Bomb Shelter in Paradise

Isaiah 26:20  “Come, my people, enter into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast.”

Luke 21:9  “But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.”

whenever one brings up a topic, such as judgment in the land, social-economic collapse, food shortages, upper atmospheric EMP blast resulting in nationwide power outages, martial law, the fourth beast diverse from the rest, Russian submarines sitting off our coast waiting for their orders, and “except those days be shortened, no flesh should be saved, most people suddenly realize that “they’re late for a meeting” and quickly exit the conversation.  Anything that suggests a diversion from a predictable course of events is unnerving to many who are looking to retire and travel the country in an RV with the left turning signal continuously blinking.  For the few who will ponder such things, two schools of thought emerge and this has been a topic of discussion as of late. 

( 1 )  The first is “prepare prepare prepare.”  This is the continual heaping of everything imaginable with the intention of being preparead for anything that goes down.  (It’s impossible to be prepared for “everything”)  Such will stock up on freeze-dried food, water, ammo, duct tape, Burkey water purifiers, can openers, flashlights, night vision goggles,  first aid supplies, blankets, and a bug-out bag, in case they have to flee in a moment.  They are determined to make it through anything and everything.  I believe that there are those who are being called to make such preparations; although, possibly not for the reasons that they’re thinking of.   

( 2 )  Rely completely upon God who is able to sustain us; even in the midst of total geo-political meltdown and judgment upon those that repent not of the works of their hands.  Psalm 91 offers insight to the truth that we should not be terrified by those things that are coming to pass upon the earth.  While this is 100% scriptural, the tragedy is that many who profess this truth simply don’t believe that ominous events are upon us.  A brother from work was telling of a conversation with someone who, after listening to a few things replied “do you think that we’re in the last days?”  This is normal because, while the end-times senario is coming together day by day, most refuse to see it.  The love of this world has resulted in widespread blindness; even among christians. 

Yesterday, Steve Quayle made mention of this post on Dimitri Orlovs  blog: http://cluborlov.blogspot.com/2008/02/five-stages-of-collapse.html  Please be warned that this post is entirely secular and the repeated usage of a certain word will reflect this.  It’s a discussion of the steps that transpire when a nation is unravelling.  Although the author leaves out the most important aspect; that being spiritual, it’s an informative post and from it, one can see these steps coming to pass in our own land.  The conclusion is this: the status quo is soon to be no more and the seemingly steadfast elements of society will fail.  We must be prepared, spiritually, and know what the will of the Lord is.  If he would have someone to store rations, they should do it as strangers may come by in need of sustainance.  (A great opportunity to share Christ.)  But we should never trust in the arm of flesh because, ultimately, it has a failure rate of 100 percent. 

Just a side note.  A nation cannot murder 50 million babies, who are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God, and expect to be blessed.  If we only look at this single issue, it’s obvious that this nation has been treading on very thin ice for a long time and is beginning to reap what has been sown.  Earlier today, I was in Deuteronomy and it hit me as to how the Lord sets up certain nations and casts down others.  Despite the best laid plans of politicians and nationbuilders, God is in control. 

Proverbs 14:34  “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Another post that is in need of mentioning here.  (This one is from a saint)  It comes from Richard Wurmbrand, but was featured on Peters blog.  http://theagetocome.wordpress.com/2008/02/10/preparing-for-the-underground-church/  To many, this post may seem over the top, but when everything that we’ve known has dissipated, one can only imagine what’s going to fill the vacuum.  This writing by Pastor Wurmbrand has so many points that one could blog from it for months.  For now, I’ll simply link to the post. 

Nahum 1:7  “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” 

This verse is true; both in the fat years and in the times of trying.  Regardless of the ambient situation, he knows them who love him and have placed their complete trust in him.  If he leads us to do something and it seems completely opposite of common sense, we must trust him with all of our heart.  Our own understanding, if we place too much confidence in it, can bring about a chain reaction of calamity and missed opportunities.  But if we simply trust and obey; standing on the promise of Jesus to be with us always, even unto the end of the world, everything will work out.  We really have nothing to fear insofar as the events taking place here or the threatenings of men who will all stand before God. 

