ONE WAY TICKET

Whilst waiting patiently in a supermarket queue I couldn't help noticing there were three heavily stacked trollies in line for the checkout.  I clutched my small basket grateful I didn't have to pay that amount.   I remembered the absolute drivel proceeding from a well paid politician on the television.    Excusing his youth, and the fact that he obviously didn't know the meaning of deprivation or poverty, I listened as he cheerfully promoted five fruit and vegetables a day as the suggested healthy eating plan.   Yes minister just supply the funds.

Old enough to remember rationing during the war,  I considered the very best option was to reach for the off button, which I find myself resorting to daily.    Its either that or shouting at the television set.    The pure hypocrisy of the latest bunch of dictators is enough to send my blood pressure sky high.

My generation could survive shortages, that's if we don't starve to death on the state pension.  But amazingly healthy eating is very expensive.   The cheapest food on the supermarket shelves could well be described as junk food, biscuits, sweets and crisps to curb the appetites of hungry children.   Cheap fruit is tasteless.   Rather like pet food and the hallowed kibble versus wet food debate.   Place a fillet steak in the dog bowl, alongside a bowl of wet dog food, and in third place,  the kibble.    The dog goes for the fillet steak.   FACT.   Wet food second, and then suggests you kindly wrap something around the kibble if you want it to eat that stuff.   Remind them this is excellent quality, perfectly balanced.   Oh yeah - any more of that steak.

The queue moved forward.   I was now held captive by the tempting chocolate display.   The hurried piece of toast before leaving home had not been a good idea.    I was hungry, really hungry.
My struggle with temptation was duly noted by a woman standing nearby.   "Go on" she coaxed,
"might as well have what you want"    She had probably realised I was a senior, and on the way out.

ONE WAY TICKET

She smiled, the ticket's just one way,

so have it all, live for today.

You will not get a second try,

so grab it all, before you die.

This one way ticket I don't buy,

my soul has heard the angels cry.

Visions of a perfect place,

glimpsed, far beyond the human race.

Working till each day was done,

wealth and fame, I wanted none.

But there was love, and Lord I knew,

I was so blessed with gifts from You.

Content to know your precious peace,

saving grace and swift release.

Journeying the road ahead,

by the Shepherd gently led.

Loving as He said we should,

sharing for the common good.

Caring for each living thing,

we play our part, our gifts we bring.

A final heartbeat and I'm free,

soaring to my destiny.

Transformed at last I understand,

His master plan and Mighty Hand,

that led me to the promised land.

T.Hills

2003

  

DIFFERENT

When others accuse you of being judgmental, stand.
You follow the King of Kings.

When others suggest you have low self esteem, stand.
You don't dance to the beat of their music.
The only approval you ever seek is that of your Father in Heaven.

We all receive gifts, use them wisely,
but walk the path of humility.
Those who seek fame and adulation know the terrible price
they can pay when the bubble bursts.

Be aware you are truly precious to a Holy God,
but also minute and unimportant in the scheme of things.
HIS PLAN IS UNFOLDING.

Blessed with your revelation of the divine you are truly
set apart, your destiny assured.

Isaiah 35 - 8
A highway shall be there and a road,
And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness,
The unclean shall not pass over it.
But it shall be for others.

Don't listen to the siren call of this world,
or the constant stream of directive rhetoric
from both lay and religious leaders,
power is a jealous mistress, they will conform,
their opium position and place, control of the masses.

GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED

Isaiah 26 - 20
Come My people, enter your chambers,
And shut your doors behind you,
Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment,
Until the indignation is past.
For behold, the Lord comes out of His place,
To punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity
The earth will also disclose her blood,
And will no more cover her slain.

DIFFERENT

I'm lonely in this crowd,

they want and I won't give,

myself, or change the way I live.

Dare to be different, or just give in,

turn from His teaching, walk in sin.

It simply begins with a compromise,

half truths, deception, leading to lies.

Dare to be different, lost in a crowd,

abuse and comment shouted loud.

Bright eyes shine His truth and command,

every thought word and deed, placed in His hand.

I draw a line, I will not cross,

fickle hearts are not my loss.

My gaze must reach the eyes that see,

the beauty of the soul in me.

Father, when the sirens call, help me to be strong,

remind me of Your promise and the place where I belong.

T. Hills

2003

FREE WILL

Dictionary definition of FREE

Not captive, confined or restricted

Not in another's power

Not prevented from doing something.

Dictionary definition of Will

The mental faculty by which a person decides upon and controls his/her actions.

A neighbour commenting on current affairs proclaimed "I don't believe there's a God, because he wouldn't allow these atrocities.    My reply, he's not a policeman.    You are not a robot controlled by a higher power.   You have the gift of free will.   

Matthew 7 - 13 - 14

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it.

Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 

FREE WILL

This world the trial, this place the pain,

sleep brings brief respite,

yet the dreamer laughs, screams,

runs here and there,

but wakes here.

Why do you hurt your brother, lover, friend,

what darkness lurks in the mind that cannot just love, and be still,

trashing everything it touches,

fouling pure air with its torrid breath.

Infant unaware of self and place in time sees and smiles,

opening petals of a rose worship.

Nature weeps, her gems encased in plastic domes,

sole survivors of her lush mantel.

Your eternal promise of changing seasons,

a snowdrop pushes through,

pure, undefiled against the gloom, mud and decay.

Brilliant light sweeps the darkest corners,

absolving, absorbing into itself.

The soul chooses.

Talitha Hills

THY WILL BE DONE

THY WILL BE DONE

Not listening, not listening,

but soon they will.

Lies, compromise, my will be done,

what is right in my eyes.

It begins with the shifting of boundaries,

It begins with the father of lies,

fed and nourished by a degenerate culture,

waiting for the bones of destruction, the vulture.

If only they could see their destiny, 

but they refuse to listen.

I want, its all about me,

 appetites of squatting demons must be satisfied.

Soon it will be too late,

as nations rise against nations,

lawlessness increases,

human garbage litters the streets,

churches bloated with wealth and hypocrisy

would not even recognize their Saviour.

Still He searches for the lost sheep,

as martyrs and saints plead at His feet

soon Lord, your  kingdom come.

T. Hills

2012

2 CHRONICLES 

7 - 14

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves,

and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

AMEN.

TIME OF TESTING

Question: One Christian to another:   How was your week?

Answer:  Quite dreadful.

Both descended into a fit of giggles and agreed:   Then we're on the right track.

We are being transformed.   People don't annoy me any more,  rude neighbours, on the receiving end of an undeserved criticism or nasty complaint.   Ignorance and lack of manners generally, neglect by those we had hoped would care.  And those who really enjoy 'winding others up' a modern euphemism for hoping their victim will loose his/her temper and the just plain vindictive.

Instead of anger I feel pity.   One look and you see the captive, a lifeless smile that never leaves their lips, the hard cold stare and in some eyes a darkness that is pure evil.    Children of the here and now.

Situations that hitherto would have invoked fear of confrontation or distress leave my mind unruffled, unafraid, merely observing the torment of someone writhing in irritation and angst at my very words or presence.

MATTHEW 15 - 13-14

Yeshua said:
Every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.   Let them alone.
They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind both will fall into a ditch.


Then you recognise a true kindred spirit, a light that shines in their eyes, their willingness to sacrifice and serve others without any need for recognition or accolade,  His children, a people readied for His Kingdom to come.   Now more than ever "The time of testing" as the battle intensifies.

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

A few days ago I had arrived at the local bus station pulling a heavily laden shopping trolley.
The stage for my route was empty and I gladly sank onto a seat next to the boarding doors.      I had a thirty minute wait for the next bus, but no matter.  

When the bus eventually arrived, I was engrossed in thought,  and hardly noticed a queue of people moving in front of me to board.    An elderly lady smiled and said "Oh I'm sorry, you were here first" I replied "its quite alright, this bus is never full, there will be room for everyone"

Having hauled my heavy load on to the bus single handed I lurched towards the nearest empty seat and found myself confronted by a well dressed middle aged woman.   In a loud voice that her captive audience couldn't fail to hear she commented "Excuse me, no, its not all right.   People have no manners and if we don't complain they will keep on doing it.

I thought of C.S. Lewis's description in the Great Divorce.   A complaining woman arrives on the edge of heaven determined to claim what was hers.   The husband had already escaped her clutches.   But he belonged to her and where was he?   A spirit guide tried to advise her otherwise and still arguing she was sent back to Grey Town.

My journey continued and every so often the woman stared in my direction looking for sign of collusion and she waited in vain.    Eventually the bus halted on the edge of a large expensive private housing development and the woman departed having failed to make any impact or cause any aggravation.

One can only wonder how she would react in the future facing a panic stricken mob, when a bar of gold would not buy a loaf of bread, when the treasured possessions she hoarded just disappeared in a sea of flames, when she finally realised she was no longer in control of her journey or destiny.

Perhaps the words from a beautiful ballad Circle, written by Joel Friedman and Cynthia Weil sung by Barbra Streisand on her album  "Higher Ground" covers all.

For none of us are travelling through this universe alone.

Off to dig out my WWJD bracelet to remind myself constantly that Yeshua, despite getting angry with the money changers and the pharisees, well who doesn't, was gentle and compassionate because He knew many would not see or hear His message, or understand the glory of His Kingdom to come.

SHALOM SHALOM SHALOM

INNOCENCE

Another year over we anxiously approach the next twelve months.   Not that we should be anxious, Yeshua said "Fear not" (a kind friend suggested thirty times!!)  but then we often descend into a fit of giggles trying to remember who said what and in which gospel, therefore in obedience we will do precisely that.   Everything is in His hands and no doubt His plan is unfolding for us all.

The T.V. that appears for the most part to be the "instrument of Satan" stands silently in the corner of my sitting room.   No chance of drip feeding the occupant of this humble abode.   Mine the choice of film on D.V.D. and for accurate news reporting on the Middle East I stand a better chance of getting THE TRUTH through contacts living in the area.  Likewise with American politics.    The media is totally biased against Israel and the horror is most people believe that what they are viewing is at least moderately accurate.   NOT SO.   There is nothing Spring like (renewal, new life) about the Arab uprising it is merely control by another name.   And reporters talk democracy.

These are exciting times as biblical prophecy moves ever nearer its conclusion.   Despite the loud protestations of some atheists who consider Christians in the halls of power are actually manipulating a biblical scenario.   Even the simplest of mortals can observe countries in the Middle East, forever at war with each other, are moving towards the mother of "end games" which will affect everyone on the planet.

No one can deny the accuracy of past historical events recorded in the bible but in the meantime all things biblical are viewed with distaste, well its not applicable today, or worse still self appointed translators readjust and twist text to suit their particular agenda.

Note:  Revelation 22 - 19
"and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from things which are written in this book.
Study Note"  A solemn warning is directed against any perversion in interpretation of the prophecy of this book made by those who read into Revelation what the Holy Spirit never intended to teach.

The internet, curse or blessing, has taken the Bible literally to the ends of the earth.  Maybe a few primitive pockets left, but for those who are able to read its freely available on line along with its critics and protagonists.

False preachers and self appointed prophetesses abound and the wild and whacky actually proffer a "departure date".......whoops and the unbeliever mocks "wrong again"   SO lets keep it simple, our misguided brothers and sisters should take note:-

Its God who says WHEN

Its God who says HOW

IT IS WRITTEN

and nothing can change this now.

Don't say you love Him and keep hoarding your need,

don't say you love Him when your goal is greed.

Don't witness for Him when your message is heard,

then your lifestyle and actions reverse every word.

For the watchers you gather will see through the sham

In the end we all answer to the Great

I AM.

T. Hills

2012

Even I can equate with the blind and deaf.

Isaiah 6 - 9

And (Yahweh) He said, Go, and tell this people

"Keep on hearing, but do not understand,

Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.

Make the hearts of this people dull,

And their ears heavy,

And shut their eyes; 

Lest they see with their eyes,

And hear with their ears, 

And understand with their heart,

And return and be healed.

9 - Then I said "Lord, how long" And He answered":

Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitants.

The houses are without a man,

The land is utterly desolate.........................................

It is God who chooses (the mystery of divine election) and draws the soul to His precious son.  An unbelieving people walking blind to a powerful corrupting influence, their leaders bowing to a dark Lord.   Seduction, manipulation of the mind, they unknowingly worship the beast failing to understand and recognise his shape, trail, purpose and mark on every aspect of their lives.  They are truly victims.

But it is those who carry His precious name that bang the nails into His hands again and again.    We have no excuse.   Christians could change the world tomorrow if every one at least attempted the two great commandments to love God first and secondly love our neighbour as ourselves" and practice the bible's definition of true religion - James (brother of Yeshua)  1 - 27 - Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and keep oneself unspotted (uncontaminated by) from the world.

Welfare budget down in a flash, gone the huge burden the elderly place on a country's purse.  A fairly common complaint from some "they are living too long"     Why should you have to pay someone to look after their own father or mother where they are fit and able to do so.       Struggle though they will,  especially when the burden involves those suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease.   But I know an American woman who does precisely that, she is a woman of God, a devote Christian and bless her she is living out the commandment to Honour her Mother a frail ninety year old widow to whom she is sole carer.   Yeshua bless her mightily.                           

And the orphans,  perhaps if councils insisted less on inflicting their parameters and preferences on candidates and gave the children to God fearing caring couples willing to love and raise a defenceless child they could save another huge drain on state expenditure.  

Those who commit fraud, embezzle and steal could one day walk away minus their hands because another religion, culture and practices (we thankfully left behind in the "dark ages")  is slowly infiltrating this once great Christian country by stealth.   Prayerfully before its too late Adonai will raise up leaders who will stand for the Truth.   Following the founding fathers, great men of God,  William Wilberforce, John Wycliffe, John Wesley to name but a few, who will lead the people back to their God and his Commandments.

INNOCENCE

The child sat alone hidden away in the depth of the forest.    She knew nothing other than the basic fundamentals of existence taught her by her parents.    How to find food and medicine from the forest plants, where to wash and sleep, how to keep warm.    The sun rose in a distant place high above her head until it sank to the ground and all around her became dark, but sometimes she could see another paler globe that gave a dimmer light.

All she needed grew in abundance around her habitation and the water that flowed from a rock quenched her thirst and washed her body.   No animals gave flight when she appeared and she saw no threat from their presence.    She saw her reflection in a pool unaware it was just that and the child that smiled back became her playmate disappearing when the wind came and ruffled the surface of the water.   She was content in her place in time and space.

The strangers had come gesturing friendship and peace but they brought disease and death.

She was the only one left.   Sometimes the smell of burning wood drifted on the breeze and in the far distance a column of smoke signaled yet another part of her world destroyed.

She was the last of the innocents and she too had succumbed to the deadly virus.   Innocence died but not before her unseen guardian reached down and carried her small spirit away.   Eden had been successfully destroyed and replaced by concrete, freeways and cities of sin.  The very healing power of plants and trees destroyed forever by the human race.   

Innocence watched as her Father moved to the Judgement Seat.     The Lion of Judah roared, hills and valleys acknowledging his call.    His children gathered to sit at His feet as the final countdown begins.

T.Hills

2012

Yeshua said (Matthew 18 - 3)  Assuredly, I say to you unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  (4) Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has seen some sense in Christian values.  Yes the commandments kept could save any government billions.    A tad too late.    We reap as we sow.    The rot is deep and it will surely take the might and power of the God they deny.

Isaiah 51 - 6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens,

And look on the earth beneath,

For the heavens will vanish away like smoke,

And the earth will grow old like a garment,

And those who dwell in it will die in like manner.

BUT MY SALVATION WILL BE FOREVER,

AND MY RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL NOT BE ABOLISHED. 

Amen and SHALOM

   

   

HOPE

The young girl sat hunched in the back of a taxi cab wondering why her parents had called her Hope.  If this evening went well she would have to invent another name to fit her new image.     The driver shouted "Is this okay love or do you want me to park outside the club".   "No thanks" she replied "this is just fine, there's already a crowd outside, I'll walk the rest of the way".   "Okay" shouted the driver "take care, its pretty rough around here this time of night" and as he pulled away from the kerb he wondered why such a nice kid was half naked on such a bleak miserable winter's night.   "She's sending out the wrong signals" he muttered to himself.   The weekend would bring its share of drugged and drunk kids who staggered, collapsed and vomited all over his leather seats and he had to clean it up.   She would probably end up in the gutter along with her mates.   What a wasted generation.

Hope started to walk down the dimly lit street.   Her life had changed quite suddenly when she won a competition to meet her idol.   This third session was just a publicity shoot, but it was a start.   Seen in his presence she might even make it into the daily papers.

The Door keeper stood in the shadows by a shabby front door in a block of old terraced houses.    He appeared to be whispering to someone.

They have to realise their need
They have to ask
They can't be forced

The Door keeper observed the approaching figure her stiletto heels clicking on the wet pavement.   The cold foggy night air wrapped around her, painted face and skimpy skirt advertising her intent.   The Door keeper spoke "you must be cold in that outfit".   She turned in the direction of the voice and saw a very ordinary man dressed in a large shabby overcoat.   There was nothing desirable about him yet his gaze seemed compassionate and concerned.   "Are you going somewhere exciting" he asked.    "Yes" she replied "I won a competition a few weeks ago to meet Resucca, have you heard of him?" she went on "he's got a wonderful voice.   He usually comes back to his roots every now and again.   The club at the end of the street was where he got started, photographers and fans are already waiting for his arrival.   I am his guest for the night.  Its so exciting, he thinks I have great potential and that with his help I could go far.    He is very very rich now" she whispered in total awe and leaving the figure in the doorway she continued down the street towards the neon lights and noisy crowd.

A black stretch limo rolled slowly around the corner and parked outside the grubby venue.   Its contents spilled on to the roadway.   Resucca stood six foot five inches tall, darkly handsome simply oozing charm.  His body guards formed a circle protecting him from the screaming women and a sea of clutching hands.   He saw Hope as she teetered down the street and smiled.   She moved eagerly in his direction.   She didn't smell the sulfur, hear the crackle of burning souls, see the trail of his victims or the beautifully embellished box into which he planned, in due course, to place her soul.   She trembled, was it excitement or fear she wasn't sure.  

One wrong step and her heel caught in a grid cover and she was down to the mocking laughter of his bodyguards.   The pain in her ankle was excruciating but she was more concerned about her appearance, ripped tights, torn skirt, wet and dirty and where was her handbag?      A wave of nausea swept over her.

Strong arms reached down and gently lifted her.   A warm overcoat covered her frail body and
she fainted.   Ressuca glanced over his shoulder as he was pushed into the foyer of the club.   He knew the Door keeper.   There would be another time, he would wait, there would be other meetings.   She was taking the bait.   He liked them innocent and hungry, the thrill of the chase.

The shabby door opened into a small cosy room.   A fire blazed in the grate.   The Door keeper relieved of his burden drew the chair closer to the warmth, placed his hand on the broken bones, closed his eyes and whispered strange words to an unseen companion, then he sat and waited.

She was unaware of the passage of time but the pain had eased.   The Door keeper spoke "would you like to share my simple supper, its just a bowl of chicken soup, Jewish penicillin they call it"  he laughed, its really good for you, here have some bread as well".   She nodded her reply enquiring "are you Jewish" he laughed again "but of course"  She didn't realise how hungry she was and the soup tasted so good.

He spoke "the man you were meeting, does he have a plan for you?"   The girl replied "I'm not sure, he promises many things.   He considers I have a good voice and could have a really bright future, but I need a nose job, my teeth need attention and I would have to dress, well, appropriately.   My Mum always used to say "its feathers that make the bird" but everything costs so much.    He says I would be worth his investment, he has already given me expensive presents and I have only know him a few weeks.

The Door keeper smiled sadly.   The child had such low self esteem and like so many of her peer group had been seduced by the siren call of materialism, air brushed beauty, constantly dissatisfied with their own appearance and envying celebrities and their indulgent life styles.  

The Door keeper spoke "The man you were meeting has friends in governments and palaces around the world.   You have choices to make Hope"   She questioned "how do you know my name" he smiled and continued "but those who chose this man's friendship and gifts inevitably pay the ultimate price, yes they have fame and just about anything money can buy and yet they always want more, it is never enough.

My followers know nothing of wealth.   They are often rejected, despised, persecuted, ridiculed and hated.   Some even lose their very lives standing for my Truth, but their treasure is in my home.  

As He spoke another door opened and she saw a landscape of incredible beauty.    There was something slightly familiar about the scene.  Perhaps thousands of years ago the earth might have looked the same, before man discovered concrete and asphalt, destroyed trees and living creatures in the name of greed.   People walked there, the atmosphere was one of harmony, joy, the air filled with the sounds of laughter and music.    She found herself in the hall of a huge white building.   She reached to touch the surface of one of the many pillars supporting the ceiling.   It was smooth, white and unblemished,  having the appearance of marble.   Young people walked in and out of the many doors, into the lawned gardens, laughing and greeting each other as they went.  

The door slammed shut.    She turned to face the Door keeper.   Just look at me.  I see a fat ugly person,
but He knew the truth, she had starved herself at every opportunity to look like the skeletal women she worshipped.    I would have given anything to have a perfect figure, flawless skin, how could anyone think me beautiful.

The Door keeper smiled  "I do, I see your soul.   Very few can handle what you desire, even those who think they are strong, it eventually destroys them.    The Door keeper rose.   His shabby clothes fell away.   Pure light radiated from his very being and in that light she saw her tattered dress, her filthy rags.   She crumpled to her knees, she knew she was lost and unworthy to be in this man's presence.  But most of all she now knew who He was  "Forgive me" she whispered, "help me, please"

She found herself back in the street.   An irritated photographer yelled "you are late, are you coming or not.   Resucca does not like being kept waiting.    "NOT" she shouted back.
Hope was reborn and renewed that night.   Friends she confided in suggested she had imagined the whole thing and missed her golden opportunity for success, fame and fortune, but she held fast to the vision.

Seven years passed and another taxi drew to a halt in the same little street.   "Is that okay Pastor" the driver shouted "That's fine" she replied.   "Busy night ahead then" he asked "yes and its getting worse there are so many people living rough everywhere, the authorities keep moving them on, keeping them as far as they can from the gated communities of the rich.   Time is short, we need to get the message out, we know we can't save them all, we do what we can for their practical needs, stand in the gap, and leave them in the Father's hands.   We hold fast to His promise:

Revelation

21 - 4

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;

there shall be no more death, sorrow or crying.

There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

  

"You'll get your reward in heaven then" he joked and she doubted he really believed that one.   "Take care" he shouted "its really rough out there at this time of night" she laughed "no problem" she replied "I'm meeting John and Paul, they'd scare the hell out of anyone" and she chuckled at her own humour.
"Thanks anyway, good night, God bless.

He watched as the slight figure wearing dark trousers and black jacket with the emblem STREET PASTOR walked towards the shabby old door.   "I'm sure I've seen that woman somewhere" he muttered to himself as he drove into the night.

John 10 (9)

Yeshua said "I am the door.

If anyone enters by Me he will be saved,

and will go in and out and find pasture.