God's Way: Death Brings Life

During my high school senior trip my class visited New York City. 1982. Part of the visit included a ride up to the top of the World Trade Center and a view of all New York and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. The sight was astounding, yet terrifying. At that height buildings tend to shake a little when the wind moves. I remember being too frightened to go too close to the edge of the observation area. Heights are not my thing. I still have the ticket from that event, taped within a scrapbook, all that’s left of the memory and the now destroyed buildings.

God tells us, “'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

God’s ways are so high we cannot observe them, understand them, comprehend them, nor know them without His wisdom. (James 1:5)

What are God’s ways?

Death brings about life is one of His ways.

Lord Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

When Lord Jesus is as the grain of wheat that died and was in a tomb, the earth. Then He rose again, to eternal life. He made the way for many (much fruit) who believe in Him to have eternal life. (John 3:16)

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep (dead).” (1Corinthians 15:20)

Being men, the disciples, hadn’t wanted this. They hadn’t understood eternal life, nor the death and resurrection of their Lord. After all, it had never happened before. Many of His followers wanted to proclaim Him king and thought that Lord Jesus would liberate them from the Roman occupation. (John 6:15)

But Lord Jesus didn’t do that, because it wasn’t God’s plan. God’s plan was bigger and more encompassing than that, providing eternal life and forgiveness through Lord Jesus to all who believed.

Sometimes people who are close to us also die. They die young, old, in accidents, of disease. We will all die. But we don’t want that. It is frightening to many.

God’s plan is bigger than what we want. He wants everyone He can get in Heaven. Why? He loves us.

Heaven is where eternal life is. Living on Earth is just temporary and preparatory.

Lord Jesus resides in the Kingdom of Heaven. He sits beside God the Father within the Holy of Holies. The saints, those who have died in Christ, knowing Him, are there with Him within the City of God. (Revelation 21, 22:1-5)

As Lord Jesus’ death brought about eternal life, so will believers’ deaths bring about their eternal lives.

Though we mourn for the missing relationship we had with someone who died, God understands. He sent His own Son, Jesus, to the cross, to die.

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COMMUNITY: A WAY OF JESUS

(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon

Forgiveness, A Way of God

Forgiveness is a touchy subject. We’re taught in church to forgive others, but it’s difficult to put into practice. I carried around unforgiveness for a family member from childhood into adulthood without even realizing it. That unforgiveness turned into bitterness.

Lord Jesus tells us to forgive others. (Mark 11:25) He adds this: “so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” We are to forgive so that we can be forgive by God. Holding unforgiveness is sin. Sin hurts us and leads to death. (Romans 6:23)

It is especially important to forgive others and repent of unforgiveness while praying. (Mark 11:25)

Mark 11:26 says, “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.” So there is a problem between you and God when you do not forgive others.

Who are these others? People from your church, your family, your neighbors. They are policemen, doctors, lawyers, nurses, firemen, businessmen. They are thieves, murderers, and kidnappers.

Some may be more difficult to forgive than others. That is our human nature, but God calls us to be like Him and forgive, just as He forgives us.

On October 2, 2006, Charles Roberts IV killed six Amish girls at the West Nickel Mines School, he injured several others before committing suicide. It shocked the country. More astounding was the way the Old Order Amish responded—with forgiveness, toward the dead gunman, his wife, and his parents, who were well connected with the Amish community. The Amish live out the Words of Jesus, especially in the area of forgiveness. They believe that it’s not just a change of heart, but actions too that matter. We’d call that their “fruit.” This happened within a short time after their children died.

The Amish gave money to a charitable fund for Roberts’ children. They attended his funeral. One Amish man spent the first minutes with the gunman’s father, comforting him. They put actions behind their words.

In Amish Grace, the authors write that the Amish know that forgiveness isn’t easy, and that God’s forgiveness of them is tied to their ability to forgive others. “They devote significant energy to train their children in forgiveness.” (pp. 113-114) They must accept God’s will and give up the right of revenge. It is a way of life. (pp.115-116)

The act of forgiveness is unexpected to the world; groups from around the world came to see the Amish and learn about their ability to forgive. Their fruit is a testimony of Jesus.

