Things that may help when getting treated for Clostridium difficile.

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

This is not medical advice these are some notes I have put together for people to research. If you are ill seek the aid of an experienced naturopathic practitioner with a good record of success.

C diff infection acquired from a hospital environment is very difficult to get rid of. The most effective antibiotics that have the least negative effects are metronidazole and vancomycin. They are soil based antibiotics and have the least impact on our microbiome. Something to take note of is Vancomycin increases blood clotting so you would want to prepare for preventing that. Something to keep in mind. Be very careful when taking antibiotics. It kills some good microbes off leaving room for bad to enter. It would be a good idea to take herbs to prevent that from happening while taking antibiotics and it would be wise to try and limit your exposure to them while restoring the microbiota.

This is the effects they have on the microbiome.

This is the effects Metronidazole has on the microbiome. It increases Lactobacillus species.Decreases Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Commensal Clostridia, Fusobacterium, Blautia species, and decreases Turicibacter.This is how vancomycin effects the microbiome. It decreases Fusobacterium, Haemophilus sp, and Niesseria. Vancomycin increases Veillonella, Kleibsella species, and pathogenic Eschricia is increased.

If you drink raw milk to replace the good microbes I would recommend adding some herbs that would inhibit bad microbes so only the good will increase.

These things should help to counter the negative effects somewhat of the antibiotics. F prausnitzii needs increase. Vitmin K2, and apple cider vinegar will help.

Commensal Clostridium will need increased . Grape seed extract, inulin, Jerusalem artichoke, whole grains, berries, will help to increase Commensal Clostridium.

Increasing intake of foods high in nitrates is needed leafy greens are high in nitrates.

These are some things that could be consumed to help prevent opportunistic infections until the good microbes are restored. Basil, sage, citrus extract, stinging nettles, berries, horsetail herb, Chamomille, most herbal teas, cinnamon, clove, allicin, uva ursi and pomegranate. All these have been found to be very effective but studies have shown they should be taken for at least 30 days but recommend longer but they did not state how much longer was needed to completely eradicate bad microbes.

nattiokinase and gingko will help to prevent the excess blood clotting.

These probiotics will prevent the opportunistic infections L acdiophilus, L fermentum, L planatarum, L paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum and B Lactis.

To prevent Streptococcus infection. Gargle with water with a little salt, lemon, cinnamon and tumeric.

These things have been found to be effective at helping to fight Streptococcus infection. Sophora root was very effective. Elder berry, echinacea, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Raw honey, chicken bone broth, apple cider vinegar, thyme, oregano oil, and surprisingly apricots.

These are the probiotics that prevent Streptococcus infections. Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus mitis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus planatarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Also working on increasing Bacteroides species because they inhibit streptococcus bacteria.

Ok have a bit of an update after reading many message board. Those who had C diff usually had Crohn’s they posted what worked for them on message boards. I checked and the research seem to support the methods they used. Those who did these things claim to never have Crohn’s or C diff again.

Here are the things that did:

They removed grains and milk except for hard cheeses.

The increased Bacteroides fragilis and Blautia producta.

The increased the microbes that increase IL-37 such as Lactobacillus crispatus.

Increase the beneficial microbes that feed on salicylates so that the pathogenic microbes cannot.

Increased the microbes that increased IL-22.

Took things that contained berberine such as coptis and bayberry to increase Phasolarctobacterium.

Took herbs to decrease Enterococcus species.

Avoided salt, excess resistant starch and things that contained fumarate.

Increased intake of things that contained amylose.

Avoided too many foods that contain FoS and GOS.

This may not work for all and would have to be adjust based on the individual but these are the things i seen that they said were the most beneficial for their success.

How do we know what time frame we are in concerning the end of this system of things?

Written by Lee Stevenson sorry I am not a very good editor.

How do we know we are in the final minutes of this system of things and that man’s rule is coming to an end? Why should we take note of the times we are in?

How do we determine what time frame we are in when it comes to the time of the end of this system of things? Many of the things Jesus mentioned have occurred throughout the history of the earth. If these things have always occurred then what would be different , what could help us determine when the time of the end started?

