RESCUE
A mix of concrete stone and brick,
streets filled with the dying and sick.
Cold indifference, they just stare,
those who trust they don't need prayer.
Screeching engines, burning tyres
nightly sirens, deadly fires.
gyrating bodies, stench of sweat
drink, more drink, helps them forget.
Beautiful child, angelic face,
the scene illuminated with her grace.
"No hope, no hope" she sadly cries,
judgement comes on all your lives.
She heads towards the shining light
that leads the way and ends the night.
The chosen recognise her face
and follow blessed by saving grace.
T. Hills
2016
Dedicated to all the innocent little children in this world who through no fault of their own are the victims of abusive powers and authorities. Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 19 - 14
Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come Me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
KJV
Matthew 18 - 16
But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
KJV
Trillions of millstones in hell - obviously - and millions of little ones removed before their time now happily home.
************************
The pensioner leaned against the stone wall watching the little girl engrossed in conversation with invisible companions. The girl giggled and poured imaginary tea into a set of cups arranged for the four visitors sharing her pink plastic picnic table. A voice came from behind a large evergreen bush partly screening the garden from the highway. "Nearly time for your tea" called her cautious mother noticing the watching pedestrian.
"Excuse me" said the observer "is the little girl always that happy"
"Yes she is" replied the mother "she spends a lot of time day dreaming with her imaginary friends, we all laugh and say 'she's gone again', but then in this quiet corner of the world she is protected and very blessed.
There was something very special about the child. She smiled at everyone and didn't appear to be afraid when strangers spoke to her. She was very different from her peer group who usually had a scared wary look. Her mother explained "her invisible friends are very real to her, apparently it's not unusual in young children and they grow out of it. She is quite precocious.
"Strange you should say that" said the woman "because I never did. I believe in guardian angels, the hand that jerks you backwards on to the pavement when you decided to cross the road at the wrong moment. Dreams of a better place, far far from what is rapidly becoming hell on earth for some countries.
"Will you join us for a cup of tea" the mother enquired "we had our main meal at lunchtime. Daddy is away on business isn't he Grace" she said reaching for the toddler's hand "it's just sandwiches and cake"
"I really don't want to intrude" replied the pensioner.
"You are not intruding" replied the mother.
The little girl ran toward the pensioner took her by the hand and led her into the house. Both the mother and child became a blessing to the elderly lady who seemed to spent most of her outings sat in the doctor's surgery, dentist and opticians. The infrequent visits of her own children did little to assuage the feelings of frustration coping with a body that just refused to co.operate or be of any practical use to anyone. Watching Grace growing fast she considered there was hope for the future and she soon became an adopted aunt and part of the family.
Years passed and the growing girl would cycle down the highway still smiling at people as she passed by. The old woman now leaning heavily on her stick waved back and prayed the girl's imaginary friends were still watchful and protective. After all she was a very special young girl quite a rare gem in a decadent hostile godless society.
"Will you join us for a cup of tea" the mother enquired "we had our main meal at lunchtime. Daddy is away on business isn't he Grace" she said reaching for the toddler's hand "it's just sandwiches and cake"
"I really don't want to intrude" replied the pensioner.
"You are not intruding" replied the mother.
The little girl ran toward the pensioner took her by the hand and led her into the house. Both the mother and child became a blessing to the elderly lady who seemed to spent most of her outings sat in the doctor's surgery, dentist and opticians. The infrequent visits of her own children did little to assuage the feelings of frustration coping with a body that just refused to co.operate or be of any practical use to anyone. Watching Grace growing fast she considered there was hope for the future and she soon became an adopted aunt and part of the family.
Years passed and the growing girl would cycle down the highway still smiling at people as she passed by. The old woman now leaning heavily on her stick waved back and prayed the girl's imaginary friends were still watchful and protective. After all she was a very special young girl quite a rare gem in a decadent hostile godless society.
The telephone in the hallway interrupted her train of thought. "Hi, its Grace, you okay, she paused waiting for a reply"
"Yes I'm fine, just dozing in front of the fire" replied Faith.
"I am getting baptised next week, Mum wondered if you would like to come to the church and then back to the house" said Grace.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world sweetheart" replied Faith "but are you absolutely sure about this because contrary to the prosperity preachers you will be picking up your cross and this world will throw everything at you. Will you be able to stand apart from your peer group. Have people ridicule your beliefs, its not easy. You will have to say NO when you could have said "Yes" That's if this is a serious commitment"
"I know" replied Grace "I still have a couple of years left at University. I will be so busy that my social life will be considerably restricted to my christian friends. Mark is planning his baptism at the same time, we hope to get married when we finish university. It's all go."
The day arrived and the heavens opened.
Luke 15 - 7
Jesus said: And I say to you that likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.
The room was filled with friends and family laughter that drowned out even the chorus in heaven.
"You haven't had time to sin" suggested one of the few non.believers at the gathering. "I can assure you I have" replied Grace "I am far from perfect."
John 9 - 41
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth"
The years went by, time passing quickly. Faith realised she had one final battle to fight and then it would all be over. Changing faces dealt with her daily needs and she could no longer wander down the lanes. Her home had become her prison and as she watched the daily news report she knew without any doubt it was "the time of sorrows" she couldn't wait to go home, but still she prayed for the suffering victims of the carnage and longed for justice and her Lord's return.
The phone rang in the hallway and she reached for the extension beside her bed. She heard what she thought was the noise of explosions in the background. "Faith" it was Grace and she sounded anxious "I can't get Mum she must have her phone switched off. It's getting really bad here and if I don't make it back to the U.K. just know I love you all" and the line went dead.
Rita arrived later that afternoon. She had been shopping in the city and had forgotten to take her mobile phone. "Sorry Faith, how stupid of me to forget my phone" she handed a carrier bag of food she had managed to buy. "Just a few bits, there's hardly anything on the shelves, I pop it in the kitchen".
"Sit down my dear" replied Faith silently praying give me strength Lord. "Grace phoned from the Middle East this afternoon" she said gently "not sure what was going on but the line went down, she asked me to give you her love as she couldn't reach you. Rita paled and her instincts told her something was badly wrong.
"I can't stay" she said rushing to the doorway "have to go and pick up my phone, thanks for letting me know"
When Rita arrived home a police car was waiting outside her driveway and she knew without a shadow of a doubt it meant something awful had happened. Her daughter a brave young journalist who lived to accurately report the truth in a world of lies and political intrigue had been killed in the latest terrorist bombing attacks.
"Oh dear God, why?" sobbed Rita "why Faith when she wanted so much to see an end to the injustice in this world" Faith held her hand "she knew what she was doing, she knew it was dangerous but she believed without a shadow of doubt she had to stand against the media lies and half truths. She is with her Lord. The grief is always for those left behind. Mark will be devastated they had so little time together. Our thoughts and prayers have to cover him and the rest of your family and those left behind. We are heading for the mother of all wars, but we have Jesus and for us this is not the end. Grace knew that.
Faith lay in the darkened room wrapped in blankets staring at the flickering candle in the hurricane lamp on the side board. The power was out. Food supplies were scare. Rita had managed to get her some pain relief but her bones screamed "you can't silence us" She would sleep in the chair tonight it wasn't worth going to bed. How she would love a hot cup of tea.
The doorbell rang. Rita stood in the doorway muffled against the cold a thermos flask in her hand. "We've managed to get the fire going and I know you are all electric so I've bought you a couple of flasks. One with soup the other tea. I'll stay with you for an hour and make sure you are tucked up in bed. We have water boiling on the fire so just give me your hot water bottles, there's a dear"
Rita returned later with two hot water bottles and packed them either side of the frail figure in the bed. "Good night God bless Faith, I'll call tomorrow. It's really bad out there and I will be working at the shelter until around 3.0pm see you then" and she secured the door and headed into the blizzard.
Later the next day Rita struggled through the snow drift towards the entrance to the flat. An ambulance stood in the courtyard. "Nothing unusual there" considered Rita "they are almost running a shuttle service at the moment.
"Sorry love" a hand touched her on the shoulder "Faith has gone" It was her neighbour who knew Rita was a regular visitor. Her daughter's in the flat, just go in"
"So sorry about your Mum Jenny" said Rita.
"Thank you" replied Jenny "but she wanted to go. She had no desire to stay in this world. By the way there was a note on the bedside for you.
Rita opened the note which was barely legible it read "Rita, thank you for your love and friendship. Grace was here, she sends her love, so do I, God bless. Love in Jesus.
A book by A.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the Holy - lay on her bedside table and a portion of text had been highlighted:-
"Yes I'm fine, just dozing in front of the fire" replied Faith.
"I am getting baptised next week, Mum wondered if you would like to come to the church and then back to the house" said Grace.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world sweetheart" replied Faith "but are you absolutely sure about this because contrary to the prosperity preachers you will be picking up your cross and this world will throw everything at you. Will you be able to stand apart from your peer group. Have people ridicule your beliefs, its not easy. You will have to say NO when you could have said "Yes" That's if this is a serious commitment"
"I know" replied Grace "I still have a couple of years left at University. I will be so busy that my social life will be considerably restricted to my christian friends. Mark is planning his baptism at the same time, we hope to get married when we finish university. It's all go."
The day arrived and the heavens opened.
Luke 15 - 7
Jesus said: And I say to you that likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.
The room was filled with friends and family laughter that drowned out even the chorus in heaven.
"You haven't had time to sin" suggested one of the few non.believers at the gathering. "I can assure you I have" replied Grace "I am far from perfect."
John 9 - 41
Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth"
The years went by, time passing quickly. Faith realised she had one final battle to fight and then it would all be over. Changing faces dealt with her daily needs and she could no longer wander down the lanes. Her home had become her prison and as she watched the daily news report she knew without any doubt it was "the time of sorrows" she couldn't wait to go home, but still she prayed for the suffering victims of the carnage and longed for justice and her Lord's return.
The phone rang in the hallway and she reached for the extension beside her bed. She heard what she thought was the noise of explosions in the background. "Faith" it was Grace and she sounded anxious "I can't get Mum she must have her phone switched off. It's getting really bad here and if I don't make it back to the U.K. just know I love you all" and the line went dead.
Rita arrived later that afternoon. She had been shopping in the city and had forgotten to take her mobile phone. "Sorry Faith, how stupid of me to forget my phone" she handed a carrier bag of food she had managed to buy. "Just a few bits, there's hardly anything on the shelves, I pop it in the kitchen".
"Sit down my dear" replied Faith silently praying give me strength Lord. "Grace phoned from the Middle East this afternoon" she said gently "not sure what was going on but the line went down, she asked me to give you her love as she couldn't reach you. Rita paled and her instincts told her something was badly wrong.
"I can't stay" she said rushing to the doorway "have to go and pick up my phone, thanks for letting me know"
When Rita arrived home a police car was waiting outside her driveway and she knew without a shadow of a doubt it meant something awful had happened. Her daughter a brave young journalist who lived to accurately report the truth in a world of lies and political intrigue had been killed in the latest terrorist bombing attacks.
"Oh dear God, why?" sobbed Rita "why Faith when she wanted so much to see an end to the injustice in this world" Faith held her hand "she knew what she was doing, she knew it was dangerous but she believed without a shadow of doubt she had to stand against the media lies and half truths. She is with her Lord. The grief is always for those left behind. Mark will be devastated they had so little time together. Our thoughts and prayers have to cover him and the rest of your family and those left behind. We are heading for the mother of all wars, but we have Jesus and for us this is not the end. Grace knew that.
Faith lay in the darkened room wrapped in blankets staring at the flickering candle in the hurricane lamp on the side board. The power was out. Food supplies were scare. Rita had managed to get her some pain relief but her bones screamed "you can't silence us" She would sleep in the chair tonight it wasn't worth going to bed. How she would love a hot cup of tea.
The doorbell rang. Rita stood in the doorway muffled against the cold a thermos flask in her hand. "We've managed to get the fire going and I know you are all electric so I've bought you a couple of flasks. One with soup the other tea. I'll stay with you for an hour and make sure you are tucked up in bed. We have water boiling on the fire so just give me your hot water bottles, there's a dear"
Rita returned later with two hot water bottles and packed them either side of the frail figure in the bed. "Good night God bless Faith, I'll call tomorrow. It's really bad out there and I will be working at the shelter until around 3.0pm see you then" and she secured the door and headed into the blizzard.
Later the next day Rita struggled through the snow drift towards the entrance to the flat. An ambulance stood in the courtyard. "Nothing unusual there" considered Rita "they are almost running a shuttle service at the moment.
"Sorry love" a hand touched her on the shoulder "Faith has gone" It was her neighbour who knew Rita was a regular visitor. Her daughter's in the flat, just go in"
"So sorry about your Mum Jenny" said Rita.
"Thank you" replied Jenny "but she wanted to go. She had no desire to stay in this world. By the way there was a note on the bedside for you.
Rita opened the note which was barely legible it read "Rita, thank you for your love and friendship. Grace was here, she sends her love, so do I, God bless. Love in Jesus.
A book by A.W. Tozer - The Knowledge of the Holy - lay on her bedside table and a portion of text had been highlighted:-
"We save face by repeating frivolously the popular jargon of science. We harness the mighty energy that rushes through our world; we subject it to fingertip control in our cars and our kitchens; we make it work for us like Aladdin's jinn, but still we do not know what it is.
Secularism, materialism, and the intrusive presence of things have put out the light in our souls and turned us into a generation of zombies. We cover our deep ignorance with words, but we are ashamed to wonder, we are afraid to whisper mystery"*
There was a scribbled note pencilled in the margin in Faith's handwriting. This man knew His God.
"Do you mind if I borrow this book?" Rita asked Jenny.
"Of course you can and if there's anything else you would especially like of Mum's just take it. We loved Tozer, such a great man of God. His warnings about the state of the church have come to pass. His prayer at the beginning of Chapter 7 is very prophetic for today's christians as we gather in our small groups waiting for Yeshua's return.
Enlarge and purify the mansions of our souls that they may be
fit habitations for Thy Spirit,
who dost prefer before all temples the upright heart and pure.
Amen
A.W. Tozer