Matthew 6:12, a verse of The Lord’s Prayer states, “‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’” Forgive our debtors—those who have trespassed against us, in any way, shape or form.

The Lord continues speaking about forgiveness just after His prayer, verses 14-15: “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.”

Corrie ten Boom’s family died in Nazi concentration camps; she alone survived to tell of what God did inside the barbed wire. Corrie later had to travel into Germany where she met face to face with one of her male camp guards. Corrie had to forgive him. He had become a brother in Christ.

Elizabeth Eliot carried on her husband’s missionary work in Ecuador, forgiving the men who murdered him. Those men later became believers, fruit of her work and forgiveness.

An innocent black man, Botham Jean was shot by off duty white female police officer Amber Guyger. Guyger was found guilty in 2019. Botham’s brother, Brandt Jean, testified of his forgiveness for Guyger during her court hearing, saying “I forgive you,” “The best thing for you to do would be to give your life to Christ,” and “I love you.” This too shocked the nation.

Forgiveness is tied not to emotions, but to an act. Forgiveness, a way of God, mends friendships, builds relationships and stops destruction and division.

Have you forgiven?

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ADULTERY, BIGAMY AND GOD

(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon

Jesus Matters First

When I attended college, at Spring Arbor University in the 1980s, like the typical student, I changed my major a few times. Back then, I really didn’t know what to major in, so I studied what I both liked and knew that I could handle. I became a teacher certified in Secondary English and Music education. What I did know is that God guided my life.

Moses was a man of the Old Testament who was born a Hebrew, under an Egyptian death sentence for male babies. His mother made him a private little ark and cast it away upon the waters. Providence saved Moses when Pharaoh’s daughter, a princess of Egypt, had his the ark pulled from the Nile River. Moses grew up in the courts of the Pharaoh, with privilege, great wealth, and education. God’s providence kept him safe. (Exodus 1-2)

Jesus, the Son of God, was born to the tribe of Judah, in Bethlehem to a virgin. (Luke 1:26-37) Worried about his own power, King Herod implemented a death sentence for male babies. Then Joseph, Mary’s husband, had a dream in the night. An angel of the Lord warned him to get up and take Mary, the Lord’s mother, and baby Jesus, and flee to Egypt. They remained there five years until God called them out of Egypt and back to their original home in Nazareth. (Hosea 11:1) God saved His own Son, Joseph and Mary. Lord Jesus grew up to be the Messiah, the Sent One, in the home of a carpenter in an obscure town, under the care of an adoptive father. God’s providence had kept Him safe in humbleness. (Luke 2, Matthew 2)

Both men became what the Lord called them to be. Moses—a prince. Lord Jesus—a carpenter.

Both men became the leaders of their people. Moses—led his people out of physical bondage and Egypt. (Hosea 11:1)

Lord Jesus led those who followed Him out of spiritual bondage and slavery to the world.

Moses led his people around the wilderness, demonstrating God’s great miracles.

Lord Jesus led His people for three years, demonstrating God’s great miracles.

Moses died and God buried him. (Deuteronomy 34:1-8)

Lord Jesus died and God the Father had arranged for His burial through His providence. (Mark 15:42-47)

Moses lived on spiritually and was seen by Peter, James and John at the Lord’s transfiguration. (Matthew 17:1-13)

Lord Jesus rose from the grave spiritually and physically in a glorified body and was seen by hundreds. (1Corinthians 15:6)

Moses is a type of Lord Jesus Who would come to earth. (Romans 5:14)

Why did God give these types long before Baby Jesus came?

To tell us to watch for Him. Some did. Simeon, Anna the prophetess, the three magi, prophets. .

Jesus’ first coming was that important. He altered the world, permanently.

There is so much turmoil happening in the world today. “Black lives matter (BLM). White lives matter. All people matter.” Even, “animal lives matter.”

