Flesh or Spirit? Part 2

one vs the other

In my previous article of "Flesh or Spirit", I discussed the temporary fun on earth which is living in the flesh and the eternal life, peace and joy that is living in the spirit. I want to go in a little more in depth on this subject because this is very important for followers of Christ to deeply understand. Though we as humans are all spiritual beings living inside of our fleshly bodies, the flesh and the spirit are actually polar opposites. "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." ~Galatians 5:17. If I'm being honest, my past wordly carnal life has been creeping up on me so I want to use my personal battle(s) as a prime example for walking in the flesh vs walking in the spirit..

FLESH-

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I told you before, as I have told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." ~Galatians 5:19-21...The fleshly me wants to still be a fashion designer. The fleshly me is really passionate about the arts and have always been. The fleshly me still wants to express myself through my choice of clothing and through my art. I like to listen to music. It's always been a stress reliever for me. There was never a day where I didn't listen to music. I used it to to get me through my days. So much for love for music that I have. The fleshly me wants to live life to the fullest and see everything that's out there. The feshly me wants to travel, I've had plans on getting my passport and going places outside of the US that I've never been before. Being in the 21st century in this day and age makes it no better. The fleshly me likes to go out to the movies and see the latest film that had released. The fleshly me had plans on being a powerhouse and making a great impact on this world through my personal legacy. It's so much that I wish I could do; It's so much that I had intentions and plans to do! The fleshly me hates the current circumstances that I'm in. In the words of Wiz Khalifa, the fleshly me just wants to live "Young & Wild & Free". 

SPIRIT-

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." ~Galatians 5:22-25...Now because I'm a professing follower of Christ, I cannot do the things that my flesh desires to do. I must walk in Spirit. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and truth." ~John 4:24. Though my flesh wants to do what it wants to do, it is contrary to God's commands so I must kill the flesh as it's a duty for the follower of Christ to do in order to please God. I know I can't continue on in my career as a Fashion Designer anymore no matter how badly I want to. I can't wear whatever I want anymore. I must dress modest. I can't enjoy the luxurious lifestyle that I was working hard for, what my flesh was eagerly desired. "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." ~1Peter 3:3-4 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where theives do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." ~Matthew 6:19-21...I can't go out for a refreshing night out in the town or to concerts or anytype of entertainment for that matter. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." ~James 4:4. I can't give people a piece of my mind the way I would like to. I can't be myself and live outside of the box the way my flesh oh so desires. Walking in Spirit means I have to deny myself. "The said Jesus unto his disciples, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.'" ~Matthew 16:24 "And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him." ~Luke 5:11 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." ~Romans 12:1

The fleshly me feels as if I'm still very young and I haven't even lived life to the fullest. I've only accomplished a mere glimpse of what I was striving for in regards to a good and comfortable lifestyle to make up for the last 20-21 years of depression, heartbreak, PTSD, and everything else in between. The fleshy me feeling down about everything that I've worked hard for over the last couple of years going down the drain. However, the spirit in me is relieved that the Lord stopped me at my tracks. The spirit in me knows that though I was on the path to success and abundance, even if I was already at the point of obtaining everything allof my wants and desires, checking everything off my bucket list, I still would have felt a void and that God is the only one who can fill that. My spirit is aware how worthless it is to gain the whole world and to lose your only soul. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and to lose his own soul?" ~Mark 8:36. My spirit knows that life on this earth is temporary and the lusts and pleasures thereof. Our flesh will die but our spirits are immortal. My spirit is happy that I'm currently not in Hollywood and living the life that my flesh wants. My spirit is relieved that Christ did what he did for my soul and all the other 7-billion and counting souls out here in this world. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." ~John 3:16-17 

Though it seems that I have given up everything (in which I have all for Christ); there is great rewards in which will make up for the killing of the flesh that I'm doing and all of the other professing followers of Christ if we endure in the faith until the end of our lives. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." ~James 1:12 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." ~1Corinthians 2:9 "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." ~2Timothy 4:8 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." ~Revelation 21:4 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." ~John 14:2-3. The rewards are so great! Far much better than any luxury living that I was striving for. Much better than anybody is currently living on this earth today or has ever in the past. Not even Queen Elizabeth can be compared to what Jesus has in store for his bride.

