What If?

 

Friday, January 30, 2015

Jerusalem Eastern Gate where Jesus will return

"But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28).  Does that get your blood to boiling?

 Hey Gang:  What say you?  Jesus said, "When all of these things begin to happen, don't get panicky, look up, for your redemption draws near".  (Luke 21:28 Hillbilly Rendition).  

 What things was He talking about?  Read Matthew 24, the Olivet Discourse, Second Timothy Three and the words of the prophets of old, and we can soon compile a   list of ‘signs of the end of the age’ that we should be aware of. 

 A prophesy guru was asked if he could sum up the prophetic promises of the Bible in one word.  His response, “Piece of cake, ‘Israel.’"  After twenty- five hundred years the land of Israel was restored; and, after twenty five hundred years the old language of Hebrew was restored; and after 2500 years the Olim (people living in the diaspora -those countries where they were dispersed to in 70 A.D when the Roman Army  destroyed Jerusalem and burned their Temple); later, began to make aliyah (to return to the land of their heritage).   

 It is amazing to me today that so many folks are being caught up in the blasphemous teaching that Israel is no longer the apple of God's eyes.  How can you look at Israel and believe such rubbish?  How can you read Jeremiah 23:3, "Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be fruitful and multiply", or the other hundreds of verses that tell us clearly that God's love for His chosen people has not waned a lick?

 We have been there. We have dug in the dirt, (I unearthed an intact tea pot that had not been touched by human hands for more than 2000 years). We have helped restore the walls. We have worked in the rose garden of the Knesset. We have helped set up a dental clinic for Arab children in Jerusalem. We worked with a ministry that bought Olim from the old USSR, as prophesied in the Word.  We have been obedient warriors in fulfilling God's challenge to us, "To pray for the peace of Jerusalem". (Psalm 122:6).

 But what about the subtle things that are happening all around us? It all adds clarity and expanse to our seeking what Jesus meant when He said, "When these things happen look up.”  Have you noticed that everything that can be shaken is being shaken as predicted by the writer of Hebrews in Chapter 12?  Have you noticed that Israel is totally surrounded by enemies that are loaded with killing devices as recorded in Psalm 83? (This was written Years before the Abraham Accords, but… things change quickly everywhere!)

 Have you noticed that Russia and Iran have made a military alliance and the other nations listed in the coming battle of Gog and Magog are coming together?  As mentioned above, have you noticed Israel is a nation again, risen from the ashes of more the 2500 years.  They are a powerful nation that will not be defeated by those nations that are using the very words of Psalm 83:4-5, "They have said, "Come and let us wipe them out as a nation, That the name of Israel be remembered no more."  For they have conspired together with one mind; Against You they make a covenant".

 Have you noticed that the economies of the world, including the once powerful United States, are in a state of chaos?  If Jeremiah were here today and prophesying, he would say, "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8). 

 Soooo, my young friends, Jesus said, "I do not want you to be unaware.  I want you up to speed every minute of every day.  So that when these things happen you do not get discouraged but your heart will be programmed to look up, for I am coming soon.  You best have your lamps trimmed and your best wedding clothes prepared for we are going to be taken to the greatest wedding blast of all time - the Marriage Feast of the Lamb. But there is a prerequisite, your name must be on the invitation list recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life.” (Hainley rendition).

 Blessings,

 Gramps

What Price?

Saturday, January 14, 2012

  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8)

 Hey Gang:  Each time we return to Voice of Martyr’s to give of our time and energies, I gain a new appreciation for Paul’s words and find myself questioning how deep my love for the Lord really goes.  When I hear the stories of those who endure persecution for standing firm in their love for the Lord, I wonder, if someone held a gun to my head and gave me a choice – reject Jesus as Lord and accept Islam (or whatever other religion) or die, what would I say?    

 I am reading a book titled The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg , which addresses this question. His first statements hit me between the eyes.  He wrote, “When I began to ask the question, ‘Am I willing, and how deep does my willingness go to serve my Lord no matter what the circumstances’, I found myself answering my question; ‘I am disappointed in my lack of disappointment.”  The more I thought about that statement the more I found myself saying, “and so go I”.

 What he is asking, ‘Am I truly living the life that Christ designed for me even before time began?’  There was a man by the name of Frank Constintino who was one bad motor scooter.  He found himself in prison facing a life sentence when God visited him and said, “Frank you are leaving ‘Holes In Time’. I have a very special mission for you. I have programmed you to reach people for my kingdom and you have broken the chains of redemption by choosing to ‘go your own way’.”

