Sunday, November 23, 2008

JACOB'S WELL

Jesus left Judaea and departed into Galilee and He passed through Samaria in the opening verses of John 4. He stopped in a city named Sychar near the parcel of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph.


He stopped and sat by a well that Jacob had dug hundreds of years before. I wonder what was going through His mind as He sat there. We remember that the Angel of the LORD had wrestled with Jacob at the river Jabbok. Because of Jacob's tenacity and will he would not let go until the Angel blessed him. Jacob asked the Angel who he was; he received no answer. The Angel made Jacob admit what his name was though; Jacob means subplanter, deceiver.



Jacob reached the place in his life where he finally was crippled, tired, but still determined not to let go until he was blessed. He reached the end of his rope and finally confessed who he really was on this earth. After this confession, which must have been difficult for such a tenacious person as Jacob, He received a new name, Israel, which means prince with God. Jacob was between a rock and a hard place that night. He had received news that his brother Esau was heading his way with 400 armed men. The last time Jacob saw his brother, Esau had promised to slay him for what he considered the theft of his birthright. Jacob sent his family in three different directions so that at lease one or two of his descendants would survive.



I believe the Angel of the LORD that wrestled with Jacob that night was Christ. He had appeared on other occasions in human form; He and two angels appeared to Abraham before the destruction of Sodom and Gommarah.



Jesus chose Jacob's well out of other wells that must have been in the area. As He sat by this well, He was approached by a woman from an area known then as Samaria. It is believed Samaritians were descendants of mixed marriages when the Assyrians invaded the northern area of ancient Israel. They supposedly imported Assyrians who intermarried with the children of Israel. They were considered unclean by most and we not allowed to help with the building of the Temple during its construction.



Jesus asked this lady from Samaria to get Him a drink. Not just from any well but from the well Jacob had dug. How does this apply today?



As the end of the Gentile reign draws to a close, Israel once again takes preminance in world affairs. Israel is now God's time piece. The nations of the world will once again come to the ancient well of Jacob for a drink. The One who met the lady from the nations, Samaria, has promised that if we come to Him, our of our bellies, our being, will flow rivers of living water. That day is now.



Come and drink freely from Jacob's well! If one drinks of the water He gives they shall never thirst again. The water from His well will spring forth into everlasting life.



Did Jacob's "wrestlling match" hundreds of years earlier enter into Jesus' mind? Will our wrestling matches with the Angel of the LORD in prayer be recorded in the heavens? I believe so!



On that great day when all is revealed, we will realize the eternal results of our encounters with the Almighty. Do not let go! Wrestle through the long night's. The enemy of our soul's is heading our way with his army of more than 400 armed men; but we have something Jacob did not have on his eventful night. We have the indwelling of the Spirit of God, we have the promises of Christ, we have a position as the Bride of Christ. These facts had not been revealed yet to Jacob, but I believe he had a sense of how important his fight was for all of eternity.



What happened on one night long, long ago has had a great impact on eternal things; the same is true for us. Our prayers, our petitions, our thanksgiving and our praise is being recorded in the heavens. They have great effect. Pray, interceed for lost friends and family, wrestle with God when necessary, the day is about to break and time is short.



Like Jacob, we may have to lean on a cane to bless God and those He sends our way, but it is worth the price!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Worthy Purchase

In Revelation 3:18 Christ in His glory advises us to buy of Him. Gold refined by fire, so that we may become rich, and white garments that we may clothe ourselves and cover the shame of our nakedness-that it not be revealed; and eye salve to annoint our eyes, that we may see.


Refined gold refined by fire.
White garments and eye salve.


God has described His word as being refined 7 times. 7 is the biblical number of completion; a completed process where nothing can be added or taken away. How do we purchase gold from Christ? The old saying that time is money, applies here. It will cost us time to make this purchase. It will cost us the way it cost the man in a parable Jesus gave while He was walking on the earth; a pearl of great price was found and the finder went and sold all that he had to make the purchase. A heavy price in human terms.



Isaiah55:1,2 admonishes that everyone who thirsts, come to the water; And you who have money come, buy, and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do we spend money for what is not bread, and our wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to God, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.


