NO WINNERS ONLY LOSERS

ISAIAH 

6 (11-12)

Then I said, Lord how long? And He answered,

Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant,

The houses are without a man,

The land is utterly desolate,

The Lord has removed men far away,

And the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.

You could be forgiven for thinking this was just another day.   Those who worship the God "football" cheered their little darlings from the touchline.   The referee bawled his instructions and the "mini Beckham hopefuls" screamed at each other as their adoring parents considered there might just be a talent scout in their midst.   

The racket permeated an otherwise pleasant autumn morning.   This was just another Sunday and it would continue throughout the football season.   Hard to realise that hours earlier a young aid worker, someone whose life commitment was helping others in war torn countries around the globe had been so cruelly decapitated at the hand of an insane butcher.   

People are seemingly unaware that this unholy war by the sons of Satan could soon stalk the streets of their town.   Now is a good time to pick up the bible, the end game is written.

Prophecy is an uncomfortable gifting.   When so called western civilization started its killing spree in the middle east there could only be one outcome.   Early in the new millenium I blessed my relatives with a rather sombre Christmas card with a short comment on the enemy within.  No doubt they considered I was quite mad and had lost the plot.

As the population geared up for another gluttonous binge christian aid had been withdrawn in Afganistan.   Half naked, half starved children standing in the rubble of their homes filled the T.V. screens.   Poverty and injustice always the breeding ground of future radicals.

The Enemy Within

War Lords arise, politicians loudly proclaim the western world as civilized,

yet we produce and sell the weapons of mass destruction.

Megalomaniacs hot wire the idealistic fervour of young men and women educated in the west take aim and the innocent die in the mayhem.

Yet in our darkest hour there are heroes, those who regardless of personal risk die in an attempt to save 

others.

Men of power move quickly to the safety of their underground bunkers and worried citizens rush to buy gas masks and protective clothing in a frenzy of self-preservation as the world press reports retribution.

An innocent child stands against the single wall all that is left of the broken shell that was his home. Christian aid has been withdrawn; cold and hungry he listens as his parents talk of the coming winter. 

The western child sits in a room crammed with the trappings of over indulgence, watching his television, proudly waving the national flag, cheering as the war machine rolls out.   Just another video, another computer war game.

There can be no winners here, only losers.

Father forgive.

Perhaps my family could be forgiven for thinking that was hardly appropriate as a christmas card, after all it was the season of goodwill, peace to all men.   Hardly, it was just the beginning of the mass slaughter of thousands of people and as usual western interference would only make matters worse. 

On the opposite page of this cheery salutation it was noted that whatever political or religious persuasion leaders held they were all guilty of the bloody mayhem that followed.   Not in my name.

Killing for Love

Lord we fight over you,

Christian, Muslim, Gentile, Jew.

Through many wars and endless years

your message falls on deafened ears.

Forgive us Lord,

don't turn away,

we might just get it right one day.

Desperate people question why?

and watch as little children die.

Rising prophets lead your sheep,

through troubled times with weary feet.

Your Holy word "thou shalt no kill"  *

we do not listen to your will.

Through falsehood and hypocrisy,

truth adrift in a troubled sea.

Wounded souls and doubting sheep

that come to worship at your feet.

Help us shine

Help us reach

for those who cannot see your light

who cannot love and live to fight.

Talitha Hills.

2003

* Correct translation from scripture - slay

The platitudes and promises made by the leaders of the western world are sickening.   Perhaps they should remember the words of Christ and later Ghandi.     The conflict in Ireland a stunning example that terrorism wins until both sides talk peace and reconcilliation.  It is not conventional warfare, it is foul and cowardly hardly ever reaching the men whose actions ignite the horror. 

Three generations have followed the Pied Piper of this world and he is surely taking them down the road to hell.   Small wonder our creator God is silently watching and waiting.     The middle east is the  boiling pot.

It really highlights the mindset of this psychopathic killer when he picks off aid workers.    This isn't face to face combat, it's dirty and deadly, be it a snipers bullet or a bomb in a crowded shopping centre.

Like a snake they select their prey, strike then slither down the nearest hole in the sand.  Fully masked they ensure their features are concealed obviously intending hanging on to their heads as long as possible.

The blood of their victims falls on the hands of the western leaders who hide behind their private armies of protection.

Leaders can spout as many patronising platitudes as they wish with all the solemnity they can muster. They intend dealing with ISIS before it reaches our shores, nevertheless they have caused the hell that is the middle east and WE ALL REAP WHAT THEY SOW.

Perhaps they need a gentle reminder from the ordinary men and women on the streets of the U.K.  it's too little, too late, they are already slowly spreading their black stain albeit under a very different manifesto but their goal remains the same.   To take over, they do not integrate.

Why are their children being radicalised from a very early age and what mother other than from hell would strap bombs to the body of her precious child?   They serve the dark Lord.

Its a wake-up call for every man, woman and child.  We can only stand amazed at the sheer arrogance of leaders who consider its just a question of carpet bombing.  Now finally they reach their goal, intervention in Syria.    It's time to get down on your knees and pray.

