Sowing Lawlessness, Reaping Tyranny

 Reading in the book of 1st Kings in the Bible today seemed sadly similar to our nation.  This period of Israel's history was marked by tension, illegitimate transfers of power, and national trouble.  It made me realize that Israel went from prosperity and influence to sorrow and confusion. It was the result of years of idolatry on the part of their kings, beginning with Solomon, and then with Jeroboam who made golden calves and required the people to worship at a place other than where God had designated. 

 The result was that God's patience ended, and trouble resulted.  It made me think of the chaos and subversion our nation is going through now at the hands of wicked persons in positions of power, and the weaklings who refuse to confront it. Just as Israel ended up in confusion and national turmoil, the USA is following the same sad example. We have been years in rejecting the Bible, acting as if God does not see our sins and that we will never be called to account for the wrongs done in this nation.  We've tolerated perversions of many types and rather than deal with evil doers at so many levels in society, we have strengthened their hands.  But I think we're finding out what Israel found out back then. 

Scripture teaches us that sin is lawlessness, and the attempt to steal a legitimate election is the result of years of lawlessness. It is the fruit of years of immorality, murders, thefts, racism, oppression, acting as if God doesn't matter and He sees none of our actions. The political abuse we're going through is the consequence of decades of disregarding the God of our fathers revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message.  Israel turned from their God to worship idols, we have turned from God and although some false gods are worshiped, we have rejected any type of god, and have become practical atheists. We live as though there is no God, to our own destruction and at least, the loss of our national identity. Yes we acknowledge some notion of god, a higher power, or a personal idea of god, and even the God of the Bible. But even our acknowledging Him is superficial and void of any real life relevance. We're practical atheists.  

The only way out of this wicked situation is for people, especially the Church of Jesus Christ, to recognize and confess our sins.  We must turn from our own wrongs, and perhaps God will give us a voice to speak truth into our dysfunction.  If we don't I'm afraid the USA as we know it, is over. What the democrats have done in this election has rendered our vote, one of the foundational pillars of our liberty, as irrelevant. We will go to the polls, but they or any other corrupt party, control the outcome and will alter it as they have done to this one. It's shameful and treason.

Jesus said that it is the truth that sets us free, how can we maintain liberty when we have turned from the Source of liberty? We can't.

Pray For Our Real Leaders

 The Scripture reminds us to be in subjection to those in authority overs us, because the authority they wield is received from God Himself. We are warned that to resist authority is to oppose the ordinance and order of God, and condemnation will be the result of our rebellion. 

Part of that subjection I think, is to pray for those in leadership positions. This is something that I personally do and have done, even when I don't agree with their policies. Men and women in leadership roles are entrusted with huge responsibility from God regardless if they realize that fact or not, so I pray for them.  They need Godly wisdom to govern according to the immutable principles God has established, and by which He governs the world and universe.  Important as that is, I think there is an even more important group of leaders and governors that we as believers in Christ should pray for given the state of the USA at this point in our history.  They would be the denominational leaders of those movements that still hold to the one true Gospel.

They serve the risen Christ as under His authority, yet over us in authority. They need to hear from God as to how to lead, what to emphasize, how to respond in the present turmoil and in the years ahead. They are leaders in the most significant body of people in the world, the church of Jesus Christ. We are the people He has redeemed, and empowered to be an influence for good and for justice and the kingdom of God in the present. We are those commissioned to make the Gospel of Jesus Christ known to all people everywhere. History can not hide the tremendous influence Christ Jesus and His church have had on this world.  The Gospel has catapulted the civilizing of humanity like no other teaching or philosophical system. 

  Currently politicians are fighting to retain power, some to gain power. Some perhaps from good motives others perhaps with wicked motives.  Either way, it seems like not one of them is even considering the risen Christ who has all authority in His right hand. Our denominational leaders are at the helm of the greatest force for good that ever existed, and they need our prayers in these days for it is within the Christian church that real power lies. We have the word of God, truth codified and made knowable. We have the Holy Spirit of God Himself, within us and among as as we gather to worship and pray. We have the privilege {and duty} of prayer, that mysterious action that moves God to act according to His eternal and perfect purpose. I'm wondering and asking God for wisdom as to how to minister in these days. We have to think about what ministry will look like in the coming months and years. 

We can no longer be content with our religiously correct trends, books, pop music, "how to" sermons and all the rest of a brand of Christianity that seems more designed to sell than to save. Yes, we must pray for our leaders of whatever denomination we are part of. For in so doing, we participate in a great struggle after which Christ Jesus will make all things right, and bring many people to glory, in His Presence forever.  But today, we need wisdom and the power of the Holy Spirit to discern the path God would have us take. May He give our denominational leaders, His servants, the grace to lead. May it be the result of the faithful prayers of a faithful church.

Against Such There Is No Law

 In the book of Acts we read of the persecution of the new church led by Saul of Tarsus. He was a devout Jewish scholar who viewed the new "sect" of those who followed Jesus Christ as Lord as a threat to the Jewish nation. He was very adamant that they were a heretical group with an absurd claim that Jesus, who was crucified in shame, was actually their long awaited Messiah whose death was for the forgiveness of sin. Not only that, but they also claimed with great confidence that He was risen from the dead and is now in heaven at the right hand of God, because He was and is God. 

So Saul began a great persecution that became so intense that believers in Jesus had to flee Jerusalem and were scattered all over the region. Saul had legal authority to follow them, root them out and imprison them to the fullest extent of the law. No Christian, man or woman was safe from his hatred and legal authority. It was a very intense time. One person who fled in the midst of this was Philip, who went to Samaria, a nearby city. Maybe he went there because the Jewish people and the Samaritans had a long standing animosity toward each other and Philip thought he would be safe from Saul's hatred there. In any case as he preached the Gospel amazing things began to happen in that town. 

People were coming in huge crowds to hear the Gospel, in one accord. There were miracles happening, healings took place, paralyzed people were able to move and walk, those with demonic spirits were set free from them and people were turning to faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. The text reads that because of the Gospel and the work of God, "There was much rejoicing in that city." This is amazing in itself, but all the more so when we remember that these things were taking place in the midst of persecution and legal action against the church of Jesus Christ. The hatred of Saul, and the vehicle for his hatred, the legal authorities, had no effect on the work of God. None whatever.

This is a serious reminder for our time. We live in days in the USA when persecution seems to be at the door. Strong anti- christian forces have gained footholds in our government, courts, school systems and certainly the media and entertainment businesses. We as believers in Christ have a right to be concerned. But we also have the knowledge that no legal action no matter how severe, can or will ever stop the work of God through the Gospel of Christ. Civilizations rise and fall, yet God remains. The Gospel has endured opposition and hatred from the first days of it's proclamation. Every generation and culture has had it's Saul of Tarsus to spearhead hatred and the attempt to stop it. They always fail.

Today, remember that the gates of hell itself will not stop the church of Jesus Christ. He will be victorious in His eternal purpose as it plays out in history. No legal action, hatred from atheist or religious zealots or persecution can stop the work of Christ. As we devote ourselves to Christ and the proclamation of His word, He will still work and save and lead even in the face of legal action and animosity. There can be, "much rejoicing," for the kingdom of God will always prevail. Against such things, there is no law.

