The Furnace of Suffering

Are you suffering?  Do you find yourself in a situation that is causing you great pain, either physical or emotional, or both?  Are you afraid of what tomorrow may bring?

No one likes to suffer.  We were not created to suffer.  We were created to enjoy God in all of His fullness and to live in joy and peace.  But sin entered the world and thwarted our original destiny. Hence, our suffering.

But suffering is not the end of the story.  Jesus Christ came to deliver us from suffering. The Word of God says that Christ died and rose again from the dead "to destroy the works of the devil" (I John 3:8).  Jesus Christ came to give us abundant life (John 10:10).

So, why do we continue to suffer?

One reason is that we are still in this world, and the world is infested with sin.  But I believe that the main reason for our continued suffering is to bring us to the point of total dependence on God.

We humans create for ourselves bastions of false security in which we place our trust.  We trust our jobs to give us security. We trust our governments to give us security. We trust our own strength to give us security.  But there is nothing and there is no one who can give us security but God.

The Lord uses suffering to unfasten our tight grip on our false securities.  He wants us to depend totally on Him. But we are so attached to our false securities that God must sometimes use drastic means to wrench us from them.  Hence, we suffer.

Are you now in the furnace of suffering? Then rejoice! God is pruning you, cleansing you, purifying you.  He is transforming you into the image of His own dear Son. 

Be encouraged by these words from our wonderful heavenly Father: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).
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Copyright 2014 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All rights reserved.
Photo by Jon Sullivan. http://www.public-domain-photos.com/

Is the World Coming to an End?

There’s something in the air. Everyone seems to sense it in one way or another. It feels like a dark cloud covering the earth, overshadowing it with increasing darkness.

Fear is reaching epidemic proportions as people listen daily to the constant barrage of bad news. Climate patterns have become erratic, resulting in earthquakes and tornadoes in places that rarely, if ever, witness them. Diseases once thought extinct are resurging, as are new strains of viruses and plagues.

People are becoming more rude, more selfish, and more defiant. Traditional values are being superseded by blatant rebellion against the laws of decency and self-respect. In short, the world seems to be falling apart.

Granted, we live in an age of instant communication when the air waves transmit wars in all of their ugly immediacy.  But the truth is that things are coming to a head in the earth.  And that head will be none too pretty.

So, what is really happening? Is the world really coming to an end, and, if so, what should we do about it?

What is really happening is a battle as old as time.  It is a spiritual battle, and the main players are Satan vs. God.  Scripture tells us that Satan, originally named Lucifer, was the Angel of Worship in Heaven.  He became proud and attempted to overthrow God Himself.  But, of course, no one can overthrow God.  So God cast Satan out of Heaven.

Enraged at his fall, Satan vented his anger on God's creation, Adam and Eve.  He tempted them by maligning God's character. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve fell for his temptation and, as a result, they forfeited their dominion over the earth and handed it over to Satan. Since then, Satan has been the god of this world.  All evil comes from him.

When Jesus Christ came to earth to die on the Cross, He broke Satan's hold on man. From that moment forward, any person who accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord regains dominion over Satan.

And Satan doesn't like that one bit.

The Bible speaks of many events that will take place before the return of Jesus Christ.  Yes, Jesus is returning to earth.  His return will be in two stages:  1) He will appear in the skies and draw to Himself all those who have accepted Him as Savior and Lord;  2) After seven years of tribulation, He will return with the armies of Heaven to destroy the enemies of Israel and set up His millennial reign as King of the Earth.

These prophecies are recorded throughout the Bible, particularly in the Book of Daniel, the Book of Ezekiel, the Book of Matthew, and the Book of Revelation.  Just as Satan could not stand against God, so Israel's enemies will not be able to stand against God. It is a dangerous and futile fight to oppose Israel, because in opposing Israel, one is actually opposing Israel's God.

You will be affected by Christ’s return to earth. How you will be affected is entirely up to you.  If you choose to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will be taken up with all those who trust and obey Him.  If you refuse to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will be left behind to endure the horror of the Great Tribulation and, worst of all, the horror of eternal damnation and eternal separation from God.

God created you because He wanted a personal relationship with you. That relationship is possible only through Jesus Christ.  When you accept Jesus, you accept a personal relationship with God the Father.

Don’t delay any longer.  Although we do not know exactly when the end of the world as we know it will come, we also do not know when our own personal end on this earth will come.  Why take a chance with the salvation of your soul?  Why risk losing Heaven for a momentary pleasure?

If you are reading this, God is calling you to Him because He loves you.  He does not want you to die in your sins.  He has provided a way of escape for you, and that way is Jesus Christ.

Accept your Savior today.  Make Him the Lord of your life.  You will then understand the meaning of true peace, true joy, and true love.

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Copyright 2014 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio.  All Rights Reserved.
Photo Source: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 1887. Painting by Russian artist Viktor Vasnetsov.

The Truth Will Make You Free

One's freedom is based on one's acceptance of truth.  The more one embraces truth, the freer one will be.

Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). It is knowledge of the truth and applying it to one's life that makes one free.  The converse is also true: the lie shall make one a prisoner.

Suppose you had an uncle who died and left you a huge sum of money.  Suppose, however, that you did not know what your uncle had done for you.  You would not know to lay claim to your inheritance. You would remain a prisoner of your poverty.

Jesus Christ died and left us an amazing inheritance of eternal life in the hereafter and countless blessings to enjoy on this earth. But if we are unaware of this truth, we will remain in bondage to sickness, poverty, and moral and political ideologies that imprison us intellectually, morally, and, sometimes, physically.

The amazing thing about Jesus is not only that He offers us truth; He IS Truth. He Himself said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). 

One of the greatest lies of this age is that there are many roads to salvation. This is a lie that keeps people in bondage and will take them straight to hell.  There is only one way to be saved, and that way is through Jesus Christ.  He Himself said so.  Believing this truth will set you free.

If you don't believe me, or if you still have doubts, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you.  He will. :)
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Copyright 2014 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio.  All Rights Reserved.

Light Will Always Dispel Darkness

Have you ever walked into a dark room and lit a match? That match, although only a tiny flame, will dispel the darkness of the entire room every single time.  This is a law that cannot be altered: Light always overcomes darkness.

As our world is growing darker and darker day by day, we can be confident in knowing that the Light of Christ will always prevail over the darkness of Satan.  Even when things look hopeless, even when fear threatens to overwhelm us, even when God seems far away, His Light will always overcome the darkness.  We have only to believe and to cling to that hope.  Our Lord will never fail us, even though it seems as though His help comes at the last minute.

As I write this word of encouragement, I am keenly aware that I am writing to my brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.  Some of you are currently in countries that are persecuting Christians.  Some of you have had to run for your lives.  To leave your homes and your homeland. To leave the darkness.

But be certain of this: our Lord will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). We can count on Him to lead us and guide us into the Light.

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Copyright 2014 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio.  All Rights Reserved.

Are We in the End Times?

There is something in the air, and most of us can sense it.  Earthquakes seem to be increasing. Weather patterns seem to be altering in dramatic ways. The threat of yet another war seems to be looming on the horizon, and with the nuclear weapons we have available today, if a war should erupt, it will be far different from previous wars.

People seem to be more anxious and fearful than ever. When I was a child of eight years of age, I would take the bus by myself to go downtown. There was no danger.  We slept with our doors unlocked. During the summer, we even slept on the porch with no concern whatsoever.

Today, we live behind alarm systems and barred windows. We look over our shoulders as we walk city streets.  We drive through traffic lights and know that we are being monitored.

People seem more rude than ever. Hostilities abound between nations and between spouses. Sin is no longer hidden for fear of punishment; instead, sin is openly and shamelessly exalted.

What does all this mean?

Scripture has much to say about all of the above. What I have described are the signs that will occur before the return of Jesus Christ. Yes, Jesus Christ is coming back. Acts 1:11 tells us that "Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go.”  Are you ready for His return?

The eyes of the world are focused on the Middle East, particularly Israel.  Have you ever wondered why?  Why does a nation about the size of the state of New Jersey hold the rapt attention of the entire world? Why does a tiny nation with a small population compared to the rest of the world play such a critical role in current events?

The reason is that Israel is God's nation. He established it and He will preserve it. Despite all attempts to annihilate Israel, it will never happen. Jesus Christ Himself will return to earth to rescue His people. And all those who oppose Him will be destroyed.

It is a dangerous thing to stand against Israel. He who stands against Israel stands against Almighty God. The prophecies of Scripture have never failed to be fulfilled just as they were prophesied.  While all of the prophecies have not yet been fulfilled, those that have come to pass have been fulfilled exactly as prophesied.

What does all of this mean for you? It means that you must make yourself ready for the return of the Lord.  How? By accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  He alone can save you from sin. He alone can redeem you from destruction. He alone can satisfy your heart with good things.

To accept Christ is to accept eternal life.  To reject Christ is to accept eternal damnation. Yes, there is a hell, despite what many say.  But you do not have to go there when you die. The choice is yours. Accept Jesus Christ now. Then write to me to tell me you have.

Here is a simple prayer you can pray:

Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I need a Savior. I ask You to forgive me of my sin. I turn to You to save me. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. Make of me what You created me to be. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer from your heart, you are now a child of God. Scripture says "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).

Please let me know if you have prayed this prayer. I will send you information on how to begin your new life in Jesus Christ.

May our Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He grant you His favor and give you His peace. Amen and Amen!

Deception Destroys

Deception is an intriguing subject.  The very nature of deception prevents the deceived person from recognizing that he is a victim of deception. 

Deception is a liar. It causes one to believe that what is false is true.  Deception is Satan's chief weapon against humanity.  Deception is the counterfeit of Truth.

You will be free to the degree that you eliminate deception from your life.

How can you know if you are being deceived?  You can know that you are being deceived if what you believe is contrary to Holy Scripture.  God's Word, also known as the Bible, is absolute Truth.  It is the standard by which all philosophies, all ideologies, all belief systems, all scientific hypotheses, and all methodologies must be measured to determine if they are true or not.

It is a little know fact that Christopher Columbus learned that the earth is round by reading the Book of Isaiah, chapter 40, verse 22 where Scripture says that "God sits above the circle of the earth." God tells us in this verse that the earth is round.

You say you do not believe the Holy Scriptures?  Why not?  Has your way of living worked? Has it brought you permanent fulfillment, peace, and joy?  Be honest with yourself. 

I was once like you.  Lost and searching for meaning in life.  I found it in Jesus Christ. And so can you!

I encourage you to explore God's Word for yourself.  It is His manual for humanity. Just as you received a manual when you purchased your car or your washing machine, God has given us a manual to help us understand how we are made and how to live successfully in this world.

As always, if you have any questions, please write to me at maryann@maryanndiorio.com. Meanwhile, my prayer is that you will come to know how deeply Jesus Christ loves you!

Looking Beyond the Facts

For many people all over the world, Christmas is often a time of sorrow and regret. Family members may be missing at the dinner table for one reason or another. Broken relationships may trigger deep regret. Family feuds may linger because of bitterness and unforgiveness.

If this describes you in any way, let me offer a thought. Problems have a way of responding to the way we look at them. If we look at the negative situations in our lives as impossible situations, then we will despair. But if we look at the negative situations in our lives as opportunities for miracles, then we will be encouraged.

No matter what is going on in our lives, we can choose our response. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can always choose how we respond to what happens to us.

If you are suffering emotionally, turn your eyes toward Jesus. Focus on Him. He knows your sorrow. He knows what you are going through, and He wants to comfort you and to heal you. All you have to do is ask.

May Jesus Christ reveal Himself to you in a very special way this Christmas season, and may the New Year bring you a powerful revelation of His deep and infinite love for you.

Living in the Supernatural

There is a place where you can live in peace.  That place is above your emotional pain and in the realm of the spirit where the Kingdom of God is.  But the only way to get there is through Jesus Christ.

There are two realms that control life: the natural realm and the supernatural realm. The natural realm is subject to the laws of the natural world; the supernatural realm is subject to the laws of the supernatural world. 

The supernatural world has both a good aspect and an evil aspect. The good aspect is the supernatural realm inhabited by God and His angels. The Bible calls this supernatural realm of God "the third heaven". The evil aspect is the supernatural realm inhabited by Satan and his demons. The Bible calls this supernatural realm of Satan "the second heaven".  The supernatural realm of God is far more powerful than the supernatural realm of Satan.

Man was created and designed to live in the supernatural world of God, but sin relegated man to the confinement of the natural world.  Jesus Christ came to set man free from the confinement of the natural world and to restore him to the supernatural world of the Kingdom of God.

When man enters the supernatural world without Christ, man will encounter the supernatural curses of Satan and his demons. This is the realm of the occult with all of its attendant dangers.

When man enters the supernatural world through Christ, man will encounter the supernatural blessings of God.

So how does this apply to your life and to your emotional pain?

If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are still a prisoner of the natural world. In practical terms, this means that you are still in bondage to sin and its torment, including emotional torment. You may have tried to free yourself from emotional pain by entering the supernatural world of Satan and his demons. If so, you may have found a false and temporary relief, but you soon learned (or will learn) that Satan offers only trickery and bondage, never truth and freedom.

But if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are no longer a prisoner of the natural world nor the supernatural world of Satan.  Instead, you are a resident of the supernatural kingdom of God and a child of God whose inheritance is healing in every aspect of your being.

You cannot free yourself from the natural world nor from Satan's supernatural world. You need a Savior to free you. Jesus Christ is that Savior.  Accept Him today into your life. Ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. Ask Him to free you from the pain of emotional and psychological torment.  Then expect Him to do so.

Godly Intervention

There can be no healing of the heart without the intervention of Jesus Christ. Scripture reveals the following:

• Psalm 147:3 - "He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds."
• Psalm 23:3 - "He restores my soul."
• Luke 4:18 - "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because  He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

If you are hurting today, Jesus can heal you. Not only can He heal you, but also He WANTS to heal you. 

Think about this for a few moments. Jesus WANTS to heal you! It is His desire that you be whole, that you be free from the hurts of the past. He died on the Cross and rose from the dead for that very purpose: to set you free in sprit, soul, and body.

What Jesus Christ did for you is called Salvation. The word "salvation" comes from the Greek word sozo which means wholeness.  

Salvation is a gift from God to you. But you have to accept the gift of salvation in order for it to bring healing to your life. This gift of salvation is Jesus Christ Himself.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, why not do so now?  Here is a simple prayer you can pray:

Lord Jesus, I come to You just as I am. I believe you died and rose from the dead for me so that I can have a relationship with You and be made whole. I accept You now as my Savior and Lord. Make of me what You created me to be. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the Family of God!  You have just made the most important decision of your life. Please let me know, and I will send you some information to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

God bless you!