The Lord’s Song – Continued

“Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.” Psalm 33:2-3

It is a fair statement to say that listening to music that doesn’t glorify God is not pleasing to him. When it became very apparent to many young church going people that Rock ‘N Roll was evil and of the devil, they backed away from it. So then Satan had another plan. Bring it in the church under the name of Jesus, and that’s what he did. What is happening to our “Christian” music today? The lines are becoming so blurred in some areas between the genre of Christian music and secular that some producers are now starting to say that there is not a Christian Music genre anymore The word “genre” in this context means “An expressive or style of music.” Wikipedia also says the following: “Genres are formed by sets of conventions, and many works cross into multiple genres by way of borrowing and recombining these conventions.” But remember, are we following the producers or the Bible? There IS a separate “song” for the Lord and one for the world and when these become blurred it is confussion and following after the doctrine of Balaam.

I’ll not fuss about the predominant beat that is in our music today for that is heard in all types of Christian Music. I’m using that term loosely for now. It would have been deplorable to have a drum set in the average church 50 years ago but now it is common place. Don’t get me wrong, I like some percussion and a little beat but I’m just trying to illustrate where we have been and were we are now. I’m not going to quibble about how various artists live. Most in the professional fields don’t live like we feel they ought and many have no separation from the world at all. But we sing in church gospel songs that were written by sinners who had an inspiring moment. I also will not flatly say that everyone in one category is wrong and the other is right. For example, not all of the music in the Southern Gospel category is without some questionable value and there are some good spiritual songs in the contemporary music ranks. But where we measure the merit of it is by the fruit it bears. Each type of music produces its own culture which is also a type of fruit. Look at the scripture below.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20

Look at the fruits of the music. With the fruits, also comes the culture as mentioned above. Here are some lyrics to a song by a very well known Christian rock group called Skillet. It from the song, “The Last Night”

Your parents say everything is your fault
But they don't know you like I know you they don't know you at all
I'm so sick of when they say
It's just a phase, you'll be o.k. you're fine
But I know it's a lie

This is a “Christian” group! What kind of fruit will that bring? And when you read the lyrics of the whole song, there is no context that it can have Christ involved or be referred to. Groups turning their drums upside down, using dazzling light shows, selling teeth coverings that light up do not glorify God nor does these things bear Christian fruit. There is a distinct culture that the Christian rock genre produces, and it’s not of God. The Dallas Morning News described a DC Talk “Freak Show” concert in the following manner. "As teenagers' shrieks filled the Dallas Convention Center moments before dc Talk took the stage Friday night, one of the relatively few grown-ups in the sold-out crowd observed, 'This is just like the BEATLES.'" Dallas Morning News, April 27, 1996

Where is Christ in that! If you say that they are going after Christ like people went after the Beatles you’re badly mistaken. You may argue that there are lots of teenagers being saved at these concerts. First, I don’t believe they really are but there may be some as God can save anyone, anywhere. However, what are they being saved to? Unfortunately, this has become so popular and has been embraced by the “church” as the church has become more like the world. This is why, when raising a voice against it, there is so much opposition and so little support. This kind of music produces the same fruit as their rock counterparts; rebellion! You can see it in the words given above.

Gospel music should have a clear and understandable message as to what is being conveyed. That’s why the Apostle Paul used the word “admonishing” which means “to warn and exhort.” “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 There must be that clear message that the hearer can understand. The message of Christian rock is not necessarily so. Michael W. Smith's album, Change Your World, has 2819 words but the word of Jesus occurs — ZERO! His album I’ll Lead You Home, has 2046 words but again Jesus occurs — ZERO! I realize the “hip” will say, these are his old “projects” as they are now called but things have not changed.

This is a subject that would take books to properly show and illustrate the demonic influence that Christian rock has made . But while we are on Michael W. Smith, lets point out one more thing that was observed by Dial-the-Truth Ministries.

“On the back of Smith's album The Big Picture, is Michael W. Smith — BACKWARDS! A common satanic practice, taught by Satanist Aliester Crowley (Crowley is very popular in the rock music world). Crowley gives instructions to the Satanist: But something even more frightening appears on the album . . . The M in Michael and the T in Smith is part of the Runic (runic means secret) alphabet used in witchcraft and Satanism! Only someone involved in the occult would know such an alphabet exists! In the book, Web of Darkness, former Satanist Sean Sellers says, "Runes are the oldest form of occult knowledge and magic . . . their use sets a person against God." (Sean Sellers, Web of Darkness, p. 72)” From Christian Rock: Blessing or Blasphemy by Terry Watkins.

As I said above, this just scratches the surface. There is no way we can cover this vast subject in this small sace. The rebellion and demonic influences that this music produces in the name of Christ is astounding. We must again recall Jesus’ statement in Matthew 7:15, “ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

We have a lot of wolves prowling around our country in the name of Jesus, and they’re devouring our children and will eventually devour much of the church! There will be some that will read this and do a lot of “hair splitting” in order to defend Christian rock music, however I challenge you to prayerfully back off a little and take a long look at the fruits that this is producing and you’ll find that it is not producing Godly character or a hunger for Christ. The language and some of the terms may even be god-ward, but the fruit will not be there. That’s because it’s not The Lord’s Song!

The Lord’s Song

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Music can be a powerful element. Before I was saved, I would read in various music magazines statements like, “Music is the most powerful force on the planet.” Of course we know that God’s power is the most powerful but this illustrates how much influence and “power” some musicians feel music can have. God thought it was so important that he built music into his arch angel, Lucifer, who is now Satan or the devil now. At one time though, Lucifer possibly ruled the planet although I’m not going to get into the argument if there were thousands of years between Genesis 1:1 and 2 at this time. The point is that he was God’s arch angel until he fell.

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Jesus said, “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” Luke 10:18 He is now the “prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:2b But at first it was not so. He was a leader and even had music built within him.

Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (Underlines are mine).

While the first eleven verses of Ezekiel chapter 28 deals exclusively with the King of Tyrus, this part does not. Even though he is named, someone else is being addressed. We know this for several reasons.

1. The King of Tyrus was not perfect in beauty
2. He could not have been in Eden
3. While he no doubt had many precious stones, he could not be covered literally with all of these in such a great fashion.
4. The King of Tyrus was “created” from the womb therefore he could not have tabrets and pipes within him.
5. He was not the anointed cherub nor was he on the mountain of God.
6. He was not perfect in his ways for all have been born into sin.

