EVERYDAY WITNESS

Jesus said:  Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword

will perish by the sword.

Matthew 26 - 52

Just another day in the busy little co-operative store in the village.   For once there was a lull in the queue at the checkout.   The young man behind the till was admiring a cross worn by a  woman  loading her shopping trolley.

He commented on the gold heart fixed to the cross beam on a silver piece designed as a tree.

The woman smiled "yes" she replied "this cross was specially commissioned for me by my daughter-in-law as a birthday present.   As far as I am aware there are none like it and it has caught the attention of quite a few people.    I'm a christian and for me it says - God so loved the world that he gave his only Son who died on the cross for all Mankind.   From my perspective - I love Yeshua (Jesus) with all my heart.

The young man smiled and said "my lot are Jehovah's witness but I prefer the christian angle although the christians that landed on my doorstep told me I was going to hell.   At this point a queue was starting to form behind the woman.   She would have loved to talk more to the youngster but didn't want to cause a problem for him with management.

She felt anger rise at the bullying tactics of the fundamentalists and said "believe me you are not going to hell.   There is only one Judge and He decides who goes to hell not the religious zealots and pharisees.  I believe Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.   He spoke love and peace.

She left the store hoping he had not been too badly damaged by the unpleasant encounter and considered that type of witness did nothing other than send seeking souls elsewhere they simply "cut off the ear" it might have to be a Damascus Road experience where man hears from God - not man.   All she could do was pray for him.   

One look at Russia this week should make the christians in the U.K. sit up and take note.    The place of worship - the cathedral of "Christ the Saviour" in  Moscow was crammed with followers of Christ who solemnly celebrated their date on the calendar for Easter.   Having denied themselves throughout  lent they were ready to celebrate the death and resurrection.  The video is freely available on You-Tube where the patriarch advised the congregation to "stand against evil"   Moscow is a huge country and not everyone would be able to get to Moscow.   I knew of one christian couple from Cheshire who went to work in Siberia.   I can only wonder what they would think of the state of the U.K. now where keeping Easter as the centre of the christian year was concerned.      

The churches in the U.K. with a few exceptions are almost empty.   A vicar or priest having to stretch themselves between three parishes.    Its all Easter eggs and bunnies and a long bank holiday.   How long before we feel the wrath of God.   The rod of correction.

Churches were for prayer and they have become a circus of events and seminars.   Some involve weekends away at costly hotel accommodation - how does that reach the man on the street who is struggling to put food in his mouth.  Christ taught in the fields always in danger of being arrested by the religious zealots.   The denominations will not be able to maintain buildings and they will be used for other purposes.   Sports centres, kitchen outfitters, carpet warehouses.   

So its down to the "home church" a small group of believers who share the bread and the wine and pray for the strength to live a christian life swimming against the tide of this world and maybe its just their everyday witness that will reach those searching for a safe harbour.    My money is well spent giving to those who work with the homeless and the many food banks throughout the country, not denominational salaries or coffers.

This is 2019 not the days of Oliver Twist or the French Revolution - or is that what lies ahead.   Prayerfully governments will get their priorities right the alternative is too dark to consider.

SHALOM

     

  

THE CALL

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed

you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit remain,

and whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

These things I command you, that you love one another.

John 15 - 16-17

Poet's Cry

The world needs a hero, the time is now

rejecting violence, guide hands to the plough.

History repeats itself, page after page,

ignoring all wisdom they torment the sage.

On dark stormy waters the innocents sail,

escaping the onslaught behind them no trail.

Little boats heading for a place of their dreams,

refusing the pattern, beyond this world's schemes.

Your love the barrier, shield and sword

Your resting place my reward.

Hold fast the darkness draws ever near,

We know Your love and never fear.

T. Hills

2019

Sleep walker

Where are you taking me Lord,

ghosts of the past dance in my dreams,

Elysian fields.

What is left in these twilight years but a creaking frame,

too many fears for a world I now see,
as not for me.

Throughout the years You saw my tears,
carried me gently calming my fears.

Merciful God, loving, forgiving,

every wrong step of the life I was living.

Safe in Your Kingdom where all dreams will end,
My God, My King, My Saviour and friend.

T. Hills
2019

  

THY WILL

AND GOD SAID

My spirit will not contend with man forever.

Genesis 6 - 3

On this Easter Sunday we would do well to meditate on the words of the God of Genesis.   Frankly looking at the state of the nations we can only pray for righteous judgement and that the Lord will return and rule with a rod of iron.

Will of the people - today there is no such thing.

Elections can be rigged - results ignored.

The power mongers - dangerous men/women  - extend their grip until the day finally arrives when they will have to deal with GOD'S WILL.   They will not get away with their heinous crimes against humanity.  

Mahatma Gandhi said "As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to re-make the world - that is a myth of the atomic age - as being able to re-make ourselves.   Wise words from a holy man who left judgement to God ignoring the religious divide between Hindu and Muslim and near starving himself to death to stop the religious zealots from killing each other.  He endured brutal treatment and imprisonment from the English heading up none violent civil disobedience.   Surely he rests with God.       

Time is running out and those who suffer injustice now, will - in that day of days - be able to watch the procession of government officials, wonky church leaders and prosperity preachers being taken down the wide road and into the distant black fog of nothingness.    Their palaces empty, their  possessions destroyed.

Last year the writer met a middle aged woman in a local park.    For reasons unknown she witnessed to a perfect stranger that she was a born-again pentecostal christian.    She was unable to find a church in an area that had half a dozen churches all of which she considered were "on the wrong track"   Of course she was correct, but where should she go, she was obviously troubled and very much alone.

When you have experienced a church alive with children, teenagers, young adults and seniors with joyful happy hearts singing and praising their God accompanied by anointed musicians the impact of walking into sterile churches, unable to find any joy, happiness and a genuine welcome for a fellow pilgrim or stranger in a town -  the effect is chilling.   

