is the same as He was yesterday, today, and tomorrow. God first established the family unit before communities, churches, cities, or countries. Looking back, I remember how much fun I had raising my kids.
June 21, Choice
Compassion for the lost
Concern about the possibility of hell for your neighbor
Confidence to speak the truth
Cooperation means to listen to the Holy Spirit
Caring manner is shown through kindness
Creative ways to spread the gospel will happen when you are prepared.
June 14, Cover/ Noahic Convenant 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NAzuNcs9Vs&t=8s
God will no longer intervene with man except through our prayers, and the end times.
My son taught me a lesson that I did not understand. There are three ways we experience evil:
1. By God's permission as with Job. Job showed all of heaven that man can and will honor God by faith.
2. There are demons that tempt man.
3. There are just evil people in this world who are full of greed, hate, self-serving, etc.

So now when I look back and I don't see God's hand of restoration, it may be due to evil people in this world. My faith must hold true.
June 7, FMF-Reverse
Seeing through the looking glass in reverse.

Find clarity in
a world of words with
perspicacious zeal.

In God's Word,
seek perspicacious
clarity.

His mysteries
revealed by
the Holy Spirit.

I remember reading Hannah Hurnard's book, 'Hinds Feet on High Places and Mountain of Spices.' Both are an allegory of the Christian walk. Much-Afraid meets the Shepherd and journeys up the mountain to the high places under His guidance. She collects precious jewels along the way. But there comes a point when her load is too heavy, so she looks at each one and reflects on the lesson, the deeper the relationship with the shepherd, and her understanding of God's purpose for her. With a renewed spirit, she keeps them all and moves forward.

Psalms 18:33 King James Version (KJV) - "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, And setteth me upon my high places."
Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my strength; and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.

Our direct link to God is through prayer. Looking back, can we see God's hand working through our trials and troubles? Do we cherish each lesson learned? When amid these trails and that jewel looks like a lump of coal, I remember that dark colors absorb light, and outer pressure creates a precious jewel on the inside. Maybe these are the jewels in our crown that we lay at Jesus' feet.

(Noahic covenant)

June, May 31 through
Sometimes, hearing or reading something from another point of view brings clarity or the ability to see through a scheme. I am guilty of wanting to prove my worth and that I am valuable, too, so I fall prey to empty schemes. God's love is total approval, acceptance, and love. The insecurity, inadequacy, and inferior feelings come from the world's perspective, others, or my own.


"The devil appeared to three monks and said to them: "If I gave you the power to change something in the past, what would you change?"
The first of them, with great apostolic fervor, replied: "I would like to prevent you from leading Adam and Eve to sin, so that humanity does not separate from God."
The second, a man full of mercy, said to him: "I will prevent you from straying from God and condemning you forever."
The third of them was the simplest and instead of answering the tempter, he knelt down, made the sign of the cross, and prayed: "Lord, deliver me from the temptation of what might have been and what was not."
The demon, screaming and trembling with pain, fled.
The other two were surprised and said to him: "Brother, why did you react like this?"
And he answered them:

“First, we should never talk to the enemy.”
“Secondly, no one in the world has the power to change the past.”
“Third: Satan’s interest was not to prove our virtue, but to trap us in the past, so that we neglect the present, the only time God gives us His grace and we can cooperate with Him to fulfill His will.”


Of all the demons, the one that most holds men back and prevents them from being happy is “what could have been and was not.” The past is left to the mercy of God and the future to His providence. Only the present is in our hands. Live today loving God with all your heart.
(Modified from original text)
Ctto: Michael Acebedo Lopez"

spring in my steps
alacrity of purpose
wind at my back
Finding clarity
in a world of words,
perspicacity.

In God's Word
seek perspicacious
clarity.

He has given us the Holy Spirit
When I first read last week's word, I thought of 'through the looking glass.' In Genesis, the names of each person gives us message of redemption. In the book of Daniel and the major and minor prophets, God's mystery are locked up in Revelation until now. The Bible is layered with meaning in its depths. God doesn't tell but knows we must discover it for ourselves. Then our heart is changed and truly belongs to Him. 