To live in flesh is to live in sin. We are all born of the flesh so we are all born into sin naturally; but, in order to please God and walk blameless before him, we MUST kill the flesh and walk in spirit. "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." ~Galatians 5:24-25 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." ~Romans 12:2 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." ~Galatians 6:7-8 " That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." ~Romans 8:4-9...If you choose to live in the flesh then you are choosing the temporary fun on earth which leads to death. If you choose to live in the Spirit for God; though it can e difficult and it's a very narrow pathway, it will lead to the eternal life, peace and joy that the Lord promises.

This is something that I must constantly remind myself. Also all followers of Christ must ponder on this constantly however it applies to their own personal fleshly desires. The devil likes to tempt with your former lusts and passions prior to Christ. The biggest key to rememberance is that the life on this earth is ust a blink of an eye compared to the ternal that is the after-life. "For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth." ~Psalms 102:3 "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;" ~1Peter 2:11. The choice is ultimately ours but it's best that we choose wisely...

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." ~Matthew 26:41 

-----for biblical truth and edification visit dontperish.com 

LOVE

and AFFECTION

Ever since I could remember being a very young boy, as young as elementary-middle school, I have always been a sucker for love. Due to my rough childhood, along side with having a successful career, finding true love was also a big factor that I was striving for. Dealing with dysfunctional family and friends and their ways of "love" didn't sit well with me at all so I always sought for it via romance. From the puppy love and crushing on so many people to having what I thought to believe a "first love" encounter in high school (which was not your average high school sweetheart experience...total opposite). A year after high school, Into my college years, I was in a crazy narcissistic on/off love affair with someone who I was madly in love with for almost two years. I also ended up mingling with quite a few individuals in between the off times with the love of my life and once I finally called it quits with that person for good, I then found myself falling in love with someone who I was in a professional corporate workplace with for a duration of almost a year which didn't work out due to the environment and both of us being hurt in the past and from us trying to control and manipulate each other...From all the times of mingling and getting to know people, I ended up fornicating with a couple of them. I wasn't ever that big on sexual relations unless a mutual bond is there; in fact I've practiced abstinence more than fornication but during this time, I was trying to do whatever to get over the love of my life and my thought process through it all was that maybe if I gave myself up, then they'd "fall in love". The couple of individuals who I were dealing with at the time would not leave me alone. They blew my phone up wanting to be with me all the time along with the many of people who were attempting to be with me who I never gave a chance. I felt flattered becuase I thought that the peoples' desire to have me equated to their 'love' for me. I started to become an attention seeker which led to me dressing more provocative and being more in tune with my sexuality. I was so confused but yet I loved that type of attention that I was getting from all types of different people both in real life, and on the social media life.  I was extremely vulnerable and I thought it was love, not even knowing what true love was, it was all just lust and fascination.

I was so lost and shattered hearted but ever since JESUS called on me and I started my walk with Christ, he has restored me greatly! Getting to know JESUS, I've started to become so magnified by him because he is all about love and he's always been about love. He saved me during a time where I was very haughty and prideful, I time where I was dabbling in a plethora of different abominations and iniquities. A time where I was into the witchcraft. A time where holiness and obedience was never on my mind but rather rebelliousness and self pleasure. A time where I only cared about me, myself and I. He saved my life and prevented me from going down the path that I was headed towards. As soon as I called upon his name, he was RIGHT THERE! "We love him, because he loved us first." ~1John 4:19 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." ~Isaiah 41:10 "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing." ~Zephaniah 3:17