As I have experienced the same apathy I could only console "God knows your heart - He is everywhere - he inhabits the hearts of His people and the way we live our christian lives is more important than the weekly trip to the "musty damp smelling edifice" that houses those who would be seen as first in the Kingdom yet walk past the man sleeping on the street, the drug addict, the homeless.    She is not alone, Yeshua has followers around the globe,  but I reminded her that we don't compromise the Word of God -  Revelation 18 - 4-5 - And I heard another voice from heaven saying 4 -  "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.  5 -For her sins have reached heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Sadly I never saw that woman again but I often wonder if she had managed to find other like minded christians and now has the love and support of a fellowship  "home group".     I can certainly concur I haven't found a place in the last two years I could call my spiritual home on earth and although physically I would be a liability on any protest march my contributions will be to CRISIS and other charities that make a real difference in a hurting world where there is little compassion for those who fall through the net or have lived too long and are considered a crushing burden on the state.   Obviously those who don't follow Yeshua are ignorant where His teaching is concerned.   But thankfully there are many who give from a moral conscience and put others to shame.   

Matthew 25 - 46

Yeshua said 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

36 - I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.'

  

Many years ago a young woman totally on fire for her Saviour was bringing tramps, alcoholics and drug addicts into her local church.    She was told NOT to do this.   The congregation (mostly from a professional background) were objecting to the "great unwashed" in what they considered 'their church' perhaps someone should have reminded them that the young woman was following the example of her Saviour.   However she continued to follow Yeshua.   She was told if she didn't stop doing this she would be disciplined.  Hard to believe that a Pastor who was supposed to be leading the sheep was literally bowing to the tithe.  This cowardly act resulted in a distressed "child of God" wandering off prey to the wolves that hit on sole sheep.

Tithing as most people who seriously study the bible will concur - "isn't biblical"  Of course it has made Rome rich and powerful and given beautiful palaces to the prosperity preachers - the Son of Man had nowhere to lay his head and when He dined with the rich people in His day it was mostly to encourage them to give their money to feed the poor, considering their souls in eternity more important than their luxuries on earth. 

Perhaps the greatest stupidity in this era is the total lack of respect for wisdom that usually, and I do stress usually, comes with age.   Although there are some children so full of wisdom that like Yeshua they could teach their peers, but they are the exception, not the rule.   

Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying 'we can no longer afford to scrap-pile people' suggesting the retired should be re-cycled'    I doubt many of those employed in manual work would be fit for purpose, but the politicians and those in the legal profession could be re-cycled for public service work, their ex.employers should foot the bill.   Then perhaps we would have tidy streets, pristine hospitals and public transport.

As a child I was taught cleanliness is next to Godliness.   How far we have fallen.   How our planet is suffering.   Time to sort it before God runs out of His infinite patience with us ALL.

SHALOM

  

            

   

OVER THERE NOT HERE

AND IN THEM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH IS FULFILLED

Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,

And seeing you will see and not perceive;

For the hearts of this people have grown dull.

Their ears are hard of hearing,

And their eyes they have closed,

Lest they should see with their eyes,

Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,

So that I should heal them.

Matthew 13 - 14 - 15

The taxi service arrived at Sally's front door.    A lean man with gaunt features rang her bell.

"You ordered a taxi to the Mall" he enquired.
   

"Yes thank you" said Susan climbing in the rear seat.

Making polite conversation Susan mentioned a news report on the local T.V. regarding a stabbing in the area.   "Its getting much worse - isn't it?" she suggested.

The pale face of the driver glanced in the mirror at his back seat passenger.

"I just look after myself and my family I don't care about anyone else." he proclaimed.

Susan shuddered,  what an attitude.   I'm all right Jack - for now and I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.   Of course Yeshua warned of this attitude and you can hardly expect those who dance to the piper of this world to act any differently but she was amazed at his total lack of ignorance where world events were concerned.  

"Don't you watch the news" she enquired.

"No" his blunt reply followed.

"Then you wouldn't have seen Julian Assange manhandled by the police.   It was disgusting".

"Who is Julian Assange?" asked the taxi driver.

"Oh sorry" Sally replied "he isn't a local man".  Time to shut up.   Sally considered she was hardly dealing with a sympathetic character.   In fact she prayed she would never be in a "bread queue" with him when the food shortages started.     

Sally realised how dreadfully ignorant most people were on current affairs, East Enders and Coronation Street or X-Factor their daily diet.   They were totally unaware of the creeping darkness,  the hard line tactics of the police in a land that once knew Freedom of Speech and by the time they realised it would be too late.

The fact that a man had been dragged from an embassy building and bundled into a police van for revealing the Truth about the gun happy troops that just killed indiscriminately  - well that was the  Middle East.  That's over there, not here.    Who will be next.   Choam Chomsky, John Pilger, Afsin Rattansi, Tyrel Ventura son of Jesse Ventura, Max Keiser.   These men are all journalists that dig for the Truth and speak it out.

How long before the evil trio in government and their CIS buddies in America try to silence them.   As for Trump, the poor guy doesn't know whether he is coming or going having pronounced he loved Wikileaks his strings have now been tweaked by the dark Lords.    Of course the Truth speakers have access to the public via You.Tube and their audience are mainly those who are computer literate, how long before they attempt to remove them and fill the void with mindless dross.  However the most deadly of this infamous trio has to be Mike Pense.   He is supposed to be a Christian.   If ever the devil needed a platform regarding a "shallow Hal" christian its Pense.   

What part of Yeshua's teaching does he not follow:-

Yeshua (Jesus) said:

Matthew 5 - 44

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you,

and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

Yeshua (Jesus) said:

John 14 - 6

I am the way, the Truth and the life.   No-one comes to the Father except through Me.

And perhaps a timely reminder.

Revelation 21 - 8

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and ALL LIARS shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

The fact that a government doesn't actually fire the weapons or drop the bombs does not exclude them from the title 'murderer' they kill by proxy and they will be found accountable. 

Wars cannot be solved by killing, especially terrorists.   They just go to ground and re-surface elsewhere.   Men have to talk peace as the history of Northern Ireland so clearly demonstrates.   

Sally remembered a very vivid dream she had in 2003.    She found herself suspended in the air high above a desert landscape.    From holes in the landscape what appeared to be a black liquid was spreading to the horizon.   She was not able to see what this black sludge was, but it was spreading like an incoming tide across the whole region.    Later she realised that this was the radical arm of the Jihadists and the horror they would inflict over the coming years has been realised.    

Until men learn they share this tiny planet and that their actions will inevitably result in the death and destruction of many innocent people globally,  they head down the road to hell.

Sally needed to focus on her dental appointment and swiftly prayed "Everything is in Your hands Lord" she had arrived at her destination glad to be rid of her dour miserable escort.   She knew apathy was his daily companion and stalked her country like a malignant cancer.   You certainly can't say that about the French she considered as she slammed the taxi door behind her.   They are not afraid to protest even though it means losing a hand or an eye.

