The “Magick” is Gone

This morning, I began the usual pattern of activity in preparing to head off to work. Upon realizing that a little extra time remained, I decided to do a quick blog check. Soon, after a series of other things, I came across the testimony of Donalyn Vaughn which can be read at the following link:

IN AND OUT OF WICCA – A FORMER WICCAN SPEAKS

I was running out of time, so I copied it to read later at work. Donalyns testimony is incredible. It reveals the power of God to deliver from deception and it reveals pitfalls that can lead to one going into a way that appears right.  It exposes the dangers associated with having a form of godliness and what transpires when those who make the claim of being “christian” begin to question the basic foundations of the faith. Donalyn was raised in what she terms a “churched family” and was in attendance every time the doors were open. To many casual observers, it would have seemed that a departure into the realm of the occult for such a one would would be, to put it mildly, “unexpected.” Yet, through a series of events which are carefully explained, she drifted into this realm; pursuing spiritual fulfilment and desiring to be in contact with the divine.

She tells how she saw christianity as being impersonal and distant. (This should cause all of us to examine ourselves. What kind of Jesus are we presenting to the world? A distant impersonal one or the living King of Glory who sees our thoughts afar off and hears our faintest cry?)  She delved headlong into the world of wicca and eventually started up a coven of witches. She then tells how the Lord supernaturally called her back into the fold.  This testimony is filled with wisdom and the following is an example of what can be learned from this:

“Most people who are active in paganism grew up in the church. Most pagans I knew came from nominal Christian backgrounds (mostly in mainstream denominations). People who are vulnerable to paganism are deeply spiritual beings. They want more than what they believe Christianity has to offer. They despise religion and want more of an experience with the divine, a relationship that goes beyond the four walls of a church. Satan loves to twist the truths of God. He does this with these people convincing them that what they seek cannot befound in Jesus, but what they seek is the essence of a relationship with Christ. Just as in Jesus day, the religionists have elevated their tradition to a point that the message is getting lost.”

Please check out this testimony. I think that in the days ahead, I may start incorporating more testimonies, like this one, into this blog. And sometime, I will try, “once again,” to write down my own. I’ve tried several times, but each attempt ends up the same. To cover all that I want to cover would take volumes. To leave anything out seems halfhearted. The end result is always frustration to the point of abandoning the effort. (This is why there’s merely a brief paragraph on my “about” page) But I think that I really need to place it out here.

Something that Donalyn mentioned was that how spiritual growth came as a result of the departure into paganism. In other words, had this not happened, she may well have ended up being “religious” like those around her. I can understand this. I was backslidden for about thirteen years, until the Lord restored me in the spring of 2004. He did a work suddenly that astonishes me still. One day, I remember telling the Lord, “I thank you for the lessons learned during that dark season, but I really wish that I had never drifted so far off course.” And yet, had the season of rebellion not taken place, I may well have conformed to the “religious crowd.” I was heading in that direction when I moved back to Michigan and began to slip. (noticeably that is) The season of rebellion was almost like being rebooted. (The only scriptural reference that seems to fit is that of when Nebudchadnezzar was with the beasts of the field till seven times passed over.) Praise God for his mercy that endures forever!

 John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

There are many testimonies similar to this one that can be found through a simple google search. Here’s some that I found just a few minutes ago:

Annie Finton This testimony has many commonalities with the one presented above; although I only had time to quickly scan it. Most importantly, however, is that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin.

David Meyer has a number of articles out here. This one discusses the Harry Potter phenomenon. (This article was written in the year 2000.) While the dangers associated with harry Potter should be obvious, I list it here because many professing christians see nothing wrong with this or other such forums. In fact, my search also revealed a number of folks who claim to be christian witches. This, of course, is impossible. Praise the glorious name of Jesus who opens our eyes; granting understanding and discernment to any who will seek him in sincerety. The greatest truth found in Donalyns testimony is her admonition for us to “seek Jesus” not religion or signs. This she explains perfectly.