Pledge Allegiance

 Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book, The Cost Of Discipleship, points out that in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus calls His disciples, the twelve, out from the great crowd that was gathered to hear Him. He then began to speak to the them first, those Beatitudes that are so lofty and profound. He writes that it was because of the call of Jesus on the life of the twelve that they were able to leave all things behind and follow Jesus exclusively. They would be the first embodiment of the attitudes and Godly characteristics of the Sermon on the Mount. This triggered some thoughts in my mind that have been challenging to be sure, yet also liberating.  

When a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, he becomes one who has an entirely new devotion and allegiance. No longer are we devoted to the world, society, ourselves or to anyone else primarily. Our allegiance is to Jesus Christ above all else. Our families are still important to us for sure. Our nation is as well, and we can and should still have a healthy view of ourselves as people, but as children of God through faith in Jesus and forgiveness of sin.  But these loves and allegiances are subordinate to our devotion to Christ. He is all things to us and for us, nothing and no one will usurp His place as Lord in our lives. This sounds acceptable to us, but in practice is a very radical and demanding call from the Savior and Lord. 

Just as Jesus called the twelve out of the crowd to Himself, He calls us out from the rest of humanity to Himself alone.  Yet it is just this call that frees us to love the important things in life in the right way. We are separate from our nation because of our allegiance to Christ. But we love it for Christ's sake. We are separate even from our family, yet we love them for the sake of Jesus.  We deny ourselves daily, but in doing so we find true and proper fulfillment. 

Never in the history of America, except perhaps in it's very founding, has our nation needed the church to be devoted to our Lord.  This time is the time for us to realize that the Kingdom of God of which Jesus is Lord will endure and be triumphant regardless of America's rising or falling. Our allegiance is to Christ. Our ultimate victory is not here but there. This is true liberty.

Now we are free indeed. That is why the insults and persecutions of the world have no hindrance to our mission. The lack of worldly goods only increases our longing for the Kingdom. When the world ostracizes us because of Christ it only confirms for us where our true allegiance rests, secure and unassailable. Not only are we free, but Jesus said to the twelve that they were blessed to be such a people. Strange "blessings" indeed, but it is the call of Jesus that we should be this way for the sake of a broken and confused world and nation.  The subversion against our nation at this time only underscores the broken souls of people and the weakness of human systems to which they give birth. To trust in these systems is to sorely misplace that trust.

The calling of Jesus Christ brings us out from it all, good and bad, yet sends us back into it with the light of Christ and the sure hope of salvation and the ultimate vindication of righteousness.  May our allegiance to Him be true in our lives so that our lives might be effective in the lives of others, for Jesus's sake.

The Certainty Of Our Faith

 It is always the blessing of the believer in Jesus Christ to know that we are saved from our sins, and from eternal separation from God in hell because of faith in Christ. Our faith in Him gives us a deep sense of security, knowing that the greatest issue of life has been settled. In times like these however, our faith becomes all the more precious to us. We are surrounded by so much uncertainty and are hearing so many different voices and opinions, that it can be overwhelming. Who do we believe? Where do we turn? Who or what can we trust? 

Our faith in Christ is the way to certainty and stability even in these days.  Jesus is the divine Son of God, and is now seated at His right hand. That means He is at the place of honor, authority and power to act. Nothing is beyond His knowledge and control. None of the confusion and  tensions we see today take Him by surprise or escape His notice and control. God has given all things into His hand, and has made Him Lord of all creation. So for us to place our faith and trust in Him in these days is to have a faith that is as strong and secure as He is. 

Many people have faith, and trust. We have always believed in something, be it a person, a religion, an organization, ourselves, or government, our trust has been placed somewhere. But our trust and faith is only as strong and reliable as any of those things.  But if our faith is in Christ, and we trust His word for all He teaches about eternal life, and life today, all the strength that He is comes to bear in our lives and situations. That is a strong foundation upon which to live our lives. 

When God called Abraham to leave his land and go to a place that God would show him, he was able to do it. He left behind all that was familiar and safe. His family, lifestyle, occupation, traditions were let go for an uncertain future and destination. The future was completely uncertain for Abraham. How could he do it? It had to be a hard choice for him as it would be for anyone when God calls us into the unknown. The only thing certain about Abraham's life was God. He knew that God was totally in control of everything, and would only do him good. Therefore, Abraham could trust Him, and if he trusted God, he could follow God into the uncertainty.

No wonder the verse in Hebrews 11:6 reads," And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." To not trust God by faith, is to insult His holy character by thinking that He isn't trustworthy. It is to think or act as if we are wiser than He or stronger than He. That's not good. 

So in these uncertain times, how much more is our faith in Christ a precious value. He is the one constant, strong, unchanging Lord of all creation. Trust Him today, more than ever and you will experience the peace that passes all understanding. You will be secure in the midst of insecurity, certain amidst uncertainty. You will have confidence when powerful forces are trying to undermine the very foundation of American society. 

Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever. That is certain.

One Foundation

 It is easy to get the feeling that the very foundations of our nation are about to break up and crumble. When we see corruption and illegal activity in government go unpunished, law enforcement being commanded to not enforce the law, cities burning and lawlessness running rampant, we see symptoms of a culture in the stages of disintegration. Americans with any sense of morality and patriotism mourn over the condition and climate that has come upon a great nation at this time.  It is even sadder when we realize that we have done this to ourselves. 

Years of neglecting the creeping philosophies that are at odds with the christian faith, which is the foundation of our culture and liberties, have backed us into a corner from where we face an unrelenting enemy whose stated purpose is to "tear down" our entire national system.  Their violent actions in the street, the subversive maneuvering in the political arena and the propaganda poured out daily by a leftist media all work together to dismantle the fabric of our way of life. Universities have for years painted a totally false portrait of America's beginning, character and role in the world, indoctrinating thousands of young people entering positions of leadership.  Just as pre- Nazi Germany didn't take the National Socialists seriously, we didn't take the creeping liberalism/socialism seriously for the threat that it actually is. Now tyranny looms before us, and Senators seem to be oblivious to the real threat it poses, behaving as if this is just "tough politics as usual." 

Yet, in spite of the danger at our door there is one weapon that our nation is forgetting about, and that is the church of Jesus Christ. We as followers of Christ understand something that wicked politicians of every time fail to understand, and that is Jesus Christ is Lord. The Apostle Paul writes, " For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." These are tremendous words expressing a tremendous reality, that all aspects of our nation in this troubled time are under the Lordship and sovereign control of Christ. The very pillars of reality, government, national character, personal worth, are all grounded and dependent upon Jesus the risen and exalted Lord of all creation. It is from this immovable foundation that our world and life proceeds.  To the extent that we build, live, govern, in accordance with that foundation we find dignity and quality of life. To the extent we neglect or reject it, we find turmoil, unrest, shame, and disorder, and ultimately destruction. 

