BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

JOHN 6 - 44

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me

draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.
NJKV

"Have you had a divine appointment" enquired the friendly middle aged man smiling at the woman sitting in the seat beside him.   "Sorry how rude" he exclaimed "I just saw the title of the chapter you were reading" hoping she appreciated his dry humour.   He turned his head to look out of the plane window before she could reply hoping she wouldn't see the amused look on his face.

She replied "Yes"  her body language suggested "I accept your challenge"

"Are you one of those fanatics that pin unfortunate bystanders against a wall and ask them if they are under the blood" he enquired lightheartedly.

"No" she replied "I am not sure where they get that directive from, certainly not Jesus, I prefer the gentle approach"

"Not one of the circuit evangelists working the reward system then?" he enquired.

"Absolutely not" she replied "you pick up your cross and follow the Lord, that means no to the sirens of this world, in fact it can only be described as a constant battle to stay on the straight and narrow path and suffer the ongoing attacks you inevitably attract.

"So it's not a case of blessings and rewards.   Nice fat bank account, no mortgage and a posh car because that's what they suggest you'll get if you follow Christ and get baptised in their church."

"No" she replied "they don't work for God, they are hirelings, they follow Satan.

Shrieks of laughter sounded from an eavesdropping passenger in the seat behind.   "You don't really believe all that stuff.   It's a load of cod's wallop.   They were smoking all sorts of stuff in the middle east in those days.  Just because they found some pieces of papyrus with Hebrew text doesn't mean its right.  Come on" and with that final comment the intruder settled back in his seat.

"He's got a point" said the man in the next seat as he observed his travelling companion.   She was clearly unaffected by their comments and very different to the women he was used to using and meeting at every level of business, in the work place and at social events.   Modestly dressed and devoid of make-up she remained quite a beauty.   In fact he considered if he were her husband, and he had noticed she wore a wedding band, she would look exactly the same in the first light of day, no disappointment there then.   She was natural.  

"My name's Phil" he said considering introductions necessary.

"Grace" replied the woman praying silently 'Dear God this man is sinking in a pit of his own making'  Most would see an attractive wealthy business man, a tad condescending to those on a lesser plain.   Grace saw someone drowning in the pleasures of this world, wine, women and song and his superior attitude filled her with gentle compassion.

Suddenly the plane started to fall due to a drop in cabin pressure,  oxygen masks waved in the air as startled passengers tried to remember safety procedures and finally getting it right sat frozen in their seats waiting for an announcement as to the cause.  Expletives came from lesser mortals and some actually called on a God they didn't believe in, fearing the worst.  

"Going down" laughed Phil obviously slightly inebriated by one too many drinks off the beautiful young trolley dolly.   "Or is it up in your case, er to where" he sniggered but secretly admired the cool calm persona of the woman sat next to him. 

The rest of the flight was smooth and as the passengers moved to collect their baggage he noticed Grace struggling to lift her case off the carousel.   Suddenly he felt guilty.   She didn't deserve his smug attitude, okay maybe she was a little "fairies and fantasy" but hardly offensive.   "Let me help you with that.   Sorry you didn't deserve a passenger like me sitting beside you.   I apologise for any offence.   Can I get you a coffee?"

"Thanks" replied Grace "but no, I am in a hurry to catch another flight, but here, have my book.   Perhaps you will get to read it on your return flight" and smiling she turned and walked into the distance.

She would never know whether the man in the next seat did read her book perhaps that was just one divine appointment he wasn't expecting.

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

Many genuine christians are very aware of biblical eschatology and that slowly but surely we are moving towards the final conflict.  Moments of peace in man's bloody history are sadly too few and he could undoubtedly destroy himself and the earth with his new toys.   God's message is that we love one another but it is drowned out by greed, numerous religious wars and the abusive rape of our planet's finite resources.

Time is short but for our families still dancing to the Piper of this world we can only intercede for the blind and deaf.   We have to leave them in God's hands. 

In Roger Ellsworth's book a Promise is a Promise under the Chapter "A restriction" he writes:

"The only way anyone can love God is through God graciously working in his/her heart to remove the hostility that is there and create a whole new disposition."

"Those who love God are the ones he has 'called' unto himself.  When God changes the disposition of the heart, he also calls the sinner into a saving relationship with himself  with a call that is effectual and powerful"

"No one would ever love God unless God had first loved him.   We are face to face with the fact that our salvation is due solely to the grace of God."

"God stepped into the life of each christian and so interrupted and disrupted that person's life that he/she came to faith in Jesus Christ."

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

Crisis after crisis will follow a genuine christian standing apart from this world until the day they finally acknowledge they have picked up their cross and like their Saviour must carry it to the very end.   There is nothing so awesome and uplifting as the witness of a 'ship wrecked' life that has experienced the saving grace of their creator God.

Just maybe the man on the plane who sat next to Grace will indeed read her book, perhaps that will be one divine appointment he wasn't expecting but will decide to keep.

SHALOM

LABELS

JOHN 8 - 7

He that is without sin among you,

let him first cast a stone at her. 

KJV

The crowd were quick to condemn the woman caught in adultery, but they soon scattered when Yeshua (Jesus) reminded them of their own imperfections.   He didn't condemn the woman:

"Woman, where are those thine accusers?

Hath no man condemned thee?

She said "No man, Lord

and Yeshua (Jesus) unto her

"Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.

KJV

This week one might question exactly what is the agenda of those who proposed a blanket ban on all Russian athletes and why the head of the Russian Drug Testing laboratories scuttled off to America. When other countries have been found guilty of the same transgression the decision can only be viewed as political.

The whole concept of the Olympic Games, sportsmen and women coming together to compete should be the only agenda.   After all everyone can't win, but the obvious honour is to represent their country and do their very best to take a medal home.   By all means ban those guilty of using drugs but that must include ALL countries otherwise one can only conclude there is a deeper motive.

Russian athletics strive for excellence and give the supreme sacrifice.   The training is gruelling and without mercy and to crush the hopes of innocent young men and women is cruel and mean minded.

The space programme is a typical example of unity and co.operation between nations.   Perhaps as the technicians circle the earth and gaze into space they realise how tiny and fragile we really are and that we need to talk peace and unity instead of hurling insults and provoking confrontation.    There will be no winners from global war - only losers.

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

The double standards of those in power never ceases to amaze.  The heinous approach to the whistle blowers who spill the beans on the dark doings of the hawks and the elite is giving credence in many ways to the ground swell of Americans who have had enough of the hypocrisy.   

It is time for both the U.K. and the U.S.A. to put their own house in order and that is precisely why Donald Trump is appealing to the masses, but he had better watch his back.   There are incredibly dangerous people watching and waiting.   There are many ways of manipulating the outcome of any election.    We certainly don't deserve this precious planet and should be praying that God will raise up men and women of integrity because the war lords need to know their agenda will lead to their own annihilation.

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

A recent article in one of the broad sheets states    "Atheism is now the world's third faith." Yes atheists have a faith.   They don't believe in a God and do not consider themselves accountable to any deity.   

On the other hand a recent survey announced there are 2.2 million christians and specifically the U.K. is now 6th from the bottom of the list in religions.

HIGHLIGHT the word religion and religious.

In any census there will always be people who say "I'm a christian".   Yes they know about the bible and Christ but their lifestyles are far from the teachings of Christ.   Of course its useful to have a really handy label when you answer the door to the Jehovah's witnesses or Mormons.   

We are hurtling at speed down the wide path and the consequences will be terrible.   The message Christ gave to his followers is "to love our neighbours as ourselves.   If the 2.2 million christians in the census did just that we could change the world overnight.   Meanwhile the tally of martyrs increases daily.  It is written.

Revelation 14

Blessed are they that do His commandment,

that they may have the right to the tree of life,

and may enter in through the gates into the city.

For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and

whoremongers and murders and idolators

and whosoever liveth and maketh a lie.

I Jesus gave sent mine angel to testify 

unto you those things in the churches.

I am the root and the offspring of David,

and the bright and morning star.

We as christians are warned the way is narrow and few find it.   Unfortunately the statistics are very misleading but no doubt in time the authorities will sniff out and eliminate anyone or anything that speaks against the system.  We are prepared and ready.   It would appear there will be more standing outside the gate. 

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

It is really sad to see a local authority in the U.K. pandering to the muslim fraternity regarding the issue of dogs.   Someone is really keen to provoke the already inflamed situation whereby some are intent on forcing their religion beliefs on others.

Biblical images of sacrificial lambs, goats, doves and the slaughter of cattle who have supposedly taken on the sins of a man, in order for him to be reprieved, tends to make a person who loves all creatures great and small cringe at the appalling cruelty inflicted on the lesser brethren. 

The 'dogs' quoted in revelation refers to the fact that when Jesus walked this earth a dog was associated with evil and low status.  People who are evil will not gain entrance to the city of God.   In reality the dogs of that period of history licked blood and ran wild in packs eating corpses lying around which was a natural instinct for their survival.   The middle east appears trapped in a time warp, hungry dogs wandering around whilst their owners lie in the dust after yet another bombing expedition.   

Domestication of dogs did not happen in Israel until the Persian/Hellenistic period.   Sad to consider that in a time of complete and utter devastation should my little pooch survive she would be looking for food and along with her bigger brothers would be tucking in to my corpse.

Today most dogs are loved and cared for and probably treated better than most children by their caring owners.      Its a sad world and the appalling cases of neglect that arrive on the doorstep of the Harmsworth Animal Hospital in the U.K.  are beyond belief.   The bible states very clearly that we are responsible for the animals in our care.

Psalm 12 - 10

A righteous man regards the life of his animal.

Job 12 - 7-10

Isaiah 11 - 6-9

Perhaps this is  one place where the media works for good highlighting their plight.  I very much doubt the people who inflict this misery have any conscience whatsoever.  They are truly evil and I certainly would not want to carry that label. 

SHALOM     

   

       

    

NO FAITH, NO HOPE

But there are some who are prepared.
They are those who have made the grand, sweet committal.
They have seen heaven draw nearer and earth recede;
the things of this world have become less and less attractive,
and the things of heaven  have begun to pull and pull as the moon pulls at the sea,
and they are prepared now.
A.W. Tozer

"Well we have to live somewhere don't we Millie" said Sue noticing the anxious gaze of her little terrier that said it all -  here we go again.   We have to check in somewhere and the Lord has provided sanctuary she declared considering it was good she had her faithful companion otherwise she could be accused of talking to herself although she was sure her Father had a place for the homeless, those the world has trampled and degraded to piles of litter on the city streets and subways.  Perhaps they will be first at the wedding feast of the Lord.   The invitations were out but many were too busy making excuses, following their materialistic agendas.   Matthew 22 - 9-10

I am positive that much that passes for the gospel in our day is very little more than a very mild case of orthodox religion grafted on to a heart that is sold out to the world in its pleasures and tastes and ambitions*

'There" she said "that's it the last book packed away a small but precious gem by A.W.Tozer.   What a great man of God his teaching still guiding bruised and broken spirits.    "Come on Millie its time for bed" she spoke gently to the little face forever focused on her and her every movement.   Last night in the house, new start tomorrow.   She lay quietly in the dark.   Over tired sleep evaded her.   "The Lord is my strength, my comfort and my shield in Him I trust.   Thank you Lord for giving me the necessary strength to remain independent of this world.    I am old and weary but you have never abandoned me.   The move to my real home will be smooth, so smooth, no possessions to pack I am coming just as I am'' and she drifted off into a restless sleep waking on the hour every hour until the dawn chorus.

Just when the road ahead looks smooth, bang, wallop, sinkhole ahead.  The downward slide for many will be swift.  Company collapse, bankruptcy, the cold hostile stare of a callous world that hails success and distances itself from the victims as though their fate were contagious. 

Sue had a well earned degree in the University of Wrong Turns but the Lord had always provided and help arrived from unexpected quarters, no condemnation, just action.  "Where ever I hang my hat that's my home" she sang as she started unpacking placing her few remaining possessions around the tiny flat, already she felt at home it was adequate for her simple needs.   The Lord is my strength, my comfort and my shield, in Him it trust was her favourite prayer.   She was beyond exhaustion but grateful for His provision and judging by the latest news report on television her new place could be described as peaceful and secure.   'One day at a time sweet Jesus' she whispered. 

The weeks passed and slowly Sue felt her strength returning.   There were beautiful country walks in the immediate vicinity and she felt blessed in a very troubled world to have found this hidden gem.   Even on a day when constant drizzle and mist covered the hills she would still grab her waterproof mac and head off for an afternoon walk.   She sheltered under the branches of a tree in the ancient woodland it was another world far from the killing fields and screams of little children caught up in the heinous and bloody murderous acts of religious fanatics. 

A young man approached with a playful dog and sheltered alongside her.   Two strangers chatted with no other agenda than the history of their rescued pets as the little dogs chased each other in ever increasing circles.   They discussed world events, the hidden agenda and lies leading where?   As they parted company Sue was grateful at least some young people knew where this was heading even though they perhaps didn't link the events to anything other than dark conspiracy.

Later that night Tim phoned and commented on the worsening situation in America.   "I don't know what's going on" he complained.   Of course any reference to biblical prophecy and satanic forces at work would be met with ridicule.   "What have you been looking at on You Tube" he questioned considering anything outside his viewpoint was rubbish. 

"Read the bible Tim" replied Sue "all the answers are there.  Watch Chuck Missler's 3 types of Heaven and 3 Hell freely available on You Tube.   For an intelligent man you have much to learn prayerfully before it's too late.   Your Phd will not save you.

Without faith - you have no hope.   It's going to get a lot worse.   Just look at faces in the crowd.  Despair, hopelessness, not knowing why, which way to run or where to hide.   Anarchy rising, police killing their own countrymen.   There is no excuse for ignorance.   The motto now "be prepared"

Even though most young men and women don't even know God or Yeshua or belong to any denomination something is telling them its all going downhill fast and they need to start making preparations now, changing their lifestyle.   They are already rejecting the status quo.  They need to follow Jesus Christ and understand past, present and future events are accurately recorded in scripture.

Matthew 24 - 10

And then many will be offended, will betray one another,

and will hate one another

Matthew 24 - 12

And because lawlessness will abound,

the love of many will grow cold.

    

Romans 7 - 8

For to be carnally minded is death;

but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
NKJ

SHALOM

                   

Jamie Whittaker - A must see video - Don't take the Mark of the Beast.

You Tube Video.  
Interesting global research as to how even non believing young people are saying NO
to the system.
* A.W. Tozer

    

UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE TRUTH

PROVERBS 11 - 28

He who trusts in his riches will fall,

But the righteous will flourish like foliage.

What do George Bush, Hillary Clinton and Tony Blair have in common?   They are professing christians.

The sixth commandment in the KJV bible.   THOU SHALT NOT KILL.

Hopefully they don't consider themselves God's hand globally where their actions are concerned because the God of the bible doesn't need any 'little helpers'   He could and no doubt will dispense with the evil that has permeated every strata of society.

But what makes this christian witness even more appalling are the lies and the selective treatment dished out to those considered lesser mortals, often those who expose their dark doings.   The camera doesn't lie and ethical journalists are quick to highlight their hypocrisy.

We all sin, we all make mistakes, no one is perfect but the Father and our actions prayerfully do not condemn millions of innocents to death.   Hardly surprising that many question the very existence of God when they witness the killing fields and the numerous wars fought in His Holy Name with a very unholy agenda.

Being a true born again christian in this world means following the commandments and the even stronger codicil by Christ.   If you even look at a woman lustfully you have committed adultery.

The majority wipe their record clean under the auspices of a merciful God.   Obviously they don't read scripture or know their Lord.

Take the case of John, the Lord's favourite disciple.   Serious blasphemous insinuations are made by the gay lobby and they use every argument, "oh that was for the Jews" or Jesus didn't say that, whereas if they read Matthew 5 - 17-19 it is very clear "till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.   We all prefer and move towards like minded individuals, maybe we admire their sense of humour, their personality or agree with their view point.   Whatever, that does not make us homosexual or a lesbian.   Men have sacrificed their own lives for their friends, truly following the example of Jesus who laid down His life for all mankind.         

Genuine pilgrims realise the journey to the City of Gold is far from comfortable.*   You strive to live apart from this dark world.  Those who faithfully follow Christ suffer violent opposition and death.   But they have faith, without faith there is no hope.

John, the favourite disciple according to Tertullian in the "Prescription of Heretics" was plunged into boiling oil by the Romans and suffered nothing from it.   It is said that the audience in the Colosseum

witnessing that dreadful act were all converted to christianity.   John was then banished to the Greek island of Patmos.   This is considered credible where John was concerned as both magic, astrology and prophecy were viewed by them as punishable whether you were Pagan, Jewish or Christian.

In the last book of the bible - Revelation - 21 - 8 the fate of liars as well as the sexually immoral is quite clear.   This is not taught in most churches and has been removed from current additions of the  bible.  Many who profess to be christians follow their own agenda.

"The world does not read the bible nor come to church to hear the minister.   All it learns about Christ and the Christian life it must learn from those who bear Christ's name and represent him.   If all church members lived truly consecrated lives, holy, beautiful, separate from the world, loyal to Christ in business, in pleasure, in all things - it is impossible to estimate what the saving power of the Church (the body of christians around the globe) would be in example alone." *

Biblical prophecy is unfolding before this generation of watchers.   Time is short.   If you need a biblical explanation of the countries involved in this scenario (as they had different names in that period of history) the bible expositor "Jacob Prasch" is freely available on You Tube and the staff at Moriel could point you to their extensive library of books and videos.    

For those who do understand what is happening behind the scenes.   Videos by the late David Wilkerson, Dave Hunt, A.W. Tozer are available on You Tube.  Books by J.R. Miller and John Bunyan are available from Eden encouragement for the road ahead.   These men are immortal by their literature alone.   They fought the good fight and one by one God has called them home.   They walk with their Lord. 

