Friday, November 22, 2013
Note the date! I asked the Lord to lead me to His special
Word for you today. Expecting something for Veterans Day – both of our families
have many who served in World War 2 and since. But this is the one was the first one I looks at and could go no
further.
"For
the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations, As you have done, it will be
done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head" (Obadiah
1:15).Hey
Gang: I am truly amazed that in this day, when all of the promises made in
the Bible are becoming more clear, increased numbers of people have chosen to
"go their own way".
We
just returned from volunteering for a month at Voice of Martyrs, a ministry
that seeks out, encourages, and provides support for believers who are in the
midst of persecution. In Chapel each Tuesday. We hear from so many who are
sharing the Gospel and it is just amazing that in the midst of persecution they
say, “Don’t pray that I be freed from prison, beatings or persecution, but that
my faith will stand the test and my witness will lead my persecutors to the
knowledge of Jesus Christ”,.
In
training for the underground pastorate, one of the courses taught is: ‘How to
Conduct Yourself when Imprisoned. ‘As a witness for Christ, they are many times
that require discrete and creative methods. Those who become Christ-followers
know it is not a question of if you go to prison but when and
for how long.
As
I listened to the various speakers who present the morning messages at the
chapel services, I found myself asking, “If I were threatened with death, if I
did not recant my love and faith in Christ, would I stand firm on the Rock that
is my Savior?”
I find
it absolutely amazing that where persecution is the worst the underground
church is growing the fastest! When one of the underground pastors was
asked, “Why does the church in the United States not grow as the churches in
the communist and Muslim nations?” His response, "Because there is
no persecution.” In other words, the American church is unaware of what
it means to sacrifice for the Lord who loved us so much He sent His only Son to
die on a hideous cross for us. We are too comfortable and not dependent enough
on Father God.
As I
listened to speaker after speaker the message was very clear- they had a clear
understanding of what Jesus meant when He said, "There is no greater
love in the world than a willingness to lay down one’s life for their
brethren." (I John 3:16).
As we
were driving home from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the home of Voice of Martyrs, I
had hours to review what many of these folks shared with us. We were also
ahead of the storm that hit Illinois with the force of many hammers. I sense
God has been sending –(And continues to send-Gma) our Nation messages that it
is time to get our house in order.
My
greatest concern is not what is happening in our country today, even though
that is of concern, but rather that our country appears to be saying to Israel,
“Give up your Covenant Land or else…" and that my friends that is a
dangerous stand to take. Joel makes it clear that those that turn their
back on Israel will pay the piper. Joel 3:2 clearly states: "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 THEY HAVE SCATTERED AMONG THE
NATIOHS AND THEY HAVE DIVIDED UP MY LAND". We are 10 years later,
and nations are still trying to tell Israel – Cease fire! Continue to live as
neighbors with people who want attack you and drive your people into the sea.
Sooooo,
my friends and neighbors, have you noticed the tremendous fires we experienced
this summer, the record numbers of violent tornadoes, the many floods, drought
and other weather conditions. Do you think it is time for the Church of
America to wake up and humble themselves before the Lord and pray and put away
all of those things that grieve the Holy Spirit? (2 Chron. 7:14). Notice:
that challenge is addressed to - not the world - but "MY PEOPLE!
Blessings,
Gramps
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