The democratic convention took place a few days ago as I write, and it was widely publicized that they removed the words,"under God," from the Pledge of Allegiance as they recited it. It's troubling that they would stoop to that, yet it is consistent with and proves what they've become, a grotesque anti-christian beast rising out of a sea of chaos.  "He Who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them." As if removing those two words change anything. His Lordship is not dependent on anyone's acknowledgment, He is Lord whether we acknowledge Him our not. They only display pride and sinful rebellion against an immovable foundation that has been laid-Jesus Christ the King of kings. The church  understand that Christ is still Lord over this nation and all nations.

So, followers of Jesus look to the rock upon which our lives and our national life has been built. Look to the One Whose word and purpose will ultimately be victorious over all the arrogant who would dare dream of overthrowing Him. We have access to God through faith in Christ. Our prayers are heard by Him and are effective to bring about real change and healing as He graciously moves to bring His will to pass.  From that position of strength, speak His word of truth into the chaotic culture of our day. Let the Holy Spirit of truth so fill us that we live and speak in such a way that we counter the many false narratives pumped into our minds daily. 

The church of Jesus Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit is our nations greatest resource, if we would only mobilize ourselves accordingly. In any case, the foundation of God stands sure. He is Lord, and He will prevail. May God give us the courage to be who we ought to be, who we can be, and who He will make us to be for this time.

 

Provoked By The Spirit Of Truth

 Have you ever experienced as a child, the provoking of another child, at school or from around your neighborhood? They would keep picking on you in some way, maybe hitting you or calling names, or in other ways were just being a nuisance until finally you had enough and lashed out at them just to put a stop to their picking. You were provoked into action in order to defend yourself and put a stop to their wrong. I think we are at such a time as a church and as a nation.

There has been so much wrong doing and so many assaults against what is right, Godly and just in our nation for the past sixty or so years, that it is coming to a head. We see it in the streets where Antifa gangs and rioters assemble only to burn, attack innocent people, and destroy property. The Mayors of those cities where the anarchy takes place stand back and let it go on. Rather than pursue the wrong doers with the proper law enforcement, they weaken the very police and enforcers of law, not allowing them to do what needs to be done to restore order and protect people and property. Whatever voices are raised in objection to this lawlessness and subversion are quickly drowned out or ignored by a left wing dominated media that falsely portrays the rioters as "protesters." Politicians in D C talk a good game on television, and social media, but as far as I can tell take no action to protect their constituents and law abiding citizens.

My question today is, What is it going to take to provoke the church of Jesus Christ to raise our voice and speak truth into this ungodly culture and context? I read in Acts 17:16 that the Apostle Paul while in Athens saw the idols, religions and philosophies that were common in that day and that "his spirit was being provoked within him..." His response was to speak truth into the cultural context of the city. He addressed the narrative of his day directly with truth and wisdom from God.  I wonder if we as the body of Christ feel that same sense of being provoked.  Does the lawlessness and the false narrative concerning it create any sense of indignation within our numbers? 

We cannot turn a blind eye to the threat that is upon our nation in the form of rising socialism. The violence in our streets go hand in hand with its rise. It's one of the fascist tactics of left wing politicians, along with misinformation and lies of their media accomplices. This was how socialists ascended to power in days past. They wrenched power from the citizens of Germany, Italy and Russia in the same manner we're seeing leftists doing it today in our nation.  We have to sound forth the truth of the Gospel and the ramifications of that world view. The Gospel is not just about eternal life in heaven, but about being salt and light in the here and now. We are called to declare the Lordship of Christ over every authority, every form of Government, King or any other ruler.  If He is Lord, then His followers are under a mandate to speak the ramifications of what that Lordship means for all the world. Yet we seem to be silent, or at least weak in our public presence and witness. Where is the provocation of our own spirits? Is the indignation deep enough to cause us to speak out and address directly the anti Christian spirit, that is the root of socialism and other ideologies? Are we so limited to our own narrative of how the church should behave? Offering a sappy version of love and cowering attempts to "build relationships" with those who assault our Lord and our freedoms every day will not cut it.

We must regain our prophetic voice, and be bold to speak truth with genuine love into the false narrative that grips us. The only way to kindle this fire is by prayer. Pray for our nation, pray against the enemies of our nation. Pray for the Gospel to prevail along with all the ramifications that accompany it. The writer of Hebrews calls us to provoke one another to love and good deeds. Confronting falsehood, and the rising anti christian spirit is genuine love in action. Souls are in the balance.  May the fire of the Holy Spirit provoke us to wake up to the wolf at the door, and move us to take the actions still available to us in or great nation to confront and drive it away. 

A Time to Speak

In light of all the trouble and distress the USA is experiencing, perhaps it is good to at least consider the source of these ills.  We all know that sin is the root of the turmoil and hurt that has the entire creation in its grip. We also know that the Apostle John wrote of the "spirit of anti-christ" that was already in the world when he wrote his epistles so long ago. This spirit is as the name declares, against Christ. It is a spiritual entity, or at least a dynamic that fuels people, cultures and entire nations against Christ and Christianity. It's influences are many, but the general result of its activity is to steer as many as possible away from the reality of Gods activity through Jesus Christ, and replace it with its own ungodly and destructive agenda.

I contend that this spirit of anti christ is being expressed in an ever increasing way, with ever increasing intensity and influence. It comes through the media, the entertainment industry, universities, and government. Christians have complained about this for years, but now that it is on the threshold of transforming us into a socialist type of nation, we are strangely silent. The rise of socialism in our nation is a disturbing indication of the wicked work of this spirit of anti christ.

Socialism is secular, anti religion, especially Christianity, it breeds oppression, sin, bondage, robs people of productive ways to make a living and cares very little about morality. To the socialist, anything that furthers their agenda is moral, anything that hinders it, is immoral. Socialists will use anything and anybody to further their cause. They care not about homosexuality being destructive to its practitioners, as long as it can be used to promise homosexuals the liberty to be considered normal and equal with the rest of society, who now are their oppressors. It's the same thing with the Black Lives Matter movement. Socialists care nothing about race or racial injustice.  In fact it is they who have been historically most rabid in racist oppression and atrocities. Hitler, Communists, and the Democratic party in this nation have a bloody history of institutional, racist policies that have brought death, destroyed families and inflicted generational poverty.  Black citizens in our nation who buy in to BLM are useful dupes utilized by Marxists and socialists to ascend to power. If Marxists ascend to power and control over this nation, blacks will be victimized along with all who oppose their agenda.

Yet, the church seems to be silent on the threat that socialism brings to our nation. I think we have to realize, we are not dealing with a political movement, but a spiritual force, an anti christian power that influences the entire nation away from the reality of Christ.This power is being expressed through our political system, and a backward, apostate church. Many churches who name the name of Christ, have become nothing more than vehicles to further an agenda that reinforces leftist/socialist narratives.

Now is the time for pastors, evangelists, preachers and all people of Christ, to speak truth into this wicked and dire situation. We are here, now, to be such a voice. We are to make disciples of all nations, by first speaking the Gospel message of salvation and forgiveness of sin, then of continuing in the way of faith to be salt and light into this darkened and hurting world. Part of that message is confronting and exposing the spirit of anti christ, wherever we see it.

The time will come and is soon, when Jesus Christ will return and deal with all wickedness and right every wrong, and the hope of the Christian is in that promise. Yet for the present, we can not cop out by saying that our first priority is to the Kingdom of God, then turn a blind eye to the socialist expression of anti christ. If we don't counter falsehood with truth who will? This batch of gutless Republicans? Give me a break. It is the church of Jesus Christ that must refute the present narrative, and proclaim boldly the truth of the Gospel, and all the ramifications for society that it contains.

May God raise us up in power, as Isaiah answered the Lord, "Here am I, send me."

Orchestrated Chaos

I'm sure that most thinking people are troubled over the violence and disorder that plagues our nation in this season.  Our Government leaders are leaders in name only, as they do very little to stop the angry mob of anarchists.  Perhaps there's more going on behind the scenes than is apparent, for we know the media is dishonest and would not report it if there was.

Conditions me of Paul's letter to the Roman Christians when he wrote in the first chapter," For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." I believe the turmoil we're experiencing is the result of just such a condition.  Our nation was founded on the biblical principles of the Christian faith. We knew and generally acknowledged Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Our culture reflected that belief and in spite of our mistakes and errors that, like any nation, are many, Christianity was the basis for law and order. It gave the culture a cohesiveness and a consistent view of ourselves, the world and reality. We as a nation have been gradually turning away from that view, and the more we turn from it, the more lawlessness, wrong doing, sin and perversions increase.  The condition of a culture in chaos that Paul describes in the rest of chapter one, is sadly reminiscent of ours today.

I'm just one person with one opinion, but I don't think we as a nation or as the church of Jesus Christ have a true grasp of the danger we are in. There is more to this than "tough politics," or political differences that are better left unspoken at dinner. The Covid pandemic in spite of it's 99% recovery rate, and with the great progress our nation has made in identifying and fighting it, is being used to sustain fear, create instability and exert manipulation. The overwhelming of our hospitals and health care system didn't happen. The death rate is high, but not as high as other illnesses that we live with each season. The numbers we're given in many cases have been exposed as being falsified and inflated. 

Black Lives Matter, that supposedly exists for the worthy goal of justice for blacks and others, has been hijacked by avowed Marxists who declare their affiliation to that doctrine openly. They've threatened to,"burn down," the system and our American way of life. Many blacks are, once again, being duped and played by leftists who have instigated and fought for their enslavement throughout our history.

There is an orchestrated chaos that is fueled by the promised spirit of anti-christ, that has been active and identified by the Apostles from the beginning. This activity is expressed into our nation via wicked government people at federal and state and local levels, vomited into our homes via the media and a fake patriotism reminding us that,"We're all in this together." Even denominational leaders seem to buy into the machinery and write articles and give talks that parrot the prevailing narrative, rather than being the prophetic voice that is our real need.

N.T Wright, a theologian and professor, wrote of the need to "lament."   That is, the church should weep and grieve over the sins that have brought on the darkened cultural conditions that prevail currently. We should confess our own sins, intercede for the sins of our nation, and call upon Christ Jesus to bring healing in the form of a true Holy Spirit awakening. I appreciate his perspective and take his admonition seriously. Nations, ours included, have been in similar chaotic conditions before. Destruction seemed imminent. Yet, when the followers of Jesus assembled to pray,{ it didn't take a big crowd often times it was only a handful of awakened souls},  Jesus answered.

The Assemblies of God began with just such a small group of people seeking the Lord. Led by an black pastor, William Seymour, it soon grew into a great Pentecostal movement that is still impacting the world for the cause of Christ.  Sadly, and to our shame, in those early days we succumbed to the racist narrative prevailing in that day and segregated ourselves. I'm glad to write that we have confessed that, and have and continue to take steps to make that wrong right, and to stand for justice for everyone.  All lives matter to Christ.  My hope is that we will seek our Lord Jesus Christ and hear His word of truth. I pray we will be the prophetic voice we were called to be in the days of Pastor Seymour. I pray we will not succumb to the prevailing narrative in our day. 

Just A Thought, Or A Just Thought?

Here is a thought. We know that our nation was founded upon the Christian religion. That is it was the basis for our laws, system of government, it became the foundation for our cultural fabric and way of life. Our traditions, customs even that which we call,"common sense," are derived from Christianity. Things have certainly changed in our nation but there are still vestiges of Christianity's huge impact on our national identity.

We know that Christianity is not a man made religion. It is the gift of God.  Through faith in the Person, message, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, people can have sins forgiven and be brought into new life with a sure assurance of heaven after this life is over. Our nation has been blessed because of our collective American consciousness being informed by that which God has provided for life, peace and stability.  Currently, we are seeing turmoil, anarchy, subversion and instability in our country.  It is the reaping of much lawlessness because of the sowing of much sin against the God Who created us and formed us into the great nation we are. But as believers in Christ we still have hope and still have stability amid the chaos we are seeing. Here is the thought.

All this turmoil, rebellion, rioting in the streets is actually an assault upon God Himself. When Saul was persecuting the church in its earliest days, the Lord Jesus appeared to him and asked, "Saul, why do you persecute Me?" He didn't ask why do you persecute My church, or My people, but why do you persecute Me. Saul's aggression was against the Christians for sure, but it was also against Christ Himself, and He considered it so. Whatever schemes he had, methods he used or desired to use, the violence against the new believers, were all an assault upon Christ, which was an assault upon God.

Today, we are witnessing an assault upon our nation and the fabric of who we are as a nation.This assault upon our character as a nation is an assault upon God. This assault is coming from misguided leaders in Washington DC, it comes from genuine subversives in DC who are deliberately working to "fundamentally change," America, it is from universities propagating false narratives about our nations history, it is the propaganda of the so called,"entertainment industry," it is the criminals and thugs who riot and burn in the streets, and it is the Mayors and Governors of those places who stand back and let it happen. All of it is an assault upon God. Why? Because the assault is upon our American culture, and to assault that is to assault our national fabric.  To assault our national fabric is to assault the Christian faith, because our fabric has been informed by Christianity. To assault Christianity is to assault God Himself, for He gave us and initiated Christianity.  To assault God Himself is to invite disintegration, and chaos. It is to insult the Spirit of grace and to reject reality and Him Who gives stability to individuals and to societies.

Isaiah wrote long ago about the Savior, the Suffering Servant of the Lord, through which Israel and all peoples would eventually experience and see the glory of God. He wrote, "Behold, the Lord God helps Me; Who is he who condemns Me? Behold, they will all wear out like a garment; The moth will eat them.  Who is among you that fears the Lord, That obeys the voice of His servant, That walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God."

Those who assault God will ultimately fail and face His judgement, but those who obediently follow Him will find light, stability and eventually victory shared with Christ Jesus, the Suffering Servant, Who is now the exalted Christ. So, be strong and confident in all this lawlessness we see. It's distressing no doubt, but followers of Christ have a Spirit born faith and confidence. Our Great Shepherd will lead us in His light, and will deal with the assault upon Him in His own due time and way. We, now more than ever, must heed Isaiah's word to, "Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My law." Do not fear. God's salvation and righteousness endures forever. 

Pray That We Will Pray

The wise King Solomon wrote in  the book of Proverbs that,"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;  He turns it wherever He wishes." {Prov. 21:1} This not only reminds us that ultimate authority is in the person of God Himself, but also that He is sovereign over all things, and guides them according to His eternal purpose. 

At this time, America is in the grip of a spiritual dynamic that has resulted in much fear, discouragement, economic loss, and tensions. One of the most disturbing things we're experiencing is the closure of churches across the nation. It is now the end of May 2020, and many churches thankfully are beginning to open again and people are cautiously returning to gather and worship the Lord.  This is after weeks of Christians being told by the state, that to worship the God of our founding fathers, and our God as well, through faith in Jesus Christ, was non essential and prohibited for the public good.  Bizarre to say the least.

But I wonder if the Sovereign hand of the Almighty is upon us to show us just what we are in danger of losing.  For decades now in our nation church attendance has been in decline. People who do attend often have very weak beliefs about essential christian teachings such as salvation, the authority and inerrancy of scripture, Jesus as the only way of salvation, and church attendance being necessary. People reason I don't need to come to church, I can worship God anywhere. That is true, yet it does not over ride the teachings of scripture for the people of God to gather together as one and worship Him through Jesus Christ. 

My point today is, if people confessing Jesus Christ as Lord are lax in church attendance and do not see it as essential, are they not in practice reinforcing the view of much of the states decision makers? If the heart of the king, {government leaders} are in God's hand is God trying to shake us up and use these decrees as a warning? If Christians take our freedom to attend church for granted and ignore the teachings of scripture and do not attend, is God saying to us in effect,"OK, you don't want to come to church, I'll allow wicked policies so that now you CAN'T come to church.  Now the perspective and dynamic changes.

I have always said that there is a spiritual dynamic at work as the response to this virus was initiated, that events are larger than the illness itself.  But perhaps it isn't against the church, as much as it is a result of a lax, spiritually dull church. Either way, the Lord Jesus has all authority in heaven and Earth, and now is our time to pray.  Lawsuits, protests, voting people in or out of office, petitions and the like are legitimate means of making our voice heard, and we're grateful to live in a nation where we can exercise these privileges. Yet, it is essential is that our voice is heard in heaven, and that our prayers rise like incense to Christ Jesus Who turns the hearts of kings, and raises up or casts down the same.

Maybe this season will stir the hearts of people confessing Jesus. Maybe we will be moved to pray and make our voice heard in heaven. But at this point, perhaps our actions have spoken louder than our words.

It's A Bad News Good News Thing

One of the things most believers express a need for is revival. We have read about revival, that almost magical time when God visits His people in extraordinary ways, bringing conviction of sin, widespread repentance, salvation and fills churches to overflowing as He does miracles, and great works demonstrating His presence in undeniable ways.  I say "magical" because that's how it seems to many of us. We read about revival in years past, and the resultant cultural changes that result, and it seems like it will never happen in our time. We think, "it must have been wonderful to experience God in such a way."

As I've watched the news over the past few days, a strange thought hit me. It looks like there is a scandal brewing that implicates the former president, and most of his administration. It was with a troubled heart that I paid attention to the unsavory events described. I wondered how many people were involved in the scheme, and how many will be exposed and rightly prosecuted and sentenced. Predictably, most of those involved are Democrats and leftist subversives, who have a clear focus of "fundamentally changing" America. But just as predictably, Republicans and those on the right are hesitant to act and bring the perpetrators of these activities to investigations, prosecution and to justice.  It makes me wonder how many of them had a hand in this as well. Corruption is deep in DC.

Regardless, truth is being exposed, and with each day more details are revealed about the depth of corruption. What does this have to do with revival? Revival is not magical. Revival comes when there is a conviction of sin. That is, an awareness that I/we are guilty of deep sins and transgression.  Following is a confession of sin, as a preparation for what God is about to do.  These don't cause revival, they are the harbingers of revival. They are the tokens and tricklings of what the Lord is about to do in and for His people. 

The corruption of the last administration that is now being exposed is ugly, and hard to face. But the fact that it is being exposed is the church's opportunity to pray, intercede, confess our national sins, and repent since God will surely convict us also.  I think that God might be "cleaning house," and giving us an opportunity to see the results of leadership without God, government without accountability, and a weak church with no heart for our Savior or His cause. 

Pray for our leaders to be strong, to recognize the time and the significance of the events unfolding, and to act appropriately. It is the first step in revival. It falls upon us as the church to lament  and intercede for our nation so that justice will be served as a strong warning against these type of crimes in the future. But deeper than corruption, is the action of God's Holy Spirit to convict an entire nation and revive our souls, as we are revived in honoring Him as Lord and Savor, the cornerstone of freedom everywhere. May the exposing of wrongs and crimes, be the token of good news to come.

No Place For The Adversary

I had a quick thought this morning as I was reading in Revelation 12, vs 7-8. There it reads that war took place in heaven, with the result that the dragon and his angels were not strong enough. Vs 8 reads, "and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven."

What stood out to me was an encouraging thought, that as the enemy could not remain in heaven because heaven is filled with the Presence and glory of God, so he can  not remain with us, because we are filled with the Presence of God also, by means of he Holy Spirit. We know that the Lord is holy and no sin, wickedness or evil can be in His Presence. So the dragon and his followers were cast down and away from the dwelling of God and all that is holy. No place was found for them in heaven.

I just want to remind all of us today that when the enemy comes around with temptations, discouragements, or any other means of spiritual warfare, he can not abide when we are filled with the Spirit of God.  Just as he was cast out of heaven, we can cast him out of our thoughts, words, actions and lives. At times, it isn't easy, because he certainly is a mighty foe, but remember he is also a defeated foe. He has been cast down. He has been defeated because of what Jesus did on the cross and His resurrection. Now Jesus is at the right hand of God, with all power and authority acting on our behalf.

Now the enemy may be strong, but he is not strong enough, as the verse reads. If he is powerless over God in heaven, he is powerless over God in us.  But the battle lies in believing that our victory is a real victory, and that in Jesus' name, we more than conquer, and can live victoriously in spite of the spiritual battle that can be fierce at times.

So, be reminded today, that even though it does get tough to follow Christ in this season, and the enemy can come at the most inopportune time, he is not strong enough to defeat us.

Let your heart take courage Jesus said. Make the decision today to appropriate Jesus' triumph as our own.

Slow And Not So Easy

One of the hardest things for us to do I think, is to wait. We as Americans generally like to get things done, and waiting is not one of our cultural strong points, although we have as a nation many strong points.  We understand that God is not on our time table, and that He is not bound by our schedules. We understand, but to live that out is another matter.  Answers to prayer that are slow in coming can give many of us a case of impatience, and if we are not careful will move us to act when God hasn't.   I think if we would understand how great our God is, we would be able to rest while we wait on Him. The reason I say this is because of Abram in the Old Testament.

When he was 75 years old, God called him out of his country, away from his family and everything that was familiar. Abram went based only on a promise that God made to him. It was an extremely lofty promise. One of great prospering, world wide influence, and great fame. When he got to the land designated by God, God promised again that the land which Abram was on, and looking upon would one day belong to him and his descendants after him. One day. Abram kept traveling and as he traveled he experienced trials, made foolish choices, had conflict with his nephew and other family members, had to go and rescue that same nephew with his own small army. Still, there was no fulfillment of God's promise.

