The LORD Delights
in those who Trust in His Mercy
and not their own Merit-less, Sinful State
As an eternal memorial of the mercy of God in Christ, Jesus showed mercy to a man who was likely a lifelong criminal sinner.
After rebuking the other thief for his unbelief, the penitent thief on the cross next to Jesus asked our LORD to remember him.
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
So, if the Son of God freely forgave and took to glory the repentant, seeking criminal next to Him on the cross, why would anyone believe He’s changed? Who is it that would deny that Christ would and is doing the same today?
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8
WHEN you see people get arrested… it’s likely that God is setting them apart so He can save, so He can transform them. Pray for them. Jail is death and burial…. which must precede resurrection. Jesus is coming and eternity is all that matters!
—- We all get various spam emails and see ads for many things, including background checks. NEVER MIND mere man’s “background checks” … How does our background check out with Him? Isn’t that all that matters? The Almighty has the full version of the “background check” of our whole lives – including every thought and motive of our hearts (Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13). And He’s the only Judge before whom we shall all stand to give account ….. WHO do you fear? … David cried “Let my sentence (verdict) come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.”(Psalms 17:2) In other words David was only concerned about how the LORD viewed him and had no concern for what mere sinful men thought or said about him. ….. The apostle Paul wrote:
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:33-37
“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Psalms 147:11
According to Psalms 147:11, just WHO did your Maker and Judge say that He takes “pleasure in”?
- “them that fear him”
- “those that hope in his mercy”
Those who truly fear God will repent to be saved and will continually repent as needed (2 Corinthians 7:9-10; 12:21, etc.). “Repent” is the very first word of the Gospel (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30, etc.).
UNTIL, as an individual, you begin to realize just how wicked you really are, you will never begin to appreciate what our KING and Savior did on that cross!
Concerning your initial thoughts when you see that mug shot, examine yourself for a moment by answering the following questions:
- Do you hold out mercy and understanding for yourself while harshly judging others in your attitude, never knowing the shoes they walk in?
- Do you understand that Jesus promised that His children will be accused of “all manner of evil against” them “falsely” and instructed them to “rejoice” when this happens? (Matthew 5:10-12) Do you rejoice at persecutions?
- Do you know that Psalms 17:2 says our “sentence” ultimately comes from the LORD and not mere men?
Holding out mercy for others is important. Having a mercy-filled disposition is godly.
NO MATTER how hurt or mad you may currently be with someone, remember, Jesus died to save that person and is not willing that such a person perish (Luke 9:56; John 3:17; 2 Peter 3:9).
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Bible Hint: God says that if you want mercy, you must show mercy. In many cases, in eternity, things will reverse completely as the Bible teaches. Many of those in positions of authority in this brief life will be in hell for eternity (Ezek. 21:26; Lk. 16:19-31; Rev. 5:10; 20:4, 6, etc.). Many who are judges today and send people to prison, will themselves be submitted irrevocably and eternally to the prison of fire by the Judge of their eternal souls. as As they sat in their high seats (benches) and hundreds and even thousands of times sent souls to jail, they themselves ignored their own need to repent before a holy God and Judge against whom they has grossly sinned.
The fires of eternal damnation shall forever feed upon the hopeless souls who leave this earth without having received and walked in (to the end) the mercy of the Almighty which He offers all men through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
THE SINS THAT SHOULD CONCERN US MOST ARE OUR OWN SINS! why then do we wrongly judge others in our attitudes when the one who needs Jesus most is us? To his friends who wrongly judged him, Job said: “But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?” (Job 19:28)
Hell’s Mug Shots are Forever!
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
The Bible establishes the inherent sinfulness of all men and that would include you, my friend.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one … For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:10, 23
May the only final law enforcement Judge who sits atop the Highest throne in the supreme court of the Universe show us our own mug shot today – the fact that we ourselves are completely guilty of sinning against Him and that we are in utter need of the One who came and bled that we might be forgiven.