What is the cost? Everything! To expensive?



In the wilderness experience when His children were ready to die of thirst, He split the rocks and gave them abundant drink like the ocean depths. He brought them streams from the rock and caused water to run down like rivers (Psalm 78). Yet, in spite of this they still sinned and did not believe His wonderful works.



Deciding not to buy gold refined in the fire, garments to cover our nakedness and shame, and eye salve has a heavy price. Some decisions have eternal, irreversable consequences. This is one of those decisions each of us have to make. After the miracles of the wilderness; streams flowing in the desert, food falling from heaven, and the presence of God in their midst; rebellion and not following the desires of God brought them into days that ended in futility and their years ended in sudden terror. When God killed them, then they sought Him. A heavy price and lesson that could have been avoided if they had decided to make the purchase He desired.



Isaiah, Ezekiel, Moses, Daniel and the other men of old made the purchase. They purchased the truth and did not sell it-they followed the admonition of Proverbs 23:23 to buy truth and get wisdom, instruction and understanding. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.



The result of the purchase? We can chose to live and end our days as did Daniel. He also lived in a foreign land, as do we. He was a stranger and Pilgrim. Still, he touched God and his prayers were answered. He had insight like no other. In what is called Daniel's prayer, he says-



"Let the Name of God be blessed forever and ever for wisdom and power belong to Him. And it is He who changes the times and the epochs (seasons). He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things. He knows what is in the darkness and the light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:20-23)



Daniel was one of the men to whom God gave special favor, insight and vision. Why? Because he had made the purchase. His time was God's time. He went about his daily business as is necessary, but God was first and foremost in his life. He was willing to be feed to the lions to maintain his relationship with God. This is a purchase!



He could confidently proclaim "to Thee, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise for Thou hast given me wisdom and power. Even now Thou hast made known to me what was requested of You."



The wares of the earthly wise men, conjurers, magicians and diviners are not able to give this wisdom and power. But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He inhabits the dark places and all is light before His eyes. We need not fear the things coming upon the earth. He instructs us to lift up our head's. He has told us to fear not, for He is with us. Be not dismayed, for He is our God. He will strengthen us, He will guide us with His mighty right hand.



The cost of the purchase is our time, prayer and being with Him in all things.



He who has promised is faithful and true.

A Healthy Fear and Reverance

Believers can take great confidence that we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved. Hebrews 12:28 says let us have grace, whereby we may serve God Acceptably with reverance and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.



What is this grace? It means graciousness in action-Divine influence upon the heart and the hearts reflection upon our life. This grace is to be a lifestyle. The reverance spoken of is a modesty and awe before God-almost a bashful, downcast eye before Him; minus an arrogance or haughty spirit in service to God. In short, to remember Whom we serve, remembering His position and our position in the equasion.



The fear here spoken means a caution, a reverance, a piety or dread of who He is. It is spoken of again in Isaiah 8:13 - "Sanctify the LORD of Hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread." Sanctify means to set Him apart; one must not mix Him into the equasion as though He is to be considered most of the time, but that He is Supreme all of the time!



King David had a full understanding of this when he penned "Thou, even Thou, art to be feared, and who may stand in Thy sight when once Thou art angry?" (Psalm 76:7)



Job cried out, "Withdraw Thine hand far from me; and let not Thy dread make me afraid."



This is such a serious issue that a man who has been described as the meekest man in the Old Testament, Moses, was forbidden to enter the Promise Land. The punishment came because God said "because ye believed Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." Moses was told to speak to the rock so water should gush out to give the people drink; (Numbers 20) but he became angry with the people and he struck the rock instead and chastized the people in a harsh manner.



As Believers we must remember this story. It is given as instruction and for reproof and knowledge for these days. As things start to fall apart there will, by the grace of God, be millions groping and searching for a strong anchor in which to depend and put their faith. We must reach out in kindness, gentleness, grace and a healthy fear of God to assist them into the Kingdom. Anger, recrimination, guilt and chastizement is the last thing these dear souls need. They know what they have done, they realize they are in a hopeless condition unless they change. We would not throw an 80 pound bag of concrete to a person who is drowning; we must throw out the lifeline of salvation instead.