Biblical history was slowly unfolding before her very eyes.    That night she prayed for her brothers and sisters in America and around the globe who she knew were committed christians.   Some languished in foreign jails, others have lost their jobs and homes.   Jesus never said it would be easy and this HOLY WEEK the devil and his cohorts are busy pulling the strings of those in power to bring about a "show down" 

They crucified her Lord for speaking the Truth and they continue to persecute men who unveil their dark doings.   All we can do is pray for justice for those who are brave enough to sacrifice their very lives in the battle of Truth versus Evil.

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

The son of man never spoke a word in His defence.   He was murdered by the Sanhedrin (religious authorities) who manipulated his death sentence.     He had many Jewish followers and it is heinous to attribute His death to anything other than the religious leaders who feared His teaching. 

The good news is the Son of Man will judge ALL the nations.

Matthew 25 - 32

All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

And He will set His sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand

"COME YOU BLESSED OF MY FATHER INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD"

     

SHALOM.

   

   

             

SALUTE THE HERO

Then the righteous will shine forth

as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Matthew 13 - 43

Snowdon, Manning, Assange the list goes on but until governments are removed they will always receive vicious condemnation and abuse.   Those in power do not like their dirty washing exposed.

Over the centuries history clearly records when there were good leaders there was peace.   Bad leaders, bad government and the people suffer, eventually there is chaos, revolt and anarchy.

A darkness has descended which will only increase but in this Holy Week christians have HOPE.   The Sanhedrin (Jewish religious leaders) conspired to get rid of Yeshua (Jesus) they weren't allowed to do it themselves they had to get Pilate to act to get rid of this irritation, this gentle man who spoke the Truth to all the people.   The evil that controls despot leaders in the U.S. and U.K. is continuing its agenda.    

REVELATION - 6 - 9-11 - The fifth seal - cry of the martyrs.

Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

A clear indication that many will still pay the price for unearthing the actions of those who would strive to remain the super power.   

There is no room for hate in the heart of a genuine child of God.  Coptic christians paid with their lives as did many in the Middle East conflict brought about by the power mongers. 

All that remains is that those who love their Saviour earnestly pray for His return and that the pseudo christians in high places of power receive His judgement.

The catch phrase that tripped so easily from the lips of those in government in the U.K. was 'no man is above the law' perhaps they should NOTE:

NO MAN OR WOMAN IS ABOVE GOD and they will surely answer to HIM for their heinous crimes that literally caused the mayhem in the Middle East and were it not for men like Snowdon, Manning and Assange their crimes would have remained hidden.

So we pray "Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai.    Come Lord Yeshua in power and glory.   You shall reign over all the nations and there will be PEACE AT THE LAST IN YOUR KINGDOM.

Hypocrisy

I say one thing and do another,

love myself and hate my brother.

Perhaps before I trip and fall

Your teaching Lord I should recall.

Failing this, I join the crowd,

those that hurl abuse out loud.

Inflicting pain, each hammer blow,

part of the mob that watch the show.

Humanity, wounded pride,

hold the sword that pierced Your side.

Anguished cries that plead forgive,

Your sacrifice that I might live.

There can be no excuse for me,

I know you Lord, you set me free.

All my guilt and sin your bear

in silent gaze, tortured stare.

My failure nails You to that tree

and still Your love flows endlessly,

and as the dark clouds cross the sun,

You die for me, the battle won.

Talitha Hills*

2003

Please pray for the families of those persecuted.  They also bear the pain of injustice.  And for christians around the globe who read the signs of the time.   Encourage them Lord that the footsteps of our Saviour King draw near.       

TRUTH WARRIOR

But the hour is coming and now is when the true worshippers will worship the 

Father in spirit and truth;

for the Father is seeking such to worship Him,

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

John 4 - 23-24

The house phone rang in Sarah's sitting room as she sat watching a huge cloud coloured pink by the setting sun sail across the pale blue sky.

"Hi, Maggie here" said the voice on the other end of the line "did I disturb you"?

"No" Sarah replied  "I'm already disturbed enough, I am just cloud watching, its quite a hobby of mine these days, hopefully one day soon I will see the big event, or maybe not."

"Did you see the police carting Julian Assange off, pretty disgusting hey.   We appear to be slowly turning into a police state" said Maggie.

"Yes"  - it is utterly nauseating, this world is getting so dreadfully dark.   I just can't wait to get out of here.  One way or another.  Truth is dead.   I am just praying the dark lords in America don't get their hands on him.   They are evil personified and some call themselves christian.!!!   Father forgive" replied Sarah.

"Do you realise Maggie its twenty five years since I gave my life to Yeshua and received the blessing of a spirit of discernment.   I saw the way this was heading and I hate having to say 'I told you so' I get no pleasure in being proved right nevertheless the world and some rotten leaders are on the slippy slope to hell.   And yes, crucifixion continues, although in the West it is more a case of torture and mental crucifixion.

The apostasy in the church is mind blowing.   The gradual blurring of the edges of God's Word to make it more acceptable to the masses.   What will it take to awake the blind and deaf to the judgement that is surely coming.?

These days its not about a church building or a particular fellowship, I just stay close to the shepherd and try where I can to bring a little sunshine into the dark corners of this hurting world.   There are still christians who are worthy of the title saint scattered in various places.   May the martyrs receive their justice - soon.   

The state church presents no threat to the system, as in China it is the genuine christians in small groups that they will aim to silence.   No you can't express an opinion any more and in a society hell bent on materialism, greed and pleasure you have to be prepared to go underground.    Just look at the array of false prophets and rising anti.christs leading the sheep down the path to hell.   Regardless I thank Yeshua for saving me and leading me.   I have Hope - those in the grip of this world have nothing so when everything they prize is destroyed they will crash and burn.   

I remember well my journey back to my Father.   I know that His love for me is the greatest prize any mere mortal could hope to gain.   I don't gamble or play the lottery, but if one day I happen to be sitting on the top of the nearest hill wondering how I could stretch my meagre income another day and a tall handsome stranger (description of the devil here) oozing charm offered me the winning ticket on the lottery with all that would entail - for my soul -  he would be promptly told where to go - HELL and this insignificant pilgrim would plod onward satisfied with her daily bread.