Well, I’ll close this up for now.  Even though the plant is in the midst of a strike and I have more time on my hands than normal, I must get some things done around here.  I made a comment to Kimberly recently in regards to the sudden financial change.  She mentioned praying about a sustaining of things as they are when I (kinda without thinking) replied “Perhaps the Lord is moving us elsewhere.”  She didn’t really appreciate this, but it’s completely how I feel.  I look at American Axle, not as the mechanism whereby we are sustained, but as an anchor that’s keeping us tied to southwestern Michigan.  In the writing by Richard Wurmbrand, the importance of not loving this world is made crystal clear. 

Well so long for now.  This post is in serious need of editing, but for the moment, I’ll just “publish dangerously!” 

I wish to all, a blessed day in Jesus.

“And I Saw the Dead, Small and Great”

Job 21:7-9  “Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?  Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.  Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. “

Two familiar sayings come to mind as this topic is entered into.  One has been around for generations and reads “Only the good die young.”  It implies that one who is given to wicked devices will seem to prolong their days under the sun.  Without a doubt, all of us have known someone who seemed to prosper, despite the shadiness of their dealings.  Another saying; this one being more contemporary, reads “He who dies with the most toys WINS!”  This is an attempt to make light of the way in which our society is enfatuated by the acquisition of “stuff for a season.”  There is, however, a more accurate twist to this second saying. “He who dies with the most toys…still dies!” 

The appearance of prosperity as a result of disingenuousness has been present in every generation.  An observer witnessing as Cain slew his brother Abel would have concluded “Hey!  The righteous perished and the wicked one is still alive and well.  That’s wrong!”  In Psalm 73, the author observes that the wicked seem to have it all and are not troubled like the average citizen.  Today, in the year 2008, the illusion of prosperity and hapiness as a result of wicked devices is often promoted in theater and emulated by a generation that’s running to and fro without a vision.  Job continues:

Job 21:10-12  “Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.  They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.  They take a timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.” 

Steady as the seasons; they go about their business as though the status quo will go on forever.  A false sense of indefinate continuance is generated and the concept of dependance upon the God who created all that is seems outdated.  Just as the rich man who built larger barns with the intention of enjoying years of ease, (Luke 12:15-21) they place their confidence in the realm of the physical which, thus far, has never let them down.  Yet the very breath of life is in the hand of God and “he alone” determines when the final breath has been taken.

Job 21:13  “They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.” 

Proverbs 10:28  “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.”

In short, regardless of how much a person acquires, or by what means they employ to do so, they will, at some point, leave this venue and all of it will be lost.  As Paul stated in I Timothy 6:7, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”  Everyone will leave this theater, everyone will stand before God, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Everyone; the rich, the poor, the professors, the politicians, the procrastinators (hmm) the baby boomers, the generation x-ers, the church-goers, the peach growers, and everyone who passes through the land of the living, will stand before the Lord. 

It’s easy to bercome distracted; even discouraged at the apparent success and promotion of those given to evil devices.  We’re coming into a time in which this illusion (it is an illusion) will seem to encompass every facet of society.  The world is being prepared to receive the man of sin who will appear, to those outside the household of faith, as “the one” who can put it all together.  While they who know their God will understand the events that are playing out, the world will wonder after the son of perdition.   Daniel 11:32)  The politically acceptible speeches, accompanied by supernatural fireworks which are only designed to put on a show, will result in a situation where the agents of iniquity appear to be, not only prospering, but doing away with the testimony of Jesus Christ. 

It’s imperative that we maintain an eternal perspective; not only for our own spiritual well-being, but for the sake of those around us to whom the Lord may grant repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.  Despite the appearances in this life, “every knee is going to bow and every tongue is going to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  May we do all to encourage those around us to come to Jesus before it’s too late.  There is no power in the second resurrection!  There’s another old saying (though not a very popular one) that reads “hell is full of believers.”  People who will, throughout the eons to come, remember every time that they rejected the Lord Jesus who shed his blood on Calvary to keep them out of that place of everlasting despair. 