Then 24 years later when Abram was 99 years old God appeared to him again and revealing Himself as God Almighty. This is where we can find help for our impatience.  We must realize our prayer is being answered by God Almighty. Almighty means all power.  It follows then that there is no trial to severe that God cannot deliver us from. There's  no sin to deep that He cannot forgive. No ungodly power on Earth or hell can stop His will for us from being accomplished. He is God Almighty.

Abram, now Abraham, was able to wait on God because he had an understanding of the Almighty character of God. He knew that the God who  promised would be faithful in His own way and time, and he could trust Him to carry out His word.  I think if we all had a better and deeper understanding of our Savior and God Jesus Christ, and that all power and authority has been given to Him, we would not be so inclined to rush ahead of Him as He leads us. We would learn to safely rest in His timing and trust His wise way of answering our prayers.

During this time of limited movement and stay at home orders, impatience can easily creep in. I'm feeling a bit cooped up even as I write today, and am ready for some of the restrictions to be lifted. Yet, I know that God Almighty is in control, and has it all in His mighty hand. I also know that God is going to show us all great things after this is all over. We will all be different and hopefully wiser for our experience in this time.

So, be patient! God is leading. Where? We will see very soon, but for now, we follow trusting in God Almighty alone.

Acts One Ache

Sometimes in life, we're brought to the edge of our endurance. I don't mean as in some excruciating trial, just a period of prolonged stress, activity, or pressure. A person's job may be such that we can go for long seasons of activity and non stop pressure to get the project done, only to go on to the next one, and the next, and...  It comes as no surprise then, that if we get caught in that cycle we soon get to the end of our natural energies and stamina. We might experience mild depression, sluggishness, a kind of malaise for life in general. Even those of us who are most dedicated to their job or calling, and genuinely love what we do can feel a sense of heaviness and maybe a sense of despair. The joy and satisfaction that we usually feel is somehow missing because we have depleted ourselves by a long stretch of hectic activity. 

It is at these times that we have to remember that although God is infinite, we are definitely finite. He may have unlimited power, but we are most definitely limited. We need to take time to recharge our mental, spiritual and physical resources. Thankfully, we have an unlimited source of replenishment. He is God Himself, Who is the source of life for all, but especially for believers in Christ.  

In one season of pastoral ministry, I had just passed through a very trying time. There was tension and some conflicts that I had to navigate through. The conflicts, church finances, teachings and training, long hours, over a sustained period of time finally caught up with me. I wasn't discouraged or ready to quit. There was no temptation at my door to which I was ready to succumb or anything like that. I was just emotionally weary. My prayer time was good, things were getting done, my family life was good, I was just weary. Finally one morning as I sat in my office staring somewhat blankly at some pictures I had received as gifts, I realized that I needed a touch from God.

Now, what I meant was not a pep talk or a good book, not a promise that might register in my mind while leaving my heart cold. I needed a touch, some supernatural action from God's Holy Spirit, that would lift the sluggish fog from my soul. I went to the front of the church to the altar, and prayed a simple prayer of confession. My confession was one of inability and weakness. I said, "Lord, what I need is a willing spirit."  It didn't take very long to pray along those lines, as I acknowledged my inability to even want to continue.  I just prayed out my need, that I didn't have the strength to even want to get better and go on serving. I need a willing spirit, was my prayer.

Soon the Spirit of God Who Jesus calls the Comforter, somehow came upon me and within me. It's hard to describe, even though I have had similar experiences a few times in my life. But the Holy Spirit came and filled my dried heart with encouragement and renewing. The sluggishness and weariness seemed to just dissipate as He filled me and seemed to touch the remote boundaries of my soul. I didn't want it to end, but after about fifteen to twenty minutes of prayer, confessing, rejoicing, thankful worship, I knew I was going to be OK. 

Sometimes it is the supernatural touch of God through His Spirit, that brings the answer that even the best books can never bring. These are unusual days of limited movement, encroachment upon our liberties, financial pressure, unemployment. We, as Christ's church reach out to people with the hope of the Gospel. We serve as we are able. Yet we can be depleted in our energies.

 Now as we have more time at home, we can get aside for sacred communion with our heavenly Father. He will find the way to sustain us and give us that supernatural visitation of His Holy Spirit. He promised we would receive "power from on high." He said that when our hearts are heavy or hurting, that we can receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.

If you're feeling weary and sluggish, there is a place of refreshment. You may or may not have an experience like mine, but it doesn't matter, not really. What matters is, God, by His promised Holy Spirit, will find a way, His way, into your soul and you will undeniably know it is Him.  You're encouragement will come, and will be tailor made for you.

So, if your soul aches today, take the time, make the time to seek Him. Refreshment is waiting for you to act.

A Normal Response To An Abnormal Time

As I write this we are at the beginning a week that is predicted to be the worst week for illness and death because of the Corona virus that has been spreading around the world. It may be as the experts predict, it may not be. I for one, as I've implied previously have some misgivings about this entire scenario. There is no doubt that the virus can be deadly, and can trigger fatal reactions in people in certain age groups or with already weakened health conditions. I do not mean to make less of the condition of those so affected, or of anyone's loss to this virus. Nor do I encourage people to ignore the guidelines prescribed for us by those in authority. At this point, based on what we know, they are the best course of actions we can do to safeguard ourselves and perhaps contain the spread of this further.

 "Based on what we know" is the reason for my misgivings. What we truly know about the virus and its effects and what is mere speculation seems to be a flimsy foundation for our response that is shutting down our nation, encroaching upon our freedoms, and creating fear and anxiety for many. The numbers and the facts do not warrant the kind of response we are being told to comply to.  From what I understand, and to give our leaders the benefit of the doubt, I have heard them say they are planning for the worst and acting as if it will happen, in order to save as many lives as possible, just in case it does occur as the models suggest. I get that and can see the wisdom in that approach.

So whether the response is warranted or not what do we do as Christians?  I think we do as we should be doing anyway.  Romans 12:1 states, "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."  This encourages us to not be conformed to the worlds response of fear, anxiety, blame, political maneuvering etc. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ, not only for our own peace of mind and confidence, but for the sake of others who are bound by deep uncertainty or hurtful emotions. 

We can now more than ever demonstrate where our confidence lies. We can show an anxious world that in Jesus we have a faith and a set of priorities that transcend the norm, new or old. We can show those who blame the President or others for what they did or did not do, that there is One in control Who is Lord of the vast universe as well as the microscopic realm.  In our humble submission to Christ and His Lordship, even over this, we show people that in spite of our greatness as a nation, we are not God, and that,"In God we trust," had better be more than a slogan on our currency. 

Christians can love without hypocrisy, cling to what is good, be devoted to brotherly love and give preference to others. Ours is a hope we can rejoice in, we can help meet the needs of those around us, and above all as we  have more time at home, be even more devoted to prayer. These behaviors are spelled out in the rest of Chpt. 12 of Romans, and are the things that should be the norm for those confessing Jesus as Lord.  

