SOUND BITES

2 THESSALONIANS 13

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you,

brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath

from the beginning chose you to salvation through sanctification

of the spirit and belief on the Truth.

KJV

The old woman sat on a park bench overlooking the river wending its way through the green valley to the sea.   It was a glorious summer day, just like the long hot summers of her childhood.   Bird song filled the air.  Majestic trees offered blessed shade, relief from the late morning sun.   Black headed gulls soared on the gentle currents of warm air, seemingly weightless, graceful and free.

Thank you Father for the blessing of this little glimpse of paradise, a hidden gem in a very troubled world, far from the rivers of blood and appalling suffering of millions as wars rage and revolution rises, her silent prayer.  She could only wonder whether she would witness the coming retribution that would fall on mankind.   No one wanted to heed her warning.  Daft old bat, am I bothered, I won't know anything about it, I'll be dead, yeah, end of, was a fairly common reaction  that was perhaps to be expected from a society that had written God out of the equation.

How the generation lacked imagination.   If its not proven or scientific it doesn't exist, when in reality even the animals sense destruction long before our senses are tuned in.   

Nell was reading the Book of Enoch which it is considered was written 300 BC in Aramaic or Hebrew a clear prophetic foreshadow of things to come.   As Enoch's God blamed and condemned the fallen angels for the corruption of mankind prior to the flood, perhaps He might be merciful with the continuing contaminated gene pool.    Apparently the angel Azazel taught women "eye painting the beautifying of the eyes with make-up of various colourings and this led them astray into fornication and ungodliness, they became corrupt in all their ways, and how gullible are the men that followed Eve's daughters. 

Nevertheless Enoch, the first scribe of righteousness eagerly scribbled down warning after warning,  his writings revered by the Jewish people.   What a fascinating book but hardly surprising it was not included in the Canon of Scripture.   Ken Johnson Th.D. book "Ancient Book of Enoch" is an easy read with text references to the bible throughout.   In his Introduction Ken states Enoch lived for 365 years, he was a sinner like every other human being but he pleased God with his lifestyle.   Hope for us all considered Nell.

Enoch 27.2

Then Uriel, one of the holy angels who was with Enoch pointed out that Hinnon - Valley of Giants - is for those who will be cursed forever.   Here will all the cursed be gathered together who utter with their lips unseemly words against the Lord and speak insolently of His glory.   Here they will be gathered together, and here will be their place of judgement.   

Nell considered it could be filling up fast.   Enoch warned of a first and second coming of the Messiah which apparently according to the current Pontiff is not going to happen.   Fundamentalist christians are advised not to read this book.   Hardly surprising because the theme is that God is going to deal with this wicked world, hardly the stuff of prosperity teaching.   Some preachers might consider as well as their playing with fire, they might just end up in it along with Azazel.    Mankind was apparently fairly innocent until the "wrecking crew" landed on the planet and infected the sons and daughters of men.

The Lord God proclaims to His holy angel "The whole earth has been corrupted through the works that were taught by Azazel.   Yeah the buck stops there.  Every fallen angel is listed and their punishment clearly set out.   One theme shines through the book, the awesome power and glory of God.

Enoch's Journey 22 - Enoch asks the angel Raphael whose spirit has the voice that goes to heaven to petition God. (paraphrased)   The angel answered him "This is the spirit of Abel, whom his brother Cain murdered and he makes suit against him till his seed is destroyed from the face of the earth, and his seed annihilated from amongst the seed of men.   

Enoch 10 - Seventy Generations.  

God passes judgment "destroy all wrong from the face of the earth and let every evil work come to an end."

Of course in 2016 most denominations don't talk about evil, the devil or punishment in hell for those who transgress the commandments of God.  Nell doubted the book would hit the best sellers list.  

She would always give advice to any fellow pilgrim swimming against the tide of a permissive society that if they followed the Word of God there was no condemnation.   They must work quietly and consistently against the darkness and eat their own bread.   Never, never let anyone tell you that you are backslidden because you refuse to digest twisted doctrine.   She remembered the writings of J.R. Miller DD - Many christians have their heads stored full of catechism, creed and Scripture, and yet when trouble comes they have no one truth on which they can really lean or trust their weight, or which gives them any actual support or help................Piles of doctrine, but no rod and staff to lean on in weakness;

Let us learn to study the Scriptures for ourselves, and to know what we should believe and why we should believe it.   Second-hand Bible truth is not the kind of food our souls need.

Nell knew the most High God knows His children.   He sees the killing fields and His angels gather the martyrs.   Their end will be glorious and those who persecuted them will receive His judgement.

The book lay gently in her lap as the sun rose higher in the sky and she felt sleepy.   She really needed to make it back to base before it got too hot.   Another traveller sought refuge under the tree.   A beautiful young dog bounded to Nell's side, eager to say hello.   

"Are you okay" enquired the young woman.  Nell was sitting so still.  Had she "bought the ticket, dropped off her twig, after all the elderly in middle England were hardly used to coping with the heat.

"I am fine" replied Nell.   "It's good to just sit.  No agenda, no schedule, just soaking in the peace of this place."

"Yes it is" replied the stranger "have you seen the increase in rubbish lying around the river bank.   I just wish whoever does it would take it away with them.   Its usually the teenagers, saw some yesterday, a group of boys and girls mucking about."

"I suppose we all did it at one time" said the young woman with a smile.

"Actually I had a very strict up bring" replied Nell "my grandmother taught me cleanliness is next to Godliness.   Not that my mother took any notice of that particular saying.   I wasn't allowed to hang around with boys, especially Catholic boys who were apparently well known to getting girls pregnant.   In fact the Nuns warned us against kissing a boy.   I took all that very seriously and my parents ensured I was heavily chaperoned. 

Can we blame a certain southern comedian and his Wynnetta Slob for this generation?" asked Nell.