Well, I must be going for now. As mentioned above, this will probably be the first of many more testimonies to bring to awareness here s time permits. Reading the testimonies of others is always encouraging (Rev 12:11) and strengthens our own resolve to run with patience, the race that is set before us. Until the next time, have a blessed day in Jesus.

 

They’re Coming to Take Me Away?

Revelation 2:10-11 “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him heat what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”

I Peter 4:19 “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.”

It was monday afternoon (Oct 27) and I was operating a balancer at work. It was a day like almost every other day at American Axle, monotonous and uneventful. A lazyesque afternoon with the sub-conscious countdown of the workdays final three hours underway in the minds of all.  Such times are great for prayer and meditating on the deep things of God; especially in isolated work stations such as the balancers. On this particular afternoon, however, I was in more of an “I could use a nap about now” mood due to a lack of sleep the night before. (No more blogging after midnight! lol) So the words that came into my spirit, caught me off guard.

“Persecution is coming to this land.”

While this is something that I’ve pondered much, the way that this hit me was perplexing. In a split second, these words brought with them, an understanding, as it were, as to the dynamics of this coming assault upon the gospel of Jesus Christ.

( 1 ) It will seem to rise up suddenly. There will be very little forewarning of the onslaught against those who maintain the testimony of Jesus Christ.

( 2 ) It will, for the most part, catch the church completely by surprise. I’ve heard of others having visions in which people are rounded up and as they listen in to them, the general thinking is “This cannot be happening; this is America.” This scene will play out across the land.

( 3 ) It will be unimaginably brutal. I’m talking about the kinds of things that most Americans catagorize in the “stuff that happens over there” file. 

Number three requires elaboration.. There are three phrases that are dangerous for saints to utter. “Over there” is one of them. The idea that the persecution which transpires in Sudan or India could never happen here. Another dangerous phrase is “back then.” This speaks of the commonly held belief that certain things which transpired in the past could never take place in the twenty first century. Third is the phrase “Oh we’re not going to be here”.  This is the most dangerous. A spiritual burying of ones head in the sand rather than honestly seeking for true understanding. This will leave one spiritually ill-prepared to face the coming events.  But if we are granted a warning, and embrace that warning, we’ll be in a place where the Lord can prepare us for anything that we may be confronted with in the days ahead. His perfect peace is indeed “perfect” and it really “does” pass all understanding. As events unfold, we must remain close to the Lord Jesus, hide his word in our heart, and ensure that we don’t think of men above that which is written. (I Corinthians 4:6. THIS is HUGE)

The words at the balancer took place so fast that it was over before I realized it was there. Needless to say, I was no longer ready for a nap. I’ve been pondering on whether or not to write about this. For one thing, such information has been around for years and there are even links on this blog to certain pieces of this information. (Check the “End Times/Prophetic Sites” page) It’s a theme that seems to dominate a disproportionate number of posts on this blog. (Although I do try to keep from putting them back to back, unless it cannot be avoided.) Then there’s the fact that whenever such postings are placed here, the hit counter tends to drop off for a few days. So earlier today, I was wrestling with this; all the while knowing that consequences in the physical realm aren’t the basis by which we are to make such decisions. I’m wondering if anyone else does this; wrestle with something when, in your heart, you know that your reason for debate is unscriptural. (Maybe I’m just nutty) 

Monday night, I turned on the shortwave radio for the first time in quite a while. I found a station in which a man was discussing end times prophesy. I do not remember what particular aspect he was talking about as I was also engaged in things at home. Then he began to preach on I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” he went on to ask (I’m paraphrasing) “Do you become fearful when these things are discussed? You really shouldn’t.” He began to talk about being so close to the Lord Jesus that earthly events; regardless of how troubling they may seem, have no power over us. Fear reveals a need for us to get closer to Jesus. (Because if dialogue makes us fearful, the manifestations will blow us away.) The words of this anonymous preacher on an anonymous shortwave station seemed to fall in line with what had transpired earlier that day.