Just from the above, there can be little or no argument that the one being addressed is Satan, or Lucifer before the fall. This describes him before his fall. He was perfect in beauty as all God’s angels are. He had been in Eden at one time and perhaps there was a former one, who knows. The point is that he at one time was a beautiful angel before his fall. He was adorned with all the precious stones including the sardius, the topaz, the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, the carbuncle, and gold. He also had tabrets and pipes built within. These provided for the three basic elements of music: melody, haromy, and rhythm. He no doubt led in worship and praise to God and made beautiful music doing so.

BUT WHEN SATAN FELL, HIS MUSIC FELL!!

This does not mean that music in itself is bad. When we read the book of Psalms, we are constantly reminded of the psalms written for the choirs and musicians. David himself was a great musician. And while there is no direct mention of musical instruments used in the New Testament church, there is no word that they cannot be used either. However, if you choose not to have instruments in the church, I understand. But when church is over, do you go out into the car and turn on the music that glorifies adultery, sex, and all the vices of sin!

Satan has used music to subvert whole generations. He has used it to demonize and introduce a culture that is only bent on rebellion. Anyone who does a casual glance back in time since the early 50’s when Elvis came on the scene can see how Rock ‘N Roll has advanced and how the wickedness and influence of the music has created a generation gap that was never there before. Even the term is taken from immoral terms. Wikipedia says the following about the term.

The term "rock and roll", which was black slang for dancing or sex, appeared on record for the first time in 1922 on Trixie Smith's "My Baby Rocks Me With One Steady Roll". The word "rock" had a long history in the English language as a metaphor for "to shake up, to disturb or to incite". The verb "Roll" was a medieval metaphor which meant "having sex".

Quite frankly, I don’t feel someone can claim with an honest heart that they are Christ’s and continue to listen and sing the songs glorifying the lusts of this world. Music is esthetic and becomes a part of what we are. That’s why the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:18-19 the following: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” As Christians, the tunes and lyrics within us should glorify God, not Satan.

Sour Grapes

“What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?” Ezekiel 18:2

The above proverb was used by the children of Israel in order to give an excuse for their sins and their captivity. They were saying that, due to the sins of the fathers, they were also sinning. However, God is condemning this excuse as he condemns it today. This generation cannot blame the past generation for their sins but every man must bear his on sin. Galatians 5:5 says, “For every man shall bear his own burden.” Verse 7 then says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” This is a true fact of life, and much so concerning the things of God.

When someone says something like, “I got that bad temper from my dad,” or “I know I swear a lot. I got that from my mother,” they are makinging excusing for their sin and blaming it on their parents. They are doing like the children of Israel did when they said that their fathers ate sour grapes and set the teeth of the sons on edge. It is true that we do inherit some traits and even carry some genetic disorders from the past generations. In Exodus 34 6 we read of this account. “And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” The Lord is telling Moses that things can be passed down to the third and fourth generation due to the sins of the fathers. However, we are still responsible for what we do today. We may have inherited some traits, but Christ will judge us as to how we deal with these traits, “for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10b

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34

Just before his death, our Lord felt God had turned his back on him. That’s why he uttered that phrase in Hebrew (even though he spoke Aramaic) that many of us can quote, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani.” It should be a comfort to us then to know that even the Son of God thought that the father had forsaken him. There are many times we feel that today. In the face of a trial where there seems to be no deliverance; in a time when we pray and yet the heavens feel like brass; when we fall into times of despondency or depression and find it difficult to get out; when a loved one doesn’t seem to want to follow Christ but seems to go out of their way to rebel against Him and your counsel; All these make us feel that God has forsaken us. But he really hasn’t.

It is not uncommon to feel discouraged or forsaken. David felt the same way.
“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” Those who can buy their way out of a problem or try to remedy it by their own means do not grow in faith and could eventually lose the very faith it takes to be a child of God because “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17b Hebrews 10:38 also says, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Our faith is being tried. James 1:2-4 says the following: “¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

David oven goes on to say in Psalms 22:2, “O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.” He has prayed and cried out to God but seemly to no avail. He felt forsaken, not even able to get a prayer through. I am Pentecostal and have always heard and repeated the old phrase, “It’s better felt than ‘telt.’” Another words, I like to feel the spirit of God when I pray, worship, preach, and even talk to others about Him. However, sometimes there is no feeling and it is necessary just to walk by faith.

What to do!

What should we do? Keep praying and serving him. Read the Bible because Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” It is our roadmap to heaven as well as our guide on earth. I may not always feel his spirit, but I can always read his Word. God doesn’t have to always give a “revelation” or “word of prophesy” although he can as that is scriptural as long is it is in accordance to his Word and it is REALLY from him. He has already spoken to you and I through his Word. If we keep praying and believing, we will be encouraged and he will hear. “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

Psalms 42:5 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”

Our Lord is no longer on the cross my friend. He’s not in the tomb, nor is he even on the earth in bodily form. But he is coming back. Be ready! “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28

Christian Music Anyone?

“A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.” Psalm 138:1

There is rising in the music community the question, “Does the Christian music genre still exist?” Understand that this is not a debate on the types of Christian music but if the whole genre is fading? I’ll say right now that I’m not an expert in the music industry so I cannot give facts on what artist is doing where. What I can do, however, is comment on the whole question and that it is sad that a question of this is being asked or thought about. Please don’t misunderstand me in that I am not “throwing stones” at anyone for actually raising this question. They are simply basing their observations on what they are currently seeing happen in the music industry. I’ll leave that to them. I’m concerned about their observations.

The cause of this concern lies in the fact that we are continuing to see the lines of separation between the church and the world become thinner and thinner. We must evangelize the gospel and use whatever we can legitimately use for the spread of the Good News. We are Christ’s Ambassadors. Let’s say I came to you from a foreign country, say Spain. Let’s say you are tired of the country you are living in and know there has to be a better place. If I come looking and acting like the country are are now in, you may say, “What’s the difference? You look and act the same and talk the same way I do. You tell me how wonderful Spain is and how gracious the people are there but your manners are the same as mine. You’re culture is no different. Why should I spend the money to go to Spain which, from what I’ve seen, is no different than here?” I hope you get the point.

When I was first saved back in 1976, I was a band director in a small school in Iowa. I began to listen to a Christian radio station out of Cedar Rapids in the evenings when I would be working in the band room. (I wasn’t married then). The first thing I noticed was that the music then had a positive feel to it and I could sense a definite difference from that which I was teaching and hearing during the day. It was uplifting and made me feel closer to the Savior. Isn’t that what Christian music is supposed to do?