God loves us more than we can really imagine. He loves us more than we love ourselves! I thank him so much for seperating me from all of the chaos and from the individuals who didn't have my best interest at heart. The ones who didn't truly love me but rather loved things about me and who were an obstacle and stumbling block to my well being. I've realized that the "crazy in love" dramatic dilemmas that I were in wasn't true love. When God poured out his true love towards me, it definitely outweighed any type of love that I've experienced on a romantic level, family and friend level and any supporter level all put together. It's so overwhelming because God's love is so magnificent; I'm not even deserving of it, especially the way I was living prior to Christ but yet he still loves! I'm so grateful and give all the glory to him. Not only that but he loves us so much that he sacrificed himself for the whole world, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." ~John 3:16-17...Also, he loves us so much that though he enters our lives during a derranged state, he definitely doesn't leave us there. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord has shown so much love; TRUE LOVE towards me and so many other saints. That's all he was, that's all he is, that's all he'll ever be. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." ~Hebrews 13:8...Just as he displayed and still displays his love towards us, he commands us to do the same in all ways. Our 2 gratest commands are to love God and love your neighbour. "Jesus said unto him, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two greatest commandments hang all the law and the prophets.'" ~Matthew 22:37-40. We must also love our enemies, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" ~Matthew 5:44 "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." ~Luke 6:28 "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the thankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." ~Luke 6:35-36..The saying "Treat other the way you want to be treated." and "Killing with kindness" all stems from the word of God and the commandments. Jesus did so flawlessly! "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.' And they parted his raiment, and cast lots." ~Luke 23:33-34...If you have brothers and sisters that you are connected to in Christ then you must love them as well. Becuase your spiritual family is much more important than physical if the physical isn't walking in the way of Christ. "Be kindly effectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;" ~Romans 12:10 "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." ~1Corinthians 1:10 "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." ~1John 4:20-21...Most importantly, if you're married then you MUST absolutely love your spouse, as it is very important to do so being that two flesh become one. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shal a man leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband." ~Ephesians 5:22-33

God still shows his loves not only to the saints but even to the wordly ones as well. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." ~2Peter 3:9. He loves all of humanity so much that he's patiently waiting, for us all to REPENT. He doesn't want any to perish but at the same time he isn't going to force us against our will. He gives us free to will to do ours or to give up ours and do his will. Ultimately it's our choice. If you are tired of the heartache and heartbreak just like I was, then the best option is to simply rest in Christ. It is not too late while you're still living and breathing. I can attest that as God showers his love on me, my self respect and the love for myself and others have greatly increased all because of Christ. I give glory and honor to him indeed. God is LOVE; Love that nobody else can display except for him. Rest in Christ and experience the love that he is waiting and wishing to bring to you. You won't regret it.

-----for biblical truth and edification visit dontperish.com 

Education

knowledge + self control = wisdom

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children." ~Hosea 4:6

In America, we go through mandatory schooling from K-12. Then once graduated from high school, you can choose to go to college for further education. Today there are many individuals who strive in having a bachelors, masters, doctors, or professional degree in whatever their career major field is. The ones who do obtain those degrees tend to become extremely prideful and narcissistic and think that they have acquired the upper echelon of intellegence. They even go as far as letting their degrees become their identity; commanding that you call them "DR. ___" or they'll attach "PHD" next to their name. That is the pride of life that leads to idolatry because they are idolizing the status of the piece of paper and achievement that they have obtained which was given to them by man. Then they tend to downplay and bash the next person for not knowing whatever they know. They believe that they are better than other people. It's a sin to the Lord. "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." ~Proverbs 8:13 "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." ~Romans 12:16 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" ~Colossians 3:5 "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." ~1John 5:21...As for myself, I never cared too much about obtaining any degree but I did take pride in myself for having a great mixture of street smarts along with the books smarts for my age. I saw myself as a modern day "Tupac". Though I did have somewhat a sense of knowledge and wisdom for my age compared to my peers and family members, I didn't acquire the true higher sense of awakening and education until I started reading the HOLY BIBLE. 

Once I've whole heartedly gotten into the word of God, I was so surprised at how mostly everything that I was learning and being taught in the world all of my life was false. The 'street' and 'book' smart became irrelevant because the public school systems, the paganism and the way that the government operates is so corrupt. Every history class and lesson that was being taught to me was false. They have blinded me and so many others by feeding us with so much irrelevant information that isn't going to save our souls. For example, when in the public schools, we were taught that the earth randomly began out of nowhere due to an accidental "big bang theory" but according to the bible, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." ~Genesis 1:1-2 (The rest of Genesis Chapter 1 3-31)...It's so much more that the bible teaches that debunks what we have been taught but that is a prime example. I personally believe that the OLD Testament and those time periods should have been taught rather than those huge man made textbooks. That will never happen though. Their hearts are far from God they definitely do not want us to come to the knowledge of the truth. Especially since this world is ruled by satan. The whole agenda is to keep us brainwashed and distracted from the real truth.

