Check What GOes In!

"It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man"  (Matt. 15:11) "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man" (Matt. `15:18).

Hey Gang:  It seems every time I tune into one of the religious stations on television there are discussions going on pertaining to the signs of the times and I have learned that, if you do some channel surfing, you can find a discussion that you can agree with.   I think that is okay because each of those participants, if born again, have the same Holy Spirit in them that I do, and God speaks to each in a unique way that brings understanding to that person.

 And, if when we honor the opinion of our brothers and sisters, not that we necessarily agree with all that they say, we choose those parts of the discussion that agree with what we feel the Holy Spirit is saying to us,  that drives us to the Holy Writ to check out the authenticity of what has been said.

Jesus made it very clear that He did not want His children to be uninformed of what is going on and what is to come.  His first piece of advice to you and me, "Careful gang, Be not be deceived!”   He warned that in the latter and last days there are going to be many false prophets and false teachers. 

One of the things that always amazes me is the many productions of Hollywood based on religious themes.  The thing that amazes me is that the stories in the Bible, such as the flood, the story of Christ, the Exodus of the Children of Israel, and the parting of the waters are absolutely amazing miracles of God that need no embellishment by some producer who feels his interpretation is more grandiose than the Biblical story.

It reminds me of the times when I was watching an athletic event and the referees decided it was their game and not the participants game; the zebra opinions controlled the action.  I often wondered if they were refereeing the same game that I was watching. 

 As I watched the recent release of yet another story of Christ’ life and death, I wondered if they were using the same Bible that I have learned to love, and totally respect.   Oh, there were pieces that were similar, close enough that those whose Bibles are used for show in their homes, or just plain dust collectors, close enough to but miles from the truth.

As I watched the unfolding of the story in the movie I turned in my Bible to the last chapter of Revelation. The last four verse of the Bible contains a very frightening warning for those who take liberties with God's Word.    

 Keep in mind the Book of Revelation was dictated to John by Jesus Himself.  He closed it with these words:  "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.  He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly."  Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.  The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen" (Rev.22:18-22).

Soooo,  As I was lulling this morning message in my mind, during the night hours, Jesus words found in Luke's Gospel came to mind: "Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks...If your hand and your foot causes you to stumble, cut them off and throw it from you....If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you....for it is better to enter life without these than be cast into the fiery hell" (Matt. 18:7-10).   

Blessings,

Gramps

Something DID Happen! Are You Prepared?

"It is not for you to know the times or the epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority" (Acts 1:7).  "Blessed is he who rewards and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near" (Rev. 1:3).

Hey Gang:  Did you happen to notice there was an election in Israel recently?   I suspect there are many who did not know, nor do they know the miracles that surrounded that election.   In the week preceding the election, Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party was trailing and funeral arrangement being made for his burial from politics.  But several days before the election he stepped to the podium and announced to the people of Israel that there would be no two state nation nor would Jerusalem, the eternal city, be split in half and half given to their enemies.

The end result - not only did he win the election but he won it by a landslide!  The Israeli media was completely wrong!  The newspaper pools were completely wrong! The exit polls were completely wrong! The Obama team efforts to unseat an American ally were a complete failure!

When it came down to pulling the voting level, all the innuendos, threats, and predictions went by the board and the people went for experience, stability of leadership and security.  Each morning the people of Israel awaken to the fact that they are totally surrounded by nations that have threatened to totally and completely annihilate the Jews.

Joel Rosenberg asked the following questions and answered them: "Did President Obama's attacks against the Prime Minister backfire?  Yes.  Did the millions of dollars spent by foreigners to bring down Netanyahu completely fail?  Yes.   It has been reported that Obama has a three- fold platform and he is willing to do anything in his power to achieve as his legacy. ObamaCare, was at the top of his list, Climate Control came in a close second, and the Two--State Peace Agreement, Israel and the Palestinians, has grown to the number one position.  He feels these successes are necessary to bail him out of a rather dismal experience as President of the most powerful nation in the world, when he was elected.

All those who prayed for Netanyahu's success can rejoice today, but keep in mind, a result like this cannot be fully explained in human terms.  There is no question in the hearts and minds of every Christians, especially those watching these times, that it was a miracle, unexpected, unexplained, and unbelievable but true.  And how did it happen? PM Netanyahu said it was victory “Against all odds.”

"Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision.  Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.  Daniel said, "Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.   It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removed kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness and the Light dwells with Him".   (Daniel 2:19-22).