I quoted the scripture above for a reason. David said he would praise God with a “whole heart.” That doesn’t mean just part, but the whole. But he goes on saying that “before the gods” he would sing praises unto the Lord. The word “gods” here doesn’t mean idols but is loosely translated as “rulers” and interpreted as “judge” five times. He’s saying that he will praise God before the rulers, but we can also apply this to praising God before the people. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” This stems from actually singing songs with a message that may teach or provide a gentle warning of a coming judgment, as well as encouragement. 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

A Reproach To The Nations

“Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.” Ezekiel 22:4

Like Israel, America has become a reproach to the nations. Here Ezekiel is stating that now the southern kingdom, which was Judah, has now fallen and become a reproach to the nations of the world. The cause was apparent – sin! It was sin in the government, sin in the people but the cause was sin in the priesthood. America is in the same lot. Our churches no longer are the centers of deliverance but worldly entertainment with a “Christian” flare to it and havens for those who practice “social concerns.” Worship in the general sense is feigned or not done at all, but has become a routine just like the routine that the priests performed when they carried out their daily functions has priests. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 America has stood on the Biblical principals of the church for years but now these have crumbled. The church can no longer stop the sweeping tide of sin and leftist propaganda that is now hitting our news daily. While in some places the pews are full, the tide of sin even in those attending has not decreased.

Many have fallen in love with the world and worldliness so much that they are now believing a lie as said in 2 Thessalonians 11-12, “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” This has happened in all rinks and many have strayed away from the Word of God and have built their doctrines on philosophy, favorite teachers, and their own lusts. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” 2 Timothy 4:3 We are living in that time now. Judgment on America is looming and it will begin at the house of God. 1 Peter 4:17 says, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

Other nations can now see this. While we, as a nation have done many wonderful things throughout the world in helping those less fortunate than us, we are also causing them to look on things other than the Gospel but on things of this life. I’ve heard press accounts that say, “People hate Americans” and then try to blame in on foreign policy. But may I remind you what the Solomon wrote in Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” And the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” So after reading these scriptures, may I ask who is responsible? There are more and the study could be much more in depth but that’s enough to chew on for now.

Those who claim to be a part of the church in the United States must get serious before God. We must take our prayer time and Bible study seriously. We must not try to see how close to the world we can come and still retain our salvation and contact with God, but hunger for the things of God. I fear only judgment and tragedy will cause the church to come to its knees. “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” Malachi 3:18

Do You Have to “Find Yourself”

“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.” Proverbs 18:2

Young people have been saying for several years, “I need to go and find myself.” Whet people are saying is that they don’t know their true purpose here on earth nor do they know their real identity. By identity, I mean they really don’t know what kind of person they should be. Now I’ve never heard of someone calling from somewhere near Dallas saying, “Guess what! I found me here on I-20 and 365.”

This is the problem with many. They never really grow up to “find themselves,” and are still living in their teenage years because of it. If you’re reading this and this is your case, Jesus Christ can give you your true identity and help you know yourself. If you will ask him into your heart and commit your life to him, you will truly “find yourself.”

But there are many in the church who haven’t found themselves. They don’t know what they’re supposed to do in the church nor do they really have an identity as a Christian. They’ve prayed and perhaps been baptized in water by immersion which is the scriptural way, but they have never grown after that. They have gone on their way simply claiming to be a Christian but no longer abide in the vine of Christ. The church is full of this type of Christian and I’m afraid that they will eventually lose out with God. John 15:2 says, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” So what is bearing fruit?

One way of bearing fruit is having the fruits of the spirit which cannot be done without God’s help. These are the following: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. See James 5:22-23. We are constantly warring against the flesh and if you constantly yield to the flesh it will have control. I know if I constantly feed my flesh with this world and take no time for the things of God, the spirit gets less and less dominance all the time. If I would continue on this downward spiral I would eventually lose out with God altogether. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Hebrews 10:38 Eventually the basic faith in salvation is lost and the soul is lost. The works of the flesh are these: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 Wow! These sound bad, don’t they.

Galatians 5:17 says, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” It sounds like a losing battle doesn’t it. But it’s not. Verse 18 has the answer. “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” That means you want to do right, not just because someone tells you to. You and I can accomplish this by “feeding the spirit” in devotion to Christ. Pray and read your Bible daily and be faithful to a Bible believing church. You will grow and “find yourself” as a Christian. Remember, you may have “found yourself” in a good career but if you don’t “find yourself” in Christ you will be dealing with eternity. Careers last for only a moment in time, but eternity is forever!

Are The Gifts of the Spirit For Today?

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39

Peter uttered this statement about 2,000 years ago at the end of one of the greatest messages preached, seeing 3,000 souls that day yield to Christ and take him as their savior. But there was more. He was also talking about what happened to 120 disciples a little earlier that day. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

These were filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. This is the same Holy Ghost that Christ spoke of in John 7:37-39. “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” One must drink of the waters of eternal life like he told the woman at the well in John 4:13, “Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” That is eternal life. But there’s more, the Holy Ghost as a river of water as mentioned in John 7:37-39.

Is it still for today. The answer is in the scripture quoted above. “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:39 We are still in this time as the Lord is still calling many out from the world to be saved and washed from the sin of this world.

Let’s look at another scripture. In 1 Corinthians 13:8 it says the following: “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” It says that tongues will one day cease. That’s true. So will knowledge.

You may say, “I know people who speak in tongues and live like the devil or that’s all they talk about. There’s more to that than tongues.” You are right on both accounts. There are people who live in sin and claim to speak in tongues. Jesus warned of this in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Notice here he doesn’t even mention tongues but other works of the spirit. This is happening today but that doesn’t make the promise invalid. It makes it more valid in that Jesus said there would be false teachers even doing works in the name of the Holy Ghost but that doesn’t make the real thing wrong.

Seek to be filled with the Spirit of God with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is not all, in fact it’s just the beginning. There is much more that needs to be written but I try to keep these short. I will also say that speaking in tongues is not something one just does to impress or even in church if there are unbelievers. Much more is written about this in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14. There is power in praying in the Holy Ghost. We need this power church!

What Would You Have Done?

“But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar.” John 19:15

Let’s pretend that you are living in Jerusalem at the time of Christ. You’re all excited because this is the time of year when a lot of people are in town for the biggest feast of the year, the Passover. Many of your friends and relatives have come in and you’re having a great time. Then you hear something about this King that has been traveling around the country for a few years and everywhere he goes, people talk of seeing great miracles. But also, he seems to have gotten the priest and scribes all up in arms. You go to the temple faithfully because it not only shows you are a decent person, but that you are somewhat of a patriot because this is the Jews religion and you’re a Jew.

Then the morning of the Passover, you go out with your friends and things seem to be in kind of an uproar. People are going to a place just outside the town gate and they seem pretty upset. “Why not follow them,” you say. As you get closer to see what the commotion is all about, you see the one they call the King and he looks in pretty rough shape. He’s bleeding and someone is carrying a cross beside him. Then you see Pilate and you marvel that he’s out there so early in the morning.

Then Pilate is trying to talk the people out of demanding the King’s execution but they won’t have it but keep crying, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Then suddenly you get all caught up in it too and you start yelling the same thing the rest are yelling, yet part of you is saying within yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Still, you keep yelling.

Finally, you shout with the rest that dreadful statement, “His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:25 You then see him laid down on the cross and nails go into his hands and feet. The cross is raised. You watch for a long time but after a while your heart begins to sink. It gets dark and you decide to go home.

If Christ is not in your heart my friend, you are the one above. You may not have been in the crowd but you are still in the dark. Yes, we were all born into sin and we all had a part of crucifying the King, but many have found that he has risen and it’s a new day. Are you still in the dark? Come to know Christ as Savior and ask him into your heart so save you from your sins. Remember one thing. He’s a perfect gentleman and will not come into your life until you ask.

If You Become Rich, Does That Make You Godly

“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” 1 Timothy 6:5

We live in a prosperous time.  Our economy is growing and unemployment is at a low.  We survived the 9/11 economy slump and things seem to be rolling along quite well.  God has been good to us as a people.  But do we appreciate his blessings and do we understand that he can also take away as Job found when he said in Job 2:21, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”  Paul said to those who were able to gain some wealth in this world, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:16-18  Most of us in America are rich compared to many in the world how don’t have indoor plumbing, no refrigerator, nor have ever ridden in a car.  Also, when I was growing up, to have one good bathroom with a shower a tub was pretty good, but now hardly any home gets built without at least a bath and a half.  Good has been good to us, don’t you agree?

This has, like many other things, has crept into the church in the form of thinking something like this. “If you’ve got nice things, God must be blessing you.”  Well, maybe he is, and maybe he’s just allowing it to happen.  First, let’s get one thing straight.  Tithing is an essential part for a Christian.  I believe that if a Christian doesn’t tithe, the he’s robbing God.  I can write more on this doctrine but won’t know.  “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:8-10.  lest someone be contentious and say this is just Old Testament, let me point out that Christ commended tithing when he was rebuking the scribes and Pharisees, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Matthew 23:23  In the more than ten years I have pastured, I have never harped much on tithing although I teach it.  Why, because, while essential, it not the weightiest matters and I never want to give the impression that I’m always out for money, because I’m not.  But I had to bring this out to point out that God can and will help those who tithe and give.  

But now to the point.  When you and I get up in the morning, God does not say to his angels, “Now I wonder how I can make my servant richer today”.  On the contrary, we are HIS servants!  It is completely unscriptural to say that, just because someone has a nicer home, a bigger car, and better job that he or she is blessed by God more.  In fact, the scripture almost teaches the opposite.  “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  1 Timothy 6:9-10  The poor Christians in some third world countries are no doubt more blessed by God than we are in America.  “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” James 2:5  

In closing, I don’t think we should have to all be poor in order to be right with God.  He does bless those who serve him with prosperity and will meet our needs, however we must flee from the mindset that only the rich are blessed by God.  That is totally unscriptural.  

Can Your Name Be Blotted Out?

“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

Can you be lost after you have been saved?  Can your name be blotted out of the book of life?  Yes.  

Jesus spoke to the church in Sardis that to those who “overcometh”, their names would not be blotted out of the book of life.  

First of all, what is the book of life?  It is a book that is in heaven where all the names of the redeemed, or those who have been saved from sin by Jesus Christ.  Revelation 12 through 15 reads the following:  “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”  From that, it is very apparent that your name will have to be written in the book of life in order to make it into heaven.  

If the name is in there, it can also be blotted out, which simply means no longer there.  Revelation 3:5 which is given above signifies this can happen.  Moses knew it was possible when he prayed the following in Exodus 32:31 and 32, “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”  God’s answer was the following in verse 33: “33  And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.”  So now we know that Moses, God, Christ, and the Apostle John who wrote the book of Revelation knew that names could be removed, or blotted out of the book of life.  From these scriptures, we learn that when a name is blotted out of the book of life, a soul is damned and headed for hell unless there is repentance.  This is not popular doctrine but is correct and biblical.  Yet millions of people are taught that all they have to do is pray a simple prayer, get baptized and they’re in for life no matter what.  I’m sorry but that’s a lie from hell!

Let’s look at John 10:27-28.  “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”  No man can pluck Christ’s sheep out of his hand.  That’s right, no one can cause you to lose your soul.   However, there is also a condition and it’s found in verse 27 and that is that they hear his voice and they follow him.  

Lets look at another popular scripture.  “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 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.” Romans 8:38-39  This is true, none of these things listed here can separate us from God’s love.  Isn’t that wonderful!  But we also have to point out that it doesn’t say sin or transgression anywhere.  

Just because you or I can’t give a perfect intellectual answer when someone is cut off from God’s presence doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, because it does.  In Romans 11:22 Paul says the following, “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.”  Do you see the word “if” that I underlined.  The verses speak for themselves.  

Here’s another one.  “¶  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”  Here, in John 15:1-2, Jesus is plainly saying that every branch in him that doesn’t bear fruit will be cut off.  Notice that these branches are a part of Him but can be cut off.  He gets more plain in verse 6.  “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”  In included verse 5 so that this couldn’t be taken out of context.  He’s talking, all throughout this entire passage, to his disciples and then to his church.  

There are many other scriptures that can be brought out but I try not to make these blogs too long.  Please don’t feel that I’m trying to make anyone angry but I am burdened and distressed when I talk to people who feel they are saved but are not living according to God’s Word.  Many have no real knowledge of the Scriptures and are not taught much either.  We want to se souls saved and not lost to the devil through his lies.  

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

“3 ¶  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

The word “poor” can best be defined by one being “reduced to beggary, begging, asking alms, destitute of wealth, influence, position, honor, as given by in the first two definitions in the Greek Lexicon.  The definition can be made broader but I think you get the idea.  When someone is said to be poor, they don’t have much, or their lacking.  Christ is not talking about someone who is poor in this world’s goods here but poor in spirit.  He then says that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  What a great promise!  So, are you poor?  

We Americans are a proud bunch.  Admit it!  We’re of the “been there, done, that, got the T-shirt” crowd.  We’ve got to make sure we get the last word, or at least appear smarter than the next one, up stage or out wit the other guy so we can seem smarter, quicker, or produce the quality that we want to display as having more of.  That attitude and spirit carries into the church and into our attitudes and way we approach God.  How much do we really think we need him?  You say that you’ve taken him as your Savior so are in for life but do you need him now or like the people of the church in Laodicea who said, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing?” One may perform a lot of good works, but if our dependency isn’t on God for our help, it is nothing.  Jesus said of those in Laodicea, “and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”  They had no idea of their condition before God and I’m convinced that there are millions who don’t either.  