You can brag about your wordly accolades and wisdom all you want but if you aren't into God's word and learning the history of the Old Testament, the literature and poetry and how we are supposed to follow the New Testament body, then you are most indeed spiritually sleep and dead. You may have people convinced and deceived and awed at your wordly knowledge but if it's contrary to God and his word, you are just a fool to him and you don't really know anything. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." ~Proverbs 1:7 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearketh unto counsel is wise." ~Proverbs 12:15...The true education is through the bible! God gives us the bible as a guide to survival in this fallen world and how to grow spiritually in getting right before it's our time to leave this lifetime and our fleshly bodies into the next or before JESUS CHRIST returns (whichever comes first). "He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good." ~Proverbs 19:8 "O the depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments and his ways past finding out!" ~Romans 11:33 "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is a safety. Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate." ~Proverbs 24:3-7...Learning the true education via the Holy Bible allows us to enherit many great things such as our souls and the hope of eternal life and the purification of JESUS CHRIST "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~John 3:16. There's also growth in discernment between good and evil and being blessed with the holy spirit. However, worldy education only offers a career (which isn't always 100% guranteed) along with some money and whatever fleshly lusts and pleasures you have. It's all going to perish as it's all temporary. "For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth." ~Psalms 102:3 

If you want to be on the light and righteousness side that is Christ, then I suggest you get into God's word which is the HOLY BIBLE. It's the only thing that truly matters being that our souls are at risk. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~Ephesians 6:12...I wish for the light and the education of it to set many free from bondage just as it has done for me. That's the true way to being woke! Humble yourselves before the living God! Get out of the slumber and open your eyes to Christ. He is the way! God be praised.

-----for biblical truth and edification visit dontperish.com  

Using the Cross for fashion?

vain blasphemy

For years and years now I have witnessed so many professed followers of Christ and also so many wordly people be ordained with the image of the cross that JESUS CHRIST died on for the sins of the world. There has been a decline of Christianity here in America over time but yet there is an influx of people using the image of the cross for fashion purposes. The most popular use for the cross today is seen as jewelry pieces like necklaces and earrings; also seen on purses and phone cases and most definitely clothing. When I mention clothing, I'm not just talking about the tacky, cheesy t-shirts that people wear but it is also used in high fashion. Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and Tom Ford are just a few examples who are known to having a history of using the cross in their designs in which I find quite ironic considering how the industry is of the devil...

Back in 2018, The Met Gala theme was "Heavenly Bodies". Being their most controversial theme thus far, it was so much vanity that took place that night. Celebs such as Madonna, Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj, Jared Leto, Chadwick Boseman and so many more being all ordained and customized with crosses all over. There was nothing 'heavenly' about the event but rather very corrupt and blasphemous towards the holy God. The Lord does not want us to make any graven images. "Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:" ~Deuteronomy 5:8 "Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female..." ~Deuteronomy 4:16 "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." ~Exodus 20:4 (God was so serious about that in which he told the people time and time again on different occasians back in Old Testament times). Nor does he want us to be decked out in jewelry and expensive textiles. "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet, which is in the sight of God of a great price." ~1Peter 3:3-4 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." ~1 Timothy 2:9-10 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where theives break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where theives do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." ~Matthew 6:19-21. We today have rebelled against both of those commands and even went as far as emerging the two; creating a graven image that is the cross and turning it into a 'fashion statement', stirring up so much iniquity and doubling the wickedness that is.

In the fashion industry, whatever the higher end designers create, the high-street and plain streetwear suppliers always follow after which causes a chain reaction to the consumers who cannot afford the luxury brands but desire to still look as if. So many people, especially in my twisted generation look up to these celebs and when they see what they wear, they also will replicate that anyway they can and will also try to keep up with the latest trends and what's currently 'in'. Many are so quick to wear the cross just because it's 'cute' or it looks 'cool' but not knowing what it is really about. JESUS CHRIST died on that cross for FREE for the redemption of me, you and everyone in this world for our sins and iniquities before the Lord. Being the slain lamb, Jesus sacrificed himself so that we don't be cast to hell and then lake of fire but instead, that we can have the hope of eternal life with the living God. "Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." ~Matthew 27:26 "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'" ~Luke 23:33-34 What JESUS did was absolutely free out of his love for us. Yet, jewelers, designers and any other craftsmen who carve the image of the cross are selling the image attached to their items for money; (which is another sin because we aren't supposed to sell the things of God.) "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that are sold and brought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, 'It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.'" ~Matthew 21:12-13 "And said unto them that sold doves, 'Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.'" ~John 2:16

