What A Day That Will Be!!!

"For the Lord  Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.  Therefore comfort one another with these words" (I Thess. 4:16-18).

Hey Gang:  The last two morning messages were not ones that would make Miriam dance before the Lord (Ex. 15, BUT that is not the real intent of these morning sessions with you.  True, there are very ominous clouds gathering over our world and the Word tells us that the days ahead are not going to be times when we want to be here.  But, as I read the Word, I find so much more about whichto rejoice and sing praises -  but we have to dig them out.

This morning I read a neat article that rang my bell, in the Israel My Glory monthly newsletter. The thing that caught my attention was the very first sentence in the article, "Imagine someone loving you so much He wants you to live in a place He has prepared for you in His presence forever.  His name is Jesus; and as the troubles and trials of life oppress us, we need to remember what the early believers knew:  Jesus is coming for His church".  Now if that does not ring the cockles of your heart, you best check to see if you have a pulse.   

Our Pastor, whose message theme for the morning was "Expectations",  used an interesting illustration that we should all take to heart.  The Word is very clear that we will all one day stand before Father God. How would you answer God's question "Why should I allow you to spend eternity with me?"  Something to ponder as your go through your day.

Getting back to the subject at hand, what an awesome reality for the believer is that a day is coming, and most Bible guru's believe that day is near, when the believing church will be caught up - snatched away-  to be with the Lord.    The early church believed so strongly that Jesus would return during their life- times that greeted each other with the word 'Maranatha', meaning "O Lord, Come" (1 Cor. 16:22). 

Jesus said, "Listen up sheep, I do not want you to be unaware of what is going to come when it appears that everything that can be shaken is going to be shaken."  (Notice that little trigger word - If)  "IF I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:3).

My mother was known as a traveler.  It was said that she should have been buried in her 1963 Pontiac because she spent large portions of her later years traveling from one coast to the other.  My bride and I adopted her modus operandi and made a vow that we would see as much of this great country as we could before we became too infirmed to drive.  We have seen fabulously beautiful places like the Grand Teton Mountains, but I assure you, not one of them is even a little bit as wonderful as the heavenly home being prepared for the pure Church, which is also called the Bride of Christ.

Soooo, Have you got your wedding dresses or tuxedos prepared for that day when we, all of God's children, will be invited to the wedding feast of all time when we (His Body) are united in marriage with Yeshua, King of kings and Lord of lords?  Now is the hour to be prepared.

One of my favorite hymns: "What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. I shall look upon His face..."

Blessings,

Gramps 

Did You Know?

"I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.  Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom then have scattered among the nations and have divided up my land" (Joel 3:2).. 

In the last morning thought I zeroed in on the Abrahamic Covenant, which, as you will remember, is divided into two very distinct parts:  "Blessing for those who bless Israel, and curses for those who curse Israel. " This morning I would like to expand on that and bring you up to speed on a very dangerous series of events that directly affect our country.

Many of you know that we have been to Israel several times. A recent poll determined that the majority of people in America are not totally sure if our government is blessing Israel or cursing Israel.  Today, in this time when the Middle East seems to be coming unglued,  we snub them by choosing to be a participant on the Letterman show rather than meeting with Netanyahu.  But twenty minutes later our President appears on national television and states we will certainly stand behind our ally, Israel.   The people of Israel are asking "how far behind?"

William Koening, a much read correspondent who writes a weekly news report called “Koenig’s Eye View from the White House," focuses on world news that is biblically relevant, and White House news from a Christian perspective, did a unique study on catastrophes in our country in relationship to whether we as a nation were cursing or blessing Israel. The published results of that study is a book titled Eye to Eye.  His sojourns through this study began in the presidency of George Hebert Walker Bush.

But my focus here is on today.  It seems that the Executive Branch of our Government has enmity towards God's chosen people and the Land of Israel.   Do you think it was a slip up that Jerusalem and God were not included in the most recent political convention?  Do you think it was a conflict in time when the David Letterman program was more important than meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu in this time of crisis for Israel?   

I have no desire to get political in any way; We have enough of that filling the airways now.  My intention this morning is to alert you to the truth that God's Word is very clear that if we curse the Apple of His Eye, we are going to pay the piper; and if we bless the Apple of His eye we will be blessed.