The dread, fear and reverance of our Father goes hand in hand with the assurance that we can enter into His presence and come boldly to the throne of grace in our time of need; which is every day for me. We have been instructed to enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise. We have full confidence that He hears. We serve a God who sees all things, hears every request, and who answers our petitions in His way, in His time, and in a way that will only bring glory to Him.



As Christ instructs us to pray, not our will, but Thine be done. It is recorded that we should pray; Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.



An elderly minister friend keeps reminding me that "we are on the winning side", "we are in there", and when I say the economy or the nation is in trouble, he remindes me that "they are in trouble, we aren't!!!"



We belong to a Kingdom that is not going to be shaken or taken by surprise by any event. As we enter into His presence with grace and reverance, we can thank Him for who He is in us, for what He does for us, and for what He will do through us to this lost and dying world.



May the God of grace and peace be with us!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

FEELING FORSAKEN?

While reading last evening I came across 2 Chronicles 32:31 where it is recorded that "God left him (King Hezekiah), to try him, that He might know all that was in his heart." Being "left" by God is not a comfortable experience to someone that knows Him as our only true source of life and wellbeing.



Immediately I thought of the passage in Hebrews where it is also recorded that Jesus said "I will never leave you nor forsake you..." (13:5).



I thought God was the same? yesterday, today, and forever. How can He leave Hezekiah and promise to not leave me? The enemy of our souls can have a field day with us if we allow. The answer to this puzzle is in the definition of the Greek and Hebrew words "left" and "try" and the word "leave" which Christ used in the New Testament.



God left King Hezkiah...the word means to loosen, to permit, to relinquish; to try him, which means God endured with patience with Hezkiah to see how he would act in a certain circumstance. Jesus promised to never leave us nor forsake us. The word leave here means to abandon, to desert us or to cut us loose. He will never do this.



There are seasons in our lives when we go through the furnace of trial; some small everyday decisions and other great trials that can influence our lives forever. How can we know, and most of all God know, if we are making progress along the way unless He leaves us alone, seems to abandon us for a season? Although we may feel this way in a physical or mental sense; He is always with us in the process.



Malachi 3:3 says that God shall sit as a Refiner and purifier of silver; and He shall purify the sons of Levi, (those who are His servants) and He will purge them as godld and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. He scoops off the dross, the impurities, the shortcomings in our life as dross as we go through this refining process. He sits at the heat control and He is the Master Refiner of the Universe.



His Word is purified seven times. Why should we be different if we are His children? Know, and be confident of this eternal fact; He will not lose one that He has chosen. Christ prayed to the Father that He has not lost one; except the son of perdition. He will not lose us!



Malachi 3:16 gives great encouragement that "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His Name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of Hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth Him."


ALL THINGS work together for the good to those who love God!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

THE STRUGGLE

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (fleshly), but are spiritual through God. Strongholds are pulled down, subdued and defeated in a spiritual sense. In this context, abortion is a stronghold that has captivated millions of people. Homosexuality is a stronghold that can only be subdued in the spiritual realm; where God dwells. Spiritual entities are influencing and hold these people captive.



God is Spirit. He should inhabit our spirit; Christ in us, the hope of glory. His desire is that we be one with Him. As the forces of poverty, perversion, violence and false religions grow in strength, the forces behind these issues is an entity; spiritual demonic forces that can only be defeated in the spirit realm. No amount of bashing, complaining, demeaning statements or social activism will defeat them. Only the Spirit of God can bring and end to captivity and succeed against powers of darkness.



Our battle is in the spirit world. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood (other people) we wrestle and are either successful or defeated by principalities, powers of darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness. This is a tall order and the battle will only intensify for those who wish to be effective in God's desire that all people come to the knowledge of His truth. God has promised that greater is He than he that is in the world. Our success in battle is secured through Him.



Our neighbors, friends, and every human being on earth is influenced in one way or the other. Some have fallen more than others. We do not fight the person, but the spirit that is influencing their actions. The deeper one sinks into deprivaty the stronger the evil becomes. In God these forces should be confronted, not feared; confronted in the Spirit working through us.