 We were privileged to hear the VOM International Representative to the Far East in Chapel and he shared some of beautiful stories of what is happening in North Korea, even though to be a Christian there is to have a bull’s eye on your back.   We also heard the story of a Ugandan pastor who was attacked by several Muslims who threw acid in his face that resulted in the loss of one eye; even in his suffering, he has not neglected his sheep.   We also learned of a church of more than a thousand in China that cannot find a building to worship in, so they meet in God’s great outdoors.

 Soooo, my young friends, that brings me back to my first statement, “What price are you willing to pay?”  A very common message here is get into the word and prepare for the persecution that will come to this country.   One has to have their head in the sand to not see that each day the Christian values of our nation are being taken away. 

 Blessings,

Gramps

 PS This was written 11 years ago and we have witnessed unholy changes in our culture. We are 11 years closer to the return of our LORD and Savior, Messiah.  Don’t be deceived by what the enemy is pushing.  Stay in the WORD.  “Look up, your redemption draws nigh.” Luke 21:28

 

I Just Do Not Understand!

 

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

“In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice out of the His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears” (2 Samuel 22:7).

 Hey Gang:  I have been walking this earth for more than eight decades and never before has my heart hurt as does this day- not for myself or the bride-of-my youth, for I believe we are in that life’s period that Paul referred to as “the last lap of the race.” My concern is for the world I leave for my children, my grand-children and my great-grand-children!

 In the past several years I have been spending more time asking the Lord, “Why Lord?” “Why would a nation- that has been abundantly blessed by You- suddenly choose to say, “We have listened to You these many years and have been so very blessed, but now we want to try it your adversary’s way”.  

 Why would a person who was blessed by You with the intellectual power to evaluate, with common sense and the ability to see the results of the choices they are making, decide that their own ways are better than Your ways?  (Read Isaiah 55:8-9)

 As I was seeking the Lord’s guidance on what I would write to you this morning, the Paris catastrophe is still heavy on my heart.  When I first heard that a major terrorist attack was under way, I wondered if there were those who were praying.  There were sixty-thousand people in the stadium watching a soccer game when the explosions were first heard.  Prayer has nearly become obsolete in France, most of the churches, except the Muslim Mosques, have closed and sold for more up-to-date things.

 I suspect there were people praying.  I suspect the seeds that were planted in their hearts, at some time in their lives, suddenly came to life.   In our lifetime of ministry, we have often received calls from people who have rejected God all their lives asking that we pray for them.  I have often wondered if that does any good but have honored those requests. 

 There is an old saying that there are no atheists in fox-holes.  I certainly believe that is true.  I served in Korea, not during the killing phase, but worked side by side with warriors who had seen buddies fall and it was always very special to listen to their stories.  In the dozens who were free to share their story with me, I found some very tough hombres, but I found no atheist.      

 I have been spending time in Isaiah once again.  I love the last 26 chapters of Isaiah, especially Chapter 53. ‘The ‘Suffering Servant Chapter’ is one with many colored markings, in my Bible.  This morning, as has happened many times before, one of the verses was in very bold print.  Did you ever have that happen to you?  I believe it was bold this morning so I would be sure to include it in Gramps Morning Thought for today.

 As I read Isaiah’s words, once again, the message that seemed to stick out was, “He could have called ten thousand angels down and snuffed the bad dudes who were planning on ending His life, but He choose to die for me and you. (My Hillbilly Rendition).  We see a panoramic view of what He went through; I wondered, if I had a gun in my hand and someone threatened to do what they did to him, would I turn the other cheek?

 I thought of the young people in school that faced the misguided young man who asked, “Are you a Christian.”  After the first one answered, “Yes,” and was shot dead, do you think Satan was saying “Hey, you surely will not die” “Just say no, it really doesn’t matter.  No one will blame you.”   The ones who answered, “No, I am not, he shot in the leg”.  I wonder if every time they shower and feel the scar from that decision.  Will prick their conscience?  

 Do you think there were times when Peter agonized over his denial of the Lord?    I wish I could say that never happened to me, but such is not the case. How thankful I am that our Lord is a loving, compassion, merciful Lord who paid the price He did not owe for me, who could not pay what I owed. 

 It is snowing and the ground looks so clean and beautiful.  I wonder if the climate control folks enjoy God’s changes in the weather.  I pray you will have a blessed day, one that is filled with the joy of the Lord.

Blessings,

Gramps

PS As I (Gma J) reread this, about incidents when the nation came together -  I thought about the recent incident on the NFL field when Demar Hamlin was injured. We were a praying nation- to the Eternal God – on the field, in the stands, on TV and in homes around the country.  Praise God for his recovery.   Continue to pray for our country.  “The prayer of a righteous man/person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

Becoming A New Lump

 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

 

 "Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.  For Christ our Passover also had been sacrificed" (I Cor. 5:7).  "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ be reconciled to God.  He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."  (2 Cor. 5:20-21)..

 Hey Gang:  I pray that each of you, who avail yourselves of Gramps Morning Thoughts, will do a spiritual house cleaning and clean out the old leaven and recommit to being a new lump for Yeshua Ha Mashiach in this new year.

 I am writing this from my study on Woodward Avenue, but it will find its way into your electronic devices from Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  What joy it is to begin this New Year here, doing some small labor of love to let those who are enduring persecution know that a Christian brother and sister loves them and is praying for them.

 As I asked the Lord for words that might dig deep in the souls of all who read His Word here,, the words of John 3:16 were in such bold print.  These words are so very familiar.  As a child in Sunday School, I always used these words, along with "Jesus Wept", to get the star for the week for memorization- although they were simply words to fill an immediate need.

 But one day, I am not sure exactly when, but this I know the day was one when the sky was falling and alligators rampaging, God opened my eyes to an understanding of what these words really meant. Wow, Lord, You mean You really love this worthless, hillbilly kid so much that you would send Your only begotten Son, the God-man, into this world to die for me because You loved me!

 Really, Lord, You sent the Lamb of God who would be slain to remove the sins-burden that I had carried for so long - not to judge me and punish me for my indiscretions -but that I might be saved through Him?

 You mean I could really "…be buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, SO I MIGHT WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE?” ( Rom. 6:4). 

 Since that day the phrase "Newness of life" has carried a very special meaning for me.  I once walked the Village Campus, as I did often, and came across the limb of a tree that had broken from the mother tree but still attached by one thin thread,. This provided enough life to keep the sap flowing through its veins.  That picture remains fixed in my head, for I saw many children and families in the same condition but --there was life and I was determined to dig it out with "Newness of life". 

 Newness of life is a freshness and hope that compares to the breaking forth of new life in the Spring when God releases all the trees to bring forth their leaves and seeds to bring forth new greenness and beauty of the flowers.

 And, what an awesome promise God gave to us when He promised "The former things have passed away... Behold, I will make all things new. (Rev. 21:4-5).  Jesus, after listing all of the things we see happening in our world today that point to the "end of times", concluded with this promise "Look up for your redemption draws near"  (Luke 21:28).   

 Sooooo, "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves!  Or do you not know whether Christ Jesus is in you?.....For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete"......Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made completed, be comforted be like minded, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you".   (2 Cor. 13:5/9/11).

 Our prayer for you from us to you is "become a new lump in Jesus Messiah, through the Holy Spirit

 Blessings   

 Gramps

What Is Going Through Your Mind?

 Hey Gang, it’s time for New Years Resolutions!  And it is no secret to most of us that our Country is not the same as when we were in school – (For me College graduation was 63 years ago!”)  Today there is news 24/7, constant media noise, unrest, anger over differences and many things that distract our minds.

This devotional from my Mornings With Jesus might give you a thought to keep you on track!

“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:4

After Christmas, my husband, Zane, and I decided to do a five-day detox because of all the unhealthy foods we had eaten during the holidays. I found a plan that included various protein powders, with a complete shopping list and day-to-day menu to follow. Easy, I thought.

But it was anything but easy. Most of the day my thoughts were consumed with what I wasn’t allowed to eat or with how hungry I felt or with imaginations of all the delicious foods I would be able to eat after the detox was over. In fact, I was so focused on what I could not eat that it was a challenge to think about anything else. I was experiencing what some call a “scarcity mentality.” My thought life centered on what I lacked rather than on my abundant blessings. I realized that an attitude of lack frequently extended into my everyday life, beyond just food.  In Dallas Willard’s bool Life Without Lack, he wrote, ”What we place our minds on brings that reality into our lives. If we place our minds on God, the reality of God comes into our lives.”

The food detox was difficult, but I’m grateful I did it because it caused me to really look at my thought life. It urged me to make a constant effort to turn my thoughts to Jesus, especially when I find myself dwelling on what I think I lack. Thankfully as I set my mind on Jesus, I have everything.                                                                                                                                                     --Jeannie Blackmer

Soooo, my friends, “Set your minds on things above.” – Jesus, His Word, He loves us and gives us Hope.

A chorus from my childhood and lifetime thought:                                                             

 Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful  face, .                                                    

  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

Try it. You might like it!  It Will bring you peace from the Prince of  peace.           

Have a blessed & healthy New Year.

Blessings, Gma J