We are dependant upon him in prayer in order to get the spirit of prayer when we pray.  We depend upon him in order to gain deeper knowledge of his word as the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:14,  “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  We are dependant upon him for strength and health for the doctor can only do so much.  We are dependant upon him for having a sound mind, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I recently read that, despite the bitter persecution in China, the church is gaining 3,000 believers a day.  When they are converted to Christ, I am sure they immediately realize their dependency on him.  Does America have to plunge to that level before the church here will understand that?

A Soul Cast Away

“25  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:25

The past few days the news has been humming about the death of a national figure, I guess, who saw both poverty and wealth.  When I turned on Fox News on my XM Radio Friday morning before work, they were buzzing about this woman’s death.  So, Anna who????   I know who she is now, but I’ll have to confess I didn’t before she died.  She was someone a kin to Marylyn Monroe who, as I remember very well because we were on a vacation in Chicago at the time, died of an overdose of sleeping pills the summer of my fourth grade year, 1962.  

I’ll not go into the story of Anna N. Smith’s life as you can Google it on the Internet and read a summary of her life at your leisure.  I’ll not bore you with the details only that she was a stripper, model, actress of sorts, heiress, and tabloid queen.  Yet, America seems obsessed with her death like couch potatoes watching a soap opera.  Even the conservative shows are playing this big and spending more time on it than anything else for now.  Why!  Because it sells and it is what the American people want.  This shows our culture.  We have a woman who has left a 5 month child and no one knows who the daddy is.  Her life was so tangled that she remarked recently, "Everyone in my life has stabbed me in my back," she said. "It's always a battle."  Hers was the death of a woman who had briefly tasted both wealth and fame and failed to cling on to either.  

Unless she was able to repent, she is no longer enjoying what life had to offer.  She tried to gain the world but lost out in the end.  Princess Di lost out, fleeing the very thing she once taunted and flirted with, the cameras.  Unless either of these repented, they are lost now!  This should be a lesson for us all.  Money, fame, and success as far as this word’s concerned is not the end of the matter.  The wise man gave us this admonishment.  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13   To fear God is to know and live for his Son, Jesus Christ who said, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”  Luke 9:23

When you go to Anna Nicole Smith’s website now, at least at this posting, you’ll only see a picture with a woman in a scant dress with dates underneath – 1967 – 2007.  “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14  “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” Amos 4:12  

Praying For Our Leaders

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

We are living in troubled times.  That is certain.  Our nation is heading for times in which, I’m afraid, this generation nor the past has seen.  It is easy to just bury your head in the sand and forget about everything around you.  You can even make it sound kind of religious.  But that’s not God’s plan.  Paul exhorts to Timothy that we should pray for those in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness.  When the children of Israel were taken to Babylon, Jeremiah wrote them saying, “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” Jeremiah 29:4-7  

Pray for our leaders that we may have peace in our land.  We also must pray for our troops who are fighting for us abroad.  It is also important that the church pray for the upcoming elections in 2008 as the outcome will chart the course of our nation and make a difference in our lives for years to come.  Psalm 75:6-7 says, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”  Does that mean we just say what the kids now say, “Whatever!”  No.  God hears the prayer of his people.  I believe it is the true Church, believers in Christ, who can decide the future of this country, much more than any politician.  

Lovers of Pleasure

2 Timothy 3:1 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves,” ………4b “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

We have become a nation that bow before the shrine and god of sports.  We should have learned our lesson but neither Americans nor the church learns very well.  In 1986, two days after the great shrine of sports called the Super Bowl was displayed and America had bowed to its god of pleasure and sensuality, God sent a message to the United States, and the church when precious cargo was launched from Florida only to blow up in mid air only after one minute in flight.  Remember the Challenger?  Then, just before the first game of the World Series in 1989, just as the two teams were getting ready to take the field in San Francisco, the ground began to move which eventually cause a great earthquake killing many and causing considerable damage.  We didn’t take the warning then.  A couple of years ago, during the half time show, in front of millions, a singer exposed the top part of her body to the horror of many.  People talked about it for days, more than the actual game.  We, the church, still didn’t learn.  

If your church has dismissed for the Super Bowl game, or even worse, bringing it into the sanctuary, be ashamed!  What should the church do?  Do what the church should be doing any other night.  They should pray, sing, testify of God’s goodness, and hear the Word of God preached.  The church, as a whole, has not learned.  What will God do this time to try to get its attention?  

Joshua 24:15  “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Good Will Toward Men!

     “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
     Mary was a virgin as told in Isaiah 7:14: “14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”  Immanuel means “God with us.”  God sent his only son to earth in the form of a baby that grew into a man to be sacrificed for the sins of the whole world.  But not only did he die, but rose again and conquered death that those who believe in him could do so also.  
     He’s no longer the baby in the manger, nor is he walking the dusty roads of Galilee, nor is he still on the cross as depicted in some statues, but is now on the right hand of God, his Father, making intercession for the saints.  “Hebrews 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25  “Romans 8:27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:27  “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; “Hebrews 10:12  
     We can pause to remember the baby in the manger, but we should remember where he now is and what is coming.  He is coming back for his people and to judge the earth.  Christmas is a wonderful time of year but a Christian can have Christmas all year through!  We can serve and adore the Master who will some day come for us.  “14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14

Merry Christmas to all and if He is not in your heart, let him in!

The Nation Turning Left

While some of the data and my hopes which I felt were also something kin to the Holy Ghost felt that the right would keep the House and Senate, that didn't seem to happen, or at least the House at the time of this writing. God knows best. The nation is turning more to the left and the hour is getting darker but it is time for the Christian's light to shine. "14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
." Matthew 5:14-16
The world can stand in the middle of a political debate, but cannot stand long in the pressence of the Holy Ghost when he is moving on them. This is more hope to us than any one person in government.

The End Time

There is concern by many regarding the times we are living in, especially relating to the last days, the Mark of the Beast, and how this will fit in with our nation.  While I do not claim to have all the answers, I may be able to provide some, and those are based on Bible study and the basic consensus of more learned men down the ages.  We have to first establish that our findings and opinions must be based on the Bible, God’s word.  It is the only real authority.  Without using the Bible as the sole authority, it will only cause confusion.  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17  

God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to earth first as a man as he took on the form of a servant.  “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”  Philippians 2:5-7.  He took on the form of man and was obedient unto death, the death of the cross so mankind could be freed from sin and certain death and judgment.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  God gave his son that we might have life if we’ll take it as it is written, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10  On his name, and him only can man be saved.  The Apostle Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12  

Now it is apparent that he will come back someday as he said many times when on earth.  “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3  He will come again and there are numerous scriptures regarding this.  The question is, when, and what happens between now and the time he returns.  