Was a giant step taken by Israel?  Yes!  Are there problems over?  In no way! Our President will be called on to make a decision in the UN that could change the outcome of what is to come.   A decision that will affect Israel but also the United States of America.   We will look at that pending decision in the next prophetic blog. We feel that God has given us a mantle of ‘watchman’ (Ezekiel 33) and we have a responsibility to alert you, the readers.  We will include blogs occasionally, maybe even one a week since so much seems to be happening.

Blessings,

Gramps 

Balanced or Off Balance?

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trust in Him, and I am helped;  therefore my heart exults,  And with my song I shall thank Him" (Psa. 28:7).  "Do not be grieved for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10).

Hey Gang:  I am a balanced therapy addict!  I have refrained from using the word "therapy" because of the connotations that it surfaces in many minds.  I would rather have people look at their lives from the platform of experience.  I am also an advocate of looking at all of life situations from the standpoint of a three-point triangle that include Values, Choices and Destinations.

And what do I mean by balanced.  There is no denying the fact that we are going to run into 'Back-Against-The-Wall, Alligators up to our armpits, and clinkers in our path on a fairly regular basis.  I have come to this conclusion:  when we allow the negatives to override the positives we are going to get clobbered!

I believe, if all couples who were contemplating marriage were compelled to read Gary Smalley's book The Language of Love, it would provide a foundation on which to build a relationship within the marriage.  He introduces the concept of a ‘Love Bank’, which we have shared with many couples.  What in the world is that?  It is the same as your checking account with your local bank only it pertains to human behaviors. 

When we do something good for our mate a deposit in your love bank account and when there is a disagreement, you make a withdrawl from your love bank account.  It is sad that so many couples get into deep financial problems because they think that must have all the bangle and beads the world offers.  And that same attitude prevails in many marriages. When the withdrawals exceed the deposits, trouble is close at hand!

The basics of the Love Bank or the ‘tie that binds’ is found in Ecclesiastes 9:4-9; the Preacher writes about a strand of three that binds the husband and the wife and the Holy Spirit together.  A strand of three is so much stronger than a stand of two! And when the two are not bound through a love bank principle, it is a strand of one plus one and breaking a strand of one is a piece of cake, especially when there is no Holy Spirit in the life of that one.

‘Love Bank’ principles are found throughout the Bible.  Jesus was a constant planter of deposits in all those who loved Him and called Him Lord.  His greatest contribution to your Love Bank was His willingness to lay down His life that you might be freed from the bondage of sin.  He said, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for friends" (John 15:13).

 I have heard it said a zillion times that marriage is a 50 - 50 proposition.  To that I shout "balderdash".  First, marriage is not a proposition, it is a lay down your life commitment: second, it is not 50-50 it is 100% - zip.  If you are not willing to lay down you life for that special person God united you with, go fishing instead of to the altar.

Jesus, "the way, the truth, and the life" gave us clear instructions in the proper procedures for our Love Bank, He said, "For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to Me."  (Matt. 25:35-36).  When questioned about doing these things, Jesus responded, "…to the extent you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me" (Vs. 40).  Even our spouse and family!

Soooo, Jesus removed any excuse we might muster for not going into all the world, even our next door neighbor and when He said, "I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest" (John 4:35) He also said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Matt. 9:37).  What say ye?  Are you a laborer for Jesus?  Is it time to do an accounting on your Love Bank?

BLessings,

Gramps

Be Prepared, God WIll Send A Teacher!

  

"For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on our offspring and My blessing on your descendants and they will spring up like grass like poplars by streams of water." (Isa. 44:3-4). "Behold, Children are a gift from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward....How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them" (Psa. 127: 3, 5). 

Hey Gang:  How many know we need a crash course, across our land, on these two verses.  At least among all who are getting hitched.  Those who know me, know I have spent most of my life working with youth who are struggling with the empty cavity syndrome; this often could be filled with the mom or dad who implicated ‘caring for you is just too much of a hassle and restricts my freedoms.’ 

When I graduated from college I fully intended on continuing my education in California to prepare for a career in criminology.  I do not have a clue why I choose that field because I am totally ill equipped to work in any field that requires understanding in science and physics.  God knew that.  He knew my DNA was far better equipped to work on the other side of criminology called "throwing out a life line to kids that were floundering." 

With four youngsters under the age of six, I had no choice- I had to get a job and get it fast.  It did not appear that I was going to be able to attend college until I salted away enough bread to pay the bills, so I was seeking something that was within my ability level and could gain understanding of how to work with the kids of the "system".  That led me to a Juvenile Detention Center that just happened to be looking for someone who could start  - that day!

They were very kind and assured me I would receive training before being throw to the wolves.  So they scheduled me for an observation shift that night and gave me all the tools I would need - a set of keys.  I could fill ten or twelve morning messages with my first experiences as a counselor in a detention center, in the hard core section.  Here one had to be a class-one felon to gain entry. There is no question in my mind this was where God wanted to train me in the finer points of 'throwing out life-lines. 

When I walked in the section the next day, having completed my required training program the previous night, I was confronted by fifty hostile young men who were not fond of counselors and were quick to let me know it.  I knew, if God placed me there He would provide a safety net for me.  Very early in my first shift God put words in my mouth that would provide the basis for the education that was to follow. Two fairly good-sized lads from different gangs decided they did not like each other and were demonstrating their distain by beating on each other. 

Now, as I think back I must admit I do not have a clue why I did what I did.  I stepped between the two lads and suggested there might be a less painful way to resolve what was bugging them!  One of the lads said, "Whatcha gunna do man?”  Good question.  I did not have a clue what I was ‘gunna do, man!’

Now, I also do not have a clue where my response to that question came from. I said, "I don't have a clue what I am ‘gunna do’ because you have not yet taught me what I should do that will help you fix your life and get out of here.  As I recall, I am not sure who was more shocked, my co-worker, the kids or yours truly.

Soooo, To make the very long story very short - THEY DID.  The fight stopped and we pow-wowed for an hour or so, in which most of the young men entered into the discussion and my education was begun. 

The year I retired from Eagle Village I was awarded an Honorary Doctors Degree from Ferris State University.  It was an award I accepted for all the people who have given time and talents to help the many kids who have found hope and success at the Village throughout the years.  But I really received my ‘Ph.D’ in experience in a detention home in California, taught by a bunch of kids that by world standards were "weeds".   (Check out blog from March 10).

Blessings,

Gramps

Shouts of JOY, Even When the Sky Appears To Be Falling!

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.  He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with  shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psa. 126:5-6).

Hey Gang:   I believe Satan hates hymns of praise.  As a matter of fact I have tested this many times.  That when the alligators are up to my armpits and my back is against the wall, I get out my lawn mower (or snow blower) and go out and ….  Now I may have cut the grass two days ago so there must be another reason why I am doing a repeat performance, when it certainly does not need a repeat performance at this time.

And there is.  You see my lawn mower makes a lot of noise and when it is running at top throttle and the cutter bar is whirling a full speed it makes a lot of noise, so much so that I can sing at the top of my lungs and no one but me and Abba Father can hear me.   I believe, when I am singing praise songs, and power songs and Scripture Songs, it is as a soothing aroma to Abba Father and an eviction notice to "Slue Foot!

The Psalmist gave us these very special words of encouragement in times of trouble: "He who dwells in the shelter of the most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  ..For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence".  Now notice the next phrase, "He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings you may seek refuge" (Psalm 91:1, 3).

Paul said, "I became your father in Christ…Therefore I exhort you, be an imitator of me" (1 Cor. 4:14-16).   He also said "be imitator of God".  (Eph. 5:1).   Do you think Paul was a man of joy?  He certainly had many reasons to believe life was a bummer.   I believe the one thing that Paul developed early in his ministry was to survive and remain firm in his walk with the Lord. You, too, will need a very strong "act of the will".  And where does the cannon fodder for the "act of the will" come from?  James says we grow strong through trials and tribulations so that we can handle even bigger trials and tribulations in the future. (James 1)

In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul refers to his light afflictions as producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.  Later, In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he lists what he considered "slight afflictions", any one which could send us into depression -ville.    How does we keep our Love Bank from becoming totally bankrupt  when we encounter even one such experience listed in this passage? 

I believe we can find the key to Paul's success, “…in keeping his eyes on the mark that is Jesus Christ”, in the Book of Philippians.    It is truly a book of joy.  Paul begins by telling us there is great joy in knowing that there are those in the family of God who are praying for us.    (I fear the phrase "I will pray for you" has become a phrase with no meaning or commitment to many.) 

When we started the Village, there is no question in my mind, we were successful  because we had a solid core of grandmothers who prayed very faithfully for us.   I believe our Nation has taken the wrong path in recent years because our prayer life has become "pithy".  I am truly blessed and so very thankful to know there are faithful prayer warriors who take me to the throne room of heaven on a regular basis., and many who pray for the Village.

Sooooo, my young friends and neighbors, I will close this epistle for today with Paul's words from First Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Paul has much more to say about joy and I will scatter them throughout these epistles.                                                                   (In case you need a reminder)

Blessings,                                                                                                                  

 Gramps            

Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart!

   

  "For you will go out in with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands" (Isa. 55:12).

Hey Gang:  I was in the super market the other day and heard something I have not heart for many years, someone was whistling!   Did you ever take a moment or two and thank God for the gift of being able to talk, sing and even whistle?  Would this world not be a drab place if there was no music, color-changing seasons and such? You know He could have just made everything black and white with no sound.  Yuk!. 

It was interesting to watch the people as they passed by the whistler, some nodded their head in approval, some looked like they thought the guy was weird, and there were even a few that appeared in shock when they realized we, as humans, have the ability to whistle.  In my growing up years I had a drummer friend who whistled every moment he could.  You know the song, ‘Whistle While You Work?  Probably many who read this do not know that old hillbilly song. 

You just do not hear folks whistling anymore.  I have a theory about that.  I must admit, it is not checked out by empiric data, so take it for what is worth - hearsay. I believe whistling requires a relaxed mouth and it seem people today are "up tight".   I checked this out in front of our mirror and when I tightened the muscles around my mouth, I could not whistle, but when I smiled and relaxed, the sound came forth like the philharmonic symphony.  Well maybe not that good.

I recently wrote a message about a weed that survived the cut and became and discipline article in the life of the one who rescued it from the trash heap.  When in high school we had a young chap that was considered a ‘weed’, and not worthy to associate with the prestigious and splendid in crowd.

He was commonly referred to by the ‘in club members’ as "Happy Harry".  He was a whistler.  You could hear Happy Harry coming long before you could see him.  (Kind of like our project survive boys who had not showered for a week while in the bush. You could smell them before you could see them.) 

Harry was considered a "weed" for a number of reasons: his wardrobe was not from Sac's Fifth Avenue.  Stripped shirts, checkered pants and weird color combinations were his trademark.  As I mentioned to associate with Harry was to move from the prestigious and splendid crowd to the weed club instantly.

But, how many of you know that when the alligators are running, and we find our backs- against- the wall, we tend to be willing to put the things that separate us in the closet and grab any rope that is dangling out there that will get us through a catharsis.  On this particular morning all of the in crowd, you know the ‘prestigious and splendid’ people, surround Happy Harry and he was quietly reading from the pocket Testament that was always in his shirt pocket for all could see.

The ‘prestigious and splendid’ people had an ‘anything goes bash’ at one of the knob hill castles, the previous night. One of the young lasses was so bombed out of her mind that when she fell into the swimming pool, she could not get out, and drowned.  That morning the ‘in crowd’ no longer considered themselves ‘prestigious or splendid’. They were just plain hurting deep in their souls and weird, whistling Harry was giving them the Good News that God stands at the door of their hearts waiting for them to open the door and experience the finer things of His creation.

Soooo, my friends, did you know that what the world considered weeds, God has a very special mission for them.  Don't give up on those ‘in crowds’, the’ prestigious and splendid’ people for they have the same hurts, deep inside, that the weeds experience, but they think they can cover them with the bangles and beads of this world.  Sorry Charlie - it is then they need a Happy Harry with the well worn New Testament to show them the way through the wilderness.

Blessings,

Gramps

Just A Weed

"When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, "Bless me, even my also, O my father!"  (Gen. 27:34).  Esau became a weed at that moment.

Hey Gang:  The bride of my youth is an avid reader.  She does not just read books, she consumes them.  I have even seen her read huge books (huge to me for anything over six pages without pictures and large print) that she did not particularly like.  This morning, as she often does, she brought something she came across in her morning devotions. She thought would be a neat item for a morning message and it rang my bell because in it is a point of discipline that we all need to implement in our spiritual walk with the Lord.

       The Story: “One spring when the earth was coming alive and dormant seeds were coming to life there, among the blooming hibiscus, hanging ferns, and multiple forms of flowering plants, a tiny seed penetrated the soil and soon became a tall, vigorous stalk that had vibrant green leaves   He did not have a clue what the plant was, so he asked his neighbor if she knew what it was.  She answered, “Yes, it is a weed.”  

      Well the man certainly did not want a weed growing among all the prestigious and splendid creations of God, so he picked up the pot that contained the weed plant and headed for the thrash can - but as he walked he  could not help but look at the plant and it was truly beautiful.   He returned the plant to the porch, watered it and named it his Esau plant.

 I recall another story of a very busy executive that was CEO of a very large plant that employed mega people.     If you want to be a CEO of a plant that has no problems, be self-employed, for where there are two people there is going to be conflict.  As a matter of fact when there is only one, sometimes there is going to be days of conflict. It so happened that at this particular time there was in a raging war between management and the union. This had gone on for months with no resolution. 

It would have put most people in the loony bin, but the CEO seemed to handle the stress very well.  When asked how he was able to take such a beating day after day without beginning to show signs of dry rot, he gave his secret.  He said, "Do you see that plant outside the door of my office?  When I come to work in the morning I take my CEO hat from that plant and put in on, and when I leave at night, l take my CEO cap off and put it on the plant". 

      Well, getting back to the story of the beautiful weed that almost ended up in the trash can because someone along the line had decided this seed did not live up to their criteria to be a prestigious and splendid creation of God and really did not deserve to live.  As I leaned back in my chair and thought about that weed - the image of thousands of kids that someone along the line said were weeds and did not deserve to be treated as the prestigious and splendid creations of God, had crossed my path.

I also thought about the comment the lady that condemned the weed to death made when she said, “You best kill that weed or it will contaminate all the beautiful prestigious and splendid flowers.”  I wonder what our world would look like if Isaac would have given Esau's birth right back to him and he, would have been treated like a prestigious and splendid flower, like his twin brother Jacob.

 Soooo, my friends, take it from an old salt that has spent his life watering, cultivating, and encouraging weeds that were not considered prestigious or splendid enough to be loved, pruned and encouraged -  as are many prestigious and splendid flowers in weeds clothing begging for someone to water, cultivate and prune them.  So, my friends, strap you hoe on your side and be prepared to do some gardening today.  If you are willing, God will lead you to a prestigious and splendid flower hidden in weed's clothing. 

Blessings,

Gramps

Is There A Point of No Return? Part 2

"Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.  Say to those with anxious heart, Take courage, fear not.  Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come.  But He will save you.  The eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. ...And he ransomed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion" (Isaiah 35: 3-5/10a).

Hey Gang:  If you missed reading the last morning message from Gramps, you need to go back and read Dr. Reagan's first four points pertaining to "There is a point of No Return".    Before getting into the final three points,  I want to challenge you to consider the amazing parallels of Netanyahu's (Prime minister of Israel) coming speech to our Congress and Purim found in the Book of Esther.  If you are not familiar with the story of Esther's laying her life on the line to save her people, you might want to spend a half hour reading the entire book.  I does have great significance for what is happening in our world today.

I do not believe it is an insignificant point to note that his speech to the combined Houses occurs two days before Purim (which actually starts the evening of March 4).  The importance and symbolism of the address is astounding - affirming the Jewish Nation's continued survival on the day before they celebrate the victory over their ancient Persian foe now called Iran.  It is God's amazing timing!  As I have watched and listened to the rhetoric surrounding Netanyahu's pending speech, the words of Jesus also continued to bang around in my head: "I do not want you to be unaware of what is going on around you".  I think He might rephrase that today to say, "Get your head out of the sand, Look around you, “look up for your redemption draws very near"

Which leads me into Dr. Reagan's point five: "God holds nations in contempt".  But did He no create the nations and define their boundaries? Does He not determine when they will come on the scene and vanish from the scene?  Does He not have a purpose for each? And does He not bless and curse each in accordance with their obedience to Him and their treatment of the Jewish people?   Why then does He hold them in contempt?  Isaiah 40, a wonderfully-powerful chapter gives us the answer: “They were disobedient filled with pride and rebellion and they choose to serve hand-made idols rather that the living God.  

Dr. Reagan's point six: ” God forgives and blesses a nation when its people repent."  The only thing that touches God's heart more than faith is repentance.  Nineveh had been judged and was found wanting and was at the edge of the cliff when He brought a rebellious prophet on the scene to warn them that God's patience had run out.  O, Lord how we need a Jonah to stand on the mountain top and warn this once great nation that Your patience is running out.

And point seven:  “God destroys a nation when its rebellion becomes entrenched, reaching a point of no return.”  But, as we search the Scriptures, we find that God does not just suddenly pull the string and zap a nation.  He is much too fair and polite to do that that.  First, He sends His prophets to warn the nation that they best examine their hearts and repent.  A message He also sends to every person who has chosen the "going my own way" path.

Secondly He will send ’eye openers’ such as natural disasters, political confusion and corruption, crop failures, snow and ice storms. economic calamites, rebellious youth and on and on.  If the people still refuse to repent, God will deliver the nation to thrash heap in time.  Nineveh heeded Jonah's warning and repented,.  Later as they returned to their old ways, God again sent a prophet by the name of Nahum’ he was told Nineveh had an "incurable wound".  A wound that resulted in their destruction.  Lord, I pray that we do not have an "incurable wound".

Soooo, my friends and neighbors, Our God is a patient God.  He is long suffering.  But keep in mind He cannot be mocked.  He is going to deal with the sins of our nation sooner or later.  There are a hundred or so verses that I would like to close this with, but will control myself and list only one.  Since I have my Bible open to Isaiah 40, I close with one of my very favorite verses, "Though youths grow weary and tired and vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lords will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run a not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."  (Is. 40:30-31).

Blessings,

Gramps   

    

Is There A Point of No Return?

 "But it shall come about, if you do not obey the Lord your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes, with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you" (Deut. 28:15).

Hey Gang:  Is that not an awesome warning?  And what curses is Moses referring to?-  Natural disasters, political confusion and corruption, crop failures, economic calamities, rebellious youth, rampant disease, even epidemics of divorce, defeat in war, among many other things, including giving the nation  the kind of leaders it deserves.   Does that not fit the American society of today?

But what if they do not heed His words?  Moses goes on and tells us that if the nation refuses to repent, God will deliver it to destruction, as He did many times throughout 

the Old Testament.  O, but you say that was under the law and today we are under grace, right?  Not quite so.  Jesus said to the disciples in Matthew 24, “…not one stone will be left on top of another in this fabulous building” (the Temple).  A prophetic word that was fulfilled in 70 A.D. 

I recently received an epistle from Dr. David R. Reagan, a gentlemen that I feel is blessed by God to be one of His last day prophets.  Keep in mind that the sign prophets are judged by is whether or not their prophecies come true.  The title of his epistle is-  Is America Facing A Spiritual Crisis?

In it he list seven points you might want to research.  The first, God establishes nations and defines their boundaries.  Paul in his sermon at Athens said, "God made from one man every nation of mankind, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of heir habitation"  

Point two:  God determines when a nation will cease to exist.  A nation can be the most powerful in the world like Babylon or Russia and God can pull the plug on that nation.    As I look at recorded history I notice that when a powerful civilization begins to wan there is another that rises to move into the void.  BUT, today, I see no nation rising to replace the power of the United States.  We might want to say that Israel is that nation but, due to its size, that would not fly with most gurus, however, they do have a mighty army and they have something no other nations has- the promise from the throne room of heaven that "I will never leave you or forsake you".

The third point:  God has a purpose for each nation, both general and specific.  I tend to believe that God's daily planner is filled to the hilt and, therefore, he does not waste one iota of time.    I tend to agree with Dr. Reagan that God's purpose for all nations is to provide an atmosphere of freedom, security and tranquility.  I also believe He brings nations into being with a specific mission.  For Israel it is to be a witness of God.  It is Dr. Reagan's opinion that the purpose of the United Sates was to evangelize the world for Jesus.  But perhaps our great purpose was to assist in the reestablishment of Israel.

His fourth point: God blesses and disciplines nations in accordance with their obedience to Him and their treatment of the Jewish people.  God told Abraham "I will make you a great nation, I will bless you, I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you" (Gen. 12:4-6).  My dear sainted Grandma said, the day Germany began their program of annihilation of God's chosen people, “His days are numbered.”  History is littered with the cadavers of nations that have persecuted the Jews.  I am a firm believer that ISIS, and those killing machines that have placed bulls eyes on the back of every Jew and Christian, will be soon find out there is no paradise for those terrorists who are martyred.

Soooo, I will close this for today and finish Dr. Reagan's seven points the next time.  I pray you are heeding the Lord's word to Habakkuk when He said "Look around and see what I am doing".

Blessings,

Gramps,

March 4 Feast of Esther

March 5 Purim