Some things to take note of is that these things would start to occur simultaneously and on a grand scale. The things would occur at a level they have never occurred before. In 1914 war broke out that effected every nation on the earth. Such a thing had never occurred before. Shortly after that a flu pandemic occurred that killed millions of people. A pandemic of this magnitude had never occurred before. Wars and pandemics have occurred throughout history but they have never effected the whole earth. Disease is so rampant now days that many have come to accept having an illness as being a part of normal life. Cancer is so rampant on the earth that babies are now being born with cancer. Violence is so rampant that many feel it is necessary to carry a weapon to protect themselves. Famine is occurring on a scale it has never occurred before. Even people who live in some of the wealthiest nations in the world have starved from famine. Millions each year die from famine. Hatred would abound and most would not let love guide their actions and would put their confidence in their own understanding causing even more confusion and suffering as man depends more and more on their own understanding. Wars and threats of wars are occurring on a grand scale even now. Man has developed weapons of mass destruction that could destroy all life on earth if the weapons were used. These things have never occurred before. So it has become clear the time of the end of this system started in 1914. We need to ask ourselves why did this occur and what does all this mean?

We were warned the great apostasy would come first. False teaching would become rampant causing many different sects of religion to arise. The bible tells us because of the things those who follow the false teachings would do, it would cause Jehovah’s good name to be spoken of abusively. This behavior would even cause people to scoff at the warnings of the times we are in. This does not mean all hope is lost. So not only will there be corruption on a world wide scale like has never occurred before but even religion would become corrupted.

All these things are occurring because God has sat Jesus on the throne, and one of the first things he did was cast Satan and the demons out of heaven. Because of this they are vengeful because they know their time is short. They want nothing more then for the destruction of the earth and to take down as many with them to the pit of destruction with them. The bible warned whoa to the earth when this occurs. Another sign that Jesus has been seated on the throne is that true worship would be restored and those who worship in truth would spread the good news of the heavenly kingdom in all the earth. The bible also showed those who returned to true worship would have a clear understanding of the prophesies concerning the last days and they would spread this knowledge throughout the earth preparing people for what is about to occur. This kingdom message and the good news of the kingdom has been told throughout the earth and most have had the opportunity to hear it.

This may seem like fearful times but those who returned to true worship do not have to worry these things have to occur as the rebellion that started in the garden of Eden has run it’s course our king appointed by Jehovah God is seated on the throne and these are all signs he is going to set matters straight very soon and that the end of this system is very near. The truth and message of the good news of the heavenly kingdom has reached all the earth which is one of the final signs that will occur. The earth has reached a point were disease and death is rampant. People are living in constant fear there will be a world war and the weapons of mass destruction will be used. People no longer live in security, and hatred is so rampant that peace is becoming difficult to find. It is clear we are in the final minutes of this system and the heavenly kingdom with Jesus as our king is going to restore the earth and all the suffering and evil things occurring on earth will not occur again. Those who prepare and stay on the watch and are taking note of the time frame we are in do not have to fear. God will give Jesus the command to save those who have stayed awake and who remained loyal to save and protect them. Many will walk through the great tribulation into the new system. This is a time to be happy because we now know Jesus is seated on the throne and redemption is near and the end of all the bad is very near. Very soon we will be able to enjoy peace, with no more suffering, violence, illness, greed, or suffering caused by man relying on their own understanding. There will be no more tears only joy. The best part is there will be no more death and those who make it through the great tribulation will get to see the loved ones they lost to death when they are resurrected. We only have to endure a little longer. I know these times may seem overwhelming but keep looking forward better times are very very near. We need to persist in reading God’s word, remaining loyal and faithful and persist in prayer now more then ever. Many of the things in this system especially the world governments will be gone soon and they will be replaced by the heavenly kingdom. Many of the material things of this world will hold no value but it is the treasures we store in heaven that will save us. So we need to focus more on spiritual things now then ever before. Let’s do our best to keep our eyes focused on the heavenly kingdoms and the hope it has given us so we do not lose sight of the things that will not pass away because this system and the things in it will be gone soon and so will the hope of those who put their faith in the world and the things in it.

