Plug In!

My cousin posted this on her Face Book page and I just love it and wanted to share:

Picking up my iPad this morning, I began to read my emails. All of a sudden, I realized that it had a "low battery" window popping up! I thought to myself, why? It has been plugged in all night. It should be fully charged. Looking at it from my viewpoint, from my end, the cord is plugged in! Wowwww...here at the last ten percent, I don't have much power!

Then.....I realized the "other end of my cord" was not pugged into the wall outlet! It was unplugged from the SOURCE of power!

This is the way many Christians are today. They are "unplugged" from the SOURCE, from our God. To become more charged it requires reading of the Word, prayer time and fellowship with other Christians!

When you feel really down, you may be low on power. Get that Bible open, get on your knees, and get with other friends who shine His light...

As soon I had realized that my iPad was unplugged, I began to get antsy, knowing that without the source of power I would soon die out! That would be very bad... So, people stay charged up. In theworld we live in today, we need that power! Have a blessed day! - Susie

A Slimmer Image

I was recently at the local store and saw something quite interesting. The store is selling mirrors that reflect a slimmer image. Personally, I am not obese, but could stand to lose a few pounds. I guess in a sense it is nice to look in the mirror and visualize myself as I could be and  this could provide an incentive for weight loss. That was not though my immediate reaction as I gazed at the glass. My immediate thought was that it seems quite obvious that this is becoming the world standard. We do not always like to see ourselves in a true light. I am not referring as much to the physical image as I am to the emotional and spiritual condition in which we exist. In psalm 139 we read the words "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me." We know that nothing is hidden from God, although at times we may wish to hide our emotions from him. Still, the truth is that God does discern our thoughts and emotions.

The fact that God can discern our condition with total clarity is wonderful news for all of us; it means that God knows exactly how to help us. If we are open to receiving help from the Holy Spirit we have every assurance of success. I am not speaking of success as the world judges it, but of course, as God measures it. Most of us are well aware of the "pattern" of the world, and I know that so often people will make the statement that they wish for a world "without judgement"  for those who lack physical beauty or power or money. Much of the world goes after those things with intensity, expending every ounce of energy contained. They have the world, but they do not perceive the critical condition of their spirit. If they do get a glimpse of it, you can be pretty certain they are going to discard that  impression from their mind.

Dear friend, we should never turn away from the truth. God will always show us the truth: We do not need to be afraid to face our deepest feelings. I think that few of us rejoice in correction. It seems to illicit an automatic rise of resistance, however the Holy Spirit can gently bring us around to a right way of thinking. When we look into the "mirror" let's deal with the reality and know that God loves us to the utmost extent!

Time and Urgency

How do we spend our lives?  How do we use the time we have each day?  Do we expend our energy for learning?  Are we aware of time that has been virtually lost?  Of most importance, do we seek God’s direction?  Do we set aside the time we should to read God’s word and pray?   

Some years ago I took a required class which had to do with time management. In this class we studied the book written by the late Stephen Covey entitled "First Things First." In the book Dr. Covey described "Urgency Addiction." He defined it as "a self-destructive behavior that temporarily fills the void created by unmet needs" (Covey, 1994, p. 35). I have considered this point from time to time as I acknowledge my own particular urgency problem. The thing that I have noticed is that my day tends to present with more difficulty when I neglect scripture reading (or listening) and prayer. And so, here is a great need I have and I recognize that it cannot be fulfilled in any other way. There is nothing and no one in the world other than God who can fill that spiritual need that provides strength for the physical as well. 

I enjoy watching a television program on TCT called "Ancient Jewish Wisdom" hosted by Rabbi Lapin and his wife. In May, the Rabbi spoke about our "model of reality." He said that "if you shape your model of reality on the Bible, you are miles ahead of others." The truth of that point is striking! It fits in perfectly as we consider the question of time management.

I like the way the Bible describes God's perception of time: "Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" (NIV, 2 Peter 3:8). In a very interesting way I was recently reminded of that verse. I was one day standing outside of the checkout aisle at a store waiting for someone. As I waited, a man I did not know approached me and asked me if I knew the time. Reaching into my pocket I flipped open my cell phone and gave him the time. He said, "You know, those are nice. I should get one because you can make a call and read the time." He then paused and looked at me and said, "But you know, I've always found that God's time is perfect."  

