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Can A Leopard Change Its Spots?
Before I get started, I want to say this will be my last political post at least until after the primaries are over. There are many other worthwhile topics to discuss. Though maybe none more pressing.And while I know there are many brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t agree with me, I feel compelled to speak this once more. Call it a warning, or, if you’d like, the ravings of a misinformed, out of touch, Christian who loves his God and his country.
Your choice.
I’m a little dismayed, I think. I really try hard not to take politics too seriously, but this year is different; for me, anyway.
I listen carefully to the candidates and all their selling points, plus all the wonderful things they have to say about their opponents; the other Republican candidates. The ones supposedly from the same party.
And I cannot figure out why there are so many people who say they believe in God the same as I do, who keep pulling the lever for Mr. Trump.
Here are some of the reasons my friends and fellow evangelicals give for riding the Trump bandwagon.
1. He’s not a politician. But that’s not true. He’s involved in politics, he just hasn’t been elected. Nor is it the first time he’s played the game. It’s just the first time he’s played this long.
2. He’s expressing the views of the majority of Americans. Is he? And, if so, does that mean he’s right?
3. He has a lot of great ideas; ideas which will make this country great again. Wonderful. But has he explained HOW he’s going to implement any of the wonderful changes? I don’t believe so.
4. He’s passionate about this country. I can’t tell what’s in a person’s heart, and neither can you. But it is possible to review how he’s acted in the past (when he wasn’t running for office).
5. He’s better than Hillary or Bernie. Is he? How do we know? Some answer my question with “He’s a Republican, isn’t he?”, to which I must reply, “That’s what he says.”
But like the prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil” (Jeremiah 13:23 ESV).
The obvious answer to the prophet’s question is no.
People tell me, “But with God, all things are possible.” Yes, amen. WITH GOD, all things are possible. WITH GOD, the dead become alive, the old is made new, and the reprobate becomes a child of God.
WITH GOD, it would even be possible for a leopard to change its spots.
But if a person is so bent on living their life WITHOUT GOD, how much credence should we give their words when they try to sell us on ideas that are completely opposite of their pre campaign position?
And when the very words of the man in question declare emphatically that he likes “to be good. I don’t like to have to ask for forgiveness. And I am good. I don’t do a lot of things that are bad. I try to do nothing that is bad.” What are we really to believe?
Just how much change can we expect from him? Enough to trust he’ll do what the campaigning Trump said, or what the old Trump said?
6. We’re not voting on a pastor. That’s the one I really love. Character, morality, ethics, none of that matter because we’re not voting for a chaplain.
Really? Maybe I’m slow, so please help me understand. WHY isn’t character important?
It’s been a number of years, but I can remember one candidate getting knocked out of the race because of his moral flaws. Does anyone remember the names Gary Hart and Donna Rice?
It meant something then. Were we wrong then? Or have we, in the name of tolerance, compromised OUR morals?
So why is character important? Because the President of the United States should be aboveboard, trustworthy, and not some proverbial joke to the rest of the world.
The thing that made this nation great cannot be found in Mr. Trump.
You see, it wasn’t gall, ego, temper tantrums, vulgarity, grand oration, or even the ability to make awesome deals that made America great.
It was people with a dream AND character. It was people with trust in and submission to God’s laws that gave this nation a chance to succeed.
I suppose I could be wrong. I reckon it just may be God’s will for Trump to win the Republican nomination. It could be.
Or it could be that America has become so spoiled and self centered God isn’t going to care either way.
And why not? Israel finally got their way. They finally got a great man for a king.
King Saul.
Things didn’t turn out so well, but God’s people got what they wanted.
Just don’t start whining if you get the one you just had to have, only to find out the leopard’s spots are still the same.
It’ll be too late, then.
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Will Leave You Speechless
Don’t you just love Facebook?I’m sure by now you’ve all seen posts that go something like this: “This man was captured on video, singing in a grocery store. His voice kept getting louder and louder, but what he did next will leave you speechless!”
Look familiar? There are hundreds of posts like that one, from someone filling their car with gas, to a couple of young folks talking with a homeless man down by the river. Each little opening paragraph ends with “what they did next will leave you speechless.“
So far, I haven’t lost my ability, or desire, to speak. I admit there are some pretty cool things to behold, but speechless?
If everything is awesome, or will leave you and I speechless, won’t everything be just so-so? If everything is great, nothing is great. Am I making any sense?
If all things are equal, how can anything be outstanding?
Sorry, but I guess I just can’t buy the “speechless” hype.
However, there’s coming a day, soon I believe, when a certain, long awaited event will happen. I guarantee what happens next will leave everyone speechless!
What “long awaited event” am I talking about?
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT)
The great catching away of the true believers in Jesus! One moment on earth, the next… well, there’s a reason why it’s referred to as The Blessed Hope.
“…waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:13 ESV)
Just image what the Facebook post would say. “This man was walking down the potato chip aisle, humming to himself. What happened next will leave you speechless.”
Now you see him, now you don’t. Both the man who was caught away, and the person recording the scene, will undoubtedly be speechless.
I’m hoping for two things when that time comes.
One, someone will have a camera on me, getting it all on video.
Two, you aren’t the one posting it on Facebook.
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What’s Wrong With Shacking Up?
The term “shacking up” has been in use since around 1935. Of course, the practice of a man and a woman living together, and participating in all of the privileges of marriage (i.e. sexual relations) has been going on for a lot longer than that.So what’s the matter with it? If two people love each other, what’s wrong with shacking up? What’s the big deal about having a marriage license?
Besides, what’s the State got to do with it, anyway?
I can hear some of you. “Jan’s on another rampage. Up on his high horse, letting us heathen know how rotten we are.”
Actually, no.
But I do have some thoughts I’d like you to consider; hopefully BEFORE you and your lover share the marriage bed without being married. However, if you’ve already made the plunge, please continue reading. There may be something here worth your time.
Allow me to pause for a moment and give my definition of marriage, as revealed in God’s Word, the Bible. Marriage is the covenantal union, recognized by God, between one man and one woman; spiritually, emotionally, and physically. And in conjunction with God’s recognition, the State recognizes the union as well, when such union is witnessed by at least 2 people, and officiated by a person deemed qualified.
Okay. That’s done.
One reason shacking up is wrong is because fornication is wrong. What’s fornication? It’s having sex outside the covenant of marriage. Maybe not sexual intercourse, but enough physical contact that arouses one or both sexually.
Adultery and fornication are birds of the same feather; only adultery takes place when at least one of the consenting partners is married to someone else. And as far as God’s concerned, you don’t even need to touch someone to be guilty of adultery.
The same is true of fornication.
Yes, that’s one thing wrong with shacking up.
“But we’re waiting until we can afford to get married.” Have you ever heard that statement?
It’s great to wait. But why not do both of you a favor and hold off on exploring each other sexually?
“Oh, we’re careful. Nothing bad is going to happen.”
Sure. But haven’t you heard when a man and woman consummate their marriage, the two become one flesh? If they’re one flesh before they’re actually married, if they decide the “experiment” didn’t work, two people can have untold and undetected damage; which can have an ugly effect on any future relationships.
“What’s the big deal, preacher? Adam and Eve weren’t married.”
Really?
As marriage is a covenant, where everything belonging to one person becomes the property of their mate, and vice-versa, so it was with Adam and Eve.
Adam willingly (I believe) offered his rib to God, knowing what God was able and desiring to do. In essence, Adam gave so Eve could live.
Eve offered herself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to her husband.
Both, first of all, submitted their life to their Creator God. Adam trusted God to perform the operation, and Eve trusted God with His choice of a husband.
And the two became one. They both gave their all for the relationship.
What’s wrong with shacking up? Commitment. Or, I should say, a lack thereof.
“But I love her and can’t stand to be apart from her.”
“I only want what’s best for her. I’d never do anything to hurt her.”
By taking from her the most precious part of her life, you ARE hurting her. Plus, you are saying to her and to God, “I enjoy sex, but I’m not ready to be a real man.”
That’s what’s wrong with shacking up!
Little lady, if your man doesn’t love you enough to protect your honor, he’s not worth jumping in bed with. He may be a great “lover”, but that doesn’t mean he really loves. And you’ll never know just how great a man you’ve found if you say “yes” every time he asks. Besides, you are of greater value than that.
Don’t you think it’s worth discovering?
Sure, he may give you money, whisper sweet nothings in your ear, and make you feel like a real princess. But if he won’t help you guard your precious “garden”, how can you be sure he’ll protect the rest of you?
No commitment, no bed. No marriage, no commitment.
A promise to marry, just so the guy can “score”, isn’t anything more than a password to browse the Internet.
“But we need to make sure we’re compatible with each other.”
Look. A male and a female ARE compatible sexually. That doesn’t need to be tested. How about testing the strength of your love, and PROMISE TO EACH OTHER to stay sexually pure UNTIL your wedding night? If you or your partner can’t stay sexually pure BEFORE your wedding, there’s a good chance you won’t stay pure afterwards.
Shacking up doesn’t test a thing. It only reveals how unwilling at least one person is to really care for their mate.
To me, that is what’s wrong with shacking up.
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The Pope and Mister Trump
Well, the political jargon is on the rise. Today, even Pope Francis got involved.
He said, “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not a Christian. This is not the Gospel.” He was responding to a question about Trump’s promise to build a wall between Mexico and the United States.
And of course, good ol’ Turbulent Trump wasn’t about to let that slide. After all, he’s the epitome of Christian character; everyone knows that. His response? “For a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful.”
Brilliant.
I think Trump’s response is not only silly, but totally unfounded in the scriptures. But what should I expect from a guy who CLAIMS to be a Christian, but in real life acts as though he believes HE is God.
My opinion, folks. My opinion.
Anyone, like Mr. Trump, who says in essence, “I’ve never felt the need to repent”, doesn’t understand what a Christian is.
On the other hand, I don’t believe the Gospel is about building bridges, either.
It IS ABOUT God building a bridge between mankind and HIMSELF. Jesus Christ is THE BRIDGE; the Divine Intercessor. The One Who took our place on the cross, so we could have eternal fellowship with the Father God.
One Mediator between God and man; the man, Christ Jesus.
“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 NLT)
“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21 NLT)
Questioning one’s faith is not something new to this election cycle. In fact, it began way back, about 6,000 years ago. Just outside the Garden of Eden, God questioned Cain’s faith. He received Abel’s offering, but ignored Cain’s. And it caused Cain’s true heart to be revealed.
It is amazing what can be revealed simply by telling someone “NO”.
David questioned the faith of those who said they wanted to help him become the king of all Israel, not just Judah.
Paul questioned the faith of Peter, in Galatians chapter 2.
It was Paul who also said, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9 ESV)
In other words, the illustrious Mr. Trump doesn’t know any more about God’s word than he does about giving speeches that aren’t laced with some level of profanity.
But, like Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them.” Fruits = actions, not words.There are some who say faith isn’t important when it comes to electing a president for the land of the free. But is that really so? And if it is, shouldn’t we question a person’s faith?
A person, whether a president or a hamburger flipper, lives in accordance to what they believe. What they believe affects the way they interact with others, the decisions they make, whether or not they can learn from someone else, how they judge others, and HOW THE GOVERN.
So a person who ACTS as though they can NEVER be wrong about ANYTHING isn’t one who would make a very good president.
Again, my opinion.
Trump for President? Nah. I don’t believe he’ll do all he’s promised, because I don’t believe he really WANTS to do all he’s promised.
He claims one thing, but lives completely different.
As for the Pope? Well, he does have a large audience, but I don’t think we need a bridge built between the south and the north.
There’s already a superhighway.
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Just A Little Nudity…
I’ve heard different people say, when referring to the R rating of a popular movie, “It’s a great flick! You’d love it.“So I reply, “Why is it rated R?”
“Oh, just a scene or two.”
“A scene or two of what?”
“Well…”, they say, “Adult language and nudity.”
“You mean someone is cussing while taking a bath? Is that what you mean?”
“No!”
“Okay”, I’m adding a little emphasis to my words, now. “You’re telling me, as one Christian to another, that it’s quite alright to attend a movie where they show nudity and people use vulgarity just because they can?”
“Uh, well, I, uh…”
But brother, why aren’t you a little more tolerant?
The world is in the mess it is because of “tolerance”; only that kind of tolerance is spelled ‘c-o-m-p-r-o-m-i-s-e‘.
Compromising God’s word does NOT please God.
“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor – not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 NLT)
So why should a Christian stay clear of movies which include nudity, sex scenes (graphic or implied), and scenes which ignite or fuel the inner fires of passion?
1. God says to stay away from all sexual sin. This includes movies design specifically to arouse the sexual appetite.
2. Purity of heart, mind, eyes, and hands only enhances the genuine sexual relationships within a marriage.
3. Fantasy cheapens and weakens marriage relationships.
4. The Lord said, “But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 NLT). To view a woman, or a man, using ‘elevator eyes’, is akin to the act of adultery.
If a person can commit adultery with their eyes, while the object of their affection is fully clothed, how much more so if the object is parading around on the nude, or is simulating the sex act?
5. Just because it’s available, has great actors and actresses, has a great plot, is funny, had great reviews, and everyone you know has seen it, DOESN’T make God’s Word null and void!
6. We’re told to FLEE sexual immorality; to put out to death, not run to see more of it.
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5-6 NLT)
7. Sexual sin, which viewing movies that show nudity is, makes the heart become harder to the things of God. Filling ones thoughts and mind (with the visuals and such) with such images allows callouses to form on the spirit man to where it becomes more difficult to discern God’s voice, and right and wrong.
“Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT)
8. We have a responsibility to the Lord, our families, the Body of Christ, and ourselves to live a life free from sexual immorality.
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes – these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Ephesians 5:3-5 NLT)
By the way, “soft porn” is still sexual sin. Looking at a person, clothed or not, and fantasizing about them sexually is sin.
Christians, it won’t kill you to stay away from raunchy, sexually arousing, movies. In fact, you just may find yourself enjoying your marriage even more.
Bored? Feel the need to be entertained? Find something that won’t damage your spirit, embarrass your family, or stand between you and your God.
Maybe before you by your movie tickets, ask the Lord Jesus if He’d like to attend the showing with you.
Then act accordingly.
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17 NLT) -
The Final Call?
It began as a dream…it became a warning.Is it America’s final call?
America cannot survive another 20 years without a desperate and deliberate move toward God. He is its only hope. But will the nation give up its idols, or continue to give in to them?Last year I wrote the book, American Idols, based on a dream I had one night. In the dream I was running through a small town yelling “Tear down your idols! Tear down your idols!”
I was like a mad man, as if I were trying to rescue a child from a burning house.
People would yell at me as I ran by, “What makes you think it’s okay for you to run around getting us all upset?”
I’d reply, without slowing down, “First Samuel Three Twelve! First Samuel Three Twelve! Tear down your idols! Tear down your idols!”On and on I’d run, screaming as loud as I could to as many as I could find, “Tear down your idols!”
Then I awakened.
The first thing I did was grab my bible and look up the scripture reference I was yelling in my dream.
Here it is:
“On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end.” (1 Samuel 3:12 ESV)It’s the story of young Samuel, as he was staying with Eli the priest. Samuel had gone to sleep but woke to the sound of someone calling his voice, “Samuel, Samuel.” Thinking it was Eli, Samuel went to him and said, “Did you call me?” “No”, was the old man’s reply.
Finally, after three times, Eli recognized it could be the Lord trying to get Samuel’s attention, so he advised Samuel to respond with, “Speak, Lord, for your servant listens”, the next time he heard his name called.
Obediently, Samuel responded to the voice of the Lord. Verse 12 was the first part of the word given to Samuel.
God told Samuel He was going to judge the house of Eli, the priesthood of that day, for several reasons. By judging, God meant He would bring Eli’s authority and influence to an end.
His sons, who shared ministry with their father, were out of control; wicked, lustful, and rebellious men. And Eli didn’t stop them. In fact, he got fat on all the extras his sons would confiscate from the people.
The Lord spoke to my heart and, in essence, told me it’s time for the church, the Body of Christ, to judge themselves, or be judged. Tear down the idols that have replaced true fellowship with Almighty God.
America, like every nation before her, will be judged; but the initial judgment, or correction, must begin with His people.
“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17 ESV)
I encourage you to get a copy of the book; available in paperback or eBook. American Idols: The Final Call?
Please click on the link “American Idols” for more information.
In my heart, I believe the Lord is trying to get our attention just one more time. May we hear His voice, and respond to His call.
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Trust Me
“C’mon, man. You can trust ME.”
You’ve probably heard those words a time or two, haven’t you? “Trust me”.
Whether spoken by a fast talking used car salesman, a slick politician, or a guy who is trying to put the moves on some unsuspecting chick, words which should carry some of the greatest worth are deemed trite and meaningless.
Has something happened to the English language?
No. Just to the human experience.
“Trust me” used to mean, “You can take me at my word. Whatever I say, that will I do. Nothing will keep me from honoring my word. For my word is my bond, and if necessary, I will swear to my own hurt to make sure my word is fulfilled.”
It USED to be, when a person made a deal with someone, they would shake hands; a picture of ‘cutting a blood covenant’ with each other. The handshake signified to each person the seriousness of their solemn oath. They each knew the underlying message to the other was “you can trust me”.
There were far less written contracts needed, or used.
But these days, contracts aren’t even worth the paper they’re printed on.
Why?
Because people, many people, don’t find anything wrong with saying one thing and doing another. Whether it’s a university basketball coach, or a marriage partner; the oath and the contract holds very little value.
And I’ve discovered something. Those who don’t see the value in keeping their word are the very ones who have a difficult time trusting someone else.
Now here we are, a nation preparing to elect a new president. Each candidate is trying to gain our trust. They’re saying, “Trust me”, to a nation that really doesn’t know what trust means.
How can a nation trust when they don’t value their own words?
Our currency proclaims, “In God We Trust”, but do we?
This nation doesn’t trust God. If it did, God would be more a part of our world. Evident in our activities, our behavior, our decisions, and our morals.
We do everything we can to erase even the mention of God from our society and vocabulary.
Maybe, just maybe, if we started holding OURSELVES accountable to the promises WE make, we just might find the moral fiber and backbone to hold OTHERS accountable for the things THEY’VE promised.
“Trust me” should be the most powerful oath a person could ever say. But it isn’t anymore.
Maybe someday.
“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart…who swears to his own hurt and does not change.” (Psalm 15:1-4 ESV)
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it.” (Numbers 23:19 ESV)
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psalm 118:8 ESV)
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YOU Matter
I had the wildest dream. No, not like some I’ve had.
The other night I dreamed Elvis (yes, THAT Elvis) was alive. Not only was he alive, but I was at a bowling alley with him. Alternating between bowling and singing; we were having a blast!
No, when I say a wild dream, I mean a dream like none I’ve ever had.
I’ll give you the highlights, so you can judge for yourself.
I found myself in a large room, the size of a gymnasium. There were a few people in the room with me, though no one I knew.