Wearing a necklace with a cross or having any type of accessory that has a cross on it does not gain you any favor with God; nor does it make you any spiritual no matter how simple, small, huge or ordained the cross is, it is all vanity! Anything that is vain is of the enemy and the enemy is satan who is the ruler of this world and the traditions of men. "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountsin, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, 'All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.'" Whether you are aware or not, even though you are wearing a cross that represent Christ, you are still worshipping the devil..."But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." ~2Corinthians 11:3 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." ~John 10:10 "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." ~James 4:4 

JESUS did say that he is the way, "Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.'" ~John 14:6 However, the way to Jesus isn't by wearing graven images of the cross. It's by following the 5 Biblical Gospel Points and getting into God's word that is the HOLY BIBLE and not only reading it but practicing and doing it! We are supposed to follow the New Testament body that God gave for us after the fulfillment of all 613 Torah Laws and sacrificial death that he did on the cross followed by his ressurection. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." ~!Corinthians 11:1. JESUS  spake of many parable and he did so for many reasons. (in which I plan to go over a couple in the near future). Time is near and we MUST be sober and aware of ALL things. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." ~1Peter 5:8-9...It's not a 'fashion statement', it has a much deeper meaning. The traditions of men and the 'culture' gave the humble rugged cross a very unsettling makeover and if JESUS was here today in human form, he would rebuke it all! WOE unto the blasphemy. Know to think about it, I'm starting to really understand why he called me out of the fashion industry and my worldly career that was...

Since knowing the truth and finding out that the wearing of the cross isn't biblical, I have shamefaced prayed and asked the Lord for forgiveness and I have repented of that. I have gotten rid of mine along with all of my other materialistic accessories that I had possessed. For the ones in Christ who profess to be a follower, I hope that coming to the knowledge of this that you too will repent and do away with the cross. For the wordly outsiders, I hope that you'll atleast have it in your heart to be mindful of what you're wearing and representing; and out of respect of JESUS CHRIST, that you'll do the same or atleast study and do research on Christ and what he was and still is about today. (I suggest starting with either the book of Matthew or the book of John in the HOLY BIBLE) God have mercy on us all. "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also are ye circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the circumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all tresspasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which is contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;" ~Colossians 2:8-14

-----for biblical truth and edification visit dontperish.com 

 

TIME

life glass

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." ~Ephesians 5:16 ...People die every single day. They say that the ideal human life span is somewhere between 70-80 years but you'll never know when God calls you out of your body suit. The ideal life span is not promised at all as we could be here today and gone tomorrow. Due to the traditions of men, here in the US you have people so invested into their 401Ks and their careers and building a foundation and comfortable living for themselves and their children and children's children. "For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." ~James 4:15 OR you have people who really waste time extremely by being lazy and slothful, lathargic, etc.."Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:" ~Proverbs 6:6

"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." ~James 4:14...People should and understand and be aware that we are walking, living, breathing souls and our bodies are just our fleshly suits. "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." ~Genesis 3:19 When we die, we are just exiting our body suits and leaving this lifetime and the time limit that is and entering into the next lifetime which has no time; meaning it's eternal. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" ~Hebrews 9:27 In eternity, there are only two destinations. Please don't waste time here on earth but rather redeem the time that God has allotted and blessed you with. Time is a ticking bomb and you never know when your time will be no more. "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." ~Proverbs 27:1 People die while still as a child, in teenage and young adult years, and also middle aged years. Though our average life expectancy is ranging in the elder years, it is not guranteed whatsoever which is why we ought to life everyday like it is our last. Striving to enter into the kingdom of heaven. "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." ~Hebrews 4:11 

Most people take time for granted, choosing to do whatever they want then deciding to follow the Lord after they have fulfilled all of their fleshly desires. OR; they'll wait until they're on their death bed to change their ways, trying to get right with God at the last minute. The reality is that not everyone will have a death bed experience. Don't procrastinate or brush it off because you'll never know when your physical death is knocking at the door. Make sure you're right with God. It's very frightening to know that you're at odds with your own very creator. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." ~Hebrews 10:31 ...Get to it NOW! Don't wait because then you just might be one minute too late. "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." ~Luke 12:40 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." ~Colossians 4:5 "For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." ~James 15 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" ~1Peter 5:8

               

-----for biblical truth and edification visit dontperish.com 

New Age Movement Occult

Law of Attraction Deception

Back in December of 2017, freshly dropped out of college, deep in depression, heartbroken and feeling very empty; one night while I was on Youtube, a random video appeared on my feed which was completely different from the fashion and culture videos that I was used to viewing. Me being curious, I started watching the video to see what it was about. It was explaining the Law of Attraction and how to manifest. The whole philosophy about the Law of Attraction is the belief that positive or negative experiences into a person's life; Based on the idea that people and their thoughts are both made from pure energy, and that through the process of like energy, and that through the process of like energy attracting like energy a person can improve their own health, wealth and personal relationships. Discovering that video, I felt that it was specifically meant for me; like it was a calling on me. I was still surrounded by the midst of baptist denomination that my family was in and seeing the hypocrisy of it all, which caused me to err and run away from that completely, leading into the new age movement thinking it was the real deal.

All I wanted was to not have to struggle in despair any longer and wanted to finally be happy and enjoy life in abudance in all ways; career, personal, health and love. Being 20 at the time, making a self determination that I would reach my first million by the age of 25 and following the New Age Movement would help me progress to that. (The video explaining the movement was split into many key points which I don't wish to share or promote being that I do not advise anybody to dabble or get involved with that whatsoever) I was faithfully following it all. The beggining stages of me being into the new age, I would speak many things into existential and act as if it's already in reality, keeping the 'positive' mindset until the things I wanted actually became a reality. At first I was exceedingly happy and very grateful for the gifts and wants that were coming my way. Months into it, due to going through a bit of hardship and rough environment, I began to take the new age to the next step and that's when I went to a psychic medium for a reading which caused me to get more exceedingly happy and surprised about what was in store for me. After that first visit to the psychic, I then started to become so fascinated with the tarot readings along with the zodiac signs which then led to being addicted. I started to judge and read people based off of their birth signs. I'd read my zodiac advise daily, also for the weekly even gazing into the month and even the base of the year. I was using the tarot as a tool to have full control of my life. I wanted and felt the need to know what was happening at all times, the people in my life and their thoughts and motives in regards to me. Towards the end of 2018-entering into 2019, the new age theology gassed me up. I started to exalt myself and decided to distance myself and no longer associate with a lot of individuals in my life who I felt was 'toxic' to my well being, who I felt didn't deserve me in their lives anymore; from friends, colleagues to family members and even someone who I was madly in love with. I then took it a step further and was into opening my 3rd eye and unlocking other chakras. I had the gems and stones and the sages and the tarot card readers to rely on. I felt very powerful and on top of the world at that time of my life...That was until I experienced something so terrifying..."Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." ~Proverbs 16:18

Back in March 2nd 2019, since I was all about work work work and still dealing with a bunch of other things, I decided to ease myself and go out to the bar for drinks and to mingle and lowkey network to get my mind off of my situations. I had one too many drinks like 7 main drinks plus the many shots that were given to me which was a first for me because I wasn't even big on drinking, along with smoking marijuana and having a bunch of zodiac conversations with my peers. Out and about all night, I didn't head back into my apartment until 5am the following morning and was thanking God and 'The Universe' (false god) for such a night out...Falling into a deep sleep, still drunk and high under the influence, in what I thought was just a sleep was really an outer body experience, I saw a demon face to face and the look and grin that it had towards me was so evil; more rage and envy than any human being can stir up. It had the look of "I finally got you." I was so horrified that as soon as I saw just a quick glance of the demon, I awoke out of my sleep and I called out on JESUS' name. I never was praying to Jesus during that time and he was never on my mind at all but rather I was worshipping the false god and "The Universe". After calling on Jesus, I was introduced to Christ in the purest form, and I came to realize that the HOLY BIBLE is real, JESUS is real and that everything I was doing as regards to the new age movement was of the devil and I was decieved greatly.

Finally realizing what I was participating in was witchcraft. Then realizing that literally everything I was doing was an abomination and was wicked to the Lord. "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." ~Leviticus 19:31 "And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people." ~Leviticus 20:6 "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." ~Proverbs 20:1 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." ~Ephesians 5:18 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." ~1 Peter 5:8 I give glory to God because I could have died that night in so many sins, casted straight to hell which is what the devil would have loved. However, God gave me another chance at this thing called life to get it right and he began to teach me the truth of it all. Everything that I believed in via through life and especially the new ageism, God's word via the Holy Bible debunked all of it...

1) I really thought and claimed myself to be devine but then was hit with the truth that I am not such but yet a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" ~Jeremiah 7:9 "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man." ~Mark 7:21-23

2) I thought salvation was a correct thought, then understanding that it's the deliverance from the consequence of our sins. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." ~Romans 6:23 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." ~Ephesians 2:8-9 The salvation is found through no one but Jesus Christ alone. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." ~Romans 5:9 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we bust be saved." ~Acts 4:12

3) I thought that all the miracles and blessings were from my own mind and God of the universe. Using him as a genie. Now, realizing and finally truly appreciating that all of the blessings are all from the Lord. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ." ~Phillipians 4:19 "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." ~Proverbs 16:4 "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." ~Matthew 5:6 

4) I used to think that I was anointed but then coming to my senses that neither me or anyone on this earth, whether past or present is such, except for Jesus Christ. "He said unto them, 'But whom say ye that I am?' Peter answering said, 'The Christ of God.'" ~Luke 9:20 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ." ~Acts 2:36 "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" ~1 Corinthians 10:16 

Basically the New Age Movement caused me to put myself on a pedastool that is really only fit for Jesus Christ. I was seasoned with self-centerdness which is totally against scripture. Like John the baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." ~John 3:30...Today many people are so into the New Ageism and Oprah Winfrey is known for promoting it as she believes there are many ways to God (which I plan to cover that in another topic of it's own) and pretty much mostly if not all celebrities are into it as well. Influencing the masses just like how I was once under the hypnosis of it. I thank God for pulling me out of that demon summoning belief system and into the newness of Christ. Even though I constantly have to deny myself and give up a lot, I still feel at ease and relieved from all my heartake of my former life before coming to the knowledge of the truth. The light has set me free. I give all the glory to God because I'm not deserving.

-----for biblical truth and edification visit dontperish.com

 

LIFE

What's the purpose?

Throughout my entire existence, many times ever since childhood, I've always questioned what am I doing here? Why am I born? Physically and scientifically in the act of sex, once the sperm has ejected into the woman's body, there are nearly 100 million sperm cells that chase after that ONE egg for fertilization. There was 1 in 100 million chances of me not being born into this world but yet here I am. I've always wondered "why me?"; and after a couple of failed attempted suicides plus the many contemplated suicides that used to ponder on my mind, I have so desperately wanted to know what is the purpose of this all? 

Growing up in this 21st century generation, being influenced by the traditions of men and the world and culture, I thought the purpose of life was to be very successful, with a great career, money in abundance, a happy family, marriage, and living and enjoying life to the fullest. Living in poverty, low-middle class ranking, having a pretty rough lifestyle growing up, I vowed myself to make sure I work hard and grind to live and fulfill my purpose on this earth. I was so focused on it. Taking my career so serious, putting it before anything and anyone (it was one of my idols), me being so head over heels and thirsting for finding true love, being determined to no longer live in the bottom feeder world and transitioning to comfortable living grand and luxurious, making my way to the top of the pyramid scheme. I've also had good intentions like a bunch of charity work and giving back to my communities where I grew up, using my fashion not only for the looks and money but to send out powerful messages within them. I was extremely head on focused on filfilling what I thought my initial life purpose was. Since getting to know Jesus Christ and his purpose in which he fulfilled on Earth. "After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be filfilled, saith, 'I thirst.'. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had recieved the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished.': and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." ~John 19:28-30...I have come to finally understand what the REAL purpose on this earthly realm is. That is to draw close and come back to GOD our creator! 

Now if you really think about it, when Adam and Eve were dwelling on this planet in the times of Genesis, God's initial plan was for us to dwell for eternity. "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.'" ~Genesis 2:16-17 But then of course we all know that the serpent decieved Eve into eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thus causing a chain reaction which led to Adam following after Eve. "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, 'Yeah, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?' And the woman said unto the serpent, 'We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.' And the serpent said unto the woman, 'Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.' And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did it. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden" ~Genesis 3:14-19 Due to them not following the Lord's commands, God punished them so greatly that it effects all of us today. "And the Lord God said unto the serpent, 'Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed, it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel'. Unto the woman he said, 'I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee'. And unto Adam he said, 'Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return'." ~Genesis 3:14-19 And not only that but he also blocked the tree of life from them. "And the LORD God said, 'Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever': Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." ~Genesis 3:22-24 If they had eaten the tree of life after eating the tree of knowledge of good and evil then this world would be a much bigger mess and chaos then what we're already in today as from Adam and Eve, down to you and I today, would be living in a corrupt and perverse enviroment full of envy, greed, famine, sickness, all sorts of evilness and wickedness contrary to God's word, all accept death. God created the earth and saw that it was good. Once sin fell upon the face of the earth, it has been so difficult to be right in the Lord's sight and his righteousness that not even the Torah Law was benefitial which is why God abolished the Law and had a greater plan for redemption. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." ~John 3:16-17 