No matter what we may have to go through here, it’s only for a very short season. And when our days here are finished; be they concluded by evil men who could not withstand the words of our testimony, or we pass away, full of years, by natural causes, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord Jesus. The image at the top of this post reveals a fascinating truth. The razer wire conjours up images of confinement against ones will. But above the razer wire is a blue sky with clouds passing freely overhead. They are completely unhindered by earthly constraints. The same is true for every saint. They can take our vessel, and place it into their deepest chamber. Yet in Christ, we are completely free. They cannot touch our soul; just as the razor wire cannot hinder the clouds passing through the firmament. And no matter what is brought against us, they cannot pursue us beyond the grave. 

I Corinthians 15:55-57 “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

My prayer is that this has been encouraging; in that it creates a greater desire to get in closer with the Lord Jesus. Whenever I learn of an event that speaks of prophetic fulfilment, I just want to find a quiet place and go before the Lord. There’s no fear as in my younger years; just a desire to be as close to Jesus as possible. There is such peace; such complete peace in the Lord, that it defies grammerical explanation. May we all have our affections set on the everlasting. “Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and for ever.”

“SILENCE and the LAMB”

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Of all the admonitions that could be given in these tumultuous times, this one seems overwhelmingly needful. Spoken by our Lord Jesus following each set of instructions for the seven churches in Asia, it encourages us all to be atuned to what the Lord is doing and saying. This is all the more imperative as we approach the conclusion of this age. Such information cannot be obtained by observing the physical world; nor can it be found within the confines of logic. It cannot be determined by simply watching those around us and going with the flow. (Majority rule may be a good principle for democracy, but it’s terrible as a spiritual concept.) It can only be learned when we let go of everything that besets us, come before the Lord Jesus without conditions or agendas, and seek him sincerely with all diligence. Spending quality time in prayer, staying in his word, and just “listening” is the only way to “know what’s up” and “know what to do.”

Psalm 119:99-100 “I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

I’m convinced that one of our major problems for the saints today is the nonstop input from external sources that’s available to anyone with a radio, computer, or cell phone. We have a continuous stream of information, (both good and bad) which causes us to unwittingly place unwarranted trust in the context of this continuous feed. We place our confidence in the plethura of voices; teachers, reporters, scientists, preachers (?) and what have you. We then employ our own logic as the primary determiner of our choices instead of taking time to come before the Lord and wait patiently for direction. Perhaps we like to see the aparatus of deliverance and feel as though we have a handle on our destiny. Or perhaps we’re afraid that the Lord will require us to operate in a way that makes absolutely no sense, thereby requiring us to simply trust him. (This has been a constant throughout scripture and we’re no different than any other generation. Without faith it is impossible to please God.)

I’m as guilty as anyone in this respect. I have, in times past kept myself in continuous contact with various outlets of information to the point of allowing them to become excessively prominant.  With the continuous influx of data, the problem seems all but unavoidable for any who understand the lateness of the hour. (I added the qualifier “for any who understands” because many still have their heads buried in the sand and keep out anything that would “rock” their perception of reality) We know the times and therefore are inclined to gather as much information as possible. If we’re not careful, we can end up listening to everything except the Lord Jesus. This is not to say that information is bad and there are a number of links on this site to various sources. But in searching, we must be mindful to not neglect our time with the Lord. In fact if we had to choose one or the other, we would be far better off to pull away from the computer, turn off all the chatter, and seek the Lord. We would be astonished at the difference it would make.

This remindes me of my “dream vacation” that I will probably never be able to partake of. It consists of two weeks on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean, with nothing but a bible. (Plus a concordance because I’m lazy and a notebook because my memory isn’t the greatest) Two weeks of just seeking the Lord with absolutely no distraction from anywhere. WOW! These days time is at such a premium that I look forward to driving to work just because I can be alone with the Lord. This is the problem. We have so much input and we’re so bogged down with the daily grind that many of us are being spiritually drained and worn down. We may not notice it because it’s probably happening to all of the saints around us as well. This is one way in which blogging can be a real asset. Communicating with saints from other settings and backgrounds may reveal areas in which we, and those around us, are falling short.

