PRICE PAID - THANK YOU LORD

Lamentations 3 - 40

Let us search out and examine our ways,

And turn back to the Lord;

Let us lift our hearts and hands

To God in heaven,

We have transgressed and rebelled;

You have not pardoned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acts 1 - 9

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

Acts 1 - 10-11

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

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

BARUCH HA BA B'SHEM ADONAI

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

Revelation 21 - 4

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;

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

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

AMEN 

HARVESTERS

JOHN 10 - 14

I am the good shepherd,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And in a later paragraph:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond the river of sorrow there is a promised land

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

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

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

J.R. Miller DD

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

Matthew 25 - 31- 46

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

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

RELUCTANT PROPHET.

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

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

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

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

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

A.W. Tozer*

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 14 - 30

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

HIDDEN WITNESS

Non de plume leaves no room for temptation,

faceless at a railway station.

Only mission, only goal,

to reach a lost and hurting soul.

Just a stranger on the street,

 dodge the mass of marching feet,

watchful eyes that sweep the skies,

then focus on the souls oppressed.

Father give them peace and rest.

Tormented twisting struggling souls,

captured spiralling out of control.

Price you pay for a cloak of fame

small print in the 'spotlight game'

Poverty her earthly gown,

a smiling face not an ugly frown,

filled with His spirit, the highest high,

 amazing fix that money can't buy.

Covered by her Father's provision,

blessed by dreams and eternal vision.

Her life in His hands, the only decision.

T. Hills

2016

Revelation 21:

7) The encouragement

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

8) The warning

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

SHALOM

*  A.W. Tozer - Born after Midnight.

D.I.Y. CHRISTIAN

Matthew 23 - 9

Do not call anyone on earth your father,

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

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

Losing, losing,

God's children are choosing,

bound and fettered they are not,

they stand for Truth against the rot.

Who do you work for? heavy your sin,

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

For every child raped, every victim unfed,

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

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

Every time you bent the rules corrupting innocence in schools.

By your actions you are damned

corruption will rage in the land.

Losing, losing, we can say

manipulation has had its day.

When men deny both God and Law

 hell on earth is now in store. 

Governments will lose control

anarchy takes and breaks the mould.

 Killing fields you drench in blood,

martyrs burnt on piles of wood.

Women weep as children die,

God hears every single cry.

The faithful know their Saviour's voice

and walk the straight and narrow course.

Their final cry, the battle won,

they kneel before God's only Son.

Yeshua ha-Mashiach

Christ Jesus the Messiah.

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

Matthew 23-10

Jesus said:

And do not be called teachers;

for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

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

Matthew 23 - 27

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

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

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

SHALOM

PROPAGANDA GAME

ROMANS 11-5

Even so, then at this present time

there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(John 4 - 23) Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman said "But the hour is coming and now is that true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.   God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.  

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

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

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

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

Revelation 5 - 15 & 16

and they said to the mountains and rocks,

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

and from the wrath of the Lamb.

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

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

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

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

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

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

One day Jesus gentle shepherd

the one who carries me,

will take my hand and lead me homewards

Oh what a day that will be.

When a loving God who knows all things,

where they end and where they begin,

and how we fly on such fragile wings,

such fragile wings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Isaiah 2 - 19

They shall go into holes of the rocks

And into the caves of the earth

From the terror of the Lord

And the glory of His majesty

When he arises to shake the earth mightily.

SHALOM 

THE FUTURE VEILED

REVELATION 

18 - 4

And I heard another voice from heaven saying

come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins,

and that ye receive not.

THE LORD IS GRACIOUS - hidden behind the veil  the life changing events we never expected.   Even our own departure date.    

No doubt about it, this once great country is on the downhill slide, packed with the immigrant and the elderly both unwanted.  But we of the zimmer and crutch brigade and will not go silently into the night.

Christians arise:

NO:   To the morons who are trying to tell us we are not a christian country any more.   Oh yes we are but we won't follow men who twist and change the Word of God or attempt to lead us on the path of appeasement or convenience, the number crunching brigade.

Psalm 26 - 4

I have not sat with idolatrous mortals,

Nor will I go in with hypocrites.

I have hated the assembly of evildoers,

And will not sit with the wicked. 

    

NO:  To the controlled media in this once proud country.   We have your number and we will work against you and anyone who tries to corrupt the minds of the young with your propaganda.

NO: To the dark side of the legal profession and those who hound men of wealth and the cloth to name and disgrace regardless of the fact that they haven't a scrap of material evidence qualifying the words of women with a rather vivid recollection and memory, applauding the skills of the bounty hunter.