Revelation 20:12  “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”

Small and great.  The wealthiest of the wealthy and the poorest of the poor.  Kings, governors, merchants, athletes, soldiers, hypocrites, prisoners, partisans; people from every walk of life who trusted in a way that seemed right, but was merely a facet of the broad way which leads to destruction.   When we grasp the seriusness of this, we’ll not be bothered so much by the appearances of ill-gotten gains, but heartbroken over the souls who are headed needlessly into everlasting torment. 

In his book “23 Minutes in Hell,” Bill Wiess tells how the Lord Jesus showed him the “place” where lost souls were dropping into eternity.  (link to the book at www.soulchoiceministries.org  This book will sober up the most unsobered of folks)  He writes it as such:

“I was instantly sobered as he allowed me to see a steady stream of people falling into a tunnel-one after the other, after the other, after the other-into an open cavern, into the terror that I had just escaped.  While watching this scene, Jesus allowed me to feel just a small amount of the sorrow He feels for His creation that is going to hell.  His love is so far beyond our capacity and is infinitely greater than our love.  I couldn’t stand feeling even a fraction of the anguish Hefeels.  I said, “Please stop!”  I couldn’t bear it.” 

A worldly perspective will cause us to become dismayed when wicked devices seem to bring about reward.  An eternal perspective will, not only cause us to see the end of the road, but if the love of Christ is “truly” in us, will cause us to grieve over the souls who are created in the image of God, but on the road to an eternity apart from him.  (The following link is to a post written about the first two chapters of the book by Bill Wiess.  https://timbob.wordpress.com/2008/01/28/ask-me-who-i-was/   If I had read the third chapter prior to posting, it would have been written in a somewhat different style, but is accurate nonetheless.) 

Well, it’s about time to close as I’m over my word limit.  Our plant is currently on strike and this should result in increased time for a host of things.  I hope that this will also mean more time to make the rounds in the blogosphere.  Probably not to the extent of a year ago at this time (when I posted and commented daily for an average of five hours) but more than in recent months.  Time will tell; and time is running out.  Well, so long for now.  I wish to all, a blessed day in Jesus. 

John 7:37-38  “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood up and cried, saying,  If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

 

The Heart of God (Episode VIII)

Proverbs 11:9  “An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.”

The following link; located on Susans site, highlights the dangers associated with chronic hypocricy. 

 http://faithwalk.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/whatever-happened-to-the-good-news-part-one/ 

It’s a most heartbreaking situation; all the more so when one considers the eternal souls that are being hindered because of professing christians are primarily concerned with securing monitary gain.  (I Timothy 6:5-7)  Yet there’s nothing new under the sun and each of us shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 

Spiritual disingenuousness has been in existance for generations; varying in degrees from one who simply wants to be the center of attention, to those who use a facade of christianity for material gain.  (Even at the expence of others.)  In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus brings up the topic of “putting on a religious show” to impress the contemporaries instead of seeking the Lord in sincerety.  Our fallen nature likes to be held in high regard by those in the ambience and therefore a continual examining of ourselves is a must; lest we begin seeking the praises of people over our relationship with the Lord Jesus.  The shift is subtle, and if were not atuned, can transpire without causing so much as a raised eyebrow. 

Matthew 6:1-2  “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your father which is in heaven.  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be seen of men.  Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”

Jesus spoke much about putting on a show but having a heart that’s far from God.   Engaging in activities; many of which, if only their heart was in the right place, would result in the laying up of heavenly treasure.  But because it was a show and not reflective of the true intentions of the heart, it profited them nothing.  I would list matthew 7:22 in the following set of passages, however, since it’s found in the sermon on the mount, it will be covered later on in this series of posts.  That is, unless the Russian submarines sitting off our coast are ordered to carry out their assignments before I get that far.  (We never know what a day may hold in store and these are very strange times) 

Matthew 23:27  “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead mens bones, and of all uncleanness.”

Luke 11:52  “Woe unto you, lawyers!  for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye enter not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.”

Luke 16:15  “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”

Putting on a show with no regard to the eternal souls who may be genuinely seeking the Holy One of Israel.  Hypocricy, spiritual pride, and merchandising the faith are three things which grieve the Lord more than words are able to describe.  Yet all three are alive and flourishing in this age of acute apostasy where anyone who teaches how to have “your best life now” instead of taking up your cross, is sure to draw a crowd.  It points, all the more, to the lateness of the hour and to the truth that, if it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived.  The lack of basic discernment in these days is heartbreaking. 