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6 responses to “Summer FMF Post-June & July -Through the Looking Glass”

  1. Rachel Mendell Avatar
    Rachel Mendell

    Thank you for the reminder! Regrets have done lots of damage in my life. Saving this for next month when the enemy comes back to taunt me. Be well! Blessings on your day.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Rachel Mendell Avatar
    Rachel Mendell

    Yes, gaining the capacity to see in a new way, switching, bending our perspective … I grew up with the White Jesus, but as I learned and studied I began to understand Jesus’ teachings in a completely different light. It is difficult to see things from a new perspective since I didn’t grow up in it. God give me eyes to see and a heart to understand! (FMF#3)

    Like

  3. aschmeisser Avatar

    And when will true grace come to be

    a thing that lives within the heart,

    a day when we can clearly see

    that we’re not meant to be apart

    from the God that gave us breath

    and strength to outlast the strife,

    the God who will take on our death

    so that we may have His life?

    When will we lay down the pride

    that sends us to the great abyss

    in which demons don’t try to hide,

    but greet us with a Judas-kiss,

    assuming that their evil’s won,

    only to meet Conquering Son?

    Like

    1. brontebrown2 Avatar

      The first line, goes directly to why we need salvation. Our soul needs saving from the self-will, deception in our hearts. Demons do not hide their pride but deceptly greet us with a kiss and half-truths that tickle our ears-, and yet, Jesus came anywary.

      Like

    2. brontebrown2 Avatar

      Your writing helps me to see in a differently way. It like taking off rose-colored glasses or blinders, and see God for who He is.

      Like

  4. aschmeisser Avatar

    Forty acres and a mule,

    a mansion and electric car.

    They’re easy, now, to ridicule,

    but they are real and here we are,

    locked up tight into a dream

    that was defined so long ago

    for the purpose (it would seem)

    of making someone else some dough.

    ‘Round and ’round the carousel,

    snake oil and the pretty girls,

    ratcheting on down to hell

    as we, entranced, stringing our pearls

    put aside the weeping Christ,

    disdaining all He sacrificed.

    Like

April/May FmF Post

Nothing but what is needed:
There is nothing in the Bible that is not meant to be there. How is a name given? What is in a name? Is it arbitrary, a family name, a syllabic mess, or is it chose with a meaning?
Adam means man, Seth means appointed, Enosh-mortal, Kenan-sorrow, Mahelil-blessed, Jarrod-shall come down, Enoch-teaching, Methuselah- means this death shall be judgment, Lamech-lamentation, and Noah means to bring comfort.

The message is that Man appointed mortal sorrow, the blessed God shall come down teaching, and His death shall bring despairing comfort.

God's Word is breathed out by the Holy Spirit, so it is nothing for the Holy Spirit to bring understanding so we can dive deep into knowing God. Nothingness is in man's empty philosophies. We will spend eternity with God and still marvel.

more names with meaning-
Nathaniel means gift of God
Daniel means God is my judge
Rhonda means Grand and Warrior- which is hard to live up to.
Leigh means poem or song, glade or meadow
Bronte means bestower and thunder
Brown-son of strength
Daniel Charles Brown, God is my judge, strong-manly, and son of strength.
Katelin Bronte- pure thunder
May 21, 2024 How to write stories from a Christian POV 
For a fellow writer on how to write a children's christian picture book. I agree with fellow writer, Arree, it makes writing a Christian book even harder. Here are come comparative thoughts.

Recently, I watched a series called Signal, a Korean drama. One of the things I realized this morning was the message in this story. Backdrop: police and political corruption, people looking the other way or taking brides to benefit themselves. Micah 6:8, He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you.

I woke up early and began pondering different people in the Bible and their reactions to the challenges they face. Here is where your story lies: find the hidden truth, change it to today's issues, and have your character meet those challenges. He does not have to kill a giant, but he also faces the bully at school or his best friend trying to get him to do the wrong thing.

For the character in the above series, it cost his life, which is the underlying truth of Christianity—exchange your worldly life and follow Christ, death to self, and submission to Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

An example is two godly women:Esther was beautiful, and Leah, Jacob's wife, whom he didn't choose, was ugly. Esther, who was afraid, saved her people, and Leah, who was heartbroken, was loved most by Jacob in later years. Now consider Jezebel, Delilah, Herod's wife; you can feel and see people who are like this, so narcissistic that they manipulate and destroy those around them. Jezebel tried to destroy Israel by introducing idolatry back into Israel. Ahab was too self-absorbed to care.

Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph—David, Samson, Gideon, and Nathan, who let Deborah lead Israel's army—these men failed drastically, yet saw it and took steps to correct their actions. (David's children: Three died; how David parented is not mentioned, but his kid's choices are. I have to admit here I would have asked God to leave this part out of the Bible. I mean, who wants their dirty laundry aired for centuries? Parenting is hard. But his children still knew what was right from wrong. They were taught but chose not to follow God. Esther faced death, and Leah was ridiculed but still chose the right course of action. God put David's children's failures to show that it is our own choices. We overcome by trusting God.) Character, hook, conflict, failure, and resolve.

Kirk and Alice Brown wrote a series of Christian books. I've passed these books on, so it took a bit of research to find their names. They didn't use Christian buzzwords but told stories kids deal with daily, like patience, loss, selfishness, etc. They would be good mentor texts.
I agree with fellow writer Arree; writing a Christian picture book is even more difficult. Yet, Arree's book Mixed teaches you how to love your neighbor as yourself. Ninja shows brotherly love by correcting his actions when he includes his sister in his Ninja games. Both show how individuals can change the people and circumstances around them. 

Marilyn Lashbrook's book, I Don't Want To, shows a defiant Jonah as a child. My son's favorite line was-- it was hot inside the fish, it was stinky in the fish, phewy. There were lots of onomatopoeia in her books that my four-year-old son loved. My son would stand up in bed and cross his arms like Jonah in the book. I think that is the catalyst for Trouble with Head Ants. 'ANTS' is an acronym for automatic negative thoughts or any naysaying, nervous, nasty, or not telling me what to do thoughts. WITT is an anteater who uses his brain. He recycles negative thinking by spelling his name. WITT teaches kindergartners how to handle big emotions.

It is like the retelling of The Three Pigs: The True Story of The 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf to David Weiner retelling this story. We writers find another perspective of that story and write from a different POV.
May 17 Finally

Finally, it has a different meaning than final. Finally means to attain a dream, a goal, or a wish. It is seeing the fruition of your work and efforts. Writing stories and poems about how God works in your life and then seeing them published or others read and understand—that rings with finally someone understands or relates.

Is it your final goal to hear, 'Well done, my faithful servant?' When I finally stand before Jesus, hear those words, and lay everything at His feet, I hope to hear my heart sing. When I lay everything at his feet, I lay down my struggles, see God's hand in my life, and finally understand God's peace for me.
May 10
Someday your will see the reality of your faith that is no longer temporary but is eternal, immutable, unwavering in God's ever presence. Jesus is returning one day soon.
Faith in faith is temporary.
Faith in God is eternal.
Faith in your timing is temporary.
Faith in God's timing is immutable.
Faith in changing another person is temporary
Faith in God changing one's heart is permanent.
Faith in feeling is temporary.
Faith in God's Word is solid, a cornerstone.
Faith in my efforts is temporary
Faith in God's ability to accomplish his purpose is unchanging.
God's word is solid, immutable, unchanging, eternal.
Why men hate-
Patience, a virtue often overlooked in a world of instant gratification, holds a significant place in the realm of faith. It's not a simple trait to acquire, but a complex skill that requires reason, forethought, and emotional stability, all intertwined with kindness, cooperation, and selflessness. It's a virtue that's not for the faint of heart or those with a me-first attitude, but one that's crucial for spiritual growth.

Jesus called men from all walks of life. He was patient with Peter's headlong ways, Thomas' doubts, Judas' unbelief, and the Romans who gambled for his garments and hung Him on the cross.

How do we have no patience for our fellow man who does not believe as we do? The world has gone so far as not to suffer the mention of Jesus' name. Don't be offended by their ridicule, sneering, and mocking of Jesus' name.

I Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you.

John 15:25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'
May 3 Some follies, when to play, when to let go, when to pray, when to rest

Good morning, Sunshine!
Taking in the day, no plans.
Boketto moments.
--
Mångata reverie
a playful cadence,
lovers leap (Song of Solomon)

---- Some things to beware of
Impertinent chatter
of a jaded woman
blissfully clueless. (Proverbs 5:3)

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1).
----
We, too, walk every day beside
the true Messiah,
unmoved by the truth.

---- Some things to know
Moments in nature
filled with wonderment and awe
touching the soul. Micah 6:8 God has shown you what is good.
--
truth is a plumbline
It does not vary
or shape shift.
God is revealing the mysteries of the end times, of the secrets of His Word, in a way that offers clarity to everyday life and freedom in our spirit to walk with Him.
--
Light narrows yet shines.
Truth displayed for all to see,
God’s bountiful grace.

Rapture for the church
The last harvest, winter comes.
Weary souls find rest.

John 8:12 Jesus said:I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

----Some things to rest upon and in.

Let go of the fight: Exodus 14:14
"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Let go of doubt, ask for help: Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Let go of resentment: Colossians 3:15
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Let go of worry: 1 Peter 5:7
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you"

Stillness comes in letting go. His word speaks as to how to let go.
-----
Time is a fixed entity that is set for a season and is always moving forward. God cannot undo time. God's purposes are unchangeable and set for a season of salvation as a test to man's free will. (Hebrews 6:17-18) There is no variation or shifting of shadows for God's unchangeable plan. All things being possible for God ( Phil 4:13, Matt 19:26) is predicated on a few impossibilities concerning His nature. God cannot lie and therefore He is the plumb-line for the truth to be measured. God exists outside of time. He is the Alpha and Omega. Imagine God holding the ribbon of time, the beginning in one hand to the end in the other. He surveys all of time, simultaneously.
----- Some things to rest upon and in.
God loves your soul like the soil loves the tree.
God's Word is the soil where we firmly root our faith.
The soil gives the tree all the space it needs to grow.
God's will is His Word.
It is not a road map but a relationship.
God is more interested in what you become than what you do.
Colossians 1:9.
April
Every once in a while
inspiration hits and
a desire is lit.

Every once in a while
misery accompanies loss
heartache mellows the soul.

Every once in a while
memories comfort and
peace settles within.

Every once in a while
love overwhelms and
endurance is perfected.
Romans 5 and James 1
What is so complicated about love? Love leads to kindness. Kindness leads to patience. Patience leads to self-control. Self-control to proven character. It is not that we get to pick and choose which fruit of the Spirit to exhibit on a given day. The Holy Spirit produces or yields the fruit (singular) of His Spirit to shine the light of Jesus. Christianity is unlike a cafeteria line where we choose what we like and ignore the rest. It is all or none. Jesus said we would know them by their fruits, actions, or proven works. Others will see the Jesus we know by our actions.
Romans 5:1-5 and James 1: 1-5 Galatians 5: 22-23 and Galatians 5: 5-6

FMF March post

Dedicate, Suffer, Hurry, Blame/ Easter Song

Easter’s Story

Judas walked daily 
beside Jesus in willful
rejection.

His callous heart led
to betrayal, sealed with a traitorous kiss.

Blind ignorance succeeds.
Pharisees deny their Messiah,
Jerusalem cries-out.

Overcome by fear
despairing loss, hope gone
Peter denies Him.

Overwhelmed by grief,
John couldn't contain his tears,
his Messiah dies.

Dementia cries out,
darkness envelops the cross
death's grip shakes the earth.

We, too, walk every day beside
the true Messiah,
unmoved by the truth.

Heartbreaking loneliness,
despair descends to hell's depth.
Where is man's hope?
YET-

The morning light hums,
the eternal once wrapped in clay,
has set Terra free.

The Troubadour sings,
illuminating darkness
with salvation's song,

His message rings true.
A gift of grace freely given
honoring choice.
soothing the yearning soul.

The song of the church
is the gospel story of
God's eternal plan.

The harvest complete,
the church caught up,
Israel will once again
have a hand in redeeming
Man.
Let's all be ready
Blame and forgiveness go hand-in-hand. "I have smiled at people who have said the most terrible things about me and think I don't know." (from Life Learned Feelings) Purity of the heart means being made clean through the Spirit and the Word. Forgiveness is essential in freeing an emotional bond that binds. 

In Philippians 4:8, we are encouraged to let our minds dwell on the transformative power of positive thoughts, on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Romans 12: 1-2 reveals the path to transformation through the renewal of our minds. These two verses are not just self-help tools but a testament to the power of the Word and the Spirit in guiding our thoughts. No matter the circumstances, focusing on the Word and allowing the Spirit to guide us is the key to improving our state of mind.

