Bloody Hands | Fuel For The Weekend

Your actions affect other people. Do you realize that? You may understand that concept, but do you also understand that your inaction affects other people as well? The Bible tells us that what we say and do will go before us into eternity. The same is true for the things we do not say and do not do; they go before us into eternity. We read in Revelation 20:12, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." 

EZEKIEL 3:17-21 (17)Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me. (18)When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (19)Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, not from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. (20)Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (21)Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

This is a heavy passage, but we must look at it closely. This is a glimpse into eternity and it shows us that what we do, or don't do, for Christ will have eternal consequences. Let's unpack this a little bit. God is talking to Ezekiel in this passage. This is a message to him about God's plan for his life. He is calling Ezekiel to be a watchman over the people. When the people who do not serve God do evil things, Ezekiel must warn them that they are facing destruction and judgment from God. If that man or woman disregards Ezekiel's words, God says that his hands are clean. If Ezekiel chose not to tell the man or woman, God would require that person's blood at Ezekiel's hands. You see the life is in the blood, according to Leviticus 17:11. So in essence, Ezekiel will have to answer for why he chose to ignore that man's sin and refused to call it out.

In today's world, we are scared to call out sin in others' lives. In fact, we do not like to even discuss sin in most churches. It is offensive. People might not like it and they will stop paying tithes or giving offerings. They may even get so mad they might not come back. So instead of caring about their soul, we are concerned about the congregation numbers and the dollar signs. This is so dangerous. We are not called to be busybodies, like we see in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 and 1 Timothy 5:13. However; we are called to be our brother's keeper in regards to seeing sin in their lives and showing them a better way in Christ Jesus. It is our duty to help one another. We are all God's watchmen. We do not have to be a pastor, evangelist, teacher, or in leadership at all. We are all God's children and He expects His children to love one another and help each other make it Home.

God tells us in today's passage, if we warn those who are in sin, and they do not listen to us, and they continue down the perilous path they are on, we are no longer accountable. In verse 19, God tells Ezekiel that when that person dies in their sins after being warned and not heeding, Ezekiel will have delivered his soul. We read in 1 Timothy 4:16, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." This is the harvest that is coming. When we are walking upright before God and we are encouraging others to do the same, we are saving them from destruction and God's judgment in the life to come. If they do not adhere to the warning, then we have washed our hands clean from their blood.

Jesus told them the same thing when He was here on the earth. In John 8:21, 24 Jesus said, "I go My way, and ye shall seek Me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come." And, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." That is plain language. If anyone does not believe that Jesus Christ is Messiah, Son of the Living God, then they will die in their sin and they will forever be separated from God. This is why it is so important that we tell everyone. It is not up to us if someone will believe us, or accept Jesus. It is up to us to tell them.

Many people are under the assumption, once saved, always saved. This is a dangerous theology. It says very clearly that when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and commits sin, God will lay a stumbling block before them. He wants us to get tripped up in sin so we can look up to Him and request His love, grace, and mercy. He does not want us to be lost and go to hell. That is not and never has been God's desire for anyone. We know this when we read John 3:16. This verse goes on to say that the righteousness that person once had: the good that he did, the right choices he made, will be forgotten. If no one tells that person to turn back to the cross of Christ and repent, yet they see them in sin and are aware of what they are doing, God will hold them accountable. 

If we see our brothers and sisters in Christ, and they begin dabbling in things they ought not, and they start missing church, and then they stop coming altogether, we must not ignore that. Pick up the phone, go to their home, invite them for coffee or lunch, and share with them in a loving way that they need to make their way back to the Savior. If we do everything we can and we pray and intervene and it falls on deaf ears, and they die in that sinful state, God says we are clean. Nothing will be required at our hands when we face eternity.

Jude says this in verses 21-23, "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." We must wear the markings of Christ proudly and boldly. We cannot be ashamed of the Gospel. It is the Good News and we must share it with everyone. Romans 1:16 reads, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." It is powerful. We must be glad to share this message. Let's find the Holy boldness we need to share these hard truths with others who have gone astray.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes these words in chapter 6 verses 18-20, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perserverance and supplication for all saints: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Pray and ask for the utterance to be given you to open your mouth boldly. It goes against the grain to speak boldly about the things of God; meanwhile, the world has their megaphone in our ears spewing lies and deceitful practices all day and night. We must begin to share the Truth of God's Word with believers and unbelievers and watch out for one another so we can help each other make it Home.

Here in Indiana it is a snowy day from the big snow storm that made it's away across this nation. We are unable to get into the vehicles, the roads are icy, and snow covered. We are not getting out today and we didn't get out yesterday. This weekend promises some fun for our children as they sled and play in the winter wonderland. I know that this message is heavy and important. I believe that is why God chose to give it to me for today's Fuel For The Weekend. Pray about this message. Read these scriptures for yourself. Study them and cross-reference them if you want. You will see the same theme in the Old Testament and the New Testament. We must sound the alarm and wake people up. The world is in a daze. They are sleep-walking into hell because no one is shaking them and telling them they are headed for destruction. It is up to the Church to wake up the world. Let's pray and think on these things this weekend. Ask God to give you opportunities to witness and share your faith with unbelievers and backsliders because God loves them and wants them to be saved.

I hope today's post has been helpful. It has given me a new resolve to speak up in love and gentleness to let others know that there is a better way and His name is Jesus. I hope that something I have shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Compassion | Wednesday Bible Study

Merriam-Webster defines compassion as, "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it." Have you ever watched a commercial featuring starving children in a third-world country with flies swarming their bony bodies and bloated bellies? Or have you watched a commercial showing animals who have been abused and tortured, missing limbs or eyes? It's heart-breaking. If you thought it was awful and went on about your day, you were not moved by compassion. It doesn't mean you aren't a caring person. But for those who scribbled down the phone number and grabbed their debit card to make a donation to help save the children or the animals, they were moved by compassion. They saw the distress of others and it motivated them to fix the problem, or meet the need. It's a great trait to have.

My grandmother taught me to pray for compassion. I have done so since I was a young girl, long before I fully understood the concept. Throughout my life I have felt bad about situations for others, but when I was an adult I was moved with compassion. I wanted to fix the problems or meet the needs in whatever way I could. 

Starvation, poverty, abuse, neglect, addiction don't go away regardless of the prayers that go up, the money raised, or the things we do. Some say why even bother, but we might make a difference in at least one person's life. We must have compassion! In Mark 14:7, Jesus said, "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but Me ye have not always." He said this to Judas that later betrayed Him. Judas was angry the expensive perfume was used for Jesus. Judas said it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. He was actually greedy and held the purse, so he was thinking of all the money that could have made him wealthy. Jesus said there will always be those in need and we can help them whenever we have the means to do so, but this was a special anointing for His upcoming death.

We can read the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament and find many passages on compassion. The Psalmist wrote many times of the compassion and mercy of God. He had made mistakes in his life, committed adultery, had her husband killed, numbered the people out of pride, and yet he would repent to God and was always pardoned. That compassion and mercy God showed David was so appreciated David proclaimed it over and over throughout the Psalms.

PSALMS 86:15 But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

In  Lamentations we are reminded that we are not consumed in our wickedness because of God's mercy. His compassion does not fail. He looks at us in this sinful state and moved with compassion He sent His Son Jesus to come to this old, cruel world and die for our sins. He wanted us to be in His family that much!

LAMENTATIONS 3:32 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.

Jesus healed a lot of people while He walked the earth. He saw people in great need and He didn't think, "Gosh, that's too bad. I hate that for them." He was moved with compassion to feed them, heal them, restore their sight, and to save them!

MATTHEW 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Peter speaks of compassion in his letter. He tells everyone to get into agreement, have compassion for each other, love as brothers, be pitiful and courteous. What kind of world would it be if all did that? What if each person on the planet came together in agreement, having the mind of Christ, feeling compassion for their brothers and sisters, and were courteous? Wow! I can only imagine it would be a wonderful place to live! 

1 PETER 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

We are supposed to have compassion. The question John asks in this passage is how can we say we have God in our hearts but we do nothing about the needs around us even though we have the ability to help. Can you mail a card to someone in the nursing home? What about getting groceries for your elderly loved one? Would you be able to make a donation to the homeless shelter or humane society? What needs are there in your home, your neighborhood, your family, your community that you can meet or help with? Show how much love of God you have by giving.

1 JOHN 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

We just left one of the busiest giving seasons of the year, but as a Christian we are called to have compassion every single day of the year. Beyond the physical, mental, and emotional needs of others we are called to have compassion who are in spiritual need as well. The tiny book in the Bible just before the grand finale of Revelation is Jude. It instructs us to build ourselves up on our most Holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. We are told to not only have the love of God but to keep ourselves in that love. We are to look for the mercy of Jesus unto eternal life and as we see those who stumble along the way, walking in the darkness, unaware of the saving grace of Jesus, we are to have compassion, making a difference in their eternal future. And others we have to save with fear by telling them hell is real and there's a real devil who hates them and wants them to burn forever because he wants to deceive the world. When we tell them, the Bible says we are pulling them out of the fire because we hate even the evidence of sin.

JUDE 1:20-23 (20)But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most Holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (21)Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (22)And of some have compassion, making a difference: (23)And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Do you have compassion? If not, pray and ask God to give you compassion. If we open our hearts to others and meet their needs or offer some help along the way, we are doing the same to Jesus. What are some ways you can have compassion in 2021? Make a list of things to help others. Give someone a compliment. Let someone go ahead of you in line. Hold the door for someone. Do the nice things, but don't forget the spiritual needs. Who can you share a scripture with? Did you read a Bible study or devotional lately that touched you? Why not share it with someone else? My friends and I have a weekly Zoom Bible study and it's such a blessing. Do all you can where you can when you can and watch God bless it and make it grow!

