Seven observations and exhortations to help us keep plowing through tough times.
1. Jesus Promised Pain.
Jesus said in His first YouTube lecture, the Sermon on the Mount, that "storms" are coming to everyone, Christian or not. Note: Jesus didn't say if storms come, but when they come. I know it sucks, but that's reality. At least He gives us a heads up, eh? Also, Jesus didn't forewarn us of tame storms on the horizon but "squalls" so violent that if you aren't well founded on His word that your house could be destroyed. How we have built our lives is revealed in the storm.
2. Are You Gonna Cowboy Up or Lay There and Bleed?
Modern evangelicals by and large are an emasculated group of Nancies who make mountains out of molehills. We aren't like our scriptural forefathers who were hardy and rowdy, tough followers of a rugged God. We are wussies pastored by wussies who grumble and complain when something pinches our flesh. This is a problem because demons love warfare, the flesh is incorrigible, and God's demands are high and holy-and we love Pepsi. To get through hell the first thing the believer has got to do is shut up, suck it up and grow a pair.
3. It's About Character, Stupid.
People have said over the years that there are two things you never want to see made, and that would be laws and sausage. I'd like to add a third to that list, namely Christians. Watching God process a believer from a dweeb to dynamite is about as fun as watching Blagojevich blow dry his hair. God's not in the least bit interested in your carnal comfort but in His crafted character reflected in your life. Y'know . . . who you are at your core, who you are when no one sees, the habits of your heart, all that stuff that gets avoided by the modern feel good pulpits nowadays. Being originally from West Texas and growing up around a lot of cows and crops, I learned at an early age that cow crap helps make plants grow. God allowing the poop to hit the fan in our lives is the only way to produce the fruit He likes.
4. Don't Blame God if You Brought This On.
I created most of the hell in my life that I have had to go through. I'd love to blame others-even God-but if I have to be honest, I spawned most of the monsters that I have had to deal with. Yep, my rebellious nature, my past hatred for God and His ways, and my innate stupidity has blown through the checks and balances of the Word of God, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the communion of the saints and has landed me facedown in the mud. There is no way I can fault God or the devil for 99.9% of the stuff that has happened in my life. What about you?
5. Solomon Says, "Relax."
Solomon states in the book of Ecclesiastes that one of the keys to surviving the brutalities of life is to relax . . . chill . . . drink some wine . . . and have a good laugh. When one begins to go through the meat grinder of life, the first thing to vanish is joy. Joy is serious business because according to God, without it we're oh so lame. You and I won't be able to stand against difficulties without getting happy in God. Yep, without the gravity-defying virtue of joy cranking through our spirits we won't be able to pray the fuzz off a peach. Fickle and vapid Christians disobey the command to rejoice in all things, and God means all things-this entails all non-yippee stuff. Consequently, they don't transcend their transient trials, and God has no other recourse but to send them around the mountain again until they learn the power of laughing their butt off in the face of adversity.
6. The "Gift" of Hell.
Y'know, I hate to bring the Bible into this, but according to the book of James, the Christian is commanded to view trials as a gift. A gift? Please. Go sell crazy somewhere else, thus says the narcissistic saint of the new millennium. The postmodern, puny dwarf Christians only regard as gifts that which further augments their immediate wants and needs. To have something come into their life that would rock their self love boat is seen not as a gift but as a curse.
However, according to God, that which is meant for evil can be turned into good if you realize that this little pain in the butt has come into your life to test your faith, purge your heart and reveal God's mighty power. Joseph's road to the throne was routed through prison, twice. He didn't whine, cry, or become a Buddhist but rather embraced the gift of going through hell and subsequently was eventually exalted. How are you doing?
7. Once You've Made it Through "Hell", Don't Become a Jerk.
God exhorted Israel to remember that they used to be slaves in Egypt. It's prudent for the believer and profitable to the church for the person who has weathered storms not to become an insensitive jerk but rather a sensei who shows others how to navigate life's tricky streams. And don't get too comfortable or cocky just because you're currently out of this storm because the NOAA weather system says another tropical storm is brewing out in the gulf, if you know what I mean . . .
cross-posted by Doug Giles
http://clashradio.com/column.html
Monday, December 29, 2008
If You're Going Through Hell, Keep Going
The economic times we are living in are rougher and scarier than Rosie just before getting bikini waxed. With our national cash crisis comes a bazillion other ancillary spiritual and physical spin-off problems. As a columnist, talk show host and minister I'm now getting my inbox inundated with emails asking me how to spiritually field this mucked up mess we're mired in (that's how bad it is . . . people are asking me for advice).
What follows is my attempt to Dr. Phil you folks thru this crap-laden crunch we're currently getting crushed by with seven hard learned lessons about God and life from the last 25 years of getting my butt kicked.
*Note to rabid atheists: This column (to become a book under the same title) is written to the heaven bound Christian who is currently going through hell. Yeah . . . it's not for you. You might want to read Thus Spake Zarathustra or something for encouragement.
Here are seven observations and exhortations to help us keep plowing through tough times.
1. Jesus Promised Pain.
Jesus said in His first YouTube lecture, the Sermon on the Mount, that "storms" are coming to everyone, Christian or not. Note: Jesus didn't say if storms come, but when they come. I know it sucks, but that's reality. At least He gives us a heads up, eh? Also, Jesus didn't forewarn us of tame storms on the horizon but "squalls" so violent that if you aren't well founded on His word that your house could be destroyed. How we have built our lives is revealed in the storm.
2. Are You Gonna Cowboy Up or Lay There and Bleed?
Modern evangelicals by and large are an emasculated group of Nancies who make mountains out of molehills. We aren't like our scriptural forefathers who were hardy and rowdy, tough followers of a rugged God. We are wussies pastored by wussies who grumble and complain when something pinches our flesh. This is a problem because demons love warfare, the flesh is incorrigible, and God's demands are high and holy-and we love Pepsi. To get through hell the first thing the believer has got to do is shut up, suck it up and grow a pair.
3. It's About Character, Stupid.
People have said over the years that there are two things you never want to see made, and that would be laws and sausage. I'd like to add a third to that list, namely Christians. Watching God process a believer from a dweeb to dynamite is about as fun as watching Blagojevich blow dry his hair. God's not in the least bit interested in your carnal comfort but in His crafted character reflected in your life. Y'know . . . who you are at your core, who you are when no one sees, the habits of your heart, all that stuff that gets avoided by the modern feel good pulpits nowadays. Being originally from West Texas and growing up around a lot of cows and crops, I learned at an early age that cow crap helps make plants grow. God allowing the poop to hit the fan in our lives is the only way to produce the fruit He likes.
4. Don't Blame God if You Brought This On.
I created most of the hell in my life that I have had to go through. I'd love to blame others-even God-but if I have to be honest, I spawned most of the monsters that I have had to deal with. Yep, my rebellious nature, my past hatred for God and His ways, and my innate stupidity has blown through the checks and balances of the Word of God, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the communion of the saints and has landed me facedown in the mud. There is no way I can fault God or the devil for 99.9% of the stuff that has happened in my life. What about you?
5. Solomon Says, "Relax."
Solomon states in the book of Ecclesiastes that one of the keys to surviving the brutalities of life is to relax . . . chill . . . drink some wine . . . and have a good laugh. When one begins to go through the meat grinder of life, the first thing to vanish is joy. Joy is serious business because according to God, without it we're oh so lame. You and I won't be able to stand against difficulties without getting happy in God. Yep, without the gravity-defying virtue of joy cranking through our spirits we won't be able to pray the fuzz off a peach. Fickle and vapid Christians disobey the command to rejoice in all things, and God means all things-this entails all non-yippee stuff. Consequently, they don't transcend their transient trials, and God has no other recourse but to send them around the mountain again until they learn the power of laughing their butt off in the face of adversity.
6. The "Gift" of Hell.
Y'know, I hate to bring the Bible into this, but according to the book of James, the Christian is commanded to view trials as a gift. A gift? Please. Go sell crazy somewhere else, thus says the narcissistic saint of the new millennium. The postmodern, puny dwarf Christians only regard as gifts that which further augments their immediate wants and needs. To have something come into their life that would rock their self love boat is seen not as a gift but as a curse.
However, according to God, that which is meant for evil can be turned into good if you realize that this little pain in the butt has come into your life to test your faith, purge your heart and reveal God's mighty power. Joseph's road to the throne was routed through prison, twice. He didn't whine, cry, or become a Buddhist but rather embraced the gift of going through hell and subsequently was eventually exalted. How are you doing?