I know it is not easy. I sometimes enjoy thinking ill of those who have wronged me and wish for revenge. But that one verse rings in my mind is that judgment belongs to God. Truthfully, I am glad it does; that is a way I can let go and live in peace. In John 14:7, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you..."

Hurry up
Hurry up, and wait.
Hurry up, I need an answer.
Don't be hasty.
Get it done!
Don't think, just do.
Proverbs 19: 2, whoever makes haste with his feet, misses his way.
John 13:7 Satan said to Judas, "What you do, go and do quickly."


Don't hurry, wait upon the Lord. I am poor and needy, hasten to me O God, Psalm 70: 5. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise, John 5:17.

Good advice tells one to settle down, breathe, and mull things over. Psalms and Proverbs are full of such advice. But I get impatient, confused, and depressed over how slow the Lord is to act and to bring restoration. I was fussing at the Lord yesterday, and this being Easter season, the Holy Spirit brought to mind the six hours Jesus hung on the cross. I confessed my impatience. These long-standing issues are unresolved, but I trust God hears my prayers. Jesus waited and asked for this cup to pass. Jesus knew it would not, but like man, some things are hard to face alone, and we want them to hurry up and pass. God says face this world with Me.
Run the good race.

Dedication is devoted to a single task or purpose with loyalty and integrity. It means being part of a team. Your family, church, Sunday school, and your neighbor’s welfare are all included in this team. The single task is illuminating God’s love for them through your actions. Job was a dedicated servant who questioned himself in the face of trials but never denounced God. God knew Satan had his eyes on Job and accused Job of being like every man, that once the suffering was hard enough, he would denounce God. Satan wanted to prove that man would curse God. Yet, Job did not. Hebrews Chapter 11 is a testament to men and women who remained faithful and served as a reminder for us. Satan intends to make our lives miserable because he is pure hatred and a liar to the core. Jesus is coming soon, very soon!

Life vs Death
Light vs Darkness
Love vs Dementia
Photo by Jim Brewer
Suffering:
Fear and darkness abide

side by side,
hiding the old crone
of despair.
Entrench is their hatred
of light.

Drugs and confusion act

as cohorts.
summoning dementia to rattle

the brain,
Stirring perturbation, darkness settles in.
They invite death and demise, who wonder the abyss.
They all grin when pulse
is weak, hope is lost.
-smile as the soul's vapor
vanishes,
but all is not loss.

but the light is still there,
follow the light. hope is not lost,
light is not gone.


Remember!
Darkness is only the
absence of light.
Dementia is only the
confusion of truth.
Death is only your soul
rejecting God.

Discernment and light walk
hand in hand.
Light is not afraid to
illuminated a way.

The Troubadour sings
salvation's song,
illuminating a path.

His message rings through
dementia's trap, soothing a troubled heart.

Jesus breathes life
into a yearning soul, chasing
death away.



Jesus breathes life
into one's soul, shines a
light on a dark path,
loves the yearning soul.

Send love to a yearning soul.
soothes the yearning soul
with his gift of grace and love

Jesus is the truth, the light and the way.

.





for the confused mind.
Look up for hope,





Jesus breathes life into one's soul.

Shines a light on a dark path,
Send love to a yearning soul.

Follow the lighted path of God's Word,


grasp for the light of God's word, yearn for the pure milk of the Word, and seek the deep truth of who our God is.

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1).

FMF February 2024

Respite:
No tempatation has over come you except what is common to man. I Cor 10:13
A Psalm of David. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Ps 62:1-2
They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.Is 40:31
Jesus walked this earth as a man. He knows what it means when we say weary bones, tired to the bone or when we are overwhelm. The cares and burdens of this world can be too much to handle. Even Jesus ask for this cup to be passed, yet he obeyed.
memories lay curled
tumbled, dark rumble
inner balance skewed
Sometimes we are overwhelm, our faith shaken,
sometimes we are just tired and need rest,
sometimes we have lost our way, darkness overwhelms.
Despite our circumstances, God calls us to him. PS 23
Take an intermission and rest.
A respite brings clarity.
memories lay curled 
tumbled, dark rumble
inner balance skewed

truth is a plumbline
that does not vary
or does it compromise.