Sadly for many the end game is written but those who know the Lord also know His promise.   Man can kill the body, but he cannot touch the soul.   Heaven waits and hears her martyrs.

Revelation 6 - (10-11)

And they cried with a loud voice saying

"How long, O Lord, holy and true,

until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth.

Then a white robe was given to each of them;

and it was said to them that they should rest a little longer,

until both the number of their fellow servants,

and their brethren who would be killed as they were was completed.

One might ask where are the peacemakers, obviously the sons of God are thin on the ground at the moment.   I don't see any of the religious leaders rushing to get their hands dirty.  Matthew 5 - 10 

but blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Don't ask to see with the eyes of Yeshua unless you really mean it.   Sound advice offered to a young Christian.   If we truly know our Saviour we will weep for this world and extend His love at every opportunity.   There is much work to be done.   Time is short.  

Hebrews 13 - 5-6

Let your conduct be without covetousness;

be content with such things as you have

For He Himself has said

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

So we may boldly say

The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear.

What can man do to me.

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

SHALOM

Recommended:

Jacob Prasch - You Tube - correct translation from hebrew scripture of Psalm 23.
Jacob Prasch - Thou shalt not ask.   Jacob is a zealous drama student - but the arrow hits the mark as he simply asks the question.

   

STRANGE

JOHN 10 - 19 - 20

Therefore there was division again among the Jews because of these sayings.

And many of them said, He has a demon and is mad.

Why do you listen to Him?

When you come up against the leaders of any religious persuasion expect confrontation.   Demons were popular in biblical times, today madness is just another label for mental illness.

The only other listing in the concordance against the word "mad" is in Acts 26.25    Festus accused Paul of being beside himself.  "Much learning is driving you mad".    But of course when anyone speaks their Truth into any situation it is usually not appreciated, often causes offence, but hardly a justification for calling someone mad.

Festus wasn't appreciating the words of truth or reason expressed by Paul so he retaliated by suggesting Paul was mad.   

A dear sister in Christ recently suggested that even Yeshua's family thought He was mad.    "Where is that written" I enquired.   She appeared flustered "it's in the bible" she replied "but where" I enquired. "Oh I don't know but I will look it up."   I gently reminded this good and faithful servant of the Lord that I doubt Miriam His mother considered He was mad having received divine revelation from the Most High God that she would carry His son.    His brothers and sisters would also have been raised in scripture and would have known He taught in the temple from an early age.   They would have known He was different.   

It's rather like the church zealot who having raised him/herself into a position of superiority decides to inform a subordinate "God told me to tell you"   Hello - I usually reply "God is perfectly capable of speaking into my life.   He has my ear 24/7.  At which point the offended one blushes and moves on to his/her next victim muttering "critical spirit"

Strange is a label they attach to people they don't understand.   They appear different, odd, dreamers, whatever.   Petra was just one such case.   As a tiny child she appeared to be holding conversations with invisible friends.   There was nothing evil or malicious in her nature.   All was sunshine.  When she was two years old she would sing and laugh, that precious contagious laughter of a little child.

Her friends disappeared with knowledge of self but still the concept of right or wrong in the eyes of her lost friends survived.  Like most tiny hearts race, colour, class and religion just didn't exist.

Every child is the product of their environment, prejudices are slowly introduced by parents along with religious persuasion and education.   This little girl knew it was wrong to kill or hurt another human or creature and of course her God "said so" she frequently informed her younger siblings.

As a teenager the strange girl struggled with her own imperfections.   Litter preference, physical and mental abuse gave hatred a foothold, the crushing pain of parental rejection along with the previously hidden wicked crimes committed by her birth church in the name of a Holy God resulted in rebellion, she wanted answers.

"Shout to the Lord" is a common hymn,  this girl was shouting WHY?    How could He allow people called by His name to inflict murder and suffering on the defenceless.   Her birth church did not promote circulation of any creed other than their own.   The bible was not allowed.

A thick impenetrable fog settled around her and she faced a cold black void of nothing.   Perhaps if she had picked up a bible at that point she would have noticed the words of Solomon the wise as he pondered the cycle of life.    

  Ecclesiastes 3 - 8

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace.

Then she knew the pure innocence of first love that lasted until death parted and the miracle of new life in her own precious children.   God was filed under G.   Perhaps one day Jesus would return from his place behind the stars but for now her little family was enough. 

The years rolled by and the green fields of plenty slowly turned to burnt wasteland.   Her heavenly Father perhaps considered "it is time"   Yeshua the Shepherd King walked into her wilderness and lifted the bruised and broken lamb high on His shoulders and carried her home.   

His touch, powerful and life changing was unforgettable but her battle was far from over.   At every given opportunity temptation came.   The refining fires of her Holy God were burning away the dross, renewing, perfecting until the day she would finally be worthy to stand before His Holy presence.

Now she saw in dreams the consequences of man's agenda and the Sheol that is now the Middle East.   The arms and munition dealers resplendent in their leafy suburb homes far from the blood filled gutters and mutilated corpses.   Blood money filling their coffers.  Business booming.