Many peoples identities are based on what they may own, or the reputation they may have built for things they have done or even the knowledge they have. Build our identities with God, make are reputation in things pertaining to God. Our spiritual treasures are forever and cannot be done away with they are stored in heaven. If our treasures and hope are on spiritual things based on the hope given us by the future promises, no matter what we may lose we still keep our identities and are certain of who we are. For those who base their identity and hope on things that are passing away what do they have to identify with? What hope do they have if they put their faith in the world and the things in it?

(Mark 13:18-20) ¹⁸ Keep praying that it may not occur in wintertime; ¹⁹ for those days will be days of a tribulation such as has not occurred from the beginning of the creation that God created until that time, and will not occur again. ²⁰ In fact, unless Jehovah had cut short the days, no flesh would be saved. But on account of the chosen ones whom he has chosen, he has cut short the days.

(Revelation 11:18) ¹⁸ But the nations became wrathful, and your own wrath came, and the appointed time came for the dead to be judged and to reward your slaves the prophets and the holy ones and those fearing your name, the small and the great, and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”

(Revelation 12:7-12) ⁷ And war broke out in heaven: Miʹcha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled ⁸ but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them any longer in heaven. ⁹ So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. ¹⁰ I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! ¹¹ And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. ¹² On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”

(Genesis 6:11, 12) ¹¹ But the earth had become ruined in the sight of the true God, and the earth was filled with violence. ¹² Yes, God looked upon the earth, and it was ruined; all flesh had ruined its way on the earth.

(Romans 15:3-6) . . .” ⁴ For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. ⁵ Now may the God who supplies endurance and comfort grant you to have among yourselves the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that unitedly you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2 Peter 1:20, 21) ²⁰ For you know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. ²¹ For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit.

(2 Peter 3:14-16) ¹⁴ Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. ¹⁵ Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you according to the wisdom given him, ¹⁶ speaking about these things as he does in all his letters. However, some things in them are hard to understand, and these things the ignorant and unstable are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

(Proverbs 14:6)  ⁶ The scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, But knowledge comes easily to the person with understanding.

(Proverbs 9:7, 8)  ⁷ The one who corrects a ridiculer invites dishonor, And whoever reproves someone wicked will get hurt.  ⁸ Do not reprove a ridiculer, or he will hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you.

(1 Thessalonians 5:1-5) 5 Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. ³ Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape. ⁴ But you, brothers, you are not in darkness, so that the day should overtake you as it would thieves, ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We belong neither to night nor to darkness.

(Matthew 24:43, 44) ⁴³ “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.

(Jude 5-7) ⁵ Although you are fully aware of all of this, I want to remind you that Jehovah, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those not showing faith. ⁶ And the angels who did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place, he has reserved with eternal bonds in dense darkness for the judgment of the great day. ⁷ In the same manner, Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah and the cities around them also gave themselves over to gross sexual immorality and pursued unnatural fleshly desires; they are placed before us as a warning example by undergoing the judicial punishment of everlasting fire.

(Matthew 24:3) ³ While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”

(Mark 13:8) ⁸ “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in one place after another; there will also be food shortages. These are a beginning of pangs of distress.

(Matthew 24:4-22) ⁴ In answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads you, ⁵ for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. ⁶ You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet. ⁷ “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. ⁸ All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress. ⁹ “Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. ¹⁰ Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. ¹¹ Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; ¹² and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. ¹⁵ “Therefore, when you catch sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken about by Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place (let the reader use discernment), ¹⁶ then let those in Ju·deʹa begin fleeing to the mountains. ¹⁷ Let the man on the housetop not come down to take the goods out of his house, ¹⁸ and let the man in the field not return to pick up his outer garment. ¹⁹ Woe to the pregnant women and those nursing a baby in those days! ²⁰ Keep praying that your flight may not occur in wintertime nor on the Sabbath day; ²¹ for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. ²² In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short.

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-5) 2 However, brothers, concerning the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you ² not to be quickly shaken from your reason nor to be alarmed either by an inspired statement or by a spoken message or by a letter appearing to be from us, to the effect that the day of Jehovah is here. ³ Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction. ⁴ He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god. ⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I used to tell you these things?

(2 Timothy 3:1-7) 3 But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. ² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, ³ having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, ⁴ betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. ⁶ From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, ⁷ always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

(1 Timothy 4:1-5) 4 However, the inspired word clearly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired statements and teachings of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron. ³ They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from foods that God created to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith and accurately know the truth. ⁴ For every creation of God is fine, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is sanctified through God’s word and prayer over it.

(2 Peter 3:5-7) ⁵ For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; ⁶ and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. ⁷ But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.

(Matthew 24:36-44) ³⁶ “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. ³⁷ For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ³⁸ For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, ³⁹ and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the hand mill; one will be taken along and the other abandoned. ⁴² Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. ⁴³ “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.

(Luke 17:22-30) ²² Then he said to the disciples: “Days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, but you will not see it. ²³ And people will say to you, ‘See there!’ or, ‘See here!’ Do not go out or chase after them. ²⁴ For just as lightning flashes from one part of heaven to another part of heaven, so the Son of man will be in his day. ²⁵ First, however, he must undergo many sufferings and be rejected by this generation. ²⁶ Moreover, just as it occurred in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of man: ²⁷ they were eating, they were drinking, men were marrying, women were being given in marriage until that day when Noah entered into the ark, and the Flood came and destroyed them all. ²⁸ Likewise, just as it occurred in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building. ²⁹ But on the day that Lot went out of Sodʹom, it rained fire and sulfur from heaven and destroyed them all. ³⁰ It will be the same on that day when the Son of man is revealed.

(2 Peter 2:1-3) 2 However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. ² Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. ³ Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.

(Daniel 12:4) ⁴ “As for you, Daniel, keep the words secret, and seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.”

(Hosea 3:4, 5) ⁴ It is because for a long time the people of Israel will dwell without a king, without a prince, without a sacrifice, without a pillar, and without an ephʹod and teraphim statues. ⁵ Afterward the people of Israel will come back and look for Jehovah their God and for David their king, and they will come trembling to Jehovah and to his goodness in the final part of the days.

(1 John 4:11-21) ¹¹ Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are also under obligation to love one another. ¹² No one has seen God at any time. If we continue loving one another, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us. ¹³ By this we know that we are remaining in union with him and he in union with us, because he has given his spirit to us. ¹⁴ In addition, we ourselves have seen and are bearing witness that the Father has sent his Son as savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is God’s Son, God remains in union with such one and he in union with God. ¹⁶ And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in union with God and God remains in union with him. ¹⁷ In this way love has been made perfect in us, so that we may have freeness of speech in the day of judgment, because just as that one is, so are we ourselves in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love. ¹⁹ We love, because he first loved us. ²⁰ If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For the one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. ²¹ And we have this commandment from him, that whoever loves God must also love his brother.

(Jude 17, 18) ¹⁷ As for you, beloved ones, call to mind the sayings that have been previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁸ how they used to say to you: “In the last time there will be ridiculers, following their own desires for ungodly things.. . .

(Micah 4:1-3) 4 In the final part of the days, The mountain of the house of Jehovah Will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, And it will be raised up above the hills, And to it peoples will stream.  ² And many nations will go and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah And to the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, And we will walk in his paths.” For law will go out of Zion, And the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem.  ³ He will render judgment among many peoples And set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. They will beat their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, Nor will they learn war anymore.

(Daniel 12:10-12) ¹⁰ Many will cleanse themselves and whiten themselves and will be refined. And the wicked ones will act wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand; but those having insight will understand. ¹¹ “And from the time that the constant feature has been removed and the disgusting thing that causes desolation has been put in place, there will be 1,290 days. ¹² “Happy is the one who keeps in expectation and who arrives at the 1,335 days!

(2 Thessalonians 2:6-12) ⁶ And now you know what is acting as a restraint, so that he will be revealed in his own due time. ⁷ True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work, but only until the one who is right now acting as a restraint is out of the way. ⁸ Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth and bring to nothing by the manifestation of his presence. ⁹ But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders ¹⁰ and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. ¹¹ That is why God lets a deluding influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, ¹² in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.

(Romans 13:11-14) ¹¹ And do this because you know the season, that it is already the hour for you to awake from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers. ¹² The night is well along; the day has drawn near. Let us therefore throw off the works belonging to darkness and let us put on the weapons of the light. ¹³ Let us walk decently as in the daytime, not in wild parties and drunkenness, not in immoral intercourse and brazen conduct, not in strife and jealousy. ¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.

(Matthew 24:31-35) ³¹ And he will send out his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity. ³² “Now learn this illustration from the fig tree: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and sprouts its leaves, you know that summer is near. ³³ Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. ³⁴ Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things happen. ³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

(Hebrews 1:1-4) 1 Long ago God spoke to our forefathers by means of the prophets on many occasions and in many ways. ² Now at the end of these days he has spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things. ³ He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power. And after he had made a purification for our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. ⁴ So he has become better than the angels to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs.

(Revelation 21:7, 8) . . .. ⁸ But as for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and the sexually immoral and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This means the second death.”

(Revelation 13:14-18) ¹⁴ It misleads those who dwell on the earth, because of the signs that it was permitted to perform in the sight of the wild beast, while it tells those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the wild beast that had the sword-stroke and yet revived. ¹⁵ And it was permitted to give breath to the image of the wild beast, so that the image of the wild beast should both speak and cause to be killed all those who refuse to worship the image of the wild beast. ¹⁶ It puts under compulsion all people—the small and the great, the rich and the poor, the free and the slaves—that these should be marked on their right hand or on their forehead, ¹⁷ and that nobody can buy or sell except a person having the mark, the name of the wild beast or the number of its name. ¹⁸ This is where it calls for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the number of the wild beast, for it is a man’s number, and its number is 666.

(2 Peter 3:8-13) ⁸ However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. ¹⁰ But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed. ¹¹ Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, ¹² as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! ¹³ But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.

(Isaiah 13:9) Look! The day of Jehovah is coming, Cruel both with fury and with burning anger, To make the land an object of horror, And to annihilate the land’s sinners from it.

(Zephaniah 1:18) Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them in the day of Jehovah’s fury; For by the fire of his zeal the whole earth will be consumed, Because he will make an extermination, indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabitants of the earth.”

(Matthew 12:36, 37) I tell you that men will render an account on Judgment Day for every unprofitable saying that they speak; ³⁷ for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned.”

(Acts 17:31) Because he has set a day on which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has provided a guarantee to all men by resurrecting him from the dead.

(Colossians 3:15-17) ¹⁵ Also, let the peace of the Christ rule in your hearts, for you were called to that peace in one body. And show yourselves thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of the Christ reside in you richly in all wisdom. Keep on teaching and encouraging one another with psalms, praises to God, spiritual songs sung with gratitude, singing in your hearts to Jehovah. ¹⁷ Whatever it is that you do in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him.

(Psalm 37:29) ²⁹ The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it.

(Revelation 21:3, 4) ³ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. ⁴ And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

(Daniel 2:44) ⁴⁴ “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever. . .

(Luke 1:30-33) . . .. ³¹ And look! you will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. ³² This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, ³³ and he will rule as King over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end to his Kingdom.”

(Revelation 19:11-16) ¹¹ I saw heaven opened, and look! a white horse. And the one seated on it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness. ¹² His eyes are a fiery flame, and on his head are many diadems. He has a name written that no one knows but he himself, ¹³ and he is clothed with an outer garment stained with blood, and he is called by the name The Word of God. ¹⁴ Also, the armies in heaven were following him on white horses, and they were clothed in white, clean, fine linen. ¹⁵ And out of his mouth protrudes a sharp, long sword with which to strike the nations, and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron. Moreover, he treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. ¹⁶ On his outer garment, yes, on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

(Revelation 19:19-21) ¹⁹ And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the one seated on the horse and against his army. ²⁰ And the wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who worship its image. While still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulfur. ²¹ But the rest were killed off with the long sword that proceeded out of the mouth of the one seated on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

(Revelation 7:13-17) ¹³ In response one of the elders said to me: “These who are dressed in the white robes, who are they and where did they come from?” ¹⁴ So right away I said to him: “My lord, you are the one who knows.” And he said to me: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ That is why they are before the throne of God, and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them. ¹⁶ They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore, neither will the sun beat down on them nor any scorching heat, ¹⁷ because the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.”