This is a side track, but it’s something that I’ve noticed lately.  Those four words, “Your Best Life Now” have, in effect, become a proverb of our day.  Numerous times, I’ve seen this phrase utilized by folks who are crying out against the shallowness and rampant materialism of our age as gain is associated with godliness.  Sorry for drifting off topic, but the prosperity message is sidetracking the faith of many and has become, what my pastor in Virginia used to term, my “hobby horse.” 

Matthew 6:3-4  “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:  That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”

In other words, if our heart is right with the Lord Jesus, we’ll desire to do things for the purpose of pleasing him, serving others, and furthering of the gospel.  Self-notariety will not even be a consideration; nor should it be.  The only name that we should be seeking to lift up is the name of Jesus Christ, who shed his blood for our sins to save us from spending eternity in a lake of fire where the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever.  When we begin to grasp just how great our salvation is and how imperative it is to reach the lost, we’ll put aside our pettiness and be about the things which truly matter. 

Ours is an age when multi-million dollar ministries dominate the landscape and the airwaves are saturated with wealthy preachers telling how God wants you to have four cars and two boats while souls in Kenya are slipping into eternity.  (Maybe I shouldn’t go here. Uhhhhhhhhhh……well……oh well)  We’ve become so focused on the accumulation of wood hay and stubble that we lose site of the eternal souls who are looking for something authentic to cleave to.  (Please read Susans post at the above link) 

Well, it’s time to wrap this up as going into verse 5 would result in this post being far longer than normal.  “Keeping our heart with all diligence” and “ensuring that Jesus is truly our first love” should be high on our list of priorities.  When our heart is in the wrong place, all of our works become nullified.  But when we give a glass of water in Jesus name for the right reason, the reward is an everlasting one.   Well, it’s time to feed the goats.  I wish to all, a blessed day in Jesus. 

The Invisibles

Matthew 19:21-22 “Jesus said unto him If thou wilt be perfect, ‘go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”

A recent letter from Faith Mission of Elkhart Indiana begins as follows:

“Our shelter is overflowing.  When the temperatures drop to freezing, we put mats on the floor to accomodate as many people as possible.  More people means more meals and more services.  Having the mission filled wall-to-wall increases our need to provide food and clothing.” 

A few years ago, Faith Mission moved into a very large, relatively new building on Benham Ave.  (I was involved with insalling the HVAC systems back in 1991 when the building was being constructed for other purposes)  One cannot imagine how many people it would take to fill this building “wall to wall.”  Each soul, priceless in the eyes of God and each one having a custom set of circumstances which have led to the loss of nearly everything in this world.  Many are single mothers with children.  Many are veterens for whom the battles of the past are still producing fruit.   Each eternal soul under constant assault by the devil and his minions as they seek to destroy those for whom Jesus came to redeem.   

This post has been in the back of my mind for months, but until now I have been unable to place into words.  Many of us go about our increasingly complicated “daily routine” and fail to grasp the scope of the need that’s all around us.  (I’m talking to myself here as well) Families torn asunder by a myriad of forces, lives in total disarray, depression of epidemic proportions, children bounced from one house to another with no role models or stability and the list goes on for miles.  Jesus stated that the downtrodden would be with us always.  Those who, for whatever reason, have slipped through the cracks, unseen and unheard by many who are in a position to stand in the gap.  Whether it be from self-destructive practices or situations completely outside of their control, they are amongst us 24/7.  They are precious in the eyes of the Father and our response to them is being recorded in heaven. 

While many professing christians are making a name for themselves with earthly kingdoms, millions of souls are sinking into despair and ultimately, an eternity apart from the living God who is not willing for any to perish.  Recently there was an article in the newspaper about a certain church in the Detroit area which built a house for their pastor worth three million dollars.  To put this in perspective, Detroit has a high school dropout rate of 75% and the highest rate of foreclosures in the nation.  The social problems that have destroyed the lives of so many in that city are well documented.  Yet instead of doing everything possible to reach these lost souls, many of us are praising God with our lips while satisfying lusts of the flesh. 