But the only thing or person Who truly matters is Lord Jesus. All black, white, red, yellow and brown peoples are His. He is the Creator. (John 1:3-4; Genesis 1:1)

Nations rise and nations fall. Leaders die. Governments become corrupt. Governments are overrun.

But God still is. He does not change.

Before the Earth existed, He was.

Today He is still the great “I AM.” He oversees all things and is sovereign. It is a relief to know that He is in firm control.

No government nor organization will save us, the Church. No president nor elected official can be our savior. Look instead to Lord Jesus, Who sits upon the throne of Heaven.

For peace in this storm of many waves, look to The Lord. He saves. Ask Him to guide you through these trials. He is the only truth and peace that truly exists. Jesus matters first. May His will be done.

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HOW THE CHURCH CAN HELP THE CHILDREN

(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon

Through the Mist

My honeymoon was spent in Niagara Falls, 1988. It is a place where three waterfalls meet at Niagara Gorge. Part of the Falls is on Canadian territory, the others are across the border in the United States. When the water roars down upon the rocks below, a great cloud of mist rises up into the air above. On a sunny day, a rainbow forms over the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. The sight is spectacular, awesome, and memorable.

The rainbow is a sign of promise in Scripture. God says that never again will He destroy all flesh by flooding the Earth. God made this covenant between Himself and the Earth, all living flesh, Noah and his family, and every living creature. (Genesis 9:8-17)

God initiates a covenant between Himself and man. A covenant is a divine ordinance which comes with signs or pledges. The Rainbow Covenant brought about newness to the Earth and a new beginning for man.

God’s covenants also bring life, as did the Rainbow Covenant.

Lord Jesus also brought a covenant. He was able to do so because He is the Son of God. He did what He saw His Father doing. His Father was ready to make a new covenant. (John 5:18-20; Matthew 26:39,42)

The New Covenant came with signs too—the wine and the bread of Communion, representing, the Blood and Body of Lord Jesus. (Luke 22:19-20) But it is the wine, His Blood, that made the New Covenant.

This New Covenant couldn’t have been ratified without the death of sin. Sin killed Lord Jesus. In the same way, the rainbow covenant couldn’t have come into being without the death of sin. Those who died in the Great Flood were sinners who would not acknowledge God. They sinned.

The wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

The sin of the world was washed away by the flood.

The sin of the world was washed away by the Blood of Lord Jesus. (John 1:29)

The New Covenant of Lord Jesus went beyond the Rainbow Covenant. The Rainbow promised life on Earth. The New Covenant promised abundant life on Earth and eternal life in Heaven.

Lord Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” (John 14:6)

You can only have your sins washed away by receiving Lord Jesus as your personal Savior. He is the One Who made the New Covenant for all flesh.

This is the only way to be saved from death, eternal death (Hell), just as Noah and his family were saved from Earthly death.

30 years later, my spouse and I returned to Niagara Falls on our wedding anniversary. The Falls had not changed. Neither do God and His covenants change. He is eternal. His promises remain true through all generations.

Have you been washed in the Blood of Jesus to remove your sins?

(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon

The Five-Fold Protection of God

The Goodrich Mill Pond was covered with a heavy blanket of wintry frozen snow and thick ice. Forlorn fishing shanties littered its frozen tundra. Bordered by cottages, homes and my family’s church with the stained-glass image of Lord Jesus watching over, the pond was empty, all the town at noon lunch. In the brisk cold I scampered, slid and played, left alone, at age four.

Piled high nearby, almost as high as my young body was a fluffed up snowpile, standing as if a monument, a sign. A delightful thought entered my mind, “Run and jump!” (Mark 9:21-25)

Without caution or consideration, without a warning, in ignorance, I catapulted forward, booted feet first, my snow-suit bound body of baby weight following like gravity into quicksand, into a great augured hole of frigid water waiting to swallow a child whole in a wet watery grave.

That snowpile was a warning to all who passed that a large fishing hole lay underneath.