(Luke 21:25-28) ²⁵ “Also, there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea and its agitation. ²⁶ People will become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.”

(Matthew 6:19-21) ¹⁹ “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Am I too picky when choosing friends?

Many have told me I am very picky about who I choose for friends. There is a reason for that. Your friends can either build you up or tear you down. I want friends who will build me up and not tear me down. I also want friends who will accept me for who I am and be forgiving as I work through my imperfections as I hopefully will do for them. The bible tells us to let love guide all we do. I look for friends who are not full of hate and let love guide their actions. I want friends who will help me through my short comings and even tell me when I am in error and be forgiving and kind enough to be there for me as I work through them. I want friends who will be there for me through the good times and the bad. Fair weather friends are not real friends they are only in the friendship when it benefits them.

I also want friends who are willing to work through their short comings and who want to grow and draw closer to God. Though it may not be a sin to associate with people who do not want to get to know God and Jesus the bible warns it can draw us away from God. Not only that but often times they do not want to read God’s word because they want to rely on their own understanding which we have been warn can not only draw us away from God it can endanger us spiritually and even physically. By associating with those who rely on their own understanding we could start to imitate their behavior and start relying on our own understanding and it can effect our faith and we could start putting more trust in ourselves instead of God. So we should leave God guide our decisions, even if we have a history of making good decisions we should be cautious we do not get overconfident. This is why you should choose friends that are humble and will help you to remain humble.

Choosing friends who put spiritual things first will help to protect us by keeping us focus on things that last forever , the spiritual treasures. The things on the earth will pass away and be gone but the treasure stored in heaven will last forever. It is difficult now days not having many friends but having a few good friends you can trust is much better then having companions who will destroy you by drawing your sinful nature out or by betraying you.

One way to help determine if they can be a trust worthy friend is sharing God’s word with them or reading the bible with them. How they respond can reveal what is in their hearts. It can help you determine if they prefer to lean on their own understanding or if they may be hiding a sin and do not want to hold themselves accountable. If the scriptures do not appeal to them one of these things may be occurring and we should be cautious. If the person is not growing spiritually we should be cautious. Watching for someone to produce the fruits of the spirit is also another way we can determine if the friend is a good friend.

Experience has taught me often times when someone who does not read and apply God’s word is treating you very kind they usually are either trying to manipulate you or they want something. They become who they believe you would want them to be. So now more then ever we need to be cautious of who we choose to be our friends. We have to remember the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one and there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing. I have included scriptures to meditate on that may help in guiding us when we make knew friends. The bible warned us that bad association can spoil useful habits. Those who do not have faith could slowly get us to start losing our faith. They may be very kind but they could still draw us away from God by slowly getting us to stop our useful habits like praying and studying God’s word.

(Proverbs 18:24) ²⁴ There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

(James 1:14, 15) ¹⁴ But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵ Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death.

(Proverbs 28:14) ¹⁴ Happy is the man who is always on guard, But whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

(1 Corinthians 10:12, 13) ¹² So let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall. ¹³ No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

(Proverbs 27:17) ¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens his friend.

(Hebrews 3:12, 13) ¹² Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; ¹³ but keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin.

(Hebrews 3:12, 13) ¹² Beware, brothers, for fear there should ever develop in any one of you a wicked heart lacking faith by drawing away from the living God; ¹³ but keep on encouraging one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you should become hardened by the deceptive power of sin.

(2 Corinthians 6:14-18) ¹⁴ Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? ¹⁵ Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Beʹli·al? Or what does a believer share in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I will reside among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” ¹⁷ “‘Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take you in.’” ¹⁸ “‘And I will become a father to you, and you will become sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah, the Almighty.”