Matthew 25:31-33  “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:  And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:”

Although I haven’t heard it in years, this passage always reminds me of a Keith Green song which focused on these verses.  I can only remember the final line of the song which went something like “And the only difference between the sheep and the goats was what they did and didn”t do.”  This is not to suggest that our works will save us, but rather, they reveal what’s in the heart.  Our treasure and conversation will always announce to the world the contents of our heart.  As the old saying goes, “You can’t hide what’s inside.” 

Matthew 25:34:36  “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”

Jesus goes on to explain how we are ministering unto him whenever we address the needs of those around us.  Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost and those who love him will be like-minded.  His compassion for sinners placed him at odds with a religious establishment that had grown cold and legalistic.  In the following verse, he turns his attention to the goats. 

Matthew 25:41  “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

(If Jesus were in the world today in a body of flesh, I wonder how many churches would invite him to come and preach the words of life.)

Matthew 25:42-45  “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  I was a stranger and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  Then shall they also answer him, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not unto me. 

This falls in line with loving our neighbor as ourselves and possessing a natural affection for those who are lacking in basic necessities.  When we turn a blind eye to such, it reveals a heart that’s in serious need of repentance.  Today, it’s fashionable to proclaim that gain is godliness and to fund multi-million dollar ministries for the express purpose of getting blessed in return.  (This post may not be up long)  Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life have a safe haven in many congregations these days while Faith Mission and other like-places are filled to capacity and beyond with souls in disarray.  There is judgment in the land and everything which is done in secret shall be manifest. 

Well, I need to go for now.  I didn’t intend for this post to have such a hard edge to it and if anything is amiss, I would appreciate being alerted to it.  This has been on my heart for months.  Until next time, I wish to all a blessed weekend in Jesus.

I Timothy 6:10-11  “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

Please lift up “Mike West” in prayer.  He’s a guy from work who has battled alcohol for years.  It has resulted in a situation where he may have a lengthy stay in prison.  He needs a deliverance and Jesus can deliver him. 

Hello. I’m a Recovering Blogaholic and my Name is Timbob

So I was pulling out of the Wal-Mart parking lot in Three Rivers and talking to Susan about the possibility of returning to blogging without sounding like a basket case.  Such a return seemed awkward at best after my previous post.  (The Long and Winding Blog)  When writing it, I was certain that this season was completed due to the lack of time and the need to prepare spiritually for the days ahead.  (This is still a very important need)  Susan encouraged me to simply explain the situation and return to posting that which is on my heart when time permits.  As a result, the long and winding blog will continue to become longer and windinger. 

The truth of the matter is that this is more than a place to talk about the deep things of God which is the primary function.  For me, blogging is like…. therapy.  A place to vent and place thoughts in a manner that’s somewhat coherant.  It’s a place where I’ve met many awesome saints and fascinating individuals from divers walks of life.  Folks that I would have never encountered otherwise.  And it is a place to prepare for the days ahead.  Of relaying needful information and hearing the thoughts of others as we admonish each other in these perilous times. There will be a final post at some point, but the last one wasn’t it and Lord willing, (James 4:15) this one won’t be it either. 

During my 64 hour blogger break, thoughts and ideas for future posts kept coming unabated.  Not to mention the love that I have for all who are out here sharing their thoughts and that which the Lord has placed on their heart.  So to just let it go is impossible at this time.  (I don’t want to let it go)  Therefore, I’ll have to better manage time, post when something is on my heart, and comment when I can.  I apolagize for stirring things up unnecessarily. 

I’ll be back soon.  Have a blessed morning in Jesus.

John 13:34-35  “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” 

The Long and Winding Blog

John 12:26  “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

This is my fervent desire.  To be where the Lord desires me to be.  This morning, I was pondering a lot of things.  The lateness of the hour, the spirit of slumber that has overtaken the masses, the perpetual sideshows that keep everyone in suspense over divers frivilocities and the season that we’re entering into.  As I was in prayer this morning, one thing became clear.  The blogging season is over; at least for me.  (at least for now)  The time is short and there’s too much to be done in these final hours of the age. 

