Are we open to hear God's loving rebukes?

​Are our ears open to hear stern words of loving correction from God?
                  
In 2026, God is still shaking foundations.  
  
Hebrews 12: 25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
  
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.” 
  
To review how this has affected my call…  In 2016, the Lord called me to start Into the Waters which was a non-profit ministry to Christians to encourage them to linger longer, to draw near and know Christ.  Over a period of 7 years, God blessed it and prospered it! Then suddenly He stopped it!  
  
He had me draw it down in 2024; and shift to intercession, local focus, observing spiritual signs, studying the Word, witnessing in shelter settings, ministering to women in transition, and walking in deepened trust.
  
Initially, I had a lot of trouble understanding why He would turn me away from a ministry focused on intimacy with Christ, a ministry that was growing!  One day as I was struggling with letting go, He clearly said, “Enough”.  
         
There was a distinct tone of authority and impatience in His countenance as I received that in my heart.  
  
I’ve thought about that moment here and there, and now more than ever, I understand.  More and more I’m deeply connecting with the grief and frustration of His heart over the state of His people's worldly ways, and our lack of healthy reverence/fear.
  
Many ministries have messages either from the pulpit, or from their non-profit platforms that are unbiblical in that they overly catering to emotions.
  
As a quick example, in John 11 where Jesus weeps, it is taught that Jesus wept to identify with the emotions of Mary and Martha and others mourning the death of Lazarus.  It’s taught as Jesus showing “his humanness”.  Yes, He loved Mary, and Martha, and Lazarus, but that is not why Jesus wept. 
 
This is a reason to read scriptures in more than one version.  Specifically it is good to check versions that are more literal to original manuscript language.  This is the reason I use NKJV.  
 
In the NKJV, the scripture says 2 times that He was groaning and deeply troubled, John 11:33 & 38.
 

• John 11:33- Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.

 

• NIV says- 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

 
(Note that some important intent of original language is stripped out of NIV version.)
 
That word "groaned" in those scriptures is a Greek word that means to “snort with anger, have indignation, to sternly charge”.  Jesus is shedding tears from exhaustion, frustration, and anger over the amount of unbelief still around Him as He heads into his final days on earth. I’ll share more of my observations about his emotion in this situation in an upcoming blog that focuses on Martha. 
 
For a quicker example of how we overly cater to emotions, consider how many of us use Psalm 34:18-
  - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
   and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
  
Who have you given that scripture to?  I know I’ve used that scripture out of place many times.  I’ve used it to too quickly to comfort people that I know have a block of rebellion.  I should not be giving that scripture in those situations, because repentance is needed first. 
  
If we’re honest, it’s not hard to see that much brokenness in our day is due to openly rebelling against God.  The brokenhearted being referenced in Psalm 34:18 is not meant to mean the unrepentant.
 
Speaking that way to Christians in sin is like giving a cookie to a child throwing a tantrum.  All they learn is that you cater to their flesh when they misbehave.  There are no consequences, just comfort. 
  
With the direction of this world are you perceiving that these are days we need to wake up and repent?  That we need to return to the Lord and deepen?  The blogs I've been sending have shared spiritual signs to consider.  Go back and read some of them.  (Note these come via email, so sign up if you do not receive them!  I only post a few blogs on the website!)
  
More shakings are coming, and for those who are not deeply rooted in faith, those shakings will likely cause them to fall away and deny Christ, because they have no root.
  
Matthew 13:21- 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.   
  
We need to speak more honestly into people’s lives who say they are a Christian.  Too often we are afraid of loving counsel or calls to accountability.  Too often we are afraid to call people higher.  Too often we are afraid to challenge long-time Christians that they know very little about the Word of God, and that they have not grown in knowledge of the Lord.  We often choose keeping a relationship and not ruffling feathers, over staying true to the Lord.  
  
 And to the many in rebellion, too often we self-justify, and root ourselves in our own victimhood, versus having a healthy fear of God.  
  
That was me.  
  
When I was in rebellion, I’ve previously shared that I distinctly noticed that God’s presence left me.  I couldn’t feel Him anymore; or sense Him anymore.  It truly bothered me.  So, I decided to do a spiritual fast for the first time.
  
His voice came back with a precise strike.  His sword of the Spirit pierced my heart quickly and deeply.  
  
I was given these scriptures as His voice returning.  These scriptures are from Proverbs 1:
23 Repent at my rebuke!
    Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
    I will make known to you my teachings.
24 But since you refuse to listen when I call
   and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,
25 since you disregard all my advice
   and do not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;
   I will mock when calamity overtakes you--
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm,
   when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,
    when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
  
28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer;
    they will look for me but will not find me,
29 since they hated knowledge
   and did not choose to fear the Lord.
30 Since they would not accept my advice
   and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways
   and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
   and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety
   and be at ease, without fear of harm.”
  
 Those scriptures truly shook me.  I had only been a Christian for a few years at this point.  My rebellion began about 6 months into my walk with Him.  So that was the first time in my few years of walking with God, that instantly, I had a healthy fear of God.  Those words were as if He was in my presence, speaking them to my face.  I knew He was rebuking me, and I am so thankful for it!!!
  
I knew I had refused to listen Him.  I knew I was defiantly refusing to pay attention to His hand reaching for me.  I disregarded His advice repeatedly.  I did not accept His rebukes.  And disaster was indeed striking.  I was caught in a horrible, destructive, chaotic, abusive, oppressive relationship that He had already rescued me from.  But I went back, even though He warned me repeatedly not to do so.  I thumbed my nose at God.  
  
Yet in my rebellion, I had acted as though His grace was always available.  I had been calling, but God was no longer answering.  I had been looking for Him, but I was not finding Him.  I knew something was terribly wrong.
  
I had refused His knowledge.  I had not chosen to fear Him.  Now I was eating the fruit of my ways, being filled with the rotten fruit of my schemes.  
  
I was deeply afraid for what I had done.  I disrespected the One who generously and graciously filled me with His Spirit and comfort and love and help and truth and goodness.
  
So, in that moment, the comfort of Psalm 34:18 was NOT for me.  
  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
   and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
  
Many take the Lord for granted.  I’ve been engaging with many doing so, and their lack of self-awareness is truly troubling.  Many are taking His grace for granted while openly rebelling and engaging in the flesh.  No conviction.  Walking in obliviousness.  When I call it out by lovingly warning, their countenance towards me has sometimes changed quickly.  Christians often resist facing their sin.  This should not be so.
  
So this is the reason and His countenance behind Him saying to me, “Enough”.  
 
Enough of ministering to just the few who want more of Him. They are to figure it out, and press in.  Instead, turn to speak to those who don’t want more of Him.  Speak to those justifying themselves in their victimhood or living in open rebellion to Him while, at the same time, confessing Him with their lips. Urge Christians to deepen in their understanding of the Word.  Witness to the lost.  Notice the shakings beginning to happen in greater measure.  Point out the signs of the times.  Practice warning people to prepare for His coming.
 
As you read this, do you need to admit that you don't want to know about the stern side of God?  Let go of that, and turn.  Because His sternness is great blessing!
  
Romans 11:22- 22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off.
  
Some of us need to admit that we only want the part of Him that comforts us.  If that is you, you are fashioning a god of your own making.  And that is an idol.
  
In my experience, it is the rare Christian who is trapped in sin, who is open to the convicting message.   
                  
Interestingly, there have been many mornings where I wake up with itching ears.  It is one of God’s ways of keeping me focused on the spiritual times.  These are days of 2 Timothy 4:3-

Many churches have shifted to feel-good messages.  As well, there are many other ministries that are super hesitant to call out Christians living in sin and flesh-based rebellion. 
  
We need to open our ears to hear that the Spirit of the Lord is calling many Christians “adulterers and adulteresses”, James 4:4.  Shocking language, but true.  Many Christians love the world and prefer friendship with the world over God.
 
Would we accept James in our churches in these days?  Would we accept a pastor who called us out with that kind of language in these days?  
 

• 57% of Christians say unmarried adults having consensual sex within a committed relationship is always or sometimes acceptable.
• 50% of Christians say casual sex between consenting adults is either “always” or “sometimes” acceptable.

                  
Only 5% of Christians give 10% or more of their financial resources to the Lord.  95% don’t.  The average gives about 3-4% of their income per year.  How many are not expressing thanks to God by generously and joyfully giving to Him as we are taught to do, 2 Corinthians 9:7?  
  
Our worldliness is catching up to us.  These are days that many are seeing the fruit of their own ways as debt climbs, anxiety doubles-down, families fracture, health fails, storms destroy, prices rise, etc. 
  
Let each one reflect.  We can absolutely grieve God, Ephesians 4:30-31.  And God is not mocked; we reap what we sow.  
  
I can ONLY say these things with great confidence because I’ve had to receive these scripture corrections for myself.  He does not give me messages that He has not already used to convict and lovingly sanctify me. 
  
I've learned to obey and to expect His favor when I do so.  For deepening of my faith during these days, I did not have enough finances in May to make it because one donation was held up in processing.  Despite that, God told me, “tithe”.  
 
So, I skipped paying my mortgage in May, so I could obey and tithe.
  
And then He surprised me with an above and beyond gift that I didn’t know was coming!!! What a shock and joy!!!  Our economics are not His!  God's Word is true!  Do you trust Him with your finances in this way, Malachi 3:10?
 
A healthy fear of the Lord and of His Word is path to blessing!  He wants to pour out upon you when you sow to please the Spirit!
 
Galatians 6:7-8- 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
  
Please take time to consider the following scriptures.  Are there people in your life that God would have you talk to about these scriptures?
  
·      Communion- Paul has strong words of warning to those who take communion in an unworthy manner.  Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11 that you can drink judgment on yourself, verses 27-32.  He says it is the reason some are weak, sick, or have died. There are many “Christians” who have not taken communion in years!  May they turn!
  
·      Baptism- There are “Christians” who have publicly declared Christ as Lord in a baptism ceremony, but are openly involved in sexual relationships outside of covenant marriage.  There is strong warning against that-

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

  
The Spirit is calling us to sanctify ourselves in these days, 
  
1 Thessalonians 5:23- May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  
This is to be my message spoken in love, that people would have a healthy fear of God.  He is showing me signs of the times to point out, to bring urgency, to reveal more shaking is happening and coming.  These signs are revealed in love that we may repent and be healed.  
  
We need to prepare, for the Day of the Lord is coming…
 
Joel 2: 
11The Lord thunders
    at the head of his army;
 his forces are beyond number,
    and mighty is the army that obeys his command.
 The day of the Lord is great;
    it is dreadful.
    Who can endure it?
  
Rend Your Heart
  
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
  
13 Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
 Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
 slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.
14 Who knows? He may turn and relent
    and leave behind a blessing--
 grain offerings and drink offerings
    for the Lord your God.
  
What are some practical ways to repent?
  

• If you have not been with the Body of Christ to worship and hear the word of God being taught, return to church, Hebrews 10:25.

  

• If you have not taken communion in the spirit of examining yourself honestly, turn from dishonoring His Body and blood.  Take communion regularly.  Read about the importance of communion, 1 Corinthians 11:23-34.

  

• If you have not grieved your worldly behavior, if you have been taking God’s grace for granted, try fasting and seeking the LORD’s voice. Before I fasted, I was completely unaware of how deep I was steeped in my own self-justification.  Read Matthew 6:16-18.  There is a promised reward.  (And note, the Lord was very quick to restore me into His graces when I responded to His rebuke, mourned my rebellion, and recommitted my life to Him.  That is when Psalm 34:18 became a scripture that I could claim.)

  

• If you have not been studying (versus just reading) the Word of God, tell God you need help in how to study it. Always pray before you read scripture, “Holy Spirit, teach me truth as I read the Word.” 

  
John 14: 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
   
May you hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying! May you go deeper into His Word and call for this hour.  He is preparing His people to meet Him.  May you be rejoicing in the power of the Spirit as you anticipate meeting our Lord and King face-to-face!!!  Eternal joy and happiness is ours, as we endure to the end!