Reflections at Home At Noon Break

America as we know it is finished.  We have turned the corner and are now heading down a path that we will never recover from.  God has been giving her warning with smaller judgments but I fear they will now accelerate.  We have a changing demographic that prefers something for nothing instead of responsibility and hard work.  Where did this come from?  Yes we have immigrants but that’s only a small part of the story.  It started perhaps over a hundred years ago when the devil went into the conservative Bible teaching seminaries and began to dilute and compromise God’s Word.  It began to spread and it ate in the church like a cancer until we are now seeing the full maturing of the fruit.  While we have perhaps 80% of the population claiming that they are Christians, we have 40.7% of the babies born in America to single women.  Less than 50% of those above 21 years of age are married, not counting the second and third marriages.  We have murdered over 50 million babies and most of us saw via the Internet or via TV one major political party booing and shaking their fists at God just three months ago and yet we have condoned that behavior. We are getting so smart that we have now come out with a “study” saying that children of lesbians are happier. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”  Romans 1:22 

The compromising church with its watered down Bible has produced a population that cares nothing for morals, dignity, fear of God, or even love of country, but only with their bellies.  God’s judgment is at the door, not just because of the outcome of this election, but it many things have led up to this breaking point!  Do not look for hope in politics or government because there is none. 

I’ve painted a gloomy picture of things, and it is gloomy when looking at it from the world’s viewpoint.  But when seeing it from God’s Word, it only shows that the rapture is all the nearer.  Can we have revival in America?  Yes, we can and maybe this is what it will take to get people to pray.  Maybe we will really get serious with God as we see our walls come tumbling down and the enemy coming in.  I just hope it’s not too late. 

 

 

Psalms 119:7
I will praise thee with uprightness of heart,
when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Today is Christmas. Even with all the extra fluff and worldly customs we have picked up through the years, it’s good to set aside a day when the world remembers one of the most important, yet hardly recognized events in human history. The fact that God came to earth in the form of a man, the second person of the Trinity, as a babe in a lowly manger, only to be tempted in all points as we are tempted, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15), is remarkable in itself. It is almost certain that he wasn’t born on December 25th due to the fact that shepherds didn’t keep their flocks out during that time of year, nevertheless, that’s the day that we have picked up so we celebrate it then.

You can see by the above scripture how prophesy works in the Scriptures. By this, how several thousand years can span during one verse. The first part of the verse says this, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:” That has happened already. Yet, there is more to come. If the Christmas story ended in the manger, we would not have cause to rejoice. If it ended on the cross, we still would not have cause to rejoice. If it ended at his resurrection, we may rejoice some but that’s not the end. The fact that we can see the second part of this verse gives us cause to rejoice. It takes us beyond this present world and beyond this dispensation, “and the government shall be upon his shoulder.” This world will not always be like this as one day Christ will rule and reign on the earth. “Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.” Isaiah 24:23

One day he is coming back, but this time not as a babe in a lowly manger, but as King and ruler. “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” Zech 14:9 So, during this Christmas season, don’t keep looking at that babe in the manger because he’s no longer there. Look for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to return to earth and rule and reign. Are you ready for his return?

Depending On Christ

Depending On Christ






“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:29

This is a strange verse to start a blog with but I want to bring something out in this verse that is more than just the basic truth. First, the basic truth is that avoiding hell is so important that if a part of one’s body causes them to stumble, they should cut it off. That is very extreme and I am in no wise advocating that you do that but Jesus is trying to express the point that to avoid hell and make heaven is the most important thing we can do, even more important that trying to preserve our flesh. But that’s not all.

Look who he is talking to. “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,” His whole discourse begins in the next verse, or verse 3 and continues all the way through until the end of Matthew 7. So, see how he is talking to – his disciples as “his disciples came unto him:” After they came to him, “And he opened his mouth, and taught them…” So, if a soul cannot parish after once being saved, why would he tell his disciples to go to great lengths to avoid Hell. If one can never be lost after being a a disciple or a child of God, there would be no reason for him to say that.