Soooo,  what say you?  In one visit to the White House, Bibi (Netanyahu) was ushered into the White House by a side door, which is used by the hired help?  Do you think that was honoring and blessing our ally and friend?  And what is our responsibility as the foot soldiers in the prayer battalion?  Psalm 122:6 tell us to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem".  Ya know the more I look and study that verse, I believe, in light of what is happening in our world today, when I pray for the peace of Jerusalem I am saying "Come King Jesus, Prince of Peace.Take back what is rightfully yours!.   

Blessings,

 Gramps

Are You Aware?

"I will make you  a great nation, and I will bless you, And Make Your Name Great,; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse.  And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed" (Gen 12:2-3).

Hey Gang: Are you up to speed in what is happening in our world at this moment.   Are you concerned?  I mean really getting to the nail- biting stage of the daily news of our world?  I am.  Not so much for myself or my bride, for we have been blessed with God's promise of three score and seven, and I am not as concerned with my kids and their spouses, for they have passed the half century mark but I am really concerned for my grand's and my great grand's.

Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, was given the profound covenant that would be the center stone of all happens in our world.  In it God says you can judge all things by how they impact of "the apple of My eye."    Very simply stated, "If you bless 'My Land' and 'My people', I will bless you and, if you choose to curse 'My Land' and 'My People', I will return the cursing on you.."

I have included the prophecy given to us by Haggai and repeated by the writer of the Hebrews, but I want to repeat it again, and pray that it is driven deep into the depths of your heart.  These very powerful and ominous words were written during the reign of Darius the King as a warning of what is to come in the latter days or even the last days.

"Yet once more I will shake not only the  earth, but the heaven."  This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain".  That is the black dog portion of Haggai's prophecy, but notice he does not leave us without hope, "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire" (Hag. 2:6, Heb. 12:26b - 29).

Yesterday I once again completed my favorite chore.  You might think we weird but I love to cut the grass.  Why?  Not because I like to hear the racket of the engine and mower for two hours or because I enjoy the sun baking down on my frail body, but because the engine is loud enough I can sing at the top of my voice and no one can hear me.  The song that rang my bell yesterday was one penned by Albert E. Brumley, who I suspect also had a mower. 

He wrote the following words that every believer can take to the bank "This world is not my home, I'm only passing through.  My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue; The angels beckon me from heavens open door, And I can't feel at home in this world anymore." 

Soooo, friends and fellow believers, this truth is echoed throughout the word of God. The words "sojourner" and "pilgrim" are found many times in both the Old and New Covenant.  When the alligators begin to assemble and the rubber-hits-the-road and your back is against the wall, take a moment or two remember that this is just a short preparing time and place- for eternity.

Blessings, 

  Gramps

My God is an Awesome God

 "Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him!  But the thunder of his power who can understand?”  (Psalm 79:11).

Hey Gang:  Have you ever looked around you to see how vast this universe is that God has made?  Scientist tell us they do not have a clue as to how big the universe really is.  I think we could all agree that “God is truly mighty and all powerful”. The power of God is amazing and it has always been a wonder for me.

 I watched a documentary on the weather channel recently about the most violent storms ever recorded.  One that stands out in my memory banks was St Helen’s.  We had the opportunity to drive through the devastation caused by that mighty storm, shortly after it occurred, and the only word that seemed to fit was – “awesome!”

The news is filled with rhetoric coming from Iran and other Muslim nations that they now have enough power to annihilate the little Satan (Israel)and the big Satan (the United States).  Iran claims that they will soon have the materials to build six atomic bombs.  In their warped minds they believe they will have sufficient power to spit in God’s eye and blow away the “apple of God’s eye”.   Don't you believe it!

 Ezekiel paints us a totally different picture.  He wrote the following words of assurance to the children of Israel, “You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers, so you will be My people, and I will be your God.” (36:28)

 Each day we make decisions on whether we will feed the black dogs of our lives or the white dogs.  The question is ever before us, “Choose you this day whom you will serve?” (Jos 24:15)  God is faithful and true and makes no promises that He does not intend to keep. Keep in mind the adage, “Your values, determine your choices and your choices determine your destiny.

 Soooo, brothers and sisters, one does not have to be a rocket scientist to know that “something is fixing to happen”.  We make decisions each day that will determine what side of the fence we will be when the event of all times – the coming of Yeshua to collect His sheep-- will occur. 

I pray this morning that each and every one who reads this 'Gramps' message will have their spiritual house in order and name in the Lamb's Book of life, their armor spit-shined and in place, have shared Jesus, and  made sure those around them also know of the great event that is just around the corner -  Jesus is coming again – SOON!

Blessings,

Gramps

God Answers in Unexpected Ways

Picture goes with this one, not last one.  Sorry about that!

 “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!  Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (I John 3:1-3)

Hey gang:  The sun is out bright, the birds are playing outside the window, and we even have a resident squirrel that seems to have adopted us.  So, I asked Abba Father to give me something that is light and beautiful for you this morning.  Is there anything more light and beautiful than to know we are being conformed into the image of His Son? 

One of the very profound statements that the underground pastor made in Chapel last week was, “What a wondrous revelation it was to learn that I am an ambassador of Christ and God will hone me on His wheel of adversity until I am like Him”.Powerful! Does that get your corpuscles to corpuscle?  

One of the very neat parts of serving as a volunteer for Voice of Martyrs is that televisions are there primarily to review the many tapes about persecution around the world.  They are not equipped with outside antenna’s so getting the evening news is not an option.  On returning to the mission field- the outside world- I tuned to the evening news and learned nothing had changed. Same old stuff; it was as if I had just turned the news off from yesterday.

And the results were the same, my blood pressure began to rise and a sense of sadness and depression resurfaced. How many know that God responds to our down times, if we seek Him to do so.  On Sunday morning it was a damp and rainy day.  I felt like I had been hit by a semi loaded with sharp needles.  The bride of my youth has taught me that I will not feel any worse in church than I do at home, so I trucked off to church. 

And, Abba Father was faithful in answering my scream for “help”.  My very favorite hymn is Jesus Loves Me, this I know”.  Now I ask you, when was the last time you heard someone sing or play Jesus Loves me in a church service? The pianist had chosen to play a fabulous rendition of Jesus Loves Me and I so enjoyed whispering those words, 'Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so!.'  

Was there instant healing. No, but I knew that my heavenly Daddy knew the pain I was feeling  and sent me a clear message that He was aware of my struggle. He sent His assurance that He would never leave me or forsake me through my very favorite song

.     

Soooo, my young friends, be advised God stands ready to meet you at the point of your need and, if you ask Him, He will provide a new song for your heart or one of the very good oldies that has impacted on your life many times before.

Blessings,  

Gramps

You Are Only a Seed Planter and Not a Harvester

"Jesus said, 'Go therefore and make disciples'"....(Matt. 28:19a)  "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8).

Many years ago I had the privilege of serving as God's chaplain at the Village.  What a blessing

to open the eyes and hearts of the youngsters to the wonderful fact that the God of the universe loved them. One chapel service the Lord laid it on my heart to give those who had come to love the Lord a chance to stand to their feet and acknowledge that love.

I was amazed when nearly every one of the fifty boys stood, but I lived with these youngsters every minute of every day and knew there were many who were not ready to make such a declaration.  So, I told them to sit down and I went through the steps of the plan of salvation once again; at the conclusion I again asked those, who felt they really wanted God to be the pilot of their lives, to stand. 

Again amazed, I witnessed a similar action on the part of the boys, nearly all stood.  Again I had them sit down and told them to go back to their rooms tonight and take out their Bibles and ask God to speak to their hearts and seek His great salvation until they felt a peace in their hearts.

We did not often have visitors to our chapel services, but that night we did  - a minister friend of one of the staff.  After the boys and staff had departed for their houses he came up to me and began to rag on me.  His asked  "What right did I have to tell the kids whether or not they were ready to accept the Lord and Savior of their lives?'  I was truly amazed that he, a man o0f the cloth, could possibly believe that I controlled when each boy made the decision to surrender his life to the Lord.

How I praise God that I am not the harvester but only the seed planter.  God knew the hearts of each of those young men and those who were sincere that night and stood before their Lord and said, "Come into my heart Lord Jesus". These were immediately accepted into God's family and their name written into the Lamb's Book of LIfe". I trust the others had a thirst for this relationship.

Sooo, my young buckaroos and buckaroo-ettes, let me give you a chunk of really fabulous news, when Jesus said, "Go into all the world and share the Good News that Jesus Christ", the Son of God, the creator of all you survey promised to give you a gigantic tool box filled with all the tools you will need to complete your assignment.  In other words you have no excuse for not following His challenge to you so "Go for it!"

Blessing,

Gramps

One Slightly Used Pallet For Sale

"Jesus said, "Get up, pick up your pallet and walk." (John 5:8)

Hey Gang:  Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a desert experience?  I have always enjoyed going back to Jamie Buckingham's book,  A Way Through the Wilderness, when I find myself confined to a pallet and seemingly do not have the strength to "Take it up and walk".

Jamie loved the Sinai and spent many days walking from one end to the other.  He always had a Bedouin at his side to teach him the secrets of the desert.  Such things as trap door spiders, the dangers of wadies, that the desert had no favorites, it would take your life if you failed  to respect its hidden powers; Learning comes by struggling and being overcomers.                  . 

Jamie tells the story of the Springs at Marah.  The Israelites were a grumbling sort of folks.  I certainly do not put them down for that, for they did indeed live under some very tough circumstances.  But then again, one might wonder if they could not have been more civil after seeing the ten plagues that set them free from the bondage of Egypt - the parting of the sea that saved their lives. 

When looking  at a map, one wonders why Moses choose to take the southern route from Egypt to the land of 'milk and honey".    The Northern route was much shorter and there was fresh water wells along the Northern Route- sufficient to provide for the mega people and their livestock. 

The biblical account was stark and vivid.  They had a problem! They went three days into the desert and were out of water, and the waters of Marah were to bitter to drink!

Why Lord?  Why would you place this humongous conglomerate of people in such peril?  Have you learned yet that when the alligators are neck deep, God has a plan.  Notice: God said  He would not allow the Egyptian diseases to afflict them, "if"  (there is that nasty word again) they would obey.

If they would have drunk of the waters of Marah their bodies would have adjusted to the waters in a matter of days.  The laxative affect would have ceased, but not until all the parasites and death dealing germs had been removed. These they had acquired as mud stompers in the mud pits of the Nile. 

There was magnesium and calcium that formed into dolomite, a muscle control drug used by long distance runners to prevent cramping in hot weather.  Also taken by heart patients to keep the heart muscle from going into fibrillation.  The water would have prepared their bodies for their forty-year saunter through the Sinai.

Soooo, good buddies, what am I trying to say to you this morning.  I just celebrated my 79th year on this earth and can attest to the fact that I have encountered many Marahs in my life.  But now hear me, I have also found that God has a tree nearby that will solve my walk through the desert.  He had a tree for the children at Marah, and he had a tree a Calvary for all those who call on His name and surrender their lives to His keeping,- He has a tree for you this morning..  

Are you dealing with bitter waters this morning?  If so look around, God has a tree nearby.

Blessings,

Gramps

What If?

"Even though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.  Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me...."  (Psa. 23:4)

Hey Gang:  I read of a very frightening statistic in a magazine article... more than twenty three million American's have declared they no long believe, or have never believed in God, and refer to themselves as Agnostics.  If you add to these the folks who "have a form of godliness but deny the power", and those who are "lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God" or those who are "ever learning but never come to the knowledge of the truth" you might conclude that our nation is in deep waters.  (2 Tim. 3).

As I read that statistic, I wondered what these folks do when the rubber-hit's-the-road or the alligators are stacked up to your armpits.  What do they do when they find a loved one has terminal cancer or when you go to work only to find a pink slip on your desk.  What does one do when your child is in rebellion or you have deep marital problems.  Where do you turn for help, support and encouragement when the check book registers zip and the bills keep coming in?

The bride of my youth brought an article from the Daily Guideposts to my attention about a young lady who had aced her way through high school and earned a scholarship to a prestigious college.  After  completing her first year of higher learning she returned home and announced to a friend that "I've chucked it", I do not believe in this God stuff anymore.   (Not an uncommon malady in today's colleges and universities) 

As she expounded on the finer things of godlessness, the friend prayed that God would fill his mouth with the right words; words that would rekindle the fire that he had seen in this beautiful lass as she grew from childhood to the enlightened years of teenage.

He thought of all the wonderful and powerful verses he could fling at her, but he knew that would only flame the embers that were burning within her chest cavity.  Somehow he sensed she was on a fishing expedition, seeking how an old confident might react to her announcement that she had chosen "to go her own way".

Instead he calmly responded, "What would I do if a friend was going through a deep valley?  Where would I go when a grandson suddenly contracted a cancer that was zipping the very life out of him?  To whom would I pray if my child had chosen to "go his own way" and closed his heart to the King of kings and Lord of lords?   To whom would I turn when I knew that  blood of my blood and bones of my bones had chosen paths that I knew would only lead to pain and agony.

The girl responded with tears in her eyes, "I hadn't thought of that".  David wrote "though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil,"  How could he have such assurance?  "Because he had tested God's love and he knew His Lord and Savior and Shepherd was with him and his rod and staff would bring comfort even in the deepest waters.

Sooooo,  Rejoice my young warriors, God so love you He gave his only Son and He continues to give".   He stand at the door of your heart and waits for you to ask  "Lord keep Your might arms of protection around me as I  walk through the valleys and shadows of this day."         

Blessings,

Gramps

A Gigantic Leap into the Trash Can

"And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chron. 7:14).

Hey Gang, the conventions are over, (Thank you Jesus) and we have set out on the countdown period to the election that will determine who will take up residence in the White House and oval office.  Somehow I sense this election is far more important than any previous election and will determine if the United States of America will remain united, and if it will remain the mighty force for good that God designed it to be.

I was saddened, and confess at times very angry with what was coming forth from the podiums of both conventions, I also admit there were times when my blood pressure would not allow me to stay tuned. 

Countless speeches, millions of words.  Speeches filled with hatred, and innuendos, with false promises and even with half truths or no truth at all.  For the first time God was told there is no place in the platform by those who adhere to the donkey party.  Oh, but you say they put it back.  I suspect God has a different opinion.  I was a wee bit amused when one, so called broadcast expert  commented, "There will be a nose-jam in DC when all the Pinocchio's return to the city."

But, how wonderfully great is our God! He gently reminded me that He has a plan for our nation, and He neither slumbers or sleeps.  He reminded me that although He cares for our country, we should keep our eyes on Jerusalem and be faithful in our praying for the peace of Jerusalem.  He reminded me that Habakkuk, the prophet, cried out to God, "How along will You not hear?," and God's response, "Be astonished!  Wonder!  Because I am doing something in your days you would not believe if you were told" (Hab. 1:5).

Sooooo, my young warriors.  Yes, the world power brokers believe they are sitting in the cat-bird seat.  The world is crumbling and there is a cockiness within their ranks that they can weather yet another storm and maintain their power.  How sad that God placed them on their thrones and blessed them with the opportunity to do great things for Him and for His sheep, but most have chosen the very wide road to destruction.

As I sit here this morning I can feel a cool breeze coming through the window.  It looks like it is going to be a great day to get outside and do some of those chores that need to be completed.  I wonder, Lord, how many like days  will we have until man comes to that place where You said, "If I do stop this nonsense, man will annihilate himself".   

Blessings,

Gramps

The East Gate and the Return of Jesus.

 “Lift up heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O  ancient doors.   That the King of Glory may come n!  Who is the King of glory?  The Lord strong and mighty.  The Lord mighty in battle….The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory” (Psa. 24:7-10)

 Hey Gang:  Did you ever have had an experience or seen something that so impacted on your mind, heart and soul that you never forgot it.  I have had such an experience on several occasions.  I have been wondrously blessed to visit the land where Jesus walked, and will walk again, I believe very soon. 

 I have been blessed to visit from one end of the Land of Israel to the other.  I have visited the Old City of Jerusalem, Capernaum where Jesus spent most of his ministry time.  I have stood in what many believe is the  tomb where they laid Jesus body on that fateful night and have walked by the Sea of Galilee where Jesus did much of His teaching - as well as out on the Sea.

All life changing experiences, but there is one place that rates, in my heart, as the most  profound place I have ever been for its major ministry is yet to come.  As I stood on the Mount of Olives and looked down across the Kidron Valley to the City of David my heart began to beat faster and an amazing picture opened before my eyes. 

The words of Ezekiel came to life in a new and vibrant way that I shall never forget, “Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east; and I was shut.  And he said to me, "This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it; for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered by it; therefore it shall remain shut.  Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way." (Ezek 44:1-3)

Nehemiah described it this way . "...the gate that looketh toward the east: And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east."  (Neh. 3:29)

Soooo, my young brothers and sisters in Christ, soon, and I believe very soon, the masonry placed there by the Ottoman Turks in 1530 A.D. used to wall up the East Gate will crack and fall away as the King of king and Lord of Lords will enter and take back what Has been - and continues to be His.

Blessings,

Gramps\

Little but Powerful

“Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, -seated at the right hand of God.” (Col. 3:1).

Hey Gang:  I have said it before and I say it again, I love the little, what most would call insignificant, words of the Bible. They are kind of like the people behind the scenes doing things considered by man as mundane, but in reality  they are the ones who make things work, like janitors, cooks. 

I often asked the kids in Chapel, "What is the most important word in the English language?"  I would get such responses as, love, joy, peace and some that I will not give space in this epistle.  Of course your most important word may be totally different than mine,  but the one word that I do not want to hear when I stand before God is “NOT”.  (I KNOW YOU NOT!)

Colossians three is filled with little insignificant words that carry life changing power.  Paul gives us a four step process for change.  Paul is what I call a 'Practical teache'.  He gives a principle and then gives us instruction on how to implement the principle. In Colossians three we find six words, none of grandiose significance but, when wrapped in his descriptive way of teaching, they can be life changing.

Note step one is a three letter word “Die”.  Paul says we have to die to anything that stands between us and God.   To this step in the process he adds such words as immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and greed.  I am sure all who read this epistle could make their own list.

The second step in the process is “Put off”.   Notice Paul did not say it would be a good idea to put off such things such as anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech, lying but rather made it an“ act of the will” issue, a just plain “DO IT!”.

His third step, again two simple words “Put on”.  Jesus said when we clean house and evict the evil one we best fill the house with the good news that Jesus Christ is owner of your house, other - wise the evil one will return and bring his cousins with him.  

The final insignificant word, which is also the most difficult to implement, “Let” .  “Let the peace of God rule in your heart, let the word of Christ richly dwell with you”. 

Soooo, Seven rather insignificant words, die, put off, put on, and let.  One last but very important kicker that makes Paul’s change process fly -“IF”.  If you have been raised up with Christ!”   Paul closed this most important principle by saying “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (vs. 17).

Blessings,

Gramps

Hearing God’s Voice

“After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire the sound of a gentle blowing” (I Kings 19:12)

Hey Gang:  Do you sometimes have a hard time hearing God’s voice?  I certainly do.  Perhaps you are like me and allow your life to become so clogged up with the mundane that you cannot hear His voice.  I know that gig well. 

We are into the age of instant electronics. We get our dander up when our communication devices do not boot as rapidly as we would like.  We crave to hear, but also to see at the time we hear.  Today’s warriors communicate with their loved ones on a daily basis, even from the remote battle fields.  When I was in Korea I waited in line for more than a hour to make my one call of the year to the future bride-of-my-youth, and then the line was less than perfect. 

I believe one of the most common questions people ask is, "Does God ever speak in an audible voice?   And the answer to that is "yes".  We find many examples of Him speaking directly to folks for a multitude of reasons.  He spoke directly to many, but to others He spoke through another person. 

So, how do you listen to the voice of God?  If we want to hear God’s voice, the first thing we need to do is be quiet, then come before Him with praise and adoration (or vise versa).  Jesus taught the disciples, “... pray this way, Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name”.  It is when we begin to honor God and understand the majesty, power and glory of our Lord that we can shut out the world, no matter where we are, and seek His voice.  There is no way that God is going to shout above the cacophony of our lives.    

As the prophet Elijah discovered, God comes quietly when we least expect Him.  God told Elijah to meet Him “...on the mountain" (I Kings 19:11).  As Elijah waited, there was a mighty windstorm, an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord wasn’t in any of those.  He came to Elijah in a “gentle whisper”. 

You will never hear God’s voice unless you go into your prayer closet and shut out the noises of the world and give Him your undivided attention.  It is the desire of the Father to come to you as He did with Elijah in a “gentle whisper”. 

Soooo, my young friends, keep in mind that we carry our “prayer closets’ deep within our hearts.

Do you want to hear God’s voice, then follow Jesus' example.  He was in constant contact with Abba Father throughout his earthly ministry.  Go and do likewise this day!

Blessings,

Gramps