Babies, innocents, blown to smithereens without a shred of remorse.   Dark armies hot wired by religious zealots in the killing fields of Iraq, Libya and Syria.   Once again the ordinary man, woman and child caught in the fire of their dangerous war games.   Small wonder the God of creation ignores the chants and incense of the hypocrites in their tidy parishes. 

Genesis

4 - 10-11

And He (the Lord) said "What have you done?

The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground.

So now you are cursed from the earth which has opened its mouth to receive

your brother's blood from your hand.

The children of Abraham continue to slay.  Innocent blood covers the hands of every leader and war lord.    Those responsible surely haunted their every hour until Yeshua returns and justice reigns then they will receive their reward.   She knew the end would be terrible.   The Day of the Lord - purification of evil from the land.

   

Then man will see His creator and at last understand the little knowledge he had was God given.   He remained in part blinded by his own understanding of time and all that his five simple senses could comprehend the special powers (sight, hearing, smell, taste touch) by which a living thing becomes aware of the external world.   She was sensitive - conscious of the eternal - considered strange.

Now the world is preoccupied by self and celebrity.  Even the most stoic personalities sinking in gloom and despair.  The Lord has touched His children throughout the ages and through their witness and gifting has brought hope and peace.

One American singer song writer is a just the tonic for battle weary souls.   Her album "Greatest Hits" and the track "Stubborn Love" proclaims the forgiveness and patience we receive as we stumble along the highway to heaven and perhaps my favourite track on her album "Sounds of Heaven - I am gonna fight for You" reminds every battered soul we are not alone and dear to our Father in heaven.   Gifted and blessed long may she continue to write, compose and sing for His glory. 

The guardians are busy pulling damaged souls back from the precipice.   Protecting and lifting the souls of the martyrs.   Their trial is over, death has no hold over them, they live and walk in His courts.

Perhaps we should all consider ourselves blessed to be seen as strange by the children of this world.   Our Shepherd King approaches and all His lambs are precious and preferred.

John 10 - 27

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; 

neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai

SHALOM.

Recommendation:

Kathy Troccoli - Greatest Hits album - Stubborn Love and Psalm 23

Kathy Troccoli - Sounds of Heaven album - I'm Gonna fight for you.

Downloads available via various internet providers.

CHAMELION

JOSHUA 1

5 - 6

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life;

as I was with Moses, so I will be with you,

I will not leave you or forsake you.

Be strong and of good courage, for to this people

you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore of their fathers to give them.

Fred's chip shop was the last bastion in a row of shops for the most part killed off by the supermarket giants.   The old stone building hugged the bend on a steep hill leading to upper Bossley.   Standing opposite the local railway station it was still holding its own as commuters dropped in for their beloved fish and chip supper. 

The quaint little mill town boasted upper, middle and lower Bossley.  In the past local shops would have provided every need for the residents, and the mills provided employment.  The clap clap of clogs passing the tiny stone terraces would have been a familiar sound in the early morning air as the locals went up or down to their workplace, and the road that led to the station, mills and canal was probably a busy hub in years gone by. 

Trade had been slow throughout the hot summer, people turning to salads and ice cream but at last the rains had come and with it a drop in temperature.   Nevertheless Bossley's pensioners loyal regardless of the weather always turned up on a Friday evening and the dining area in the chip shop resounded with a mix of laughter and strong criticism as they attempted to make sense of a world in which they were a dying breed.

"Here he comes" said Vera

Fred carried the last plate filled high with beer battered fish and chips.   

"Everyone happy" he shouted.

"Aye" replied the veterans.

Rain macs hung on the back of chairs, a whippet sat by the open door on guard duty,  their supper was eagerly downed followed by steaming mugs of tea.

"Panel open to questions from the floor" said Ted.

"For heaven's sake"  said Vera "it isn't Question Time" and you're not Dimbleby.

Their days were numbered so it didn't really matter.   They gave their opinions whether folks wanted them or not, walking sticks at the ready to take any flack, although it was rumoured Ted's walking stick held a small narrow flask containing whisky.   He always ready to remonstrate with what he considered a godless, selfish, me first society.

"To hell with em" said Jack as he launched into his usual political rhetoric "a load of tossers and idiots they couldn't run a sandwich bar, we would have got rid of them sharpish"

"What were you all doing on the 4th August" enquired Elsie  "100 years ago our lads left to fight in World War 1.  Did you go to the war memorial Jack."
"I certainly did, but not while the local so called dignitaries were there, I sat on the bench and I prayed for those kids, they were just kids.  Raise your mugs please" said Jack "to the lads who gave their lives for this once proud country"

And what a (the air turned blue with expletives - all beginning with the letter B) damn waste of life they were just cannon fodder for politicians who still can't get it right.   And did they learn anything from that war, no.   World War 2 followed and we are heading for World War 3.    Just look at what we have become.   I am so glad I will be out of here before the next lot kicks off.   As Bert said "if its the "big baby" stand out in the street, no one will help you.   They will be screaming and running around without a clue, tweeting and clutching their tablets.   Fat lot of good that will do em.  God help anyone standing in a queue for food, they'll climb over you."