* In Green Pastures by J.R. Miller DD

* Pilgrims Progress - John Bunyan.

     

SETTING THE STAGE

John 8 - 44

You are of your father the devil, 

and the desires of your father you want to do,

He was a murderer from the beginning, 

and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.

When he speaks a lie he speaks from his own resources,

for he is a liar and the father of it.

NKJ

Perhaps you could be forgiven for thinking the will of the people in the recent referendum is signed and sealed.   There are greater powers at work behind the scene and an agenda to block the outcome by any means at their disposal.   The suggested domino effect could well cause the collapse of E.U.  and open the door for a New World Order.   No prizes for guessing who is waiting in the wings for that post.      

A last ditch attempt to manipulate the votes of what is left of a dismembered Church of England by a rather bushy browed druid was to say the least disgusting and VERY unholy.   

There are those who wanted to stay in the E.U. anxious to protect their jobs in the financial sector or that ride on the political gravy train.   The common man voted and the high turnout won the day.   Or so it seems for now. 

Cue the spite and vitriol now aimed at a generation of elders that suffered, fought and sacrificed their sons and daughters in World War 11 hoping that would end all wars and they could live in relative peace.   Their wisdom rejected by the generations that followed and a godless self centred society was spawned.

Fear mongers and propaganda merchants used scare tactics of a possible third world war if the EU disintegrated as a result of the Brexit.   Heaven help us all.   Did they watch the football violence.   Do they  teach their children its all about taking part, not winning.   Why when most the countries partaking in the Olympic Games have a stained drugs record is the angst towards Russia?      

The analysts forgot one thing, the British love their country and despite the lies and propaganda those that voted out are prepared to muddle through  without interference from an un-policed elite albeit in Britain or Brussels.  

Just may be this will open the door for the biblical anti.christ.  A charismatic leader promising to unite all the nations under his banner of peace when in reality he will be leading undiscerning desperate people down the fast track to 'hell' on earth.  God didn't tell me to vote in or out we have free will and make our considered choices and learn to live with the consequences.  Perhaps if the people got down on their knees and put God and His commandments first and followed the teachings of His precious son Yeshua (Jesus Christ) we might be in with a chance but throughout scripture when there were bad kings and bad leaders the people suffered.         

The callous attitude of one individual on the internet  "that it was all the fault of the 'baby boomers who didn't care because they were going to die anyway" was ridiculous to say the least.   The pensioners born in the early forties knew only too well the suffering caused by World War II.   The statistics are freely available on Wikipedia.   60 million people died in Word War 11 3% of the 1940 world population.   Total military fatalities estimated at 21 - 25 million and children growing up in post war Britain had to survive on rationing notwithstanding the loss of parents to the German enemy.

If the individual had perhaps listened to the wisdom of Avram Noam Chomsky instead of Thatcher he might understand exactly what the future holds unless and until we all start rowing in the same direction.   Just because a man is working class does not mean he isn't aware of world events and in a democracy he has a right to vote.   It just means he is honest, hardworking and has had enough of the dirty tricks brigade.   We must put our own house in order.

If the beam is rotten the carpenter has little choice other than to cut away the decay and treat the remaining wood.  As the song writer wrote  "God is watching from a distance"

Thatcher's children are about to learn the hard way the stage is being set by a much darker power and their protestations are meaningless.   NOW IT BEGINS.  

Proverbs 1 - 19

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.

It takes away the life of its owners.

Romans 11 - 5

Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Romans 8 - 12 - 17
True followers of Christ must continue to spread the salvation message whilst fortifying themselves against the coming onslaught.

For the genuine born again christian there is much work ahead.    Despite increasing hostility we will work to spread the message of salvation to those drowning in despair.

PSALM 46 - 10

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

I WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS,

I WILL BE EXALTED IN THE EARTH.

Study Note:  This is not a call for silent worship.   Verse 10 is the voice of God addressing the wicked warring nations with a warning.   Cease and desist; it is I, God, who will be exalted in victory; you cannot win.  There are conspiracy theorists maintaining we are already in World War 111 but its a silent war of men in dark suits with a hidden agenda to depopulate the planet by various insidious means.   

Maybe the lesson learned from all this is if you don't bother to vote (as in the last general election) the country gets the leader it deserves.  In a democracy Britain should respect the result of the referendum vote.  I can only pray God will raise up a man for all the people.       

  

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai.

New World Order.

Their aim is nothing less than to create a world system of financial control in private hands able to dominate the political system of each country and the economy of the world as a whole.

Quote from Tragedy and Hope - by Carroll Quigley.  New York: Macmillan Co., 1966  

            

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.