There is coming upon the earth a period know as the tribulation period.  It will be a seven year period when Satan will have rull rule on the earth through a world leader.  Prior to that period, it is felt by most that the believers will be taken up with Jesus.  This is referred as the rapture of the church.  Here is an account given by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18.  “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.   For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”  Those who have Christ in their hearts must be ready for that day.  

After that, the tribulation period starts.  The  Mark of the Beast will happen sometime during the second part of the seven year period.  Daniel 9:27 says the following, “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”  While this may seem a little vague, it refers to the last seven years or “week” where the anti-Christ ruler will break his covenant with Israel.  At the end of the seven years, men will become so bold they will think that they can literally fight against Christ in person.  This is referred to the battle of Armageddon.  “Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”  Joel 3:12-14  Christ will judge the nations there.  

He will then reign on the earth for 1,000 years.  Revelation 20:6 says, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”  The remainder of that chapter tells of Satan being released from his prison, or the bottomless pit, at the end of the thousand years.  He will cause a rebellion only to finally earn his place in the lake of fire.  Then all those who are not written in the book of life will be judged and they will join him there.  12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:13-15  Is your name in the book of life?  

So, to sum this up, the Mark of the Beast will probably be given during the middle of the tribulation period.  If you are a blood-bought child of God, believing on Jesus Christ to save you, then you should be out of here before then.  As far as our country is concerned, it is a little more difficult to say.  I can tell you that we, as a nation, are not really the key players in the times of the tribulation so I personally feel that we will not be a world power then.  I also strongly feel that we will be judged as a nation for the sins that we are allowing to run rampant and for the laxness of the church to fight them.  We were once a Christian nation but no more!  While we have a God-fearing president, soon that will all change and our nation will be enveloped into darkness, with a darker government and one that Gid will no doubt use to pour out his wrath on.  Ifamily:Arial;">
Why do people hate George Bush?  Is it the wor in Iraq?  That’s only the surface reason.  The root cause of their intense hatred of the man is that he stands for some Bible-based values and claims to be a Christian.  While I can say that he has not done everything right, what president has.  However, he has stayed the course and not backed down to defend Israel, not backed down on his Christian beliefs and has not been dazed by public opinion, either when it was high or low.  For this, God will honor him and keep the powers that be until he is finished.  

This only scratches the surface regarding the topics mentioned above and much more detail should be given on each however this blog is long enough.  I try to keep these fairly short so people don’t get weary reading them.  As always, if you have questions or comments, email me at rapurdy@cox.net.  

If

“If”
All promises of the Word of God are built on conditions.  This promise is also built the same.  The conditions are outlined here.  

“my people”
Who is God talking to here?  “My people” refers to his church.  True, he spoke this to King Solomon almost three thousand years ago but the promise is for the church today as the formula for revival in a land is still the same.  It is the church that is the fault for the immorality and the vast amount of wholesale sin that runs rampant in our country.  It is the church that sat back while the Bible was taken from our children in schools.  It was the church that failed to stop the lawful slaughter of babies so that now in some states while 16 year old girls have to get written permission from their parents to go to a tanning bed, they can get an abortion without their parents consent.  It is the church who has failed to preach and teach the Word of God so now homosexuality is fast being an accepted life style with same sex marriages being legalized in various states and one day, nationally.  It is the church, or “my people” who have loved to be so much like the world that the world has taken over the church.  They have become like Laodicea who “are rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;” but are unaware that they, and I should say we, since I’m a part of the church, are unaware that the church in the United States has overall become “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”  See Revelations 3:14-20.  

“which are called by my name”
This narrows it down as to who is referred to as the church here.  This applies to those of us who say that we are Christians.  That is pretty clear.  I know that someone will say that this is the Old Testament and the church was under law then.  That makes no difference as the rule still applies today as I mentioned above.  

“shall humble themselves”
Lets be honest with ourselves.  We Americans are some proud folk.  This has, of course, spilled into the church of Jesus Christ.  “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” See 2 Peter 5c.  God’s grace for America is fast running out.  He will judge this nation and we should not think that we will escape if we are not walking in his light.  1 Peter 4:17 says, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”  We must humble ourselves and not be caught up on the pride of this world.  To humble ourselves means to have an open heart ot the gospel and the Word of God, submitting ourselves to Christ in sincerity and truth, and realizing our dependence on him.  Lip service is not enough for God knows our hearts.  Another way of humbling ourselves is fasting.  This is not something that was just done back in the dark ages but is expected of Christians now.  While I could go on at more length with this, it is sufficient to say that fasting is a very important part of the walk with Christ.  I love to eat just like everyone else and I don’t claim to be a model faster by any means, but I know it is important in our walk.  Through the years I’ve tried to push it back in the background but as this planet streaks closer to judgment and Christ’s return, I realize that it is very important.  Fasting is meant by abstaining from food, now something you wear or an activity.  It goes hand in hand with prayer.  Many Muslims fast during the day on Fridays but we have a hard time just going without a meal!  

“and pray”
All the above is of not much avail without prayer.  The church in general has forgotten how to pray.  The art of intersession is gone.  No one “prays through” anymore but instead goes to a counselor who can only give some relief.  “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.”  Jeremiah 6:14  when is the last time you’ve spent more than even fifteen minutes of uninterrupted prayer.  How many spend an hour a day?  How many full time preachers spend two hours a day at prayer?  We in America are so proud that we feel we have it together so we don’t need to pray, but we don’t.  We’re loosing the battle and will never prevail until we get back on our knees as a church and realize our dependency on Christ.  The church is good at supplying sports teams, suppers, parties, and all other activities, but what about the prayer meeting?  Are you aware that the outward battles are only a show as to what is going on in the heavens.  We blame the President for problems in Iraq but where does the fault really lie!  Ephesians 6:12 says, “12  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.  (Underline is mine).  “3  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5  There are other proofs of this such as in Daniel chapter 10, Isaiah chapter 20 and others.  Until we learn that as a church, we will never really pray.

“seek my face”
It’s not enough for the church to humble herself and pray, but to also seek God’s face.  How is this done?  By reading and applying his Word.  I have talked to people who have spent their entire lives in church and yet have very little knowledge of the Word of God.  The fact that some main line denominations are discussing the option of having homosexual preachers is a telling example.  We feel like we’ve become pretty smart and many times know more than God.  I’m afraid that church has become as Paul writes in Romans 1:22  writes “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”  He also states in 1 Corinthians 3:18  “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.”  It takes humbling ourselves and prayer for us to be able to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“turn from their wicked ways”
This is very simple.  We must apply in our lives everyday what we receive from God.  Many churches who were once places where the Bible was preached and lived out daily have become nothing but fronts for social concerns and promotion of a socialist society.  How did all this happen?  By not doing the above.  It is not enough to say, “I believe,” but we must apply it in our lives.  James 2:18 says,  “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”  

“then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land”
God will hear our prayers, will forgive the sin in our lives, and heal the land.  It’s just that simple.  The country I love is heading for judgment.  We can blame the politicians, the judges, or anyone else, but I’m afraid the fault lies in God’s people, the church.  

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14

America's Peril

The liberal media and Hollywood has done a great job of massaging the minds of Americans into thinking that things are bad, real bad. Well, if the liberals gain control, as they say, "You ain't seen nothin' yet." May I also add, for those who believe in the power to pray, pray for the elections each day from now until election day. However, one more word: Although we need to take seriously who will be governing us, one thing is for certain - God reigns in heaven with Jesus Christ his Son and will one day return no matter who is ruling.

The following is taken from the AFA Action Alert.

How important are the upcoming elections? Extremely important! Below is a list of what we can expect if the liberals win. These elections are crucial. It is vitally important that you vote. Please vote and encourage others to do the same. As bad as things are, they will be infinitely worse if the liberals win. The strategy of the liberals is to get Values Voters so disgusted and discouraged that they will not vote. If that happens, the liberals will have achieved their goal and they will be running our country. Here is what we can expect if the liberals win:

• Amnesty for 12,000,000 illegal immigrants.
  
• A push to make homosexual marriage and polygamy legal in all 50 states.
  
• Only liberal judges will be appointed. They will create laws to implement the social agenda liberals cannot get passed through the legislative process.
  
• Liberals will make the killing of the unborn more difficult to stop.
  
• Liberals will continue to try to rid our society of Christian influence, including any reference to God in our Pledge and on our currency.
  
• A return to the "Fairness Doctrine" in broadcasting where opposing views must be given equal time. Every conservative talk show host will be forced to give a liberal equal time on every issue. The purpose of this rule will be to shut down conservative talk shows.
  
• An increase in taxes to push new social programs.
  
• Passing a new "hate crimes" law making it illegal to refer to homosexuality in a negative manner.
  
• Liberals will give terrorists from other countries who try to kill Americans the same rights American citizens enjoy under our constitution.
  
• We will withdraw from Iraq, sending the message to the terrorists that if they will just be patient they can win and bring their terrorist acts to the U.S.
  

Go Vote! Encourage Others To Do The Same.

Soul Checkup

Recently, I was at the doctor’s office to get a referral for a specialist whom I regularly see.  After the doctor promised the referral, he then made me schedule an appointment for a routine checkup which, we are told by the medical community, should happen once a year.  He referred it as “routine maintenance.”  Many do well to keep their bodies in shape by exercise, eating right, and even getting regular checkups, expecting to live long, productive lives. While this is complementary, we have to understand that this life will only last for a short time.  The Psalmist wrote, “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told,” Ps 90:9.  Jacob, who lived 147 years, called his life a “pilgrimage” when asked by Pharaoh as to how old he was, then being only 130.  In James 4:14, our lives are referred to has a “vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”  
Seeing that our time here is so short, doesn’t that make eternity seem longer and more important to focus on knowing that we will live forever somewhere, either in Heaven or Hell? it then seems a prudent thing to do to prepare for eternity now.  These are the things that must be done.  
First, we all must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.  We must confess our sins realizing that we were born into sins and ask his forgiveness then take him as our Lord and Savior. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,” John 3:3.  Being “born again” is asking Jesus into your heart to be your Savior and Lord.  You must start a new life in Christ and walk with him daily.
We must continue in the faith as our Lord said in John 10: 27-28. “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.”  No man shall pluck us out of his hand as said in verse 28 if we meet the condition of verse 27 which state that we must hear his voice and follow him but we must meet that condition.
Wandering sheep stray from the path and it is possible that they may never get back into the fold.  While the son was in the far country, as told by our Lord in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, he was not in the presence of the father.  Only when he came back did he again gain the father’s presence.  
We must then ask ourselves, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2)  The twelve disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus believed but only knew of John’s baptism.  The Apostle wanted them to know he had something better.  They were then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, saying that to signify that it was Christ’s baptism not discounting the Father and the Holy Ghost, and were filled with the Holy Ghost and “they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”  This manifestation is still good today and should be held as the evidence of being filled with the Holy Ghost.  May we continually go back to the fountain when it is flowing and get a re-filling!

This comes to the fourth point that is so necessary for a Christian to keep following the Master and hear his voice.  That is to take time for self-examination in the mirror of God’s Word.  I mentioned the yearly checkups for the body, but how about a time when you set aside some time for a checkup on the soul which will live forever?  When reading the diary of David Brainerd, one can not be amazed by the number of days that he set aside for prayer and fasting for self-examination through God’s Word and the Holy Ghost.  In Hosea 10:12 we read, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you”.  Follow ground is ground that has either been plowed and not seeded, or ground that has been inactive.  When we set ourselves apart for some time alone with God for our spiritual checkup, we are breaking up the fallow ground.  When that ground is broken up, there may come forth seeds of another ministry or opportunities that God will give us that otherwise may not be.  Sit down for some hours alone with God and the Bible.  Set aside some days of fasting and clear the calendar for God for those days.  Many times, attitudes and spirits creep in to our nature and we become dross instead of gold for the Master.  It will allow us to get the “spiritual weeds” out of our lives and  that sin “which so easily besets us,” so you and I can “run with patience the race that is set before us,” Heb. 12:1.  Break up that ground and see what’s in store for you!

Have You Received The Power Since You Believed?