A sober mood descended and seemed to bring with it a few moments of quiet reflection.  

The silence was broken with a reprimand.   "Well" said Jenny "He hasn't finished with you yet Jack Bowes, you ain't seen nothing, a country that turns it's back on God is plain asking for it"

"Did you see those planks protesting at the bombing of Gaza" asked  Eric "I didn't see much of a protest about Ukraine."

Tim shuddered "just goes to show how many muslims there are in this country.   Who was it "Blue Mink" who sang "What we need is a great big melting pot"

Irene was clearly annoyed by his comment "now look here Tim that's a racist comment"   Tim flushed "Oy, I'm not a racist.   Our Sue is married to an afro carribean, he's a nice guy is our Chris and they have a little un.   She's a little cracker is our Alesha.   But he doesn't go around lopping heads off and eating hearts."

"Excuse me, do you mind" protested Eric "I have just eaten fish and chips, do you want me to throw up."

"Precisely the attitude I keep getting" said Tim "go on, stick your head in the sand, before you know it they will have Vera in a hijab and you will be marched off to the nearest mosque - or else"

"You'd look real good in a hijab Eric, actually it could be anyone or anything under that garb, carrying  God only knows what." said Jack.

"Well he won't have far to carry it" laughed Julie "there's a house mosque on every street in Blackburn, Lancashire.   

"So we don't move to Blackburn then" said Shirley.

"Anyone go to the Gaza protests last weekend" asked Dan.

"You must be joking" said Eric "if Hamas were firing rockets at Britain would we expect our government to just stand there and do nothing.   We (expletives poured forth) B ...well would not, we'd give it em"   A few walking sticks thrashed the air and were returned to their holding place.

"Well you know it would depend on who was in power and whether the native Brits got off their backsides and demanded their country back." said Jack.

"It's more likely to be terrorist bombs here.   Damn cowards." muttered Tim.   

"There are no winners in war" said Audrey "only losers.   You would think by now we would all have realised that and set about making the planet a better place for future generations." 

The whippet on door duty growled as a young Asian lad walked in the doorway towards the counter.   

"Hi Fred" he said "curry and chips please" and smiling he turned towards the elderly folk at the tables.

"Ow do Bert" he nodded the broad local accent seemed strangely out of place.

"He's okay" said Bert "I know his mam, she's a local girl, she chucked Ahmed out and and raised him herself she did"

"Okay Jethro" Bert replied "Ow's your mam"

"She's gradely" said Jethro "taking Sandra to meet her tomorrow" He winked at the group.   "You lot putting the world to rights then" he suggested.

"Don't be stupid Jethro" said Eric "it will take someone bigger than these bozos to do that"

"Yes" replied Polly "God, so watch out" and she reached with her hand toward his head intent on giving him a gentle slap.

"Hoy" said Eric "watch the hairdo"

"What hairdo" said Polly "you're bald man"
"No, No, replied Eric "see here at the back - have to get it cut - I've had a pony tail in the past"

Everyone chuckled at the thought of Eric with a pony tail but it was a sad fact that the hair white and whispy had to be kept in check.

"It's growing everywhere" complained Eric "except where I want it.   I've had to start chopping my eye brows I was getting more like Rowan Williams every day - and they curled up - I don't want anyone mistaking me for the devil.

"If people would just take the time to study the whole picture, its all coming to pass as the prophets said it would.   Time to get right with God guys"

"Well he'd better show up soon" said Jack "because the way the U.S. of A is prodding Putin it won't be long before Iran and China take sides and lets face it the planes will be flying over us to get to Obama land."

"Oh for heaven's sake why don't you read your bible Jack is says Russia will be drawn into a conflict it doesn't want.   Ignorance is not bliss in this instance."

"Did you know there are 200 nuclear bombs just 30 miles from Glasgow" said Jack "makes you think doesn't it"

"Time for the scots to go independent and shove em all down south" replied Eric with a loud gaffaw.

"Ah" said Jethro squatting on a spare chair as his chips hit the hot fat  "the north south divide is alive and well"

"North Wales is just as bad" said Jack "they don't like the English either"

"Where's Pete tonight" asked Elsie changing the subject.

"He's taken his grandkids up to Scotland, they go every year" Vera announced.

"Now there's an idea" said Eric "lets all push off to Scotland".

 "There won't be much room left in the highlands if we all move out of England" said Jack laughing.

"It won't happen" said Maggie very quietly.   "It's too late, the clock is ticking, we have blown it.

"The media reports were dreadfully biased" said Eric "did anyone mention that 160 kids were killed building the blasted tunnels in the first place."   

Someone asked a Hamas commander why their rockets weren't hitting their targets in Israel.   Considering the amount launched in that direction I did wonder why they were coming down in the sea or in Gaza itself.    Apparently he replied "we are aiming them but their God is knocking them off course."   

"What kind of man places his own wife and kids next to a rocket launcher?  Eric questioned "and why did they ignore the leaflet drops and text messages to get out?   There is something badly wrong with a woman who laughs while Israeli doctors tried to save the life of her child.   She wasn't bothered if he died.   She said "Jerusalem is ours"   For heaven's sake she can't be human and what kind of a mother would allow bombs to be strapped to her baby.    This is surely pure evil."

"Where was that reported" asked Vera "I didn't see that on the news"

"No you wouldn't chuck, it was on the internet" said Jack the only one of the group considered computer literate and in the know.  "Even when the iron dome failed twice and everyone had been warned of the impending disaster as the rocket headed for densely populated areas the dome recorded a sudden high wind and the rocket missed its target and was blown into the sea.

"How great is our God" said Maggie.

Zechariah 12 - 8-9

In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem;

the one who is feeble among them in that day shall be like David,

and the house of David shall be like God, like the Angel of the Lord before them.

It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

Maggie's voice drained away.

"Our Maggie certainly knows her bible doesn't she" said Fred as he wrapped the curry and chips.

Jethro waved his goodbyes and strode into the night.  Like the chamelion he had learned to blend into the culture and this was his home.   He was just another brit, a skinny little kid who played with the pale faces in the street.   Little children accept one another, hatred something firmly planted by their parents regardless of culture, religion or background.

"That reminds me" said Jack "have we still got that air raid sheltered in our back garden"

"Too late" replied a sombre Maggie "next time its the big one, we have had our chance, we have done nothing but butcher and kill in religious wars.   Now God is going to deal with us all.   Perhaps take our free will - then perhaps we will do His will.

"Right" said Eric "on that cheerful note who's for a pint"

The elderly group rose stiffly from their seats and moved slowly towards the doorway.   The lights twinkled in the valley below and the cobbled road glistened in the first real rain of the summer.

Polly and Shirley headed for home.   "Polly do you remember Sabu who used to live at No.10?" asked Shirley.  "Everyone had a nickname then and he certainly wasn't offended.   He was a really nice guy.   And then there was Ghandi" 

"I remember Sabu" said Polly "he was such a lovely neighbour and a real gentleman, but Ghandi's dead isn't he"  

"Not THE Ghandi" said Shirley laughing "we called him Ghandi because he was a Hindu he was a lovely man as well.   Then Mr. Patel at No.4.   He was a supervisor at the mill.  We have always welcome immigrants into our country and they usually adapted to our way of life.    We certainly never considered them a threat.   It's very different now.

"It's a tiny island Shirley" said Polly "that is always going to be a problem but the way its heading we will be in the minority and then what?   Fanatics of any persuasion are very dangerous people."

Maggie linked Eric's arm as they crossed the road to the Dog and Whistle.   

"Hey lass" he whispered "one day at a time.   D'nay fas yerself, I see the Golden City" he guestered toward the skyline.

"That's the gasometer in Jackson Street" she replied laughing.

"According to our Audrey" Eric continued "Jesus said "Fear Not" 30 times, so we will do just that.

Psalm 33 - 12

Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord

The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

SHALOM.

  

C.A.R.E.

Love suffers long and is kind;

Love does not envy;

Love does not parade itself;

is not puffed up.

1 Corinthians 13 - 4

If every self confessed christian followed this section of the Pauline epistle to the Corinthians we would be able to change communities and eventually countries, but there is little evidence of this. 

A recent newspaper article bemoaned the standard of care afforded a relative in a very modern multi purpose facility for the elderly with the obvious intention of naming and shaming the establishment which for the most part specialized in residents with dementia.   This is a fast growing problem with a huge elderly demographic.   

The problem of dealing with elderly folk with dementia includes caring for both the gentle and aggressive.   Any age group can suffer the side effects of prescription drugs and many old people have a daily regime of pill popping.  Coping with failing health, depression, loneliness and the sheer frustration of a body that "won't cooperate with instruction"  they can become frustrated, difficult and at times plain nasty.

An article in a daily broadsheet this week suggested many children did not want their parents living in their home and the journalist suggested it was a self, self, self generation.   Not that I disagree with her comment but I would go further and say we shouldn't cobble everyone together in our criticism.

There are two clearly defined groups.   Those who would benefit from an inheritance and those who would have to pay top-up fees.   

The first group stand to benefit from the eventual sale of their parents home.   However should a widow or widower be considered for a care home the amazing weekly rates would soon absorb any capital and then their children would lose that inheritance.    Sadly many turn a blind eye hoping their Mum or Dad will quietly slip away in between their infrequent visits.   

The top-up fees would be resented especially if the elderly parent with just a state pension continued to live into their nineties or even one hundred years plus.   Apparently there is funding available in the U.K.   NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding.   Can you imagine the queue to get that and how long before the pot runs dry?  

Sometimes families live on the other side of the world.   Elderly people would not wish to move to an unfamiliar environment at their time of life and hopefully at this point one can only hope the real care system kicks in and they are fortunate enough to have "caring carers"

Many children who still live and work in the same area as their parents ultimately become sole carers.    They genuinely love their parents and would gladly nurse them in their own homes until the very end.

Here the word "love" comes into play because without "love" and a genuine desire to care for their aging parent it becomes  a chore and without "love"  a grudging burden, sadly the end result is often the elderly are abused by their own families both physically and financially.   

The ethos of caring is simple enough:

C -     Concern - anxious - involved in the welfare of others.

A -     Always ready to help regardless of age, gender or race.

R -     Respect - sadly lacking - many ignore the wisdom of their elders.

E -     Empathy - the ability to understand another's feelings and their situation. 

In this SELF generation the goal is for the here and now.

In his book "God Tells the Man who Cares" (first published in 1993) A.W. Tozer suggests "men looked forward to heaven as a return from the war fought in this world, to peace at last and a home prepared and waiting" (paraphrased) surely that is what the true child of God expects and lives for.  In old age there is a quiet peace and longing for our eternal home.

He considered men now think of the world as their playground, we are here to enjoy ourselves and we should live life to the full and he goes further saying they might deny this assertion but their conduct says otherwise.

If we consider what our fathers believed that sin, hell and the devil exist and that we are accountable to God.    If we live according to the Word then we are against the way of this world and our lives will be a battlefield.

We might also consider that how we treat the elderly, sick, orphan and homeless is a witness to an unbelieving world.   The command is to "love" our neighbour and even our enemies.   Tozer also suggested that if we are on God's side in this world our fight is until the end.  Quite what Tozer would think of our present world only heaven knows,  he has surely earned his place there.

We all face a bleak future in a world without  "love"   Perhaps if we took responsibility for the hands that rocked our cradle and cared for us it might just lessen the burden on the state system.  But there is another side to the equation, many elderly parents would refuse that option preferring independence, determined to hold it together until their number is called.  They pray daily for the strength and ability to cope with one day at a time.   And He answers.

SHALOM 

       

EXTRA ORDINARY PEOPLE

MATTHEW 22 - 14

For many are called but few are chosen.

The Moravians were a truly extraordinary group of Christians and their witness led to the conversion of John Wesley.    John's journal was full of observations and encounters of this German fellowship of christians.

Although only seven years old and on a ship bound for Germany he noted "they performed servile offices for other passengers, which none of the English would undertake for which they refused to accept payment saying "it was good for their proud heart and that their saviour had done more for them"

How simple an explanation, how genuine their faith, their lives far above the materialistic plain many christians enjoy.

John commented "they were pushed, struck down, ill treated and they rose again and went.   When the seas rose and the boat flooded it caused panic among the English who were screaming.    The Germans were singing and Wesley asked them were they afraid.   They replied "No, thank God.  When John asked "were not the women and children afraid to die" the Germans replied "No, our women and children are not afraid to die.  John then went to their English neighbours on the boat and pointed out the difference in the hour of trial between him that feared God and him that did not.   The sea fell calm.

For John that was a glorious day.

When they arrived in Germany they lodged with the Moravians.   He kept a journal, observed their daily lives, always cheerful, always in good humour with one another, they had dispensed with anger, strife, wrath, bitterness and evil speaking, they followed the gospel teaching and walked worthy to be called followers of Christ.

Back in England in the year 1736 John was strongly convicted of his unbelief when Peter Boehler came to London and he expressed the real meaning to faith.

Two fruits inseparably attending the true Christian.

PEACE from a sense of forgiveness.

John contended this argument and worked to prove Boehler wrong considering he himself did not feel forgiveness there if that was the case.   All his pretensions to faith dropped at once.   He eventually retreated to his last line of defence "that experience would never agree with the literal interpretation of those scriptures" and he told Peter "I could not allow it to be true until I found living witnesses of it.

Peter said he could provide such witnesses at any time if that were required.   

He arrived the following day with three witnesses all of whom testified to their own personal experiences that a TRUE LIVING FAITH IN CHRIST IS INSEPARABLE FROM A SENSE OF PARDON FOR ALL PAST, AND FREEDOM FROM ALL PRESENT SINS.

They added that FAITH WAS A GIFT, A FREE GIFT FROM GOD that He freely gave to every soul who earnestly pursued it.

That convicted Wesley.   He renounced all dependence on his own works or righteousness which he considered would get him into heaven (a belief he held from childhood) and a full reliance on the saving blood of Christ and a trust in Christ for his sole justification, sanctification and redemption.

He was also convicted by their total trust in God to such an extent that when a child died he asked the father "how do you find yourself" as the father stood by the side of his child's grave he replied "Praised be the Lord, never better.   He has taken the soul of my child to Himself.   I have seen, according to my desire, his body committed to holy ground, and I know that when it is raised again, both he and I shall be ever with the Lord.

That is faith and trust in Almighty God by a people committed to a true christian walk far removed from the country club "inner circle" church and the happy clappy good time worship or a leadership with an amazing lack of concern for anything outside their own agenda and prominence.

God created mankind and knows our every weakness and imperfection, but it is only when we realise how truly unworthy we are of His saving grace we become a pilgrim with our compass set for His Kingdom.   We fall off the narrow path and get a real bashing from Satan but we climb back and stagger on.