The final hours of the age.  This age is coming to its end.  Scripture is coming to pass before our eyes.  Were entering a time which will become so intense that “except those days be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elects sake those days shall be shortened.”  As such, it’s imperative to be about our Fathers business in whatever capacity he would have us be.  We must draw close to him and truly seek his will instead of our self-centered agendas.  Words cannot relay the seriousness of the hour.  Every hour, souls pass into eternity.  Every hour, the return of Jesus draws closer.  every hour that passes, is an hour that will never be again.  Please visit the following post on Peters site:

www.theagetocome.wordpress.com/2008/02/10/preparing-for-the-underground-church/ 

The post is long, but should be read by every saint who professes to be watching.  Peters site, www.theagetocome.wordpress.com  is one to keep track of.  I would also admonish all who remain in the blogosphere to keep track of Michael Boldeas site:  www.mikeboldea.blogspot.com  Most of all, I would admonish every saint to do what we know we should be doing.  Get close to the Lord Jesus in prayer, stay in his word, and work while time remains.  Let go of every idol and hinderance that would keep us from hearing what the Spirit saith unto the churches. 

Well, I’m signing off for now.  I may return to posting in the future and for this reason, I’m keeping the site up.  As for now, however, other priorities with eternal implications, must be addressed.  As Susan once told me “When the time comes to let go of the blog, we’ll be in such a place spiritually that we’ll have no trouble letting it go.”  (or words to that effect) 

Have a blessed day in Jesus.

Timothy Pelfrey (aka timbob)

“X-TREME SaintZ”

Daniel 11:33-35  “And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, and by captivity, and by spoil, many days.  Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall cling to them with flatteries.  And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

Matthew 5:13-15  “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  it is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”

The following link is to an article written by David Wilkerson back in June of 1994 and is ever so relevant to this day.  Many issues that I’ve been thinking on concerning the end times church are covered in this article entitled “Gods Hidden Last Says Army.” 

www.tscpulpitseries.org/english/1990s/ts940613.html 

Whenever we come across a saint who is completely sold out to the Lord Jesus Christ in every capacity, it’s special.  They love not this world and their only ambition is to be obediant soldiers unto Christ as this spiritual battle for the hearts of men  intensifies day by day.  This is not to suggest that such have “arrived” at a place of complete spiritual maturity, however, they truly place the Lord Jesus first in their lives while their heart is seated firmly in heavenly places.  (This will result in continuous spiritual growth and godly convrsation) The following verse can be quoted by many of us in our sleep, however, it highlights the perilous situation that’s turning away the hearts of many in these final hours. 

II Thessalonians 2:2-3  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as the day of the Lord is at hand.  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

This is both an admonition and a warning to the saints; primarily, dont be rattled by events and don’t be caught up in the exodus from the faith that will preceed the most perilous time in earths history.  A time in which many will succumb to the strong delusions of the day, however, they that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.  We’re going to have to keep our hearts with all diligence if we’re to stand in the days ahead and be about our Fathers business.  This world is growing darker by the day and priceless souls are hanging in the balance.  We must let go of the petty side issues, get the sin out of our lives (David Wilkerson covers this in extensively in the above link) and be faithful ambassadors for Christ. 

A most remarkable thing is taking place at work; a work that only the Lord Jesus could do.  (II Chronicles 29:36)  When I began working at American axle in August of 2002, I was unimaginably backslidden.  Such had been the case for a long time and it continued until March of 2004 when the Lord Jesus brought me out of it in a single day.  (It still blows my mind, and I praise him for it)  Another guy at work, who started working there a couple of months before me, was likewise in a backslidden condition.  The Lord has also done a complete restoration in his life and has transformed him into quite the evangelist. Truly the Lord is doing a remarkable work these days.  It’s always fascinating when the Lord “does a work suddenly.”

Matthew 24:12-13  “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Two verses that speak volumes.  Sin will cause the love of many to wax cold.  Cold in their love for Jesus and cold in their love for those around them.  (Please read David Wilkersons article)  This is an age when folks are increasingly consumed by self-promotion, earthly kingdoms, and the theater of vanities.  Things which have no eternal significance other than to treacherously steer ones heart away from their Creator.  It is imperative that the Love of God abounds in us at all times.  Three areas are in need of mentioning. 

( 1 )  Love for Jesus.  He must be our first love at all times and in all things.  (Our love for him can be measured by the emphasis placed on spending time with him in prayer.)  We should desire an ever deepening revelation of Jesus and the great salvation that we have through his name.  As we grow closer to Jesus and our love for him grows, the weights and sins that once hindered us will just fall away. 

( 2 )  Love for the saints.  As mentioned previously, when we come across those who love the Lord Jesus in all sincerety, the fellowship is out of this world.  The sincere love that we have for each other will tell the world that we are truly disciples of Jesus.  (I Corinthians chap 13)  Those around us need to know that our God is real; which brings up point number three.

( 3 )  Love for the lost.  We need to see those around us as eternal beings for whom Christ died to save from eternal death.  Their sins were paid for at Calvary; they just don’t realize it yet.  We must look beyond the external facade; whatever it may encompass, and realize the value that God places on a single eternal soul.

In a recent post, (“Ask Me Who I Was” January 28) I mentioned the account of Bill Weiss whom the Lord allowed to visit hell for 23 minutes.  Near the end of the ordeal, he was shown the broad road where souls were dropping off, one after another, into everlasting death.  The Lord allowed Bill to feel a fraction of the sorrow that he has over his creation going into eternity without him.  Bill tells that this sorrow was simply beyond human endurance.  If we would only grasp the love that God has for the lost; see them through his eyes, we would find ourselves much more fervent in our desire to reach them and less concerned with the sideshows of this world. 

If we love the Lord with all of our heart, and love our neighbor as ourselves, we’re inevitably going to appear “extreme.”  (I Peter 4:4)  If we are about our Fathers business as we should be, we’ll stand out from those who have retreated to their comfort zone and become “stuck-in-a-rut.”  My prayer is that all of us would be awakened as to the lateness of the hour, the spiritual battle thats raging all around us, and that we would be a city set upon a hill, presenting truth in an age of confusion and despair.  I wish to all, a blessed day in Jesus. 

“PLEASE” check out the article by David Wilkerson in the above link. 

“Be Ye Transformed”

It should be our desire to daily become more like Jesus and less like us.  To walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.  The following links are to some really great posts that I’ve come across tonight.  All three admonish us to grow into the fulness of Christ. 

http://walktwo.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/check/ 

http://esv1.wordpress.com/2008/02/01/natural-vs-spiritual-living/ 

http://mikeboldea.blogspot.com/2008/01/on-spiritual-maturity.html 

It’s imperative to be growing and not withering in these final moments of the age.  May we all have our lamps trimmed and be about our Fathers business.  I wish to all a blessed weekend in Christ.

Romans 8:6  “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” 

II Corinthians 3:17-18  “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 

The Return of Jesus (Episode IV)

This series was initially started on the other blog, however, I’m minded to continue it here.  Therefore, I’ll link to the other three posts before continuing on.  These are a verse-by-verse discussion of Matthew chapter 24.  One thing that’s fascinating about the discourse in this chapter is that Jesus initiates it at a time when the disciples are consumed by current physical realities; that being the beauty of the temple.  Here are links to the three previous installments.

www.timbob2.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/the-return-of-jesus-episode-i/

www.timbob2.wordpress.com/2007/12/03/the-return-of-jesus-episode-ii/

www.timbob2.wordpress.com/2008/01/07/the-return-of-jesus-episode-iii/

A casual visit to the third chapter of II Timothy will reveal a most tragic condition that will be dominant upon the earth in the final days of this age.  People will be lovers of themselves to the point that natural affection will become a casualty in their pursuit of fulfilment.  A condition that’s completely opposite of the wonderous nature of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who gave his all to redeem us from everlasting death.  Those who have the testimony of Jesus will be hated on a scale that few of us in the west can comprehend.  It’s a pattern that we find throughout scripture, beginning with Abel, and continuing to this day.  (John 15:18) 

Matthew 24:9  “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake.”