(John 12:48) ⁴⁸ Whoever disregards me and does not receive my sayings has one to judge him. The word that I have spoken is what will judge him on the last day. 

(Hebrews 4:11, 12) ¹¹ Let us therefore do our utmost to enter into that rest, so that no one may fall into the same pattern of disobedience. ¹² For the word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints from the marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.

(John 3:19-21) . . .. ²⁰ For whoever practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. ²¹ But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God.”

(Proverbs 28:26) Whoever trusts in his own heart is stupid, But the one who walks in wisdom will escape.

(Jeremiah 10:23) I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

(1 Corinthians 3:18) Let no one deceive himself: If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this system of things, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise.

(Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10) ⁹ Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their hard work. ¹⁰ For if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. But what will happen to the one who falls with no one to help him up?

(Proverbs 27:5, 6)  ⁵ Open reproof is better than concealed love.  ⁶ The wounds inflicted by a friend are faithful, But an enemy’s kisses are plentiful.

(Proverbs 17:17) ¹⁷ A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.

(James 4:4-6) ⁴ Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think that for no reason the scripture says: “The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing”? ⁶ However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”

(Colossians 3:12-14) ¹² Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience. ¹³ Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. ¹⁴ But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.

(Mark 12:28-31) . . .” ²⁹ Jesus answered: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, ³⁰ and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.’ ³¹ The second is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

(1 Corinthians 15:32-34) . . .” ³³ Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits. ³⁴ Come to your senses in a righteous way and do not practice sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I am speaking to move you to shame.

(Proverbs 13:20) The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly

(Galatians 5:7-9) ⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from continuing to obey the truth? ⁸ This sort of persuasion does not come from the One calling you. ⁹ A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough.

(Proverbs 19:6, 7)  ⁶ Many seek the favor of a noble, And everyone is a friend to the man who gives gifts.  ⁷ All the brothers of a poor man hate him; How much more he is shunned by his friends! He pursues them with requests, but no one responds.

(Galatians 6:1-5) 6 Brothers, even if a man takes a false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness. But keep an eye on yourself, for fear you too may be tempted. ² Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and in this way you will fulfill the law of the Christ. ³ For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. ⁴ But let each one examine his own actions, and then he will have cause for rejoicing in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person. ⁵ For each one will carry his own load.

(Proverbs 20:19) ¹⁹ A slanderer goes about revealing confidential talk; Do not associate with one who loves to gossip.

(Proverbs 25:9) Plead your case with your neighbor, But do not reveal what you were told confidentially,

(Proverbs 25:23) The north wind brings a downpour, And a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.

(Galatians 5:22-24) ²² On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, ²³ mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed to the stake the flesh together with its passions and desires.

(Proverbs 1:7)  ⁷ The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.

What was the true purpose of the Star of Bethlehem?

Written by Lee Stevenson, sorry I am not the best editor.

Was the star of Bethlehem a sign from God that he placed in the sky? We have to consider some things mentioned in the bible first to answer that question. Why was it that only the wise men. Which is actually not an accurate interpretation because they were astrologers , be the only ones to see the star?

We are not to look for signs and omens. This is what those who read the stars do. Those doing these things are clearly frowned upon by God. Looking for signs and omens in the stars is considered a form of idolism to God. It is a form of divination which we are told we are not to do. So looking to the stars for omens is frowned on by God and not something he approves of. Those who practiced such things referred to them as wise men but in God’s eyes they were not wise. This is why only Daniel could reveal the meaning of the kings dreams and his wise men could not.

Now the so called wise mean clearly were looking to the stars for omens showing they were astrologers. . King Herod wanted to kill Jesus. The supposed wise men were not led to Jesus first but they were led to Herod. Herod gave instructions to the astrologers to find Jesus and report where he was. Do you believe God would guide those who would have made the infant Jesus vulnerable by exposing to Herod where Jesus was? Clearly Satan would not have wanted the prophecy fulfilled because it meant salvation was near for man. As a matter of fact God had given them a warning in their dreams not to tell Herod where Jesus was located. If the star was from God don’t you think he would have showed Israel first instead of the astrologers that Herod was trying to use to locate Jesus so he could have him executed?

