Living in the Last Hour

A Vacation to Sodom & Gomorrah

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Irm

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Can you imagine a vacation getaway to Sodom & Gomorrah (S & G)? Unlike other destinations, this one offers an array of scintillating vices, absolutely wicked, to satisfy the most eccentric of desires, to fulfill every fanciful dream ever imagined, with satisfaction guaranteed, no questions asked. Sounds deliciously inviting if you are so inclined. So, if you take a trip there, stay there for a couple of weeks and return regularly, chances are you enjoy the instant gratification of those devilish desires. You will identify yourself as an avid fan of  S&G, much like any other theme park, or other favorite destination. It’s not quite the same deal when you enjoy the not so family friendly vacation spots. When it comes to vacation destinations that cater to our most lustful urges, it’s not so much about how you identify yourself, but how others perceive you and, or the particular destinations.

“And the LORD said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. “I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”…” Gen. 18:20

Most people won’t think negatively of people that visit Disneyland, or take cruises, safaris and such, but take a trip to a strip bar, a gentlemen’s club, or just go bar hopping, and observers, close (friend of foe) or from afar will automatically form an opinion, typically unfavorable and apply a negative label. Well, a vacation to S & G would no doubt raise the eyebrows of most conservatives. If you spend much of your leisure time in such low places what opinion have fellow believers formed of you, or you of them? More importantly, knowing God’s grace is sufficient, and His mercy never ends, what would God think of your choice of vacation spots?

Well, this is what I heard. If you hang in S & G… don’t be offended when others, whatever their spiritual state/or lack thereof, judge you for questionable behaviors, choice of life styles, etc. If the Lord tells us to come out and be separate…well…that’s what we should be doing, separating ourselves…not continuing to satisfy our carnal desires. Whatever they may be, or however innocent/harmless they may seem. More later.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Rom. 6:1-2

Therefore … “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” 2 Cor. 6:17

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Hello,

I’m Irma

Welcome to my little corner of the blog world. Here, I share my thoughts on Christianity, the things of God, and the ways He has shaped and guided my path through life. My journey with the Lord has been long and transformative, marked by moments of peace and joy and periods of uncertainty. I write, first and foremost, for myself—to process what the Lord so graciously reveals to me in Scripture. Sharing some of these truths has become a mission of sorts, via blogging. His word urges us to bear witness and encourage one another.

As I reflect on my own transformation, I can say that the church itself has transformed over the years and not necessarily for the good. I speak about my own experiences with the church. One lesson the Lord impressed upon me this year is that “truth is not always truth.” What do I mean by that? There have been times when I’ve shared a biblical insight, only to realize that other faithful believers interpret the same passage differently. In that instance, I find that the Lord reveals according to our understanding. When I share the need for a Damascus experience understandings diverged sharply. Believers that have been raised in the church do not feel that such an extreme experience is necessary for spiritual maturity. Our faith is truly shaped by our backgrounds. Spiritual journeys are not for everyone. This taught me that early socialization deeply colors our grasp of faith; what’s true for me may not resonate in the same way for someone else.

Similarly, lately I considered how “ignorance of Scripture was its own blessing,” I remembered my early walk with Christ. I had a blind faith. I knew little of doctrine or debate. I trusted the pastor. In those days, my faith and trust in the church and church leaders was simple—I accepted what was taught from the pulpit without questioning. I did not have the knowledge needed to question any teaching. There was a peace in not knowing all the controversies or complexities. As I grew and studied the scriptures, and did some additional research, as the Lord gave understanding, I found myself questioning everything I had been taught. I did not question my faith, or the existence of God. That ignorance, while limiting, protected me from confusion and doubt, allowing me to rest in childlike faith.

The church itself has seen many changes over the decades. Self-proclaimed prophets have introduced new doctrines, some bordering on heresy, while believers wrestle with their flesh and what it means to follow Christ in a society with so many freedoms. I remember a time, more than thirty years ago, when I trusted every word spoken in church. Now, I understand how easy it is to accept teachings that stray from biblical truth. The Scriptures warned us this would happen in the last days.

2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NKJV) “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Current events—like the 2024 Election—have exposed deep flaws in American Christianity. Yet, through it all, Scripture assures me that God is sovereign. No wall built by human hands can withstand His judgment; no scheme crafted in darkness escapes His light. These lessons have become more real to me as I look back over my journals, filled with stories of God’s faithfulness during trials, tribulations and abundant grace. By sharing I hope those the Lord leads here will desire to seek God wholeheartedly, to find comfort knowing that He is always at work in our lives—often in ways we never considered.

Check out my books on Amazon for the Kindle App or in print.

Check out my latest title: Where are my Sheep? Available in Print & Kindle

The Diary of A Christian Woman

A Father Takes All: Four Generations of Growing up in Single Mother Homes – Grace Abounds

I Will Not Be Afraid: Living in the last Hour – Reflections of a Christian Woman

The Journey Endured: The Path to Meet God

Praise the God of the heavens!