In this time of crisis, we hear many voices telling us what to do, what to think and even what to believe. But there is only one Truth, and He is God, Who sees all things, both good and evil when we cannot. We must seek Him in all things because He is our only true Protector.

The hedge of God is five-fold:

First, we are in the Hand of God the Father. Lord Jesus said, “My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:29) This applies to believers. Even in death we cannot be taken from God. We are His. He is faithful.

“My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8) Hold on to God with all your strength. Do not leave Him. (2Thessalonians 2:1-3)

Second, we are in the Hand of Lord Jesus. He said, “ I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:28) He is equal with God the Father; They are One. (John 10:30) Both hold us by a hand. In the hand of God means “under His protection.”

Yet, once again, we have a duty to cling to Him: "The Lord said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) The voice of The Lord comes through the presence of Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, or through another believer who is a vessel carrying the Spirit-led message. You need to pray and then wait for an answer from God. Know Him. Know Him well. Read the Gospels everyday.

Third, we are protected by Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus said, “ I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.” (John 14:16) The Helper is Holy Spirit, God Himself. He empowers us to live Godly lives by sealing our spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and keeping us alive in Christ. Without His presence, we are powerless. Through Him come the gifts of the spirit. (2Corinthians 12) Through Him we are able to stand. (Zechariah 4:6)

Once again, we must do our part: “Put on the full armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-18) Utilizing these sources of God’s power, we can stand against the schemes and plots of the enemy.

Fourth, we are protected by the Blood of Jesus. Lord Jesus is God. His Blood is God’s Blood. It provides forgiveness of sin. (Matthew 26:28) The sin is wiped away and forgotten. Without the Blood, our sins lead us to death, early death, or for those who will not believe, Hell. (Romans 6:23) You can either accept Lord Jesus’ payment for your sins, or pay for them yourself, it’s your “wage.” Pray regularly The Lord’s Prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13)

The Blood of Lord Jesus provides deliverance from satan. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8)

We must take this Word and act on it; Lord Jesus said, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19) To trample is to step on to destroy with our feet. Our feet are shod with the sandals of peace. We do not fight as others do, but with the Word of God. We pray against and for exposure of schemes; we pray for enemies. Using the Word of God is as a sword coming out of our mouths. (Revelation 1:16) God works when we pray.

In End Days, Daniel wrote, “but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32) They shall trample the works of the enemy.

The Blood of Lord Jesus provides protection. One must plead the Blood over a situation, a person, or a place. In the Old Testament the Hebrews were instructed to brush the blood of a lamb upon the lintel and posts of the door to their home, preventing the intrusion of the spirit of death. (Exodus 12:1-13) Obedience to God saved their children’s lives.

In the same way, we must take the Blood of Jesus, which is the Word, because He is the Word (John 1:1) and speak it over (plead it) a home, a person, a business, a church, a situation. He is Life (John 11:25) and His Word is Life. (John 6:63) Do this will save your children’s lives.

We are surrounded by God’s holy angels. Psalm 91:11-12 states, “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone.”

Lord Jesus warned, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in Heaven continually see the face of My Father Who is in Heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) Angels who watch over the little children report in regularly to God the Father.

We may call upon the Lord to send His angels to help us, just as Lord Jesus could have. (Matthew 26:53)

That day that I went down into the frigid waters was extremely traumatic. At the last second my arms splayed out to each side, as they would if I were making a snow angel. This miracle stopped my descent. How did I know to do that? I don’t know. I didn’t. Only God could have helped me. Somehow I managed to pull my water laden suit, boots and body out with a young child’s strength. Another miracle. I walked away, up an incline to my aunt’s home. A third miracle. I never grew ill from the event. A fourth miracle.

Only God’s protection kept me. I believe the Word of God, His angels watched over me, a little one, and bore me up with their hands. His angels that knew me continually saw the face of God the Father in Heaven. And in my family, my grandmother carried the mantle of faith. It is likely that she kept me in her prayers.

Are you using the Word of God and His five-fold hedge of protection for your family and yourself?

Do you have a testimony about how God save you or your child?

(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon