BASICS

Psalm 37 - 31

The law of his God is in his heart,

None of his steps shall slide.

A recent newspaper report stated "in one children's hospital toys were tied to the cots with bike cable locks.    Surprised.   You shouldn't be.   Years ago it used to be sheepskin rugs and the curtains around the beds that walked off the ward.  Another sign of a godless society.

One of the ten commandments.   THOU SHALT NOT STEAL and that includes the pen you walked off with, prescription drugs, toilet seats the list is endless.   Fiddled tax returns justified by "oh well everyone does it from the top down."   May be,  but as a christian you profess to follow Christ.

The Law in this country was once based on christian values.   Now its the Law of the modern jungle.   Survival of the richest and fittest and heaven help you if you upset the status quo and protest.

They'll fix a charge, arrest, sentence and bang you inside.

Best not to even try, far better to run for the mountain and keep going pilgrim.   The God of the bible WILL have His revenge on a decadent society and a disobedient nation.

Ruth Graham is quoted as saying "if God doesn't deal with America (and we can include the so called considered alliance with the U.K.) He'll have to apologise to Sodom and Gomorrah. 

If you even try to express your opinion regarding the almost spoon fed daily diet of of kissing homosexuals and lesbians in virtually every popular soap on T.V. you are hash tagged homophobic.
Don't use a service that dictates your values.   You can decide what you watch on D.V.D.'s and the internet.

Don't even mention the bible and your christian values where this subject is concerned even the religious protagonists appear to be mocking the very God they profess to follow.

Leviticus 18 - 22  Laws of sexual morality.

You shall not lie with a male as with a woman.  It is an abomination.   

On the other hand if I do not profess to follow Christ anything goes and doubtless it will be a case of "make hay while the sun shines"

Any form of violence regarding this behaviour is against the commandment to love one's neighbour as one's self.    That does not mean we approve or rubber stamp the latest fashion of same sex marriage.   Like every other fleshy sin we are required to control the flesh, not have the flesh control us.      
   

However,  if I call myself a Christian then I should be following Yeshua (Jesus) who was very clear about the Law of Moses in MATTHEW 5 - 17 - 18

"Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."

Such righteousness is only possible by the Messiah's personal reign in a Christian.   In other words you are not just a church goer needing to be seen in charge of this and that you have to truly know Jesus to know that breaking all God's commandments is wrong.    No one can argue that it would be a much better world if we attempted to keep just one,  THOU SHALT NOT SLAY (KILL)  

If you have been called to lead the sheep you should at least be attempting a shot at holiness preaching His Word not some twisted version in a vain attempt to fill the empty pews.

Jacob Prasch on You.Tube.   God's Final Warning to the Clergy.    Well worth listening to this great man's teaching.

If  I speak your Truth and people object to my views how is that any different to how the people treated Jesus.

JOHN 15 - 18 - 19

Jesus said "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 

If you were of the world, the world would love its own.  Yet because you are not of the world but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

If  I turn the other cheek it does not mean I am weak - it means I will not fight with you,  my God will judge.

If  you consider you have the answers to ALL things - wait and see.

One thing is abundantly clear, sooner or later one will be proved right, the other wrong.

TIME TO REPENT BEFORE ITS TOO LATE - GOD IS MERCIFUL AND FORGIVING.    

Knowing you Lord assures me of my future home no matter how hated or violent my exit from this world as a true christian may be.   All I can do is pray for those led astray by false doctrine and satanic warfare. 

No where does Satan tempt so successfully than at the foot of the altar.   C.S.Lewis.  Screwtape.     

Malachi

4 - 2

But to you who fear My name

The Sun of Righteousness shall arise

With healing in His wings;

Isaiah - 3 

You shall also be a crown of glory

In the hand of the LORD,

And a royal diadem

In the hand of your God.




His children,
Precious jewels of a Holy God.
SHALOM

RETRIBUTION

1 Kings 18 - 24

Elijah said "Then you call on the name of your Gods,

and I will call on the name of the Lord;

and the God who answers by fire,

HE IS GOD.

SO ALL THE PEOPLE ANSWERED AND SAID

It is well spoken.

There is something incredibly sad about a person lacking a sense of humour.   The ability to laugh at self and others.   To see how incredibly pathetic and stupid the human race can be, but how amazingly compassionate and loving when needs be.

If you're in the public arena you are income for the cartoonists.   Most intelligent people realise this is satire.   At times its wickedly funny but no one takes offence.   The spotlight falls on politicans, royalty and so called celebrities.  Remember the famous t.v. series in the U.K.  "Spitting Image" it was incredibly funny, how could anyone take offence and yes if my memory serves me right religious leaders were not excluded.   And for those who proudly bear freckles, yes, they had a go at a princess.     