God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Hurry! | Bible Study

There has been a shift in the church in recent years, but not a good one. Many compromise and water down the message; offering entertainment and pleasures while removing altars and canceling prayer meetings. I remember growing up and there were people lining the walls and back of the church standing just to hear the Word of God and the power of God would fall: people would be healed, delivered, and set free. It was not long ago that at the altars people would be three or four deep and testimonies would go forth the next week of cancer being healed, inoperable tumors shrinking, and financial miracles that only God could do. Fast-forward to today's churches. Tell someone that God spoke to you and gave you instructions and see what happens. They will think you belong in a psychiatric facility. Doubt and unbelief fill the hearts of many in leadership. It crept in the door behind compromise and tolerance of sin.

I need every single person who is reading this message right now to hear me well. Please take a moment right now and pray; ask God to give you ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Ask God to give you wisdom and knowledge and believe that He will. I have an important announcement to make and if it wakes up just one snoozing believer then I will be thankful that I could help even one. Jude verses 22-23 says, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

Do you hate sin? Do you really hate sin? I am tired of the wickedness going on in this world and timid Christians are too scared to speak up! What if it were you dying and going to hell? Wouldn't you want someone to tell you? If I see you sitting on your couch through your window and there are flames coming out of the house, should I politely walk away? Should I be more concerned about your right to privacy, or should I alert you to the danger coming for you? I am going to tell you to run, to get out of there and not look back! If we see our brothers, sisters, neighbors, friends, family, coworkers, or anyone doing things that will cause them to go to hell, we better speak up! If we don't we will have to give an account for that.

God has been shaking me! He has been telling me to cry out for the people in my city and my own family members who are lost. I have been doing that. I am praying that God would wake the people up before it is too late. We have a real enemy and the Bible tells us in Revelation that he is an accuser of the brethren. He goes to God day and night tattling on the people who are trying to live as Holy as they can. He is reminding God of something from the past, an unkind thought they had that he planted, or some mistake they made. He is constantly complaining about us to God. He was in a fight with Michael and his angels. The devil and his goons lost big time and were kicked out of heaven! The Bible says woe to us that live on the earth! Why? The devil is deceiving the whole world and they don't realize he has lulled them to sleep with his fairy tales and twisted scriptures. Those in heaven who have made it can rejoice, but those on the earth woe to us! He is so angry and he is attacking the people of God every single time he gets an opportunity because he knows that he does not have much time left.

REVELATION 12:7-12 (7)And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (8)And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9)And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (10)And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (11)And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (12)Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

God is coming back for people who have prepared themselves, gotten ready, and waiting for Him to return. Ask someone if they believe Jesus is coming back soon and let me know how many people think so. I am sounding the alarm so all can hear that Jesus is on His way back. Believe me or not but God told me a couple of years ago that Jesus is standing at the door with His hand on the doorknob and the door is ajar! If that was true when He told me then imagine how quickly that door is going to swing open wide and whooosh! His bride is swept away!

Are you ready? When you look at your five year plan and ten year plan, where are you? Are you closer to God, winning souls, learning how to be more like Jesus? There's nothing wrong with having goals and plans to be successful and do something with your life, but the main thing needs to the MAIN THING! We have forgotten the relationship. We would rather have the religion like the Pharisees. We would rather have the rituals and the routines. We want the order and form of godliness and deny the power thereof. We need to get back to the Bible. We need the basics. We need to know that God has a plan for our lives and we need to find out what that plan is so ours can conform to His and not the other way around.

I know that time is short on this earth. God is wrapping things up. He has done signs and wonders in my life this year and some of which I have shared on this blog; many others I have pondered in my heart. Please do not wait until later. Do not put off until later drawing closer to God. We can watch for Black Friday sales and we can check off our wish lists and we can put our nose to the grind and hustle to earn money and save it up, but what good is it if you gain the whole world and lose your soul? Please understand that time is short. If the devil knows the time is short, we need to know it, too!

Saints of God, suit up! Stay in prayer for your wayward children, your lost loved ones, and those who deny God. Stay in your prayer closets. Be vigilant. Get on the battlefield for our LORD and fight the good fight of faith. Look in Ephesians for the whole armor of God and suit up. The fight is on! The war is waging and the battle is hot. God is leading the fight and we are winning! We are on the winning side. 

My daughter sent me this picture and I think it needs to be the top of our goal. Let's make heaven crowded with our family members, our coworkers, our neighbors, our friends, and those we sit by at church. Let's take everybody we can! Get laser-focused on winning souls. The Bible says that is what the wise do.

Time is ticking! Let's get busy. I am praying for you and please pray for me. Let's help each other make it Home! God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens