In the Garden | Wednesday Bible Study

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! I love this holiday. Our family tradition is to make cookies, cake, or cupcakes with green frosting and then we talk about what the holiday means. I love everything about Ireland, shamrocks, and rainbows. I don't believe in luck. I know we are blessed. I don't believe in leprechauns or magical creatures. I do believe the rainbow is a sign of God's promise and the real pot of gold is knowing He loves us! I think of three leaf clovers and am reminded of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. But today I want us to study a different topic. I want us to study John 20. There's a lot to unpack so let's begin!

John 20:1-2 (1)The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. (2)Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him.

Let's take a look at what has already happened. Jesus has been brutally crucified at Golgotha, The thieves on either side of Jesus had not yet died so the soldiers came and broke their legs. Jesus was dead so they did not break His legs. One soldier took a spear and pierced our Lord's side; blood and water flowed. There was no doubt Jesus was dead. 

One of Jesus's secret disciples, Joseph of Arimathaea had begged Pilate for the body of Jesus and Pilate granted him permission. Nicodemus, another secret disciple of the Lord, brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes and the two men wound the body of Jesus in these spices and linen grave clothes according to the Jewish tradition of burial. 

John 19:41-42 says, "Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand." In this garden was a new grave that no one had ever used before. The grave was nearby so they chose to lay the body of Jesus there.

Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James and Jesus and other women had gone with spices to the garden tomb that held Jesus' body. They may have gone while it was still dark so they were not seen. This was a very tumultuous time.

Jesus was so young, only 33 years old. He had loved well, taught well, healed well, and forgiven well even on the cross. The Bible tells us Jesus' back looked like an open plowed field and now these women who have suffered shock and grief like none other are going in mourning and deep sadness to anoint the body of Jesus with these special spices but when they got there they were in for a shock!

Pilate had ordered soldiers to place a boulder at the entrance of the tomb. Soldiers stood guard to make sure the tomb was not disturbed. Pilate knew Jesus said in three days He would rise again and they wanted to prevent anything from happening that might cause people to believe in Jesus and lead to a revolt. They hoped that since He was dead things would settle down and people would forget about the things Jesus taught.

There were no soldiers standing guard when the women arrived and the stone was rolled back. They did not see the body of Jesus. What must have been in their minds? Grief, shock, anger, disbelief, fear! Any of those emotions and maybe all of them could have flooded their minds. What have they done with Jesus? Where is He? What is going on? Hadn't they done enough when they crucified Him? Is this some cruel joke? Where is Jesus?

Mary Magdalene ran to Simon Peter and the disciple Jesus loved. She must have felt panic rise in her throat as she told them what she saw and what she did not see. She told the men that someone had taken Jesus's body but she did not know where.

Sometimes in our own lives we think things will be one way, and as we walk in grief, pain, and loss we believe that nothing could feel worse than what we are going through, until we encounter another set of circumstances that leaves us reeling. I can understand the fear and uncertainty that must have filled their thoughts. The confusion and questions that started to form. Who did this? Why? Where is Jesus now? What could be done about it?

John 20:3-10 (3)Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. (4)So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. (5)And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. (6)Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie. (7)And the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. (8)Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. (9)For as yet they knew not the scripture that He must rise again from the dead. (10)Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

The two men run to the grave. They didn't believe Mary. There was no way it could be possible. They saw Jesus die on the cross. They saw the tortured body hanging there and heard His cry to the Father as He gave up His Spirit. They knew He was buried with a stone rolled in front and guards at the entrance. 

Peter lagged a little behind the other disciple but once at the grave he went straight to the place Jesus should be laying. He wasn't there. The grave clothes were in one spot in a bunch but the napkin that would was around Jesus's head was folded neatly in a different place. Who would have taken the time to fold the napkin? If this was the job of a grave robber, why wasn't the linen clothes and the napkin all in a pile together?

The significance of the napkin and grave clothes was steeped in Jewish tradition. According to Citizen Times, the Jewish boys would set up a meal for the master and they would wait, out of sight, for the master to finish eating. If the master left the table the servant would know they could clean up if the napkin was wadded and tossed aside. This meant, "I'm finished." The grave clothes indicated what Jesus had declared on the cross, "It is finished!" (John 19:30)

If the master needed to leave the table but was not done eating, the napkin would be folded and the servant would know not to disturb anything on the table. The folded napkin implied, "I'm coming back!" And so we realize the folded napkin was Jesus telling us that He is coming back!

John 20:11-16 (11)But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, (12)And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (13)And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him. (14)And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. (15)Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away. (16)Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

To recap, Peter and the other disciple left and Mary stayed behind. She was crying. The grief was more than she could take because she did not know where Jesus was. Sometimes in our grief and pain, we can honestly question where is God. We may wonder are we supposed to suffer alone? The answer is no. Jesus knows how we feel and He is with us in our suffering, offering a way of escape. She stooped down to look in the grave one more time. Sometimes we get so low and we have no hope but we think maybe I need to look again. Maybe He is near!

Mary looked inside the grave, the place of death, the shattered dreams and hopes, and she saw two angels dressed in white. They were not in dark mourning clothes because He was no longer there. One sat at the head and another at the feet. It was to let her know Jesus was resurrected but she didn't see it. 

In her grief and despair, she did not even realize she was speaking to angels. She was so distraught and undone that she could not even be comforted at their presence. They asked her why she was crying. She said it was because someone took her Lord away and she doesn't know where they put Him. She doesn't even ask them if they knew anything about it. Have you ever had such despair and loss that you miss important clues that God is in the midst of your circumstances? Have you been so upset that even those who are there to console you are unrecognizable?

Mary stopped looking in the tomb: the place of death. She stopped looking at the finality of everything she hoped for and believed in. She turned around and saw Jesus, but she did not even know it. When tragedy strikes in our lives, and we have more questions than answers, and we feel lost and hopeless: Jesus is there. He comes to our rescue and if we will turn around we will encounter Jesus.

Jesus asked her the very same thing the angels had. She thought he was the gardener. She is in the garden after all: a place where things bloom, blossom, flourish, and thrive; a place of beauty, hope, and peace. She did not recognize his voice in that moment. Sometimes God will take us into a place of transformation that is so incredible, we do not immediately recognize what we see and hear. 

She feels hope spring into her heart. She doesn't tell Him why she is crying. She has hope and she says if you know where they took Him, please take me to Jesus. There is something about being in the presence of God that you just need to be where Jesus is. You have hope. You don't rehearse your problems. You request something from Him because you have hope that it just may happen.

She must have turned aside looking for Jesus. He says her name: Mary. That is all He has to say to us. He simply says our name and immediately we know! We know the voice of our sweet Shepherd and immediately the problems, worries, doubts, and fears all fade away. Mary knew the gardener was Jesus! 

Rabboni means teacher and she was respecting Him. She could have called Him a thousand different things but she chose to call Him teacher! 

John 20:17-18 (17)Jesus saith unto her, Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God. (18)Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things unto her.

Mary Magdalene started to embrace Him, but He could not let her do that yet. He sends her back with a message. She was to go back and tell the others the incredible news that Jesus is alive! It must have been all she could do to not run and cling to Him; so thankful and grateful to see Him again.

John 20:19-23 (19)Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (20)And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. (21)Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as My Father has sent Me, even so send I you. (22)And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost; (23)Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Imagine the mixture of emotions. Relief, gladness, joy, peace, hope all springing up in the hearts of all who saw Him. He enters with a blessing of peace. His sudden presence in the room must have startled them. The door was shut and secure.

Jesus offers proof that He is the same Jesus who took the nails in His hands and feet and the spear pierced side. He was wounded for our transgressions. He spoke peace to them again; the nail scarred hands and pierced side must have reminded them of the cruel way He died just a few days prior. The emotions still so raw, and so He gave them His peace. He then breathed on them and gave them His Spirit. He empowered them to forgive or retain sins. What a special view we have of the Savior. He has been resurrected and now He empowers His disciples to do a special work for Him. Can you imagine the celebration?

Jesus gives us His peace, too. No matter what we are going through, He will speak peace over us and breathe His precious Spirit over us. We have Holy Spirit inside us leading us, guiding us, and comforting us.

John 20:24-29 (24)But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. (25)The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe. (26)And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (27)Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing. (28)And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God. (29)Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Thomas had not been with the others when Jesus came to them and breathed His Spirit on them. The others told him what they experienced but Thomas did not have the faith to believe it. He remembered the Lord being crucified. 

The circumstances may not match what others are telling you. Maybe you have praying family or friends and they are telling you Jesus can help. Maybe you are reading this blog and I am telling you Jesus is a way-maker, a promise keeper, a hope giver, a healer, a friend that is closer than a brother and it may not feel like that's true. Maybe you struggle with having enough faith to believe God is going to do everything He said He would do. Friend, don't be like doubting Thomas. He said he would doubt unless he was able to have proof he could actually touch and see. He did not believe hear-say; it seemed too outrageous, too impossible. Friend, don't doubt; only believe.

Eight days passed and Thomas had no encounter with Jesus. Day after day he never saw Jesus face to face. He may have replayed the conversation over in his mind. Maybe he hoped they were telling the truth but he just couldn't believe it for himself.

Eight is the number of new beginnings. He gave Thomas a fresh start. Eight days later He revealed Himself to all the disciples and spoke directly to Thomas to feel the wounds in His hands and shove his hand into His side. Thomas was face to face with Jesus and declared My Lord and My God. 

One day all will proclaim My Lord and My God, but not all will enter heaven because they wanted to see it before they believed it. Look what Jesus said to Thomas. He told him to believe and not doubt. He said you believe because you see it, but blessed are those who believe and cannot see. He is talking about us. We cannot see Jesus in the natural right now. We cannot touch His nail scarred hands and feet. We cannot see the holes where the sword pierced His side or the thorns were shoved into His precious head. We can choose to believe anyway.

Maybe things are really bad. You may have lost your job, lost a loved one, had sickness and a bad diagnosis yourself, but Jesus is with you! He loves you. He will help you through the tough seasons. He will carry you through the grief. Maybe you received bad news and feel like it's out of your hands to fix it. Give it to Jesus and He will fix it for you!

John 20:30-31 (30)And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: (31)But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing ye might have life through His name.

What a precious end to this chapter. For us, it is not really the end, but simply the beginning. We read about the events at the empty tomb to remind us that whatever grave markers are in front of us, we still have hope when we have Jesus. We may have lost some things in the past year, but God is walking with us. He sent His only Son Jesus to die for our sins and then raised Him from the dead so you and I can have life through Jesus. 

I know the waiting season can be so long. The winter season is so hard with death, frozen dreams, impossible circumstances, loss, grief, pain, discomfort, and sorrow, but spring is coming! The ground will thaw. Everything the enemy stole from you will be returned in better condition than it was taken. God is a giver and a lover. He is a good, good Father and He cares about us. He tells us to cast our cares on Him because He cares about us. (1 Peter 5:7)

Next month is Resurrection Day! We celebrate the grave could not hold our Savior. Jesus is alive! But let this truth be ours every single day! No power is stronger than the power of God. Is Jesus in your heart? Is your heart His home? Have you called on His name? Have you believed in Him? If you haven't, now is the time!

Are you struggling in your faith? Is the season you are going through hard and long and feels like it never will end? Take hope in knowing Jesus is with you.

He loves you.

He helps you.

He protects you.

He equips you.

He provides for you.

He wants to fix what is broken and all we have to do is ask and believe He will do it.

Genesis 2:8-9 (8)And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden: and there He put the man whom He had formed. (9)And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

It all began in the garden of Eden. Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane before He was arrested. He was buried in a garden near the place He died. Jesus appeared as a gardener after the resurrection. We are still in a beautiful garden, tended to by the Master. He plants us, waters us, makes us grow and thrive, and when we have done everything we needed to do, He gently removes us from this earthly garden and takes us Home.  

I hope something I have shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way! God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Should Christians Self-Censor? | Fuel For The Weekend

Hey everyone!

This weekend I want us to think about the topic of censorship. It is a very real occurrence in our world today, especially to those who follow Jesus Christ and believe the Bible is true! For Wednesday's Bible study post, I spoke about censorship and recounted how Stephen was stoned to death for sharing the Gospel. It serves as a reminder that Christians are targeted for censorship. As the world loses their grip on strong morals and values, intolerance grows for God's design on marriage, love, liberty, equality, and the importance of family. If your message reflects the words of Jesus, you will be watched closely, possibly censored or banned from social media platforms that are easily offended by the truth in God's Word. 

For today, I want to discuss self-censoring, times censoring is necessary, and scriptures to encourage and guide us as we think about this topic over the weekend. Hopefully we can break it down in a practical way that we can incorporate in our every day lives. The idea is to glorify God in the words we say and the things we do not say.

What does it mean to self-censor? It is what some refer to as having a "filter." It is not intentionally speaking about things that will offend and upset others. Self-censoring is important because it reflects self-control, a fruit of the Spirit. It is not picking and choosing who will respond well to the Gospel message. It is knowing with whom we speak and their character. Self-censoring does not mean being ashamed of the Gospel, but rather being sensitive to Holy Spirit as He guides us what to say.

Times self-censoring is necessary could be when someone is deliberately baiting you in an effort to make fun of the Gospel message, slander God, and argue over Scriptures. We must not engage in debates that do not create an environment of learning from one another. We must communicate the Gospel message with everyone, but be sensitive to know when to keep silent. We should know why we believe what we do and be able to give an answer when asked, but we must be careful not to allow these conversations to divide us as a body of believers. The Scriptures tell us what we must do, as believers. Let's look together.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1 & 7 (1)To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (7)A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

COLOSSIANS 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

MATTHEW 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again to rend you.

The verse in Matthew may leave you wondering what that could mean. I looked up the Barnes' Notes on Bible Hub. They said, "The meaning of this proverb, then, is, do not offer your doctrine to those violent and abusive people who would growl and curse you; nor to those especially debased and profilgate who would not perceive its value, would trample it down, and would abuse you. 

The word profilgate, according to Merriam-Webster means, "recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources." So the take away is that if we know the character of the person we are speaking to is blatantly against anything that is Holy and will become violently angry and abusive when broaching the subject, it is best to remain silent. Live your life in a way that honors God and that silent witness will speak volumes. If God gives you the unction to speak with that person and share your faith, pray and ask for wisdom and discernment. Pray for God to fill your mouth with what to say and then remain sensitive to Holy Spirit as He guides when to speak and when to be silent.

We do not want to hide our faith or allow those who disagree with us to silence us. We are not to be shamed into only speaking words of faith and truth around other believers. We are called to be salt and light on the earth. We are to live unashamed of our love for Jesus. We also must use wisdom and not create disputes to make others uncomfortable or feel judged. We must not water down the truth of God's Word to compromise. Sin is never okay. We should not brush sin under the rug. The Bible says the wages of sin is death so it is vital that we talk about it, but we must not condemn others. Jesus did not come to condemn and we are to live like He did. We are to follow His pattern and example.

Jesus was not afraid to speak up and correct the religious leaders who thought they knew everything about the Word of God. They knew nothing because when face-to-face with the Word made flesh they rejected Him. Jesus was not embarrassed to clear the temple, overturning tables, and driving out the hustlers with a whip. He was not so meek and mild that He would not set the record straight when the Scriptures were twisted and misquoted. Make no mistake, we are not to be mealy-mouthed Christians who cower at the idea someone may disagree with us, but let's not go looking for fights either. Let's not stir up debates and arguments just to prove we are right and the other person is wrong.

Let's sit with this topic this weekend. Have some discussions about it with your family, friends, small group at church, or zoom calls. Get some dialogue going about how we can share our faith in a way that honors God. Will the world try to shut us up? Of course they will! Is there a time to speak up? Yes! Is there a time to be silent? Yes! Is there a time for boldness and meekness for every believer? Yes. Allow Holy Spirit to teach us discernment and help us grow in our faith as we do our best to live our faith out loud in this dark world.

I hope something I have shared has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens    

 

Stoned To Silence - #Are We Next | Wednesday Bible Study

 

Hello everyone! Welcome back to another mid-week Bible study. Instead of taking on an entire book of the Bible, I want to discuss a hot topic in our world today: Censorship. Christians have been censored since the time of Jesus. We knew that following Jesus would cost us something, many don't realize that commitment to Christ requires giving up everything. Jesus said, "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour." (John 12:25-26)

The multitudes followed Jesus for the miracles He performed and the provision that He gave, and honestly many Christians do the same thing. There is a superficial relationship many have forged so shallow that it's very posture reveals the true heart. Instead of hands raised in complete surrender and adoration to our Lord and Savior Jesus, their hands are extended and open waiting for another blessing to be given. Jeremiah 29:12-13 paints a different expectation of the follower of God. He says, "Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart." There's a requirement of our whole heart in following God. We know that from the commandment Jesus repeated in Mark 12:30, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."

There are men and women all across this country and around the globe who are fired up for Jesus! There are people, a remnant, who have not bowed the knee to Big Tech, who have not compromised to gain followers, subscribers, sheep, whatever you want to call them. There are men and women, children, teens, people diverse from one another who seek God daily, who look for His face more than His hands, and who are sold out believers, ready to die for Him if it required it. Make no mistake, God has a Church! He will one day gather all of us and what a glorious day that will be! But until then, we are to go and make disciples, and in so doing, do not expect to make friends with the world. Friends, we will be hated of the world. In John 15:18-19, Jesus said, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." And we have seen so many examples of that recently in censorship of the Christian faith.

We read in the book of Acts in the sixth chapter that out of necessity to ensure the needs were being met of all the people, because the number of disciples continued to multiply, the 12 disciples gathered the multitude of disciples for a meeting. They said it would not be good for the 12 to stop preaching the Word of God to serve food to the poor and the widows. They recognized the importance of the mission and it was not "beneath" them, but they knew there were others who had those gifts that could be utilized in that way, so the 12 disciples could continue to reach more people and the poor and widows could be served as they should be. So they appointed seven men who had a good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom. Stephen was one of the seven chosen for this task.

The Bible says that Stephen was full of faith and power and did great wonders and miracles among the people. He was living what he was speaking and preaching and teaching. When our lives line up with God's Word and what He wants us to do, we are a threat to the enemy of God. When we walk in the gifts and callings God has given us we are a threat to the god of this world, and his name is Lucifer. Stephen is preaching and teaching with signs and wonders following. He has good fruit and it is evident. No one can dispute it, but then a group of Libertines, or Freedmen, got upset. The liberal crowd got offended and began disputing with Stephen and they were not able to resist the wisdom and Spirit that enabled Stephen to teach with such boldness. Since they had no real argument against Stephen, they just disliked what he stood for, they secretly bribed men to lie on Stephen. These false witnesses claimed they heard Stephen blaspheme against Moses and against God. His life was a living, breathing, walking testimony of His commitment to Christ. Of course he was going to be targeted by the religious sect who had no desire to be transformed and changed by the power of Christ.

The group grabbed Stephen and dragged him off to the council where they lied about his character. They lied about his message. They wanted to stop Stephen from speaking things they did not like, they did not agree with, and they did not want to have to think about. The false witnesses were in place, and the bible says, in Acts 6:15 "And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." Pure innocence and yet the high priest continues with this mock trial. Do no think that this was "way back in the Bible days" and that it cannot happen here in American in 2021. You must not be so blind.

I want you to read Acts chapter seven. Read the compelling last words of this man of great faith. Carefully examine the words of Stephen and decide for yourself what he said that was worthy of death. What did he do that you and I, in the free country of America, with liberty of speech and liberty of religion, cannot also do? Have we said some of these same things? Are we pushing back against Cancel Culture? Because censorship of the Christian is real and rampant. It has been going on for a LONG time and it is only getting worse as we are stripped of our rights every single day.

ACTS 7:51-60 (51)Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so did ye. (52)Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: (53)Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (54)When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. (55)But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. (56)And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (57)Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, (58)And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. (59)And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (60)And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

 Let's pause for a moment.

A man stood up for God and for Truth, revealed the heart behind the wicked accusers, but the religious customs were more important than the relationship Jesus wants to have with us, so they killed Stephen. They took up big stones and threw them with great force in anger and an adrenaline rush to silence God's messenger. What do you think they will do to us?

What might happen when we stand up for Biblical truth? What could happen to Christians in America when we stand up for the unborn, the disabled, the elderly, the chronically ill? What will happen when we call out Big Tech for dropping the hammer on those speaking truth?

I was censored on YouTube when my video was posted on my channel. I got shadow banned because I offended them when I told my viewers to put their trust in God and trust Him more than a vaccine or a government official. That was the offensive statement: that we should put our faith in God and not man or man-made things. You may think I am over-reacting and that I should not compare that to Stephen. I am not comparing what happened to me with the cruel, inhumane way they murdered precious Stephen. I cannot read that passage without mourning and crying! What a huge cost for someone who did not love his life to the death! That is what it means, friends, to take up your cross daily. Stephen counted the cost. My YouTube channel shadow ban on a video is not the same, but it is evidence that we are going in that same direction.

God sent my family and me to Alabama to live and serve and we did so for 16 months. God called us back to Indiana and during my time in Alabama, God had me praying for the city of Mobile. Day after day, I would drive back and forth to work, around the city on errands, going to and from church and I prayed for the city of Mobile, for deliverance, for salvation, for freedom from addictions and bondage. We get back to Indiana and the other morning I get a text message from a  friend and this is what it said:

Monday, February 22, 8:48 am: "a big revival broke out in mobile yesterday.folks getting babtized in their trucks and masses giving life to the Lord."

A man named Sean Feucht has been going across the country and stirring up revival in the heart of God's people. He has been sharing video clips and testimonials and it's been incredible to see the power of God moving. So many of us have been praying for a move of God and it's sweeping the nation and people are hungry for it. Sean was putting out a worship album and he really believed it was going to be life-changing for many people. He prayed it would turn people's hearts toward God. The company that was going to release the album in just a few days from the moment he announced it chose to ban it! It was denied!!  Just after sharing incredible testimonies of people being healed by the power of God, he announced the excitement of this new release, and then bam! Denied! Saints of God everywhere began to pray. People started sending messages to the company and after being inundated with people's cry for the album to release, they decided to release the album.

So, it's a YouTube video on a channel that has less than 1500 subscribers, and a worship CD. Should we care? Yes! We should care! We should care because it was the cake baker who owned their own business and chose not to bake wedding cakes for weddings that didn't honor the man-and-woman marriage God designed. A business owner can choose who to cater to and who not to. The baker had politely declined to bake the cake for the homosexual couple and even told them of other bakers that would do what they wanted. Instead of leaving the store and finding a bakery that could accommodate them, they sued the baker! A Christian woman worked for a company who does many things, one of which is selling marriage licenses. Her beliefs did not allow her to make the transaction for the same-sex couple. She went to jail! The woman who stood up for what she believed in, God's Word, was thrown in jail!!! Not in the days of Daniel or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. This is our lifetime, our modern day times! 

James Daly, president of Focus on the Family, has a wonderful ministry to help families in America grow closer to God. Every episode is helping fathers be more like Christ and strong leaders of their homes, or teaching women how to love well in the midst of insecurities and pressures of society to be and conform more like the world; and resources are available for parenting, financial needs, health concerns, and mental stress. Actively walking out their faith with boldness and love, they were even targeted for a tweet they shared. You can read all about that here. Church wake up, please!! We are being watched and targeted and anything we say or do can and will be held against us!

If we were doing everything sinful, ungodly, and unimaginable, we would be celebrated and rushed to the top of the ladder of success. We would be indulged, never censored, never held accountable. We would be seen as loving and good. The evil ones, according to the world, are the people like you and me who choose to stand up for truth and justice. The Bible told us it would be this way. It should come as no surprise if we are reading the Word of God for ourselves. 

2 TIMOTHY 3:1-7 (1)This know also, that in the last days perilous times will come. (2)For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. (3)Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4)Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God: (5)Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6)For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7)Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Friends, we could literally be reading America's profile today. Money lovers, irreconcilable, reckless, liars, haters of those that are good. We must not fall asleep on this topic. Do not think it's just the way things are nowadays. We cannot conform to this world and remain reconciled to Christ. It will never happen! I'm going to ask you to speak up when you see others getting targeted and bullied by Big Tech. Support ministries and organizations that are sharing God's truth. Keep speaking truth to those around you. Do not let one day go by without sharing God's message of hope, love, and forgiveness with the world. Tell someone. Call a friend, family member, coworker, anybody and tell them that Jesus loves them and has a plan for their lives: a hope and a future, something that will produce good results and great success. Introduce someone to Jesus today. Let's go and be disciples. 

Let me leave you with this familiar scripture, that bears repeating:

ROMANS 12:1-2 (1)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. (2)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.

I hope something I have shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Sacrificial Love | Thankful Thursday

The LORD impressed on my heart to carve out a section of my blog to share what I am thankful for. I started it on a Thursday and decided to call it "Thankful Thursday." Each week I share what I am thankful for. Come back each week so we can count our blessings together.

Hello friends!

Welcome back to another Thankful Thursday post! It is already Thursday; my, how time flies! I have prayed for God to give me direction for what He wants me to do on my blog each week. I sensed He was wanting me to share how I creatively journal my faith. I wasn't sure how that would fit in to a Bible study Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, or Fuel For The Weekend post. I continued to pray and I sensed God leading me to be creative with how I share what I am thankful for. The projects will evolve and sometimes I will have a tutorial, like today, and other times it will just be a project share for inspiration. I hope you like the new direction Thankful Thursdays is going.

I want to continue to put the emphasis on my blessings and not on the products I use to create projects. My focus is on God and while I have proved you can be thankful without a project, I am excited for this new path He is leading me on. I have been a paper crafter for over two decades and I have taught many scrapbooking, card making, and paper crafting classes in those years. I taught small children, tweens and teens, adults, women's groups, youth groups, children's church, Sunday school, taught in a brick and mortar scrapbook store and even hosted events in my home. I love having a creative outlet to express my faith and I am so thankful our God, the great Creator, has allowed me to share these projects with others.

I got a new Bible from Faith Heirlooms and it is so cute! It is covered with strawberry fabric and has an adorable bow on the side. It is micro size and I love anything tiny! I quickly made a prayer journaling card to put in my Bible and I want to show you how I did it. It is very simple and one of the easiest designs to get started for those who enjoy paper crafts but may not know where to get started.

Let's take a look at my new micro size Bible. It is in New Living Translation (NLT). My favorite translation is KJV, but I do like reading other translations as a part of my personal Bible study time. It helps me when I read the same passage of Scripture from various other translations.

Isn't this Bible so sweet? I love, love, love strawberries so this was the one I knew I wanted as soon as I saw the pattern, but they had many other beautiful fabric covered Bibles to choose from. 

To make the prayer journaling card, I chose a piece of kraft colored card stock by a brand called Echo Park. It was on sale at JoAnn so I was able to get a pack of 50 sheets for only $2.50. I cut my piece of card stock to measure two and a half inches wide by four and a quarter inches tall. The size you want to make will depend on the size of your Bible, or your preference. These measurements are what worked for my tiny Bible.

The next piece I cut was Bazzill card stock in the color Ballet. It has texture on this paper with raised dots. I really like this patterned paper and how the pink pops against the neutral card base. This piece will go along the bottom so it measures two and half inches across by 5/8" tall. If I was in my own home right now and had access to my inks and daubers I would have inked the edges and that gives it a nice dimension without adding any bulk.

I used a tape runner I purchased from Walmart to adhere the Ballet pink card stock to the kraft colored card stock. It is inexpensive and easy to use. The brand I am using here is called AdTech. You can use a coupon to get this adhesive at big box stores, but I found the best price at Walmart.

I placed the Bazzill card stock just a short distance from the bottom of the kraft card stock. You can eye ball how far up you want it to be. I preferred not to have the pink piece flush with the bottom of the card, but it is up to you if you choose to make one of these cards.

When stickers come on a clear backing sheet, you can easily see which size sticker to choose, as well as where you want to place it before sticking it down. Some stickers peel back up easily but others will tear your paper. These self-adhesive gem stones came in a package for one dollar at the Dollar General.

I decided to use two of the smallest sized light pink hearts flanking a middle sized silver/clear heart gem. I like how they look together on the pink strip. You can choose to skip these gem stones if you prefer to have a flat card. It doesn't bother me to have bulk on the cards. It makes my Bible chunk up, but I don't mind. If you like these gem stones but don't want to have the bulk in your Bible, you can keep these cards in a little envelope or pouch.

I have enjoyed this alphabet sticker book so much. I believe I got it from Michael's in the Recollections line but I am not sure. There are so many different sizes and types of fonts to choose from in this sticker book. It is so fun to make titles with these stickers.

I used the alphabet stickers to spell out ROMANS and the numbers 5 and 8 for the scripture reference. I had a bow header sticker from NashsPrintWork and I like how the silver bow looks just below the alphabet stickers.

I thought it would be cute to a put another gem stone heart in the center of the bow. It ties in with the three heart gemstones on the bottom of the card. And I like using them because they are so cute! Again, if you want a flat project, you can skip the sticky gems. The bow header is cute with or without the gems.

I wrote a short prayer on the back of the card. I used a new white pen that I picked up recently. I am not sure where I got it, but I am not a huge fan of this white pen. My favorite white pen to use is a UniBall Signo Gel Pen. It is so smooth and bright. This was bright enough to read but it skipped a lot and that's something I didn't experience much, if at all, from the UniBall Signo Gel Pens. Do you have a favorite white gel pen? Do you find your white gel pens skip, too? It definitely depends on what type of paper you write on that determines how much skipping it will do. I may try it on a smoother paper and see how it works.

To make this card stand out in my Bible, I decided to use an Avery tab on the back. The sticky part is see-through so it doesn't interfere with my writing. I love the shattered glass look. This is one design in a set of three. I purchased a pack of three at Walmart in the office supplies aisle. Have you tried these tabs yet? I have some in my main Bible. I love the different colors it picks up as the light hits it. It's so pretty!

I recommend to do any writing before sticking on the bulkier accessories. It just makes it easier to write, especially the prayer on the back. Since this Bible is NLT, I decided to write the scripture on this card using the NLT translation. It is Romans 5:8 "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Isn't that an amazing fact? You are so loved, and I am so loved, that God sent Jesus, His only Son, to die for our sins while we were still in sin. We did not love Him yet. We did not know Him yet. And that is the heart of God. He loves us that much!

Look at that top tab sparkle! It's so pretty! Don't forget to date your card somewhere so you can look back later and see your style change or progress. It is also great to look back and remember what you studied. If the goal is to use these as memory cards it would be fun to see if in a few months you can remember the verses, maybe quiz your family or friends.

I had a hard time writing on this card stock. I didn't like the way the white gel pen was working. I tried my ultra fine tip Sharpie pen and it was going out on me. The tip was nearly gone. So I had a fine point Sharpie pen and it would have been okay but I don't like the different tip sizes. But the point is I still wrote out the Scripture, reflected on it, thought about it, and so this card did what it was supposed to do, help me draw closer to God through my creative process of journaling. Doesn't it look so cute nestled in the pages of my micro sized Bible? I love it!

Here is a top view of the shattered glass Avery tab peeking out of the top of my Bible. If you prefer not to see your journaling cards sticking out of the top of your Bible, just leave the tab off and make sure you measure your Bible pages so you can cut the card base smaller than the pages of your Bible. I love having mine stick out so I am pleased with how that looks.

I like how this is already starting to get chunky. If I had used flat embellishments it wouldn't look like this, but it's so cute to me. I am excited to make tons and tons of journaling cards. The only drawback for this Bible is that it only includes the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. But it is just for me to have fun creating prayer/journaling/Scripture writing cards so I don't mind that it is not the full Bible. I would love to have a full Bible in the micro size though because I love it!

One last look at the tab. Those tabs are gorgeous and I love how the colors change depending on how the light hits it.

I am not getting paid or sponsored to share these tutorials. It is just a fun way for me to share my faith in a creative way. I make these projects anyway so I am happy to share on my blog how you can do this too. If you make any of these cards let me know in the comments below or tag me on Instagram @BridgettOwens78 and I will check it out.

So, in conclusion, this Thankful Thursday I am grateful for Romans 5:8, a sacrificial love that was not reciprocated until I encountered Jesus for myself. I am so thankful that while I was still in sin Jesus Christ died for me. He didn't just die for me, though. He rose on that third day and now sits on the right hand of the Father. He didn't just die for me, and rise again for me, but He is also coming back for me and all of you who are waiting on His triumphant return!

I pray that something I have shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way! God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens

Obadiah God's Judgment | Wednesday Bible Study

Welcome back to another Bible study Wednesday! Today I would like to study the book of Obadiah. It is one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. It is one chapter with only 21 verses. It takes up a page and small part of another page in my compact Bible. I would love for you to join me as we look at this book together. Let's pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before You now asking for You to impart to us Godly wisdom. We do not know everything and when it comes to the Holy text we can only know what You reveal to us with Holy Spirit. Please open our spiritual ears and spiritual eyes to hear and see what great mysteries You want to open up to us. Please prepare our hearts to receive this message and the goodness that is only found in Your Word. Help us to apply this wisdom to our lives. God transform us with this message today and help us share it with others.Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen

Obadiah is the tiny book after Amos and just before Jonah. Sandwiched between these small books is a message for us that we need today. So, as usual, I would like to share what my Bible has to say about the book of Obadiah.

The Book of OBADIAH: A struggle that began in the womb between twin brothers, Esau and Jacob, eventuates in a struggle between their respective descendants, the Edomites and the Israelites. For the Edomites' stubborn refusal to aid Israel, first during the time of wilderness wandering (Numbers 20:14-21) and later during a time of invasion, they are roundly condemned by Obadiah. This little-known prophet describes their crimes, tries their case, and pronounces their judgment: total destruction. The Hebrew name Obadyah means "Worshiper of Yahweh" or "Servant of Yahweh." The Greek title in the Septuagint is Obdiou, and the Latin title in the Vulgate is Abdias.

Obadiah is a prophet we know little about. He has one job: to announce the war God has waged against the Edomite people, the descendants of Esau, because of the wicked way they dealt with the nation of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. Before we discuss the message Obadiah has for the Edomites, let's first get a background on who we are talking about and what has happened to cause God to become so angry.

Jacob and Esau were twin brothers born to Isaac and Rebekah. The sibling rivalry began before they were born. Rebekah felt the struggle within her womb. Let's pick the story up in Genesis 25:22-26.

GENESIS 25:22-26 (22)And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. (23)And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. (24)And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold. there were twins in her womb. (25)And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. (26)And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel: and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.

The boys grew up and Esau was a skilled hunter and the outdoorsy type. Jacob was a quiet type, preferring to stay indoors. As God had said these boys were twins but the brothers were very different with unique personalities. The nations that would come from these two men would be like them. The sibling rivalry began in the womb but continued long after the brothers died. 

The birthright was very important because it was a sign of leadership. Once Isaac had passed away, the one who had the birthright would be the head of the house, a spiritual leader. This was a privilege to be prized but Esau did not care about his birthright. He sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for red pottage. After he got his strength back from the food his younger brother fixed him, he despised his birthright. He was not sad. He did not mourn it. He was angry that he let Jacob have it, but it meant nothing of importance to him. It was very significant to Jacob. No doubt Rebekah told Jacob, (her favorite son), that God said Esau would serve Jacob.

You may recall Rebekah convinced Jacob to claim Esau's blessing. While Esau was out hunting the game that his father requested Rebekah conspired a plan that would cause the younger to claim the elder's blessing. This blessing was prophetic in that it would dictate their futures. Once Esau and his father learned they had been deceived, Esau threatened to kill Jacob. The whole catastrophe ended with Rebekah sending Jacob to her brother, Laban's house so Esau would not kill him. Years would pass before the brothers reconnected, and although Jacob and Esau forgave one another in time, they never fully buried the hatchet, and the rivalry continued in the two nations of their descendants.

MALACHI 1:1-4 (1)The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. (2)I have love you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein has Thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I have loved Jacob, (3)And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. (4)Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down: and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever.

We read in Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament before God is silent for 400 years, that God loved Jacob but hated Esau. We may think that sounds unfair and harsh. Why would God favor Jacob and not love them both? Isn't God loving? Yes, God is loving. He hates Esau, and his descendants, the nation of Edom, because of the way they treated the Israelites. One of many instances was in Numbers 20:14-21. Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom saying, Hey brother, you know the hardships we have had, how our fathers went down to Egypt and we were in slavery a long time, and the vexation was so great we cried to the LORD and He heard us and sent an angel to bring us out of there. Now, we are trying to get past you guys in our travels, but we don't want anything from you. We just want permission to take the King's Highway to go across your property. And Edom said, Absolutely not unless you want to fight! They said, If you just let us go through, we will pay for any water our cattle drink, but we just need to get through on foot. The answer came again, they were not allowed to go through and the king even decided to flex some muscle, and brought out the military they were so proud of. Edom refused to give Israel passage  through his border and so Israel turned around and left.

You might wonder why they didn't fight Edom. Why didn't they let God show them who was boss? God would not let them. Let's go to Deuteronomy 2:1-8. Moses recounts that after going around Mount Seir many days, God told him to switch direction and go north. When God leads us in a specific direction He often gives us instructions. This time was no different. He told Moses to command the people to pass through the territory of their family, Esau's children's land. "They live in Seir and they will be afraid of you, so be careful. Don't meddle with them because I gave Esau the land of Mt. Seir to possess it. You will pay money for anything you eat or drink. Because the LORD God has blessed you and in 40 years God has been with you and you didn't want for anything." So they did not quarrel with the king of Edom and they did not fight. God told them not to and they obeyed. The decision of Edom to prevent the children of Israel from passing is not going unnoticed by God. The response of the children of Israel is noted as well. God will pay Edom back for this and much more as we read through Obadiah together. As we can see, something has angered God very much, to the point He is going to destroy the Edomites from off the face of the earth.

JEREMIAH 49:7-10 (7)Concerning Edom, thus saith the LORD of hosts: Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished? (8)Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him. (9)If grapegatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough. (10)But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbours, and he is not.

Verse 1

God declares war on the nation of Esau. Can we just sit here in this verse for a moment? The nation of Edom has the same attitude and characteristics of their forefather, Esau. They are arrogant, self-absorbed, prideful, and haughty. They care not for the things of God or His people. God says, "This means war!" That should put fear in the hearts of anyone on the other end of that statement!

Verse 2

He tells the nation of Edom that He made them small and greatly despised among the nations; just the opposite of how they perceived themselves. This is a huge insult. They had a lofty spirit. They were proud and puffed up.

Verse 3

It is time to pay for what had been done. But why? What would cause God to be so angry with Edom? What was the great sin that stirred God so much He declared war? It was pride. A prideful heart was one strike against this nation that thought nothing was going to bring them down. Their city matched their inflated ego. They built the capitol city up in the clefts of the rocks; up high where eagles fly and nest. They had the audacity to say no one could bring them down! This nation believed defeat was for their opponents because they couldn't lose!

JAMES 4:5-7 (5)Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6)But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (7)Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Verse 4

God says even though they have exalted themselves up with eagles and settled in among the stars, they had a false sense of security. They are arrogant and think they are not vulnerable to attack. The next strike against them is they relied on themselves and their own security instead of leaning on God. He said He would pull them down from the safe perch they were on and bring them down to the ground. 

Whoa! That is a scary statement! I want us to really check our hearts here. Are there things in our lives that cause us to have a false sense of security? A new job? Our bank account? Our friendships? Our ministries? We need to check ourselves and make sure we don't start building nests with the eagles and among stars. We shouldn't be so high-minded that we think that we are untouchable. God is the only one to be elevated in our lives! What are we leaning on? Is it the Rock of Jesus Christ?

ROMANS 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

MATTHEW 22:36-40 (36)Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37)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. (38)This is the first and great commandment. (39)And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (40)On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

We read that the Edomite nation did not love God with all their heart, all their soul, and all their mind, and they completely disregarded the second commandment to love their neighbors. Israel was their relatives! It was not just a nation they knew about. Jacob and Esau grew up together. They were not just brothers, they were twin brothers, but the animosity that grew between these two men from the womb, continued generations later and the way the Edomites treated God's children set God's anger ablaze!

Verse 5 & 6

Obadiah says that if thieves came to steal, they would plunder until they had all they wanted, but there might be something left. If the ones that gather grapes came, they would not take every single grape. But, the implication here is that the judgment of God would leave them with nothing remaining and to this day there is no remnant of Esau left on the earth. God's judgments are right and true.

In the Contemporary English Version, verse six reads, "Everything you treasure most will be taken from you." This is God ripping out of the hands of Esau everything He ever gave him. Edom trusted in their riches and wealth instead of trusting in God.

What treasures has God promised to give us, and generously blessed us with, that could be snatched out of our grasp when we worship the gift more than the Giver? Friends, let's examine our hearts today. Are we storing up our treasures in heaven like God says to do, or are we idolizing the very blessings God gave us to enjoy?

Verses 7

The Edomites have not only trusted in their own security and their own wealth, but they have trusted more in their allies than they have trusted in God. All the people they trusted, counted on, and thought were at peace with them has deceived them and prevailed against them. The ones they counted on to always have their back in trouble had taken Edom to the edge of their border. Their friends they ate bread with laid a trap beneath them and Edom never saw it coming! God says in one day He would destroy all the wise men of Edom and all the understanding of the mount of Esau. And He kept His promise!

We are told in Proverbs 3:3-6 to keep mercy and truth around our necks, and write them on the tablets of our hearts so we can find good understanding in God's eyes and with men. We are told to trust in the LORD with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding. We are not to use our own logic or what others perceive things to be. We are to acknowledge God in every thing we do and He will make our paths smooth and straight. Edom did not do any of those things. They used their wealth as a security blanket and their allies as a safety net. Those allies did not care about securing Edom and making sure they were okay all the time. They worried about themselves and securing their own countries and cities. We have to be so careful about who we put our trust in.

Who are we trusting to help us? Who do we think is always going to be there for us? Is it a spouse? A friend? A relative? A neighbor? A co-worker? We must put our trust in God. Yes, He will send us help when we need it, but if we are leaning so heavily on another person to help us, we are replacing God with them in our lives. They become an idol. We must be careful not to do this.

Verse 8

In one day God was going to destroy the wise and understanding men of Esau. Those experts were not consulting God on how to help Edom. They were not looking to the Scriptures for advice and wisdom. This is dangerous to have leaders in government that are not seeking Truth when looking to lead a group of people. Psalm 1:1-6 tells us that we are blessed when we don't walk in the way of the ungodly or participate with sinners and the scornful. When our delight is in the law of the Lord and we are meditating on Scripture day and night, we are like the trees planted by the river, constantly being watered by that stream. We are going to bring forth good fruit when the time is right and whatever we do will prosper. However, it speaks of what happens to those who choose not to obey. They are like chaff blown away with the wind. The way of the ungodly shall perish. This is exactly what happened to Edom. They did not look to the ways of God. Esau's grandfather was Abraham. His father, Isaac was a miracle baby! God was a huge part of Esau's story but he just couldn't be bothered. His entire lineage is gone but Jacob served God and the nation of Israel is still a country to this day!

You know everyone seems to be an expert anymore. When I was growing up we used to question the integrity of a commercial. People would use words like, "False advertisement." They would get upset if they felt like they were being lied to on tv. They felt that if they saw it on television it must be true and so they were skeptical. Now you have gurus on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and any other social media platform giving advice and often it contradicts the Word of God. The reports on the news are not even reliable most of the time. Friends, we have to lean on God's counsel and seek men and women who are asking God and getting their wisdom from Him. If we don't we may find ourselves in Esau's shoes. Let's pray for our leaders to turn to God to lead our country and for the things God values to be important values for the rulers of this nation.

Verse 9

Esau's nation had another nail in their coffin because they trusted in their military power. They had skilled men in battle and often defeated many of their foes. They grew in arrogance as they won battle after battle. Having the advantage of the bird's eye view on the enemies coming at them from the valley, they were no match for many of their opponents. But they forgot to honor God. He was not a part of their victory celebration. They trusted in their weapons and artillery more than in God's powerful hand!

As we self-reflect today, what are some things we have rested in that is the counterfeit of God's power? Are we trusting in our government, our military, our own gun power or strength? Friends, God is all powerful. He told us in Exodus 14:14 He fights for us. We do not need to worry about the status of the world at any point because our hope and security is in Jesus Christ if He has saved us. We have nothing to fear or dread. 

Edom treated Israel horrible more than once. They were wicked and violent and God had enough. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you:" tells us that God is not going to allow His children to be steam-rolled by anyone who tries to stop us from worshiping God and living our lives in a way that pleases Him.

Verses 10-14

These verses share the reasons God is so angry with Edom. The first reason is for the violence against his brother Jacob. Genesis 27:41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. God knew what was in Esau's heart and He saw the hatred grew for Jacob. He did not love his brother. He was greedy and jealous. Ezekiel 25:13-14 (13)Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out Mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword. (14)And I will lay My vengeance upon Edom by the hand of My people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to My fury; and they shall know My vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.

The second reason is they stood against the children of Israel when the strangers carried away forces in captivity, and foreigners came through the gates and cast lots on Jerusalem. The Edomites were with them! Psalm 83:5-8 (5)For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: (6)The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes'; (7)Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; (8)Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah. God took names! He said yeah you were with your friends and you could have stopped them but you didn't! You pursued after them and participated by standing by watching and doing nothing to stop the attacks. Think of their uncle Ishmael. Of course the descendants from him would want to destroy anything that Isaac was a part of. Another sibling rivalry.

The third reason God is angry with them is for the way Edomites looked down on Israel in the day of their trouble. When they were being destroyed, Esau's descendants rejoiced. They were cheering for the ones destroying Israel. They could have stood in allegiance with Israel but instead they were encouraging the destruction. When they were in great distress, the Edomites started speaking proudly. There is pride again! It is always prevalent in the heart of the arrogant.

PROVERBS 24:17-18 (17)Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: (18)Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.

PROVERBS 6:16-19 (16)These six things doth the LORD hate; yea, seven are an   abomination unto him. (17)A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. (18)An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, (19)A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

This passage in Proverbs sounds like the resume for the Edomites. Proud, liars, shed innocent blood, thinks up wicked things to do, and quickly run to mischief. Look at the last one, sows discord among brothers. These things are so serious. Lying will take us to hell. Do we want bad things to happen to others? Before we answer that, let's think about the people we are happy to see "get what's coming to them." How about the child molester who gets arrested? What about the police officer that kills an innocent person because they are trigger happy? Friends, we have to be careful. We need to pray for their souls. If the sin they are caught in isn't a big enough sign they need Jesus, what is? We must be quick to hit our knees and pray for the victims, of course, and their families, but also the criminals, the guilty, the ones who are running quickly to do bad things. God draw us all closer to You so we look at and love others the way You do!

MARK 7:20-23 (20)And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. (21)For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, (22)Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: (23)All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Obadiah is a book about a heart problem. Esau's heart was far from God and all his children and grandchildren and every generation on was just as wicked as Esau. Emotional, temperamental, quickly angered, violent, quick to kill, it was the thrill of the hunt for him. Friends, we must be checking our hearts daily and asking God to help us do the same thing. If we find something amiss, we must repent and surrender that area of our life to God. He must have full control of every area of our life. He wants our whole heart so we can remain true and faithful to Him, the only true and faithful one!

The next reason God waged war on Edom is because they marched through the gates of the city while Israel was in trouble, and did not to come to their aid. They saw the affliction of the Israelites and began looting their homes. It was bad enough they came to see the disaster and be nosy, but now they were stealing from their own family! But it gets worse!

The last reason God is angry with them is they helped the enemy! Edomites were stationed at the crossway so that when any of the Israelites fled, Edomites told the enemy where they were hiding. Some didn't even tell on the Israelites, they just killed them for fun. Any fugitives escaping for their life were soon caught by the Edomites hiding and lurking in wait to utterly destroy the people of Israel. They said they would help them but they lied and when Israel tried to go another route, Edom prevented that, too. God had enough!

God made Abram a promise that He would bless them that blessed Abram and would curse those who cursed him. He kept that promise generations later when He saw the way Edom had betrayed Israel. As they slaughtered God's children, the descendants of Abraham, God kept the promise He gave in Genesis chapter 12.

GENESIS 12:1-3 (1)Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (2)And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (3)And I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall families of the earth be blessed.

Verses 15-21

These last few verses are God's response to the sin of Edom. In verse 15 we see that God is going to pay them back using their own wicked measuring stick to judge them. Matthew 7:1-2 (1)Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2)For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. The principle you reap what you sow is played out in this verse. God says what you did to them is coming right back to you! Because they chose to celebrate on God's Holy mountain the demise of the Israelites, God said the Edomites will be poured out like water onto the ground, slowly slipping away and vanishing. But God is going to bless Jacob on Mount Zion. Everything God said was Israel's they will one day get. The house of Jacob is going to be fire and the house of Esau stubble. The house of Joseph will be a flame. The flame and fire is going to burn up the stubble and it will be no more. Obadiah 1:18 says, "And there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken it." He kept His Word, like He always does, and to this day there is no remnant of Esau.

The rest of the verses declare the ownership of God's territories and the mountain He gave to Esau will be the LORD's Kingdom. Deliverers will go to Mount Zion to judge Esau's mountain. Israel will get to claim all the things God promised them, the things that they once possessed, but were stolen, will all be back in their hands. God will restore His children.

Friends, I know this is was a lengthy study for such a short book in the Bible. There is much history to consider and the big picture to be viewed before thinking God is unfair or unkind. Many times Edom had the opportunity to bless Israel, to do good to them, offer them protection, but they would not do it. Israel remained peaceable with the Edomites, but God sees all. He knows when we are being abused and mistreated by the world. He will not always strive with man. He hates wickedness. The Bible says God is angry with the wicked every day! Time is ticking and the sand in the hour glass is swiftly funneling to the bottom. We must remain faithful to God and pray for our enemies. Jesus said to pray for those who despitefully use us. 

Right now, my fellow Americans and I are in a free country. This is the land of opportunity the say. Home of the free because of the brave. Yet, I have seen in my 42 years of living on this planet, things swiftly changing into something scary and awful. Christian liberties are being taken one by one. The Church has been lulled to sleep by the wicked lullabies of the world. My videos on YouTube have been censored and not shared like some of my older videos were. They are tightening down on what is allowed to be said and what isn't. This is why I encourage everyone to get in their Bibles and study God's Word for yourself. Do not wait on a pastor or a teacher to tell you what the Bible says. They may get it wrong. Search it out for yourself and commit verses to memory. It is our spiritual sword and the only weapon we can use on the enemy. Don't think that just because we have free access to any Bible we want right now, that it will always be like that here. We have brothers and sisters all over the world with no Bibles and no freedom to serve God. Many places just saying the name of Jesus will get you thrown into jail. Let's wake up and stir the gifts within us, so we can go light our world. Let's share about Jesus as much as we can to tell the whole world about His goodness, love, mercy, and forgiveness.

I hope something I have shared today has been strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens