There Is A Better Way! Part

 Friday, February 28, 2014

 

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age".  (Matthew 28:18-20).

 Hey Gang:  In the last Gramps Morning Thoughts, I mentioned my management style, which was to give as much responsibility to those with talents, so it would release me to do far greater things.   It is a management style that Jesus used with the development of His disciples.  Remember at the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus said to the disciples, "You feed them ". (Luke 14:16)

 His command to us is “Go and make disciples” so that they can go and make disciples so that they can go and make disciples.  Several months ago our pastor preached on building disciples and used a five step plan to complete the task.   The first step requires initiative - you must find the right candidates.  I can attest to the fact that this is most difficult part of the process.  Pray First!!

 "Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casing a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  And He said to them, "Come here after Me and I will make you fishes of men."  (Matthew 4:18-19) Note: we see Jesus’ pattern in these two verses "Come", and "I will". 

 Step two is to develop or establish a clear pattern of life doctrines and ministry.  In Matthew 5:1-2 we are told that Jesus, seeing the crowd, sat down and He began to teach them in what we know as the Sermon on the Mount.  Later in 8:13 we note that Jesus’ teaching was active as well as verbal, He did something that was absolutely taboo - He touched and healed a leper!  Hey gang, would you lay hands on an HIV infected believer? or for that matter non- believer?

 Step three - grant authority and give ministry opportunities.  In Matthew 10:1-5 that is precisely what Jesus did.  He called the disciples together and gave them their tool box of powers and then sent them on their way to test these new weapons.   In Matthew 17 we note that the disciples blew it; they could not cast demons out of a man.  Failure? No, need for more training? Yes.   Jesus said it takes a prayer.  Did they not pray?  Probably.  But how many know there are steps to growth in prayer?  What I could not do yesterday, I can do today.

 Step four - gracefully correct and recommit. An evangelist was asked what he does when he prays for someone and they die.  His response, "I go to the next one".   In Matthew 16:8-9 Jesus takes the disciples to task: "Don't you remember the miracle of the 4000, or 50000.  O ye of little faith, why are you worrying about whether we have enough bread".   

 Soooo, good buddies, step five is repeat steps one through four until it becomes engrained in your head and heart.   How quickly we sometimes turn our back when the process becomes burdensome.  Jesus gives us the purpose for steps one through five in Matthew 28:19-20, "All authority is given to Me and I give it to You - so go!!!"   

 Blessings,

 Gramps

 Friday, February 21, 2014  What's Happening, Man? 3

Can you find Israel between Jordan & Syria?

 “O God, do not remain quiet:  Do not be silent and¸ O God do not be still. For behold, Your enemies make an uproar; And those who have You have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people,  And conspire together against Your treasured ones.  They have said, “Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation”.      

  Hey Gang:  The people of Israel have been under constant harassment since the birth of the nation in 1948 with wars, on-going terrorist attacks and, boycotts of their products across the world.   It seems everyone in the world thinks Israel’s business is their business and can dictate to them how they/Israel should accommodate the desires of the US & UN! 

 In the mean-time we have seen the second greatest single piece of prophecy of all time fulfilled, second only to the birth of Christ, the rebirth of Israel.  And even as I write this blog, our President and Secretary of State are preparing to present, yet another mandate from the United States, demanding that Israel retreat to the 1967 boundaries, which all the world knows cannot be defended. (Only by God)

   “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples, all who lift it will be severely injured.  And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.”   (Zech 12:3).    

  I tend to think Zechariah 12:2 might answer that question, “Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around, and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah.”

 My bride and I have had the privilege of going to Israel on several occasions between the years of 1980 and 2008, (Last time in 2016 for our 60^{th Anniversary)} and, on each trip we noticed an increase in the ‘peace at all cost’ syndrome that grips the nation today.  The people of Israel are just plan tired of terrorist, bickering over who owns the land and the constant fear that the 170,000 rockets pointed at them will be released. 

 Can one doubt that Satan’s agenda is to complete the task Hitler began, the total annihilation of the Jews? Today the Palestinian flags and military uniform map patches, and  Maps in schools do not have an Israeli presence.  Is not Satan an arrogant pup?  He knows the Word of God better than seminary guru’s and there is no doubt in his mind he is on a one-way ticket to the pit, for a thousand years and then to the Lake of Fire. Yet he has this maniacal belief: if he can wipe out God’s chosen people and God’s chosen land, then   Jesus will have no place or reason to return. No wonder God sits in the heavens and laughs.

 Sooooo, it is not amazing how many people believe that, if there was no Israel, there would be peace in the Middle East? – But, be advised, there is a constant blood bath among the Sunni’s, Shiites, Kurds and others.  In Syria alone it is estimated that more than 130,000 Syrians have been killed in the civil war and over 5000 Iraqi’s, since the President pulled our troops out of Iraq - And I might add by brothers killing brothers which has nothing to do with Israel. Iran is up and coming.

 Blessings,

Gramps

Threats Facing Israel - 2013

 Wednesday, February 19, 2014  Hey, Man, What's Happening?   Part 2

 “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the things which the Lord has not spoken.  The prophet has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of him” (Deut. 18:22).

 Hey Gang:  Now hear this – now hear this – now hear this – I do not claim to be a prophet of God and have shied away from presenting what I believe is happening prophetically in our world.  I tend to leave the prophetic driving to those I believe God has blessed with the gift of prophecy.  But I sense in the last several months, that God is prodding me to share thoughts about what is happening in our world that lines up with God alerting His children to the signs of His releasing His Son to return to earth and collect His children.

 That does not mean that I do not spend a third of my Bible study time in the prophetic Scriptures.  It is my sincere opinion that since one third of the Bible is prophecy, I should spend at least one third of my Bible study time in seeking out those truths presented by Jesus, the Apostles and Prophets of old.  But, I also warn those who become top heavy in studying prophecy that time with the rest of the writers of the Scriptures is essential to gain a balanced spiritual perspective.

With that disclaimer clearly understood, I will honor Abba Father by sharing what I believe He has made clear to me in the past several months and even years.  Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse, laid out a very clear message for His children on the Signs of Christ Return.  Note: He began with a warning, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’ and will mislead many” (Matt. 24:4b- 5).

 

One does not have to be a rocket scientist to realize deception is running rampant, not only in the pagan world, but also among many who avow they are believers in Christ and followers of the King of kings.  But, as my good friend and mentor Jessie, pounded into my mind and heart – “if it ain’t in the Word and taken literally, it will probably lead you down the prime-rose path.”                                         

It has almost become common place for self-proclaimed gurus who, claim they have the inside path to knowing, and announce to the world the exact time that Jesus will return.  Unfortunately there are many who do not heed what Jesus warned, “Don’t be deceived.” 

 The world is filled with deception today.  You can find just about anything you want to believe.   At this time there are three rapidly growing blasphemies that are very deceptive. One I call the Oprah Wintry blasphemy: she avows that there is more than one road to God.  Perhaps the verse “Jesus is the way, truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).  Is missing from her Bible.

 Perhaps the blasphemy that is causing the most upheaval in our world is Replacement Theology: the belief that God no long loves Israel and has replaced Israel with the church. This misunderstanding of the mega references pertaining to God’s eternal love of Israel, in my humble opinion, has caused a rapid growth in the fulfillment of Zechariah 12:2  “Behold I am going to make Jerusalem, a cup that causes reeling to all the people around”.  

 The third blasphemy is perhaps the most damaging to the salvation message.  Simply, it states: to “believe” is enough; as long as you ‘believe’ you are home free, no matter what you do or not do in this lifetime.  One might get the idea it is a license to sin. BE ADVISED: Satan and his "Demons also believe in God and shudder." (James 2:19)

 Soooo, now, let me ask you a question.  If you were living in Israel and each day know that you are totally surrounded by 170,000 missiles designed to cover every inch of Israel, would you be a wee bit nervous? .

 Blessings,

Gramps

PS  As I try to select Gramps thought from 10 years back – I am the one most blessed. The introductory One I left omitted but will post # 3 either mid-week or next Sunday.  Stay tuned you might think you are reading today’s paper!!

WiIl We Ever Learn?

Monday, February 18, 2013  

I am not predicting End Time, but our spiritual enemy seems to be  hard at work.

 “For behold, in those days and at that time, When I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat   Then I will enter into judgment with them here on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations, AND THEY HAVE DIVIDED UP My land” (Joel 3:2 )

 Hey Gang:  The president announcement that he is going to go to Israel in the coming month to get the parties to the talking table and fix the problem that has persisted since Hagar and Ishmael were sent packing by Sarah, and Esau got snuffed out of his birthright.   

 When I heard this announcement, I immediately took inventory of my surroundings, laid in a few extra provisions and filled the wood box to the hilt, for such announcements do have a history or woe that followed shortly after they were initiated since the focus will be for Israel to give land and Jerusalem for peace.

 Did you notice that shortly after John Kerry was approved to be Secretary of State by the Senate, he announced he would be donning his diplomat’s hat and heading to the most sensitive spot of the world (Israel), to prepare the way for our exalted leader to do what a ‘skillion’ people have failed to do - get the parties to sit down at a table and put thousands of years of hatred and mistrust behind them and come up with a solution to the number one problem in the world.

 John Muncy (I don’t know who John Muncy is but his letter seemed to make sense to me) recently published an excellent letter pertaining to the folly of this type of approach to solving the problem.  In it he wrote,” I have 75 examples of major storms striking our country each time our nation’s leaders try to force the hand of the Israeli leaders to give away their promised/covenant land in exchange for peace.”

  It is interesting to note that within days of Kerry’s announcing that he would be going to Israel to put pressure on them to give away more Covenant Land, a major storm hit Massachusetts.  As Muncy in his letter and Koenig, in his book Eye to Eye, clearly explained, this is not a good idea.  Note the Scripture of the day, Joel made it pretty clear that God takes a dim view of we earthly folks trying to put Israel in the shoe box, and then sealing it shut, and burying it in a cave someplace.

 Paul wrote an irrevocable law, “Be not deceived, God is not mocked, whatever he sows, that will he reap”.  (Gal 6:7).  Obediah 1:15 clearly states: “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.”   

 The Question, “Will we learn before it is too late? God made it very clear in Genesis 12, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you.” 

 Again, quoting from John Muncy’s letter, “Like it or not, God judges those nations that cross over His clear covenant with the Jews.  Any time you want to test His authority and power to make you miserable, try touching the “apple of His eye (see Zechariah 2:8).  And He as many ways of making us miserable.” 

 Sooooo, my  friends, button down the hatches, lay in some extra provisions and make your insurance is up to date.  Also keep in mind, if there is no Israel, then Jesus cannot return again and all the promises He made about Israel are bogus.  And you can bet your sweet bippy, you can take each one of Jesus’ promises to the bank. 

 Blessings,

Gramps

Weekend Bonus

 Saturday, February 2, 2013

“The thief (devil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy: I (Jesus) came that they might  have life, and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

 Hey Gang, I am writing this from a mountain top condo in a beautiful resort in Branson, Missouri.  We are enjoying this time of rest and relaxation recouping our energies and strength to return to Voice of Martyrs for the final half of our commitment.  We are in the midst of a huge gully washer so laying out under the sun is out of the question.  

 The bride of my youth was bringing her correspondence up to speed when she came across an old commentary written by Paul Harvey many years ago (1965).  It is more relevant today than it was when he wrote it (2024?).  It is a piece that should be read in the White House, the Halls of Congress, every college and university and high school and junior high school and yes, even the elementary schools and kindergartens of the land.  It should also be read from every pulpit and presented on television and radio six or eight times a day.

 He begins with this catchy phrase and title: “If I were the Devil"…

 "If I were the Devil...I mean, “if I were the Prince of Darkness” I would of course, want to engulf the whole earth in darkness.  I would have a third of its real estate and four-fifths of its population, but I would not be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree, so I should set about, however necessary, to take over the United States.

 I would begin with a campaign of whispers.  With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve; “Did God really say?”  To the young, I would whisper, “The Bible a myth.”  I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what is bad is good, and what is good is “square”.  In the ears of the young marrieds I would whisper that work is debasing, the cocktail parties are good for you. I would caution them not to be extreme in religion, patriotism, or moral conduct. And the old, I would teach to pray.  I would teach them to say after me: “Our Father, which is in Washington.”

 If I were the Devil, I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull as uninteresting.  I’d turn T V producers to dirtier, more violent movies.  And then, if I were the devil, I’d get organized.  I’d infiltrate unions and urge more loafing and less work, because idle hands usually work for me.  I’d peddle narcotics to whomever I could.  I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction.  And I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.

 If I were the Devil, I would encourage schools to refine young intellects but neglect to discipline emotions …let those run wild.  I would designate an atheist to front for me before the highest courts in the land and I would get preachers to say, “she’s right”.  With flattery and promises of power, I could get the courts to rule what I construe as against God and in favor or pornography, and thus, I would evict God from the courthouse, and then from the school. and then from the houses of Congress. Then, in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and I would deify science because that way men would become smart enough to create super weapons, but not wise enough to control them.

 If I were Satan, I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas, a bottle. If I were the Devil, I would take from those who have and I would give to those who wanted, until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.  Then, I could separate families, putting children in uniform, women in coal mines, and objectors in slave camps. In other words, if I were Satan, I’d just keep on doing what he’s doing!!

 Paul Harvey, Good day!

 What say you?

Gramps