God's Word does not compromise Truth. It is our plumbline, our standard, our foundation to live by. God cannot lie. Therefore, our foundation is solid as a rock. (Amos and Hebrews)
Spoil: 2/16/24
If one is spoilt to the point of self-validation where no moral code or truth instructs one's character, then deception will reign in that person's heart.
It began in the 50s when having fun and earning money became more important in one's life than Jesus. The '60s sexual revolution attacked God's plan for the family. The divorce rate rose. Government welfare further broke families apart. As a result, abortion was reintroduced back into our society as a legal means to kill an unwanted child. The Gospel ended child-sacrifice to Molek. Next, the me-generation of self-promotion and social media took hold. Today, the number of clicks is the primary source of self-validation. Knowing how God designed you and finding self-worth in the eternal God is lost. Deception crept in, and we ignored it. Our spoiled generations prefer to believe a lie rather than the truth. A person must seek God's gift of discernment. One's gain must be Christ. Phillippians 1:21 For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Prayer and the gospel saves.
Consumed by hurt! So, how does one live beyond the hurt and maintain hope?
Hurtful words dash across the heart. Dreams unrealize by the busy cares of the day lie in waste. When children refuse to talk to their parents, hope for restoration dims when the years roll into another. When the future seems clouded by nefarious purposes, we pray for a turn of events. Sadness and regret fill a life once lived. Hope lost in darkness cries of despair. We cry.
Yet, we still hope. Why?
Hope lies beyond our regrets and missed opportunities. Hope restores the heart and clears the way for renewed dreams. Hope rests on the foundational truth of Christ Jesus. When love seems lost, and we've lost our way, hope shines a light. It dispels the darkness of despair. The heart responds. Hope carries the vital healing power of frankincense and myrrh. Its soothing components restore our faith and love.
Hope heals!
Waste: Every religion created by man is self-serving: serve me, sacrifice your wealth and what you love most for me. Mohammad, Joseph Smith, Jim Jones, and Prosperity preacher Norman Vincent Peale all proclaimed to know the way to God or how to live one's life, offering their guidance without knowing the one true God. Religion and empty philosophies created by man waste time, energy, and resources.

God has given us free will. We can choose the false prophets, various religions, or respond to the call of the Holy Spirit. Our spirit is drawn to the Holy Spirit; we can accept or reject God. In doing so, we recognize the creator and his creation; he existed before time began, and the cross was laid as a foundation for a relationship with the eternal God.
Colossians 2:8-10
v. 8 See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. 9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority;

"Jesus, the apostles Paul, Peter, and John all repeatedly warned such men would rise up among us, and lead many astray, even within the visible church. They warned that not only would there be many False Teachers, there would be many followers of them as well ...people "to suit their own desires ...will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Tim 4:3). Sadly, very few people do their homework when considering their own pastors, so the wolves have taken advantage of this fact to keep multitudes in their blinded condition." 
https://www.monergism.com/modern-day-false-teachers

FMF/ January Patterns/ Say/Far

Far: This is the last post for January. The post from 'proverbs27thlock' emphasizes living short and living long. Twenty-six days have passed, and what have I done for the Lord and others? What is my daily focus? With 339 days left this year, what is living long? (I recommend reading his post). I usually write my posts/ideas before reading others. 
I see how far away I am from accomplishing some of my goals. My writing is about revisions and getting to the final stages for submissions. But I have revised two stories that I think are submission ready. Community is about reaching out to international students, learning Korean, and inviting people to church- two opportunities this past week.
Re-memorizing scriptures and a daily bible study laced with prayer. I was having trouble quoting a scripture I know from memory- yep, gotta use it or lose it.
What affects my living short and long? Procrastination and distractions sometimes are the order for the day. I am like grasshoppers who forgets to look up for guidance.(Yes, there is a bible verse, can't remember where.) So begin the day by looking up and inviting God to order my steps.
Say what are God's patterns in each season of life.
God designed each season of your life to bring the fruition of His will. Thereby, God reveals Himself uniquely to your spirit so that I can know the Father, the creator of this world. What would I say to the Father? I think of the Father as ominous and exacting, yet even in the Old Testament, I see kindness and willingness to listen and even change His mind. Kate used the word shutter to think this morning in her video. Grief does make one shutter. I did not have a kind earthly father, and after the divorce, I never saw him until I was an adult. So, I will admit to having a skewed perception of the Heavenly Father. The words Kate used to describe grief were enigmatic and illusive. I remembered the melancholy impression from childhood as I watched my grandson wishing his father was present. This image is not what God intended when He first designed the family unit. The father was to represent the heavenly Father by providing a safe place, protection, and security - a home filled with love and care. The heavenly Father is teaching me about Himself. He wants me to understand Him as the Father, someone I can come to and sit, talk, and listen to.

What is God’s pattern of love in my life? What do I know, what have I seen, why are prayers unanswered, when do prodigals return, and how will things be restored. God did not save me to lose me in doubt and fear.

The Bible doesn't explain God, the Father; it declares Him. God is a spirit to be worshiped in spirit and truth. How can a spirit be known? Fact: Nothing preexisted God. The three in one spirit existed and, by His word, spoke the world into existence. Jesus is our visible manifestation of the Father; now we have His spirit within. Our Father wants us to have a relationship with Him.
The story of the prodigal son is about the Father and Israel's rejection of salvation for the Gentiles. The older brother is Israel. The younger brother is the Gentiles. The Father would have smothered them in unconditional love, but the older brother was unwilling. God, the Father, established Israel as a beacon to the world. Micah 6:8 says He has shown you what is good and what the Lord requires of you. The Father desires us to know Him and trust Him as Job did.
The rich young ruler was willing to follow certain rules but he wasn't willing to love Jesus above his worldly possessions or his worldly POV
So, I need to look at my patterns of doubt, questioning God about unanswered prayers. In my depths of despair, do I still trust, like Job? Do I find rest in Him (Ps 23)? When do I rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance? My patterns are mine and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have discernment to discover more about the Father.

The Troubadour by RLBronteBrown

FMF December

The mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart. Your true being brims over into your words and actions. It comes out of the heart. If good and abundance of good; if evil and abundance of evil. Does your heart have a good treasure or evilness? A person’s words express the overflow of the heart; what you say flows from what is in your heart. Words matter. We are called to speak against evil and bring forth righteous words to build our nation. We are to be watchmen for our country. The church is the watchman for our nation. We will be responsible if we keep silent. Our sins are heavy upon us, and we can’t survive this way. We must turn from our wicked ways. We do not let liars destroy our nation, our culture, and our children. We know who are liars because we can hear their words. Be heroes of faith, to make a stand to return to God’s ways. Pray that we dream and find the Lord’s destiny for us. Pray that the Holy Spirit speaks to the prodigal to come home.

The Troubadour's Song 
The Troubadour's Song

The Eastern Star shined
through the night
illuminating the way.

The Word sang a melody
for my heart to hear,
soft and gentle.

For those with ears
to hear, it was pure
and poignant

Like tiny beats
of an hummingbird's wings,
a whispered message arrived.

A single voice announced
the King's arrival.
He dwelt with us.

A songless world
yearned for echos of a
promised aria.

Despair dispelled.
The Troubadour sang
the redemptive story.

The morning light hummed,
arousing a sanguine hope,
the frame repeats-

Joy to the World.
In the beginning was the Word
The Word was with God and
the Word was God.
He was in the beginning...
In Him was life and
He was the light of men.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John Chapter 1
From the beginning to the end, Jesus lets us know what is in store for us.

Turn

The rich young ruler turned away from Jesus and grieved. 
In v. 18, he called Jesus a good teacher, not Lord.
In verse 19, Jesus asks him, "Why do you call me good, only God is Good?
The rich young ruler didn't recognize Jesus as the Son of God.
V.19: Jeuse refers to the 10 Commandments, which are rules to live by (guidance).

But rules without love are empty. Jesus gave him a challenge to show his true heart. The rich young ruler was unwilling to turn.

It wasn't about riches; it was about what he valued most. It was not about Jesus. He wanted Jesus to accept his standard of worship. He was willing to give in part but not all. His heart was still wicked.

Today, many believe they are saved but will be left behind because they are no different than the rich young ruler.

Jesus left with nothing undone.

Jesus left nothing undone while hanging on the cross. Psalms Chapters 22-24 are a picture of the cross. 
His first request: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34

He honored his mother: Woman, behold your son! Then to John, Behold, your mother. John 19:26-27.

His example of grace: One thief ridiculed Jesus and demanded to be saved without recognizing his need for grace. The other thief confesses who Jesus is, a man without sin, and receives grace.

At noon till three, darkness fell over the land: Jesus cried: My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me? Mark 15:33-34. The Father isolated the Son for us. Jesus became sin for us. Darkness fell in Egypt at the first Passover when the death angel came.

Around 2:00, Jesus cried: I thirst. He was given sour wine, but he refused it. In the garden, he asks the Father to let this cup pass but accepts the Father's will. Jesus refused man's cup.
With that, Jesus says it is finished: The Father's will is done.

With Jesus' last cry of triumph, He willingly gave up his spirit. His choice, not by man.

https://wordpress.com/post/brontebrown2.com/1868

https://wordpress.com/post/brontebrown2.com/1824

FMF/June

Friendships are the threads woven in the tapestry of one’s life. 
Iridescent threads
shimmering in sunlight
woven in my heart
FMF/ Sunshine
life's tapestry
Iridescent threads
woven in my heart
I imagine God showing me a tapestry of my life in heaven. Family and friends who have shaped my life will be like shimmering sunbeams woven throughout. The iridescent lines of friendship will burst forth in a prismatic array of colors revealing the depths of God's love.
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17

One response to “FMF/June”

  1. aschmeisser Avatar

    Don’t want to see a tapestry
    of my life, because,
    there really is no need to see
    my old life that was.
    Anything there that was good
    will still be on the road ahead,
    and I think I really should
    concentrate on that instead,
    ’cause the God that saves our tears
    also saves each smile,
    and the lights of former years,
    and what was worthwhile
    were sifted at God’s judgement seat
    and these I once again will meet.

    Liked by 1 person

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FMF May/ Soon/Deliberate/Chapters

I am a bit behind. 
Peter had several chapters in his life. A Jewish boy raise to be fisherman. Jesus called him to follow him, Matthew 4:19. He was called to be one of the twelve disciples and first to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. 

Charcoal fire chapter was about a new commission. At the first fire, Peter denied Jesus three time and the second charcoal fire is where Jesus cooked breakfast by the sea of Galilee. When Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?", there was no judgement. Jesus didn't shame Peter. With the new chapter, Peter was given a new commission. 

Each chapter is a new beginning. God catches us in grace and keeps us in grace. 
Deliberate
Every action Jesus took while walking on Earth was deliberate and taught a spiritual principle that we may miss.   

1. Jesus' challenge to the rich younger ruler to sell everything wasn't about being rich. The rich young ruler wanted to earn his way to heaven. Eph 2:8-9- It is a free gift by faith alone. 

2. Healing on the Sabbath was about the hardiness of men versus God's coming grace. 

3. Jesus deliberately slept while crossing the storm tossed Galilean Sea. He was awakened by panicking disciples. He quietens the sea. Jesus let them face the harshness of the sea to let them know he would be with them through difficult times. 

4. Raising Jairus' daughter taught the Centurion leader that Jesus had all authority. 

5. Sometimes, our ministry is at home, just like the Demoniac. He wanted to follow Jesus. Jesus said, " Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. The Demoniac reached people that might have ignored Jesus because they saw the change in him. 
Take a new look at the scriptures and find the spiritual principle beyond the healings, the confrontations, and more. 

6. Jesus healed the blind man, and the blind man who can now see, immediately enters the synagogue proclaiming Jesus. The blind man's healing speaks of man's spiritual blindness. Your Messiah is here and yet you cannot see. 
Revelation 3:11 
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/616840313667334/?s=fb_shorts_tab&stack_idx=0

God's rathe is against
the intrusion of evil-
given over and measured. 
Haiku by RL Brown

God's divine wrath was poured out on Jesus.  EZ 7:8 and Rm 3:25. Jn 3:36. 
When the church is caught up, God's will deal with evil as explain in Revelations. 
God's wrath is provoked by evil. God's wrath and man's angry are two different things. Just like we exist in a time bubble, God is eternal with an eternal perspective. God's nature is love. He may love the sinner but God rathe is toward evil and those who cause evil and bring destrution on this world. 
How is God's wrath revealed? 
Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity (1:24).
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions (1:26).
God gave them up to a debased mind (1:28).
At the core of the human problem is that we are sinners under the judgment of God, and the divine wrath hangs over us unless and until it is taken away.
Our names must be written in the Lamb's Book of Life. 
https://openthebible.org/article/six-things-you-need-to-know-about-gods-wrath/#:~:text=The%20Bible%20speaks%20about%20God's,was%20poured%20out%20on%20Jesus.