What a wonderful thought! 

For those interested in reading some of Rabbi Lapin's commentaries and books, please visit his website: www.rabbidaniellapin.com

KNOW THE ENEMY

Recently I heard a man on the radio talking about military type of strategies, one of which he listed as perhaps the most important: He defined this plan of action as "knowing your enemy." Personally I have never served in the military, but I can grasp the concept of how important it is for military personnel to be fully equipped with knowledge of how the enemy performs and what their tactics are. I began to think about this and, for me, it calls to mind the many references in scripture regarding the strength, protection and power of God's word. Obviously, Satan stands as our adversary, the enemy, the destroyer. Jesus referred to him as "the prince of this world" (John 14:30). That is a shocking thought on one hand, and yet we do see it that way more and more. My greatest concern in this is that so many people in this world do not, by any means, "know the enemy."

"The mind is the battlefield" a pastor once said to our congregation some years ago. Satan tries to influence our thinking at times with unrelenting efforts if we do not respond with a strong defensive effort of our own. We need to know scripture, because as described in the Book of Ephesians, God's word is ". . . the sword of the Spirit." In that same verse we are told to wear "the helmet of salvation." God will protect, dear one, we are in His care. I just worry that we place ourselves at a disadvantage when we allow too much of the world into our lives. It always seems to coincide with reading less scripture and praying less, if at all.

For those of the world who do not know the saving power of Christ, it would be very hard for them, if not impossible, to know the enemy. And so, they may think they are doing okay or their lives are literally being torn to shreds. In both cases they are souls who are suffering, both from a lack of understanding, because the world so often resists understanding and would rather embrace a lie. They suffer because they embrace the lie and the deception continues to corrupt. They suffer because they do not know the enemy.

Beloved, God would not have any of us suffer! The cross itself is there to remind us of what Jesus took on for all of us.

"The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, American King James Version).

HEARING WITH UNDERSTANDING

In a Bible study group we have been looking at the “Parable of the Sower,” from the book of Mark. In this parable Jesus explained the effect of God’s message to mankind and likened it to seed sown on different types of soil. I think we all understand the concept of the benefits of sowing seed on good ground. This brings to mind the thought that when a person makes a decision for Christ and their life has been rocky with difficult ground their heart may be much the same and they will need a lot of support as they learn from God’s Holy Spirit.  I think the biggest impact for my learning was the discussion regarding those who will not listen and/or turn from God despite having heard the message.

As I read scripture, I find myself pondering the fact that the religious leaders of Jesus’ day should have understood his teachings. They claimed to be experts and certainly devoted themselves to study of scripture. Yet, the day came when they stood before the Lord and had trouble understanding his words; and many refused to understand; they turned away. Apparently it was as if they were blind or asleep. We know this was prophesied: We read about it in the book of Isaiah and Jesus referred to that very text. Jesus also explained the heartbreaking result of a stubborn and willful heart. Let’s just look at the definition of ‘willful.” It is “having or showing a stubborn and determined intention to do as one wants regardless of the consequences or effects.” This is obviously not a good state to be in and it seems so sad to think this was the condition of several of the religious leaders. 

We read in the Gospel of Mark Jesus’ words regarding his teaching (in particular here, The Parable of the Sower). “And he said to them, he that has ears to hear, let him hear!” How beautiful those words are! God wants us to have understanding! The only thing that would prevent us from hearing with understanding is the condition we intentionally or unintentionally put ourselves in. And yet, we see God’s patience with us at every turn. It is as if he is saying “Okay, let’s try this again. .” I think we have all run across a scripture or a message successive times, and realized there is something of importance there for our life which God wants to make us aware of.