The Bible establishes that the whole world – every human being, without exception – is “guilty before God.” (Romans 3:19)
Those whose mug shots we often see of those caught for their sinful activities and whose sins are made public are just like you – sinners! Just because our sins aren’t known to the mass public does not make them any less a violation to the holiness of our Maker and Judge. If you have ever stolen anything, lusted or hated in your heart, you are no less a sinner than the mug shot guy or girl. The only difference here is that they have been caught and are in jail for a temporary time in this brief life. When you die your doom or bliss is sealed. Don’t wait friend – turn to the Good Shepherd today. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31)
“Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.” 1 Timothy 5:24
God sees/knows ALL sins. He knows ALL of the sins you have committed in your heart and then those you committed in action. Nothing escapes Him.
Do you realize that if you die in sin that you will spend eternity in the lake of fire?
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
Will your mug shot be forever posted for all to see as you sizzle in the flames of eternal damnation?
Getting Off the High Horse
Here’s a Bible passage to prayerfully each morning this week:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
The LORD delights in His people and wants them to see things the way He sees them (Romans 12:2). His first desire is to restore and show mercy and He does so when the sinner repents.
All is recorded in Heaven (Hebrews 4:13). God sees ALL your sins and will pull the curtains back and roll the tape of your life on Judgment Day. Every single thought and deed of your life is on file with God. He made provision to remove and desires to forgive all. If you die without His forgiveness, you will face the Almighty on Judgment Day in the Supreme Court of the Universe as a guilty sinner who refused to be pardoned. In trembling ruins you will stand shameful and without excuse before a holy God.
Put your own face in that mug shot! Admit to your own sins! Own up to your vile thoughts, meditations, lusts, adulteries, fornications of heart! And then begin praying for God to show mercy on others as He has shown upon your own filthy soul! Beg Him for a pure heart so that you can see Him! (Matthew 5:8; Proverbs 20:9)
Why do you self-righteously and arrogantly boast as if you have no need for divine mercy this very hour?
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?” Proverbs 20:9
If you will be in Heaven eternally, you had better get in touch with your infinite need for divine mercy (Matthew 5:20; 21:31).
Let’s ask: Where are “the eyes of the LORD”? – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
What does God behold? – “beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3
What did Jesus tell us is going to be “covered”? – “nothing.”
“Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. “ Matthew 10:26
Word to the wise – You better get off that high horse or the flames of eternal damnation shall forever feed upon your helpless, conscious corpse!
It’s time to dismount from the high horse of pride and mount the lowly donkey of humility. God is going to eternally bless the lowly, humble souls who live to celebrate His Majestic, blessed only begotten Son who bled for our sins. Don’t miss this eternal celebration and bliss!
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:10
Back to the Mug Shots….
The thieves on the crosses that flanked our blessed Savior were mug shot criminals! What is your view of them? What is your view of mug shot criminals today?
When is the last time you lifted the mug shot person in prayer? What about the flashy story on TV about some evildoer? Did you pray for them?
What is your very first thought concerning mug shots you see in print in your mail box or on TV or the internet?
Firstly, it’s time to get a clue! Do you know how many false arrests go on in this nation? Staggering! Do you know how many false imprisonments go on in our injustice system? Staggering! Do you know that many Christians are in jail right now serving sentences as a result of persecutions and false evidence fabricated against them in order to jail them? Many of the LORD’s most blessed patriarchs of Christ were jailed! Joseph, several of the prophets, John the Baptist, Paul, etc.
God does not forget people in this earth’s jails but he does forget those who left the earth outside of a relationship with Christ – those who chose to “forget” Him. They will forever be vanquished into the fires of damnation (Psalms 9:17; 50:22).
Concerning this matter, Mark McIntosh writes:
“Sometimes it’s BETTER to be in a PRISON and be found by JESUS and TRULY REPENT of our SINS than to be free in a world where your SOUL is in BONDAGE and hell is pending! Repent and BE FREE INDEED …. in jail, prison or in society … it doesn’t matter where … AMEN?”
But just what if that next person in a mug shot you see is truly guilty? Are they beyond God’s hand to redeem and forgive? Is God’s hand shortened? (Isaiah 59:1-2) Is God’s Word lying when it tells us that Jesus is alive and well at His blessed Father’s right hand and able to save from the uttermost to the uttermost? (Hebrews 7:24-25) Where is your faith? Repent of such evil thinking that is emanating from an uncircumcised heart! (Mark 7:20-23)
Think like a disciple of Christ, friend. Memorize Romans 12:1-2 today!
Are you still so very blinded by your own sin that you join the depraved hearts of the world’s sinners in condemning criminals? The reality is, that in the “Holy, holy, holy” eyes of the Almighty, you are in need of no less mercy that the vilest of criminals in this fleeting life (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8).
What did Jesus do to the two criminals who were at each of His blessed sides while He hung for YOUR sins? He gave both of them the full privilege to be saved into His eternal kingdom of bliss and praise God one of them received Him!
“And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43
Looking for Mercy!
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7
Do you realize that gutter prostitutes and the vilest of criminals in this world have a better chance at going to Heaven than self-righteous religious people who pastor churches, cast out devils, speak with tongues, serve in their church, sing in the choir, go on missionary trips, and do many wonderful works in Christ’s name?
The Son of God says to the religious leaders of His day:
“Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots (whores, prostitutes) go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31
Who did the LORD tell us will receive the full strength of undiluted judgment upon their own heads?
“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against (triumphs over) judgment.” James 2:13
Did you catch what James says here?
Read it again and answer this:
- Who will receive to themselves “judgment WITHOUT mercy”? – Those who “shewed no mercy” to others in their thoughts and out of their mouths!
Some self-righteous soul may still be saying “But, but, but that criminal did this or that…” … Jesus died for unholy criminals like you and me! He found and saved your wretched soul didn’t He? Does He love that mug shot soul any less?
My advice to you is to genuinely surrender to Christ, to die to self completely, to cry out to Him to break you to the core of your being. Then, you will cease sitting in the seat of the scornful, and truly be able to be used of Him. Get low or to hell you also will go (Psalm 1). Whatever you do, read Psalm 51 and take special note to every word this time!
God’s Word tells us that those who will be saved are “looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” They do not stand in their own self-righteous, filthy, sinful rags but rather they stand looking to the LORD for His blessed mercy!
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21
Just what are believers to be “looking for” in light of the fact that we shall all meet our Maker soon? – “mercy”!
Live and Preach this – The Pharisee and the Publican
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14
The only one of these two guys who was justified and ready to survive the holy wrath and judgment of God was the one who cried from his needy heart “God be merciful to ME a sinner.” (Luke 18:13)
If you are being convicted by the truth and the Holy Ghost of God, it’s time to repent and truly turn to the LORD and be broken, crying out to the LORD for His mercy upon your own wretched, self-righteous and evil heart before it’s too late.
Read Psalm 51 and beg the LORD to forgive you as you cry out to Him to search YOU, to cleanse YOU … it’s only “THEN” that He can use you.
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12
Just because the mass public doesn’t know about YOUR sins doesn’t mean that your sins are hidden! The LORD saw your evil thoughts, lust, covetousness, and hatred! God saw you do it! What shall you do?
***We must make sure we are walking in the “true holiness” that is only possible by the mercy of God shown to us through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:23-25). Please beware of the false holiness that is being taught all around us. True or Feigned Holiness?
Be Ye Kind One to Another, Tenderhearted, Forgiving One Another [podcast]
God will Soon Gather His Children Together in His House! [podcast]
Articles
AI TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT?

By Stacy Strother
AI TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT!?
The Bible doesn’t mention AI by name, but its warnings about deception, control, and false images in the last days speak directly to the dangers technology could bring.
Look at Revelation 13:14-15 (KJB):
“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles… saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast… And he had power to give life unto the IMAGE of the beast, that the IMAGE of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the IMAGE of the beast should be killed.”
In the original Greek, “IMAGE” (eikon) means a likeness, simulation, or even an artificial representation. The text says this image is given “breath” (pneuma) so it can speak. Today, that sounds like AI—an artificial system that can “speak” and even influence or control people, becoming something people look to for answers or even authority.
REFUTE THIS PLEASE!
Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24 (KJV):
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall DECEIVE the very elect.”
The Greek for “deceive” (planao) means to lead astray or seduce—exactly what can happen if the masses start trusting an AI system that doesn’t actually know truth, only what’s common or popular.
Almost sounds like cultish celebrity followings, right?
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1, 7 (KJB):
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come… Ever learning, and NEVER ABLE to COME to the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH.”
This describes our world—where knowledge explodes, but discernment and real truth get lost. AI can gather endless information but cannot provide spiritual wisdom, EVEN THOUGH, people will flock to it to get it!
Daniel prophesied in Daniel 12:4 (KJB):
“…Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”
The Hebrew word for “knowledge” (da‘ath) means skill and discernment, but today we see more INFORMATION than ever—without the FOUNDATION of truth.
All of these passages warn us: the last days will be MARKED by artificial IMAGES, persuasive DECEPTION, and overwhelming INFORMATION without wisdom.
AI fits right into this picture—a tool that could be used by the “beast system” to control, deceive, and subtly SHIFT doctrine AWAY FROM the truth.
AGAIN—It’s a reminder to walk in the Spirit and test everything by God’s unchanging Word, not by artificial intelligence.
Stay Blessed!
If you are not ready to meet the Lord, please call on Him today and then pray for wisdom and discernment!
Blessings!
Stacy
SWSPUB
@highlight
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Articles
Despicable Dogs and Stabbing Swine [podcast]

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 and rend you.”
God’s wisdom is that you have to get rid of the “SCORNER” in order to get rid of the “STRIFE”.
“Cast out the SCORNER, and contention shall go out; yea, STRIFE and reproach shall cease.” Proverbs 22:10
How do we know when someone has truly repented?
“… to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20
When someone has truly repented, their changed life will be full of the fruit of the Spirit.
“Bring forth fruits meet for repentance” simply means prove you’ve repented with the corresponding restitution of making things right (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 19:8-9, etc.).
Luke 17
1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
“And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” 2 Thessalonians 3:2
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
Jesus saw the heart and proof of Zacchaeus’ repentance and granted him salvation.
“And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:8-10
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Articles
Rich in Faith [podcast]

“Them that Love Him”
——WHAT one temporarily has in this fleeting world or doesn’t have, has NOTHING to do with that person’s spiritual state. This is what Jesus taught: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) In fact James says:
“HEARKEN, MY BELOVED BRETHREN, HATH NOT GOD CHOSEN THE POOR OF THIS WORLD RICH IN FAITH, AND HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM WHICH HE HATH PROMISED TO THEM THAT LOVE HIM?” JAMES 2:5
James says God chooses those for His eternal kingdom “that love him,” namely “the poor of this world.” We are justified by “faith” and not by what we do or do not temporarily possess in this fleeting life.
IF in your mind you rate people by what they have or don’t have in this fleeting sinful world, you are deeply deceived and in utter need of repentance and the washing of water by the Word of God. You are carnally minded (Romans 8:5-6).
Regrettably, it seems that most people professing to be following Christ, the One who gave all, are not the least bit concerned if their brother or sister has a need. God have mercy upon us and grant us repentance in Jesus’ Name! Are these people truly saved?
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:16-19
“If we are in Jesus we have the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran
Some have tens of thousands in the bank and could care less to find out if a sister or brother has a need. The Bible assures us that they are not saved. If you have even a little to give and don’t, it’s because you simply have chosen not to know and abide in Christ.
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:14-17
The financial institutions and their salesmen are vying for your money. They want your money to invest so that you and they earn a financial gain in this life. Christians in need, orphans, and Gospel workers are also available to invest in. To help them is to invest in the LORD’s kingdom and be repaid dividends for eternity. Oh, and your heart will follow where you choose to place your money. Jesus says “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me and make me Your authentic follower. Jesus I love You. Let me walk as You walked, live as You lived, love as You love. Bless this life You gave to be truly crucified with You – dead, buried, and raised up – a vessel of honor for Your glory! In Jesus’ name.
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