Jesus was no longer an infant when the astrologers found him and the astrologers set things in motion that resulted in Jesus life being in danger. This resulted in the king having many children slaughtered. Because God had warned the astrologers they had to flee also because if they had reported to Herod then they would have had to answer to God. Do you think God would have set things in motion to cause such a horrible thing to happen? Joseph and Mary had to flee to safety to protect Jesus life. The astrologers had informed the king of Jesus age.

Does the fact that the wise men were going to do obeisance to Jesus indicate they were from God? No they viewed Jesus as a king and not as the messiah who would provide the ransom sacrifice. Their obeisance may have been out of respect for his position of authority. There is no indication their obeisance was out of love for God and what he was about to do for man. If they were from God they would have known the true meaning of Jesus birth. Something else to take note of this star seemed to move guiding the astrologers to Jesus, but this star did not appear to Israel. If it was truly from God don’t you think God would have guided Israel to Jesus first? The events that occurred after these astrologers found Jesus indicates the star clearly was not from God. The astrologers would use the stars to tell fortunes and look for omens something God did not approve of. Do you think God would have shown those who were doing things he did not approve of the location of Jesus first? Of course he wouldn’t. Because idolatry is a form of worship to Satan, it is clear Satan was leading the astrologers to Jesus.

(Isaiah 47:13) ¹³ You have grown weary with the multitude of your advisers. Let them stand up now and save you, Those who worship the heavens, who gaze at the stars, Those giving out knowledge at the new moons About the things that will come upon you.

(Daniel 5:7) ⁷ The king called out loudly to summon the conjurers, the Chal·deʹans, and the astrologers. The king said to the wise men of Babylon: “Any man who reads this writing and tells me its interpretation will be clothed with purple, a gold necklace will be placed around his neck, and he will rule as the third one in the kingdom.. . .

(Leviticus 19:26) ²⁶ “‘You must eat nothing containing blood. “‘You must not look for omens or practice magic.

(1 Samuel 15:22, 23) ²² Samuel then said: “Does Jehovah take as much pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice, and to pay attention than the fat of rams; ²³ for rebelliousness is the same as the sin of divination, and pushing ahead presumptuously the same as using magical power and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of Jehovah, he has rejected you from being king.”

(Matthew 2:1-3) 2 After Jesus had been born in Bethʹle·hem of Ju·deʹa in the days of Herod the king, look! astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem, ² saying: “Where is the one born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when we were in the East, and we have come to do obeisance to him.” ³ At hearing this, King Herod was agitated, and all Jerusalem with him.

(Matthew 2:7-9) ⁷ Then Herod secretly summoned the astrologers and carefully ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearing. ⁸ When sending them to Bethʹle·hem, he said: “Go make a careful search for the young child, and when you have found him, report back to me so that I too may go and do obeisance to him.” ⁹ After they had heard the king, they went their way, and look! the star they had seen when they were in the East went ahead of them until it came to a stop above where the young child was.

(Matthew 2:9-12) ⁹ After they had heard the king, they went their way, and look! the star they had seen when they were in the East went ahead of them until it came to a stop above where the young child was. ¹⁰ On seeing the star, they rejoiced with great joy. ¹¹ And when they went into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and falling down, they did obeisance to him. They also opened their treasures and presented him with gifts—gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² However, because they were given divine warning in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

(Job 34:10) ¹⁰ So listen to me, you men of understanding: It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, For the Almighty to do wrong!

(Deuteronomy 18:9-12) ⁹ “When you have entered into the land that Jehovah your God is giving you, you must not learn to imitate the detestable practices of those nations. ¹⁰ There should not be found in you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, anyone who employs divination, anyone practicing magic, anyone who looks for omens, a sorcerer, ¹¹ anyone binding others with a spell, anyone who consults a spirit medium or a fortune-teller, or anyone who inquires of the dead. ¹² For whoever does these things is detestable to Jehovah, and on account of these detestable practices Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you.