I watch a television show called “Precepts for Life” taught by Kay Arthur. She is an amazing teacher of the gospel. She once talked about a man who served in ministry under a strict, burdensome teaching. He had been taught that he had to work excessively hard in order to maintain God’s favor. He continued on with his ministry, but without a sense of joy he had hoped to experience. One day as he read scripture he came across Paul’s description of righteousness as a gift. Now, this young man had read this scripture many times before, but this was the first time he read it with understanding. The Holy Spirit had been able to bring the understanding to him and it changed his life. 

Again, we can feel greatly encouraged, because we know of God’s love and mercy for everyone. We can pray for our own understanding and pray for others. Let’s go to the Book of Psalms: “Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither and whatever he does shall prosper”(Psalm 1). Very powerful is the word of God! Of course, this psalm (in its entirety which I did not copy here) describes two paths. The way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly. And in this fallen world it may look as though the way of the ungodly is flourishing, but ultimately that way will perish. But certainly, even those who have chosen that way can turn and come into agreement with the one true God and receive salvation. 

God’s Holy Spirit has been able to reach the understanding of so many people! Even a young man who is the son of a leader of the terrorist group Hammas. This young man has become a Christian and has a tremendous testimony. 

And so, we look for our answers where we can find them. When Mary went to the empty tomb she was asked by an angel “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” I think we can look at our lives and apply that very question. We do not need to look to the world for our answers. The spirit of the world does not hold meaningful answers for us as Christians. Our life is in Christ. 

Let’s go back to Psalms (33) and give praise to the God of creation: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous; for praise is fitting for the upright.” And jumping down a few verses: “Our soul waits for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let your mercy O Lord be upon us, according as we hope in you..

Amen

In Search of Truth

Over the weekend a friend and I watched a 2008 documentary film entitled "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed." The narrator and star of the film is Ben Stein and I was extremely impressed with his work. The subject centers in on the resistance within the science community to the theory of intelligent design. Largely it seems the scientific community of any affiliation (and most certainly at the university levels) are in extreme opposition to discussions regarding or even suggestions which could lead to a discussion of intelligent design. It is clear that they are in opposition to this because they oppose any suggestion that God exists.

As I watched the film, I was struck by the thought of how true scripture is and how accurately the spiritual condition people find themselves in is described. This is a condition which those affected by will not discern unless they actually turn to God for help. As much as we may want that for them, it has to be that they respond to God's invitation. We can certainly pray for them that they will respond to the Holy Spirit. It is heartbreaking to see the direction they are going at this point and to see the damage they are causing by influencing the thinking of so many.

Why and how do people of amazing intelligence disregard the truth so completely despite their knowledge? Well, if they were in search of the truth God would open that door for any one of them, but the fact is they do not desire truth, and so God allows them to believe a lie. Unfortunately they have opened the door to strong delusion.  The result is that we're talking about incredibly intelligent and educated men and women of science who believe we were seeded here on the back of a crystal from another planet and other such theories. They are quite literally blinded, but it is a very curable condition. Let's remember to pray that the day will come that they too will turn to the Lord for understanding.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7, American King James Version).

Come Home, With Joy

Quite often I watch a television show on a Christian channel called "Ask the Pastor," and people call in questions for a panel of pastors ready to offer their interpretation of scripture regarding answers.  The question that seems to get asked more than any other is "Can one lose their salvation?"  It's asked frequently, phrased in different ways but with the same concern:  "Can it happen?"  "Did it happen to me?"  The emotion behind that question is very real and I've heard some asking the question with the sound of such distress they can hardly get the question out.  In considering that question, allow me to offer my interpretation of God's word and also the viewpoint I've seen given on the show from various pastors.

Please understand: If it were possible that you had lost your salvation that would not concern you in the least.  You would be so far from God, it wouldn't matter to you. There may have been a confused time in your life when you walked away from God, but listen, He has called you back.  When you feel that tug - that pull inside your heart saying,  "I want to get back to God."  "How do I do that?  Will God hear me?"  that is God, dear friend, calling you - drawing you back.  Jesus said we don't come to God unless He draws us.  His Spirit is working to bring you back, to remind you of the truth of God's love and grace that He has for you.