     “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  (Acts 2:4)
     This well known scripture gives the famous account of the Holy Ghost’s first falling on believers of Christ on the day of Pentecost which occurred about fifty days after Christ’s resurrection.  
     Jesus foretold his disciples that this would happen.
     “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:49  This was given so that they could “receive power” and be “witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8  
     We can continue to read accounts of believers being baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues throughout the book of Acts.  
      “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”  (Acts 10:44-47)
      “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6)
      “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” (I Corinthians 14:18-19)  
     While the revival in Samaria recorded in Acts 8 does not specifically say they spake with tongues when being filled with the Holy Ghost, it does indicate that there was some kind of manifestation the occurred when believers were filled.  “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”  (Acts 8:17)  Obviously, something very definite happened when the believers were filled with the Holy Ghost or else they wouldn’t have known that they had received it.  
     From these accounts then, we must conclude that being filled with the Holy Ghost a work of grace that should follow after one is saved, and that when filled with the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, there is evidence by speaking in a heavenly language or other tongues.  If you have been told that you just have the Holy Ghost by faith and yet this has not happened, you do not have the Holy Ghost according to scripture.
     Now I want to make one thing perfectly clear.  Tongues are not the only manifestation of the Holy Ghost nor should they be misused.  Just because they have been over emphasized in the past does not make them void today.  But the fact that we can just “believe that we have the Holy Ghost” without any manifestation is totally false and unscriptural.  It is a definite work of grace and when someone has been filled with God’s spirit there has always been a noticeable change.  Don’t be short-changed by just “believing” you have something when you really don’t, according to scripture.

WHY THE EVIDENCE OF TONGUES ANYWAY?
     Many will say that manifestation of tongues were given specifically for evangelizing the world in the time of the apostles, but is now no longer needed.  Why then, did Paul say he did not speak with tongues much in public as indicated above in I Corinthians 14:19?   First, speaking in tongues is the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost as pointed out above.  So what can be done with them after the initial infilling?  
     The scripture tells us that when we speak in tongues in prayer, it edifies, or builds us up.  “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.  For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.”  (I Corinthians 14:1-4)  This passage tells us that tongues were not made to speak unto men as no one could understand what was being said.  However, they could be used in private prayer for edification or building up oneself in the Lord.  
     Jude 1:20 says, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”  We are being built up in order to be witnesses and have power to live for God when praying in the Holy Ghost which is in tongues.  Do we need built up? I know I do!  So when we refuse to except this part of God’s blessing, we are refusing his help to live for him and a chance to get closer to him.
     There is a gift of tongues which are part of the nine gifts of the spirit but we are not dealing with that at this time to save from confusion.  Even that must be used discriminately when in public worship and is subject unto the user.  “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” (1 Corinthians 14:32)  This, I believe pertains to all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  

ARE THEY FOR TODAY?
     “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.” (I Corinthians 13:8)  Many use this scripture to argue that tongues have ceased.  They say that the scripture says that prophesies shall fail and tongues cease.  That’s true, but knowledge shall also vanish away.  When did all of this happen?  Do we have knowledge today?  Of course we do!  So we also have tongues, prophesies and the other gifts of the spirit in operation.  It is funny how men will take part of a scripture and use it to satisfy a false doctrine but yet ignore the rest.
     Peter said of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, “…..Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (Act 2:38-39)  Notice he didn’t put a time limit on this and so as long as souls are being called by God and being saved, this promise is valid.  

WHY DON’T WE SEE THESE HAPPENING IN THE CHURCH TODAY AS A WHOLE?
     Satan can appear as an angel of light.  Many things that have occurred that seemed to be in the Spirit of God were not, but were in error.  It is true that there is a great deal of phony gifts and other things done supposedly in the spirit but there are phony $20.00 out there but you and I both know that we will still spend $20.00 when we have them.  In other wards, that doesn’t make the $20 illegitimate just because there may be some counterfeit ones floating around.  This should also be true with the things of God.  
     There has been much negative teaching and misunderstanding regarding the manifestation of the Holy Ghost.  This is due sometimes because of not fully knowing the scriptures as well as lack of exposure to the Holy Ghost power.  Woe to him who says that the baptism with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues is of the devil for our Lord said “Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:  But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:” (Mark 3:28-29)  
     Men have been taught in seminaries against the true baptism of the Holy Ghost so therefore have accepted this teaching without correctly consulting the scriptures.  
     Another reason is simply due to sin and unbelief.  God will not fill a dirty vessel with his Holy Ghost.  If he expected purity in the church then, he expects it now.  Even Pentecostal denominations are telling us that only a small percentage of their people are now filled with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with other tongues.  We are a backslidden nation with a backslidden church.  The baptism of the Holy Ghost was not wide spread throughout the middle ages due to the church’s falling into sin and superstition.  When it began to revive with men such as Martin Luther, John Wesley, D. L. Moody, and others, God again saw fit to pour out his Spirit in great measure throughout the world around the beginning of the 20th century.  The past 50 years have seen the church in America sliding down into a backslidden condition as a whole and with it, the withdrawing of the blessings of God.  “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Revelation 3:17) We must get back to holiness and purity before Christ takes away our lampstand in this country.  “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” Revelation 2:5  

Our Risen Lord

I apologize for some of the double posts but the small application that I use to post the blog seemed to malfunction so I posted again to make sure everything got on.  Remember, Jesus Christ has risen and is now on the right hand of the Father making intersession for the saints.  “ Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)  The prince of this world is judged and will one day be cast into the lake of fire and all who follow him.  “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10 )  But those whose garments are made white by the blood of Christ will live forever in the presence of God and his Son.  “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Revelation 19:7-8)

Let us walk that we may be worthy.  

Notes

While I use this blog mostly for Bible teaching, let me record a few personal notes.

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted and I’ve not had the time to post much lately.  We’ve been to Iowa where I grew up and had a nice visit with my mother, sisters, as well as some of the other family members as we had a reunion there.  We’re all growing older but to the believer in Christ that should just signal one day closer to Home.  

At work, we’ve been on the run sometimes even into the evenings.  This past Wednesday was such as I was doing an awareness presentation with a colleague in Lufkin TWC.  We had already done one in Livingston that morning.  This one got off to a late start as we waited for some of the attendees to arrive.  It was about 3:00 when I got the call.  I had just finished my part and was sitting down in the front of the room by the laptop computer and projector relaxing as Liz, was giving her portion of the presentation.  My phone vibrated so I looked at the caller ID.  It said Tiffany.  Tiffany is my oldest daughter who is married with a very cute 2 year old girl named Emma.  I wasn’t going to answer at first as I thought she was just trying to call me in order to reach her mother but I realized that she doesn’t usually do that and doesn’t call me during the day unless there is a real good reason.  I decided I better check it out so went out and answered.  She said, “Dad, I just wanted to let you know my house is on fire.”  I could tell by her voice that everyone was OK and I asked if she had called 911, and she had.  

Later that even we witnessed what was the remains of an older home in rural East Texas, no longer livable but only destined to be bulldozed down.  You really don’t realize how much you have and then need when you lose everything but the clothes on your back.  That realization hit home as we went to town to get things for them just to last them for a few days at least.  

Through all of this we know that God has his hand in everything and will meet their every need.  I also know that he will work this for his good.