The dark Lord has been busy highlighting both past and present wickedness in those who witness and profess to follow Christ and a world of hypocrites enjoys every story.  Perhaps he says to a subordinate "turn the spotlight on that guy, now I have him"   The anti.christian lobby gleefully point the finger at the discredited target.   Yet their amazing arrogance, pride and conceit is just one of the less colourful, less visible sins that could well cost them eternity.

No one that is truly repentant (and God knows the fakes) however heinous the crime is beyond the forgiveness of God.   The creator made his creatures, he knows their every weakness and those that witness and struggle are the target of the adversary.  "Oh its okay - God isn't looking - He's too busy to watch you, go ahead"

In the days of Noah it was time to eliminate a wicked generation.   We were given free will and with that gift a rainbow of emotions both good and bad.   The human race is capable of such incredible greatness but its finger hovers above the self destruct button.

As the world descends into an orgy of violence maybe the final biblical prophecy draws ever nearer.

Next time by fire.

What might be left from the ashes would be the machine.    How utterly amazing that in the recent airline tragedy in the Ukraine unbroken bottles of alcohol were found amongst the broken dead bodies.

May the innocents walk safely in His Kingdom.   Their battle over.   The rest of us must struggle on to the finish line.

Baruch ha ba b'shem Adonai.

SHALOM.

SHAKERS

ISAIAH 65

2 - 3

I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people,

who walk in a way that is not good,

according to their own thoughts.

Pick up the old testament scriptures and you can't help noticing God got very angry with a disobedient nation.    Heaven help us all.   Even now man is busy compromising His Truth and they have no fear of His impending Wrath.  Their mandate, to fill the emptying pews left by discerning christians.   Their agenda, just get the people in and let God do the rest.   Their presentation "we are here for a good time this morning right?    WRONG.

It all went terribly wrong when men lacking in genuine anointing got themselves appointed into what is merely "a denominational organisation" and it is the same in any group or quango, the wrong people get voted in.   The leader of a ministry used to be just that, His man on earth called to shepherd His sheep.   Now they can clearly get rid of someone who isn't preaching a comfortable sermon.  Satan is busy at the foot of the altar.

Nevertheless the followers of the new versions of the bible profess His Holy name, pin their hapless victims against the wall with threats of hell and damnation and heaven forbid anyone who challenges their interpretation of scripture which usually fits neatly in with their chosen lifestyle.

In his book "I talk back to the Devil" A.W. Tozer clearly describes the fiery indignation of those challenged as having a dulled understanding and living far below the standards of scripture.

He instructs the unbelieving to search beyond their intellect and seek with their heart - and he also believed in prevenient grace.   It's all down to a touch of the Holy Spirit.   That we should get out of the way and let God. 

Perhaps then in His time, in an answer to our prayer our Holy awesome God will reveal himself to the lost soul although for some it will require a right royal slap or Damascus 'bolt from the blue'   When you receive a genuine touch of God on your life you will tremble.

Isaiah 66 - 2

But on this one I will look,

on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

and who trembles at My Word.

How many times do you hear people shout "Oh my God" as tragedy strikes.  They switch off that life support machine, a child dies under the wheels of a speeding motorist, they cry out when they are cornered, trapped and there is nowhere to run. 

Safer to search for Him now and walk in His peace as the world descends into violent chaos.

One day this blob of blood and mush will be left behind, discarded.    Spirits freed from their earthly prison will fly.   HOPEFULLY, PRAYERFULLY IN A RIGHT DIRECTION.  

Science fiction writers have a field day.   Their imaginations run riot.   Not all their aliens are pretty.

Some descriptions pretty grotesque to the human eye but at least they go beyond what the scientific establishment considers normal parameters, they are not restricted or chained by dogma, and strange as it may seem to some there are instances where science follows their prophetic writing.   

The scientist and the atheist don't have a problem with their foresight, they don't connect it to a divine prompting.  They are just using their educational prowess to make money thinking outside the box.

One particular book by the writer Richard Matheson produced an incredible fantasy film released in 1998 the lead actor Robin Williams.  "What dreams may come"

At one point the main character Chris Nielsen stands on the edge of what initially appears to be row after row of cobbles stretching into the darkness.  He has arrived at a place described in the book as the "Field of the Dammed"   Watching the film you quickly realise the cobbles are human heads all tightly packed together (perhaps held in some hellish mortar).   The heads are talking, some crying, some still protesting their innocence, some shouting.

Well folks that was enough to get me on my knees and right back on track.   Fiction it may be but I certainly didn't want to finish up parked next to the "neighbour from hell" for all eternity, or a political or religious zealot.   No, No,  Hosannah - Save Now.

Perhaps watching this amazing film might help the convenient lack of imagination where hell and damnation are concerned.   After all film producers and science fiction writers have done their best to "care the hell" out of their audiences.    

All credit to the amazing flight of imagination by the writer and the stunning graphic artists who along with Robin Williams and Annabella Sciorra's incredible acting made this film an Academy Award winner.      

Sooner or later the grim reaper comes for us all, either by depreciation, malfunction, pestilence.   King and commoner suffer the same fate, but death has no power over a spirit filled child of God.   Those of  us who have experienced a close encounter with God have no fear of that final breath although we have an overwhelming sense of being unworthy of a place in His kingdom.    And crowns, they are for the Tozers, Wilkersons,  Bunyans, Ravenhills, Wesleys the list goes on and on and includes those precious martyrs beheaded for holding to their faith, they are truly worthy of His reward.   Then one might humbly consider Psalm 84 - 10   "I would rather be a door keeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness"

Now and again Satan reminds us of past failures "what a total waste of space you really are"  But the new age church doesn't preach hell or sin.   Many Nicolatians are "living it up" with little thought for what tomorrow brings and barely distinguishable from a non believer who considers this is all there is so they want it all.

"Hey I'm saved" he tells himself as he fills in his fraudulent tax return, has that seedy affair.   Justifying his actions by "Oh we met in church, God meant us to be together"   No He doesn't read your bible.

A.W. Tozer reminds us christians are far from perfect.   That God doesn't want us to worship the preacher, teacher or leaders.   Every idol has to go.  YHVH - Yahweh - first and foremost, he also suggests God will not ask your denomination or whose bible interpretation you followed.

Isaiah 64 - 8

But now, O Lord,

Your are our Father;

We are the clay, and You our potter,

And we all are the work of Your hand.

It's time to seek His Truth.

It's time to bow down before the only King before the curtain falls and the lights go out.  Contrary to the belief of many "when I die that's it - end of"   WHAT AN AMAZING LACK OF FORESIGHT.

Phillipians 3 - 20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Saviour,

the Lord Jesus Christ. 

SHALOM

       

DIVINE ELECTION - GOD'S SELECTION

ACTS 9 - 15 - 16

But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine

to bear My name before Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel.

For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.

Elections are the buzz word in many countries, but are they really accurate or manipulated.  Is it just another oligarchy.   I was promptly reminded by a zealot "we are supposed to pray for our leaders".   "Yes I do" I replied "I pray that God will remove them and raise up men of integrity and wisdom, I pray divine election not the people's selection.   A cheeky grin and a cheery wave and most voters don't even take the time to research the individual who is supposed to serve them and eventually realise they  serve their own agenda and hang on to power with all the tenacity of an octopus.    

Over the next few months the mud slinging will begin.   Dig and dig deep for anything you can find that will discredit any potential adversary.   Somewhere in his/her past there will be something.  Everyone has a skeleton or two in their closet.   The thirst for power is ruthless.     

Hadn't Saul of Tarsus done it all.  A pharisee and a zealot every action justified with his religious mindset.    He had watched as Stephen was stoned to death.   His mission to wipe out, eliminate this Christian cult that followed their rebellious Jewish rabbi.  Of course he didn't actually do the killing, like most leaders that falls somewhere down the chain of command.  Guilt by proxy.   They had crucified the leader now Saul's mandate was to eradicate His followers.

The Lord dealt with Saul in what can only be described as a 'bolt from the blue' and when he heard the voice of Yeshua that was it.   That is enough to correct any mortal,  the Lord brought him to his knees face down in the dirt - cleaned him up and sent him out.   But having now changed sides he was listening to a different authority very aware he was unworthy of such forgiveness, compassion and love.  But his zeal and single minded focus was about to be used mightily by His saviour.

Religious extremists of any shade are dangerous people, the violence in the scriptures is playing out again in the Middle East, they rise from the pit of hell to radicalize, inflicting misery and death on their opposition and any innocents who get in their way.

In today world there would be enough evidence to convict Paul.   Now a follower of Christ he was a target for the Jews but the Christians didn't want to associate with him either - just look what he did to their people. 

People will have their scapegoat.   We are all guilty when we look the other way.   We are all weak and we all fail.  Ghandi said "if it's an eye for an eye the whole world will be blind"   Thank heaven for a merciful and forgiving God.   He loves us all but requires we pick up the cross of obedience.   

And yes, God chooses who he uses and if you put your head above the parapet expect to be shot at.    

Yeshua warned his followers: 

  

Matthew 10 - 16

Behold I sent you out as sheep in the midst of wolves

To be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Speaking His Word you might just stir the 'hornets nest'.   Many will rise against you, isolation and persecution will follow.   Rejoice.   Peter and Paul were in and out of the slammer.   You are in good company.   In China the underground church pastors are tortured and imprisoned.  Read  "The Heavenly Man"   The state church isn't a problem and it won't be here -  its the children who truly follow their Lord.   The world will find any excuse to highlight past weaknesses, spotlight your fall from grace, and gladly slam the prison door shut.

The sad case of the young christian woman doctor in Sudan continues.   Re-arrested with her two children they have cleverly found another charge against her.   She faces seven years in jail if she is found guilty and they will be doing their utmost to ensure the case goes against her.    PLEASE PRAY for Mariam Yehya Ibrahim a sudanese doctor and christian.   May the Lord deal with these people and bring her and her children to a safe harbor.

Psalm 119 - 105

Your word is a lamp to my feet

And a light to my path.

SHALOM