So yes it is an abnormal season we are in, and yes I may be skeptical about our prescribed response. Perhaps you are as well,  but it doesn't have to dictate anyone's christian testimony or attitude. In fact, it should, in an odd, round about kind of way, enhance it.  

What's Happening Mr. Jones?

It seems to me that there is more to this corona virus response than just trying to keep people healthy, and slow the spread of the illness.  I have my doubts about the seriousness of the illness, and the potential to cause death. Yes, of course there are high risk people, as with most illnesses. Out of all the billions of people in the world including our nation of course, the percentage of deaths from this illness is really quite low. The overwhelming majority of people contracting the illness recover in about five days. These statements are backed up by stats from the John Hopkins Corona Virus Research Center as of March 29, 2020.

So why isn't the media, the President's task force, and other "experts" and outlets publishing these encouraging realities? I think there is something more sinister than an illness happening in our time.  What we see is a coordinating of the private sector of business and government. We have state and federal government enforcing certain behaviors they deem as appropriate, beneficial, and safe. We hear words and phrases that encourage us to comply for everyone's good, we can all do our part,  for the good of the nation and the world.  But if not, as in Chicago, we face legal charges and possibly arrest.

What's also remarkable is that in all the world, it is the same emphasis. In a world with diverse cultures, individual national identities, each with their own traditions and customs, we all are bringing ourselves under the same behaviors for the same reason, toward a single goal. Via the internet and other forms of worldwide communications, we all hear and are prescribed the same message, and we all act accordingly.  I'm generalizing because there are nations that are exceptions, but this applies to many.

The bible declares to us that a time will come when all humanity will be unified under a single system of government, led by one man or perhaps one single coalition. We commonly refer to that as the Antichrist. Globalists in our nation along with others around the world have long desired a worldwide interdependent community of nations. They have attempted to bring this about but have never been able to bring it to reality. In our technological age they now have the means to do it. Perhaps this "crisis" is the tool they can use to bring a certain conformity to the population of this country but also of other countries. It certainly seems to have us all going in the same direction.

I'm not saying the antichrist will appear in all of this. But it certainly looks like a "practice run."  That is, in this time of fear and anxiety and the response we are being told to have, under government pressure, we can certainly see the mechanisms that could be used to coerce entire nations to comply to a single vision or system.

Now is the time for people to take a serious look into world realities, the condition of the christian church, and the priorities within our own hearts and lives.  A christian lady who is a co worker of mine said that in the light of the statements from John Hopkins I mentioned earlier, that she felt like Noah watching the waters recede from inside the ark. I on the other hand, feel like John the Apostle in the book of Revelation who on the beach saw a beast rising from the sea, being empowered by the dragon.  Just a thought.

Why Be Surprised

As we deal with the Corona Virus we see so much unnecessary behavior from all areas of the country. People are buying huge portions of necessities as if we're already in a socialist country.  The media is reporting fiction and distortion about the virus and our leaders in seemingly deliberate fashion. I speak with many people on an almost daily basis, and while the majority will acknowledge the potential dangers of this virus, the same majority consider the response we are seeing as largely overblown.  Yes, we should be careful as we live from day to day, and there are people who are at a greater risk for serious illness or perhaps death from this. But the same people are at the same risk from any other type of flu.  But our overreaction is not the point of my writing today.

My point today is just a thought that occurred to me this morning after I saw some video of Millennials getting together at beaches and clubs and other places in very large crowds. This is of course driving the media insane, to think that there are people who actually ignore them, and care nothing about their pontificating from on high in their ivory, elitist towers. But I ask today, Why Be Surprised?

These young people are the product of the philosophy and indoctrination that many in the media subscribe to. Basically atheist, these media types hold to the worldview that is taught and bolstered by much of our institutions of higher learning. I use the term learning generously, because much of it is not learning, but indoctrination. Young people in colleges and most of the public school system from K through 12 are trained, {not taught}, that there is no God. Faith or religion evolved as mankind evolved. It was a simplistic way of viewing the world, before science and the theory of evolution, but is no longer needed in our educated and scientific era. If you want to be religious that's fine. It's your personal view, keep it to yourself and in your church or home.  But an enlightened person knows better.  The result is that if there is no God, there is no morality, no right and wrong, only what we define for ourselves as right and wrong. Usually that means that which causes us the least pain, or gives us the most pleasure.

If there is no God we have no real purpose or worth. We're the product of random forces of chance with no destiny, just live, do our best, die and it's  over. There's no valid or authenticating point to life at all. I, the individual, and My personal happiness and My truth is at the center of My world.

This is the worldview that the majority of Millennials have grown up with and have been trained to believe as real. It is the same view most of the media condemning them for their "self absorbed" behavior in these trying times embrace, at least intellectually. 

If Millennials are acting self centered and careless about others during this time, it is only the logical result of the world view they have been victimized by. The academy, the government, the entertainment industry, and the media, all embrace that worldview and have subjected the entire generation to that which denies God and the responsibility of acknowledging Him and caring about others. So if their behavior offends the selective morality of progressive media and others, Why Be Surprised? They're only living out the mindset and result of their training and behaviorism.

Image Is Everything

The Bible explains to us that God has created all things, seen and unseen. From the vastness of our universe, to the microscopic realm within our human bodies, the evidence of God's wisdom, power, love and creative handiwork is undeniable. As I considered this a few days ago I was struck with a thought that I think is a good one.

The Scripture account of creation is that we humans are created in the image of God. We have reason, like He does. We are able to make rational decisions, we have a sense of right and wrong and we can be creative as well, as He is. We derive these aspects of our humanity from God, because when He formed us He bestowed these things as part of our make up.

When we look at the world we see evidences of His creative work.  We see order, brilliance in the universe, a solar system working with intricate timing and interdependancy that allows life on Earth to be sustained and to flourish.  In the microscopic depths of our bodies we see the same type of systems within one human cell. The functions of our body and the processes that occur each minute, each second, are a wonder to consider and testify to the great mind and heart of the Designer Creator, God Himself.

We are formed in His image and as I thought on this it occurred to me that humanities great achievements and victories are a reflection of the image of God in us. The wonders we have created throughout history such as medical breakthroughs, technologies that enhance life, artistic masterpieces and the ways we have utilized the resources at our disposal to advance civilizations in each generation all bear witness to the image of God within us. We are creative because He is Creative. We have enhanced our situations because He has enhanced the eternal situation that is reality. Even though we have also used our creative abilities in hurtful and wrong ways, those do not diminish the creative aspect that we have from God. God will deal with those things soon.

But if we can create and achieve the wonders we have in the context of this fallen world and universe, what will we be able to do when all sin, wrongs, and hurts are removed? We will serve our Lord Jesus Christ in ways and with capabilities that are truly "beyond what we ask or think." We will have all eternity to grow, learn, serve God in His Presence and in a perfect new creation. It's all because we are created in His image and through faith in Christ we enter into a new reality that will one day surpass this broken reality we now experience.  Then the image of God in us, will have its fullest expression and fulfillment.  This is part of God's redemptive purpose in His Son Jesus Christ. We can be saved to be,  and be part of,  a new creation.

