EVERYDAY WITNESS

Jesus said:  Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword

will perish by the sword.

Matthew 26 - 52

Just another day in the busy little co-operative store in the village.   For once there was a lull in the queue at the checkout.   The young man behind the till was admiring a cross worn by a  woman  loading her shopping trolley.

He commented on the gold heart fixed to the cross beam on a silver piece designed as a tree.

The woman smiled "yes" she replied "this cross was specially commissioned for me by my daughter-in-law as a birthday present.   As far as I am aware there are none like it and it has caught the attention of quite a few people.    I'm a christian and for me it says - God so loved the world that he gave his only Son who died on the cross for all Mankind.   From my perspective - I love Yeshua (Jesus) with all my heart.

The young man smiled and said "my lot are Jehovah's witness but I prefer the christian angle although the christians that landed on my doorstep told me I was going to hell.   At this point a queue was starting to form behind the woman.   She would have loved to talk more to the youngster but didn't want to cause a problem for him with management.

She felt anger rise at the bullying tactics of the fundamentalists and said "believe me you are not going to hell.   There is only one Judge and He decides who goes to hell not the religious zealots and pharisees.  I believe Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.   He spoke love and peace.

She left the store hoping he had not been too badly damaged by the unpleasant encounter and considered that type of witness did nothing other than send seeking souls elsewhere they simply "cut off the ear" it might have to be a Damascus Road experience where man hears from God - not man.   All she could do was pray for him.   

One look at Russia this week should make the christians in the U.K. sit up and take note.    The place of worship - the cathedral of "Christ the Saviour" in  Moscow was crammed with followers of Christ who solemnly celebrated their date on the calendar for Easter.   Having denied themselves throughout  lent they were ready to celebrate the death and resurrection.  The video is freely available on You-Tube where the patriarch advised the congregation to "stand against evil"   Moscow is a huge country and not everyone would be able to get to Moscow.   I knew of one christian couple from Cheshire who went to work in Siberia.   I can only wonder what they would think of the state of the U.K. now where keeping Easter as the centre of the christian year was concerned.      

The churches in the U.K. with a few exceptions are almost empty.   A vicar or priest having to stretch themselves between three parishes.    Its all Easter eggs and bunnies and a long bank holiday.   How long before we feel the wrath of God.   The rod of correction.

Churches were for prayer and they have become a circus of events and seminars.   Some involve weekends away at costly hotel accommodation - how does that reach the man on the street who is struggling to put food in his mouth.  Christ taught in the fields always in danger of being arrested by the religious zealots.   The denominations will not be able to maintain buildings and they will be used for other purposes.   Sports centres, kitchen outfitters, carpet warehouses.   

So its down to the "home church" a small group of believers who share the bread and the wine and pray for the strength to live a christian life swimming against the tide of this world and maybe its just their everyday witness that will reach those searching for a safe harbour.    My money is well spent giving to those who work with the homeless and the many food banks throughout the country, not denominational salaries or coffers.

This is 2019 not the days of Oliver Twist or the French Revolution - or is that what lies ahead.   Prayerfully governments will get their priorities right the alternative is too dark to consider.

SHALOM

     

  

THE CALL

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed

you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit remain,

and whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

These things I command you, that you love one another.

John 15 - 16-17

Poet's Cry

The world needs a hero, the time is now

rejecting violence, guide hands to the plough.

History repeats itself, page after page,

ignoring all wisdom they torment the sage.

On dark stormy waters the innocents sail,

escaping the onslaught behind them no trail.

Little boats heading for a place of their dreams,

refusing the pattern, beyond this world's schemes.

Your love the barrier, shield and sword

Your resting place my reward.

Hold fast the darkness draws ever near,

We know Your love and never fear.

T. Hills

2019

Sleep walker

Where are you taking me Lord,

ghosts of the past dance in my dreams,

Elysian fields.

What is left in these twilight years but a creaking frame,

too many fears for a world I now see,
as not for me.

Throughout the years You saw my tears,
carried me gently calming my fears.

Merciful God, loving, forgiving,

every wrong step of the life I was living.

Safe in Your Kingdom where all dreams will end,
My God, My King, My Saviour and friend.

T. Hills
2019

  

THY WILL

AND GOD SAID

My spirit will not contend with man forever.

Genesis 6 - 3

On this Easter Sunday we would do well to meditate on the words of the God of Genesis.   Frankly looking at the state of the nations we can only pray for righteous judgement and that the Lord will return and rule with a rod of iron.