Nothing can take the place of coming before the Lord Jesus and waiting. Worshipping, singing in the spirit, meditating, pouring over scripture, and LISTENING. When we are able to make a tactical retreat from the ambience and get alone with the Lord, there’s always thousands of petitions to bring to him. Everything from unsaved family members to decisions that must be made. We know that the effectual fervent prayer of the rightous avails much and that if we delight in the Lord he will grant us the desires of our heart. (If our affections are on Jesus, our desires will naturally be those things which are pleasing to him) Yet it seems that oftentimes, the most incredible times are those moments when we just say nothing. No requests, no seeking gain in this life, and no itinerary. Just getting our heart upon him and thinking on his sheer awesomeness.

These are moments that reside beyond the limits of earthly vocabulary. In the quiet place, wherever it may be, we let go of the temporal cares that occupy way too much of our concern, and look to Jesus. Our High Priest who paid for our sins with his own blood to redeem us from everlasting torment. Who sees our thoughts afar off and ever lives to make intercession for us. He who is from everlasting and to everlasting, unchanging, pure, and is the embodiment of absolute truth. Such moments as this are so awesome beyond expression that it’s as though the life that we knew is a million light years away. A distant memory of that tiny fragment of our existance when we were players in the valley of decisions. In such moments, when  we are close to Jesus, it becomes all so vivid; that which is real, that which is temporal, and the truth that our light afflictions in this world are as nothing in comparison to the God who has created all things for his pleasure.

When we can just “abide” in the presence of the Lord and keep our words to a minimum, he will show us great and mighty things which we knew not. Understanding of his will, understanding of things to come, guidance for the days ahead, a deeper grasping of our great salvation, a level of compassion for the lost that we never had before, and a love for the saints who are fellow laborers in this temporal fallen world.  A world where time is a ruthless opponent and not a minute goes by without someone dropping into eternity. Such revelation comes only when we learn to listen. Most of us can pray without ceasing; bringing forth an array of petitions, wants, and even a few cleverly disguised lusts. But to “Hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” and being in a place to say “here am I” is ever so needful. This is not to say that we shouldn’t come before the Lord in prayer as we commonly do; it’s just an admonition to go deeper and strive to become increasingly closer to the King of Glory.

Well I must be closing for now. There are two new sites in the blogroll to draw attention to:

Beyond Blue stockings This is actually on the blogroll in two places as I thought my first attempt to place it there had failed. Nonetheless, much insight can be found here and this is a good place to visit regularly.

A Revolutionary Gospel I love the title! This site also offers up much insight and encouragement. Also one to make regular visits to.

I wish to all a blessed day in Jesus.

October 27, 2008 Hello again. In the fourth comment below, Code made referance to the November issue of the Last trumpet newsletter, entitled Under the Dark Shadows of Antichrist We are in times; the likes of which none of us have ever witnessed before and this newsletter offers up much insight concerning the goings on in these final moments of the age. May we all draw closer to Jesus and know that he is our strong tower in these days of adversity. Blessings always in Jesus name.

 

“Mechanicsville”

Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

There are so many lessons to be found in the words that Jesus spoke to the seven churches in Asia that several posts would be required to even scratch the surface. Of the seven, only two, Smyrna and Philadelphia, were not in need of serious rebuke due to contrary goings on in their midst. The saints in Pergamos had allowed in those who embraced doctrines of Baalam along with that of the Nicolatians. The church of Thyatira had a lady who professed to be a prophetess but was seducing the saints to commit fornication. Sardis had a reputation of being alive but was at the point of death. Laodicea was in a lukewarm state as wealth and comfort had lulled them into a fleshy “going through the motions” form of christianity.

As I was typing the above passage, something occurred to me. As each church was addressed, Jesus comments on their strengths before revealing the areas which require repentance and restoration. This is always followed up with instruction on how to correct the problem, and what will happen if the situation is permitted to continue. As for sardis and Laodicea, there was no initial acknowledgment of strong points. They were both ready to die and had the Lord not intervened as he did, one can only imagine what may have become of these churches. All of the shortcomings mentioned above were things that should be easily recognized as contrary by anyone with scriptural understanding and discernment. One church, however, had a situation that was all but invisible. To anyone visiting the church at Ephesus, the initial impression would be that of a group of saints who were zealous for the deep things of God. They were firmly grounded in scripture, labored tirelessly and appeared to be very discerning. 

