INTERLUDE

When my computer suddenly appeared to house a manic woodpecker I knew it was about to crash.
Like most equipment these days it probably has a short shelf life.   The constant upgrading required is now sadly beyond my finance so it was off to the experts for diagnosis and possible surgery.

Determined to make the best of this blessed interlude I decided it was time to tidy my C.D. and book collection and remove Christian literature written by men and women who although initially appeared to be moving in a right direction had sadly fallen prey to their own agenda and egotism.   Put simply
"they have lost the plot" and rather than pollute another searching soul perhaps the recycling bin would be more appropriate.

A pristine blue and gold hardback Classic by Hendrickson of John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress was the next book on the shrinking pile for consideration.    A few years ago the mail order book arrived on my door mat and briefly turning the pages I found the old English daunting and wondered if I would ever get around to reading the contents.   To be fair John does warn the reader in his author's apology

"And thus it was: I, writing of the way
And race of saints in this our Gospel-day

this was certainly going to be a challenge as I was oft heard to complain "what - what does that mean reading Paul's letters!  Why couldn't he just say - my flesh is weak - I am prone to drop my cross - simples!!!

A fellow Christian commented "how did you cope without cyberspace for five months" my reply "easy David, it took me three months to read Pilgrims Progress" and  I can't even remember why I ordered the book in the first place.   It is easy to see why this classic is so loved by those who struggle with Sin City and thirst for a better land.

So my pilgrimage began and the flimsy pages of my study bible were considerably weakened by the constant "to and fro" checking every numerical biblical quote and despite slow progress it was well worth the effort.

When Christian finds his journey blocked by Apollyon - alias Satan - it is suggested he changes sides because if he continues to serve his Lord he will pay a heavy price, even his life, cunningly reminding him many have been put to death.    Hardly the stuff of prosperity preachers.    On the other hand he (Satan) has delivered either by power or fraud those who are his followers.   SOUND FAMILIAR.

 Psalm 22 - 7-8
All those who see me ridicule me,
They shoot out the lip, and shake their head saying
He trusted in the Lord let Him rescue him, 
Let him deliver him, since He delights in him.

Christian refuses to give way and Apollyon proceeds to beat seven bells out of the poor lad and leaves him for dead.   There were moments of humour and I couldn't help but giggle at Bunyan's description of the old Pope sat in the entrance to his cave at the end of the valley of the Shadow of Death.   Sterile,
biting his fingernails, because he couldn't touch the pilgrims, and poor old Faithful nearly beaten to death by Moses (the Law) but saved in the nick of time by a man with holes in his hands and side who Faithful considered his Lord and Saviour.

Of course Christian reaches the Celestial City despite every best effort of a long list of characters who would have happily blocked his way who are alive and well in the modern world.   Mr. Worldly Wise and Mr. Atheist, Mr. Love Lust, Mr. Talkative, Mr. Malice, Mr. Highlife, Mr. High Mind, Mr. Love Money to mention just a few.

Somewhere in the future I may be fortunate enough to actually thank John Bunyan for this amazing work.   Until that day I continue to limp homeward only regretting I hadn't read this brilliant book at the start of my personal pilgrimage.

Psalm 17

As for me I will see your face in righteousness

I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness.

This timeless classic is as relevant today as the day it was written and a very necessary encouragement for any Christian beginning their journey.

1 John 2 - 16 - 17

For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh,

the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.

******************* 

BEHOLD

PSALM 119 (26)

It is time for You to act, O Lord

For they have regarded Your law as void.

Like a discarded plastic bag trapped high on the wire

buffeted by the raging storm,

I swing between elation and sorrow

the end game WRITTEN long ago.

Sickening depravity of a rotting culture,

writhing sea of dammed souls,

 grotesque parade of man's appalling inhumanity.

And still they dance and say "God doesn't see"

This rapid slide into chaos gains momentum,

drug induced mania, a weaponless war, but no less lethal,

kiss of a silent enemy harvested in blood red fields.

Shameless this face of human greed,

featureless the stare of apathy.

Your commandments ignored by fraudulent leaders

resplendent in their palaces,

well hidden from mayhem called anarchy.

The remnant wait, hearts united 

for they know divine love,

and hunger for their real home

the journey all but over.

Talitha Hills

2012

For a mind far superior to the greatest mankind has produced is moving to take their weapons and toys and there will be peace and justice in His Kingdom.