Jesus spoke of the assurance that He will never turn us away.  When we come to Christ with the knowledge inside of us of the cleansing power of Christ's blood, shed for us, we stand before God forgiven.  When Jesus referred to forgiving a brother seventy times seven, I believe He was referencing it in that way because that is God's response to our ongoing need for forgiveness.  It does not end at some point.  When Jesus spoke of going off to find the one sheep gone astray, I believe we are given to understand that God's Spirit will seek to find and bring us back from wherever we have gone.  When Jesus spoke the parable of the Prodigal Son, that story symbolizes The Father, standing with arms open ready to receive us back, with joy. Believe me, God doesn't want us out in the world wandering in the wrong direction.  He wants us with Him forever.  But don't allow your heart to get hardened because therein lies the danger.  Pay attention to God's Spirit speaking to you of love, mercy and forgiveness.  Dear friend, know it with assurance:  God is calling you home.

A Gift of Understanding

I was with a good friend today and we had talked about some old homes we had seen. Even the home I live in is quite old, having been built in 1919. Anyway, I remarked on the lack of closet space. My friend's response was "Well, people did not have a lot of possessions in earlier days. If you had one good pair of boots, you made them last. Generally people did not have households jam packed with clothes, games, toys and whatever else people buy. You pretty much had the essentials of life in those days. That thought made me reflect on something from my childhood days. At Christmas time, my grandparents were always generous toward us. My great regret is that at that time in life I did not absorb the message of Christmas. I dressed up and went caroling with children; we sang the message of Jesus birth, however, I did not receive a true understanding. I really wish I had understood and had expressed to my grandparents the love of Christ.

It seems hard for us to realize it at times, but the Lord wants a relationship with us on a deep and abiding level. Perhaps we have some understanding of that fact and yet draw away toward the world as if pulled by a magnet. Or perhaps there has never been a time of real understanding, but if we reach out for it, the Holy Spirit will open that door. We don't need to fill our lives up with distractions which money can buy at Christmas or any other time.

Jesus talked about giving things up as needed and not hanging onto worry and fear. We could have all the money and possessions in the world, and yet remain totally unstable if not anchored in the knowledge of Christ. Jesus talked about the Kingdom of Heaven, which heart and soul, we can partake of if we will only receive with understanding. And so, we need a relationship with the Lord which draws us close. We should read God's word, drink it in, and spend time in prayer. And whatever we do, whatever life brings our way, in a time of bounty or despair, turn to the Lord.

I give thanks to the Lord for the times I had as a child with my wonderful grandparents. It took years for me to see their love as a measure of God's love which is beyond our earthly comprehension. That understanding is the "gift" I received.

A few words about "The Harbinger" (A prophetic book)

More than a year ago I had a conversation with my mother (who has now passed on) regarding "end times." Obviously we do not know how soon that will be, but we clearly know that every day is one day closer and that the world is changing at a rapid pace. Jesus said we will see the signs as the time draws closer. When my mother and I discussed it, I had speculated, wondering what signs we will see. My mother showed a lot of insight. She said "There will be a very strong call to repentance," and she pointed out that scripture clearly shows that to be true.

The ancient prophets spoke God's word again and again to both leaders and citizens, and it was not a message people always wanted to hear. There was anger, defiance, and rebellion, which is certainly not unlike today. Many people today just cannot bear to hear a message of repentance. The reason I find this so key today is because of that very situation and because I do believe we have seen some people rising up in the role of prophet, speaking God's word of warning.

The book "The Harbinger" written by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn (2012) strikes me as just such an example of a strong call to repentance. The author compares the situation in American to that which Israel faced when the word of the Lord was received (an alarm) but disregarded. As the author explained, for a very long time American has enjoyed a level of protection (God's hand) but as with Israel, because of a back of defiance (an unwillingness to turn from sin and to the Lord) we are beginning to experience a time of shaking and the word "judgement" is not a word that will continue to be taken as lightly as it has in the past. I really believe many people have and are going to respond to the ministering of the Holy Spirit as God brings his word through to our hearts.

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the son of man comes" (Matthew 25:13, King James (2000) Bible).

FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

It is an eternal spiritual law that we have to forgive:  Jesus said that when we come to prayer, whatever it is that we are holding against another—lay it down.  God will heal us. I speak of it as a healing because of the fact that when we are holding anger, it literally creates a state very similar to that of physical sickness. And it can come on suddenly.  One day we are walking close to the Lord, and a situation arises and we become angry—and it may be an understandable reaction to whatever has happened, but we need to take that to the Lord quickly. If we allow it to linger and we literally feed the fire, it will not be long before we are unwell and unstable. We can recognize the feeling we have because it contrasts drastically with our previous state of mind: Whereas before we had a sense of peace, we now feel unstable and distanced from God, and probably confused. It isn't that God has left us, but we have allowed the anger to stand in our way. We may continue to make attempts to come to God in prayer, but as our mental and spiritual state worsens there is the danger that we won't feel we can. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth because we can always turn to the Lord. 

Satan watches for situations like this because he knows how vulnerable we are in a state of unforgiveness. He will try every tactic he knows. This, dear friend, is a full-out spiritual battle.

During a time like this do not forget that Jesus said He has "all authority" in heaven and on earth. We can speak forgiveness, even if it does not feel real to us, but "Lord, here it is, take this from me. Forgive my anger and cleanse me from it." We should come to the Lord and give Him praise and speak words of faith regarding his love for us. 

Anger is a trap we can fall into, but God will protect us. His Holy Spirit is with us and is the One who comforts us and guides us; Holy Spirit—Teacher, Comforter, Counselor. A prayer of the psalmist would include words such as "Lord, please forgive my sins and remember me with mercy," and certainly God does that for all of us if we will ask. Jesus' teaching about forgiveness puts it all into perspective as we gain understanding of the eternal laws of the Kingdom of God.

TRUST, AND REMEMBER GOD'S LOVE FOR US

Walking through the store today I spotted a little boy - tiny little guy - but old enough to understand how a gumball machine works.  I heard his mother calling to him, but he was distracted by the colorful array of candy inside the machine.  He kept cranking the handle over and over although he didn't have any money in the slot.  He probably thought there was a chance if he just kept cranking it he would be rewarded with a gumball.  Well, it could happen..

Likewise I've seen children ask their parents repeatedly for something they want.  They don't give up too easily, apparently believing if they ask enough times they will be rewarded.  And while a child may be deeply disappointed by a negative reaction, that does not change their love and trust for a parent.

In a similar way things in life work out for us favorably at times in ways that seem unusual and even miraculous and we give thanks to God.  Or there are times we go to the Lord again and again with a request believing that God is hearing our prayers.  But what about those situations that are so very hard for us to wait through?  What about those times when things do not look good at all?  And what about those times when not only do things not look good, but the situation is actually getting worse?  How do we cope with that?

I'm not breaking new ground here because scripture tells us clearly what to do, but it's always good to remind ourselves.  When those times of discouragement come, and they almost certainly will, we must remember that we have an assurance the world cannot know unless they too come into a relationship with Christ.  We're not simply waiting and hoping for the best, but we are using our faith, believing with faith, praying with faith, and speaking our faith.  Faith undoubtedly is of monumental importance; I would think that anyone who reads scripture would have to agree.  Jesus made the statement to those he healed, "Your faith has made your well."  And scripture tells us also that the lack of faith of some was a definite problem.

One very important way to show our faith is to give praise to God always.  In good times, and in difficult times, praise God, with all our heart.  That is good for our spirit because we are receiving God's love from the life-giving inflow of God's Holy Spirit.  God's Spirit is always with us and it is important for us to fully reside with God's Spirit.  If we look at the Book of Acts and the words Jesus spoke to the disciples, clearly it is understood that we require the "power" of God's Spirit within our lives.

And so this is how we cope and find strength through all things in life.  God's love is ever present and without end.  He "will not leave us or forsake us."  Regardless of what the situation looks like, we can know that God has it in hand.  Jesus spoke of the faith of a child because for them faith comes so naturally.  We can turn to God and he understands.  There is a beautiful old hymn that comes to mind - "Trust and Obey."  and that's our part, to trust and obey.  God will surely "show us the way."