Yes Jimmy Saville is long dead, and the dead can't talk.   The writer knew him only from a distance long before he acquired his notorious reputation.   The writer also saw the girls that huddled around him when he worked as a D.J. at a Manchester venue and people in the entertainment business knew all about the "casting couch" - fame costs.     The celebrity circus is alive and well and most people know the saying "don't put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington"

It would be interesting research finding out exactly how much money the legal profession has made from the incarceration of elderly men, no doubt some guilty, and a prison system that benefits from their state pensions.  No doubt they research their prey, whether they have money, or can they claim against a company or employer.    Plea bargaining is commonplace and the innocent mix with the guilty.   Their families pay a heavy price for changing their plea and a reduced sentence.  Obviously there are good practitioners amongst the dross, but regardless of the sentence passed by an earthly judge, there is one judge to whom ALL will answer and the pay out for those that got it wrong is undoubtedly - hell.

Forty years ago men "patted bottoms" and probably enticed innocent girls into their luxury cars.   Like moths attracted to the light the children would have been impressed with their celebrity status and their public personalities.   No, it doesn't justify what men did,  but it was commonplace and at the end of the day there is a "bounty hunter" chasing these men.      No hype about the devious behaviour of women.   One might question where were the parents?  Didn't they know what their children were doing, or who they were with?  What had they failed to teach their children?   They share the guilt.  Amazingly if you have money you can bury your crime, nothing changes, one law for the rich and one for the poor.

NO: To the nanny state.   Hands off my parents, only God says when its time to go.   Sadly many do not have family support and encouragement and once again the wealthy and privileged are more likely to accuse their carers of inappropriate behaviour and swing their case.   If it moves, sue it.

NO: To the state control of our children's minds.  They are our kids - hands off big brother.   Don't let the authorities mess with their values.  Guard them like the precious God given gifts that they are.   For a country crumbling under moral decadence make a difference in the time you have been allotted.

True christians follow their leader, Christ Jesus, Yeshua HaMashiach - Jesus the Messiah - not the appointed hierarchy in the denominations.   Through our Lord we know our destination and hold to the narrow path.

PRAY:

For the captives, it just takes one weakness, one vulnerable moment and the devil is in the detail.   Tell them about the Lord you follow.   Get used to people considering you are peculiar.   All true followers of the Christ are peculiar.

1 Peter 2 - 9

But ye are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood, an holy nation,

a peculiar people

KJV Bible.

FINALLY:

Love others, even those who hate you and use you spitefully.   Sadly that means you will probably have to remain apart from those who consider you "as mad as a box of ferrets"  or just plain dangerous.     The deterioration will continue - IT IS WRITTEN - but praise the Lord we are His chosen generation and we can see the finish line.

SHALOM

SERVANT HEART

MATTHEW
 24 - 7-8

For nation will rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom.
And there will be famines, pestilences, and earth quakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
NJKV - Spirit filled Bible.

It's all there, all we need to know about the road ahead.   Religious deception, social and political upheaval, natural calamities, disloyalty and persecution.    

The usual carnival of gluttony and drunken orgies just around the corner.   Young women in skirts that hardly cover their gender teetering on high heels ready for the party season seemingly oblivious to the road ahead or perhaps in total denial until the screaming starts.   The heads in the sand brigade.

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

The school gates locked behind the crocodile of happy excited stragglers making their way past Sam's flat at the start of the Christmas holiday.   For them the anticipation of a christmas tree stacked with presents,  their season of plenty.

Time to relax and grab a quick cup of tea in front of the television and catch up on the latest news.      Sam juggled three jobs to keep her family afloat but for a couple of weeks it would just be the home and her children.    A news report flashed across her t.v. screen and she saw land pulverized by conflict.   Hungry frightened children sleeping rough, seeming to have about as much value as a desert rat, others sat staring at the intruding camera whilst their fearful mothers struggled with primitive cooking facilities.

Another channel and innocent eyes stared through steel netting at a group of men.  "We don't want you here" they shouted at the little arab girl.   She was afraid, even amongst her own people there were men with evil intent.   A small boy was thrust through a window on to a packed train.   He screamed for his father.

Dear God in heaven, considered Sam, doesn't it make you want to chuck a brick through the t.v.  At least if I could smack the corrupt leaders I could get rid of some of the frustration.   They are just kids dragged from their homeland to a possible death from cold, snow and rain in a hostile land.  Another channel and people were marching and protesting yet still governments continued to bomb indiscriminately, where was it all going to end.

She changed channels and another world came into view.   Materialistic, hedonistic, greedy for more, eager to control, drunk with political power, the ME society.   "How did we fall so far from you Lord" she questioned "and how long before we receive what we so rightly deserve?  I get so angry when I see people blatantly ignoring your commandments.  I can't watch this parade of misery any more" she switched the set off  and moved towards the kitchen to prepare their evening meal.  She considered how powerless she was to make a difference, march, protest and no one listened.   Just making ends meet in her corner of the world was a challenge.   What will it take to make men lay down their weapons, simply feed the world and live in peace.   What is it going to take to make them realise they are not in control.