Once fulfilling my own plans, my own dreams, I finally realized that though God gives us all free will, he wants us to give our free will up and give it up in transition to his will. With Christ dying on the cross, that is redemption from the falling of sin that Eve caused; and our human fleshly abilities not being able to be right with God. "Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:" ~Galatians 1:4 "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might recieve the promise of the Spirit through faith." ~Galatians 3:13-14 "And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might recieve the promise of eternal inheritance." ~Hebrews 9:15 "He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name." ~Psalm 111:9...Now other than us being given another opportunity of having eternal life by the way of Christ (in which we are not deserving) As we must kill the flesh daily and endure in faith. I once myself used to question that if God knows everything, why didn't he just force all of mankind to obey him? I was ignorant to the whole ordinance of God and the deeper meaning of everything. Now that I'm in Christ, I thank the Lord for answering that for me. He created human beings not robots. God is just as real, if not more REAL than we are and he wants real love from his people; not anything forceful. That isn't genuine. 

Finally understanding the meaning and our real purpose on this planet, our lives are like the matrix movie but except in real life; where the blue pill is accepting the redemption that we are freely given by the way of Christ "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and forknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:" ~Acts 2:23 OR you can fulfill your own will on this earth and fall into the rabbit hole by accepting the red pill "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtily, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." ~2Corinthians 11:3...Our purpose is to draw back to God, the real true LORD God, our creator and not these false gods. The devil does not want us to figure that out but rather distract us all with the things of this world. The television, social media, clubs and other socialite events, the man made ways and traditions of other religions that isn't of Christ; the holidays which are pagan, the technology, etc. The enemy that is satan has dominion over this corrupt, perishing world and he uses all the entertainment he can to keep our fleshes pleased and justfied, in order to keep our minds off and away from God. Jesus didn't speak his great parables just to do so; they have REAL meaning behind them. for example; "Now lern a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son but the Father." ~Mark 13:28-32...God is giving us a chance in this lifetime to get it right! "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." ~2Peter 3:9 and getting right means to take up your cross and following Jesus by following the 5 Biblical Gospel Points and also getting rid of all the entertainment and ways of the devil. Jesus did say it's a very narrow path "Enter ye in at the strait gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." ~Matthew 7:13-14 and we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice "i beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." ~Roman 12:1 It will not be easy whatsoever but the reward is nothing to be compared to our trials on earth as it's glory outweighs all of the tribulation that we endure on this earth. "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts." ~Haggai 2:9 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." ~Romans 8:18 and the gratest thing is that the same tree of life that the Lord blocked from Adam and Eve, he is currently saving it for all his people who who endure and do his will which is the real life purpose here on earth. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." ~Revelation 2:7 (Revelation Chapter 22) 

Basically everything we do in this life will have an effect on our after lives. God is filtering us all. The holy from the wicked. God's plan is to restore what he originally had for us in the times of Genesis but much better! "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~Jeremiah 29:11 The good thing is that once coming knowledge of the truth and the real purpose of this life on earth, there is still a chance to follow Christ and have the hope of eternal life which is that blue pill that's being offered to us or we can still be blinded by the affairs of this life and this world being decieved into taking the red pill that leads to destruction at the end. This is so serious as we only have but one soul which means we only have one shot at this. Our afterlives are eternal, this life physically on earth is not. I rather save my soul than my life. God doesn't want or find pleasure in casting anyone to hell. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." ~2Peter 3:9 "For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye." ~Ezekial 18:32 However, he is just and those who let the devil take captive of them will no way be able to enter into the kingdom. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." ~Revelation 21:8 "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie." ~Revelation 22:15...Just really think about that when deciding on accepting the blue pill or the red pill. Will you follow after your false man made purpose or after the REAL purpose of life on this earth that is the Lord's will? 

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