Holiday Gatherings

Holidays are times when families traditionally get together. For most families this is a joyous occasion with lively dinner conversation, board games, even a traditional touch football game - but for some, it can be a vivid reminder of estranged relationships, separations, divorce or lost loved ones. A difficult time for some to face unless wounds have healed.

Healing, under these circumstances, can seem impossible. However, like a broken bone that becomes stronger after it mends, the same is true with relationships. The areas where we have been hurt, where we have fallen or failed, maybe even given up on - are the very places where God can heal us if we allow Him to.

How do we allow this healing? We become transparent before God — we ask Him to cleanse us and pour His healing mercy over our wounds. When we are faithful to bring our broken parts to God, He will be faithful to heal them.

God bless you all this Thanksgiving and if you are in need of healing, just ask.

The Truth
“His strength is made perfect through our weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The Battle of Ezekiel 38

The Bible clearly states in Ezekiel 38, that the Nation of Israel will be invaded by Russia (Gog) and it’s allies (Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, Turkey, Sudan). During this invasion Israel will stand alone, no one will come to her aid. Not even the United States. According to most Bible commentaries, the battle of Ezekiel will most likely take place during the tribulation period and probably during the first 3 ½ years of the seven year period - a time when Israel is at peace (Ezek. 38:8) under a covenant with the Antichrist at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. (Daniel 9:27) How could this occur in our time? Here is one scenario.

Israel, probably the most restrained country on earth, which has long endured mortar shell attacks, rocket attacks, suicide bombers, invasions of surrounding areas as a way of life, is currently keeping an eye on Iran’s nuclear build up with much interest. During the continued Arab Israeli conflict, Iran has made one thing very clear - they will not rest until Israel is destroyed. With Israel’s history of surprise attacks against its enemies before they can strike first - Israel may well attack Iran with a surgical strike to take out its nuclear power capabilities before it can be turned against her. This could allow Israel to live in peace and safety for a time, until her neighbors organized against her for a coordinated attack described in Ezekiel 38.

In light of our current political leadership, Israel has little more than vocal support from the US. If anything, the current leadership is less concerned with Israel than it is with helping the victims of hurricane Sandy. Many Israelite's believe, as a result of our recent election, that they are truly alone in the world. So…what will Israel do to defend itself? Use technology.

Israel does possess the technology to send Iran back to the stone age. It is called, an electromagnetic bomb. This sort would be detonated above the ground, creating an electromagnetic pulse that would disrupt all the technological devices working on the ground. This kind of bomb would operate based on the nonlethal technology of gamma rays. The outburst of energy would “fry” electric devices and currents around the source of the explosion, thus ending any possible threat of nuclear attack for years, providing them with peace and safety for a time.

I am not an alarmist, but I do read my Bible - which tells me, we are truly living in the last days. Pray for Israel, read your Bible and watch for the signs in world events, as they build toward this clash.

The Truth
Ezekiel 38:18-23
Ezekiel 39:1-16

Tolerance or Tyranny

Tolerance is a word we hear a lot in today‘s society. According to Webster, it is a sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with, one's own. In other words, people agreeably disagreeing. I might sympathize with your belief on say - life in prison vs. capital punishment - but at the same time, not agree with it.

Tyranny, on the other hand, is oppressive/absolute authority imposed by some on others who are differing with the established beliefs. So, if a government or institution takes a stand on a belief and imposes that stand on it’s people, without the ability to reject said belief, it is tyranny.

However, in today’s society, these two terms are mixed up. Today tolerance means, acceptance. The acceptance of someone else’s belief - say - sexuality or gender identify. To the point where, rejection of said belief is not an option because some institution says you must accept their view. That sounds like tyranny in my dictionary.

As a Christian public high school teacher, I recently had to sit through a workshop on gender identity and was instructed at this workshop to (among other things) “celebrate” with any student who “came out to me” because of their trust in confiding with me.

As a Christian who believes that; “God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27), I can listen, be a confidante and even offer another point of view to a confused high school student - but certainly not celebrate this unbiblical view.

Therefore, when you cast your vote next Tuesday, please think about your views as a Christian and about which candidate represents what you believe in. This election is Not about race, nor religion, nor a political party, nor special interests - but about future control. Think about, who voted God out of their party platform, think about abortion, the support of Israel, the support of gay marriage, the agendas in public education - these are the issues we as Christians are voting for or against next Tuesday.

The Truth
Someone will win this election, the question is - what will he bring with him? Prayerfully seek your choice and above all, may God continue to bless America.

Truly This Was The Son Of God

Have you ever had a revelation? Something that became crystal clear to you in a moment. Peter had one of those moments when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the son of man, am?” (Matthew 16:13) Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16) Likewise, a Roman Centurion standing guard at the cross witnessing the slow and agonizing death of Jesus had the same revelation. Upon seeing the events which took place immediately after Jesus breathed His last, (the veil of the temple being torn from top to bottom; the earth shaking and rocks splitting; tombs opening) he became filled with fear and stated, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:50-54)

Yet Jesus was crucified because of the accusations by the very people who should have recognized Him as the Son of God more than anyone else; the Pharisees (Mark 3:6), Scribes and even the Chief Priests (Mark 11:18) of Jerusalem. They were the historians, the educated, the very voice of the scriptures to the people. Instead, they handed Jesus over to Pilate to be put to death. What was their case that warranted death by crucifixion? Pontius Pilate wondered the same thing. The Bible tells us that Pilate knew the chief priests handed Him over because of “envy“ (Mark 15:10) and that he found no fault in Him. (Luke 23:14)

Because Jesus forgave people of their sins and made statements like, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) - they (chief priests) saw this as blasphemy for only God alone can forgive people for their sins. Therefore, these acts put Jesus on the same level as God. However, if you are the Son of God, where is the blasphemy? Even one of the two criminals crucified with Jesus recognized His ability to forgive him of his sins stating, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)

So, the question to us remains the same as it was to His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) A good man? A teacher? A prophet? Or like Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

The Truth
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus) and behold , a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 and 2 Peter 1:17)

Heavenly Treasure

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10)

The Christian will some day appear (made manifest) before the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” This is where our lives will be laid open before the tribunal of Christ, to examine our service for Him. Not only the amount of service, but the quality and even the very motives that prompted it, will be brought into review. Here our heavenly rewards will be directly proportionate to our faithfulness to Him.

As a believer, one should always remember that faith is linked with salvation, and works are linked to reward. We (believers) are saved by grace through faith, not of works; (Eph.2:8-9) but - once saved, we must put our faith into action through good works- “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” (James 2:26)

Therefore, let us all exam our heats to test the motives of our service whether they be to please man or please God. For if it is to please man, then the Bible says, “you have your reward on earth” - but if the motive is to please God, “then your reward is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

The Truth
“For the son of Man will come in the glory of His Father and with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)

The Testing Of Faith

Throughout the epistle of James, the brother of Jesus describes how, “the testing of our faith produces patience.” Testing can come to us in many ways; through trials (James 1:2), through temptations (James 1:12), through works (James 2:17-26), through stumbling (James 3:2-12), through pride (James 3:13-16), through lust (James 4:1-4) and through power and wealth (James 5:1-6). However James is quick to point out that, “patience must have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4) What this means is, we must complete the test.

Everyone of these types of tests are checks to see where we are in our growth as a Christian. They can be short and quick - field of vision at the beach, that second look - or long and seemingly everlasting - a struggle with drugs/alcohol/cigarettes/porn. We can endure these tests as they come along with patience and become stronger or, we can fall - experience separation - eventually become broken and repentant - cry out to God - and start over again. But, be assured - just like school - if you did not pass the test, you will have to take it again.

What is James exhortation for these test of the faith? To be patient and to persevere until the coming of our Lord (James 5:7-11), to pray for specific needs (James 5:13-18) and to restore our brothers to the faith. (James 5:19-20)

The Truth
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

To Everything There is a Season

How often have you said, The Lords' Prayer? Now, how often have you stopped to think about the words, "Thy will be done?" Those are some tough words to pray at times.

My wife lost her brother to lung cancer a few years back. We prayed for healing and cried out for a healing touch all through his illness but, Gods' will was not to heal him on earth and that's OK. Even though as Christains we are told to, "make our requests known to God," He is under no obligation take our direction. Who are we to direct or council God.

Jesus, the night before His crucifixtion prayed, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. (Matthew 26:39) The Bible also speaks of Jesus being in so much agony at this point, that His sweat became like great drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:44) This request must have been difficult for the Father not to grant seeing both the current and future pain of His Son. However, God had a greater purpose, the salvation of man.

Therefore, do not be discouraged by what seems to be unanswered prayer. Understand our Father has a heavenly purpose that is far beyond our current understanding - and that some day, we will see it clearly.

The Truth
"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

Have you ever noticed how most people have a hard time waiting their turn? This can be seen in different actions every day. For example - the sigh-er, the tapper, the look, the body language and of course the questioner, "Can't you go any faster." In the instant breakfast society we live in today, everyone wants an express lane. We want - what we want - when we want it. As Christians, we need to show patience in everything we do in our daily life's, including being patient with our Lord.

Have you ever been praying for someone or something, for what seems to you a long time? Well, join the club. We all have. God is not some "genie in a bottle" ready to grant us three wishes when we call on Him. Nor is He only to be called upon in time of need. What kind of relationship would you have with someone, if you only called them when you needed something? The bible tells us in James, "the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16) Let's look at these words a little closer.

Webster defines effective as fruitful or capable or producing a desired result. This means we must have a prayer life, that is marked by fruit. The word fervent can be translated intense, passionate, very hot - glowing. This means our prayer life should have emotion in it and not just some mundane, half hearted request. Finally, it is the prayer of the righteous that reaches God. We as Christians have righteousness imputed to us through our belief in Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection. Therefore we can, make our request known to God.

It is so important to establish a fervent prayer life with our heavenly father who, "desires to give us above all that we could ask or think."(Eph.3:20) Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. If you set aside the time to do just that, you will see the fruit of your petitions.

The Truth
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. (James 5:17-18)