BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

JOHN 6 - 44

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me

draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.
NJKV

"Have you had a divine appointment" enquired the friendly middle aged man smiling at the woman sitting in the seat beside him.   "Sorry how rude" he exclaimed "I just saw the title of the chapter you were reading" hoping she appreciated his dry humour.   He turned his head to look out of the plane window before she could reply hoping she wouldn't see the amused look on his face.

She replied "Yes"  her body language suggested "I accept your challenge"

"Are you one of those fanatics that pin unfortunate bystanders against a wall and ask them if they are under the blood" he enquired lightheartedly.

"No" she replied "I am not sure where they get that directive from, certainly not Jesus, I prefer the gentle approach"

"Not one of the circuit evangelists working the reward system then?" he enquired.

"Absolutely not" she replied "you pick up your cross and follow the Lord, that means no to the sirens of this world, in fact it can only be described as a constant battle to stay on the straight and narrow path and suffer the ongoing attacks you inevitably attract.

"So it's not a case of blessings and rewards.   Nice fat bank account, no mortgage and a posh car because that's what they suggest you'll get if you follow Christ and get baptised in their church."

"No" she replied "they don't work for God, they are hirelings, they follow Satan.

Shrieks of laughter sounded from an eavesdropping passenger in the seat behind.   "You don't really believe all that stuff.   It's a load of cod's wallop.   They were smoking all sorts of stuff in the middle east in those days.  Just because they found some pieces of papyrus with Hebrew text doesn't mean its right.  Come on" and with that final comment the intruder settled back in his seat.

"He's got a point" said the man in the next seat as he observed his travelling companion.   She was clearly unaffected by their comments and very different to the women he was used to using and meeting at every level of business, in the work place and at social events.   Modestly dressed and devoid of make-up she remained quite a beauty.   In fact he considered if he were her husband, and he had noticed she wore a wedding band, she would look exactly the same in the first light of day, no disappointment there then.   She was natural.  

"My name's Phil" he said considering introductions necessary.

"Grace" replied the woman praying silently 'Dear God this man is sinking in a pit of his own making'  Most would see an attractive wealthy business man, a tad condescending to those on a lesser plain.   Grace saw someone drowning in the pleasures of this world, wine, women and song and his superior attitude filled her with gentle compassion.

Suddenly the plane started to fall due to a drop in cabin pressure,  oxygen masks waved in the air as startled passengers tried to remember safety procedures and finally getting it right sat frozen in their seats waiting for an announcement as to the cause.  Expletives came from lesser mortals and some actually called on a God they didn't believe in, fearing the worst.  

"Going down" laughed Phil obviously slightly inebriated by one too many drinks off the beautiful young trolley dolly.   "Or is it up in your case, er to where" he sniggered but secretly admired the cool calm persona of the woman sat next to him. 

The rest of the flight was smooth and as the passengers moved to collect their baggage he noticed Grace struggling to lift her case off the carousel.   Suddenly he felt guilty.   She didn't deserve his smug attitude, okay maybe she was a little "fairies and fantasy" but hardly offensive.   "Let me help you with that.   Sorry you didn't deserve a passenger like me sitting beside you.   I apologise for any offence.   Can I get you a coffee?"

"Thanks" replied Grace "but no, I am in a hurry to catch another flight, but here, have my book.   Perhaps you will get to read it on your return flight" and smiling she turned and walked into the distance.

She would never know whether the man in the next seat did read her book perhaps that was just one divine appointment he wasn't expecting.

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

Many genuine christians are very aware of biblical eschatology and that slowly but surely we are moving towards the final conflict.  Moments of peace in man's bloody history are sadly too few and he could undoubtedly destroy himself and the earth with his new toys.   God's message is that we love one another but it is drowned out by greed, numerous religious wars and the abusive rape of our planet's finite resources.

Time is short but for our families still dancing to the Piper of this world we can only intercede for the blind and deaf.   We have to leave them in God's hands. 

In Roger Ellsworth's book a Promise is a Promise under the Chapter "A restriction" he writes:

"The only way anyone can love God is through God graciously working in his/her heart to remove the hostility that is there and create a whole new disposition."

"Those who love God are the ones he has 'called' unto himself.  When God changes the disposition of the heart, he also calls the sinner into a saving relationship with himself  with a call that is effectual and powerful"

"No one would ever love God unless God had first loved him.   We are face to face with the fact that our salvation is due solely to the grace of God."

"God stepped into the life of each christian and so interrupted and disrupted that person's life that he/she came to faith in Jesus Christ."

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

Crisis after crisis will follow a genuine christian standing apart from this world until the day they finally acknowledge they have picked up their cross and like their Saviour must carry it to the very end.   There is nothing so awesome and uplifting as the witness of a 'ship wrecked' life that has experienced the saving grace of their creator God.

Just maybe the man on the plane who sat next to Grace will indeed read her book, perhaps that will be one divine appointment he wasn't expecting but will decide to keep.

SHALOM

LABELS

JOHN 8 - 7

He that is without sin among you,

let him first cast a stone at her. 

KJV

The crowd were quick to condemn the woman caught in adultery, but they soon scattered when Yeshua (Jesus) reminded them of their own imperfections.   He didn't condemn the woman:

"Woman, where are those thine accusers?

Hath no man condemned thee?

She said "No man, Lord

and Yeshua (Jesus) unto her

"Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.

KJV

This week one might question exactly what is the agenda of those who proposed a blanket ban on all Russian athletes and why the head of the Russian Drug Testing laboratories scuttled off to America. When other countries have been found guilty of the same transgression the decision can only be viewed as political.

The whole concept of the Olympic Games, sportsmen and women coming together to compete should be the only agenda.   After all everyone can't win, but the obvious honour is to represent their country and do their very best to take a medal home.   By all means ban those guilty of using drugs but that must include ALL countries otherwise one can only conclude there is a deeper motive.

Russian athletics strive for excellence and give the supreme sacrifice.   The training is gruelling and without mercy and to crush the hopes of innocent young men and women is cruel and mean minded.

The space programme is a typical example of unity and co.operation between nations.   Perhaps as the technicians circle the earth and gaze into space they realise how tiny and fragile we really are and that we need to talk peace and unity instead of hurling insults and provoking confrontation.    There will be no winners from global war - only losers.

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

The double standards of those in power never ceases to amaze.  The heinous approach to the whistle blowers who spill the beans on the dark doings of the hawks and the elite is giving credence in many ways to the ground swell of Americans who have had enough of the hypocrisy.   

It is time for both the U.K. and the U.S.A. to put their own house in order and that is precisely why Donald Trump is appealing to the masses, but he had better watch his back.   There are incredibly dangerous people watching and waiting.   There are many ways of manipulating the outcome of any election.    We certainly don't deserve this precious planet and should be praying that God will raise up men and women of integrity because the war lords need to know their agenda will lead to their own annihilation.

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

A recent article in one of the broad sheets states    "Atheism is now the world's third faith." Yes atheists have a faith.   They don't believe in a God and do not consider themselves accountable to any deity.   

On the other hand a recent survey announced there are 2.2 million christians and specifically the U.K. is now 6th from the bottom of the list in religions.

HIGHLIGHT the word religion and religious.

In any census there will always be people who say "I'm a christian".   Yes they know about the bible and Christ but their lifestyles are far from the teachings of Christ.   Of course its useful to have a really handy label when you answer the door to the Jehovah's witnesses or Mormons.   

We are hurtling at speed down the wide path and the consequences will be terrible.   The message Christ gave to his followers is "to love our neighbours as ourselves.   If the 2.2 million christians in the census did just that we could change the world overnight.   Meanwhile the tally of martyrs increases daily.  It is written.

Revelation 14

Blessed are they that do His commandment,

that they may have the right to the tree of life,

and may enter in through the gates into the city.

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and

whoremongers and murders and idolators

and whosoever liveth and maketh a lie.

I Jesus gave sent mine angel to testify 

unto you those things in the churches.

I am the root and the offspring of David,

and the bright and morning star.

We as christians are warned the way is narrow and few find it.   Unfortunately the statistics are very misleading but no doubt in time the authorities will sniff out and eliminate anyone or anything that speaks against the system.  We are prepared and ready.   It would appear there will be more standing outside the gate. 

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

It is really sad to see a local authority in the U.K. pandering to the muslim fraternity regarding the issue of dogs.   Someone is really keen to provoke the already inflamed situation whereby some are intent on forcing their religion beliefs on others.

Biblical images of sacrificial lambs, goats, doves and the slaughter of cattle who have supposedly taken on the sins of a man, in order for him to be reprieved, tends to make a person who loves all creatures great and small cringe at the appalling cruelty inflicted on the lesser brethren. 

The 'dogs' quoted in revelation refers to the fact that when Jesus walked this earth a dog was associated with evil and low status.  People who are evil will not gain entrance to the city of God.   In reality the dogs of that period of history licked blood and ran wild in packs eating corpses lying around which was a natural instinct for their survival.   The middle east appears trapped in a time warp, hungry dogs wandering around whilst their owners lie in the dust after yet another bombing expedition.   

Domestication of dogs did not happen in Israel until the Persian/Hellenistic period.   Sad to consider that in a time of complete and utter devastation should my little pooch survive she would be looking for food and along with her bigger brothers would be tucking in to my corpse.

Today most dogs are loved and cared for and probably treated better than most children by their caring owners.      Its a sad world and the appalling cases of neglect that arrive on the doorstep of the Harmsworth Animal Hospital in the U.K.  are beyond belief.   The bible states very clearly that we are responsible for the animals in our care.

Psalm 12 - 10

A righteous man regards the life of his animal.

Job 12 - 7-10

Isaiah 11 - 6-9

Perhaps this is  one place where the media works for good highlighting their plight.  I very much doubt the people who inflict this misery have any conscience whatsoever.  They are truly evil and I certainly would not want to carry that label. 

SHALOM     

   

       

    

NO FAITH, NO HOPE

But there are some who are prepared.
They are those who have made the grand, sweet committal.
They have seen heaven draw nearer and earth recede;
the things of this world have become less and less attractive,
and the things of heaven  have begun to pull and pull as the moon pulls at the sea,
and they are prepared now.
A.W. Tozer

"Well we have to live somewhere don't we Millie" said Sue noticing the anxious gaze of her little terrier that said it all -  here we go again.   We have to check in somewhere and the Lord has provided sanctuary she declared considering it was good she had her faithful companion otherwise she could be accused of talking to herself although she was sure her Father had a place for the homeless, those the world has trampled and degraded to piles of litter on the city streets and subways.  Perhaps they will be first at the wedding feast of the Lord.   The invitations were out but many were too busy making excuses, following their materialistic agendas.   Matthew 22 - 9-10

I am positive that much that passes for the gospel in our day is very little more than a very mild case of orthodox religion grafted on to a heart that is sold out to the world in its pleasures and tastes and ambitions*

'There" she said "that's it the last book packed away a small but precious gem by A.W.Tozer.   What a great man of God his teaching still guiding bruised and broken spirits.    "Come on Millie its time for bed" she spoke gently to the little face forever focused on her and her every movement.   Last night in the house, new start tomorrow.   She lay quietly in the dark.   Over tired sleep evaded her.   "The Lord is my strength, my comfort and my shield in Him I trust.   Thank you Lord for giving me the necessary strength to remain independent of this world.    I am old and weary but you have never abandoned me.   The move to my real home will be smooth, so smooth, no possessions to pack I am coming just as I am'' and she drifted off into a restless sleep waking on the hour every hour until the dawn chorus.

Just when the road ahead looks smooth, bang, wallop, sinkhole ahead.  The downward slide for many will be swift.  Company collapse, bankruptcy, the cold hostile stare of a callous world that hails success and distances itself from the victims as though their fate were contagious. 

Sue had a well earned degree in the University of Wrong Turns but the Lord had always provided and help arrived from unexpected quarters, no condemnation, just action.  "Where ever I hang my hat that's my home" she sang as she started unpacking placing her few remaining possessions around the tiny flat, already she felt at home it was adequate for her simple needs.   The Lord is my strength, my comfort and my shield, in Him it trust was her favourite prayer.   She was beyond exhaustion but grateful for His provision and judging by the latest news report on television her new place could be described as peaceful and secure.   'One day at a time sweet Jesus' she whispered. 

The weeks passed and slowly Sue felt her strength returning.   There were beautiful country walks in the immediate vicinity and she felt blessed in a very troubled world to have found this hidden gem.   Even on a day when constant drizzle and mist covered the hills she would still grab her waterproof mac and head off for an afternoon walk.   She sheltered under the branches of a tree in the ancient woodland it was another world far from the killing fields and screams of little children caught up in the heinous and bloody murderous acts of religious fanatics. 

A young man approached with a playful dog and sheltered alongside her.   Two strangers chatted with no other agenda than the history of their rescued pets as the little dogs chased each other in ever increasing circles.   They discussed world events, the hidden agenda and lies leading where?   As they parted company Sue was grateful at least some young people knew where this was heading even though they perhaps didn't link the events to anything other than dark conspiracy.

Later that night Tim phoned and commented on the worsening situation in America.   "I don't know what's going on" he complained.   Of course any reference to biblical prophecy and satanic forces at work would be met with ridicule.   "What have you been looking at on You Tube" he questioned considering anything outside his viewpoint was rubbish. 

"Read the bible Tim" replied Sue "all the answers are there.  Watch Chuck Missler's 3 types of Heaven and 3 Hell freely available on You Tube.   For an intelligent man you have much to learn prayerfully before it's too late.   Your Phd will not save you.

Without faith - you have no hope.   It's going to get a lot worse.   Just look at faces in the crowd.  Despair, hopelessness, not knowing why, which way to run or where to hide.   Anarchy rising, police killing their own countrymen.   There is no excuse for ignorance.   The motto now "be prepared"

Even though most young men and women don't even know God or Yeshua or belong to any denomination something is telling them its all going downhill fast and they need to start making preparations now, changing their lifestyle.   They are already rejecting the status quo.  They need to follow Jesus Christ and understand past, present and future events are accurately recorded in scripture.

Matthew 24 - 10

And then many will be offended, will betray one another,

and will hate one another

Matthew 24 - 12

And because lawlessness will abound,

the love of many will grow cold.

    

Romans 7 - 8

For to be carnally minded is death;

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
NKJ

SHALOM

                   

Jamie Whittaker - A must see video - Don't take the Mark of the Beast.

You Tube Video.  
Interesting global research as to how even non believing young people are saying NO
to the system.
* A.W. Tozer

    

UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE TRUTH

PROVERBS 11 - 28

He who trusts in his riches will fall,

But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

What do George Bush, Hillary Clinton and Tony Blair have in common?   They are professing christians.

The sixth commandment in the KJV bible.   THOU SHALT NOT KILL.

Hopefully they don't consider themselves God's hand globally where their actions are concerned because the God of the bible doesn't need any 'little helpers'   He could and no doubt will dispense with the evil that has permeated every strata of society.

But what makes this christian witness even more appalling are the lies and the selective treatment dished out to those considered lesser mortals, often those who expose their dark doings.   The camera doesn't lie and ethical journalists are quick to highlight their hypocrisy.

We all sin, we all make mistakes, no one is perfect but the Father and our actions prayerfully do not condemn millions of innocents to death.   Hardly surprising that many question the very existence of God when they witness the killing fields and the numerous wars fought in His Holy Name with a very unholy agenda.

Being a true born again christian in this world means following the commandments and the even stronger codicil by Christ.   If you even look at a woman lustfully you have committed adultery.

The majority wipe their record clean under the auspices of a merciful God.   Obviously they don't read scripture or know their Lord.

Take the case of John, the Lord's favourite disciple.   Serious blasphemous insinuations are made by the gay lobby and they use every argument, "oh that was for the Jews" or Jesus didn't say that, whereas if they read Matthew 5 - 17-19 it is very clear "till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.   We all prefer and move towards like minded individuals, maybe we admire their sense of humour, their personality or agree with their view point.   Whatever, that does not make us homosexual or a lesbian.   Men have sacrificed their own lives for their friends, truly following the example of Jesus who laid down His life for all mankind.         

Genuine pilgrims realise the journey to the City of Gold is far from comfortable.*   You strive to live apart from this dark world.  Those who faithfully follow Christ suffer violent opposition and death.   But they have faith, without faith there is no hope.

John, the favourite disciple according to Tertullian in the "Prescription of Heretics" was plunged into boiling oil by the Romans and suffered nothing from it.   It is said that the audience in the Colosseum

witnessing that dreadful act were all converted to christianity.   John was then banished to the Greek island of Patmos.   This is considered credible where John was concerned as both magic, astrology and prophecy were viewed by them as punishable whether you were Pagan, Jewish or Christian.

In the last book of the bible - Revelation - 21 - 8 the fate of liars as well as the sexually immoral is quite clear.   This is not taught in most churches and has been removed from current additions of the  bible.  Many who profess to be christians follow their own agenda.

"The world does not read the bible nor come to church to hear the minister.   All it learns about Christ and the Christian life it must learn from those who bear Christ's name and represent him.   If all church members lived truly consecrated lives, holy, beautiful, separate from the world, loyal to Christ in business, in pleasure, in all things - it is impossible to estimate what the saving power of the Church (the body of christians around the globe) would be in example alone." *

Biblical prophecy is unfolding before this generation of watchers.   Time is short.   If you need a biblical explanation of the countries involved in this scenario (as they had different names in that period of history) the bible expositor "Jacob Prasch" is freely available on You Tube and the staff at Moriel could point you to their extensive library of books and videos.    

For those who do understand what is happening behind the scenes.   Videos by the late David Wilkerson, Dave Hunt, A.W. Tozer are available on You Tube.  Books by J.R. Miller and John Bunyan are available from Eden encouragement for the road ahead.   These men are immortal by their literature alone.   They fought the good fight and one by one God has called them home.   They walk with their Lord. 

* In Green Pastures by J.R. Miller DD

* Pilgrims Progress - John Bunyan.