"Well goodness me" said the voice on the other end of the phone "I didn't quite expect that monologue"

"Freely given" said Sarah laughing remembering the good times she and Maggie had shared in the past.   "You're on the right track woman, and if you are getting flack that's really healthy sign.   Don't forget to pray for all those who are persecuted for speaking the Truth.   Sorry - its going to get worse but "IT IS WRITTEN" so we are on course for a "showdown"

Question

Why do you wake me in the early hours,

when the noisy world sleeps for just a brief moment,

snuffling scratching nocturnal creatures hunting through to dawn.

I'm listening, waiting for Your words of instruction,

teaching, or just a reminder of prophetic vision,

this world bleeding to death, pale faced greed stalking the streets.

I sense impending wrath,

arrogant, defiant, tragic mankind pollutes, defiles your precious pearl

children breathing caustic air.

Few will be called and few saved,

but You will come in glory to harvest the land,

and those who would fight Your truth will fall to Your sword.

This time their hands powerless to capture and abuse.

You will reign in power and glory

and Your sheep will lie down in green pastures

and drink from crystal streams

in a new world of everlasting peace.

Talitha Hills

2009

Copyright: T.Hills - 2009

RUN FOR THE HILLS

For the Lord is a great God,

And the great King above all the Gods.

In His hands are deep places of the earth.

The heights of the hills are also His.

Psalm 95 - 3-4

Some nights she skims around like a demented bat.   Her mind, not unlike her computer refusing to exit a particular screen, sleep eludes her.   Press Control and Esc and that doesn't work either so perhaps a piece of toast and a cup of sweet tea will sometimes does the trick.   Finally she crashes snatching a three hour Thatcher nap and touches the land of dreams.

There is a song called "The folks who live on the Hill" written by Jerome Kerne and Oscar Hammerstein 11.  It's a romantic picture for the energetic or those in the first flush of youth but the convoy of mobility scooters parked outside a local church signals the demographics of those who just can't climb every mountain.

Steps to the summit remain the hardest but then "Geronimo" the view stretches as far as the eye can see, yes you will be the first to see the advancing "alien tripods"* striding towards the villages but there would be slim pickings there.

And more positively - the advantages.

1.     Not so far to go to get to the pearly gates.

2.     The air is sweet.

3.     Water runs downhill.

4.     Wind power a great possibility.

5.     A cloud watchers paradise.

6.     If your humble abode faces east you are gazing in the right direction for the return of THE King.

As the Titans clash and the cities of the nations go up in smoke the hill dweller will pray the winds will skip and sweep all the rubbish away.

Like Christian in Pilgrims Progress we will all push on to our final destination and climb that final summit to reach the City of Gold.

I will lift up my eyes to the hills

From whence comes my help.

Psalm 121

*  War of the Worlds - H.G. Wells

CHOOSE YOUR SIDE

Not by Might, Not by Power,

But by My Spirit

SAYS THE LORD OF HOSTS.

Zechariah

3 - 6

She swept into the room like an avenging angel.   Dishevelled blond hair, angry blue eyes, fists pounding the invisible air.   

"Did you see that news report about animal cruelty in America" she questioned throwing her arms around the old lady who was trying to get out of her chair.

"No" replied her grandmother "but try and surprise me if you can".

"Research scientists are feeding little kittens with dead kittens that they have infected with disease" Emily struggled to control her feelings.   "I know what I'd like to do with them"

"You'll probably have to get in a big queue" said her Gran smiling "there's a growing lobby of protestors all around the globe so the weird world of experimental scientists will have to be very careful of unleashed aggression. 

"My darling child" said her grandmother "there is evil intent in many countries dogs that are dragged alive from cramped cages, bludgeoned then skinned alive in China.*  There was a news report on the contents of a dead whale's stomach - the amount of plastic it had ingested was appalling.   But what can you expect when men are so fallen from grace that all they care about is self.   Fox hunting continues in this country despite the fact that it is banned.    

Look at your own generation, they don't believe in God, where is He they scoff, it's almost as though the absence of any visible power wielding a mighty hammer means he doesn't exist!!! and that gives them licence to do whatever they want while they live and breath.   Most are  fuelled and desensitised by violent movies, drugs, drink or just plain evil intent they have no conscience where stabbing someone is concerned, kicking a cat to death or setting a dog on fire.   Oh yes, that has happened here, some evil sick individual tied a dog to a tree and set light to it. Firemen used to seeing nightmare scenarios were visibly sickened at the frozen scream on the dog's face.    These deserve hell but of course religious institutions have all but eliminated hell from the picture.   It doesn't exist.      

This is the world that ignores its creator and glorifies power, money and pleasure and it's all falling apart.  Poverty unleashes anarchy and this is only the beginning.   I really think you could learn a lot from studying biblical history.   However there isn't very much we can do, the controlling powers will use whatever they need to stay in place.   That will mean a man will turn on his neighbour, families will be torn apart and those who follow Yeshua (Jesus) will be persecuted and reported to the authorities and anyone who speaks against the system will be arrested.   I doubt they will have enough prisons to house everyone.  We have to stick together.

There was a time when a man or woman could only be convicted on "material evidence" now they take the word of one person against another and we all know Satan is the father of liars.   Innocent men and women go to jail and truth is dead in the water.  

"Well" said Emily "thanks for that Nan you've really cheered me up"

"I don't intend cheering you up sweetheart" replied her grandmother "this is life on this earth 2019 and the only way it will change is when Yeshua (Jesus) returns.   All nations will be dealt with - He will rule with a rod of iron - and these bullies will get their just deserts.

"I just can't comprehend the mindset of anyone who could be cruel to an animal or child" said her granddaughter her blue eyes filling with tears.   "Adults killing each other  - they know what they are doing - but to torture and kill a dumb animal or little child."

"Courage child" said her Gran "there are billions of followers of Yeshua around the globe remember Revelation 3 - 10   Yeshua (Jesus) said to His faithful church (body of christians)

"Because you have kept My command to preserve, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. "
            

"Just do what you can" her grandmother encouraged.   "It starts with us - we won't win this - the battle is the Lord's, but in our little corner of the world we must work to make a difference.   More than that we need to be Pimpernels.   Blend in with the background you can't be useful to anyone if you stick your neck above the parapet and get your head blown off."

"What on earth is a Pimpernel Nan?" asked the young woman "I know I used to have a real problem with pimples"

Her grandmother laughed "spend more time reading and less time looking in the mirror" she replied.   "It was a book written by someone called Baroness Orczy, based on a fictional story of an English man who rescued French aristocrats before their countrymen could send them to the guillotine.  The English man was called Percy Blakeney and he managed to live a double life as a wealthy man about town and in his secret life he and his friends were rescuing the aristocrats and getting them to England before the French could march them off to the guillotine.   Remember the musical Les Miserables - what a dark age - so much poverty.   It would appear what goes around comes around,  eventually the people revolt and it looks as though history is repeating itself where France is concerned.

"Sometimes I can see a very dark look in a person's eyes.  They look as though they could easily hurt someone." said her granddaughter dragging a comb through her tangled locks.

"Remember Emily they are captives" said the grandmother "someone else is pulling their strings, they need to know Yeshua (Jesus) that is the only way they will ever be free of the evil one"  The Lord gives us a spirit of discernment,  all we can do is pray for them.  This is His work.   That's the best advice I can give you, take it or leave it.   Remember what Yeshua (Jesus) said:

John 6.44
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

At the end of time the explanation is this -  Romans 2 - 12-16
(Study note) God has given all people a moral instinct by creation though repeated sin or cultural acceptance may distort their understanding.   People will be judged according to the revelation they have.   The standard for pagans will be the unwritten law of conscience and nature.

Just keep your head down.  Don't think for one minute you can trust  the state, guard your children with your life, pray God's protection around and over them and know should the very worst happen they will be with their Lord.

Keep your own counsel remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10 - 36  "a man's enemies will be those of his own household.    Those who don't know the Lord will rise against you - you accept their rejection, lift your cross and finish the race.

Never in a million years could I have imagined the depth to which people can sink when they turn from God and follow their own desires.   But the good news my darling is that all this will pass away.
There will be a new heaven and a new earth, no more death, sorrow, pain.

Now, hand me my stick and I'll put the kettle on and we can discuss my next move.    The grandmother pointed to a pile of paper lying on the coffee table  "time is running out and I don't need this world's recognition, approval or money,  it has always been about crying in the wilderness, hoping to  nudge one lost soul - I have work to do.

Meanwhile the rich will have to live in gated communities, squabbling over the last square inch of their walled gardens afraid of their own shadow,  but where my precious granddaughter do you think Jesus will be?  He will be with those providing food for the homeless, helping the young unmarried mother, holding the hand of a sick old man dying alone.  And the orphans snatched off the street in the middle east and killed for their body parts his angels will lead them home.     He is our Hope and we have to trust and believe His promise.

Revelation 21

7 

He who overcomes shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

Even so, Yeshua come.

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LOG JAM

"for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship

I even found an altar with this inscription

TO THE UNKNOWN GOD

ACTS 17 - 23

ACTS 24 

"God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands."    That would surely be unemployment for those who have bled the poor and lived off the vulnerable throughout the centuries.   

In my study bible it states the word "babbler" is Athenian slang for amongst other things pseudo-intellectuals who insist on spouting off.    The super-intellectuals considered Paul a babbler failing to see in Paul all the necessary ingredients for being a truth bringer.

During my lifetime I have travelled the length and breadth of the U.K. and in the latter years have found countless churches almost empty, cold and dead.   But that doesn't matter if you listen to the teachings of Paul.    He actually earned his living tent making.   He didn't feed of the hapless sheep.   His burden was his health but he considered it kept him humble and although he was one of two followers of Christ (the other being Luke - the physician) that hadn't known Christ in the flesh - he certainly knew him after his Damascus Road experience and all his crimes against christians were forgiven and he was sent to the Gentiles until his beheading in Rome.*

God often uses those with colourful backgrounds to reach the lost.   Men saved by the grace of God.

Perhaps a simple explanation.   God created man - sometimes he needs re-programming and a bolt of lighting and temporary loss of sight was the way to reach Paul.   Then having encountered Christ he was changed mightily.

Back to empty, dead cold churches.   There is often a log jam.   Traditionalists not wanting to exchange the ritual for spirit filled worship.  John 4 - 21-24    Often they work politely to exclude it but the church remains dead and one sure sign is the lack of young people.

Many years ago a group of youngsters were using the church frontage as their skate board park.   A  few young men at the back of the church went out to invite the kids in.   The worship team at that particular church was excellent.   All talented musicians and singers.  Their curiosity had been aroused not by the traditional (but often excellent hymns) but by the simple words and enthusiasm.   These children had not even heard about Jesus and decided to take their skate boards and run.

In that church when an old hymn (found in an ancient English hymn book by the vicar) was sung the vaults of heaven opened.    It was a very simple hymn, just two lines but the teenagers in that church were worshipping with all their hearts.

"TO HIM WHO SITS ON THE THRONE AND UNTO THE LAMB,

BE BLESSING AND GLORY AND HONOUR AND POWER FOREVER.

That is an experience I will never forget and the power of God fell in that place.   No one wanted to go home and the service would last four hours.   The vicar had succeeded in leading the young people to Christ but the traditionalists wanted none of that.   They colluded, conspired and finally succeeded in achieving his resignation.    This scenario was prophesied by a visiting evangelist from Canada.   He was warned to watch his back.   Perhaps he considered he was under divine protection, but no matter the devil goes to church.  

So its back to Paul.   Luke was his physician and he travelled with him and treated "the thorn in his side" as best he could.   That is one of the unanswered questions in the bible "what was the thorn in his side"???

One thing any genuine christian can be assured of is suffering and maybe even martydom.

Matthew 20 - 21-22 Can you can just picture the scene.   The mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus asking that her sons be given a place of privilege on either side of Jesus in His Kingdom.   Jesus warned her what that would mean and still the sons said "we are able"  So Jesus settled the issue "but to sit at my Right hand or on my Left is not mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."   End of.

It's rather like the lovely description in "The Great Divorce" of a beautiful woman followed by a crowd of children laughing, singing and dancing.   The dreamer asks his spirit guide "is that!!!!  considering it must someone very special.  The hint "is it - is it"  (I take that hint to mean Miriam the mother of Yeshua)

"Not at all" says his spirit guide.  "It's someone ye'll have never heard of.   Her name on earth was Sarah Smith and she lived at Golders Green."

The dreamer says "She seems to be.......well a person of particular importance?

"Aye.  She is one of the great ones.   Ye have heard that fame in this country and fame on Earth are two quite different things." said the spirit guide.

"The young men and women on either side were her sons and daughters."
"She must have a very large family Sir"  the dreamer suggests to his spirit guide.

The guide replied "every young man or boy that met her became her son-even if it was only the boy who bought meat to her back door.   Every girl that met her was her daughter."

"Every beast or bird that came near her had its place in her love.  In her they became themselves.  And now the abundance of life she has in Christ from the Father flows over into them."

This wonderful book "The Great Divorce" was written by C.S. Lewis and once again points out that those who consider themselves precious in this world could well be on the last rung of the ladder in the next.

Consolation for those who have been martyred or suffer rejection and humiliation in this world.   I doubt the mother of the two young men in Matthew 20 - 21-22 realised what she was asking or perhaps things never change, there will always be some pushy parent wanting the spotlight and fame for their kids regardless of the price they will pay.

SHALOM

*  D.V.D.   Paul Apostle of Christ - excellent video although I doubt many watching knew Christians were burnt alive on posts in the streets of Rome to provide illumination.

Luke played by Jim Caviezel - is the man who played Christ in the Passion of Christ and was profoundly affected by the experience gives his personal testimony on You-tube.   Well worth watching.
    

RUNNING FOR COVER

For where envy and self seeking exist,

confusion and every evil thing are there.

James 3 - 16

There shouldn't be an issue.    We follow the Christ so how come His church has become an abomination where everything He taught is ignored or twisted.

James the brother of Yeshua (Jesus) didn't mince his words

James 5 - 1 - 3
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!
2 - Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.
3 - Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire.  You have heaped up treasure in the last days.

Of course many don't even consider the bible the word of God but amazingly what James and others prophesied 2,000+ years ago is unfolding.   You can get quite sickened by the bullion adverts on television, people encouraged to buy gold as a  hedge against what is coming.   Total rubbish - neither gold or silver will save anyone. 

Ezekiel 7 -  19
They will cast their silver into the street, and their gold is like an unclean thing.
Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath.
He will neither satisfy them nor feed them for their greed can only trip them up.

What is it going to take for politicians to realise there is a price to pay for those they abandon on the streets of the U.K. and those starving to death in Yemen.  Where will those who sanction the sale of weapons and order the killing of leaders hide from the Lord's wrath.  

The God of heaven sees all,  He will cleanse the planet, we are all expendable.

And yes, all is going to plan with Brexit.   Leaders speak with forked tongue - they have no intention of respecting the will of the people.   That is just camouflage, even the cheery look on the face of the Scottish leader said it all "it's not really going to happen but just in case we'll threaten a referendum for Scottish Independence.       

So here we are - totally fallen from grace.   Slowly sliding into the Slough of Despond, nobody listening to the man on the street, most totally fed up with the constant coverage and many losing their business and homes.   They have no hope.   They have nowhere to turn.   Now more than ever they need their Saviour.   But even now they remain blind and deaf.

When a fellow countryman uses a rubber bullet on his brother he becomes a tool of the state.  What will it take to shift leaders that stand by and watch Joe Public lose an eye or a limb protesting they have had enough.   They don't mess around in France.  Madam guillotine comes to mind.   

Meanwhile all appears relatively peaceful in Russia despite every effort to goad them into WW3.

When a church turns it back on God it can expect the rod.   This once proud country with its parliament of squabbling children is a disgrace that can't be hidden from the all seeing eye of the camera.  Their place in global history is best buried.   

But those who love the Lord and run from sin city can expect a far better place.

John Bunyan - Pilgrims Progress:

There shall be no more crying, nor sorrow for he that is owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes (bible quotes referenced -  Isa. 25.8, Rev 7.16,17; 21.4)

God preserve us from the constant adverts for Life Insurance that "costs no more than a cup of coffee".   Fish you in at 30 years of age that may well be the case but a pensioner will soon learn it costs much more than that.   Who cares anyway - leave your body to science that costs nothing.   No funeral,  no false emotions (thank heavens that's over - hopefully no chance of a resurrection with him/her,  they gave us enough earache when they were here.   Perhaps insurance companies do believe this is the last generation in which case their sales patter is lost and their burial plans won't be needed but they will have your money.

The idiotic comments from authorities regarding knife crime in this country are amazing.   If a teenager decides to knife someone there are tools in every kitchen in the land.   Perhaps parents should be teaching their children what Jesus said "love your neighbour as yourself" of course its an ongoing battle with both the drip feed of violence on television and the influence of peer groups who have been raised on a diet of hating anything that is different from themselves.  You struggle against the current where your kids are concerned because in just one day everything you have taught them comes under the influence of another mindset or drug peddler and all is lost and the pain is overwhelming as you watch your child slowly rejecting your values and standards to sink in the mire of this world.

Little children don't know how to hate they learn this at their parents knee.  These things happen when children are raised without knowledge of the Nazarene who taught his people to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you".   This once christian country has only itself to blame for the violence that will only get worse when men are radicalised with a "tit for tat" mentality.

There have been so many guiding lights across the centuries, men who spoke wisdom and truth  perhaps the science fiction writers glimpsed rightly that we are on the edge of a void.   We either learn to respect each other and to live together, or we wipe ourselves off the map.  People watch the skies, expect aliens and enjoy apocolyptic movies never imagining the horror that is slowly creeping towards us all.

Hopefully the tide will turn, and a new generation will teach their children love instead of hate, that they will learn that this planet we call home is precious and we need to say NO to those who are slowly killing the earth with their pesticides and plastics and chemicals.   That the injustice of a world where some will starve on the street and others live a life of pure luxury will cease and that the martyrs this will create will finally receive justice when the King of Kings returns.
  

John Bunyan - Pilgrims Progress - Reference - Isa.62
There we shall be with seraphim and cherubim creatures that dazzle your eyes to look on them.   

Pilgrims Progress - Reference -  Revelation 14 - 1-5

there we shall see men that by the world were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas for the love they bare to the Lord of the place, all well, and clothed with immortality as a garment  Reference - John.12.25, 2 Cor.5: 2-4

John 12-25
Jesus said: "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."   All is very positive for those who love the Lord.   Terrifying for those who kill by proxy and hide their riches.  

Whilst those without hope reach for the anti.depressants and live in fear of all out war the christian longs for the return of Yeshua (Jesus) our Messiah and this time He will rule with a rod of iron.   Nations will bow down and there will be Peace at the Last.

One can always discern the true christian from a false flag.   By their behaviour and Yeshua (Jesus) warned in Matthew 7 - 17 - Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.   And His warning - Matthew 7 - 21 - "Not everyone who says to Me "Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 

It's so simple even a little child can understand or perhaps Occam's Razor applies -  "The most likely explanation for an event is usually the simplest."

It's not about denominations or religious wars - or men who appoint themselves as Gods - its about our creator God - and our eternal destiny.  Make sure you're on the right bus when your time comes.

BEHOLD HE COMES:

ISAIAH 2 - 12

For the day of the Lord shall come upon EVERYTHING proud and lofty.

Isaiah 2 - 17

The loftiness of man shall be bowed down,

The haughtiness of men shall be brought low;

The Lord alone will be exalted in that day,

But the idols He shall utterly abolish.

SHALOM

 

     

THE EAVESDROPPER

DO NOT FORGET TO ENTERTAIN STRANGERS,

for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13 - 2

A man walked into the small cafe hidden down a backstreet in the town centre.   The young woman behind the counter welcomed him as he studied the menu board.   "What would you like to order" she enquired.   "I think I'll just have some soup and rolls, thank you" he replied "its still cold it will warm me, but then its only March and it looks as though its going to snow'

He moved to sit at one of the tables and received a polite smile from a couple of elderly pensioners.

The door opened allowing a strong gust of wind permission to blow the menus off the tables.   Wow Paula had arrived.   More accident prone than genuinely destructive she rushed to pick the paper off the floor and set it back on the tables.

She noticed the man sitting alone smiling at her noisy arrival.   She smiled back,  there was something about his eyes, they had that shine and glow that she had seen in the eyes of men who knew their God.    He had come far, but how far she could not have realised even in her dreams.   Was it the man who gently lifted her up when she hit the deck tripping over an uneven flag on pavement  rushing to a dental appointment.   That man gently took hold of her arm saying "get up slowly - are you okay - my car is in the car park I can take you home."   Paula remembered assuring him "I'm okay I don't know how that happened" realising that to people passing by it must have looked so funny.   "It happens" he said and as Paula thanked him for his kind assistance he disappeared out of view.

This man appeared to be studying the local clientele as the tables began to fill for the lunch time rush but no one wanted to sit on his table, everyone knew everyone in a small town and he was a stranger.   His slightly unkempt look hardly mingled with the beads,  bangles and botox brigade.   Still he heard everything.   Even whispered comment.   

Earlier that morning Paula had sat on the hilltop overlooking the little town, as the sun shone promising greener days she rested on a wooden bench.   As far as the eye could see the fields and hills stretched towards the horizon.   No sign of war, no sign of starving homeless people or bombed homes.    In the warm cafe her silent prayer rose heavenward "how long Lord before you rise and repay the abusers."  

The man on the next table had finally received his soup and rolls and paused between another mouthful almost absorbing her anguish.    His lips never moved but somehow she heard the words soon very soon now.   

The bell over the cafe door rang again as Vicky and Mona arrived and waved towards Paula "be over in a minute" said Vicky. 

Mona leaned over the cake counter viewing the delicious cakes fortunately protected by glass.

"Have those got egg in them" she asked, already knowing the answer but needing to promote her vegetarianism.  "I'm a vegetarian" she squeaked "no eggs"

"Sorry my dear" replied the woman behind the counter "all our cakes have eggs in them"

"Oh" replied Mona "then I'll just have a piece of flapjack" her face a study of suffering for her commitment.

Vickie winced and ordered an almond slice and a coffee.   Mona had not finished ordering "Could I just have tea, a pot of hot water and a tea bag.   Her ritual swipe of the tea bag through the cup and into a container left a slightly amber liquid and a pot of frustrated tea leaves.   Mona was all ritual.

Vicky wonder whether she should mentioned the dirty smudge on her forehead but decided better of it.   Paula was totally tactless.   "Mona do you need a trip to Spec Savers or is that a dead moth on your forehead" 

"Excuse me" said Mona with a hurt expression on her face "it is Ash Wednesday you know, I've been to church" 

"Oh sorry" replied Paula "I had forgotten you are one of the smells & bells brigade all ritual and candles.

Once again Mona asked to be excused as she choked on the remains of her flapjack squaring up to this assault on her denomination.   "I don't read or believe your bible, it was just written by men anyway"

Now the gauntlet was thrown down.   "Well Mona" Paula challenged "which Christ are you following because the bible prophesied His birth, death and resurrection and even I know you are taught the gospels as children.

Mona couldn't answer that one so she tactically withdrew and wandering over to the counter to pay for her snack and then into the Gift Department intent on buying nothing - just looking.

Vicky laughed "don't wind her up Paula.   She's happy going for her Sunday gossip, creeping around the priest, in fact she will probably whinge to him about you next Sunday."

"Oooooh good" replied Paula "any time he needs enlightenment as to the price he is going to pay for misleading the sheep, she can just give him my number."

The man at the next table was smiling as Paula went on a roll.   "Do you know when I challenged her about taking the mark of the beast (Revelation) she said "Oh, I'll deny Christ I don't want to die.   This from a woman of 70+ who is hurtling and I do mean hurtling towards judgement.

And whatever you do don't mention homosexuality - thats fine.   Teaching kids about different relationships at 4 years old.   That's fine.   Abortion not a problem.   In fact nearly everything Christ said in the gospels she completely ignores.   So who the hell is she following.    Sorry I must apologise for the profanity.   

By this time Paula was positively glowing, probably more the result of rising blood pressure than a heavenly touch.

"Please don't tell me you follow the Christ if you ignore what he said.   Don't trip through the commandments picking out this and ignoring that.   After all He went further and said if you even look at a woman lustfully you are committing adultery."

'Well that applies both ways" suggested Vicky "after all Paula its not so long ago you were raving about Paul Freeman.   "Oh yes" said Paula laughing "sorry about that one Lord" she said speaking to an invisible presence.     Actually I didn't realise at the time he died in 2003 probably the last movie he made."   "Doesn't matter" replied Vicky laughing "you're guilty"

"Well pardon me Lord" said Paula "and thanks for the cross because not one of us would get there without You, we've had it.

"Had what" enquired the wandering spectacle returning to their table.

"Had enough" beamed Paula "ready for lift off Mona"

The man at the table stifled a giggle.   

"Did you enjoy your lunch" enquired Paula glancing apologetically at the man who seemed amused by the banter "sorry about the racket but when I get on my high horse all hell breaks loose.   I'm new to this area and just catching up with a few friends who lived near my last abode.

"I don't know the area either" he replied "just doing some research before the big push"

Paula was not quite sure what the last comment meant but hoped he enjoyed the rest of his day.   

Mona climbed into her car as Vicky and Paula set off to walk up the hill.   The man left the cafe and as he passed Mona's parked car heard her mutter to herself.    "That woman is completely barmy, as mad as a box of ferrets."

Paula couldn't help feeing sorry for Mona.   How would she deal with the coming storm, no one would suggest she was a bad person, just misguided, her values based on this world and absolutely no idea of the wrath that will surely head our way.

 Paula remember as a young child being told to kiss  a visiting cardinal's ring and she didn't want to.   "No" she cried running to hide behind her mother.   "Yes" replied her mother "you must kiss his ring"   Her grandmother attempted to save the day "don't make her if she doesn't want to"  But her mother was having none of it and she was dragged her daughter to kiss the claw like hand sporting a large jewelled ring.

"Thank God I was saved from that denomination" Paula commented recounting the childhood experience to Vicky as she opened the front door to her home.   It's amazing how many little children have suffered under Satan's recruits.   Even now, yes even now, its still going on and the public know about it and the catholics still march to their vampire feast.   So we are stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea for now.

"How's the book coming along" Vicky enquired as she glanced at the untidy mess of paper in the sitting room.

"It's not" replied Paula "I've had enough on my hands lately setting up this place and finding my way around a new town.    I am not sure there's enough time left and perhaps that's why I have preferred blogging.   It isn't about me.   It certainly isn't about fame.   If I knew I had written a piece like the Desiderata and it inspired someone that would be enough.   Imagine writing something when you have been imprisoned for preaching God's word.  I can't even imagine what prison was like in John Bunyans day.   Pretty grim, smelly and disease ridden yet John managed to survive twelve years and write a book which has inspired billions.     He's my hero, I just hope I am blessed bumping into him in eternity.

Television has taken the place of reading for a great many people and that box can be lethal.   You have to carefully sieve what your children see and hear.   Perhaps one day they will all be sat there watching their favourite soap and find themselves directed to commit mass suicide.  Then it will not be a question of "open the box" they will be "in a box"

"I really wonder what that man was researching" said Vicky laughing.   Paula's face saddened.   "It reminds me of a book I read by Adrian Plass called "The Visit"   Well worth a read.   All the elders and those who would receive acknowledgement were at the front of the church waiting for the Founder's visit.    Most wouldn't know Jesus if they fell over him but they never missed a church service.   A few people at the back of the church smiled and waved at Jesus and he came over and suggested they go to the local pub.   Worth a read Vicky.   I'm quite a fan of Adrian Plass.   He is honest and sincere about the doubt and struggles most christians face in the world today.  God bless him.

Hebrews 11 - 13 

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Hebrews 11 - 16

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.   Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

SHALOM

  

    

       

THE NEGLECT OF AGE

Honour your father and mother,

 that your days may be long upon the land

which the Lord God is giving you.

Exodus 20 -12

Study note:  Honour means to prize highly, to show respect, to glorify and exalt.

Whoops:  When the U.K. drifted into apostasy and children were not taught to rise when a grey headed person entered a room or to respect the elderly, their wisdom and longevity, the rot was clearly setting in.   The commandments of God were discarded and in the new society the grandchildren would expect their existence to be acknowledged with a customary birthday and christmas present and for the rest of the year silence followed.  

Arise a new situation.  Many a battle ensued when a daughter or daughter-in-law not only disliked her mother/mother-in-law intensely but forbade any contact with the grandchildren and in some cases both grandparents had never even seen their grandchildren.    All issues that caused great distress and the loss of a family matriarch.

This is hardly a country where a grandfather or grandmother would be pushed in a bed on a handcart along with others escaping persecution.   The Middle East yes, but in a culture that considers old  people a burden on the state there is little sentiment.

When young families moved to different areas of the country or even abroad the bonding was lost and the elderly became the focus of a Christmas card or a phone call.   The street family with aunties, uncles and cousins all in the same area has all but disappeared.   In some families that bond still exists as grandparents are the solid unchanging rock providing shelter and support to working parents and an anchor when parents divorce with little concern for the effect on children who love both their parents and are too young to understand the failing relationship.   Here grandparents are the constant and in the small villages and towns an essential cover for working parents and sometimes a shelter from abusive parents. 

Divorce is common yet another sign of a people ignoring the scripture.   Easy to dump the rather dowdy ageing female for a bran new model and of course she will be years younger.   The country has changed so much that callous disregard for the elderly is quite common.   If there are "pickings" to be had the neglect is even more appalling as to move someone into a safe shelter costs money and the hard faced watch their inheritance going down the drain.

Enter the tagged brigade.   Alarm watch or pendant a compulsory attachment which would hopefully provide emergency relief.   Try catching the non caring children.   Unavailable, answering machines but the control centres keep trying to reach someone.

John 21 - 18
Jesus said "I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted;  but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go"

Some old people are very alone.  Their siblings, friends and sometimes even their children have gone but those who walk in faith are never alone.   The Lord will not abandon them.

He gives them the strength to cope with every adversity and at His choosing He will take them home their battle over.

Until christians actually follow the Word of God and practice what they preach there will be little change.   The churches are emptying fast, only those who appease the flock providing social activities and entertainment hang on.   As a young man Charles Spurgeon had a congregation of 6,000 in the heart of London.   He never comprised the word of God and inspired and encouraged the christians of his day to hold fast to the Truth.   John Bunyan warned of the need to run from the cities, keep away from the dross and filth, avoid the slough of despair,  yet many rush to the psychologists couch when they need to run into the arms of their heavenly father.

It's never about ritual or buildings its about TRUTH.

Sadly you might just find yourself imprisoned challenging the status quo, but Yeshua will set the prisoners free.   Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonia.

1 JOHN - 27
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Yeshua told the woman from Samaria (John 4 - 23)

But the hour is coming, and now is when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

Regardless of age the end is near for us all.   If we acknowledge Yeshua (Jesus) as our Lord and Saviour we will not fear whatever lies ahead.   Our future is secure all we can do is pray for those sinking in the mire of this world.

SHALOM.