If I am to be mighty in God, it is going to cost me something. The more I surrender to His Spirit, the more effective I will be. I commend those who vote, march, go to community meeting regarding having the Ten Commandments in a park or a school. This is an excellent witness in the physical. But the real battle and great opposition starts when the spirit world is activated by our prayers and supplications on behalf of the lost and dying who are under the bondage and influence of the enemy.



There have been times in my life, in great crisis, when I felt I was bombarding heaven with my cries and prayers. Hours were spent on my knees in prayer. I did not like to do this because for several days after this my eyes would burn, my throat was sore, and I felt as if I was drained both physically and spiritually. But my prayers were heard and answered.



The Prophets of old, I believe, prayed in this manner. They were absolutely broken hearted at the sin that was running rampant throughout the land. Why am I not doing this in intercession of others? Has the darkness and apathy reached secretly into my heart and prayer life that I have lost my effectiveness in the spiritual realm?



Our nation faces dire circumstances, some say worse than we have ever faced since being a nation. Here in the small town in which I reside there are probably two dozen topless bars with parking lots that are full and church parking lots are empty! There are not even any lights on in the churches.



I work late in the evenings on my job and as I drive through town to come home I see people wandering the streets as if they are in a stupor. The other evening I saw two small girls riding bicycles on the road and it was almost midnight. And the churches are empty.


There are no late night prayer meetings. There seems to be no intercession or urgency. Is there also a darkness that is falling on the church and Believers? Where are the Elijah's of God? Elijah prayed and it did not rain for three years; he prayed again and it rained. Daniel prayed so earnestly that God sent an angel to answer his questions. Ezekiel and Paul prayed until the heavens were opened to them. Who is going to do this in 2008? Is it too late?



The homosexual down the street is under bondage. The poor alcoholic up the road is also under bondage of spiritual forces. The wife beater in town is full of a spirit of violence and rage. The teenagers that attend the school where I work are under the bondage and captivated by drugs and sex. One can lock them up, throw away the key, read them the riot act and they are still in bondage!



The power of God can break every yoke. The power of God comes on those who spend time in intercession and prayer on behalf of those in captivity. Jesus said that He took captivity captive. I must reach the point to where I can, like Peter and James, say that I have no silver and I have no gold, but such as I have I will give unto you.
Peter was so full of the Holy Spirit that even his shadow passing over the sick healed them!



My eyes will burn, my throat will hurt, I may feel ill for a day or so, but who else is there in my household to fulfill this duty? If not me, who? If not now, when? May God give His quickening Spirit to us as we face these end of days. He promised that those who know their God will do great exploits. And Jesus said greater works than these will you do. These words are as true as the sun coming up in the morning; where is this happening? In Africa or something?



Why not in my neighborhood!


What not with me?

SAFE and SECURE

The promises of God are sure; His precepts are everlasting. He changes not!



He said He has given His angels charge over us, to keep us in all of our ways. (Psalm 91:11) The word charge used here means to enjoin, to send with a command, to send a messenger to put in order. He has angels that do His bidding on our behalf as we struggle through the difficulties of life and issues we face as Believers.



How comprehensive is this coverage (sounds like an insurance policy!)?



Verse 4 - 10 says He will cover us with His feathers and under His wings we will trust (in nothing else), His truth (His word) will be our belt and shield; this is what must hold us together. Those in this position need not fear or be afraid of the terror of darkness or the destruction that wastes at noonday. If we stay in this position of safety in Him a thousand shall fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand; but the darkness and destruction shall not come near us.



With our eyes we will behold the destruction of the wicked. No evil will befall us and plagues will not enter into our dwelling places. Because, again, He will give His angels charge over us!



Another promise given to us is found in Psalm 34:7~
" The Angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." This word encampeth means to make a dwelling, or to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior (that's me!). It means to bestow or to give and have mercy. It also means to make an abode or dwelling for seige to go to battle.



All Believers are in a battle. It is a battle for our faith. Faith is what causes us to overcome the world. This is our shield and buckler, we must hold fast with great confidence and be sure that our anchor is sunken deep into the promises of God.