Will of the people - today there is no such thing.

Elections can be rigged - results ignored.

The power mongers - dangerous men/women  - extend their grip until the day finally arrives when they will have to deal with GOD'S WILL.   They will not get away with their heinous crimes against humanity.  

Mahatma Gandhi said "As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to re-make the world - that is a myth of the atomic age - as being able to re-make ourselves.   Wise words from a holy man who left judgement to God ignoring the religious divide between Hindu and Muslim and near starving himself to death to stop the religious zealots from killing each other.  He endured brutal treatment and imprisonment from the English heading up none violent civil disobedience.   Surely he rests with God.       

Time is running out and those who suffer injustice now, will - in that day of days - be able to watch the procession of government officials, wonky church leaders and prosperity preachers being taken down the wide road and into the distant black fog of nothingness.    Their palaces empty, their  possessions destroyed.

Last year the writer met a middle aged woman in a local park.    For reasons unknown she witnessed to a perfect stranger that she was a born-again pentecostal christian.    She was unable to find a church in an area that had half a dozen churches all of which she considered were "on the wrong track"   Of course she was correct, but where should she go, she was obviously troubled and very much alone.

When you have experienced a church alive with children, teenagers, young adults and seniors with joyful happy hearts singing and praising their God accompanied by anointed musicians the impact of walking into sterile churches, unable to find any joy, happiness and a genuine welcome for a fellow pilgrim or stranger in a town -  the effect is chilling.   

As I have experienced the same apathy I could only console "God knows your heart - He is everywhere - he inhabits the hearts of His people and the way we live our christian lives is more important than the weekly trip to the "musty damp smelling edifice" that houses those who would be seen as first in the Kingdom yet walk past the man sleeping on the street, the drug addict, the homeless.    She is not alone, Yeshua has followers around the globe,  but I reminded her that we don't compromise the Word of God -  Revelation 18 - 4-5 - And I heard another voice from heaven saying 4 -  "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.  5 -For her sins have reached heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Sadly I never saw that woman again but I often wonder if she had managed to find other like minded christians and now has the love and support of a fellowship  "home group".     I can certainly concur I haven't found a place in the last two years I could call my spiritual home on earth and although physically I would be a liability on any protest march my contributions will be to CRISIS and other charities that make a real difference in a hurting world where there is little compassion for those who fall through the net or have lived too long and are considered a crushing burden on the state.   Obviously those who don't follow Yeshua are ignorant where His teaching is concerned.   But thankfully there are many who give from a moral conscience and put others to shame.   

Matthew 25 - 46

Yeshua said 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

36 - I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.'

  

Many years ago a young woman totally on fire for her Saviour was bringing tramps, alcoholics and drug addicts into her local church.    She was told NOT to do this.   The congregation (mostly from a professional background) were objecting to the "great unwashed" in what they considered 'their church' perhaps someone should have reminded them that the young woman was following the example of her Saviour.   However she continued to follow Yeshua.   She was told if she didn't stop doing this she would be disciplined.  Hard to believe that a Pastor who was supposed to be leading the sheep was literally bowing to the tithe.  This cowardly act resulted in a distressed "child of God" wandering off prey to the wolves that hit on sole sheep.

Tithing as most people who seriously study the bible will concur - "isn't biblical"  Of course it has made Rome rich and powerful and given beautiful palaces to the prosperity preachers - the Son of Man had nowhere to lay his head and when He dined with the rich people in His day it was mostly to encourage them to give their money to feed the poor, considering their souls in eternity more important than their luxuries on earth. 

Perhaps the greatest stupidity in this era is the total lack of respect for wisdom that usually, and I do stress usually, comes with age.   Although there are some children so full of wisdom that like Yeshua they could teach their peers, but they are the exception, not the rule.   

Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying 'we can no longer afford to scrap-pile people' suggesting the retired should be re-cycled'    I doubt many of those employed in manual work would be fit for purpose, but the politicians and those in the legal profession could be re-cycled for public service work, their ex.employers should foot the bill.   Then perhaps we would have tidy streets, pristine hospitals and public transport.

As a child I was taught cleanliness is next to Godliness.   How far we have fallen.   How our planet is suffering.   Time to sort it before God runs out of His infinite patience with us ALL.

SHALOM

  

            

   

OVER THERE NOT HERE

AND IN THEM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH IS FULFILLED

Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,

And seeing you will see and not perceive;

For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

And their eyes they have closed,

Lest they should see with their eyes,

Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,

So that I should heal them.

Matthew 13 - 14 - 15

The taxi service arrived at Sally's front door.    A lean man with gaunt features rang her bell.

"You ordered a taxi to the Mall" he enquired.
   

"Yes thank you" said Susan climbing in the rear seat.

Making polite conversation Susan mentioned a news report on the local T.V. regarding a stabbing in the area.   "Its getting much worse - isn't it?" she suggested.

The pale face of the driver glanced in the mirror at his back seat passenger.

"I just look after myself and my family I don't care about anyone else." he proclaimed.

Susan shuddered,  what an attitude.   I'm all right Jack - for now and I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.   Of course Yeshua warned of this attitude and you can hardly expect those who dance to the piper of this world to act any differently but she was amazed at his total lack of ignorance where world events were concerned.  

"Don't you watch the news" she enquired.

"No" his blunt reply followed.

"Then you wouldn't have seen Julian Assange manhandled by the police.   It was disgusting".

"Who is Julian Assange?" asked the taxi driver.

"Oh sorry" Sally replied "he isn't a local man".  Time to shut up.   Sally considered she was hardly dealing with a sympathetic character.   In fact she prayed she would never be in a "bread queue" with him when the food shortages started.     

Sally realised how dreadfully ignorant most people were on current affairs, East Enders and Coronation Street or X-Factor their daily diet.   They were totally unaware of the creeping darkness,  the hard line tactics of the police in a land that once knew Freedom of Speech and by the time they realised it would be too late.

The fact that a man had been dragged from an embassy building and bundled into a police van for revealing the Truth about the gun happy troops that just killed indiscriminately  - well that was the  Middle East.  That's over there, not here.    Who will be next.   Choam Chomsky, John Pilger, Afsin Rattansi, Tyrel Ventura son of Jesse Ventura, Max Keiser.   These men are all journalists that dig for the Truth and speak it out.

How long before the evil trio in government and their CIS buddies in America try to silence them.   As for Trump, the poor guy doesn't know whether he is coming or going having pronounced he loved Wikileaks his strings have now been tweaked by the dark Lords.    Of course the Truth speakers have access to the public via You.Tube and their audience are mainly those who are computer literate, how long before they attempt to remove them and fill the void with mindless dross.  However the most deadly of this infamous trio has to be Mike Pense.   He is supposed to be a Christian.   If ever the devil needed a platform regarding a "shallow Hal" christian its Pense.   

What part of Yeshua's teaching does he not follow:-

Yeshua (Jesus) said:

Matthew 5 - 44

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,

and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

Yeshua (Jesus) said:

John 14 - 6

I am the way, the Truth and the life.   No-one comes to the Father except through Me.

And perhaps a timely reminder.

Revelation 21 - 8

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and ALL LIARS shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

The fact that a government doesn't actually fire the weapons or drop the bombs does not exclude them from the title 'murderer' they kill by proxy and they will be found accountable. 

Wars cannot be solved by killing, especially terrorists.   They just go to ground and re-surface elsewhere.   Men have to talk peace as the history of Northern Ireland so clearly demonstrates.   

Sally remembered a very vivid dream she had in 2003.    She found herself suspended in the air high above a desert landscape.    From holes in the landscape what appeared to be a black liquid was spreading to the horizon.   She was not able to see what this black sludge was, but it was spreading like an incoming tide across the whole region.    Later she realised that this was the radical arm of the Jihadists and the horror they would inflict over the coming years has been realised.    

Until men learn they share this tiny planet and that their actions will inevitably result in the death and destruction of many innocent people globally,  they head down the road to hell.

Sally needed to focus on her dental appointment and swiftly prayed "Everything is in Your hands Lord" she had arrived at her destination glad to be rid of her dour miserable escort.   She knew apathy was his daily companion and stalked her country like a malignant cancer.   You certainly can't say that about the French she considered as she slammed the taxi door behind her.   They are not afraid to protest even though it means losing a hand or an eye.

Biblical history was slowly unfolding before her very eyes.    That night she prayed for her brothers and sisters in America and around the globe who she knew were committed christians.   Some languished in foreign jails, others have lost their jobs and homes.   Jesus never said it would be easy and this HOLY WEEK the devil and his cohorts are busy pulling the strings of those in power to bring about a "show down" 

They crucified her Lord for speaking the Truth and they continue to persecute men who unveil their dark doings.   All we can do is pray for justice for those who are brave enough to sacrifice their very lives in the battle of Truth versus Evil.

*****************************

The son of man never spoke a word in His defence.   He was murdered by the Sanhedrin (religious authorities) who manipulated his death sentence.     He had many Jewish followers and it is heinous to attribute His death to anything other than the religious leaders who feared His teaching. 

The good news is the Son of Man will judge ALL the nations.

Matthew 25 - 32

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

And He will set His sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand

"COME YOU BLESSED OF MY FATHER INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD"

     

SHALOM.

   

   

             

SALUTE THE HERO

Then the righteous will shine forth

as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Matthew 13 - 43

Snowdon, Manning, Assange the list goes on but until governments are removed they will always receive vicious condemnation and abuse.   Those in power do not like their dirty washing exposed.

Over the centuries history clearly records when there were good leaders there was peace.   Bad leaders, bad government and the people suffer, eventually there is chaos, revolt and anarchy.

A darkness has descended which will only increase but in this Holy Week christians have HOPE.   The Sanhedrin (Jewish religious leaders) conspired to get rid of Yeshua (Jesus) they weren't allowed to do it themselves they had to get Pilate to act to get rid of this irritation, this gentle man who spoke the Truth to all the people.   The evil that controls despot leaders in the U.S. and U.K. is continuing its agenda.    

REVELATION - 6 - 9-11 - The fifth seal - cry of the martyrs.

Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

A clear indication that many will still pay the price for unearthing the actions of those who would strive to remain the super power.   

There is no room for hate in the heart of a genuine child of God.  Coptic christians paid with their lives as did many in the Middle East conflict brought about by the power mongers. 

All that remains is that those who love their Saviour earnestly pray for His return and that the pseudo christians in high places of power receive His judgement.

The catch phrase that tripped so easily from the lips of those in government in the U.K. was 'no man is above the law' perhaps they should NOTE:

NO MAN OR WOMAN IS ABOVE GOD and they will surely answer to HIM for their heinous crimes that literally caused the mayhem in the Middle East and were it not for men like Snowdon, Manning and Assange their crimes would have remained hidden.

So we pray "Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai.    Come Lord Yeshua in power and glory.   You shall reign over all the nations and there will be PEACE AT THE LAST IN YOUR KINGDOM.

Hypocrisy

I say one thing and do another,

love myself and hate my brother.

Perhaps before I trip and fall

Your teaching Lord I should recall.

Failing this, I join the crowd,

those that hurl abuse out loud.

Inflicting pain, each hammer blow,

part of the mob that watch the show.

Humanity, wounded pride,

hold the sword that pierced Your side.

Anguished cries that plead forgive,

Your sacrifice that I might live.

There can be no excuse for me,

I know you Lord, you set me free.

All my guilt and sin your bear

in silent gaze, tortured stare.

My failure nails You to that tree

and still Your love flows endlessly,

and as the dark clouds cross the sun,

You die for me, the battle won.

Talitha Hills*

2003

Please pray for the families of those persecuted.  They also bear the pain of injustice.  And for christians around the globe who read the signs of the time.   Encourage them Lord that the footsteps of our Saviour King draw near.       

TRUTH WARRIOR

But the hour is coming and now is when the true worshippers will worship the 

Father in spirit and truth;

for the Father is seeking such to worship Him,

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

John 4 - 23-24

The house phone rang in Sarah's sitting room as she sat watching a huge cloud coloured pink by the setting sun sail across the pale blue sky.

"Hi, Maggie here" said the voice on the other end of the line "did I disturb you"?

"No" Sarah replied  "I'm already disturbed enough, I am just cloud watching, its quite a hobby of mine these days, hopefully one day soon I will see the big event, or maybe not."

"Did you see the police carting Julian Assange off, pretty disgusting hey.   We appear to be slowly turning into a police state" said Maggie.

"Yes"  - it is utterly nauseating, this world is getting so dreadfully dark.   I just can't wait to get out of here.  One way or another.  Truth is dead.   I am just praying the dark lords in America don't get their hands on him.   They are evil personified and some call themselves christian.!!!   Father forgive" replied Sarah.