Oftentimes, time I come across such passages, I think of the thousands of professing saints who are heaping to themselves teachers having itching ears.  Teachers who, instead of encouraging them to draw closer to Jesus and be prepared for real persecution, (enduring unto the end) they lure them into an endless pursuit of material gain and status on planet earth.  One point that cannot be overstated is this: “Loving not our lives in this world” has nothing to do with legalistic religious practice.  It’s a matter of life and death as loving this present world will cause one to make REALLY bad decisions.  Decisions which, once put into play, offer no space for repentance.  (Remember Lot’s wife) Millions will recieve a mark that forever seals their eternal destiny, because of a desire to sustain their lives in this world. 

It’s imperative to draw close to Jesus and truly make him the focus of all that we say and do.  To lay up treasure in heaven and have our affections on those things which have eternal significance.  When we wholeheartedly love Jesus and are looking totally to him, nothing in this world will cause us to waver.  He will sustain us through any circumstance that we find ourselves in.  We will overcome the world by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.  The need to keep an eternal perspective cannot be overemphasized.

Matthew 24:10-11 “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” 

 A time of offense and betrayal; even by those who we trusted completely.  A time in which the ambience will not be condusive to living the American dream, retiring, and travelling the country in a motor home.  A time when we will be tried by fire and may be called upon to lay down our lives for Jesus.  At this very moment, saints are being killed in Kenya and India.  (It’s usually not covered on the main stream networks; not even in the crawl at the bottom of the screen)  We somehow have this notion that such events will never occur in the west because everything seems stable.  Subsequently, we’ve baracaded ourselves within our elaborate comfort zones where we loudly proclaim “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”

We should be mindful to give praise unto God for each day in which the status quo holds up.  There are two reasons for this.  First: its a day which the Lord has ordained to be.  Before the foundation of the world, God determined that this day would come to pass.  Two: it’s proof of the incredible mercy of God because he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  (Ezekiel 18:31-32) God isn’t willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  (II Peter 3:9-12 outlines this perfectly and admonishes us as to what manner of persons we ought to be.)  The next verse tells of a danger that far exceeds that of persecution. 

Matthew 24:11  “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”

False teachers leading folks into a way which appears to be right but is completely not right.  With feigned words, they will lure away millions; a phenomenon that already takes place but will be greatly enhanced in the times ahead.  We know that the whole world will wonder after the beast saying “who can make war with this brilliant guy who has restored our peace and safety?”  I fear that none of us really grasp just how deceptive these times are.  Never has it been more important to be close to Jesus and have his word hidden in our heart.  Our faith in Christ may well have to stand in the face of what would appear to be overwhelming evidence to the contrary. 

Matthew 24:12  “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

Natural affection becomes a casualty in an age where sin has run amock.  This condition seems to become magnified with each generation until few have any concept of right and wrong.  “If it feels good, do it” is the order of the day and has been for quite some time.  Technology has made it possible to transmit every evil thought and scheme.  Today, a wicked imagination can be manifest, placed on the internet and made available to everyone who has access to such.  Likewise, the media has successfully dumbed down our culture to the point that nothing is wrong as programs which glorify sin and occult practices have become the norm. 

A casual scanning of the material offered up by the entertainment industry will reveal two disturbing trends.  One is that sin; fornication, adultery, same-relationships and the like, is held in high esteem.  The second is a glorifying of supernatural forces which are not of God.  “Magic” is in the airwaves and from very early on, children are fed a steady diet of programming in which “magic” plays a pivotal role.  Subsequently, we have a culture that has all but forgotten their Creator and is running headlong down a wide road that leads to destruction.  This post is already too long, but I must squeeze in this final passage because it outlines the importance of being mindful of the perils that surround us.

Matthew 24:13-14  “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom must be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

“Enduring” implies that resistance will be placed in our path that, if we’re not mindful of what’s taking place, we may be inclined to alter our course.  The hour of temptation when we will have to stand in the face of unimaginable odds.  Yet greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.  Jesus has overcome the world and we are more than conquerors through him.  Our job now is to preach the gospel in all the world as untold millions are in need of a Savior and only in the name of Jesus is there salvation.   Well, I’ll close for now.  This post may unnerving to many; however, if we remain close to Jesus his perfect peace will supercede anything that we face in this world. 

II Corinthians 4:18  “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”