No matter the economics of today, no matter the politics of today, no matter the great darkness that is covering the planet, Psalm 115:11 assures us that those who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD, HE IS is our help and our shield.



Under the shelter of the Almighty God, there is complete safety and peace. Let the oceans (peoples) rage, let the earth and mountains be moved, we are safe and secure in HIM.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Condemnation Or Intercession?

Given the election results and the situation Believers find themselves in as a result, the question for each of us as individuals is how do we respond in a Godly way? I like to use Biblical examples for a key to unlock the answer to this important question. Here is what I have deducted from my reading. These are the examples of my conduct I wish to emulate. They are not all encompassing, given the complexity and life giving nature of the Word of God, all efforts to make them so, to put them in stone, so to speak will not work for me; because the Word of God is a living organism, changing us, molding us, and conforming us to the image of Christ as we yeild to His Spirit working in us. A work in progress for us as we hopefully grow in His knowledge, His graces His mercies toward those who love Him and await His appearing.



In Philippians 4:8 I am admonished to think on, continually, anything that is true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report and be occupied with things that are full of virtue and praise. A tall order, but not impossible in these troubling days. I strive to keep my mind on things above, where God is.



The conversation of Believers is in heaven; from which we look for our Saviour the LORD Jesus Christ ( Philippians 3:20). We should measure our words; and this is almost impossible given the political, economic and social crisis we are in. But this is a goal worthy of reaching.



In times of crisis how did Moses react? When the children of Israel formed a golden calf for themselves they also had to convince Aaron the High Priest to go along with their idea; and he did. Create the scene in you mind; here is Moses in the very presence of God on the mountain and God's people get tired of waiting on Moses and God so they form another god of their chosing! Sound familiar given the condition of many churches in America and Western Europe? Entire denominations are allowing the ordination of gay priests and lay persons and their is little spoken opposition to abortion and the removal of the ten commandments and prayer from the public forum. Many have formed their own religion because they refuse to wait upon God. There is no prayer, no intercession and only condemnation for what remains of most of the Body that exists in the nation.



As Moses led this rebellious throng through the Wilderness what was his response? God became so furious that He was ready to wipe the slate clean, destroy the people, and make of Moses a new people! Moses interceeded and reasoned with the Almighty on thier behalf. If not for his intercession, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would be totally different. God relented of what He was prepared to do as a direct result of Moses intercession. Moses did not tell God, go ahead and do it, they deserve it! His patience, his humility, his intercession for God's original promise to Abraham saved the day. What is going to save the day in 2008?



We face forces that we could have never imagined would exist in our country and the world. In context of Moses' respose, what should ours be? In a later incident, when Moses became angry and lost his temper it resulted in his not being allowed into the Promised Land. He did not glorify the name of God before the people which was a grave mistake as far as God was concerned. Do I glorify God in my language and opinion? Do I really trust in Him to bring my family through the last days, through the fires and being delivered with not even the smell of smoke on us? Now is the time to settle this issue once and for all.



Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God." If I am truly flesh of His flesh, and bone of His bone, I have to examine my motives and actions on a daily basis. If I rant and rail about the situation we find ourselves in, and do not guard my words and actions; if I start to sort through and tear at and destroy what I do not like in the Body of Christ, I am in danger of destroying not only the tares, the weeds that are growing, but the wheat may also be damaged. God has angels that perform this task; not man. In His time, He will send them forth to do this, it is not my job. I want to be like Moses and interceed on behalf of those who may be in error.



Another example of a great intercessor is the man Daniel. In his prayer of intercession for the sins of his people Israel he was not bombastic and full of immediate condemnation. In Daniel 5 he says:
* we have sinned
* we have committed iniquity
* we have rebelled
* we have departed from Thy precepts
* we have departed from Thy judgments
* we have not listened to Thy servants
* we are confused
* our tresspasses have overcome us
and finally- But You are merciful-forgiveness belongs to You.



I seek guidance and direction from Heaven. Do I pray like this. I have not. While Daniel was praying, the man Gabriel touched him and he explained and answered Daniel's petitions. Daniel's intercession, his confessions moved heaven!
Why should I expect the same result if I do not follow Daniel's example? The Apostle Paul told us that the events of the Old Testament were recorded for our example; a pattern which we could, and should follow.



