A Very Special Experience

“Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.  And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light” (Matt. 17:1-2).

Hey Gang:  What do you think was going through the minds of Peter, James and John when they saw Jesus transformed before their eyes?  Would seeing Jesus’ “face shine like the sun and His clothes become as white as light” have totally blown your mind?  But notice, about the time their hearts  returned to normal, “out of sight” experience number two occurred- “Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus” (vs. 3).

Keep in mind where this happened, “…on a mountain top”.  And then, an “out of sight”  experience happened that etched the whole experience in the archives of eternity! We are told that “While he, Peter, was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased”.  (vs. 5).

Notice, the response of the disciples: “…they fell face down to the ground and were terrified” (vs. 6).  I believe most folks would agree that what Peter, James and John experienced that day would have been a life-changing experience for most folks.  But, just for a moment, let’s move that experience into the context of 2017.

If I were to read that story to a group of fifth graders, they would have no problem getting a mental image of what the reader was saying.  In our modern era we are presented with profound images that just fifty years ago would have blown the mind of the average person.

Now think about that for a moment.  My first-grade teacher greeted her thirty six-year-olds, each school day morning, with the challenge to find something very quickly that would turn their brains into a receiving mode.  

This she did by beginning the day with a story, a verse from the Bible and the Pledge of Allegiance, all important, but, while completing this morning ritual, she was moving up one aisle and down the other making eye and physical contact with every child in that class.  Now, I could go into a long dissertation of the ills of our current education system, but will leave that for the educational gurus.

What I am saying is, that same teacher, in that same class will face a group of kid with very high expectations that the teacher will mimic, look like, sound like, sing like and even dance like a big yellow bird that they just watched while eating their breakfast.    

Again, we could take a side trip and talk about the multiplicity of issues and many crises that the child has already faced on any given day, but a trip through the local newspaper will give you all the material you need to help you understand what that teacher will face on any given day.    

There is no way that first-grade teacher can compete with the technology that fills our children’s brains with the violence, mundane and nonsense.   Paul, in his letter to Timothy, hit it on the head when he wrote: “There will be a time when, ”always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” will be a dominating force”. (I Tim. 3:7).

So, what am I saying here? The story of the transfiguration is a wonderful story when one has a base of knowledge to receive it.  Is it possible to build that base into our kids even in this garbage-filled world? Moses gave us the formula for success in Deuteronomy 6:4-9.   Read it over and over until it is etched in your heart and brain.    It is a tough world to raise children today, “…in the fear and admonition of the Lord” but “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4).

Blessings,

Gramps

God Is Awesome and Mighty! How Mighty in Your Eyes?

“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 and notice how vast is this universe that God has made? Scientists tell us they do not have a clue how big the universe really is.  I think we could all agree that “God is truly all powerful”. The power of God is amazing and has always been a wonder for me.

 Recently, I watched a documentary on the Weather Channel about the most violent storms ever recorded.  One that stands out in my memory bank was St Helen’s.  We had the opportunity to drive through the devastation caused by that mighty storm and the only word that seemed to fit was – “awesome!”

(FYI- Scientists learned at that site that trees can be petrified in a matter of minutes, not necessarily ions!  God is an Awesome Creator!)

The news is filled with rhetoric 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”. 

 

 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, will we feed the black dog of our lives or the white dog.  The question is ever before us, “Whom will I serve today?”  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” and we make decisions each day that will determine which 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 Gramp’s Message will have their house in order, their armor spit-shined and in place and have made sure those around them also know of the great event that is just around the corner.  Jesus is coming again – SOON!

Blessings,  

Gramps

A Problem of Growing More Mature (Old)

   

       “Search me, O God, and know my heart:  Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Hey Gang:  Have you ever found yourself on the landing between the basement and first floor of your home and, you not only can’t remember what you were about to do but also you cannot remember if you were going up or going down.

I read recently about two ministers who said they had a problem with their mind wandering while reading God’s Word and when in prayer.   As I pondered this conversation, I readily agreed with what they were saying.

 I, too, have problems with a wondering mind- not only when reading the Word but also when in prayer.  I have no problem with concentration when reading sports magazines, or what is happening in the world of prophecy.  Nor do I normally have problems when talking with others. 

So, the question: Why, when we read the most precious Book of all, or speak to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts, does our mind wander?  I am quick to blame such lapses on Satan and his dart machine but, I sense, God would not totally agree with that.  True, Satan hates to see us in the Word and in prayer to the Father but sometimes I believe we give him far too much credit for our short comings.

I have come to the conclusion that until I have a hunger and thirst for the Lord that supersedes all other things, my mind will wonder. I believe when we are inspired to praise God, and feel the deep need for forgiveness for our transgressions and, when we are eager to request His blessings on our life, then the Holy Spirit will keep our thoughts focused, if we ask.

Here is some food for you to ponder, as your drive down the roadways today: when your team pulls the upset of the year in some sporting event are you not quick to read everything that is written about that victory and listen to every word spoken in praise of the victory?  Why?  Because you are filled with excitement and want to relish the victory as long as you can.

Could it be that when our mind wonders as we are reading the Word or praying, it is a sign we are not excited about His Word or talking to Him personally? Check your Praise meter.

 Blessings, 

Gramps

I Am Starved!

     

   

“How long, O Lord, will I call for help and You will not hear?  O cry out to You, Violence!” Yet You do not save.  Why do You make me see iniquity and cause me to look on wickedness?”  (Hab. 1:2-3).   God’s response: “Look among the nations!  Observe!  Be astonished!  Wonder!  Because I am doing something in your days – You would not believe if you were told.” (Hab. 1:5).

Hey Gang:  There are many days when I feel like picking a mountain top and shouting at the top of my lungs, “How long, O Lord!”  Habakkuk went on, “The law is ignored, justice is never upheld.  For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore, justice comes out perverted” (vs. 4).  Does that not sound familiar?   While sitting in the command seat at Eagle Village and reading the case files of the young folks who crossed my path I would often say, “This is the bottom of the barrel”, only to learn there is no bottom to that barrel. 

We truly live in the age described by Paul in his letter to his adopted spiritual son Timothy: “But evil men and impostor will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13).  Isaiah put it this way: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (5:20).

My mother always said that of the four boys in our family, I was the one that was most like her.  In the early years I tended to disagree with her but in later year I learned I cannot deny one trait that I picked up from her- was she was a fast sleeper, another name for those of us who do well on five or less hours of sleep.   Now there a piece of trivia that has no earthly value.  I say that to lay the foundation for what I am about to send along to you.

The clock on the mantle reads five o’clock.  My intention for this morning was to go through the tragic

 events of the past months, a pile of about three inches, and put together a pitty-party-type

communique to make you as miserable as I.   After screening a dozen or so of the gruesome articles I

question popped into my head – what are you doing?  Why are you filling your head with all of that

rubbish?

Why don’t you get into that other pile, you know the small one over there that you have pushed into the back of your desk kind of out of sight.  We do that, don’t we?  Don’t we tend to turn to the gory headlines the press uses to sell their papers and put the good thing on page thirteen down in the corner just under the obituaries?   

On the top of the pile – I believe God put it there just for me because He wanted me to share it with you. It was written by one of my favorite writers, Anne Graham Lotz.  I like her writing because her heart is filled with hope and she knows in her heart all that is happening in our world is in the Father’s hands. 

In it she wrote of an experience in Elijah’s life that you can reads about in I Kings 19.  I will not elaborate only to say, if you dig into the passage you will see some parallels between what God was saying to Elijah, in the storms of nature, and what He is saying today to those who are willing to listen.  She suggests that his message can be broken down into four parts:    

The first, BE COMFORTED, God spoke to Elijah.  Neat heh?  Isn’t it so very wonderful, that even in his day, when everything that can be shaken is being shaken, God will never left His children or forsake them?

The second, BE BLESSED, God told Elijah, ‘don’t sweat it, I will supply you needs, all of them!  Hey gang, I have tested this promise many times and He has never failed me.  Is it okay to test God?  Not sure?  Read Malachi 3:10.

Third, BE ENCOURAGED, God told Elijah there were more believers around him than he knew about. He did tell us to keep your antenna tuned to the Heavenlies-  there are angels out there that we are unaware of.

   

And finally, BE READY, even when the alligators are nipping at your back side, know that God is right there with you right now.  Note the final step in Elijah’s journey was a flaming chariot, part of God’s transportation system.  This we know, heaven is waiting for every one of Jesus’ children. 

So, my good buddies, If you are awakened at four o’clock, don’t just roll over, clear your ears and listen carefully.  Perhaps there is special message coming from God’s-hot line to you. Sometimes we call them God-O-Grams!

Blessings,

Gramps

What In The World Is Going On?

“For thus says the Lord of hosts, “Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land.  I will shake all the nations” (Haggai 2:6, 7a).

Hey Gang:  In a recent Joel Rosenberg blog he began by asking the question, “Is God trying to tell us something?”    In the very recent past, and present, we have experienced catastrophic hurricanes, earthquakes, many floods, terrorism, horrifying fires and the continued threats of rogue nations threatening to blow us away. 

It has been a time of unprecedented record braking storms, with nearly unbelievable horrors attached to them.  We have had gully-washers in the past, resulting in flooded conditions. but hurricane Harvey presented us with new highs that were beyond our comprehension.  It is estimated that 33 trillion, yes trillion, gallons of water were dumped on the Houston, Texas area. 

At the same time Hurricane Irma was bearing down on Florida.  We do not have a clue what the final cost will be in the devastation left behind.  It is estimated it will cost millions just to clean up the land in order to begin to replace the hundreds of homes that were lost.  Were these disasters just random quirks of nature? The climate- control buffs were quick to use them to further their drain on the coffers trying to convince the world that man has control of the thermostat and what effects the climate.  The Word tells us that God sits in the heaven and laughs at man’s foolishness.   (Psalm 2:4)

As I was preparing to write this blog, the thought came into my mind that very suddenly every person in the areas of these catastrophes is totally equal with all others.  There are no rich, or poor, corporate presidents, or janitors, no leaders who can press the buttons that make our world tick, no super brain children or those who can barely write their name.   When the winds, rains and fires have passed, every soul that is left behind is on the same ground-all with one focus – survival.  

And then the thought came to my mind: “What an opportunity to put away all the trash-bucket things that now enrage our once Christian Nation and bow our knees before God and recommit to His ways.” Our nation is coming alive, responding with one ac­­­­­­­cord to those neighbors who suddenly have needs for those basic survival things that suddenly have moved to the top of the critical needs list.

Things like, “Where is my family? Are they all right?  Where will I get enough food and water to provide for the basic needs of family, even today?  Where will I sleep tonight?”  Things people in many parts of the world deal with every day are now here- right here in our USA neighborhoods.  

Let’s return to Joel’s opening comment: “Is God trying to get our attention”.  I believe with all my heart that is precisely what is happening in our nation.   I also believe that, if our nation rebuilds its cities but does not return to the roots that made this nation great, we “ain’t seen nuttin’ yet!  (Isaiah 9:8-12).

Our President recently said the following at the 2017 Voters Convention: “George Washington said that “religion and morality are indispensable” to America’s happiness, (Pres. Trump-really?) prosperity and totally to it success. It is our faith and our values that inspires us to give with charity, to act with courage, and to sacrifice for what we know is right.? 

The American Founders invoked our Creator four times in the Declaration of Independence – four times!  How times have changed.  But you know what? I believe they are now changing back again.  Just remember that!!!

Benjamin Franklin reminded his colleagues, at the Constitutional Convention, to begin by bowing their heads in prayer.  Religious liberty is enshrined in the very first amendment - the Bill of Rights.  And we pledge allegiance to – very, very beautifully – “one nation under God”!

When 9/11 hit our Nnation I wanted to get out my under sized uniform and report for duty.  Yes, I was too old to be of much value, but I could sweep floors and do dishes which would release a younger warrior to take up arms against our enemies.   I am reminded daily that the key to turning our Nation back from its evil ways to God’s ways, is not in the hands of government but in the hands of every Believer in Christ as Lord.  2 Chronicles 7:14 is very clear.

“If”, notice the “If” 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 sins and heal their land”.

Is God trying to get our attention?  HAS He gotten yours?

Blessings,

Gramps

Are The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse Preparing to RIde?

“And I saw heaven opened and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness Hew judges and wages war….And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:11/16).

Hey Gang, yesterday the focus of my thoughts was on horses.  Will there be horses in heaven? I believe so!  We have two sons and a grandson helping to ready the horses for Jesus’ return.  As I was raking leaves, the thought entered my dome of intellect that the last days on this earth  are filled with horses.      

In my research of horses in the last days, the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse surfaced in my thinking.   I came across the following description of the horseman in the ‘Question of the Week Blog. that is so much better than anything I could write, so I decided to plagiarize it with a few additions by this Pennsylvania Hillbilly. 

The writer describes the four horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation chapter 6, verses 1-8. They are symbolic descriptions of different events which will take place in the end times. The first horseman of the Apocalypse is mentioned in Revelation 6:2: “I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.”  I wonder if he might be riding now!

This first horseman likely refers to the Antichrist, who will be given authority and will conquer all who oppose him. The antichrist is the false imitator of the true Christ, who will also return  later on a White Horse (Revelation 19:11-16).

The second horseman of the Apocalypse appears in Revelation 6:4, “Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.” The second horseman refers to terrible warfare that will break out in the end times.   I wonder if he might be riding at this very minute!
The third horseman is described in Revelation 6:5-6, “...and there before me was a black horse! 

Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’” The third horseman of the Apocalypse refers to a great famine that will take place, likely as a result of the wars from the second horseman.  I would suggest he is riding at this very moment in a large part of our world!

The fourth horseman is mentioned in Revelation 6:8, “I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse is symbolic of death and devastation. It seems to be a combination of the previous horsemen. 

The fourth horseman of the Apocalypse will bring further warfare and terrible famines along with awful plagues and diseases.  Again, I would suggest we are seeing his ever-increasing ride across many parts of our world!

What is most amazing, or perhaps terrifying, is that the four horsemen of the Apocalypse are just “precursors” of even worse judgments that come later in the tribulation (Revelation chapters 8–9 and 16).

What say you this morning?  Could the headlines of your morning paper say the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse are riding? You probably won’t read it in these words, but are   we not in perilous times when war, pestilence and famine are as common of the rising and setting of the sun?  Jesus said, when “ALL’ of these things come into view, look up for your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28).  Are you looking UP?

Blessings,

Gramps

PS Years ago Billy Graham wrote a book The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  Good read!

To Whom Much Is GIven, Much WIll be Required

“From everyone who has been given much, will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more” (Luke 12:48).

Hey Gang, Did you ever have a song or a verse stick in your mind and play over and over?  I have had both in recent weeks and especially in the past several days.  The song is “This Little Light of Mine, I’m going to let it shine”, and the verse is the Scripture of the day. 

This morning, in my time alone with the Lord, I did some research on Scriptures to see if God would point out one of those verses pertaining to giving in bold print.  I found a whole barrel full of such verses but none in what one might call bold print, but one did seem to speak a wee bit louder than the others. 

Being an old fund raiser, one of the very special verses that I often used was the story of the widow who gave two mites.  I was blessed to have such a wonderful gift. A­­­ widow woman, who had very little, sent her last .37 cents to help a child.  It reminded me of the story of Peter and John on their way to the temple when they ran across a beggar who was begging for alms. 

Peter said, “I do not possess silver or gold but what I do have I give to you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene – walk” and seizing him by the right hand, he raise him up and his ankles were strengthened“ (Acts 3:6-7).  What a profound statement!  “What I have I give to you”.  

It has been my privilege to honor the memory of a friend on several occasions by giving  the Eulogy, recognizing the memory of that friend. As I delivered the eulogy, at each of these home goings, the picture in my mind that made each a joyful experience was- as I was speaking all four were “running and leaping and praising God” in new and perfect bodies in the presence of the Lord. 

In Isaiah 58:10-11 we find a wonderful promise the is available to you and me: “And if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday.  And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” Wow, is that not a fabulous verse?

So, troopers for Christ, we will make choices today on how we treat our neighbor.  Jesus said, “To the extent we do it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me”. (Matt. 25:40).  As you go about your day, “think on these things!”

Blessings,

Gramps    

What Do You See?

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His”.    (II Chron. 16:9).  Is that not a warm, reassuring verse for these troubled times?

Hey Gang:  How many know that mothers have wide angle vision.  As a lad growing up I believed my mother had eyes in the back of her head.  Just when I thought I had gotten away with something, she would, in her on subtle way let me know that I had been ‘had’. 