Can't speak for other belief systems, but my God has a sense of humour.   He made me for a start.   He also created a rather messy method of procreation.   But He also made it fun and pleasurable.  

Perhaps this will be the turning point, when man in his despair at the appalling carnage actually seeks the face of GOD - not religion or its wicked protagonists.    Scripture tells us clearly that God deals with a disobedient people.  He raises up our enemy, then, and only then, he destroys the enemy.  Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later otherwise we will all be blind.

The perpetrators of the blood bath in France will receive His judgement and His punishment.   Who has the greater God.  Wait and see.

It's a cold, cold place that you get to,

but your body's burning with fire.

It's a dark, dark place that you get to

tormented with hopeless desire.

It's forever and ever, eternal, the prison of your soul, 

you executed your target and finally achieved your goal. 

Terror surrounds you the blood of your victims

drips forever on your head.

Welcome to hell. 

JE SUIS CHARLIE

BEULAH CIRCULAR

Isaiah 62 - 4

You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,

Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;

But you shall be called Hephzibah,

and your land Beulah;

for the Lord delights in you,

and your land shall be married.

Everyone knew Elsa.   Some considered she had mental issues, others were not so kind.   She invariably wore the same old coat and you could recognise her distinctive rolling walk from a distance as she headed off on to the moors with Tess and Penny, her faithful companions.

Elsa didn't suffer fools gladly.   Always ready for criticism and comment she was quick witted.   She knew with certain conviction she would have the last laugh.   There was a higher power and her God would not be mocked.

Perhaps the black audi heading straight for her on the notorious Z bend might have caused her some apprehension.   The driver's face was clearly visible.   He was dark and laughing.   "Here we go" thought Elsa.   In a split second the dogs would clear the three foot high stone wall and run for their lives.   The rest is up to you Lord she considered.

The passenger sitting next to the driver grabbed the steering wheel and turned it violently in the opposite direction.   Thankfully there wasn't any oncoming traffic on the road ahead, otherwise they would have been killed outright.    "Drugs" thought Elsa "no one in their right mind would drive like that."

The Z bend on that particular stretch of road was notorious, it straddled a deep gully on either side, a small tributary flowed down the valley towards the river.   There had been many accidents and broken dry stone wall occasionally witnessed by the tiny stone cottages across the valley.

Sometimes Elsa found cassette tape strewn across the road, rolling and blowing in the wind.   Someone suggested they were recorded curses.   Regardless, many an experienced driver had lost control of the steering wheel on that bend for no apparent reason.

Elsa always considered the tiny row of houses had a perfect view of the black spot.   On the day in question Lucy and Vera were enjoying a cuppa and a slice of cake observing the dark grey clouds scudding across a stormy sky.

"Snow tonight" said Vera "I can feel it in my bones" she burst into giggles.   "Don't know why I'm laughing my body's like a weather station and probably more accurate.   Lucy turned smiling at her companion and the small golden dog perched comfortably on her knee that protested at any adjustment to her human heat pad.

"Hey" replied Lucy "keep looking up - you're leaving that wreck behind - no more pills - no more pain, home at last,  heaven."

"And boy will I be gorgeous" replied Vera "Joe won't recognise me"   Their attention turned to their view from the window.   "Is that Elsa standing at the bus shelter" she asked her friend.
   

"Yeap" said Lucy "I'd recognise that coat anywhere - she's with her granddaughter.  They must be going to the shops before the weather closes in.  We are all going to be stranded for a few days according the latest weather forecast.

Elsa was one of the small group of dedicated christians who had long since deserted the local church fellowship standing apart from twisted doctrine and blind guides.   "After all" she had suggested "you are not going to get on a bus going in the wrong direction, are you?"  

Elsa and Bethany stood in front of the bus shelter.   "There's a storm brewing" said Elsa "pull your hood up Beth".    "Nan" said Bethany stretching to whisper in her ear.   "Why is that man looking at pictures of those girls"  A rather scruffy looking middle aged man had spread both himself and a daily broadsheet newspaper across the seat drooling over the semi naked bodies.

Elsa turned to her granddaughter and said quietly.   "Jesus came for such as that man, the lost, not those who already know His father.  "We don't know why he is as he is, or why he does what he does.   We just ask Jesus to save him from himself."