I have taken not a little heat and discussion regarding prayer for our leaders after the election of Nov. 4, 2008. I feel this way in this context;
I have my job to do, intercession, God has His job that He said He will do. I cannot play God. He has said that He removes kings, and setteth up kings (Daniel 12). He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding. I want to understand the days in which I live. Like the sons of Isscahar, they knew the day in which they were living. God reveals the deep and secret things that are happening, Believers should not be taken by surprise. God knows what is in the darkness and light dwells in Him. Light, revelation, understanding is in Him. He has said that He is in us, corrrect?



What are we to do? What is coming down the road for us? He has told us in Daniel 8-



* At the time appointed, the end shall be.
* A king of fierce countenance will arise
* The transgressors (sin) will have reached its fullness (there is a cup of iniquity in the heavens)
* This king will speak in dark sentences, sentences that are puzzling, tricky, proverbs and riddles.
* This kings power will be mighty
* He will be enpowered by another (satan)
* He will destroy wonderfully
* He wil prosper
* He will destroy the mighty and holy people
* Craft and deceit will prosper under his rule
* He will magnify himself in his heart (be full of pride, like satan before his fall)
* By peace, he will destroy many (example: Oslo Peace Process)
* And best of all, this man of sin will be BROKEN WITHOUT HANDS.


Believers cannot stop the formation and rise of this man of sin. It is preordained from God. This man will rise in great power from satan and will fall at the hand of God; not mankind. My duty while this is happening is to witness, intereceed, support works of God, and let His graces work in my life so that I exibit His love for the lost.



The end of this rebellion is in the near future. The climax has been spoken from the days of old. The judgment shall occur; this man of sin's throne shall be taken away. His dominion will cease and will be consumed and totally destroyed on God's time table.



An excellent example is the man Dumriti Dudiman. He is the founder of Hand of Help ministry and orphanage in Romania. He was captured while preaching and smuggling Bible's to Believers in former Communist nations. He was tortured and mistreated, and ridiculed while in prison. What was his response? He prayed and interceeded for his captors and those who tortured him! Another example is the founder of Voice of the Martyr's, Richard Wumbrand. He was tortured and injured for life while in prison for doing the same as Brother Dudiman. He interceeded also and prayed and witnessed while being tortured. After his release, one of the officers who was in charge of his torture came to the faith and he was himself inprisoned. The former captor said that the love, the intercession and prayer of Brother Wumbrand won him over!



I compare men such as these to be examples of proper response to the world system, what ever shape it may turn out to be. It is easy to condemn those lost along the way; it is most difficult to interceed and remember that we were also once lost and blind. Prayer like these men, and Daniel and Moses moves heaven and earth. This is my goal. This is my example.



God is the judge. Abraham said shall not the Judge of all of the earth do right?




The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the whole kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High God (El Elyon), whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him. HETHERTO IS THE END OF THE MATTER!



God, who is faithful and true, has promised to bring out Abraham's seed with great substance!



THIS IS THE END OF ALL THINGS! PRAISE GOD!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA-Thoughts

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-6
"I (the Apostle Paul to Timothy) exhort therefore, that first of all, that
* supplications
* prayers
* intercessions
* and giving of thanks

be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."



"For this is good and acceptable in the site of God our Saviour."



These are not my feelings; they are God's commands to those who want to obey Him. For those of us who know our history, the mighty, godless Roman Empire ruled by dictators who opposed anything that did not worship their established gods, were in power when the Apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote these words. This is the same Roman Empire that will be ressurected, according to the prophecies in the Book of Daniel and Revelation. Yet, we are instructed to make supplication, intercession, prayer and giving of thanks to all men and those in authority. How to do this? We need the Spirit of God to know how to do so properly. It will be a new learning experience in my prayer life and petitions to the Father.



I think the instructions in First Timothy are pretty self explanitory.



I am sure my opinion regarding the election of Senator Obama to the Presidency will offend most; but perhaps some may understand. I voted for Senator McCain and Governor Palin. My vote for them was a vote for a continuation of what I feel would be their opposition to same sex marriage and their pro life stance. I am uncertain of what their policy would be in regard to Israel; probably if backed against the wall, they would abandon Israel to save our own necks. The day of sticking up for ones friends seems to be a thing of years gone by.



I did not vote for Senator Obama because of his record of supporting abortion and gay rights. These social issues are absolutely opposed to what the Bible says are proper human behavior; no excuse or explaination is needed for those who are aquainted with Biblical standards. If not for these two issues, I could have voted for Senator Obama. He has a record of being pro union, pro worker, proactive for the poor and outcast of our society. I could support a candidate in that regard. But the social "gospel" of a right to do what one feels with no consequence is absolutely unacceptable in my opinion.



I did not like voting for Senator McCain in particular because I feel he represented what I feel to be a cool disregard for those among us who are trapped in poverty and will probably not recover in this economic downturn. For me, he represented the "banker class" who have just received 700 billion taxpayer dollars, borrowed mostly from nations who do not wish us well, and even now, these same bankers are sitting on the money that was given to them to ease the credit market! How could I vote for someone who represents this kind of behavior? I do not know; but the little bit of social consensiousness that remains in America got possibly one last vote from my household.



Given the history of African American citizens in this nation, it is an amazing thing that Senator Obama was elected to this position! There are statements on record that I absolutely abhore made by supposed African American spokespersons. I feel these few are on the outer fringe of the majority. Both white, hispanic and other groups are guilty in kind of such attitudes. None are of God. And, all need God!



I thought of the Bible verse where Jesus speaks to one of the Seven Churches in Revelation and He admonishes them to "strengthen what remains..." Not much remains as far as Godliness in our nation or politics.



In Israel's history God repeatedly relented of their judgment when they repented of their sins. Oft times His judgment is what caused them to turn in repentance. God would raise up a leader like Samson, Deborah, or a Gideon to deliver the nation.



Are we beyond deliverance? Is there still an opportunity for our nation to turn about face and restart saying the LORD'S PRAYER in our schools, posting the TEN COMMANDMENTS again in our public square, and allowing our military chaplin's to use the Name of Jesus in their prayers to our soldiers on the battlefield and in hospitals? I think these questions kind of answer my question as to whether we are beyond deliverance.



Regarding President-elect Obama - He is our President-elect. I am praying that somehow, someway, God would post Godly men in important positions of government that will influence Mr. Obama to somehow make Godly decisions. Given his record, this may not happen; but anything is possible from God's standpoint. In an act of absolute mercy, God may answer this prayer. At least when the final talley is given in the heavens, I want to go on record of praying for my leaders in obedience to God's Word.



Defeat of someone we voted for is a bitter pill to swallow; it always has been for me, at least. In a Biblical context, if I am obedient to His command in Ephesians 4:31,32 to "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; And be ye kind one to another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you..."



As a footnote, I realize that these words were written as the early Christians were soon to be fed to the lions, hung on a cross, and murdered en mass for their beliefs. Will we be able to look them in the eye when we get to our eternal home and say that we also, obeyed the Scripture to be a chosen people, known for our love and compassion and intercession for the lost of the world?



In these last of the last days, we will have to look the devil eyeball to eyeball and know that we know that we are in Him, and be confident and fully assured that we are in Him. He who is in us, lives through us, and manifests His image to us will give us the ability to face any angel, demonic force, principality or power with victory.



Christ's victory came through the cross. Why should we expect anything different?
Pick up your cross and follow Him! If the time comes to lay down on the cross do not hesitate; He gave His all for us, we may give our all for Him.

Friday, November 7, 2008

NOT FORSAKEN

It is of little consequence, from an eternal perspective, what happens to the nations, and our nation in the coming months and years. God is interested in the souls of men. He will always do, as He has always done; control events here on the planet He has created. Even when things seem to go the opposite of what we think should be, He still sits above the circle of the earth. He is never surprised with events; He does not react with alarm, He sovereignly controls all. When the enemy rages and boasts loudly that things will be his way, the Children of God can take great comfort and courage of just who our Father really is!



He is with us always; even to the end of the world. Like father Abraham, we look for a city whose Builder and Maker is God. We lay up treasure in the heavens where moth and rust cannot destroy. There are no moths in Heaven!