Then that still small voice interrupted her train of thought.   "Sam" she trembled at the sound of  her name spoken with such love and gentleness  "Sam, you don't have to fight my battles for Me, rest in My peace."  

For many children on Christmas Eve sleep would not come and Megan wrestled with the duvet.    "I can't sleep Mummy" she called from her bedroom.   Sam tried not to get annoyed.  Ben was fast asleep in the next room,  she was tired, it had been a long day.   She really needed to get some sleep to be fresh for the day ahead.   She knelt by the side of Megan's bed.   "Megan" she whispered gently "go to sleep, remember to thank Jesus for all His blessings.   So many children will go hungry and cold tonight and you have a snug warm bed and everything you need. 

"Why can't they come and share our dinner Mummy" asked Megan anxiously.   "Sorry darling, they are a world away from here.   They live in the Middle East not far from where Jesus was born." Sam replied.   "Well can't we send it to them in the mail" said Megan determined not to give up.   "Sorry darling, they probably wouldn't even like our food but I have sent some money so the charity workers can provide tents and food.   I really don't think they would like the cold winds and all the rain and snow we get here.

"Where has the sunshine gone" said Megan getting really drowsy "I am so tired of all the rain and getting really wet.    "It will be back in the spring" said Sam "you know nature is just sleeping and as the days lengthen everything will spring back to life".

"Megan" her mother spoke gently "we need to thank Jesus for his blessings and protection.   I'll switch your angel light on and you can listen to your favourite carols and when you wake up it will be Christmas morning.

Thankfully Megan had drifted off and Sam crept into her own bed.   She missed Peter so much and often wondered why he had had to die so very young, but then she knew her cross was small in comparison with the huge burdens and suffering of the many.    The Lord had carried her through the trauma and looked after her every need, she was indeed blessed.   

Sam didn't pander to commercialism she kept things simple, good food, a clean home and concern for the less fortunate.   Megan would not be getting the latest expensive electronic gadgets, her presents consisted of a scooter and a knitted scarf and lava lamp from her grandmother.   She would share her sweets and chocolates with her friends and cousins and of course she had already got her own little presents for her Mum and grandparents, the rabbits and Poppy the family dog.  Ben too little to understand all the preparations would settle for a bowl of his favourite ice cream but the snow white teddy his grandmother had bought him would remain a lifelong companion.

Thankfully Megan drifted off and Sam crept into her own bed.   "Forgive me Lord, I am too tired to pray tonight - forgive all my transgressions - help me to stand strong in time of trial.

   

Sam had a dream that night of another place far from her earthly home.   She stood as an observer watching Jesus surrounded by His disciples as Moses, Elijah, Daniel and many prophets and angels   gathered before the great white throne.

The beautiful archangel Michael bowed low before the throne, his wings folded.   He spoke "Father how long before I can gather Your suffering people to You."   "Patience Michael" replied the Father "as in the days of Moses I give people a last chance to repent, perhaps when they suffer tribulation at My Hand they will bow the knee, otherwise their future lies with the accuser.

Sam shuddered her attention drawn to a dark figure standing in isolation from the main group.  The accuser of the brethren, whispering and sniggering foul instructions to his evil cohorts and their captives on earth.    Miserable tormented souls drowning in a pool of debauchery and sin. 

Sam stood in awe as Jesus left the group and moved to her side.   "Sam" he called her by name.   "All who desire to live godly lives in Me will suffer persecution"  2 Tim. 3-12 

But you must continue in things of which you have learned and been assured of knowing of whom you have learned them. 2 - Tim - 14

From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Me.  2 - Tim - 15 

The Father knows His own and you are His.   I  will return to my people from whence I departed and all will see My glory.   

Sam stood powerless in His gaze.   Such love exceeding all human emotion held her, surrounded her and filled her with peace.   Now go to your children.   Teach them my precepts, protect and guard them for your futures are assured.   Speak My Truth quietly at every given opportunity.   The fields are ready for harvest.   

The sound of bird song drifted in the open window heralding the dawn.   The first hard frost of the year had turned the grass white.   Sam lay still not wanting to leave that place.   The rustling of paper told her Megan was exploring her sack of christmas presents at the end of her bed.

Matthew 28 - 20

"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;

and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

AMEN.

And the peace of the Lord that transcends all understanding be with you and those you love.   May the Lord fill you with courage and strength in the days ahead.   For His kingdom will surely come.