Bethany nodded approval.   She was a beautiful child, spiritual, almost ethereal, wise beyond her years but also considered queer and odd by her own peer group.   The man was leering at the suggestive poses of the virtually nude women but he was also listening to the conversation between the Beth and her Nan.

"Stupid old bag" he said "hurling expletives in Elsa's direction.  He leered at the beautiful young girl heavily wrapped against the wind stamping her feet to keep warm.  "Another few years and she'll be ripe for picking" he considered.    He folded his paper and moved to stand next to Bethany  "Don't listen to her" he sniggered "its a one way ticket, grab everything you can."

Beth smiled unafraid of the sudden move or his comment and said "Jesus will help you"   The man roared with laughter until he broke into a violent cough.    "That crap" - don't give me that crap - what has Jesus ever done for me?" he replied angrily.

"He died for you" Bethany replied.

The sound of an approaching heavy vehicle interrupted any further conversation.   The bus gleamed its headlights piercing the descending freezing fog.   The coach work was amazing, bright colours, new clean and shiny, lights blazing.    "What" complained the man on the bench "this isn't our local bus."   "No it isn't" replied Elsa.   The doors swished open and the driver leaned forward "anyone boarding" he enquired.   "Where are you going" asked Elsa "usual route" he replied.   

The waiting passengers hadn't notice the destination displayed on the front of the bus they were focused  on getting out of the cold.   "Right" said the man "you are not our local bus, so does that mean you are not going to the village.   "No" replied the driver "staying on the straight and narrow"   "Then you are of no use to me, its a ten minute walk to the village" he returned to the bus seat and his daily paper.     "That's okay" said Elsa "come on Beth" and together they boarded the bus.   The doors swished closed and the bus started up the other side of the hill.

Five minutes later the rather grubby local bus approached the steep drop towards the Z bend.  "Ah" shouted the man "about time too I am just about frozen stiff"  

Vera and Lucy had watched the first bus move off and both wondered whether it was a new service that had taken over the route.  They noted the gleaming bodywork highlighted against the black storm clouds.  "That makes a change" said Vera "a clean bus"    They also saw the local bus appear and head down the hill towards the bend and then heard a loud bang as an articulated lorry from the opposite direction skidded into the bus sending both vehicle and bus shelter over the dry stone wall.  There wasn't much left of the bus shelter, like most debris on the bend from hell it lay strewn on the side of the gully alongside a man's torn body.

"Hells bells" said Lucy "Oh dear God was Elsa on that bus.   "Hey, Hey, its okay" said Vera "Elsa and Beth got on the new service.   In the failing light emergency crews had cordoned off the area and were combing the gully as the recovery vehicle loaded the remains of the bus shelter and the battered bus. 

The police went from door to door in the small terrace.   "Excuse me ladies, you really had a bird's eye view, did you witness the incident."   "Oh dear God" said Lucy still in shock.  "Was anyone killed."   "Just one fatality, a middle aged guy"   "Actually" interrupted Vera "there was a bus a few minutes before.   Our friend and her granddaughter got on that one - thank you God."   "Can you describe that bus" the officer enquired.   "Well we thought it must have been a new company taking over the route.  We certainly hadn't seen it before.   Brilliant coach work it looked very shiny and new.

"Right" said the officer "when you next see your friend could you ask her to give us a call, every bit of information helps.   Just appears to be that damn bend again, time the council did something about it.

The only other person that saw the bus you described was the local Canon he said the destination plate had him puzzled.   It said "Beulah circular" he'd never heard of that.    He said he noticed a woman and a girl waving at him."    As Lucy closed her front door behind the police officer she turned to her stunned friend.    "You don't think" she paused "I do" replied Lucy.

Elsa's daughter telephoned later that month apologising for the delay in getting in touch with her friends.   "It's been very difficult" she moaned "we have no closure, I have no idea where they are.   Bethany should have been with us".

It was well known in the small community that Bethany had not accepted her mother's new husband.   Julie tried hard to explain "your Dad has gone to be with Jesus and I have to get on with my life, soon you will have a baby brother, would you please come home".   But the response was negative.   Bethany wanted to stay with her Nan and at least Julie knew she was safe there.

Julie continued "They are both on the missing persons list, apparently according to statistics 275,000 people went missing in this country last year.  Most of them youngsters.   Some returned but others remained lost.   I actually had to go through Mum's stuff and I found something she had written.   I'd like you to have it."  

"Julie" replied Lucy "please come round anytime, if there is anything, anything we can do you only have to ask"   There was the sound of sobbing at the other end of the line.   The usual blowing of the nose and clearing of the throat and Julie continued   "I am desperate for closure, nothing can be settled and her house is so silent and deserted.   I'll try and get round towards the end of the week."

The remaining members of the small group had gathered.   Vera gingerly opened the envelope with Elsa's words and read them aloud to the group.  

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

Copyright 2003

Beulah

In this country the sun shineth night and day; wherefore this was beyond the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and also out of the reach of Giant Despair; neither could they from this place so much as see Doubting Castle.   Here they were within the sight of the city they were going to;  also here met them some of the inhabitants thereof;  for in this land the Shining Ones commonly walked, because it was  upon the borders of Heaven.

The Pilgrims Progress

John Bunyan.

FOR NEIL

             

TRANSLATION

GENESIS 5 - 24

And Enoch walked with God; and he was not,

for God took him.

Great - that will save on any funeral expenses which are apparently rising according to statistics, the poor left with little alternative other than to bury their relative in the garden.   Beautiful - a bit like the wild west.   Little ranch fenced graves lovingly tended by those left behind.

If one thing hits home in the recently released D.V.D. "Left Behind" it's the pastor sitting crying in his tidy church.   You would be forgiven for thinking that's it, he's had it, he didn't really believe all that stuff he was preaching, yet he complains to the main character Chloe that he knew the bible chapter and verse.   But he didn't really believe it, did he?   It was a job and a nice one at that.

He should have known he was successful in part because many in his little congregation had disappeared.  Surely God would take that into account.

In the first book of the series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins  "Left Behind"  we know the said pastor goes into the tribulation, suffers and dies knowing His saviour.  There's hope folks.   Yes its just a movie and how the public love to wallow in plane crashes (lets hope they never have to endure one).   In the book the plane doesn't crash, it lands safely albeit in the midst of those that didn't.   It had little relevance to the series.

In the first chapters of the book Russia comes against "tiny Israel" but she fails and is destroyed in an unexplainable (to mere mortals) sterile attack.   No mention of that in the film or the fact that the anti.christ exists in an albeit rather lowly position in Romanian politics and was slowly rising to prominence as a peacemaker leading a movement to disarmament and considered a humble charming chappy.  

Rayford the C.O. pilot on the Boeing 747 was finding his wife's devotion to an unseen competitor rather irksome.  Yes, they got that one right.    Anyone joined with an unbelieving husband/wife will have known that experience, frustrated Rayford's focus was switching to his attractive senior flight attendant.

The warning lights were red but he had never touched her - dangling on the edge of lust until..................BLINK and some passengers went missing.   From that point on the film bears absolutely no resemblance to the book other than to point out the chaos that would ensue following such an event.

Nicholas Cage held it together.   Yes I'm a fan but the rest was fairly bland.   Bearing in mind the Left Behind series are "fiction" not "fact" the writers cleverly tie the events with biblical prophesy but the series would perhaps be better described as an apocalyptic thriller.

Just may be this rather bland production was supposed to be different.  A simple prompt for the wavering, a rallying cry, last ditch attempt to reach the lost, after all even cynics, atheists, agnostics, self preservationists all admit sooner or later the excrement will hit the fan and as most don't believe in a creator God - ITS PARTY OVER.   Hence the carnival of debauchery gathers pace.  Anything goes.

According to the bible non.believers will stand alongside unbelieving Jews and Muslims at the final judgement before the Great White Throne of God.   Focus throughout the series is on the Holy Land and the messianic jews.   That is the theatre of battle, there it will end.

On a positive note the film could be considered a "trailer" for yet more sales of the books which have probably made billions for the authors.  It would take an unimaginable budget to produce this first book alone and it is something of a challenge to actually read the whole series but for me personally it was worth the effort.    

By the time you reach the final book and the end of the Glorious Appearing Rayford & Co have become a literary family and you don't really care where when or how, an early exit would be appreciated.
   

Nevertheless in Matthew 24 - 15 - 22 Yeshua gives the countdown to the gathering of His elect who are going to suffer tribulation, but for their sakes that time will be cut short.

(22) And unless those days were shortened no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.

(31) and He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

That is not a popular scenario with some christians who are not comfortable with the idea of suffering, as did their Lord, its more a case of "get me out of here" 

Christians are already suffering beheadings, persecution, ridicule and criticism.   It doesn't bode well when the leader of one of the biggest denominations who consider themselves followers of Christ is quoted as saying "christians are sick"   Perhaps he will be left behind!!!!!???? 

An Enoch type exit is perhaps the preferred option for those who walk with God as the global melt down continues but in the books there is no such rescue for those "Left Behind" some are on God appointed missions, many suffer horrible deaths and are then fast tracked. 

Matthew 24 - 36

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.  

Yeshua warns us to observe the signs - the fig tree. Matt. 24-32

And perhaps the greatest warning

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

QUESTION

Who are you?

Just me, sitting with the sheep,

writing poems and singing songs, 

loving my God.

Who are you?

Just a watchman on the wall,

knowing it begins and ends with

God's people - Israel.

Who are you?

Just a tiny spark among many,

defying the darkness,

knowing one day His light will 

burn away the dross.

Who are you?

Just a pilgrim following His teaching

focused on my Saviour

speaking His truth.

NOBODY

T.Hills

2015

 WE PRESS ON TO THE SUMMIT KNOWING WE ARE BLESSED, PRECIOUS AND HIS.       

THE OTHER SIDE OF CHRISTMAS

Philippians 2 - 3 

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,

but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Christmas Day dawned crisp and clear.   There had been an overnight frost and the morning brought clear blue skies.   Celia was home alone but she had her precious memories of the past.   Christmas had long lost its significance for her in the melee.   She had never quite seen anything like the mad push and grab antics of a greedy society.   A small glimpse into how human nature would react in a catastrophe.

Christmas Eve she had watched Catherine Hardwicke's "The Nativity Story" very aware that the date of 25th December was inaccurate but nevertheless she loved the film with its attention to detail of life at that time and there was always a box of hankies at the ready for the realistic birth. 

Perhaps later she would make an evening meal but for now she was sitting in front of a roaring fire in her cosy cottage.   "Thank you Lord" she murmured "for your provision I have enough."   

A loud knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.  Jeff stood in the doorway.   "Merry Christmas Celia" he grinned "any chance of a cuppa and a mince pie"    "Of course you clown" she replied "come on in.   Have you had your Christmas dinner" she enquired.   "Hardly worth bothering just for me" he suggested.   "Right, you are to join me, there's enough for two"   He looked longingly at the roaring fire in the grate "gosh it's really cosy in here, much better than my modern flat"   

His eye caught sight of a wooden box sitting on top of a small chest of drawers.   "That's new" he commented "is it a Christmas present"   Celia smiled "yes, its from me to me, I have a whole heap of old vinyl albums I haven't played for years so I decided to buy this unit.   It was cheap, you can't expect quality sound but as I am profoundly deaf in one ear and going deaf in the other I am not going to nit pick.

"It so reminds me of the old record players" said Jeff as he picked up the arm, moved it backwards then forward onto the edge of the vinyl.   It was a tad scratchy and crackly.    "That particular record starts off quietly" said Celia.    Jeff reached for the album cover "good gracious" he laughed "its Chris Rea's The Road to Hell"

"It certainly is" said Celia smiling.   "He made that album in 1989 and I wonder what he would be thinking today.   A musical prophet that lad.   The next track is even truer "You must be evil"  They are corrupting this generation at every given opportunity. 

"Sit down Jeff" said Celia.  "Make yourself comfortable, dinner will be about an hour.   Fancy a brandy?" she enquired.   "That would be great lass" he replied grateful he didn't have to face an empty flat.   The album had now reached it's last track.   "Tell me there's a heaven"   Jeff listened quietly to the words.   "Do you believe there's a heaven Celia" he asked "Certainly do" she replied "some people are in a living hell on this earth but they are heading for Abraham's bosom (Luke 16-25)  

Eventually they sat down to the usual turkey and trimmings with a small glass of wine.   "That was absolutely gorgeous Celia" said Jeff "you're a great cook"   She blushed and considered she could never hold her wine "well I've had a lifetime to get it right but I will be back to basic simple living next week.  God is gracious, he has always provided for me."

"How long is it since William died" Jeff enquired gently.   "Fifteen years next February" she replied "Christmas is a sad time for so many people.   They miss those they have lost.  But I count my blessings.  Many people are homeless, some living on the streets, we seem to be going backwards as a society.   People don't really care as long as their boat floats.   Rather than buy expensive presents I have given money to charity.   My family and friends have more than enough.

"Do you prefer living alone" asked Jeff suddenly it was his turn to blush realising Celia might consider she was being propositioned.    "I am never alone" replied Celia "my faith sustained me when William died and what is left of my life is unto the Lord.   My focus is fixed on Yeshua.

"Wow" said Jeff "I didn't realise you were religious"  Celia face was positively glowing, she  considered she should not have had that second glass of wine.  "Don't ever call me religious Jeff that's an insult.   Yeshua hated the religious establishment and observing todays wonky shepherds not much has changed.   Remind me to tell you some time how I came to know the Lord but that's strong stuff for another day.

"Oh Elaine Page and Barbara Dickson - Chess" said Jeff eagerly sorting through the box of albums.   "Yes" said Celia "put that one on and we can join in the chorus"  Any passerby would have been amused by the highly enthusiastic pair as they gave it their all finally getting up to dance to "One night in Bangkok.  Not that either of them had the remotest idea what that was all about.

"I didn't expect to have such a lovely meal" said Jeff "especially as I only called for a cuppa."  

"Well I couldn't have you sitting alone on Christmas Day now could I" she smiled.   "If we all loved our neighbour as ourself it would be a very different world wouldn't it?"    "Didn't your Jesus say something along those lines" said Jeff.    "He certainly did" replied Celia.    She handed him a small parcel.   "Now you can catch up on everything else he said"    

A quiet voice whispered "keep sowing" and she murmured "todah Adonai"

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

REFLECTION 

It would be easy to fall into a pit of depression watching this decadent society no matter how strong your belief.   Encouragement and hope arrived as David Wilkerson's You.Tube video "GOD HAS NOT PASSED YOU BY" caught my attention.

Yes and Amen David - the Samuel Company is alive and well.  The corrupt state church has no hold over God's chosen, as in China the real bride is unseen, quietly awaiting her Lord.  

This great man of God still sends encouragement and hope to the battle weary thanks to modern technology even though he now walks with His Lord.  One positive side of the internet.  

This week one can only be truly ashamed of the state church in the U.K which appears to be reinventing dogma to neatly fit with the homosexual and lesbian fraternity. 

If you call yourself a Christian you follow Christ.   If you follow Christ your roots are in the Old Testament.  Exodus 3 - 6 "Moreover He said (to Moses) "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.   As a child and later as a rabbi Yeshua (Jesus) taught scripture and the Law.   

Matthew 5 - 17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (18) For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."

If you actually believe in God you would do well to keep his commandments.   If you are His supposed representative on earth then you stand condemned.   You will be called to account for the sheep you have led astray and dealt with more harshly than any unbeliever.

But it also says in John 3-3

Jesus answered and said to him "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

One can only presume those concerned are BLIND GUIDES.   

Yes, God is Love but reading through the Old Testament those concerned might like to consider the trail of His wrath poured out on a disobedient nation.   The church stands in filthy rags and those who truly know their Lord have abandoned a leadership that mocks the Word of God.

When you don't believe in any God other than self the results are self evident in the appalling stampede of pre.christmas greed and a deteriorating society.   Sadly most live for the day, they have no hope, empty hollow vessels that will not be able to cope when the rubber eventually hits the road and everything they value goes up in a puff of smoke.     

When a country ignores the commandments of God prepare to receive His wrath.   Those in power are not only corrupting the future generation but continue to bleed the poor whilst fueling their own extravagant life styles.   They stand condemned.

We are all equal before God but sadly some consider themselves more equal than others, but they will die as surely as the sun rises on a new day.   They will be judged and the fact that they consider their life ends with death will not alter their eternal destiny in the wrong place.

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

I must ask Lord - where are you when they behead your servants.

He whispers "there"

I must ask Lord - where are you when that baby screams her last scream in the hands of those drug crazed animals from hell.

He whispers "there"

As they exit this world their REAL home, My Kingdom slips into view.  Death has no hold over them.

Hell will open her mouth to receive the murdering butchers along with the hirlings still clad in their robes of office the orgy they encouraged surrounding them for all eternity.

Sons and daughters of the living God ride with the armies of heaven a great tidal surge and evil is flushed down the plug hole to hell - forever.

Perhaps the study note in my Jack Hayford bible "Truth - Action" also speaks into every believer's heart.   DO NOT FEAR DEATH because being in heaven with Jesus will be wonderful.

Where ever you are on this fragile damaged planet walk with your head held high.   Children of a Holy God you are His precious jewels.   If they won't listen to your warning cries just keep running (like Christian in Pilgrims Progress) away from the cities and towns of sin, head for the hills and shelter under the shadow of His wings.    For the day approaches..................................................... 

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai.

SHALOM

SERVING NOT SELF SERVING

Matthew 20 - 23

So He said to them,

"You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the

baptism that I am baptized with;

but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give,

but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."

Did she have any idea what she was asking?    Her son James did indeed drink the Lord's cup.   He was the first disciple to be martyred.  Acts - 12-2

Isn't it always the way, proud mother seeks special position/place/acknowledgement for her sons/daughters, but Yeshua (Jesus) is quite clear "it is for those His Father chooses"  Nevertheless she had just requested their death warrant.

Jealousy and rivalry are twin sisters, a deadly human weakness.    It really doesn't matter that the last will be first and the first last.   For many are called, but few are chosen.  Matthew 20 - 16.

JUST BE GRATEFUL THAT YOU STAND IN HIS QUEUE BY THE NARROW GATE - THAT YOU ARE CONSIDERED WORTHY TO PASS THROUGH.

If you truly follow the Lord you will have a heart for those society rejects.   Those imprisoned by their addictions, bodies rotting away, lost, hopeless.  Those who have succumbed to the deadly drip of porn and the permissive dictates of a rotten godless society.   All damaged and in need of a Saviour.   

I remember well a young man called Stephen.   He sat huddled on the pavement in the posh part of the city.   He wasn't begging.   He didn't ask for help.   The mother of the street boys arrived with her two large trollies filled with soup, tea, coffee and biscuits.   Large bread rolls filled with ham, eggs, cheese and pickles were carried in her companion's trolley along with toilet requisites, clean underwear and socks.

Stephen wanted none of it.    He was just another rejected boy.   He couldn't accept his new father-in-law and only his sister had no idea of his plight as she lived on the other side of the globe.    He turned to drugs.      

How could I tell him Jesus loved him.   Yeah, yeah - one look said it all -  they all say that.   How I wanted to take him in my arms and give him shelter, food and the love I gave my own two children.   All he would accept was a plastic cup of tea and a packet of biscuits.  It was time to move on to the next victim.

That night I had to do something.    I phoned the Salvation Army surprised they excluded those on drugs and drink from their night shelters.    I phoned the police.   "Sorry" said an officer "we can only pick him up if he collapses and then we'll get him into rehab.    "I don't think you will have to wait long" I replied "he is literally skin and bone" and I gave them Stephen's location.

That night I prayed "Lord - please let them take Stephen off the street.   There is such potential in this young man but he needs to know he is loved, that Your love is unconditional regardless of his habit, that You will walk with him through detox.   I phoned a local Christian station.    "Please pray for Stephen, he's in a bad way" and I gave a brief outline of his situation.   

The last report I had regarding this young man was that he was free of his habit and studying at college to get the necessary qualifications to work on computers.   I pray to God he has employment and has found the grace to forgive those who caused his pain.   Thank you Lord for answered prayer. 

There are people out there working to bring hope to the hopeless and often they are on the receiving end of abuse but they continue to reach out knowing time is short.

Six years ago I was blessed with a trip to the Holy Land.   Someone in our coach party suggested a book I might like to read when I got back to the U.K.   Not wishing to breach copyright I would merely say it was all about a town under siege.

The pastor and his wife were getting hit time and time again by demonic forces.   The pastor's little flock were frightened by the supernatural activity.   An elderly housebound woman knew exactly what was "going down" and she battled prayers of protection over the young people.  In this book the battle weary christians of that town won the fight along with considerable angelic support.

From which ever direction it comes sincere prayer will reach the throne.   However humble the request it will be heard.   It will be heard, but will it be answered?

The mother struggling with her grief at the loss of a child will find that a bitter pill to swallow, likewise the wife of the voluntary worker brutally murdered by an evil psychopath.  For those suffering souls hell is right here on earth.

As I gazed down at the face of the only man I had ever loved as he lay cold and lifeless gone so suddenly out of my life I knew there was only one prayer left.    THY WILL BE DONE.      One day the veil will be lifted and we will understand.  

2 Corinthians 18  
while we do not look at things which are seen, but at things that are not seen.  For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are not seen are eternal. 

There was another example of hopelessness.   He was just a grumpy old man she passed in the street most days.  He was so full of misery and angst.   Deep in his heart he knew the end was near.   That's it.   Everything he treasured and coveted useless.   The devil will be dancing as his possessions burnt.   Yet still he denied God - "its a load of rubbish" he sneered at the local child of God.   "There's nothing, religion is load of rubbish, end of"   The child of God smiled "it has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with a relationship with Jesus the son of the living God.   The old man continued to sneer and walked on his way.

How sad the painful emptiness that fills his miserable existence.  He has backed the wrong horse all his life.   "Just give him a dream about hell - that should do it" considered the child of God.   

She prayed for his enlightenment, sooner rather than later because his time was running out fast.   Perhaps his final nightmare will be opening his eyes and realising he is still conscious of self facing    eternity in the biggest sink hole imaginable shared with every conceivable evil the devil and man are capable of.

Psalm 11 - 4 - 7

The Lord is in His holy temple,

The Lord's throne is in heaven;

His eyes behold,

His eyelids test the sons of men.

The Lord tests the righteous,

But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.

Upon the wicked He will rain coals;

Fire and brimstone and a burning wind

Shall be the portion of their cup.

For the Lord is righteous,

He loves righteousness;

His countenance beholds the upright.

Raui ata Adon Yeshua

Raui ata Malkenu.

HIS TIME

Revelation 1 - 3

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy,

and keep those things which are written in it;

for the time is near.

The two elderly widows sat enjoying a cup of coffee watching the spectacular sunset.   Despite the onset of winter the birds still sang in the garden content with the ready supply of food.  The youngsters  chattered quietly in the tall branches, summer had extended into the autumn, now they faced their first winter.

The conversation turned to aches and pains, deteriorating mobility and how the days were flying past at an alarming rate.    Judy's relatives were rather like buses, they came in threes followed by months of silence.  Now the two women were for the most part housebound their lives consisting of frequent medical appointments, the daily struggle to cope with simple chores, nevertheless remaining fiercely independent.  "Hard to believe how we raced through our lives, giving our all, but this time is my time"

declared Judy.   

She was sure she heard a voice say "No - it isn't"  but Mavis appeared to have nodded off.   "Right" Judy murmured "now I'm hearing things, how long before they decide I have dementia.    Not that anyone would know until I was found wandering around the streets in the middle of the night" 

As she observed her snoring companion she considered the many times in life she had misread the sign posts only to shoot off in a wrong direction and her stubborn refusal to see what was blatantly obvious until God removed the object of her desire or the log jam of self.   She had to learn God won't play second fiddle to our ego, ambition or comfort zone.   Now more than ever Judy knew it was a case of  "Thy Will be done"   That in these last days she was called to pray, stand and patiently wait.

She was a prayer warrior waiting for the final curtain but when ever the opportunity arose she would witness to a hurting world knowing full well her Saviour was never far from that wrecked life, the sick, disadvantaged, persecuted and lost sheep.

Those who considered themselves intelligent and superior to other mere mortals were the hardest nuts to crack.   They didn't need anything other than their own exalted opinion and worldly status.   Soon her Saviour would return and He would deal with the pharisees, hirelings and those who feathered their own nests along with those who scoff and mock. 

THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL BE TERRIBLE.   Hades will receive her fill.   It will be too late for many their place lost forever.   Evil will not be allowed to contaminate His Kingdom.

Judy knew most didn't believe in either heaven or hell, their dreams filled with that lottery win and the desire for celebrity status.   They actually preferred their hellish existence.  It mattered little that greed was rapidly turning this once beautiful planet into a living scrap yard of metal structures and dirty contaminated pools of sludge.   How long before that enforced injection became a lethal injection.  She shuddered at the future her grandchildren might face if the downslide continued.   And yet people were amused when she suggested they take a long hard look at their lives before its too late, that God will  always hear a cry of repentance, His arms open wide to receive a prodigal son or daughter.

P               That is the PROMISE.

E               For EACH and every soul.

A              ABSOLUTE and eternal.

C              Through CHRIST - the door to salvation.

E               ETERNAL life in His Kingdom come. 

Mavis awoke with a grunt.   "How long have I been asleep" she enquired.   "Not long" Judy replied.  "Sorry about that" said Mavis "I just hate the long dark evenings, I am ready for bed at four o'clock perhaps we should all hibernate until the spring"

Judy laughed "now there's positive thinking, the way America is pushing Russia do you think we will see another spring?"    "Only God knows" replied Mavis "but I thank Him for my slot in time, and just pray I'm heaven bound before it all kicks off."

That night Judy had a dream that she would cling to in the dark days ahead.

She was a mere observer standing on the edge of a scene that left her breathless.   The building was huge with a forecourt leading down into beautiful gardens.   Massive white columns in the hall had the appearance of marble, cool to the touch.   People were walking in and out of the building.  The atmosphere was one of amazing joy and peace.  They were laughing and talking excitedly crowding around a young man in uniform.    They were completely unaware they were being observed.  Suddenly the man saw Judy and moved towards her.   He kissed her gently on the cheek.  The crowd swelled around him and she felt abandoned and alone waking suddenly in her room.  

She knew without a shadow of doubt her time would come, blessed with a glimpse of her future home, encouragement for the dark days ahead that would light her way to the finish line.        

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai

SHALOM