It seems we are reliving the days of MICAH (3:11,12) where he says "your leaders judge for reward, the priests teach for a salary, the prophets prophecy for money. They lean on the LORD and say, "is not the LORD among us?" "No evil can happen to us?" As a people, a nation, we may very well be heading for a season as Israel in the days of Micah where we will be plowed like a field. And Jerusalem (what has portrayed itself as representing God) (prosperity and wealth and the self centered gospel) shall become heaps and the mountains (our strength) will be removed to the high places of the forests (desolate places, far removed).



BUT! The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous (those doing what is right), His ears are open to their cries. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. (Psalm 34:15-22)



The righteous cry, and the LORD hears! He delivers them out of all of their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart and He saves those with a contrite spirit. Arrogance, pride, and self sufficiency do not register in the eternal; they are destroyed and replaced by the righteous and contrite of spirit.



Yes, He has told us that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but He has promised to deliver us out of them all. The word righteous means to do what is right, lawful and just. He has promised to that He will "keep all of our bones" in other words our substance, our life, and we will not be broken. (Psalm 34:15-22)



In His time, after it is truly and fully revealed, evil will slay the wicked. They will fall into their own traps they have set against the righteous. Their end, no matter how proud and loud they are, is desolation. It has been foreordained of God.



He redeems the soul of His servants! None of those who trust in Him will be desolate.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

OUR FIRM FOUNDATION!

~SELECTION OF HYMNS~
year 1787
HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?



In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.




Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.




When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.




When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume,
and thy gold to refine.




Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.




The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

ELECTION DAY NOV. 4 2008

Like most citizens of this nation we were born into, we anxiously await the election results tonight, or possibly several days from now. My wife and I voted last week and the polling place here in WV was quite crowded. We had to wait around 10 minutes to vote and the line from outside was growing by the minute. And this was a week before today!



As Believers, we can take great comfort in the fact that we are our main place of citizenship is in the heavenlies. We have been encouraged, no, instructed to lay up treasure in Heaven, where moth and rust cannot destroy. Most 401(k) retirement funds have fallen an average of 30-40 % over the past year; but, the treasure we have laid up in the heavens will be there for eternity! We lay up treasure with kind words, with our love and forgiveness to those who sin against us, with our tithes and offerings as we give to ministries He has laid upon our hearts over the years.



Treasure is giving a local Rescue Mission food or a donation for Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays. Treasure is purchasing blankets for the homeless or poor who are among us. These acts of love and mercy are something that is not of this world; we do not have, or should not have, an alterior motive to our giving. The only motive we should have is to let His love, mercy, grace and kindness shine through our actions.



Regardless of the outcome of the tulmult of this election cycle; whether Senator McCain or Senator Obama wins, we must remember that as things draw to a climax here on planet earth, the King of the entire Universe approaches with healing in His wings for those who love Him! Ours is a Kingdom that will be holy, righteous and pure.



A song to remember as we discover the election returns, no matter the result, is an old one of the faith that was written by Fanny J. Cosby in the early 1800's. It is as, or even more appropriate today than when it was written:



TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
"To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
and opened the Life-gate that all may come in."
"Praise the LORD,
Praise the LORD,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the LORD,
Praise the LORD,
Let the people rejoice!"
"Oh come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory,
great things He hath done."
"Oh perfect redemption,
the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offfender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives."
"Praise the LORD,
Praise the LORD,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the LORD,
Praise the LORD,
Let the people rejoice!"
"O come to the Father,
through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory great things He hath done."
"Great things He hath taught us,
great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher and greater will be,
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see."
"Praise the LORD,
Praise the LORD,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the LORD,
Praise the LORD,
Let the people rejoice!"
"O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory great things He hath done."
He has in the eternal past, He is presently at time-even today, and will for all of eternity do great works in us, through us, and for us! The darker the day grows, the brighter the Light of His Spirit in us will shine as we yeild to Him.
Fear not, for He is with us,
Be not dismayed for He is our God,
He will strengthen us,
He will guide us,
He will uphold us with His mighty right hand!