BEHOLD HE COMES

TIME OUT

PSALM 94 - 7

Yet they say "the Lord does not see"

My recent absence from cyberspace appeared to highlight the very real difference between news reporting on the various media channels.   It would appear they are somewhat censored in this country concentrating on every horrible gruesome act of the deranged mind whilst filling the gaps with lengthy debate on pasty tax, badger culls, sexual deviants and those caught with their fingers in the till.

This sterile government fiddles whilst the good ship Britain sinks, continuing to hand out billions in overseas aid to say nothing of meddling in the affairs of other countries their agenda well and truly hidden from the electorate.      A brief survey of other channels shows a very different picture of their 'doings' meanwhile without firing a single bullet the enemy within makes steady progress. 

The leaders of this once great nation are suggesting a return to Christian values - Amen to that - but rather late in the day, and do they uphold the same beliefs or is this just a question of ensuring the poor remain poor and the rich seek timely dispensation.   After all, if they want a return to gospel teaching,

LUKE 16 wraps it up nicely.   They are heading for a HOT HOT place.    

Now they switch the spotlight on the vulnerable, those who endured the 2nd World War, who know how to make ends meet and who are now considered a burden on the state.   A ticking time bomb and good heavens, living too long.

The walking wounded, disabled, widowed (far too many widows) are causing considerable concern, ignoring the fact that unlike the culture past governments have created, most have worked all their lives, contributed to their state pensions and having paid their due taxes have provided the salaries of those who are supposed to SERVE THE PEOPLE.

Next line of attack, keep them busy, back to work at 70+ meaningfully occupied.   No reason at all why you can't earn till you drop, thereby further reducing the chances of a young person doing the same mindless job in the cheap labour market and at least cultivating a work ethic.    

Of course in a thriving class system the House of Lords, Parliament and the legal and medical professions are full of the walking dead who have still managed to keep mentally agile due in the most part to a very comfortable life style and comprehensive diet.   No shortages here or the associated stress of whether to heat or eat.    Maybe the real agenda is to freeze or starve, thereby reducing numbers at a stroke! or heart attack.

Now a suggestion being considered  "take the care costs after they die"   An extremely popular move with the beneficiaries.    Additionally, keeping your focus firmly fixed on the inevitable, this will also ensure (if you are single) whatever is left of your pension will also be grabbed by the state on your demise.    

The trick here is to ask the Lord for a reprieve on your allotted span and do a Abraham or Sara.   Or live long and prosper - for the Star Trek enthusiasts.

While they assure seniors have never had it so good they really should do their research,  many hardworking skilled men were thrown on the scrap heap,  their lives destroyed by the changes in employment legislation during the Thatcher years, losing homes and private pensions.   Short term contracts and rampant agism finished them off.

So, time to off load the elderly on the kids.   Time to initiate the commandment "HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER"   oddly enough many cultures do, but the children of the self fulfillment culture have no place for Granny.   In this area Britain proudly tops the chart.

Those who can provide for the parents who loved and cared for them should, provided they themselves have the available "spare room"   But no government other than God's can convict them of their responsibility, and many can't even acknowledge anyone or anything superior to their understanding of the status quo.    The additionally difficult decision of who carries the 'cross' and who manages to avoid that particular burden also arises amongst siblings.

For children physically and mentally abused this would be an unwelcome prospect.   For the practicing saints who have graciously extended forgiveness, but nevertheless bear deep scars and struggle with painful memories surely 'we reap what we sow' should apply, and in this situation the only alternative a team of professionals financed by the state.  

The days of a supporting network of guarding eyes in the same street are all but over.   Of course if you managed to survive redundancies and belong to the happy stereotype displayed for public edification, affluent healthy loving grandparents who happily while away the sunny days with their precious grandchildren you could always decide to SKI (spend the kids inheritance) leave the country and switch the light out as you go.

In reality it is very different.   There is always the dark side.   Those who bring their evil vindictive

nature into old age.   They make rebellious teenagers appear saintly.   A steady stream of changing care workers highlighting their objectionable controlling personalities.   Selfish, demanding and positively cruel to their caring children and anyone else crossing their threshold.   Heaven knows they need a saviour, they have no hope, no remorse and as long as they breath wobble about in a medically induced stupor hanging on to life until the lights finally go out and their worse nightmare begins.

Leaders of Britain might well consider reading their bible, repent and then just maybe this once great nation will be saved, as it is, we hurtle towards the abyss.

 JOHN 8 - 47

He who is of God hears God's words

therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.

True Christians know the struggle ahead "IT IS WRITTEN" and understand that this once Christian country having turned its back on God, now faces HIS WRATH.

        

HOPE & TRUST