7. Once You've Made it Through "Hell", Don't Become a Jerk.
God exhorted Israel to remember that they used to be slaves in Egypt. It's prudent for the believer and profitable to the church for the person who has weathered storms not to become an insensitive jerk but rather a sensei who shows others how to navigate life's tricky streams. And don't get too comfortable or cocky just because you're currently out of this storm because the NOAA weather system says another tropical storm is brewing out in the gulf, if you know what I mean . . .
cross-posted by Doug Giles
http://clashradio.com/column.html
What follows is my attempt to Dr. Phil you folks thru this crap-laden crunch we're currently getting crushed by with seven hard learned lessons about God and life from the last 25 years of getting my butt kicked.
*Note to rabid atheists: This column (to become a book under the same title) is written to the heaven bound Christian who is currently going through hell. Yeah . . . it's not for you. You might want to read Thus Spake Zarathustra or something for encouragement.
Here are seven observations and exhortations to help us keep plowing through tough times.
1. Jesus Promised Pain.
Jesus said in His first YouTube lecture, the Sermon on the Mount, that "storms" are coming to everyone, Christian or not. Note: Jesus didn't say if storms come, but when they come. I know it sucks, but that's reality. At least He gives us a heads up, eh? Also, Jesus didn't forewarn us of tame storms on the horizon but "squalls" so violent that if you aren't well founded on His word that your house could be destroyed. How we have built our lives is revealed in the storm.
2. Are You Gonna Cowboy Up or Lay There and Bleed?
Modern evangelicals by and large are an emasculated group of Nancies who make mountains out of molehills. We aren't like our scriptural forefathers who were hardy and rowdy, tough followers of a rugged God. We are wussies pastored by wussies who grumble and complain when something pinches our flesh. This is a problem because demons love warfare, the flesh is incorrigible, and God's demands are high and holy-and we love Pepsi. To get through hell the first thing the believer has got to do is shut up, suck it up and grow a pair.
3. It's About Character, Stupid.
People have said over the years that there are two things you never want to see made, and that would be laws and sausage. I'd like to add a third to that list, namely Christians. Watching God process a believer from a dweeb to dynamite is about as fun as watching Blagojevich blow dry his hair. God's not in the least bit interested in your carnal comfort but in His crafted character reflected in your life. Y'know . . . who you are at your core, who you are when no one sees, the habits of your heart, all that stuff that gets avoided by the modern feel good pulpits nowadays. Being originally from West Texas and growing up around a lot of cows and crops, I learned at an early age that cow crap helps make plants grow. God allowing the poop to hit the fan in our lives is the only way to produce the fruit He likes.
4. Don't Blame God if You Brought This On.
I created most of the hell in my life that I have had to go through. I'd love to blame others-even God-but if I have to be honest, I spawned most of the monsters that I have had to deal with. Yep, my rebellious nature, my past hatred for God and His ways, and my innate stupidity has blown through the checks and balances of the Word of God, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the communion of the saints and has landed me facedown in the mud. There is no way I can fault God or the devil for 99.9% of the stuff that has happened in my life. What about you?
5. Solomon Says, "Relax."
Solomon states in the book of Ecclesiastes that one of the keys to surviving the brutalities of life is to relax . . . chill . . . drink some wine . . . and have a good laugh. When one begins to go through the meat grinder of life, the first thing to vanish is joy. Joy is serious business because according to God, without it we're oh so lame. You and I won't be able to stand against difficulties without getting happy in God. Yep, without the gravity-defying virtue of joy cranking through our spirits we won't be able to pray the fuzz off a peach. Fickle and vapid Christians disobey the command to rejoice in all things, and God means all things-this entails all non-yippee stuff. Consequently, they don't transcend their transient trials, and God has no other recourse but to send them around the mountain again until they learn the power of laughing their butt off in the face of adversity.
6. The "Gift" of Hell.
Y'know, I hate to bring the Bible into this, but according to the book of James, the Christian is commanded to view trials as a gift. A gift? Please. Go sell crazy somewhere else, thus says the narcissistic saint of the new millennium. The postmodern, puny dwarf Christians only regard as gifts that which further augments their immediate wants and needs. To have something come into their life that would rock their self love boat is seen not as a gift but as a curse.
However, according to God, that which is meant for evil can be turned into good if you realize that this little pain in the butt has come into your life to test your faith, purge your heart and reveal God's mighty power. Joseph's road to the throne was routed through prison, twice. He didn't whine, cry, or become a Buddhist but rather embraced the gift of going through hell and subsequently was eventually exalted. How are you doing?
7. Once You've Made it Through "Hell", Don't Become a Jerk.
God exhorted Israel to remember that they used to be slaves in Egypt. It's prudent for the believer and profitable to the church for the person who has weathered storms not to become an insensitive jerk but rather a sensei who shows others how to navigate life's tricky streams. And don't get too comfortable or cocky just because you're currently out of this storm because the NOAA weather system says another tropical storm is brewing out in the gulf, if you know what I mean . . .
cross-posted by Doug Giles
http://clashradio.com/column.html
Israel Fights Back
For months, Hamas thugs in Gaza have fired missiles and mortars into southern Israel, subjecting hundreds of thousands of Israelis to a campaign of 24-hour terror. This was done in clear violation of an Egyptian-negotiated cease-fire to which Hamas had agreed.
As usual, the world’s reaction to this outrage was a collective “yawn.” The United Nations was silent. Major newspapers seldom reported the daily attacks. But this weekend, Israel did what any sovereign nation would do under the same circumstances: It struck back at those responsible for the aggression – Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist group.
As I write this, the Israeli counterattack is continuing. Israeli government officials are suggesting that their goal is to cripple Hamas. We should all hope they are successful. Predictably press reports have been distorted to make Israel look like the aggressor who doesn’t care about civilian casualties. Don’t be taken in by the propaganda. The war criminals in this conflict are the Islamic extremists who comprise Hamas and their allies throughout the Middle East, including Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and his government of thugs.
Has Israel gone too far? Hamas propagandists are already screaming that the Israeli attacks are “disproportionate.” Some “mainline” U.S. religious denominations are repeating this charge, and before the day is out Jimmy Carter will be singing the same tune. They are arguing that since most rockets and mortars fired by Hamas into Israel have missed their targets, Israel should not respond effectively. But under international law, any nation can respond at a level sufficient to meet the threat.
Hamas rocket attacks are destroying normal life and have made daily routines impossible for countless Israelis whose children cannot go to school. Israel has every legal and moral right to demolish the terror infrastructure that supports the daily rocket attacks on its people. Gaza, in recent years, has been turned into “Gazastan,” an Islamic republic that educates its own children to seek death in martyrdom operations. Weapons are being stored in mosques. The only university in Gaza has turned its labs over to the terrorists, who are using them to make bombs and mortars. Gaza TV airs “children’s shows” that teach six and seven year-olds to kill Jews.
The Gaza government just instituted a new legal code based on Sharia Islamic law that permits crucifixion for certain crimes against Islam. Gaza is hell, but not because of Israel. Its conditions are unbearable because its people elected Hamas – an organization with no economic plan, no educational ideas, nothing to offer at all except to kill the Jews, kill the infidel and destroy Israel.
It is almost laughable to see demonstrations by outraged Muslims reacting to Israel’s air strikes. There was no such outrage when a Sunni extremist blew up 14 Afghan school children ages eight to ten a few days ago. Over Thanksgiving, when Islamic terrorists attacked in Mumbai, India, intentionally killing civilians, including Jews, the streets of the Middle East were calm as those murderers spread death in the name of Islam. (We now know that many of the Indian victims, including a rabbi and his five-month pregnant wife, were sexually assaulted and their genitals mutilated before they were killed.)
Israel is fighting back, and the usual alliance of Islamists and leftwing extremists are protesting. If our new president at some point concludes that America will have to fight back too, the same extremists will go after him, just as they have savaged President Bush. But fight back we must or we and our civilization will die. All men of goodwill should be thanking Israel today and praying for her success.
cross-posted Gary L. Bauer
Campaign For Working Families
As usual, the world’s reaction to this outrage was a collective “yawn.” The United Nations was silent. Major newspapers seldom reported the daily attacks. But this weekend, Israel did what any sovereign nation would do under the same circumstances: It struck back at those responsible for the aggression – Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist group.
As I write this, the Israeli counterattack is continuing. Israeli government officials are suggesting that their goal is to cripple Hamas. We should all hope they are successful. Predictably press reports have been distorted to make Israel look like the aggressor who doesn’t care about civilian casualties. Don’t be taken in by the propaganda. The war criminals in this conflict are the Islamic extremists who comprise Hamas and their allies throughout the Middle East, including Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and his government of thugs.
Has Israel gone too far? Hamas propagandists are already screaming that the Israeli attacks are “disproportionate.” Some “mainline” U.S. religious denominations are repeating this charge, and before the day is out Jimmy Carter will be singing the same tune. They are arguing that since most rockets and mortars fired by Hamas into Israel have missed their targets, Israel should not respond effectively. But under international law, any nation can respond at a level sufficient to meet the threat.
Hamas rocket attacks are destroying normal life and have made daily routines impossible for countless Israelis whose children cannot go to school. Israel has every legal and moral right to demolish the terror infrastructure that supports the daily rocket attacks on its people. Gaza, in recent years, has been turned into “Gazastan,” an Islamic republic that educates its own children to seek death in martyrdom operations. Weapons are being stored in mosques. The only university in Gaza has turned its labs over to the terrorists, who are using them to make bombs and mortars. Gaza TV airs “children’s shows” that teach six and seven year-olds to kill Jews.
The Gaza government just instituted a new legal code based on Sharia Islamic law that permits crucifixion for certain crimes against Islam. Gaza is hell, but not because of Israel. Its conditions are unbearable because its people elected Hamas – an organization with no economic plan, no educational ideas, nothing to offer at all except to kill the Jews, kill the infidel and destroy Israel.
It is almost laughable to see demonstrations by outraged Muslims reacting to Israel’s air strikes. There was no such outrage when a Sunni extremist blew up 14 Afghan school children ages eight to ten a few days ago. Over Thanksgiving, when Islamic terrorists attacked in Mumbai, India, intentionally killing civilians, including Jews, the streets of the Middle East were calm as those murderers spread death in the name of Islam. (We now know that many of the Indian victims, including a rabbi and his five-month pregnant wife, were sexually assaulted and their genitals mutilated before they were killed.)
Israel is fighting back, and the usual alliance of Islamists and leftwing extremists are protesting. If our new president at some point concludes that America will have to fight back too, the same extremists will go after him, just as they have savaged President Bush. But fight back we must or we and our civilization will die. All men of goodwill should be thanking Israel today and praying for her success.
cross-posted Gary L. Bauer
Campaign For Working Families
Friday, December 26, 2008
Mary Did You Know?
'...Mary, did you know,
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know,
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know,
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
Will soon deliver you...'
Alexander Shpakousky
Merry Christmas to all!
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know,
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know,
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
Will soon deliver you...'
Alexander Shpakousky
Merry Christmas to all!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry (Twelve days of) Christmas
Here is the Rest of the Story
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-- Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'
One more!
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have also been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. This group appears to be very weak. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ.
We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
Which cell group do you belong to?
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-- Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'
One more!
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have also been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. This group appears to be very weak. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ.
We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
Which cell group do you belong to?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The Great Yes
Faced with the known and unknown crosses she was going to face, the Woman-Mary responded:
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38)
She gave her simple yes, The Great Yes!
This is all our Lord wants from you now, in the face of great changes, the Great Storm which has begun to cover the whole earth, the Great Birthing and the hard labor pains about to come upon the Church like a thief in the night.
Will you walk by faith and not sight?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Will you trust that I will never leave you?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Do you believe that I will send My Spirit to overshadow and empower you?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Do you trust Me, that when you are persecuted for My sake, you will be blessed by Me?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Will you trust Me when your heart is pierced with a sword?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Will you trust Me in the shadow of the Cross?
Yes, Lord, yes!
Will you trust Me in the silence and darkness of the tomb?
Yes, Lord, yes!
Then, My child, listen carefully to my words…. DO NOT BE AFRAID!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. (Prov 3:5-6)
The "yes" spoken on the day of the Annunciation reaches full maturity on the day of the Cross, when the time comes for Mary to receive and beget as her children all those who become disciples, pouring out upon them the saving love of her Son… we look to her who is for us "a sign of sure hope and solace." —POPE JOHN PAUL II, Evangelium Vitae, n.103, 105
cross-posted from
http://www.markmallett.com/blog/?p=826#more-826
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38)
She gave her simple yes, The Great Yes!
This is all our Lord wants from you now, in the face of great changes, the Great Storm which has begun to cover the whole earth, the Great Birthing and the hard labor pains about to come upon the Church like a thief in the night.
Will you walk by faith and not sight?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Will you trust that I will never leave you?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Do you believe that I will send My Spirit to overshadow and empower you?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Do you trust Me, that when you are persecuted for My sake, you will be blessed by Me?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Will you trust Me when your heart is pierced with a sword?
Yes, Lord, yes.
Will you trust Me in the shadow of the Cross?
Yes, Lord, yes!
Will you trust Me in the silence and darkness of the tomb?
Yes, Lord, yes!
Then, My child, listen carefully to my words…. DO NOT BE AFRAID!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; in all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths. (Prov 3:5-6)
The "yes" spoken on the day of the Annunciation reaches full maturity on the day of the Cross, when the time comes for Mary to receive and beget as her children all those who become disciples, pouring out upon them the saving love of her Son… we look to her who is for us "a sign of sure hope and solace." —POPE JOHN PAUL II, Evangelium Vitae, n.103, 105
cross-posted from
http://www.markmallett.com/blog/?p=826#more-826
Friday, December 19, 2008
History's Greatest Plague
".for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" Genesis 2:17
Man's very existence has always been threatened by the "big three" of disease, war and famine, but there is a silent plague stalking us that renders those things trivial by comparison. Even though the current population of the world is estimated to be 6.7 billion-and continues to keep growing in spite of the historic trio of death and destruction- 100% of that tremendously large number (which of course includes you and me) were born with a condition having infinitely greater consequences!Did you know that according to the Bible all humans are born into this world spiritually dead? Adam's act of disobedience doomed everyone, everywhere to an existence of spiritual death and alienation from a holy God-One whose perfection of Person and presence requires the same perfection from all who will live with Him eternally. And since there has only been one perfect human, Jesus Christ-God incarnate (or in the flesh)-the rest of us are left to cope with the consequences of sin.The Lord alluded to the fact of universal spiritual death after an incident in which He had exhorted a man to follow Him and be His disciple. But rather than comply immediately, the man offered the excuse that he needed to go back home first so he could wait for his father to die and then give him a proper burial:"But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and leave the dead [in sin] to bury their own dead" Matthew 8:22 (Amplified Bible).Then several years later the Apostle Paul explained to the believers at Ephesus that they had been in a state spiritual death before receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior:"And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins" Ephesians 2:1 (Amplified Bible).Therefore, in light of these things my question is this: Are you a walking, talking dead person who is under the condemnation of God? It is truly heart-breaking to contemplate, but the vast majority of the 6.7 billion people in the world today fall into that category! And only the relative few who have been born again-regenerated spiritually- are exempt from God's wrath upon sin. "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. 18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation- he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.] 19 The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil. 20 For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved. 21 But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are-wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him]" John 3:16-21 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine).According to Jesus Christ Himself, the way to heaven is narrow and extremely exclusive:"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me" John 14:6 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine)."Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it" Matthew 7:13-14 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine).The theological position recently stated by President George Bush (and held by many others today) is that all religions pray to the same god and there are many ways to get to heaven. But my friend, the preceding verses show us that is definitely not what the Bible teaches. Any "religion"-any system of belief that does not narrowly focus upon Jesus Christ and the Gospel message presented in the Bible-is defined by it as being false.Genuine Christianity stands distinctly apart from the "religions" of this world in its exclusivity. There is only one God and He manifests Himself to us in the Person of Jesus Christ-the Way, the Truth, and the Life! All others who try to present themselves or their system of belief as being heaven's "door" are said to be "thieves and robbers" (John 10:7-8). Fallen and depraved human nature despises exclusivity because of its perceived "unfairness, " but be that as it may, God has set forth the terms for His salvation and they must be met in order to receive it. To put it in common parlance, "It is His way or the highway!" So if by chance you are reading this and think that you might be one of those people who are spiritually dead, I urge you to do something about it. Rather than dismissing the whole thing as being ridiculous, please do yourself a favor and seek the forgiveness that can be obtained in and through the Person of Jesus Christ. There is no magic formula of words that must be prayed or good works or specific acts of worship that must be done to receive His forgiveness. If you feel the need to ask for it, the supernatural process has already begun! "No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day" John 6:44 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine).Just admit to God from your heart that you are a sinner-you say and do things you know are wrong-and ask Him to forgive you and come into your life as Lord and Savior. It is all a matter of being humble and approaching Him with simple faith like a child. "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all" Mark 10:15 (Amplified Bible).But be advised God knows the difference between that which truly comes from the heart and phony attempts to obtain "a fire escape from hell." Professions of faith made by pawns of the devil are "a dime a dozen," but instances of genuine salvation are not that common. Then if He accepts your confession of guilt and plea for salvation, the result will be nothing less than a change of heart and life! Because being spiritually regenerated, or "born again," involves a literal passing from "death into life":"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation] , but he has already passed over out of death into life" John 5:24 (Amplified Bible).Have you ever done this and does your life reflect the reality of it? If not, I urge you to do so, because there is only a heartbeat between you and eternity. "For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation!" 2 Corinthians 6:2 (Amplified Bible). If you have been born again and received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, but have been very lukewarm in your spiritual walk with Him, you need to immediately ask Him for forgiveness and for renewal. He will instantly forgive you, and fill your heart with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Then, you need to begin a daily walk of prayer and personal Bible Study. If you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, but have come to sense His reality and the approaching End of the Age, and want to receive His FREE Gift of Eternal Life, you can do so now, in the privacy of your home. Once you truly believe in Him as Lord and Savior, you are spiritually Born Again, and are as assured of Heaven as if you were already there. Then, you can rest assured that the Kingdom of Antichrist will not touch you spiritually.
If you would like to become Born Again, turn to our Salvation Page now. We hope you have been blessed by this ministry, which seeks to educate and warn people, so that they can see the coming New World Order Kingdom of Antichrist in their daily news.
Finally, we would love to hear from you.
You can write us at:
Cutting Edge Ministries,
C/O Pastor Ron Riffe
P.O. Box 26
Gordo, AL 35466
Man's very existence has always been threatened by the "big three" of disease, war and famine, but there is a silent plague stalking us that renders those things trivial by comparison. Even though the current population of the world is estimated to be 6.7 billion-and continues to keep growing in spite of the historic trio of death and destruction- 100% of that tremendously large number (which of course includes you and me) were born with a condition having infinitely greater consequences!Did you know that according to the Bible all humans are born into this world spiritually dead? Adam's act of disobedience doomed everyone, everywhere to an existence of spiritual death and alienation from a holy God-One whose perfection of Person and presence requires the same perfection from all who will live with Him eternally. And since there has only been one perfect human, Jesus Christ-God incarnate (or in the flesh)-the rest of us are left to cope with the consequences of sin.The Lord alluded to the fact of universal spiritual death after an incident in which He had exhorted a man to follow Him and be His disciple. But rather than comply immediately, the man offered the excuse that he needed to go back home first so he could wait for his father to die and then give him a proper burial:"But Jesus said to him, Follow Me, and leave the dead [in sin] to bury their own dead" Matthew 8:22 (Amplified Bible).Then several years later the Apostle Paul explained to the believers at Ephesus that they had been in a state spiritual death before receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior:"And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins" Ephesians 2:1 (Amplified Bible).Therefore, in light of these things my question is this: Are you a walking, talking dead person who is under the condemnation of God? It is truly heart-breaking to contemplate, but the vast majority of the 6.7 billion people in the world today fall into that category! And only the relative few who have been born again-regenerated spiritually- are exempt from God's wrath upon sin. "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. 18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation- he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ's name.] 19 The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil. 20 For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved. 21 But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are-wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him]" John 3:16-21 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine).According to Jesus Christ Himself, the way to heaven is narrow and extremely exclusive:"Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me" John 14:6 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine)."Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. 14 But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it" Matthew 7:13-14 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine).The theological position recently stated by President George Bush (and held by many others today) is that all religions pray to the same god and there are many ways to get to heaven. But my friend, the preceding verses show us that is definitely not what the Bible teaches. Any "religion"-any system of belief that does not narrowly focus upon Jesus Christ and the Gospel message presented in the Bible-is defined by it as being false.Genuine Christianity stands distinctly apart from the "religions" of this world in its exclusivity. There is only one God and He manifests Himself to us in the Person of Jesus Christ-the Way, the Truth, and the Life! All others who try to present themselves or their system of belief as being heaven's "door" are said to be "thieves and robbers" (John 10:7-8). Fallen and depraved human nature despises exclusivity because of its perceived "unfairness, " but be that as it may, God has set forth the terms for His salvation and they must be met in order to receive it. To put it in common parlance, "It is His way or the highway!" So if by chance you are reading this and think that you might be one of those people who are spiritually dead, I urge you to do something about it. Rather than dismissing the whole thing as being ridiculous, please do yourself a favor and seek the forgiveness that can be obtained in and through the Person of Jesus Christ. There is no magic formula of words that must be prayed or good works or specific acts of worship that must be done to receive His forgiveness. If you feel the need to ask for it, the supernatural process has already begun! "No one is able to come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me attracts and draws him and gives him the desire to come to Me, and [then] I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day" John 6:44 (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine).Just admit to God from your heart that you are a sinner-you say and do things you know are wrong-and ask Him to forgive you and come into your life as Lord and Savior. It is all a matter of being humble and approaching Him with simple faith like a child. "Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all" Mark 10:15 (Amplified Bible).But be advised God knows the difference between that which truly comes from the heart and phony attempts to obtain "a fire escape from hell." Professions of faith made by pawns of the devil are "a dime a dozen," but instances of genuine salvation are not that common. Then if He accepts your confession of guilt and plea for salvation, the result will be nothing less than a change of heart and life! Because being spiritually regenerated, or "born again," involves a literal passing from "death into life":"I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me has (possesses now) eternal life. And he does not come into judgment [does not incur sentence of judgment, will not come under condemnation] , but he has already passed over out of death into life" John 5:24 (Amplified Bible).Have you ever done this and does your life reflect the reality of it? If not, I urge you to do so, because there is only a heartbeat between you and eternity. "For He says, In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation!" 2 Corinthians 6:2 (Amplified Bible). If you have been born again and received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, but have been very lukewarm in your spiritual walk with Him, you need to immediately ask Him for forgiveness and for renewal. He will instantly forgive you, and fill your heart with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Then, you need to begin a daily walk of prayer and personal Bible Study. If you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, but have come to sense His reality and the approaching End of the Age, and want to receive His FREE Gift of Eternal Life, you can do so now, in the privacy of your home. Once you truly believe in Him as Lord and Savior, you are spiritually Born Again, and are as assured of Heaven as if you were already there. Then, you can rest assured that the Kingdom of Antichrist will not touch you spiritually.
If you would like to become Born Again, turn to our Salvation Page now. We hope you have been blessed by this ministry, which seeks to educate and warn people, so that they can see the coming New World Order Kingdom of Antichrist in their daily news.
Finally, we would love to hear from you.
You can write us at:
Cutting Edge Ministries,
C/O Pastor Ron Riffe
P.O. Box 26
Gordo, AL 35466
The Perfections Of God
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)
Since God is Creator of the universe, all that He does is right, and all He says is truth, by definition. The world He created was perfected; the Word He inscripturated is perfect; every work He accomplishes is perfect; all the ways He follows are perfect, and the will He reveals is perfect.
His perfect world: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). Of course, because of sin, the creation is now groaning in pain, but it was perfect as it came from God in the beginning. It will again be perfect in the ages to come, when God makes "all things new" (Revelation 21:5).
His perfect Word: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul" (Psalm 19:7). God has given us His inspired Word, providing perfect guidance for every need, "that the man of God may be perfect" (2 Timothy 3:17).
His perfect works: "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he" (Deuteronomy 32:4). Not only His work in creation but also His works of redemption and reconciliation--all His works throughout history.
His perfect ways: "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him" (Psalm 18:30). His ways may not be our ways (Isaiah 55:9), but always, they are the best ways.
His perfect will: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that . . . perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). His will is invariably right.
Thus God is our standard of perfection, and we must never set a lower standard for ourselves. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"
cross-posted from
http://www.icr.org/article/4193/
Since God is Creator of the universe, all that He does is right, and all He says is truth, by definition. The world He created was perfected; the Word He inscripturated is perfect; every work He accomplishes is perfect; all the ways He follows are perfect, and the will He reveals is perfect.
His perfect world: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). Of course, because of sin, the creation is now groaning in pain, but it was perfect as it came from God in the beginning. It will again be perfect in the ages to come, when God makes "all things new" (Revelation 21:5).
His perfect Word: "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul" (Psalm 19:7). God has given us His inspired Word, providing perfect guidance for every need, "that the man of God may be perfect" (2 Timothy 3:17).
His perfect works: "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he" (Deuteronomy 32:4). Not only His work in creation but also His works of redemption and reconciliation--all His works throughout history.
His perfect ways: "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him" (Psalm 18:30). His ways may not be our ways (Isaiah 55:9), but always, they are the best ways.
His perfect will: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that . . . perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). His will is invariably right.
Thus God is our standard of perfection, and we must never set a lower standard for ourselves. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect"
cross-posted from
http://www.icr.org/article/4193/
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Feeding On Truth Or Wormwood
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalm 37:3)
Although there are many promises in Scripture to the effect that the Lord will provide material sustenance to those who are faithful to Him (Matthew 6:33), this particular verse evidently refers to an even more blessed promise. The word translated "verily" is better rendered by "truth," so the latter part of the verse could best be given as: "thou shalt be fed on the truth."
That is, the spiritual life of the one who trusts in Christ will be fed and sustained by truth.
In contrast, the unbeliever feeds on that which is not true. The one "who hath formed a god" (Isaiah 44:10) for himself will soon taste bitterness on his tongue. "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" (Isaiah 44:20). Those who trust in human deliverance will be like Israel depending on Egypt and Assyria. "Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation" (Hosea 12:1). The diet of false prophets is more bitter still. "Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall" (Jeremiah 23:15).
Wind and ashes, wormwood and gall; such is the spiritual food of those who reject the truth of the Word of God.
To the believer, however, the Scriptures are as much a daily need for the soul as bread for the body. As Job said long ago: "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). Moses testified as follows: "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Although there are many promises in Scripture to the effect that the Lord will provide material sustenance to those who are faithful to Him (Matthew 6:33), this particular verse evidently refers to an even more blessed promise. The word translated "verily" is better rendered by "truth," so the latter part of the verse could best be given as: "thou shalt be fed on the truth."
That is, the spiritual life of the one who trusts in Christ will be fed and sustained by truth.
In contrast, the unbeliever feeds on that which is not true. The one "who hath formed a god" (Isaiah 44:10) for himself will soon taste bitterness on his tongue. "He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" (Isaiah 44:20). Those who trust in human deliverance will be like Israel depending on Egypt and Assyria. "Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation" (Hosea 12:1). The diet of false prophets is more bitter still. "Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall" (Jeremiah 23:15).
Wind and ashes, wormwood and gall; such is the spiritual food of those who reject the truth of the Word of God.
To the believer, however, the Scriptures are as much a daily need for the soul as bread for the body. As Job said long ago: "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). Moses testified as follows: "And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD" (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Obedience Does Not Wait For Another Day
By Rich Elliot
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
My holy people; now is a time of action, not of waiting. I have released a season upon you to manifest My Name to those around you. I have given you a commission. I have given you an anointing. I have given you My Word, My Holy Spirit and My Truth. Live out My Name before those around you. At the grocery store, at work, at school, wherever you find yourself, that is to be your mission field, your harvest field, your place to bear fruit to My glory.
Manifest My Name to those I have given you. Demonstrate the Kingdom. Do not simply talk about My Kingdom, but demonstrate it. I desire you to use the gifts I have given you in a very practical way. Go deeper. Allow Me to speak through you in very profound ways. I will show you things about people as you meet them.
As you endeavor to follow Me, I will lead you in ways that you may not have known before. I will lead you to the heart of the matter. There is only One that saves. There is only One that heals. There is only One who delivers. My Son Jesus is all of those things, My holy people. Manifest the truth, manifest the purpose, manifest the power that comes from knowing My Son.
Do you want to do those things, or are you waiting for something to happen? What must I do to convince you that My Son paid the price for your full salvation. Begin to manifest My Name in all the earth. Go. Do not wait, but go into all the world, making disciples of all nations.
Today is the day of salvation. My holy people; begin living NOW. Begin the adventure with Me today. Obedience does not wait for a better day. Live according to My Word.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
My holy people; now is a time of action, not of waiting. I have released a season upon you to manifest My Name to those around you. I have given you a commission. I have given you an anointing. I have given you My Word, My Holy Spirit and My Truth. Live out My Name before those around you. At the grocery store, at work, at school, wherever you find yourself, that is to be your mission field, your harvest field, your place to bear fruit to My glory.
Manifest My Name to those I have given you. Demonstrate the Kingdom. Do not simply talk about My Kingdom, but demonstrate it. I desire you to use the gifts I have given you in a very practical way. Go deeper. Allow Me to speak through you in very profound ways. I will show you things about people as you meet them.
As you endeavor to follow Me, I will lead you in ways that you may not have known before. I will lead you to the heart of the matter. There is only One that saves. There is only One that heals. There is only One who delivers. My Son Jesus is all of those things, My holy people. Manifest the truth, manifest the purpose, manifest the power that comes from knowing My Son.
Do you want to do those things, or are you waiting for something to happen? What must I do to convince you that My Son paid the price for your full salvation. Begin to manifest My Name in all the earth. Go. Do not wait, but go into all the world, making disciples of all nations.
Today is the day of salvation. My holy people; begin living NOW. Begin the adventure with Me today. Obedience does not wait for a better day. Live according to My Word.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Learning To Trust
by Henry Morris III, D.Min.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)
David makes three simple points in his final admonition to those who struggle with trusting in God's lovingkindness and truth.
First, God loves His saints, but those with a pride problem are not going to gain His attention (Psalm 138:6). This is somewhat basic to Christian doctrine. Pride is one of the seven things that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). God responds to the desire of the humble person (Psalm 10:17) and He stays near to those who have a broken heart or a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:17).
Second, God will revive us when we are in trouble (our text). The promise is about the reviving and the saving. That is, we may gain God's sufficient grace to endure (as in the case of Paul's "thorn in the flesh," 2 Corinthians 12:7) rather than a physical cure. We may receive the ability to be victorious in the face of opposition (as during Paul's ministry to Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 16:8-9) rather than relief from the circumstances. We may, indeed, be delivered from the pressure of the enemies or have God's miracle performed in our lives, but whatever the circumstantial occasion, God will respond for our good.
Third, God will bring about our perfection (Psalm 138:8). That term, both in the Old and the New Testaments, relates to completing God's work or purpose. Here, it is specifically related to that which concerns the saints of God. The sovereign Lord will see to it that His chosen will make it (1 Peter 2:9). There is no question about this. God's mercy is always refreshed. There is no limit to His forgiveness. Nothing about who we are will defeat God's plan for us (Philippians 2:13).
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)
David makes three simple points in his final admonition to those who struggle with trusting in God's lovingkindness and truth.
First, God loves His saints, but those with a pride problem are not going to gain His attention (Psalm 138:6). This is somewhat basic to Christian doctrine. Pride is one of the seven things that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). God responds to the desire of the humble person (Psalm 10:17) and He stays near to those who have a broken heart or a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:17).
Second, God will revive us when we are in trouble (our text). The promise is about the reviving and the saving. That is, we may gain God's sufficient grace to endure (as in the case of Paul's "thorn in the flesh," 2 Corinthians 12:7) rather than a physical cure. We may receive the ability to be victorious in the face of opposition (as during Paul's ministry to Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 16:8-9) rather than relief from the circumstances. We may, indeed, be delivered from the pressure of the enemies or have God's miracle performed in our lives, but whatever the circumstantial occasion, God will respond for our good.
Third, God will bring about our perfection (Psalm 138:8). That term, both in the Old and the New Testaments, relates to completing God's work or purpose. Here, it is specifically related to that which concerns the saints of God. The sovereign Lord will see to it that His chosen will make it (1 Peter 2:9). There is no question about this. God's mercy is always refreshed. There is no limit to His forgiveness. Nothing about who we are will defeat God's plan for us (Philippians 2:13).
Learning To Trust
by Henry Morris III, D.Min.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)
David makes three simple points in his final admonition to those who struggle with trusting in God's lovingkindness and truth.
First, God loves His saints, but those with a pride problem are not going to gain His attention (Psalm 138:6). This is somewhat basic to Christian doctrine. Pride is one of the seven things that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). God responds to the desire of the humble person (Psalm 10:17) and He stays near to those who have a broken heart or a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:17).
Second, God will revive us when we are in trouble (our text). The promise is about the reviving and the saving. That is, we may gain God's sufficient grace to endure (as in the case of Paul's "thorn in the flesh," 2 Corinthians 12:7) rather than a physical cure. We may receive the ability to be victorious in the face of opposition (as during Paul's ministry to Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 16:8-9) rather than relief from the circumstances. We may, indeed, be delivered from the pressure of the enemies or have God's miracle performed in our lives, but whatever the circumstantial occasion, God will respond for our good.
Third, God will bring about our perfection (Psalm 138:8). That term, both in the Old and the New Testaments, relates to completing God's work or purpose. Here, it is specifically related to that which concerns the saints of God. The sovereign Lord will see to it that His chosen will make it (1 Peter 2:9). There is no question about this. God's mercy is always refreshed. There is no limit to His forgiveness. Nothing about who we are will defeat God's plan for us (Philippians 2:13).
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)
David makes three simple points in his final admonition to those who struggle with trusting in God's lovingkindness and truth.
First, God loves His saints, but those with a pride problem are not going to gain His attention (Psalm 138:6). This is somewhat basic to Christian doctrine. Pride is one of the seven things that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19). God responds to the desire of the humble person (Psalm 10:17) and He stays near to those who have a broken heart or a contrite spirit (Psalm 34:17).
Second, God will revive us when we are in trouble (our text). The promise is about the reviving and the saving. That is, we may gain God's sufficient grace to endure (as in the case of Paul's "thorn in the flesh," 2 Corinthians 12:7) rather than a physical cure. We may receive the ability to be victorious in the face of opposition (as during Paul's ministry to Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 16:8-9) rather than relief from the circumstances. We may, indeed, be delivered from the pressure of the enemies or have God's miracle performed in our lives, but whatever the circumstantial occasion, God will respond for our good.
Third, God will bring about our perfection (Psalm 138:8). That term, both in the Old and the New Testaments, relates to completing God's work or purpose. Here, it is specifically related to that which concerns the saints of God. The sovereign Lord will see to it that His chosen will make it (1 Peter 2:9). There is no question about this. God's mercy is always refreshed. There is no limit to His forgiveness. Nothing about who we are will defeat God's plan for us (Philippians 2:13).
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Occupied Territory
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." (1 Peter 2:9)
In our ongoing struggle for both survival and victory in this world, we do well to recognize that we are in enemy territory. While it is true that our Captain created the world--indeed, "all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3)--sacrificed His life to redeem it, and will reign over it for eternity, it is also true that "the whole world lieth in wickedness" (1 John 5:19), occupied by "the prince of this world" (John 12:31), "the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:2).
The fact that we are surrounded by such darkness should come as no surprise, for before we were rescued by His grace, we too were part of the darkness--indeed, we had to be called out of it. John the Baptist came "to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79). Furthermore, as Christ taught, "men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
This confrontation overshadows mere human conflict, however, "for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). But, praise God, we have been called "out of darkness into his marvellous light" as described in our text. Although we may be still in the world, our King has "delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:13). "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4).
Monday, December 8, 2008
Signs Of The Last Days Are Upon Us
Events of the twentieth century alerted Bible students to the tremendous potential for fulfilled prophecy, and many students of the Bible and eschatology recognize the events continuing to unfold in the world today as signs of the last days.The signs are visible all around us.
" wars and rumors of wars" - Matthew 24:6
Endless war seem to rage in Iraq and Afghanistan and the war on terrorism is spreading to nearly every corner of the globe. Since 2000 alone, America has been mired in conflict in Sierra Leone, Yemen, East Timor, Afghanistan, Philippines, Cote d'Ivoire, Iraq, Liberia, Georgia, Haïti, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Somalia.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." - Matthew 24:7
Other conflicts are raging in Darfur, Saudi Arabia, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thailand, Chad, Gaza Strip and the West Bank in Israel, Niger and Mali, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.
"There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." - Matthew 24:7
Every year, earthquakes cause thousands of deaths, either directly or due to the resulting tsunamis, landslides, fires, and famines.
3,000 people died in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Around 110,000 were killed in the 1948 earthquake in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
More than 5,700 deaths were reported following the strongest earthquake ever recorded in 1960 in Southern Chile.
While only 15 people died in the 1964 Prince William Sound in Alaska quake itself, 110 more people were killed in the resulting tsunami.
66,000 were killed off the western coast of South America in the 1970 Peru earthquake.
Between 250,000 and 655,000 died in the 1976 China earthquake that struck Tangshan, then a city of one million people.
63 people were killed in the 1989 Loma Prieta quake -- which struck the San Francisco area.
60 people were killed in the 1994 Northridge quake in Southern California.
More than 5,000 were killed the 1995 Kobe, Japan earthquake.
230,000 (and perhaps as many as 290,000) people in 12 countries -- including about 168,000 in Indonesia alone were killed in the 2004 earthquake just off the west coast of the island of Sumatra, and the tsunami that followed.
More than 80,000 people were killed in the 2005 Pakistan earthquake.
More than 69,000 people died in the 2008 Sichuan China earthquake.
We're hearing of an increasing scarcity of food on a worldwide scale, due to increased consumption in growing countries such as China and India and rising fuel costs. These shortages have caused riots in some places and some predict the future outbreak of wars fought over increasing food scarcities.
Change
The twentieth century was an unprecedented period of change and the twenty-first century is proving to be even more dramatic. At no time in history have more changes occurred in science and in the political structure of the world.
More changes occur in science in a single year than formerly occurred in a century.
The world's brightest beacon of liberty has been corrupted by immoral bankers and is now quickly becoming one of the greatest forces of evil in the world.
With Israel restored as a nation in 1948, the panorama of end-time prophecy came into a focus in which Israel will be a prominent player.
The introduction of the concept of a world government, made real by the United Nations paints a scenario that is in harmony with prophecy concerning a future world government.
The wholesale collapse of ethical and moral values throughout society and government. Children are killing their classmates, employees are killing fellow employees, and government leaders are promising change.
Is civilization coming to an end?
"Armageddon is now near not because of this event or that event which may, in isolation, look like a prophetic fulfillment. Rather, it is because of the very nature of what causes Armageddon, coupled with the fact that our world today is rapidly assuming, on a global scale, the characteristics of that which underlies Armageddon." [William R. Goetz, Armageddon Next]
Malcolm Muggeridge suggested, "The basic condition for a civilization is that there should be law and order. Obviously this is coming to an end. The world is falling into chaos, even perhaps especially our western world... There are many other symptoms. The excessive interest in eroticism is characteristic of the end of a civilization because it really means a growing impotence, and fear of impotence. Then the excessive need for excitement, vicarious excitement, which of course the games provided for the Romans and which television provides for our population. Even the enormously complicated structure of taxation and administration is a symptom of the end of the civilization. Above all, there is this truly terrible thing which afflicts materialist societies - boredom, an excessive boredom which I note on every hand."
Today many secular as well as religious authorities recognize ..."These are extraordinary times."An Associated Press writer asks, "Is everything spinning out of control?" A Wall Street Journal headline read, "Millennium Fever: Prophets Proliferate, The End is Near." A New York Times book review began, "Some 50 million Americans share a belief that these are the last days." Even the Chicago Tribune ran a front-page story about the end times in a recent Sunday edition.
Dr. Linus Pauling, winner of Nobel Prizes in 1954 and 1963, has said he believes the greatest catastrophe in the world is approaching. This looming catastrophe might well result in a world war which could destroy civilization and spell the end of the human race. Or, it might take the form of mass starvation among a world population that has been doubling every 35 years. Civilization might end because of the collapse of the systems on which it depends; or the end of civilization might result from weather changes induced by governments to improve the yield of crops.
Even the most seasoned newsmen who have "seen it all" are in awe of the world developments in recent years. All of them realize that something unique in the history of the world is happening today. And what's most stunning about it all is the breath-taking rapidity of these recent developments.
Consider the following:
The crumbling of the Eastern Bloc of Europe and the Communist Empire.
The opening of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of a divided Germany.
Events transpiring in the Middle East.
Growing Islamic - Zionist jihad
The failing ecosystem of Planet Earth.
Changing weather patterns worldwide.
The breathtaking pace of technological advancements.
The collapse of ethical and moral values.
The weakening influence of our churches and their leaders.
The world has entered a time of dramatic and ominous change. At the present moment of history, the planet Earth is in grave crises. This celestial ball is on a collision course with its Creator. We have reached the day which the prophet had in mind when he wrote,
"Woe unto them who call evil, good, and good, evil" [Isaiah 5:20]
Man has pushed the self-destruct button. Foundations of godliness have crumbled; things sacred have come unzipped. We are trying to build a peaceful world, but there is no peace within people's hearts. We must have an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Somehow God must reveal himself to this lost generation. Everything else has failed. Education has failed our youth. For the most part, parents have failed them. Government has failed to reach them. Dead religion has turned them off. Billy Graham quoted John Walvoord in his book, "Storm Warning":
"The present world crisis is not a result of any one factor, but a concurrence of causes and effects which combine to set the world stage for a conflict which may quickly bring an end to hundreds of years of progress in western civilization and establish new centers of international power. Whatever the future holds, it is going to be dramatically different than the past. In this dark picture only the Scriptures chart a sure course and give us an intelligent explanation of worldwide confusion as it exists today."
Where does it all lead?
Even though we see it all so clearly, it's still difficult to comprehend. What does it all mean? Where is it all leading? Why is there so little peace in the world when we have such unprecedented knowledge and unlimited potential?The book of Revelation describes the end times. It speaks of a one-world government, a godless dictator, total regulation of all business, plagues, crime and rebellion, and devastating disasters. To many, it seems like a far-off time. But there are "signs of the times" in today's headlines - signs Jesus said would herald His return.
Some people argue that the characteristic of 'end time' people have been our character throughout the ages and that people haven't really changed. In its simplest form, that is true. It's not that we don't do the same things, what's relevant is that we do it with increasing intensity and we are teaching new ways of doing it. Certainly, these things have been happening since the beginning of time. However, the intensity of these things today is such that we dare not blind our eyes to their meaning.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, "When evening comes, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, `Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. [Matthew 16:1-4]
Jesus said, "You can read the signs of the weather in the sky, but because of spiritual blindness you cannot read the signs of the times." Our Lord was saying the Jews of that day were blind to the signs of their time. He indicated that only those who have spiritual illumination and discernment from the Holy Spirit can hope to understand the trends and meanings of history. This explains why so many people haven't got a clue about what's going on and why most of our political leaders are taking us down the path to destruction.
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." [1Tim. 4:1]
We are now living in the "last days!"
The only way to understand the big picture is to look at the Bible and the various categories of signs that the Bible predicted would come together just before the return of Christ. The key to understanding current events is in some familiar old scriptural passages. Jesus Himself gave us the best insight shortly before his execution on the cross.
"Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. [Matthew 24:4-14]
General 'signs' Jesus said would be visible prior to His return.
Deliberate deception by men of God's Word
Rise of false Christs
Increase in wars and rumors of wars
Famines, Pestilence & Earthquakes
Discrimination and hatred against Christians
Backsliding, turning from the faith, betrayal
Hatred of Christian against Christian
False Prophets and "New Age" leaders
Lawlessness abounding
Love and concern for others grows cold
Gospel preached worldwide
Our Lord told us not to be troubled, because these are only the beginning of "birth pains" [Matt. 24:8]. I believe that God is warning the world. The world has broken His covenant and has gone away from Him and these events are warnings designed to turn us to Him. And what we have seen thus far is just a prelude. The warnings are going to continue during the next few years, even building in intensity. After these warnings, the real judgment is going to come.
"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. - Matthew 24:15-28
" wars and rumors of wars" - Matthew 24:6
Endless war seem to rage in Iraq and Afghanistan and the war on terrorism is spreading to nearly every corner of the globe. Since 2000 alone, America has been mired in conflict in Sierra Leone, Yemen, East Timor, Afghanistan, Philippines, Cote d'Ivoire, Iraq, Liberia, Georgia, Haïti, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Somalia.
"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom." - Matthew 24:7
Other conflicts are raging in Darfur, Saudi Arabia, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thailand, Chad, Gaza Strip and the West Bank in Israel, Niger and Mali, Kenya, and Sri Lanka.
"There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." - Matthew 24:7
Every year, earthquakes cause thousands of deaths, either directly or due to the resulting tsunamis, landslides, fires, and famines.
3,000 people died in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Around 110,000 were killed in the 1948 earthquake in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
More than 5,700 deaths were reported following the strongest earthquake ever recorded in 1960 in Southern Chile.
While only 15 people died in the 1964 Prince William Sound in Alaska quake itself, 110 more people were killed in the resulting tsunami.
66,000 were killed off the western coast of South America in the 1970 Peru earthquake.
Between 250,000 and 655,000 died in the 1976 China earthquake that struck Tangshan, then a city of one million people.
63 people were killed in the 1989 Loma Prieta quake -- which struck the San Francisco area.
60 people were killed in the 1994 Northridge quake in Southern California.
More than 5,000 were killed the 1995 Kobe, Japan earthquake.
230,000 (and perhaps as many as 290,000) people in 12 countries -- including about 168,000 in Indonesia alone were killed in the 2004 earthquake just off the west coast of the island of Sumatra, and the tsunami that followed.
More than 80,000 people were killed in the 2005 Pakistan earthquake.
More than 69,000 people died in the 2008 Sichuan China earthquake.
We're hearing of an increasing scarcity of food on a worldwide scale, due to increased consumption in growing countries such as China and India and rising fuel costs. These shortages have caused riots in some places and some predict the future outbreak of wars fought over increasing food scarcities.
Change
The twentieth century was an unprecedented period of change and the twenty-first century is proving to be even more dramatic. At no time in history have more changes occurred in science and in the political structure of the world.
More changes occur in science in a single year than formerly occurred in a century.
The world's brightest beacon of liberty has been corrupted by immoral bankers and is now quickly becoming one of the greatest forces of evil in the world.
With Israel restored as a nation in 1948, the panorama of end-time prophecy came into a focus in which Israel will be a prominent player.
The introduction of the concept of a world government, made real by the United Nations paints a scenario that is in harmony with prophecy concerning a future world government.
The wholesale collapse of ethical and moral values throughout society and government. Children are killing their classmates, employees are killing fellow employees, and government leaders are promising change.
Is civilization coming to an end?
"Armageddon is now near not because of this event or that event which may, in isolation, look like a prophetic fulfillment. Rather, it is because of the very nature of what causes Armageddon, coupled with the fact that our world today is rapidly assuming, on a global scale, the characteristics of that which underlies Armageddon." [William R. Goetz, Armageddon Next]
Malcolm Muggeridge suggested, "The basic condition for a civilization is that there should be law and order. Obviously this is coming to an end. The world is falling into chaos, even perhaps especially our western world... There are many other symptoms. The excessive interest in eroticism is characteristic of the end of a civilization because it really means a growing impotence, and fear of impotence. Then the excessive need for excitement, vicarious excitement, which of course the games provided for the Romans and which television provides for our population. Even the enormously complicated structure of taxation and administration is a symptom of the end of the civilization. Above all, there is this truly terrible thing which afflicts materialist societies - boredom, an excessive boredom which I note on every hand."
Today many secular as well as religious authorities recognize ..."These are extraordinary times."An Associated Press writer asks, "Is everything spinning out of control?" A Wall Street Journal headline read, "Millennium Fever: Prophets Proliferate, The End is Near." A New York Times book review began, "Some 50 million Americans share a belief that these are the last days." Even the Chicago Tribune ran a front-page story about the end times in a recent Sunday edition.
Dr. Linus Pauling, winner of Nobel Prizes in 1954 and 1963, has said he believes the greatest catastrophe in the world is approaching. This looming catastrophe might well result in a world war which could destroy civilization and spell the end of the human race. Or, it might take the form of mass starvation among a world population that has been doubling every 35 years. Civilization might end because of the collapse of the systems on which it depends; or the end of civilization might result from weather changes induced by governments to improve the yield of crops.
Even the most seasoned newsmen who have "seen it all" are in awe of the world developments in recent years. All of them realize that something unique in the history of the world is happening today. And what's most stunning about it all is the breath-taking rapidity of these recent developments.
Consider the following:
The crumbling of the Eastern Bloc of Europe and the Communist Empire.
The opening of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of a divided Germany.
Events transpiring in the Middle East.
Growing Islamic - Zionist jihad
The failing ecosystem of Planet Earth.
Changing weather patterns worldwide.
The breathtaking pace of technological advancements.
The collapse of ethical and moral values.
The weakening influence of our churches and their leaders.
The world has entered a time of dramatic and ominous change. At the present moment of history, the planet Earth is in grave crises. This celestial ball is on a collision course with its Creator. We have reached the day which the prophet had in mind when he wrote,
"Woe unto them who call evil, good, and good, evil" [Isaiah 5:20]
Man has pushed the self-destruct button. Foundations of godliness have crumbled; things sacred have come unzipped. We are trying to build a peaceful world, but there is no peace within people's hearts. We must have an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Somehow God must reveal himself to this lost generation. Everything else has failed. Education has failed our youth. For the most part, parents have failed them. Government has failed to reach them. Dead religion has turned them off. Billy Graham quoted John Walvoord in his book, "Storm Warning":
"The present world crisis is not a result of any one factor, but a concurrence of causes and effects which combine to set the world stage for a conflict which may quickly bring an end to hundreds of years of progress in western civilization and establish new centers of international power. Whatever the future holds, it is going to be dramatically different than the past. In this dark picture only the Scriptures chart a sure course and give us an intelligent explanation of worldwide confusion as it exists today."
Where does it all lead?
Even though we see it all so clearly, it's still difficult to comprehend. What does it all mean? Where is it all leading? Why is there so little peace in the world when we have such unprecedented knowledge and unlimited potential?The book of Revelation describes the end times. It speaks of a one-world government, a godless dictator, total regulation of all business, plagues, crime and rebellion, and devastating disasters. To many, it seems like a far-off time. But there are "signs of the times" in today's headlines - signs Jesus said would herald His return.
Some people argue that the characteristic of 'end time' people have been our character throughout the ages and that people haven't really changed. In its simplest form, that is true. It's not that we don't do the same things, what's relevant is that we do it with increasing intensity and we are teaching new ways of doing it. Certainly, these things have been happening since the beginning of time. However, the intensity of these things today is such that we dare not blind our eyes to their meaning.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, "When evening comes, you say, `It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, `Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away. [Matthew 16:1-4]
Jesus said, "You can read the signs of the weather in the sky, but because of spiritual blindness you cannot read the signs of the times." Our Lord was saying the Jews of that day were blind to the signs of their time. He indicated that only those who have spiritual illumination and discernment from the Holy Spirit can hope to understand the trends and meanings of history. This explains why so many people haven't got a clue about what's going on and why most of our political leaders are taking us down the path to destruction.
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." [1Tim. 4:1]
We are now living in the "last days!"
The only way to understand the big picture is to look at the Bible and the various categories of signs that the Bible predicted would come together just before the return of Christ. The key to understanding current events is in some familiar old scriptural passages. Jesus Himself gave us the best insight shortly before his execution on the cross.
"Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. [Matthew 24:4-14]
General 'signs' Jesus said would be visible prior to His return.
Deliberate deception by men of God's Word
Rise of false Christs
Increase in wars and rumors of wars
Famines, Pestilence & Earthquakes
Discrimination and hatred against Christians
Backsliding, turning from the faith, betrayal
Hatred of Christian against Christian
False Prophets and "New Age" leaders
Lawlessness abounding
Love and concern for others grows cold
Gospel preached worldwide
Our Lord told us not to be troubled, because these are only the beginning of "birth pains" [Matt. 24:8]. I believe that God is warning the world. The world has broken His covenant and has gone away from Him and these events are warnings designed to turn us to Him. And what we have seen thus far is just a prelude. The warnings are going to continue during the next few years, even building in intensity. After these warnings, the real judgment is going to come.
"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather. - Matthew 24:15-28
My Words Alone Will Save
Rich Elliott
Dec 8, 2008
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. Acts 11:14
My holy people; things are changing quickly. Soon I will be sending many with My Words to speak. These words will do more than comfort and encourage. These words will contain power. Whole households shall hear My Words and will be saved.
There are many that have prodigals that have broken their hearts. Mothers and fathers that have all but given up hope to see their son or daughter find their way back home. I tell you the truth; you are now in a season when I will send My Words to these prodigals. They will return to Me and in turn they will return to you. Do not give up. It is never too late.
There are many that think they have nothing to share, no powerful words, no convincing words to make a difference. I tell you the truth; it is time for you to realize that when you have little to offer, I have much more to give. There are many that feel they cannot share anything of worth, anything that will make a difference. These alone are truly qualified to share My Words. For only My Words can save. Only My Words can cause the prodigals to return home. Only My Words will cause the blind to see and the deaf to hear. Do not give up. Your little is more than enough.
You have sought My face. You have found Me. You have called upon My Name. I have heard. Be ready to share what is upon My Heart, for as you speak My Words, you will see a mighty harvest occur. Now is not a time to lose hope, but now is a time to enter into the harvest with joy and celebration. My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Dec 8, 2008
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. Acts 11:14
My holy people; things are changing quickly. Soon I will be sending many with My Words to speak. These words will do more than comfort and encourage. These words will contain power. Whole households shall hear My Words and will be saved.
There are many that have prodigals that have broken their hearts. Mothers and fathers that have all but given up hope to see their son or daughter find their way back home. I tell you the truth; you are now in a season when I will send My Words to these prodigals. They will return to Me and in turn they will return to you. Do not give up. It is never too late.
There are many that think they have nothing to share, no powerful words, no convincing words to make a difference. I tell you the truth; it is time for you to realize that when you have little to offer, I have much more to give. There are many that feel they cannot share anything of worth, anything that will make a difference. These alone are truly qualified to share My Words. For only My Words can save. Only My Words can cause the prodigals to return home. Only My Words will cause the blind to see and the deaf to hear. Do not give up. Your little is more than enough.
You have sought My face. You have found Me. You have called upon My Name. I have heard. Be ready to share what is upon My Heart, for as you speak My Words, you will see a mighty harvest occur. Now is not a time to lose hope, but now is a time to enter into the harvest with joy and celebration. My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Your Personal Commission
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
This is the commission that still holds for today. This is not given only to the church as a body; it is not a corporate commission. This is a very personal command to each believer personally, privately. This was given to [the apostles] even before the Holy Spirit had come and formed the church [on the Day of Pentecost].
It is a direct command for you and for me today. It is our business to get the Word of God out to the world. We can't say that it is up to the church to send missionaries and to give out the gospel, and then sit back and let others do it. The all-important question is whether you are getting out the Word of God. Have you gone to the ends of the earth as a witness to the gospel?
Or do you support a ministry or a web site that does? Are you personally involved?
Today there are a great many people who want to talk about the "Signs of The Times" and "Season of His Coming", but they don't want to get involved in getting out the Word of God. But that is His commission - not only to the Apostles - that is His commission to you and me. I am of the opinion that if the Lord should suddenly appear to you or to me right where we are at this moment, He would not only talk about the "Signs of The Times" and the "Time of His Coming", but He would talk about getting out the gospel. He wants people to be saved. This is our commission, our calling.
In order to get this gospel out, we need power. That was His promise: "Ye shall receive power." And we need the leading of the Lord. Although it is our business today to get out the Word of God, there is no power in us, there is no power in the church, but there is power in the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who moves through an individual or through a ministry or through an Internet site. The question is whether we permit Him to do so. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."
Jesus said: "I must be about My Father's Business" and this applies to both you and me. We must be about God's Business.
"Ye shall be witnesses unto me." Our witness is to Christ. He is the center of attraction. "In Jerusalem," which applied to us means our hometown, there should be a witness to Christ. "All Judaea" is equivalent to our community; "Samaria" represents the other side of the tracks, the folks we don't associate with. Although we may not meet with these people socially, we are to take the gospel to them. Of course we can't associate with everybody. We can select our friends as everyone else does. That is part of the freedom which we have.
There are people who wouldn't want to associate with us. There are lots of people who wouldn't want us around; we would crimp their style. But we have both the privilege and the responsibility to get the Word of God out to all people, whether or not we know them or associate with them socially.
Finally, this witness to Christ is to go to the utter-most parts of the earth. We never should lose sight of the fact that this is the Lord's intention. He has told us if we love Him to keep His commandments. His command is personal. We can't pass this off on the crowd and say,
"Someone else is doing it; so I don't need to get involved."
How much are you involved, friend? What is your witness to Christ?
This is the commission that still holds for today. This is not given only to the church as a body; it is not a corporate commission. This is a very personal command to each believer personally, privately. This was given to [the apostles] even before the Holy Spirit had come and formed the church [on the Day of Pentecost].
It is a direct command for you and for me today. It is our business to get the Word of God out to the world. We can't say that it is up to the church to send missionaries and to give out the gospel, and then sit back and let others do it. The all-important question is whether you are getting out the Word of God. Have you gone to the ends of the earth as a witness to the gospel?
Or do you support a ministry or a web site that does? Are you personally involved?
Today there are a great many people who want to talk about the "Signs of The Times" and "Season of His Coming", but they don't want to get involved in getting out the Word of God. But that is His commission - not only to the Apostles - that is His commission to you and me. I am of the opinion that if the Lord should suddenly appear to you or to me right where we are at this moment, He would not only talk about the "Signs of The Times" and the "Time of His Coming", but He would talk about getting out the gospel. He wants people to be saved. This is our commission, our calling.
In order to get this gospel out, we need power. That was His promise: "Ye shall receive power." And we need the leading of the Lord. Although it is our business today to get out the Word of God, there is no power in us, there is no power in the church, but there is power in the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who moves through an individual or through a ministry or through an Internet site. The question is whether we permit Him to do so. "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you."
Jesus said: "I must be about My Father's Business" and this applies to both you and me. We must be about God's Business.
"Ye shall be witnesses unto me." Our witness is to Christ. He is the center of attraction. "In Jerusalem," which applied to us means our hometown, there should be a witness to Christ. "All Judaea" is equivalent to our community; "Samaria" represents the other side of the tracks, the folks we don't associate with. Although we may not meet with these people socially, we are to take the gospel to them. Of course we can't associate with everybody. We can select our friends as everyone else does. That is part of the freedom which we have.
There are people who wouldn't want to associate with us. There are lots of people who wouldn't want us around; we would crimp their style. But we have both the privilege and the responsibility to get the Word of God out to all people, whether or not we know them or associate with them socially.
Finally, this witness to Christ is to go to the utter-most parts of the earth. We never should lose sight of the fact that this is the Lord's intention. He has told us if we love Him to keep His commandments. His command is personal. We can't pass this off on the crowd and say,
"Someone else is doing it; so I don't need to get involved."
How much are you involved, friend? What is your witness to Christ?
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