THE PROMISE

Where the Holy Ghost implants divine life in the soul,

there is a precious deposit which none of the refinements of education can equal.

C.H. Spurgeon

This has been a wonderful summer for most and the weather continues to be all blue skies and sunshine the ancient trees decked in their autumn splendour.   In my part of the country man has not been allowed to interfere and destroy these magnificent specimens although nature did down a couple of trees that might well have been rotten or their roots shallow as they succumbed to the tail end of a recent weather system.   I realise how very blessed I am to live in this precious place far from the polluted cities and war zones as the killing continues and little children suffer and die in a world where the rich survive and the poor starve.

Christians live in uneasy times and their faith has to be on solid ground with deep roots.   Many worry about the fate of family members who have long been absorbed by the sirens of this age.   Those living in the Middle East have already fallen foul of Islamic Fundamentalists and rather than deny Christ have lost their heads, whole families have been slaughtered.   In the western world the attacks are less bestial but nevertheless are causing hardship and suffering for those who stand on their christian principles.   Sometimes it involves their livelihoods or even imprisonment on the dubious testimonies of others.  Families estranged and ignored for their witness.   Their lives always the target of satanic attack.   Yes, sounds rather like fiction, not fact, but it is a reality for many.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote:

"Children are a precious gift from God, but much anxiety comes with them.  They may be a great joy or a great bitterness to their parents; they may be filled with the spirit of God or possessed with the spirit of evil"  He suggests we can do little other than pray and hand them over to God.

Mark 9-19

Jesus said:

"Oh faithless generation how long shall I be with you?  How long shall I bear with you?   Bring him to Me"

Perhaps I could be forgiven for believing my generation was the last to bring up children in awe of a Holy God and the necessity to obey His precepts.  The chaos that will follow three generations of permissiveness, self preservation and materialism is too horrible to consider.  God's laws are ignored, most children don't know the meaning of the word discipline although no one would wish to return to the atrocities inflicted on innocent children by either parents, religion or society, however the pendulum appears to swing violently from one side to the other.   Without firing a single shot Afghanistan has produced enough opium to kill the youth of this country and bearing in mind the children of today are our future, the depths society has yet to sink to might well be described as "hell on earth"

Spurgeon continued:

 "When they are grown up they may wallow in sin and foam with enmity against God; then when our hearts are breaking we should remember the great Physician's words "Bring them unto Me" advising we must continue to pray for them until our last breath.   The teaching of this great man of God continues to inspire and encourage christians around the globe.

This week as I was enjoying a walk in the local park I met a young woman and as our conversation developed it soon became clear I was talking with a 'born again christian' and sister in Christ.   She had been unable to find a church that followed the 'Word of God' and had stopped going to church.  She is not alone.   There are many devoted christians who will never put a foot over the threshold of a church is this once christian country.  They see the hypocrisy and twisted scripture for what it is.  Number crunching.  Get them in and fill the pews it matters not that they contaminate His sheep.   It has come down to "home groups" sincere christians seeking their Lord and praying for a country on the slippery slope to hell.

Perhaps the warning in Revelation 18 - 4-5 stands for all those who feel lost and bewildered as to where they can worship their God.

"And I heard another voice from heaven saying "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins and lest you receive of her plagues.

For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Can't be long before judgement will come on this world.

Every genuine born again son and daughter of our Father in Heaven will be able to rest in His love and peace in the sure and certain knowledge that He will lead them home.   This world has nothing on them.  Death has no hold on them.  Yes, the beast and his minions may cut of their heads but their blood is on the hands of the perpetrator and hell awaits.

For the worst drug addict, pusher, pimp, prostitute, the sexually deviant and the atheist the answer is Christ Jesus there is no other way.   First remorse, then repentance and finally the strength to live a life pleasing to God.

Revelation 19 - 2

For true and righteous are His judgements, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her"

Christ encourages you as he points to the heaven He has won for you,

and the Spirit encourages you as He works in you to do God's will and pleasure.

C.H. Spurgeon

As our messianic brothers and sisters have celebrated the time God led his people out of the land of Egypt - Succoth - we also must put our faith in God.   There will be times when others will mock and even suggest He does not exist.   The time of miracles is not over, the unexplainable and unimaginable is yet to come - the New Jerusalem.

SHALOM

ROUNDING UP THE SHEEP

He who speaks on his own does so to gain honour for himself,

but he who works for the honour of the one who sent him is a man of Truth;

there is nothing false about him.

John 7 - 18

Ready to Go was one immortal phrase in the film Contact spoken by Jodie Foster as she gave the control centre the go ahead.  Of course the debriefing officials considered she didn't go anywhere and put it down to imagination, whatever, but hard as it is to explain there are millions around the planet who have experienced something wonderful that has touched and changed their lives forever.

That wonderful poem by Max Ehrmann - Desiderata is as relevant today as when it was written in 1927 - Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

C.H. Spurgeon wrote:

unbelievers run to the wrong means to escape difficulty and you will do the same if your mind yields to present pressure.  Trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.   He gives Moses as an example as he stood facing the Red Sea.  "Stand still and see the salvation of God"

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

Standing was quite a problem for some of the residents of Grange House, walking aids and mobility scooters a familiar sight in the beautiful gardens surrounding their sanctuary.   There were however one or two "road runners" who despite their advancing years managed to trot into town for their twice weekly shopping trips.   The return journey was not quite as spritely and somewhat hampered by a loaded shopping trolley.   Janet considered it was time for the bus or taxi but at the back of her mind the old saying "use it or lose it" reminded her of those who had given up the fight and faced the indignity of being pushed everywhere.

Nearly home and the final hill had to be climbed, half way up the steep incline a bench offered brief respite.  She pulled her trolley out of the way and gratefully plonked herself down beside a resting couple.  She considered perhaps it was her destiny to 'snuff it' on such a journey and finish up in the hands of the lovely paramedics who would try resuscitation but decide she had 'gone'.   Janet visualised arriving at the feet of her Lord who would perhaps waggle a finger at her saying "told you'd so - look at the traffic queue" the emergency ambulance parked on the narrow highway.   Passing traffic would morbidly slow down to look at the old woman in a heap on the pavement.  Mere curiosity satisfied the traffic congestion could then ease.

An old friend with mobility issues heard her story and had tactfully suggested "you might have been lucky with your paramedics the one that attended me was short, fat and very curt"

"Oh no" Janet replied "the boys that came out to me were lovely, they whipped me off to hospital and even came to see if I was okay before they went off duty, but that was another health authority not here.   I recall standing in the local chippy when a man in a paramedics uniform joined the waiting queue.   I said to the girls behind the counter "right if anyone is feeling wonky now is the time to collapse" to which the middle aged man replied gruffly and obviously lacking a sense of humour, 'I'm off duty'   I am just hoping he isn't the one that is called out to me any time soon." she confided.

One of her bench companions interrupted her train of thought.   "If you don't mind my commenting that is a lovely cross you are wearing, very unusual, if you don't mind my asking, where did you get it from."

Janet smiled and replied "thank you, yes it is special, it was designed specially for me by my daughter-in-law.   I wear it day and night.   I have other crosses, some ornate, some simple but this says it all and Janet pointed to the solid gold heart at the centre of the silver cross.  God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son who died on the cross for all mankind, and I love my Lord and Saviour with all my heart.

"Oh great" grunted the man in a beanie also sharing the bench.   "Not another Holy roller"

Janet smiled and replied "No, only God is Holy.  I just follow His Son because He taught the Truth.  I know that if we all followed His example there would be no fighting we would live in peace.

"Spare me the religious sales patter" said the man pulling his beanie hat well down just above his shifty eyes.

"Did anyone invite you to join in this conversation Jack Pollock" said the woman sat next to Janet.

"It's okay" said Janet gently "I'm quite used to this reaction and people have to accept me for what I am or am not.   I can assure you I am not a Hyacinth Bouquet, Bucket whichever you prefer looking for the approval of others.  The man Jesus had people flocking to him until they realised He was not going to fight against Rome or the religious authorities, He was a peacemaker and if you follow Him you are under His protection and salvation.

The Beaned Pollock smirked at Janet "Oh I bet living with you is a bundle of laughs."

"I think you had better shut up Jack" said the woman wondering how the conversation had deteriorated so quickly.

"It's okay" Janet replied reassuring the now anxious woman sat by her side.  "I can deal with this. Actually I have been blessed with a strong sense of humour I inherited from my much loved grandfather.   The human race is a bundle of laughs from the sublime to the ridiculous.  I am an expert at self mocking and never take myself seriously.  Shall we say I am just a bystander, an observer of the human condition so I am used to the flack and although the love of my life didn't share my beliefs I am sure he understands now"

The man in the Beanie smirked as he squinted at Janet through half closed eyelids "did a runner did he"?

"No" replied Janet "he's dead.   Hit straight between the eyes the man was verbally decked.

"Right that's it" said the woman on the bench "Clear off Jack Pollock and go and find someone else to annoy, I'll walk up the hill the rest of the way with you, if you don't mind."

"That fine" said Janet reaching for her overloaded trolley "I'm good to go"

"Is that where you live" enquired the woman pointing to the security operated main entrance door to Grange House.

"Yes" replied Janet "its my base for a little while but not my real home, I have lived in various places but I press on to the finish line.   

"It was nice meeting you" said the woman "Perhaps if we bump into each other again in town we could go for a coffee."

"Yes that would be nice" replied Janet disappearing down the corridor to her apartment.

The sun was hot for a day in late September.  It had rained heavily before dawn but the huge trees had thirstily taken their fill leaving damp pavements the only sign of the downpour.   The roses still bloomed in the garden, a riot of colour, the air filled with the scent of rose and sweet peas.   One by one the walking aids arrived and parked.   Neighbours determined to make the best of the Indian Summer.  Who knew what the coming winter would bring.   Considering most were well into their eighties and a hard core of ten approaching their 100 years young you might have expected a gloomy atmosphere as they constantly relived old memories with a generous dose of dry wit and complained their bodies did not respond to instructions any more.  A few realised their minds were already teetering on the edge of this world, but it was cheerfully accepted that they surely had had the best time slot on the planet and considered the following generations had 'stuffed up' big time and retribution was inevitable.

"Not a problem" said Millie Smith, a tidy little widow with a big smile.  "I'm going home one way or another"

"Sure of that are you" questioned a rather disgruntled irritable individual trying to 'rain on her parade'

Millie knew exactly how to get rid of this doubting Thomas.  "Yes" she replied "and you had better get your act together or you will be going straight down"

"Don't believe all that rubbish" the man replied sweating profusely in the afternoon sun.

"Okay" replied Millie "well its hot in hell so this summer has perhaps been your training ground" 

"I don't want to talk about death - it scares me" he replied "that's it, I won't know anything about it."

"That's what you think" replied Millie remembering the poster outside one of the churches in the town which read 'If you think life is full of surprises wait till you die'   "Really Sam you need to get to know Jesus"  The name Jesus was the trigger and he was off like a greyhound out of its trap at the races.

"See" said Millie laughing "it works, it always works.

The figure of a woman passing through the lobby was another topic of conversation.

"Does anyone know what the new woman is like, she tends to keep herself to herself " said Ben "although she seems to have a happy friendly personality."

"How can she be so happy in this disgusting country" he exclaimed as he trundled towards his favourite seat under the old oak tree.  Dan followed him and they happily discussed getting rid of the government, sorting out world politics and even considered there might be a need to resurrect 'Dad's Army' in the not too distant future.   "You'd be surprised what I can do with my mobility scooter." said Dan laughing at the memory of his confrontation with a man riding his bike on the pavement.

"No I wouldn't" said Julie who was a much younger inmate "nothing you get up to surprises me Ben, but perhaps tea and biscuits might help the boredom.

"You were enquiring about the new resident" she said "her name is Penny and she is a born again christian so she knows her eternal destiny.   She has a future and you two would do well to leave all your complaints in the Lord's hands.   Don't you know everything is in His hands."

"Hello" said Ben laughing "we have a Job's comforter here, its going to be pretty crowded up there isn't it.  There's all that lot in the church down the road for a start."

"Twisted teaching" said Julie sighing "it has nothing to do with denomination or a church building, God calls His own.   In John 6.65 Jesus said "Therefore I have said to you no-one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.

Unless you know your Saviour and Lord you are in big trouble.

Ted eavesdropping on the conversation steered his wheelchair into position and secured the handbrake.  "If you consider the dilapidated bodies around here its tough but didn't Jesus say "Its our Spirit that gives life, the flesh counts for nothing"

Puzzled looks on the faces of the tea set.  Millie was quick to explain.  Lets use Neville as an example here.  His body is just a container for his spirit.   Like a box for chocolates.  Everyone places great importance on the human body but most agree there is something more we don't understand.  We will eventually shrug off our mortal form.    I always used the dragonfly as an example for little ones at the stage when they suddenly realise people die, sometimes even frightened to go to sleep in case they don't wake up.   

The dragonfly nymph is a very drab creature.   It drags itself along the the river bed where possible avoiding predators.   At a given trigger it climbs a reed and become just a drab bag attached to a plant.  Meanwhile inside the bag amazing changes are taking place and once again triggered at a given time the bag burst open to reveal a beautiful creature totally different from its original form.   Likewise when our time comes and we reach the City of Gold the book of Revelation 21-4 tells us:-

"Now the dwelling of God is with men and He will live with them.  They will be His people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

And Revelation 5

He who was seated on the throne said "I am making everything new!" 

The fields are ready for harvest.   The grain has to be bundled and placed safely in the barn.  The tares will be burnt - so its going to get a lot worse before it gets better.

Molly could not help asking why some people go through this life without any problems.  They have managed to acquire everything they ever needed and more.  She couldn't help thinking her life had been a 'train crash' in many ways.   Some mistakes her own, others exploitation by people she considered she could trust.

"Ah" replied Julie "who knows how and why but their time is now if their focus is purely on this world, that won't get you through the gates if you consider God will be impressed with your business acumen and idol worship.   All that they value will disappear in an instance.  He will bring down the proud.

At this point Neville had fallen asleep to the gentle hum of voices around him.  He looked so very peaceful and perhaps it would not be unkind to wish he could just leave the heap in the wheelchair and soar to his Father's house.

"Soon be Christmas" commented one inmate.

"Good heavens time just flies by how long have you been with us Millie" Julie enquired.

"Long enough" replied Millie laughing "you should have heard a friend comment when I told him I was moving for the third time in three years - he said "never mind Millie the next move will be smooth, oh so smooth, and I am still here waiting, longing, bring it on Lord.  I hate what men are doing to this planet.

Perhaps my kids could send everyone a last note.   

"Hi this is Bethany, my Mum has made the final move to her real home.  That is where she belongs.  Her spirit is free.  This time she didn't need to pack or pay removal fees or send endless notifications of her new address.      Celebrations are to follow.  RSVP.  

Perhaps we should encourage those who carry His banner.   Make sure your actions reflect the love your Saviour has for you.   Read the bible, abide in His love.   He is your strength and shield after all Jesus said "if the world hates you, it hated Me first.

Don't retaliate.   Human relationships are finite.  Jesus is infinite and the destiny of all who have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour.   He has chosen you.

Be worthy of that priceless gift that 'precious pearl' that is worth much more than anything this world can offer.   Even if those around you are rowing in the opposite direction and you are swimming upstream against the current alone and weary He will be with you every step of the way.

Pray for the lost, blind and deaf sheep.   Time is running out.   They need to come home to the Father.

Excellent C.D. by Leeland - Sound of Melodies - Track 4 - Tears of the Saints.

www.leelandonline.com.  www.essentialrecords.com 

"There are tears from the saints for the lost and unsaved.  We're crying for them come back home."

God has inspired many talented musicians and His Word reaches around the globe and no political power or denomination can destroy or manipulate His message.

With grateful thanks to all those the Lord sent my way when as a Prodigal Daughter I returned home

in 1994.   Their support and teaching has been such a blessing in my life.  

Damaged and abused children find it difficult to realise they have a heavenly Father who loves them unconditionally and just longs for their return.   May they find their way home.

TODAH ABBA