The truth of the matter that the doctrine of unconditional security has sent more souls to hell then just about any other false doctrine in the church because it teaches that once someone prays, there is no way they can be lost. Their reasoning’s are such as this:

“Christ is able to keep me.” Yes, he is if we are willing to be kept.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 ¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.” James 1: 12

“No man can pluck me out of his hand” True, but there is a condition.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27 (underline mine)

“Nothing will separate me from the love of God” ….but sin.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 8: 35-39

Finally, “My name is there in God’s book forever.” Take a look at the scripture.

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Revelation 3:5 A name cannot be blotted out unless it was there in the first place.

Yet, we do have confidence in Christ if we are willing to follow him as he will be our help if we depend upon him for strength and guidance.

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,” Jude 1:24

The bottom line is that we must depend on him and not just some man’s doctrine of “I hope so” salvation. We can overcome by “the blood of the lamb” and by the word of our testimony. Revelation 12:11

Our Independence

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

Today we celebrate our independence from Great Britain for the 235th time. It was a miracle of God that we were able to win against the then world powerhouse of sea and land. One needs only to lightly study the true history of the American Revolution and see that “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side” (Psalms 124:1) we would have never won. It was because of the fear of absolute tyranny that our forefathers rose up and boldly sought for independence.

May I say that we are in another war for independence, not from just another country, but from those within. This is not a war that can necessarily be won with guns and tanks, but must be won on our knees. While there are no doubt many more, we can focus on three things that are damaging and threatening our freedom to worship God, work as a private citizen, raise our children according to the fear of god, and keep live in a land of peace. The first is the invasion of the Islam religion. This religion has absolutely nothing to do with Christianity except that we should try to win them to Christ, not by compromise or giving them place in our churches, but by preaching to them the anointed Word of God. They are lost sinners caught up in a cult the same as Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Buda’s, and any others. We love them but they need to get saved from the religion that only produces hate and malice.

The second threat is socialism. Christ was not a socialist nor were the apostles. When we read the first few chapters of the book of Acts, we see how the supplies were distributed evenly, however this did not continue. Paul mentioned the same thing later however it was never intended to emerge as a tyrannical government but a way to supply for those in need. “But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:” 2 Corinthians 8:14 This meant that when someone was at need, others would supply, then in turn they would receive help when needed. It was also voluntary as we read in Acts 5:3 “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” Socials demands that money that someone has earned be taken away from those who work and given to those who chose not to work. It is a system of control, enrolling the masses into government programs so the government can be their god. Millions of Americans have bought into this already.

The third, and I believe the cause of why we are where we are, is the backslidden church in America. Many fundamental pulpits are filled with those who only lightly preach the Word of God, leaving their people with only a crumb or two so they go through their whole life knowing little or nothing about the Bible, God’s promises, as well as what he expects out of his people. To most, the Bible is some strange book that is only lightly looked at and is way down on their reading list. Most know not how to fervently pray or travail in the spirit. They know little or nothing about fasting and separation but will raise up their own little projects to soothe the conscience.

We have a heritage based on the scriptures and Christ. Although the authors of our history books have worked overtime to depict it is anything but Christianity, the truth is, America was wrought by God and raised up on high due to God’s blessings. We can say with the Psalmist, “The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.” Psalm 16:5 As we celebrate the 4th, we must be thankful for God’s richest blessings on us but also remember that whom God has raised up, he is also able to put down. As Satan continues to make his advances on our nation, those who know how to pray and touch God need to raise up in this hour and pray for revival as well as repent for the sins of our nation. Celebrate the 4th, we should and we will, but remember our nation and that we must stay on our knees to fight for liberty for the souls of our loved ones, our neighbors, and our country. “As long as the people of the United States are well informed and virtuous, they will be free, and their government uncorrupted. It is in their power to remedy the evils, arising from having wicked and designing men at the head of government—they can lift up and pull down at pleasure.” This was spoken in a sermon by Cypron Strong, July 4th 1799. Ponder that statement when you have a chance. In closing, John Adams said, on July 3, 1776, “The 4th ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore." May God help America and may God stir us to seek him for revival in our beloved country!

Memorial Day

"Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;" 1Peter 4:1

Today, Monday, May 30^th, is a national holiday called Memorial Day. It began after the Civil War when the wives of the soldiers who fell in the war decorated their graves to honor their sacrifice. The practice is still kept today and in many cemeteries throughout our country there were or will be ceremonies honoring our soldiers who gave their all so that we could enjoy freedom. As a Christian, this should make us want to guard this even more because as we see America in its declining stages, we must conclude that the root cause of this nation's decline is due to sin. America was built on Christian principles and the Constitution was written for a people with character and who feared God. It was also written for a society who had the fibers of Biblical morality in its culture so that even the heathen were ashamed to practice blatant sins out in the open. Now, that has all changed. I read recently that a poll was taken regarding immorality and the culture of our nation and the finding was that more people feel that the culture of our nation is about right today than just a few years ago, this by about eight percent. The church is supposed to be the salt of the earth. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5:13 Salt does three things: it flavors, it can help preserve as they used to pack meat in salt in order to preserve it before we had freezers, and it is also used for judgment as God sowed Sodom and Gomorrah with salt. "But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt." Genesis 19:26

In the future, when we think of spending some time in prayer and it seems uncomfortable or inconvenient to us, we may want to remember those soldiers who gave al for our freedom so we can pray without hiding. When we think we are going through a little discomfort due to fasting, we may want to remember all the brides and/or mothers who lost their sons or husbands so we could have the freedom we now have. We need revival in the church! Yes, I know eventually America will be facing judgment because that is no doubt in the prophetic scene however we can be salt to preserve our time of tranquility for us and our children if we would get on our knees now before the night comes when it may be to late. Have a great Memorial Day time with family and friends and remember why this is possible!

No One Knows When

"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." Mark 13:32

According to Harold Camping and many others, the rapture of the church was to take place this past Saturday at 6:00, May 21, 2011 (but I never knew which time zone he was talking about but assume it was the west coast). No doubt, many of these people were very sincere in their belief that it was to occur on that date at that time. I'm not questioning anybody's motives or purpose. We're still here! It didn't happen! Even before May 21^st, I read another headline that some group is now saying that Christ will return in October of this year, and of course there is that prediction that everything is going to come to a halt on December 21, 2012. So what does this tell us? The first and most obvious answer is that we can't set dates on Christ's return. The scripture above plainly states that only God the Father knows that. Funny how man thinks he is smarter than God, even when running his own program. But there is another underlying thing that we can observe and that is that these things are coming ever increasingly. I personally believe that man is aware that we are on the edge of history so he is groping for answers. He may not know when, he may not know how: he may not know exactly why, but he is searching.

Jesus was very plain in the following verse as to what the Christian should do in times like these. "Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is." Mark 13:33 If there is any time to pray, it is now. If there is any time to watch the world events, it is now. If there is any time to win souls and pray for revival, it is now! I read a newspaper article a couple days prior to Saturday the 21^st and the reporter asked about 30 people in our conservative East Texas area what they would do if they know things were going to end in a couple days. Most said they would spend the time with their families, one man said he would get right with God, and a few said they would pray. NOT ONE, no not one said they would try to win their friends and family to Christ in the remaining time. This shows the pattern of the Laodicean church of today. It was all focused on self and maybe a few around them. What is our focus, is it just on self and those few family members around us or are we concerned about others we cone in contact with or those we know even on a limited basis. It is time to examine our hearts as we live in the last of the last days. I firmly believe that God wants to bring revival to America but in order to do it, we must all look inside ourselves and take inventory according to God's Word. Remember what Jesus said in Mark 10:15, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." We must humble ourselves before the Lord that he may exalt us in due time.