Revelation 2:2-3 “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my names sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”

A church that was serious for the things of God above many of their contemporaries. Whenever we find saints who simply “love Jesus;” whose conversation is in heaven, and are focused upon the eternal, it’s special. They are spiritually minded and not consumed with the plethura of storylines that dominate headlines and water cooler chatter. Issues that seem urgent, but are merely a snapshot of a very temporal condition in a very temporal world.  The Ephesians were a body of saints who were focused on the things of God and were diligent in service. But something happened along the journey; a thing that’s all too common and has been the undoing of nearly every revival and movement. Their heart went from serving the Lord Jesus to serving the organization. They still looked the samed, sounded the same and acted the same, but their focus was now on the “doings.”

Revelation 2:4-5 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

This problem was so serious that the Ephesians were in danger of their candlestick being removed; and yet on the surface nothing seemed out of place. I remember reading Frank Bartlemans account of the Azuza street revival in 1906. Prior to this revival, a similar one was taking place in Wales and he wrote extensively about it. Both revivals, he stated had the same demise. In time, people began to make decisions and become organized; thereby quenching the Spirit. It seems that in every movement of God; people unwittingly decide to plan things out until, finally, an organization is born. Today, in 2008, we see a landscape saturated with full gospel churches, but most of them seem to be operating in a very scripted fashion. Somehow, I simply cannot believe that when we gather with the saints, the Lord is done working in our midst at the exact same time each week. Nor can I buy into the idea that the Lord wants me to have a seven bedroom house, four cars, two boats, and a time share in Orlando while our homeless shelters are overflowing and souls from our community are entering eternity every day.

I fear that, while all of us daily profess our love for Jesus who redeemed us from everlasting death, a number of us, over time, begin to serve the organization. This morning, our youth pastor commented on the zeal for the Lord Jesus that our youth have while many who have been saved for years have become “stuck in a rut.” (Our church has a very small, but “very serious” group of teens.) The shift is ever so subtle that we cross the line without ever realizing it and in time, it can manifest in our conversation. One night, in a church where I fellowshipped a few years ago, a particular evening service was awesome like words cannot express. In the midst of it, the pastor unwittingly made the comment “Aren’t you glad you’re [insert denomination] tonight?” With a single phrase, the focus shifted from “look to Jesus” to “look at us.” Tragically, nobody seemed to notice; although many may have. This pastor loves the Lord Jesus and would never intentionally work contrary, which shows just how easy it is to become refocused.

This post is a very poor and scatterbrained attempt to address a very widespread problem; that of leaving our first love for religion. Anyone who has a chance to read “Secret believers” by brother Andrew is in for an incredible telling of people in a muslim country coming to Jesus under the most astonishing of circumstances. As the book progresses, a bible training center is established where new christians are trained up and sent out. The moment comes when the entire work is shut down suddenly by a series of events; set in motion by the islamic leadership and sanctioned by the government. One of the early converts, Ahmed, escapes to Cyprus and, in a phone conversation to Brother Andrew, laments at how the entire work in his country has been ruined. He was “focusing on the work” instead of Jesus. Brother Andrew begins to remind Ahmed of all the souls that came to Jesus during that season and how the word of God had reached the ears of so many. “The work” he stated, “wasn’t ruined at all. It was simply finished.”

Well, it’s time to go for now. We’re in very strange times and in the days ahead, may see things shaken that we once thought to be unshakable. Anything not founded upon Jesus, the solid Rock, will fail. I pray that all of us will do a thorough self-examination to ensure that our heart is focused firmly upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Because, as the song reminds us, “all other ground is sinking sand.”

I wish to all a blessed day in Jesus.

 

Checking In: October 17, 2008

Jeremiah 24:7 “And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be there God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Everyone who has been born of the Spirit remembers the moment when the Lord Jesus gave them a heart to know him. A few days ago I came across the above verse while on my way to another place in scripture.  Regardless of a persons supposed situation in life or how far removed from the truth they may seem to be, it is the Lord who opens the understanding and grants repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. As we near the end of 2008 AD, the level of spiritual blindness in the ambience seems so complete that it can be  overwhelming. Friends, family, co-workers; neighbors, strangers; priceless souls at every turn, who are not ready should their final moment come upon them.  They can seem unreachable in this increasingly dark climate, unless we remember that God gives the increase and that his word will “never” return void.

I don’t have time to go into a full post right now, but this is one of the things that seems pressing. It’s very easy to get discouraged when we lift others up in fervent prayer; sometimes for years, and see nothing change. The result is that we’re tempted to just stop praying. (not a conscious decision to stop; just a gradual lessening of intercession until the situation disappears from our spiritual radar screen) But if we remember that God is the one who opens the eyes and that he does so in his timing, we’ll be more careful to pray without ceasing until the strongholds crumble. Even if it involves years or decades. (Luke 18:1-8)

Well I’ll be going for now. I may be placed back on second shift next month and if so, it will be much easier to keep the blog current. (Or…the plant could close and I will have a LOT of time to keep the blog current. lol) Time is short. I pray that all of us would draw close to Jesus and hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

“Ere I Roam”

“and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” It’s one of the most comforting truths in scripture, and, although very elemental, it warrants pondering. The fact that, regardless of circumstances, (even the self-induced ones,) Jesus is always as close as the mention of his name. For those who are born of the Spirit and placing their complete confidence in the creator of all that is, there will never be a moment in which they are journeying alone; even when they make a mess of things and must come before the Lord in repentance. The Lord Jesus Christ never takes a holiday, never fails to deliver, and never abandons those who come to him through faith. He is our High Priest and he ever lives to make intercession for us. The apostle Paul explained the omnipotence of God to the citizens of Athens in the following familiar passage:

Acts 17:27-28 “That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, though he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain of your poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”

The Creator of the universe is close at hand to all. Not only does he abide with those who are in Christ, he is in close proximity to those who have not received him; ready to make them whole the hour that they first believe and turn to him by faith. In fact, when we see the wicked who appear to prosper from their doings, we are witnessing the incredible mercy of God who could, at any moment, withdraw from that person the breath of life. For those who are in the household of faith, his presence is far more profound. He is a very present help in trouble and he knows how to deliver the righteous from even the most contrary of situations. Once this truth makes the journey from our mind, 18 inches south and into our heart, the prevailing peace is so complete that we become “forever ruined” to look at the temporal world the same as beforetime. Another blogger recently referred to it as a “light bulb moment” when a truth crosses over from a theological belief to faith. Psalm 139 has much to say regarding this topic and is one to commit to memory.

Psalm 139:1-2 “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thoughts afar off.” He understands our thoughts far better than we do. This is sobering, but also very comforting. He not only knows our thoughts, he knows every aspect of our situation and we should be confident that all things will work our for good.

Psalm 139:7-10 “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” We had a teacher in high school who always stated “wherever you go, that’s where you are.” Equally true is “wherever we go, God’s already there. This is truly awesome beyond words. (This entire psalm is awesome, but for the sake of time, I’m only hitting a few passages.)

Psalm 139:15 -16 “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did seemy substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.” He knew us before we were formed and given an earthly name. Let me divert for a second here. I’m convinced that judgment is in this land. Along with the rampant iniquity; fornication, sodomy, witchcraft, drunkenness, and what have you, one element stands out. Seventy million abortions. Seventy million children, fearfully and wonderfully made, that have a name and are currently in the presence of God. They are witnesses against a nation that has forsaken the ways of righteousness. Abortion is the contemporary equivelant to the nations of old causing their children to pass through the fire. (Where are those nations now?) This issue is not just a political football; it is murder.

Psalm 139:17-18 “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when i awake, I am still with thee.” We are continuously in the Lords thoughts; even when we become wrapped up in whatever it is in this life that seems important.

These truths are life changing, when they reach our heart. When we grasp them, this world becomes like a cold alien landscape. It’s fleshy offerings and appeasments will do nothing for us as we are in fellowship with Jesus and our only desire is to be closer to him. One may think that such a state would make one unprofitable in this fallen world, but such is not the case. When we are in close fellowship with the Lord, our desire becomes the furtherance of the kingdom of God. We so desire that those around us would call upon the name of Jesus that we’ll work tirelessly to reach them. We’ll possess a willingness to “go wherever” and “do whatever” the Lord places in our heart. I love to go into the nearby cities, pass out tracts, and talk to anyone who will listen. I must juggle time slots around in order to do this, but it’s a desire that I cannot shake. When I’m out there, the joy of the Lord flows like a river and it’s as though all of my earthly cares are a million light years away.

We don’t know what tomorrow holds in store and we may not know where we will be in a year. The year 2018 is shrouded in mystery; despite the most cautiously laid plans. Nonetheless, we can be certain of the continual presence of the Lord, who determined beforehand, our allotment of days under the sun and sees the end from the beginning. And when our days are completed, whether our final moment is tomorrow afternoon or a few years off, (James 4:13-15) we shall abide with him forever. A dwelling place where sorrows are forever removed and time is no longer a taskmaster.

 

“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled”

Please check out this blog that I learned of just a while ago:

BROTHER MALACHI

This blog discusses extensively, issues concerning the persecuted church and contains links to a numer of organizations. Upon my first visit to the site, a post near the top displayed a directive from the North Korean government instructing their citizens to turn in any who are proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in that country. While we are free to stand on a street corner downtown and loudly proclaim the words of new life in Jesus, such is not the case in many places on the earth. Yet Jesus told us that this gospel would be published in all the world, and then the end should come. Please pray for the saints in North Korea who are under oppression like most of us cannot fathom, but may be confronted with in the near future. (One of the most dangerous beliefs is that “it can never happen here.)

The admonition from the title of this post is located in John 14:1, however, the concept is located throughout scripture. The saints of God are to place their complete confidence in him and not be alarmed by appearances on the earth. Despite uncertainties in the ambience, threatenings at the hands of those who know not God, or anything that would seek to make us fearful, our confidence is to be 100% in the Lord Jesus Christ who has promised to be with us always. I mention this because the following links are to postings that would cause apprehension on the part of any who know not, or are not walking close with, the Lord Jesus. I bring them up because we are in very strange times and this age is coming to its conclusion. It’s imperative to know what’s transpiring, why it’s transpiring, and most importantly of all, “GET CLOSE TO JESUS!” The events unfolding before us should not cause panic, but cause us to get in close to the Lord; knowing that the trial of our faith is more precious than fine gold and is only for a season.

Please take any information contained the following links to the Lord in prayer and search the scriptures fervently.

Americas Road Map 3 (Matthew Stephen Sept. 30, 2008)

Pastor David Lankfords Vision (Sept.30, 2008)

Hawks Emergency Alert (october 2, 2008)

Hawks Emergency Alert Update (October 3, 2008)

These all come from Steve Quayles site, but due to the importance of these and the lateness of the hour, I thought to make them available here. The final link below is to the July 2008 issue of the Last Trumpet Newsletter. In this issue, David Meyers talks about how the emptiers have emptied out the land. Three months later, it would seem that this is coming to a head as we are witnessing the beginnings of a total economic meltdown. Judgment is in the land, but the Lord knows them that are his and will meet every need. Here’s the final link for this post:

A Nation of Empty Souls (David Meyer July, 2008)

It’s been repeated often in the past, but bears repeating once again. These things are not meant to cause fear; they are intended to awaken the saints and cause them to draw closer to the Lord Jesus. The darkest hour is before the dawn, but what an incredible dawn it will be as Jesus Christ appears and every eye beholds him. May we all be longing for the Lords appearing and be about our Fathers business in the time that remains.

Revelation 19:11-16 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Note: One of the fastest ways to defeat fear is to read the last two chapters in Revelation. When all is said and done; when all of the earthly dramas have run their course, we shall be forever with Jesus Christ in an eternal city with the saints from every tribe and every generation. WORDS FAIL TO DESCRIBE HOW AWESOME THIS WILL BE!  WOO HOO!