So the next time you have a great idea and it works out, it's OK to pat yourself on the back a little, because your great idea is really a part of Gods great idea, and you are simply and properly reflecting that you are created in His image.

It's Only Reasonable

In the Bible there is an account of a great king, Nebuchadnezzar who ruled over Babylon. He was a great ruler, warrior and architect.  He built temples, erected statues, and canals through his city which also had a great processional way.  The walls of Babylon were the marvel of the ancient world. Perhaps you've heard of the hanging gardens of Babylon? Nebuchadnezzar built those. In Scripture and in other ancient literature it is recorded of him that he boasted arrogantly against the true God and all the gods and religions of that time.  He bragged of his accomplishments and gloried in the great power he enjoyed and exerted however he pleased.

The Bible records that although he was warned by God in a dream that was interpreted for him by the prophet Daniel, he was not moved. He continued boasting, disregarding God and mocking, until one day he was stricken with a form of insanity.  For seven long years, Nebuchadnezzar wandered around in the fields like a beast. He lost his position, his accomplishments, all his splendor and glory.  They were all gone as he raved in the wilderness in the grip of madness.  Then Scripture records that on a particular day, for no particular reason, he looked up. In his own words, " I, Nebuchadnezzar raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him Who lives forever..." When he looked up to heaven, he came to his senses, and gave thanks to God recognizing His Lordship and eternal power. 

I think we can learn much from this record.  Like him, we have accomplished great things.  Our nation like Babylon is the envy of the world for much greater reasons.  Yet, we are in a time when we need once again to lift our eyes toward heaven.  In our national mindset we mention God, prayers, sanctity of life, and we can speak many religious buzzwords that we all know.  Yet we have forgotten that God and His Christ are enthroned in heaven and rule with ultimate power and authority. We are in need of recovering our reason.

Nebuchadnezzar recovered when he honored God.  Persons and nations can do the same.  In our time we are allowing and promoting confusion of the most serious kinds, and have descended into a national insanity that allows irrational reasoning and behaviors to be promoted as normal, and right.  The fact is that they are symptoms of madness, born of an arrogant rejection of the One True God.  We don't realize that in the rejection of the God of the Bible, we are rejecting reality itself and are losing our grip on sanity even as we watch the symptoms of insanity all around us.

How do we,"lift our eyes toward heaven?"  We begin by acknowledging our wrongs, realizing that we have sinned against God, for "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  We then lift our eyes to Jesus Christ. He is God's provision for the sin of which we are all guilty.  There is no honoring God without honoring Jesus as Lord and Savior.  He paid the full price for all of our sins. 

Nebuchadnezzar was one person who  came to his senses but his kingdom felt the impact of his decision.  Our road to recovery begins one person at a time. Is that person you?  Believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Honor Him as God.  Lift you eyes toward heaven and see how reasonable His teachings really are. You will experience the stability of mind, heart and soul that only come from God through faith in Christ.  Our nation needs reasonable men and women of God like never before. 

Become one of them. Perhaps your influence will help restore reason to this nation which is so wonderfully blessed by God!

Thanks For The Invite!

In our busy society, in spite of all the technology and devices that make things easier and faster, we are hurried and life is more hectic than ever for so many.  We go about life at a pace that eventually drains us and we can suffer physical and emotional injury, without even realizing it until we "crash."
We're reminded then just how frail we really are, and that emotional turmoil can cause physical damage if we don't stop to rest and recharge regularly.

These words of Jesus stand as an invitation to our weary souls, especially in times when we're feeling the effects of the turmoil life brings.  He said," Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."  It is a rest that reaches deep into our souls, creates peace of mind, comfort for broken hearts, and can help alleviate and prevent physical illness.

We might say, sounds pretty good right about now, but how do I find this type of rest and stability?  My life is shattered by tragedy and loss. My marriage has ended in divorce and my optimism and trust are long gone.  How do I find rest when everything I was pursuing has come to mean nothing and is pointless? How do I now find "rest?"

You find this type of rest by a simple yet very profound decision to have faith in Jesus Christ and His words.  He came to this world so that you and I can have a place of rest, a sense of quiet and calm, when we inevitably experience the trials and stresses of life. 

This "place" is not a location, it is a state of being. It is the place of our sins being forgiven because of our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord. He died for our sins on the cross, rose from the dead so that now through Him, all who believe in Him can experience the peace and assurance that comes from that state of being. It is the peace of the redeemed. It is the peace that perhaps your soul is longing for even as you read today. The forgiveness of sins is that beginning, and soon you find that Jesus becomes your peace.

The pace of life need not dominate us.  Christ offers a true alternative to what most are experiencing today.  Take Him up on His invitation, rest for your weary mind and heart will be yours.  Just make that simple yet profound and life changing decision to place your hope, faith, trust in Him for the forgiveness of your sin.

It's one invitation you'll be glad you accepted.

Not Far Anymore

In the Bible, the prophet Isaiah writes of One that he saw coming from far away. Far away as in in the distant future from Isaiah's own time. He describes this One like this," Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit.

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD."

 

He spoke of a promised Messiah who would come to set his people free.  Although Isaiah could not foresee all of the details of future events, he understood that this Savior would be full of God's Holy Spirit, perfect in wisdom and unerring in his judgment.  He would be the one who would accomplish God's eternal purpose for humanity and for all creation. Part of that purpose is to call out from every nation a people that would be unique and for His eternal glory.  The Savior spoken of is Jesus Christ. The unique people is now called the church. 

 

As a partaker of that good and perfect will and purpose, we have great reason to rejoice in this Savior, so graciously given to us. The terms Isaiah uses to describe Jesus give us great assurance for our lives especially in these wicked times in which we live.  He is described as perfect in wisdom and judgment, without error, because He is the Son of God.  The decisions He makes and has made are not confined by the limits of time and space but made and decreed from the perspective of eternity. He sees all things, from beginning to end, and His actions and judgments are in perfect harmony with His will for creation, which includes humanity. 

In these times when our view of the world has adopted a delusional view of reality, we as His unique people can embrace the solid and foundational anchor in the person of Jesus Christ. His word is truth, and He said that one day heaven and Earth themselves will pass away, but His word will not pass away.  Jesus warns of the devastation that comes like a flood and a destroying wind that takes away everything that is not secured on the foundation of His eternal words.  The choice is ours as this New Year opens before us.  

 

God's wisdom, perspective, judgment, His word are the guiding principles that can never be altered or deluded. They will not fade away into the cloud of moral relativism, and a misguided idea of "fairness."  We can base our lives upon His eternal decrees and are free from the folly of trusting our own limited perspective and understanding.  This Messiah, Savior is calling and waiting for you, and for all who come under the influence of His gracious Holy Spirit.  He waits so that we might respond and say yes to Jesus.  

By faith, trust His words, trust His perfect character and wisdom, you will find confidence and sure steps along the way of this danger filled path we call life. In fact, we will find what we didn't really look for- life itself, abundant, pure, joyful, purposeful, free from the delusional curse that this world operates under.  The wisdom of God will guide and keep us until we arrive at the fulfillment of God's plan for us in Christ Jesus.  Not a bad way to live.