That, like tar, stuck to me and became a solid rock when interviewing potential staff.  I found that asking questions was, to a degree, informative but often found that there was a disconnect between what I was hearing and what surfaced in actual practice.  I heard an interviewer recently make the comment, “There is no greater recommendation for a potential employee than in the words found on their resume.”  

I found that a walk through the campus was far more beneficial than going through a long interview or placing a great deal of trust in the printed page.  After walking and chatting for an hour or so, we would return to the office, have a cup of coffee and sit down for a wrap up. 

My question, “What did you see on your trip through the campus?”  If their description was narrow in scope, the interview was over but, if they painted me a picture of all the wondrous things they saw, I knew I had a potential keeper. In other words, were they narrow in their views or did they have wide angle vision.

I believe God also walks with us and asks us the question, “What do you see?”  In Psalm 34:15 we read David’s words, “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry”.  In Proverbs 15:13 Solomon declared, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good”.

It has always been bothersome to me to sit under the teaching of a narrow-vision pastor or teacher who takes one verse out of context and preaches a sermon on it.  It is my sincere opinion that verses and concepts to do not stand alone but are part of God’s intricate road map that leads us from Generations to Revolutions. (Genesis to Revelation). There is no greater joy than to take a trip through the Bible following the travel agenda that God provides for us.

So, folks, my challenge to you - memorize and put into practice Paul’s formula for living a truly effective life for the Lord: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophetic utterance but, examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil” (I Thess 5:16-22).

Blessings,

Gramps

Caring - How Much?

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”  (Gal. 6:2).  “Now we who ae strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1).

Hey Gang:  In the very early days of Eagle Village each day was a tremendous challenge with alligators continually nipping at my heels.  There was never enough money to meet the day’s needs, the staff consisted of young, very inexperienced, but dedicated people, who had no clue how to talk a kid down from a tree- because he was ticked off at what he was served for lunch.

Satan could see down the road and the influence Eagle Village might have on families and he did not like it one bit.  So, he set out to nip it in the bud -by destroying the confidence and enthusiasm of its founder – “ME”.

My office, at that time, was a very small and run down cabin that we used for everything from cooking to sleeping.  My secretary, at that time, was a tremendously caring and compassionate person who could read me like a book.  He knew when the cares of the world were weighing on me.  Oh, by the way, that caring person was my secretary- as well as my father-in-law.

One day when it seemed the roof was falling, the Peter principle was operating in full force- “If it can go wrong it will”, several fights were breaking out and young staff need gluing back together, I retreated to the kitchen to pay bills.  As per usual, the bills did not match the amount available and the last bill in was placed in the ‘hold file’ until God’s provision came in.    

It was at the peak of my depression- and throwing in the towel was a serious consideration- that my Father–in-Law came in, set a cup of coffee before me and placed his hand on my head. He left as quietly as he had come in.  Now, I never looked at my father-in-law as being an angel but I certainly believe he was God’s anointed that morning.

What I am saying?  I do not recall a day in my life when things were looking bleak that God did not send someone out there to minister to me.  Maybe there is someone in your life that needs a special touch.. 

Grampa Beery, as he became known to the boys, was always there when the rubber-hit-the road.  I firmly believe it was his prayers, his encouragement and the sheer fact that he was there when I needed him the most, that kept my sane and on track to do what God commissioned me to do.  My prayer for you this morning is that you too, have a ‘Grampa’ in your life!

My grandma once said to me, “Some are called to pray, some are called for action.  That is the purpose of the family of God.  Some are given wisdom, some the gift of healing.  Still others are called on to perform miracles, and some the gift of prophecy.  No matter what your gift might be, keep in mind when you ae not fulfilling your God-given purpose, you are leaving-what Frank Constantino preached as “leaving a hole in time, in God’s order.” 

Also keep in mind when you are not fulfilling your God-given marching orders, the hole you leave will be passed down through the generations!  So, friends and neighbors, make sure your armor is in place, polished and ready for action, your sword (Bible) is in your hand, your lamp filled with the Spirit of God and ready for warfare and you are alert to the needs of others.

Blessings,

Cari

Gramps