"Do you realise Maggie its twenty five years since I gave my life to Yeshua and received the blessing of a spirit of discernment.   I saw the way this was heading and I hate having to say 'I told you so' I get no pleasure in being proved right nevertheless the world and some rotten leaders are on the slippy slope to hell.   And yes, crucifixion continues, although in the West it is more a case of torture and mental crucifixion.

The apostasy in the church is mind blowing.   The gradual blurring of the edges of God's Word to make it more acceptable to the masses.   What will it take to awake the blind and deaf to the judgement that is surely coming.?

These days its not about a church building or a particular fellowship, I just stay close to the shepherd and try where I can to bring a little sunshine into the dark corners of this hurting world.   There are still christians who are worthy of the title saint scattered in various places.   May the martyrs receive their justice - soon.   

The state church presents no threat to the system, as in China it is the genuine christians in small groups that they will aim to silence.   No you can't express an opinion any more and in a society hell bent on materialism, greed and pleasure you have to be prepared to go underground.    Just look at the array of false prophets and rising anti.christs leading the sheep down the path to hell.   Regardless I thank Yeshua for saving me and leading me.   I have Hope - those in the grip of this world have nothing so when everything they prize is destroyed they will crash and burn.   

I remember well my journey back to my Father.   I know that His love for me is the greatest prize any mere mortal could hope to gain.   I don't gamble or play the lottery, but if one day I happen to be sitting on the top of the nearest hill wondering how I could stretch my meagre income another day and a tall handsome stranger (description of the devil here) oozing charm offered me the winning ticket on the lottery with all that would entail - for my soul -  he would be promptly told where to go - HELL and this insignificant pilgrim would plod onward satisfied with her daily bread.

"Well goodness me" said the voice on the other end of the phone "I didn't quite expect that monologue"

"Freely given" said Sarah laughing remembering the good times she and Maggie had shared in the past.   "You're on the right track woman, and if you are getting flack that's really healthy sign.   Don't forget to pray for all those who are persecuted for speaking the Truth.   Sorry - its going to get worse but "IT IS WRITTEN" so we are on course for a "showdown"

Question

Why do you wake me in the early hours,

when the noisy world sleeps for just a brief moment,

snuffling scratching nocturnal creatures hunting through to dawn.

I'm listening, waiting for Your words of instruction,

teaching, or just a reminder of prophetic vision,

this world bleeding to death, pale faced greed stalking the streets.

I sense impending wrath,

arrogant, defiant, tragic mankind pollutes, defiles your precious pearl

children breathing caustic air.

Few will be called and few saved,

but You will come in glory to harvest the land,

and those who would fight Your truth will fall to Your sword.

This time their hands powerless to capture and abuse.

You will reign in power and glory

and Your sheep will lie down in green pastures

and drink from crystal streams

in a new world of everlasting peace.

Talitha Hills

2009

Copyright: T.Hills - 2009

RUN FOR THE HILLS

For the Lord is a great God,

And the great King above all the Gods.

In His hands are deep places of the earth.

The heights of the hills are also His.

Psalm 95 - 3-4

Some nights she skims around like a demented bat.   Her mind, not unlike her computer refusing to exit a particular screen, sleep eludes her.   Press Control and Esc and that doesn't work either so perhaps a piece of toast and a cup of sweet tea will sometimes does the trick.   Finally she crashes snatching a three hour Thatcher nap and touches the land of dreams.

There is a song called "The folks who live on the Hill" written by Jerome Kerne and Oscar Hammerstein 11.  It's a romantic picture for the energetic or those in the first flush of youth but the convoy of mobility scooters parked outside a local church signals the demographics of those who just can't climb every mountain.

Steps to the summit remain the hardest but then "Geronimo" the view stretches as far as the eye can see, yes you will be the first to see the advancing "alien tripods"* striding towards the villages but there would be slim pickings there.

And more positively - the advantages.

1.     Not so far to go to get to the pearly gates.

2.     The air is sweet.

3.     Water runs downhill.

4.     Wind power a great possibility.

5.     A cloud watchers paradise.

6.     If your humble abode faces east you are gazing in the right direction for the return of THE King.

As the Titans clash and the cities of the nations go up in smoke the hill dweller will pray the winds will skip and sweep all the rubbish away.

Like Christian in Pilgrims Progress we will all push on to our final destination and climb that final summit to reach the City of Gold.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills

From whence comes my help.

Psalm 121

*  War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells