SERVANT HEART

MATTHEW
 24 - 7-8

For nation will rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom.
And there will be famines, pestilences, and earth quakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
NJKV - Spirit filled Bible.

It's all there, all we need to know about the road ahead.   Religious deception, social and political upheaval, natural calamities, disloyalty and persecution.    

The usual carnival of gluttony and drunken orgies just around the corner.   Young women in skirts that hardly cover their gender teetering on high heels ready for the party season seemingly oblivious to the road ahead or perhaps in total denial until the screaming starts.   The heads in the sand brigade.

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The school gates locked behind the crocodile of happy excited stragglers making their way past Sam's flat at the start of the Christmas holiday.   For them the anticipation of a christmas tree stacked with presents,  their season of plenty.

Time to relax and grab a quick cup of tea in front of the television and catch up on the latest news.      Sam juggled three jobs to keep her family afloat but for a couple of weeks it would just be the home and her children.    A news report flashed across her t.v. screen and she saw land pulverized by conflict.   Hungry frightened children sleeping rough, seeming to have about as much value as a desert rat, others sat staring at the intruding camera whilst their fearful mothers struggled with primitive cooking facilities.

Another channel and innocent eyes stared through steel netting at a group of men.  "We don't want you here" they shouted at the little arab girl.   She was afraid, even amongst her own people there were men with evil intent.   A small boy was thrust through a window on to a packed train.   He screamed for his father.

Dear God in heaven, considered Sam, doesn't it make you want to chuck a brick through the t.v.  At least if I could smack the corrupt leaders I could get rid of some of the frustration.   They are just kids dragged from their homeland to a possible death from cold, snow and rain in a hostile land.  Another channel and people were marching and protesting yet still governments continued to bomb indiscriminately, where was it all going to end.

She changed channels and another world came into view.   Materialistic, hedonistic, greedy for more, eager to control, drunk with political power, the ME society.   "How did we fall so far from you Lord" she questioned "and how long before we receive what we so rightly deserve?  I get so angry when I see people blatantly ignoring your commandments.  I can't watch this parade of misery any more" she switched the set off  and moved towards the kitchen to prepare their evening meal.  She considered how powerless she was to make a difference, march, protest and no one listened.   Just making ends meet in her corner of the world was a challenge.   What will it take to make men lay down their weapons, simply feed the world and live in peace.   What is it going to take to make them realise they are not in control.

Then that still small voice interrupted her train of thought.   "Sam" she trembled at the sound of  her name spoken with such love and gentleness  "Sam, you don't have to fight my battles for Me, rest in My peace."  

For many children on Christmas Eve sleep would not come and Megan wrestled with the duvet.    "I can't sleep Mummy" she called from her bedroom.   Sam tried not to get annoyed.  Ben was fast asleep in the next room,  she was tired, it had been a long day.   She really needed to get some sleep to be fresh for the day ahead.   She knelt by the side of Megan's bed.   "Megan" she whispered gently "go to sleep, remember to thank Jesus for all His blessings.   So many children will go hungry and cold tonight and you have a snug warm bed and everything you need. 

"Why can't they come and share our dinner Mummy" asked Megan anxiously.   "Sorry darling, they are a world away from here.   They live in the Middle East not far from where Jesus was born." Sam replied.   "Well can't we send it to them in the mail" said Megan determined not to give up.   "Sorry darling, they probably wouldn't even like our food but I have sent some money so the charity workers can provide tents and food.   I really don't think they would like the cold winds and all the rain and snow we get here.

"Where has the sunshine gone" said Megan getting really drowsy "I am so tired of all the rain and getting really wet.    "It will be back in the spring" said Sam "you know nature is just sleeping and as the days lengthen everything will spring back to life".

"Megan" her mother spoke gently "we need to thank Jesus for his blessings and protection.   I'll switch your angel light on and you can listen to your favourite carols and when you wake up it will be Christmas morning.

Thankfully Megan had drifted off and Sam crept into her own bed.   She missed Peter so much and often wondered why he had had to die so very young, but then she knew her cross was small in comparison with the huge burdens and suffering of the many.    The Lord had carried her through the trauma and looked after her every need, she was indeed blessed.   

Sam didn't pander to commercialism she kept things simple, good food, a clean home and concern for the less fortunate.   Megan would not be getting the latest expensive electronic gadgets, her presents consisted of a scooter and a knitted scarf and lava lamp from her grandmother.   She would share her sweets and chocolates with her friends and cousins and of course she had already got her own little presents for her Mum and grandparents, the rabbits and Poppy the family dog.  Ben too little to understand all the preparations would settle for a bowl of his favourite ice cream but the snow white teddy his grandmother had bought him would remain a lifelong companion.

Thankfully Megan drifted off and Sam crept into her own bed.   "Forgive me Lord, I am too tired to pray tonight - forgive all my transgressions - help me to stand strong in time of trial.

   

Sam had a dream that night of another place far from her earthly home.   She stood as an observer watching Jesus surrounded by His disciples as Moses, Elijah, Daniel and many prophets and angels   gathered before the great white throne.

The beautiful archangel Michael bowed low before the throne, his wings folded.   He spoke "Father how long before I can gather Your suffering people to You."   "Patience Michael" replied the Father "as in the days of Moses I give people a last chance to repent, perhaps when they suffer tribulation at My Hand they will bow the knee, otherwise their future lies with the accuser.

Sam shuddered her attention drawn to a dark figure standing in isolation from the main group.  The accuser of the brethren, whispering and sniggering foul instructions to his evil cohorts and their captives on earth.    Miserable tormented souls drowning in a pool of debauchery and sin. 

Sam stood in awe as Jesus left the group and moved to her side.   "Sam" he called her by name.   "All who desire to live godly lives in Me will suffer persecution"  2 Tim. 3-12 

But you must continue in things of which you have learned and been assured of knowing of whom you have learned them. 2 - Tim - 14

From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Me.  2 - Tim - 15 

The Father knows His own and you are His.   I  will return to my people from whence I departed and all will see My glory.   

Sam stood powerless in His gaze.   Such love exceeding all human emotion held her, surrounded her and filled her with peace.   Now go to your children.   Teach them my precepts, protect and guard them for your futures are assured.   Speak My Truth quietly at every given opportunity.   The fields are ready for harvest.   

The sound of bird song drifted in the open window heralding the dawn.   The first hard frost of the year had turned the grass white.   Sam lay still not wanting to leave that place.   The rustling of paper told her Megan was exploring her sack of christmas presents at the end of her bed.

Matthew 28 - 20

"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

AMEN.

And the peace of the Lord that transcends all understanding be with you and those you love.   May the Lord fill you with courage and strength in the days ahead.   For His kingdom will surely come.