"What was funny about someone sitting knee deep in letter, grossly overweight with food liberally smeared all over their face and clothing.   The generations that followed appeared to chuck everyone on the floor and tidy went out the window.   I well remember trying to stay upright walking over the litter in my granddaughter's bedroom. 

Only yesterday I was thinking about the BBC News programme Viewpoint in December 2007 (not that I support that particular channel) but according to John Feeney humanity is the greatest challenge.   He said "we are out of our league, influencing systems we don't understand.   We are at a turning point in history.   We are now in overshoot as we further erode the earth's ability to support us.

"Of course there is nothing wrong with the earth" said Nell "Look at the trees growing in Chernobyl it is capable of regrowth from a pile of ashes.    It's mankind that is responsible for today's mess.

"Can't argue with that" said the young woman with a smile.

Nell was on a roll.   She had an audience and she was off sowing.  "Did you see Noam Chomsky on R.T. this weekend" she asked her bench companion."

"No" was the prompt reply.    

"He's the great American linguist, philosopher etc. etc.   It's still available on You.tube.   I just picked up the simple quotes that someone with a very inferior brain to his could absorb after all we live in a world of 'sound bites' don't we, apparently the goldfish come off better on that score chart.  I was trying to scribble down the words to pass on to my grandchildren because they are so relevant to what is happening right now.

He said "in today's world the measure of a decent lifestyle is gadgets, which we don't need."

The perversion of elementary concern is incredible.

Unfocused anger and we attack one another.   This makes people hate and fear each other and look after themselves.

Unless policies are reversed normal human instincts will be driven out.

And finally,  "what matters is the countless small deeds of people that lay the basis for the future"

I think it was called Requiem of the American Dream - its really good, catch it if you can.   Apparently Richard Nixon placed Noam on his enemies list.   What an honour!! said Nell with a stifled giggle.   Noam is considered the most influential intellectual alive.   Even I could understand what he was saying but sadly most would be glued to all the other trash the television spews.   I have seen him quite a few times on discussion programmes and he is so incredibly wise and learned, but there's just one thing he leaves out of the equation as far as I am concerned"

"What's that" asked the listener.

"Hashem, Alpha and Omega.

After all his father was an Ashkenaz Jew and a Ukrainian.   The Ashkenaz were ethnic Jews and according to my research were originally in Poland, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine.

"I'll pick that programme up tonight" the young woman replied.

"Do that" replied Nell "and just as a matter of interest he also said "the optimists will not survive what is coming, the pessimists will because they will have prepared which of course is the best advert I can think of for reading the bible which tells you exactly that.   After all it started in the Middle East and there it will finish.   There's a lot of slurry in this decadent society.   Let's hope we learn before it's too late to get our act together.

A pungunt smell filled the air.   "Pooh" said Nell "that was the slurry cart rattling up the hill.  Time to go home and shut all the windows.   

The old woman rose and collapsed and rose again.   "My knees keep giving way" she chuckled "nothing lasts forever"

The young woman said "goodbye, it was nice talking with you"   

The old woman blushed "I think I did most of the talking - sorry"

"Not a problem" said the young woman kindly as she continued her walk.   She couldn't help wondering why on earth this old dear was so happy, even though she sees extinction around every corner.   What was she taking!!! uppers.

"It's freely available"  The thought came from nowhere.  "It's there for the taking, for the most brilliant mind to the simple child.   Blessed is the man who knows His God.  His destiny is assured.

    

Nothing but the love of God shed abroad in us by the Holy Spirit

can keep any of us in such gentleness and tenderness 

amid the stern and severe experiences of life.

Yet is is possible to carry the gentle heart

of a little child through all life's hardness and chill

into the fullest and ripest old age.

J.R. Miller DD

HER LIFE IN HIS HANDS.

  

GOD OF AMNESIA

ISAIAH 43 - 25

I, even I, am He who blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake;

and will not remember thy sins.

A small fellowship of born again christians friends sat in the packed venue eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bible expositor.   A respectful and cordial salutation rippled through the assembly as the figure of a man emerged from a side door leaning heavily on a pair of crutches.    This was not adulation but a genuine respect for this fearless son of God who quite happily names and shames the hirling shepherds and calls to account the denominations that abuse and bleed the flock.   

"It's a wonder he's still alive" Julia whispered to her companions "he must have many enemies in high places, yet despite a serious illness he is still travelling the globe explaining interpretation of scripture hopefully fishing "those lost in translation" or sadly in the grip of prosperity preachers." 

As the hall slowly emptied for refreshments at the appointed interval the group chatted amongst themselves.   

"Don't you just love his humour" said Tim referring to the comment "the dude on the dashboard" aware that it was not unusual to find a plastic effigy of Yeshua perched on the dashboard of some cars.  He continued "not that I have seen that over here, more likely to be a minion, or a nodding dog.  Mind you you see some very strange stuff when commercialism crosses with religion"

Julia burst into giggles.   "Just reminds me of a pen my mother brought back from Lourdes.   The virgin Mary rose to the top of the pen in a pool of some kind of liquid.   My husband thought it was to say the least "crass" no doubt a percentage of the purchase price went to Rome.   

Then there was the case of my two year old son who fell in love with a very Catholic effigy of the Sacred Heart.   Yeshua complete with long hair and beard pointed to his exposed heart. His red robe was a tad faded.   Goodness knows where this came from.  It was over two feet tall and hardly something you would expect to find in a domestic household, but my toddler claimed it as I searched for a place to store some pots in a cupboard under the stairs and it was moved to his temporary bedroom.   The completion of our new house was behind schedule and during the weeks that followed his baby sister arrived.  It wasn't easy squashed in a busy household,  great was the relief when we finally started to pack our few possessions on to a transit van.   Much to my mothers joy and my husband's annoyance we found our son with his arms around the statue and somehow as small as he was he managed to get his point across, he wanted Jesus to go on the van.

Those were the days of improving and moving up the property ladder and somehow during the next move Jesus disappeared.   We could now afford a removal company.   Perhaps my husband suggested the removal men "lose the dude" as the van emptied, too busy to notice I was knee deep in boxes.  Nevertheless our son continued to absorb primary school teaching and was proud to be chosen as one of the three kings in the christmas nativity play happily wearing a hand stitched robe, which despite puncturing my finger at regular intervals was quite impressive.   No pain - no gain.   Apparently he sang with gusto in the school choir.   Precious days.   

Eventually he followed the three kings into astronomy and acquired a doctorate in astro physics also adopting his father's atheistic mindset and there he remains.    Daily prayer from this persistent widow to her Father in heaven continues trusting He will remember that little boy and save him from himself.

What did Jesus say in Matthew 18 - 14

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Matthew 18 - 3

Verily, I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into  the kingdom of heaven.   

Little children change when they reach self awareness and inevitably  get contaminated by the world. We have to change to enter the kingdom of heaven.   We have to get rid of our arrogance and pride and the subtle alternatives this world offers. 

The bible expositor moved back to the lecturn for the second half of the lecture.   "Hey" Julia whispered to Tim "do you think I will still remember those I couldn't reach, the abuse, ridicule and painful memories"

"Don't think so" said Timothy (Revelation 21 - 4)
And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither  sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.

"According to the biblical teaching I've received we won't remember, we will have our Father's amnesia.  After all the dream you had of His courts was amazing." said Jill.

"Oh that wasn't special to me" replied Julia "I linked with a christian in America, described my dream and she came back to me astonished that her dream was identical.   What does it say in Joel 2 - 28

"And it shall come to pass afterward,
That I will pour out My Spirit  upon all flesh;
and your sons and daughters shall prophecy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
your young men shall see visions:
And also upon the servants and upon 
the handmaids in those days
will I pour out my spirit. 

I got the impression that I was standing on the edge of the scene as an observer.  Perhaps that is because I thought I saw my late husband surrounded by a excited crowd of happy people.   He was in uniform.   Why did I think the crowd were questioning him on the outcome of a  battle?   He noticed me and walked to where I stood.   He planted a friendly kiss of recognition on my cheek and then the crowd surrounded him again with more questions.  I felt abandoned,  after all he was my husband.   Later unable to forget the dream I considered I was still a work in progress.   There is no ownership in that place but I believe we will recognise those we have loved on this earth.   So many men and women are going to have to change their mindset especially if they have a controlling personality.    There is but one King and His Kingdom is beautiful, beyond description and we are all His children.  

C.S. Lewis's book "The Great Divorce" was perhaps God given inspiration.   Grey town was full of people who were not prepared to change, preferring their status, possessions, shopping malls with cinemas and food outlets.   Drunken orgies and street brawls were commonplace in the constant twilight of Grey town - but as the spirit guide advised the observer "the choice of ways is always before us.   *Any man may choose eternal death.   Those who chose it will have it."

"Then again" said Jill earnestly "I can remember someone saying if everyone goes to heaven it will be pretty crowded.  I had to remind them in Matthew 7 - 14 Yeshua said "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

"I can't forget that dream" said Julia with a sigh "It is stamped on my memory.  To think I would see those who inspired so many to cling to the Word of God.   John Bunyan,  J.R. Miller, David Wilkerson, Tozer.    Their message as relevant today, if not more so, for genuine christians swimming against the tide of persecution.  The Middle East has become hell on earth for so many.   Most appear to look away and don't see it touching their lives.  They buy a watered down christianity that assures they are whisked off the earth before they have to suffer, that God has promised them a palace of their own with a reserve sticker firmly in place with their name on it.

It hardly ties in with the victims in the Middle East who standing for their beliefs are now before the throne of God with their head in their hand.  Surely Revelation 6 - 9 - The Cry of the Martyrs - is already taking place and will continue.  There is only one interpretation of the end times.   Matthew 24 -22 and Yeshua said "but for the sake of the elect (His followers) those days will be shortened" with twisted bible teaching many will be misled."

Matthew 24 - 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."

How different from some photographs and paintings of a beautiful girl in a ostentatious wedding gown leaping into the arms of Jesus in the clouds.   The church of genuine born again christians is "the bride of christ" we all will with our Lord in paradise.   All precious and preferred.   

(John 16 - 33)  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.   In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

The meeting ended and as the hall emptied Julia rose stiffly from her seat.   The small group started the journey home.   It was great to be in the company of like minded christians.  Julia could only consider what it would be like when the panic sets in.   Stress and anxiety line the faces of those already struggling to keep afloat in an uncaring society that protects the rich and bleeds the poor.  Every day newscasts report yet another blitzkrieg.   War lords posture, taunt and accuse and many fear World War 3 is just around the corner.   The devil is in the detail.   Corrupt leaders inflict misery on the masses.   But those who know the Lord trust in His word and His kingdom to come.  Amen and Amen.

Tim escorted Julia to her front door.   He knew it was not easy for the elderly widow living alone but the Lord had faithfully kept His promise and covered her every need.

"Thank Tim" said Julia "I'm fine, you have a long drive ahead of you.  Take care, and make sure you stop for food and drinks."  I'll send you an email.   Keep in touch.  "Thanks Julia" replied Tim " if ever you need us you know where we are, you only have to say the word and I'll drive over.   You will be safe with us."

Tim would be driving up to the wilds of Scotland.  "Shame Beth could'nt come" shouted Tim from the roadside, but someone has to look after the livestock, she'll catch up with Jacob on the Moriel site or You Tube" he said as he climbed into his four wheel drive.   "Keep looking up" he shouted as he pulled away from the kerb.

As Julia got ready for bed she remembered some of the sound bites from the meeting.
*"When you jump overboard you are not taking anything with you"
*"Stay in the house (meaning with genuine born again believers) some christians are happy in the world"

She snuggled under the duvet a cup of hot chocolate resting on her bedside table and reached for a shabby little book, the pages yellow with age, a rare and precious jewel.   "In Green Pastures" by J.R. Miller DD reading arranged by Mary A. Butler - not to be confused with the latest re.issue published in 2005.

The words read:

**Christ is building His kingdom with earth's broken things.   Men want only the strong, successful, the victorious, the unbroken, in building their kingdoms; but God is the God of the unsuccessful, of those who have failed.   Heaven is filling with earth's broken lives, and there is no bruised reed that Christ cannot take and restore to glorious blessedness and beauty.   He can take the life crushed by pain or sorrow and make it into a harp whose music shall be all praise.   He can lift earth's saddest failure up to heaven's glory.

"Thank you Lord" murmured Julia.   There's hope for me."

Isaiah 35 - 8

And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.

The unclean shall no pass over it.

But it shall be for others.
KJV

*       C.S. Lewis - The Great Divorce.

**     In Green Pastures - J.R. Miller D.D.

*      J. Prasch - Moriel Ministries - You Tube

        A blessing and inspiration to us all. 

PRICE PAID - THANK YOU LORD

Lamentations 3 - 40

Let us search out and examine our ways,

And turn back to the Lord;

Let us lift our hearts and hands

To God in heaven,

We have transgressed and rebelled;

You have not pardoned.

The prophet Jeremiah warned a repentant people that captivity (punishment) would still take place.   The consequences of snubbing God are going to be painful.   Good Friday came and went with little thought other than it was a public holiday for most, a mad dash round the sales and a roast lamb dinner.

For those closely observing global events and the bloody atrocities committed against people in public places and especially christians, one could perhaps be forgiven for thinking the God of the Jew and the Gentile impotent against the satanic army of butchers.

In Matthew 13 - Jesus teaches His followers that they will suffer for His name sake but that our treasure is heaven, on this earth we grow alongside the tares.

(30) "Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn"

(41) The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire.   There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Put simply as christians we are called to live in the global field amongst people of every colour and creed to the very end, at God's harvest the tares (wicked people) will be bundled together and thrown into the fire.   But those who keep His commandments and follow His word are safe in the Father's barn.

(43) Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

At a time of mass immigration with many frightened people fleeing from certain death at the hands of the 'sons of hell' we remember our Saviour Yeshua who died on the cross for all mankind.  The conflict in the Middle East is slowly drawing to a climax.   Satan pulls the strings of the powerful.   He is raging and twisting in the eye of the storm.   He knows his time is short.

Almighty God holds the power and the glory and we patiently wait for the return of His son, Yeshua, not to the magnificent edifices erected by the rich and powerful.   Not to Rome.   Not to the religious elite, but to His people, His land, Israel and christians who are blessed and grafted into the vine. 

We are called to walk in faith, filled with His joy and peace, just one day at a time.   For some tomorrow may never come, others push on while there is still light.

Acts 1 - 9

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Acts 1 - 10-11

And while they looked steadfastly towards heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Yeshua (Jesus) who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven"

The Lord has a return ticket - Destination - The Mount of Olives.

BARUCH HA BA B'SHEM ADONAI

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Revelation 21 - 4

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;

there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

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

AMEN 

HARVESTERS

JOHN 10 - 14

I am the good shepherd,

I know my sheep, and am known by My own.

Wonderful testimonies of lives transformed by Christ are freely available on the internet.   The experience changing lives hitherto drowning in the soup of decadence.   The shepherd is leading men and women out of the pit, calling them to follow Him.

Suddenly the recipient of divine inspiration realises the higher power to whom they are accountable and turning to God they receive the strength to fight addiction, violence and their battle with the flesh.   It is a life changing experience and one example of such a dramatic turnaround is Stephen Addison's inspired creation "Box the Crime" available on You Tube on the George Galloway programme SPUTNIK 27th February.

No one is beyond the reach of a merciful God but a casual demand for removal of that mortgage or money to cover an unpaid bill.   I really need money for a good holiday.  A win on the lottery would surely solve all my problems.   They follow the hireling preacher.

God knows the true cry for help, genuine remorse followed by repentance.   Sometimes that nightmare is a warning and He has got your attention.   When you can't hack it any more, hanging on the edge of a canyon staring death in the face.   Then it happens.   

D.L. Moody wrote of his conversion.   "The morning I was converted I went outdoors and fell in love with everything.  I never loved the bright sun shining over the earth so much before.   And when I heard the birds singing their sweet songs, I fell in love with the birds.  Everything was different."

Yes, and Amen to that.   Everything changes, everything is new.  Not only a clean slate but you choose to walk a different path, if your behaviour does not reflect this then quite simply it was a non event.

I remember my "Damascus Road" well.   But I also remember asking a senior deacon at the church a few months down the line as I faced one problem after another  "why is this all going wrong" perhaps I had attracted the attention of a rather dark entity.   My job was on the line the future looked decidedly bleak.  Unemployment and financial problems followed and then I stared death in the face with the loss of my closest friend, the one and only love of my life and at that juncture it could only be described as the "knock out" blow.   I was punch drunk.  Satan does not like losing.  Did I imagine that suggestion "where is your God now?"  So many people were praying for his recovery but that was withheld.    

Eventually a christian friend encouraged my return to church.   We had both lost our husbands in similar circumstances and she knew the path of grief.   A visiting Canadian pastor had found the "Cross" story on the internet and she encouraged the congregation.   I doubt the person who wrote that simple story would ever realise the impact it had. May God bless the writer mightily - I had to pick to my cross.   There are many books by famous authors but often you drown in the scripture quotes and referrals.   This was just a simple story.   My cross was small compared with the suffering in a hurting world.   Get on with it.

Don't be blinded by prosperity preachers, they are hirelings and will answer to God.  The blessings God gives are the ability to endure trials in this world, not a stash of cash.   Hirelings are more likely to deplete your finances at every opportunity to line their vaults.

It's all about saying NO to any previous addiction or perversion and the siren calls of the permissive society knowing Jesus gives you the strength to start again.  NO to habits that displease and offend our heavenly Father.   NO to a despotic society.   

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR NECESSARY BREAD - should suffice and satisfy.

Suddenly you find yourself weeping for the captives and sick individuals, the homeless and those struggling to survive heartless western materialism.   Helpless watching the appalling suffering in the third world knowing that most of what you give will be swallowed up by those that run the charities in their salaries and perks.   Meanwhile a constant stream of starving babies intrude on your simple meal.

Even little children question "why can't I send them my dinner"?   When you are financially and physically powerless to get out there and police what little you can give it merely adds to the frustration.

Those who proudly replace God with SELF consider they have everything they need when in reality they are constantly trying to fill that huge empty space inside with stuff.   They have the designer home, the latest expensive car and luxury holidays.  All idols they happily trot after.   Without salvation are they heading for the "goats" queue?   Matthew 25 - 23

Without a shadow of doubt God carries, comforts and provides for His children.   Sometimes he provides abundance and as long as that abundance is used to bless the poor He will continue to fill the jug with oil.  Jesus gave a stern warning in Luke 16 - 25-31 as to the fate of the rich man.

Many years ago I met a christian widow who worked on the streets of a major northern city.   Her love for the drug addicted homeless lads was endless.   This diminutive elderly widow was physically strong and twice a week in weather foul and fair she walked the streets of the city giving hot soup, tea, coffee, sandwiches to the bodies that crouched in the shop doorways.   She always had a supply of socks, hats, gloves, underwear and toiletries public toilets and station facilities their only means of keeping clean.

Her outreach was motherly and genuine.   She required no recognition or reward for her private ministry, she just wanted the lost to know their Saviour and that He and only He could turn their lives around and give them hope.   Most appreciated her concern but it was not without danger especially where victims were waiting for their next fix.   The drug dealers were also watching her closely.

A young man lay on the pavement outside one of the most expensive stores in the city.   People walked past into the store with about as much concern for the pathetically wasted body as the discarded litter close by.  A passing police car screeched to a halt and the occupants went to investigate the lifeless form.   Deciding he was still alive they left the scene knowing the approaching samaritan. 

The widow knelt on the pavement and cradling the stranger's head in her lap she gently offered him a cup of orange juice.   He was too weak to resist totally dehydrated and it was obvious he hadn't eaten for some time.   As he slowly recovered he told the widow his story.   He wept at the break up of his relationship with another man who had promptly thrown him on to the street.   The widow did not mince her words.   She told him "what you are doing is wrong.  The bible says it is an abomination before God, but Jesus can help you.  You just have to ask"   She said "I am going to pray for you" and kneeling on the cold pavement in full view of the passing public she prayed for the victim.   She gave him a bible and enough money to pay the fare to his mother's house and suggested he stayed with her until he was strong enough both financially and physically to start again.   Her correction was gentle not abusive.   She loves the sinner but does not condone the sin.

How things have changed, today had her conversation been overheard she would have been accused of being homophobic.   She continues to preach the Word of God to anyone who will listen, her energy is limitless.

This dear sister in Christ had a habit of rummaging through books in church jumble sales always eager to find encouragement and comfort for a struggling pilgrim.   During my brief sojourn in the "Slough of Despond" I would reach for the small gems of wisdom with which she blessed me.   They are simply treasures written by real men of God.   Their priceless gift of the written word continues to inspire generations and I thank God for a friend in whose shadow I am privileged to stand.   Surely she will hear the words "well done good and faithful servant"

In his brilliant book "In Green Pastures" J.R. Miller writes:

For you, whatever your experiences, however hard and painful life may seem to you, God's will is the very hand of divine love to lead you on towards all that is good and beautiful and blessed.   Never doubt it, even in the darkest hour, when the pain is sorest, or when the cross is heaviest.   God's will holds you ever close to God, and leads you ever towards and into God's sweetest rest.   It brings peace to the heart - a peace that never can come in any way of our own choosing - to be able always to say - THY WILL BE DONE."

In his article "The problem of Christian Old Age" he writes:

Old age may be feeble - but the marks of feebleness are really foretokens of glory.  Old people have no reason for sadness - they are really in their best days..............

And in a later paragraph:

"They should make their years of old age - years of quietness and peace, and joy - a holy eventide.

BUT THIS CAN BE THE STORY OF THEIR EXPERIENCE ONLY IF THEIR LIFE BE HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD.   APART FROM CHRIST, NO LIFE CAN KEEP ITS ZEST OR IT'S RADIANCE."

Paul was growing old when he wrote of his enthusiastic vision of beauty yet to be attained-but we hear no note of depression or weariness in him.  He did not think his life was done.  He showed no consciousness that he had passed the highest reach of living.   He was still forgetting the past and reaching forth, because he knew the best was yet before him.   His outward man was feeble, his health shattered, his physical vigor decaying-but the inner man was undecayed and undecaying.  He was never before so Christ-like as he was now, never so full of hope, never so enthusiastic in the service of his Master.

Perhaps our focus should not be on the train wreck of a fragile body but "gracefully surrendering the things of youth"* we do what we can with our limitations and infirmity.

"The blows of His chisel, which hurt so much, are what makes us perfect"  C.S Lewis.

This world holds no attraction for the true children of a Holy God but until He calls us home we continue to carry our cross and submit to His discipline.  He is surely making us "fit for purpose, and fit for His kingdom.   As the darkness moves ever closer we need to find refreshing and encouragement in the words of the great christian writers of the past. 

Beyond the river of sorrow there is a promised land

No grief for the present seems joyous, yet afterwards it leads to blessing.

There is a rich possible good beyond every pain and trial.

There are green fields beyond sorrow's Jordan's.

J.R. Miller DD

We work with the gifts we have received but especially precious to the Lord are those on the front line who willingly touch the untouchable teaching his commandments regardless of the consequences.

Matthew 25 - 31- 46

40 - And the King will answer and say to them, Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.

* Desiderata
* The Life Story of Dwight L Moody. 
* In Green Pastures - J.R. Miller DD

RELUCTANT PROPHET.

It takes real faith to begin to live the life of heaven while still upon the earth,

for this requires that we rise above the law of moral gravitation

and bring to our everyday living the high wisdom of God.

And since this is contrary to that of the world, conflict is bound to result.

This however is a small price to pay for the inestimable privilege of following Christ.

A.W. Tozer*

There is nothing so daunting as receiving a dream or similitude of a future event and a few years down the line seeing its fulfillment.   Not with any pleasure but confirmation that God is watching from a distance.

Jeremiah was not a popular prophet and had few friends.  In spite of his message of doom, scathing rebuke of the leaders and contempt for idolatry, his heart ached for his people because he knew their salvation could not be divorced from faith in God and a right covenantal relationship expressed by obedience.

The prophetic accuracy of bible events comes first and foremost.   Dreams are usually simple and uncomplicated "fat cow, thin cow" Joseph style. (Genesis 41) but then some consider it is caused by anxiety or stress.    Perhaps it's the only time God can get His message over when most people's lives resemble a race track making the life of a hermit seem incredibly attractive.   

Many prefer to blend with socially acceptable adjusted norms blind and deaf to the approaching storm, but then Christ warned his followers this would happen.  Matt 24-38  "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark"

Most are blind and deaf and continue eating and drinking desensitized by the continuous parade of slaughter which is moving slowly in their direction.      

The horror of the Middle East continues and those who cry "Not in my Name" are rendered sterile by the actions of politicians who have conveniently forgotten they are supposed to serve the people and will eventually answer to the King of Kings.  They serve the Lord of lies and greed, the ruler of this earth and dance to his tune.    

John 14 - 30

Jesus said "I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me"

HIDDEN WITNESS

Non de plume leaves no room for temptation,

faceless at a railway station.

Only mission, only goal,

to reach a lost and hurting soul.

Just a stranger on the street,

 dodge the mass of marching feet,

watchful eyes that sweep the skies,

then focus on the souls oppressed.

Father give them peace and rest.

Tormented twisting struggling souls,

captured spiralling out of control.

Price you pay for a cloak of fame

small print in the 'spotlight game'

Poverty her earthly gown,

a smiling face not an ugly frown,

filled with His spirit, the highest high,

 amazing fix that money can't buy.

Covered by her Father's provision,

blessed by dreams and eternal vision.

Her life in His hands, the only decision.

T. Hills

2016

Revelation 21:

7) The encouragement

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

8) The warning

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

SHALOM

*  A.W. Tozer - Born after Midnight.

D.I.Y. CHRISTIAN

Matthew 23 - 9

Do not call anyone on earth your father,

for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Thank God for John Bunyan imprisoned 12 years for preaching the Truth and he really had great insight into the destination of the Pope in his book Pilgrims Progress.   Christian met the Pope sat in a cave at the end of the valley of the Shadow of Death in an area surrounded by bones, blood and ashes of those cruelly put to death.  Impotent in hell all the Pope could do was sit grinning at the pilgrims as they went by biting his nails because he could not get at them.

Losing, losing,

God's children are choosing,

bound and fettered they are not,

they stand for Truth against the rot.

Who do you work for? heavy your sin,

if it's number crunching you'll never win.

For every child raped, every victim unfed,

you'll answer to God when at last you're dead.

Every time you didn't speak, for the persecuted and weak,

Every time you bent the rules corrupting innocence in schools.

By your actions you are damned

corruption will rage in the land.

Losing, losing, we can say

manipulation has had its day.

When men deny both God and Law

 hell on earth is now in store. 

Governments will lose control

anarchy takes and breaks the mould.

 Killing fields you drench in blood,

martyrs burnt on piles of wood.

Women weep as children die,

God hears every single cry.

The faithful know their Saviour's voice

and walk the straight and narrow course.

Their final cry, the battle won,

they kneel before God's only Son.

Yeshua ha-Mashiach

Christ Jesus the Messiah.

Blasphemy heralds the great apostasy.  Bible prophecy is being fulfilled with the great falling away.   A remnant remain and they follow the Word of God and His precious Son.

Matthew 23-10

Jesus said:

And do not be called teachers;

for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

   Man has no hold over D.I.Y. christians.  

Matthew 23 - 27

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly,

but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

SHALOM

PROPAGANDA GAME

ROMANS 11-5

Even so, then at this present time

there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Perhaps they could get the weather forecast right for once considered Veronica stuffing clothes into the tumble dryer.   Last week it was as mild as a spring day, bulbs popping up everywhere and now look at it.  She gazed out of the kitchen window as the hail hammering down, bouncing off the grass.   I don't suppose I can complain we haven't had any flooding here it all pours down the hill.   The local playing fields resembled a muddy sponge.   Her little dog came back from her morning walk mud clinging to her long coat, her little legs coated in muddy black stockings. 

"Dryer loaded, does anyone want a cup of coffee" she asked the occupants of the sitting room.  "Great" replied her husband "and then I'll go and make sure Dad is okay.  Shelby can come with me.  We should keep her off the fields until this clears up.   I thought I caught a glimpse of blue sky.  Nope, its gone again." 

Faith sat cross legged on the floor in front of the blazing log fire.   The tiny golden terrier, no bigger than a large cat, insisted she threw her soft ball and at any sign of loss of attention she would nudge Faith's hand as if to say "I'm here, play with me"   Veronica arrived carrying a large tray with mugs of steaming coffee and a plate of strawberry doughnuts and placed them on the dining table.   William's focus was held by a news report on the television.  "You know what, I am really getting miffed off with all this anti-christian rhetoric to say nothing of the anti-Putin propaganda, what are they trying to do? start World War III." 

"Which channel is that" asked Veronica.  "Need you ask" replied an irate William.  "Bias, Blasphemy and Control of course.   They have a very dark agenda."   "Is William a conspiracy theory supporter" said Faith lapsing into giggles.   "Well you could say that" said Veronica "he doesn't realise he is promoting prophetic scripture.   It's all in the bible but people are too busy chasing their personal goals to sit down and read the Word of God.   Then they would realise all the countries involved in conflict are slowly but surely moving towards the end game"

The wind changed direction and the hail storm pounded the window pane obliterating the view of the distant hills. William decided to give it a chance to pass before venturing outdoors.   Shelby did not appreciate hail stones.   Veronica reached to refill Faith's coffee cup realising her young friend was also watching the parade of misery.

"Veronica I am sick to death of listening to the 'so called experts' and their endless waffle" said Faith   "Do they know the mind of God?   My Mum says the church of England is dead in the water, that along with the head of the church they are supposed to uphold the Law of God, not re-write it.   "She's quite right" replied Veronica.   "Those who really know their Lord will continue to leave and that in turn gives the anti-christian lobby a field day.   The great men of God, Bunyan, Tozer, Wesley, Wilkerson and Hunt to mention just a few taught the Word of God.   We have Jacob Prasch, I just hope the Lord protects him from the hounds baying for his blood"   Jesus taught "Matthew 23 - 23  "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and you have neglected the weightier matters of the law: Anything goes apparently.   God's laws adjusted to fill pews." 

"Hey, just look at this" said William staring intently at the picture of a young woman carrying a cross through the streets of Luton.   Just look at the reaction of the Muslims.   See that guy charging out of a local shop screaming "you're just jealous, we are going to take you over" and look the men surrounding the woman are closing in around her to protect her.   "She's a canny lass isn't she" said William, it must take real faith and guts to do that."   A later news report was balanced by a clean and tidy professional view "this is not the case" declared another muslim.   "Really" replied William who had taken to talking to the black box in the corner of the room.   He was positively elated when the news report went viral on the internet.   "Well you can't argue with that.  The camera doesn't lie.   Perhaps the government will sit up and take notice"

"I think it a little more complicated than it seems" said Veronica "there is real evil in this escalation.  We have always welcomed people into this country and worked alongside them.  Muslims need to know their saviour and many have been born in this country and I doubt governments know how to deal with the exploding population."  

The U.K. provided the weapons and the bombs for the chaos in Yemen its all about money in the coffers, armaments are big business, never mind the women and children who died in the mayhem.   Anyway we are not to worry the end game is written we just have to endure to the end.    Matthew 10 - 22 - "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake.  But he who endures to the end will be saved.   

"Well" replied William defiantly "I'll have a go"   "And you" replied Veronica "will probably get arrested.   "Not if they try and break into my home" he replied.  "I've had enough.   They don't obey the traffic law, they defile our women, the crime figures are doctored where they are concerned and open your mouth and they accuse you of racism.  No way."

At this juncture William's face flushed with anger.  "Come Shelby" he said to the large chocolate brown eyes anxiously observing the raised voice of her master.   The little dog rushed eagerly to his side.   "I'll be about an hour Veronica.   I'll pop in and make sure Dad is keeping warm and let him know he doesn't need to cook tonight.   Shelby might as well come along.   He slammed the door behind him venting his exasperation.

Veronica smiled at the young girl sitting at her feet.   A jumble of golden curls cascaded over her shoulders.   She was a portrait of innocence, her almost translucent complexion and bright blue eyes promised stunning beauty and she would be so vulnerable to the evil attentions of the gathering storm.

"Lord" prayed Veronica "guard her, keep her fit for Your kingdom.   Make her wise but gentle.

The fire crackled and sparked in response to the fresh logs.  Outside it was much colder.  The hail had turned to snow.   "Faith" said Veronica "you do realise William is not a christian.  "No, I didn't" replied Faith.   He gets very angry with the news, doesn't he and he is such a nice man."   "Yes he is" replied Veronica "he has always defended injustice but sadly he has also seen some terrible examples of christian behaviour  "the do as I say, not as I do"  Nicolaitans and he believes religion has caused all the wars in this world.   He doesn't understand it's not about religion, its about knowing and loving Jesus and following His word - no one else.   We keep our focus on the Lord.

It was only when I experienced the hand of God on my life that he started to react differently.  Not that he admitted I had been changed by my "road to Damascus" he just didn't react at all almost as if he didn't quite know how to explain it away.  There was no rational explanation.   Everything he valued was snatched away and whilst I knew that the trials I experienced were all part of my christian walk he had a very different yardstick.  No doubt his card was marked as he was always ready to challenge injustice in the workplace, but the loss of status, home and his beloved Audi left him pondering the meaning of it all.   I think the execution of christians in the middle east at the hands of Satan's sons is 

perhaps the reason for  his increasing concern, also the agenda of the authorities in this country who are steadily enforcing very different values on others.   He is a man of conscience and what they are trying to say should be acceptable to everyone - well even he reacts to that.

Now he drives an old car and lives in a two up and two down.   Perhaps as the situation deteriorates   he will realise he is blessed with a roof over his head and food in the cupboard.   Surely that is blessing enough compared with the starvation and brutality in the third world.   But when the sirens of the material world call he is the same as any other Joe.  He thinks a win on the lottery one day and everything will be wonderful.   Wrong priorities.  Still, I keep praying for his salvation.   I've have quite a long list of relatives that need to get on board before it's too late."

"Stay with us for dinner Faith, your Mum won't be off-duty until early evening.  It's foul out there and later I'll check your Mum is back and Wil will run you home."

As they started to prepare the evening meal Veronica glanced anxiously at a young girl rapidly approaching womanhood.   "You know your Mum called you Faith and along with this we have to trust.   Jesus said "fear not" and we know death has no control over His children.   It is a beginning for us, not the end.

Don't look at the waves or the storm keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.   Most of the christians I meet will go with an interfaith church.   A one world faith will appease their life choices.   Blasphemers and hypocrites will surely answer to the King of Kings in the terrible day of the Lord.  Meantime Jesus tell us we must endure to the end.  The earthly powers will not relinquish their control.   They feed off the vulnerable and exploit the poor.  THERE WILL ONLY BE A REMNANT and you my child will be part of that remnant.

(John 4 - 23) Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman said "But the hour is coming and now is that 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.  

Real christians are spirit filled.   The shepherd leads them.  They listen to His voice.  NO OTHER.

Because they are opposed to anything other than the Lord's teaching they have to remain apart from a decadent society.  They can pray silently standing at the supermarket checkout or waiting in a bus queue.  Anywhere, anytime.    Didn't Jesus say "in Matthew 6 - 5-6 that we were to go into our room and when you have shut the door pray to your Father who is in the secret place.   The church is the living spirit filled body of christians - its not a building.

Far from being in decline true followers of Jesus are growing in number.   But like China we are underground - not members of any state church or cult.   In the days ahead those who don't have His peace will be running around like headless chickens as the downslide continues.

Those who poked the hornets nest will run to their bolt holes clutching their millions, but it will be of no value and there will be no place to hide from the wrath of the Lord.

Revelation 5 - 15 & 16

and they said to the mountains and rocks,

Fall on us, hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne,

and from the wrath of the Lamb.

Needless to say Will's answer to this is a reformed Dad's army, a couple of mastiffs, a baseball bat and a pepper spray.   He certainly doesn't condone killing any one or any creature, but he intends doing his best to disable any intruder.   He got really upset when a cat ran under the wheel of his car on a dual carriage way.   He was quite pale and confessed "I couldn't stop, the car behind me would have been in my boot.   I walked down the hard shoulder and eventually found the cat.  It was quite dead."   He is hardly the bloodthirsty warrior but he maintains he will do whatever is necessary to defend his family."

"Sometimes I can't sleep" said Faith "I just lie there with stuff going round and round in my head.   I have to look away from the television, I get really upset seeing the little children suffering knowing this country is supplying the arms and bombs.  When will men learn to put down their weapons and live in peace?"

"They will when Jesus comes back" replied Veronica.   "He will rule with a rod of iron.   His children will not have a problem with that, they will be rejoicing."   She continued "when I was a little girl my mother and grandmother used to sing me to sleep.   The second world war started the month and year I was born.   William finds that very amusing he says "yes and its been chaos ever since."   May be it was the noise of the planes or the bombs or perhaps like Shelby I picked up the tension in the atmosphere.   Eventually I would drift off to the soothing music.   My brother and I were always excluded from adult conversation totally unaware of the terrible destruction and loss of life.

It was many years later I realised that whilst I played in the garden of a spacious and very comfortable detached house in a quiet coastal resort in Britain, little Jewish children were being led to their death in the gas chambers.   I have to ask myself - do we ever learn, and I have to say "NO"   Human beings are capable of such appalling cruelty.  Genocide continues around the globe.   

I recently found a C.D. when I was clearing out a cupboard.   I am not sure who wrote the lyrics but the beautiful voice of Esther Alexander compliments the sentiment of the song.  It followed a track and poem dedicated to the children of Dunblane so cruelly murdered by amazing evil.   It's called "Oh what a day that will be" and the album is called   "Twelve stories about angels" 

Veronica flicked the switch to the C.D. player and slipped the disc into place. 

One day Jesus gentle shepherd

the one who carries me,

will take my hand and lead me homewards

Oh what a day that will be.

When a loving God who knows all things,

where they end and where they begin,

and how we fly on such fragile wings,

such fragile wings.

You can borrow the C.D.   I often go to sleep to music it helps wash away the cares of the day.

We are well on the way to seeing bible prophecy fulfilled.    God will not be mocked.   Like Shelby our focus should be on our Master, when He says "Come" then we will go to our eternal destiny.

As if on cue the back door to the cottage opened and a fur ball covered in snowballs of various sizes rushed to her water bowl.   "It's sticking" said William cheerfully "That will cause some chaos in the rush hour tomorrow morning and lots of fun for the kids.

Later that evening Veronica telephoned Faith's mother.  "Hi Grace, we are just about to drop Faith home.  I'm sending a small casserole with her.   You might need a jacket potato with it if you are really hungry"

"Thanks you are an angel" replied Grace "although it's probably a case of my being too tired to chew.  We have so many elderly patients at the moment and too few nurses"  "Nothing changes" said Veronica "too many chiefs and not enough indians."

"Right" shouted William from the doorway "we are off, come here Faith you can't walk to the car in those shoes"  He lifted Faith into his strong arms and trudged to the snow covered vehicle.   "Just look at that" he exclaimed pointing to the cloudless sky.   The moon shone almost as bright as day illuminating the hills.   The kerb side and road lay under a pristine blanket of snow, everything was white and clean.   For one moment it seemed as though everything was new.

Isaiah 2 - 19

They shall go into holes of the rocks

And into the caves of the earth

From the terror of the Lord

And the glory of His majesty

When he arises to shake the earth mightily.

SHALOM