I don’t know why I was in the room, but it seemed like we were all waiting for something. No, we were waiting for someONE; the person who had invited us all to attend.
Everyone there was a “person of color”; I was the only white.
Now here’s the part that I thought was wild.
I found myself on my knees praying for those who were with me in the room. The leader still hadn’t arrived, but I was compelled to pray.
Suddenly the room was packed with hundreds and hundreds of young people, mostly black kids, with a lesser amount of young Asian and Latinos. Still, I was the only white.
My prayers turned into groaning and weeping, crying out to God on behalf of those in the room. Others began to join in the intense intercession, while we waited for the leader to arrive.
The intensity of the prayers was so great, we were so involved in praying and weeping for one another, the leader’s arrival was of secondary importance. Sure, we wanted to see the leader, but we knew we had to care for one other while we waited.
By now, almost everyone was lying on the floor, praying and weeping. I remember a young black man, a teenager, getting so close to me, praying for me, I could feel his tears against my face.
When the prayers were more than groaning, I could hear myself and others pleading with God that each person there “would be filled with the Spirit of Glory, so each one would know the length, depth, height, and breadth of God’s immeasurable love, so the world could really see Jesus among us.”
The season of prayer kept increasing, while more and more people filled the room. By the time my dream was over, the room was crammed full of people praying and weeping together.
I finally awoke, realizing my wild experience was only a dream. But a dream which could, and should, become reality.
“that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:25 ESV)
There’s a lot of fuss these days over the various “________ lives matter” emphasis. “Black lives matter”, “All lives matter”, and others slogans floating around social media outlets don’t do a bit of good in bringing people together.
The slogans, as catchy as they may be, only help drive people apart.
“All lives matter” sounds good, but it has an underlying message: “YOUR slogan, and what YOU believe, IS WRONG!”
What if, while waiting for the true Leader to arrive, we put all we have and are into the task of praying and weeping with those whose skin is a different shade than ours.
Wouldn’t it be something if we could, by our actions, not our rhetoric, say to the world “YOU matter“?
I say it would be WILD!
And who knows, maybe the Leader would arrive while we busied ourselves with caring for one another…
Wild? Yeah, like revival wild.
ETERNALLY wild!
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The Coming Exodus
Like it or not, the world is quickly changing. Believe it or not, there’s coming a day when, like the Exodus of days gone by, yes, the very same one Cecil B. DeMille turned into a movie starring Charlton Heston, the people of God will be delivered from this sensual, evil world.Those who are sick and tired of the Jesus nuts will finally get their wish. They won’t have to hear any more fire and brimstone preaching, nor be insulted by being subjected to the “J” word. They’ll be able to gather every religion and pseudo-religion together under one gigantic banner, and love everyone like God wants them to. Tolerance and diversity, without those narrow-minded Jesus goofballs messing everything up.
Are you familiar with the Exodus story?
Briefly, it’s a story of the nation of Israel, who originally had moved to Egypt during a time of great famine. After 430 years, the Israelites were forced into slavery by Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.
The people of God cried out to God, Who, in answer to their cries, sent Moses and Aaron to deliver them from their shackles.
Here’s where it really gets interesting.
Moses and Aaron didn’t have to face Pharaoh by themselves. God not only sent them, but He went before them and fought FOR them.
Egypt was forced to endure ten plagues, each of them a demonstration of the power of God over the “god” of the Egyptians. Finally, after the last plague, Pharaoh reluctantly agreed to let the people go.
Yet that decision was short lived; because not long after giving Moses the nod to leave, Pharaoh gathered his troops and, like a large posse from an old western, tore off after the Israelites.
But God continued to fight for His own.
He instructed Moses to lift the “rod of God” and stretch it out toward the Red Sea. As he obeyed, God rolled back the water and the whole nation crossed over on dry ground. Hebrews 11 says Pharaoh’s army followed their former slaves into the water, but failed to realize what looked like a victory in their eyes, was really a trap set by God.
As the waters covered the Egyptian army, the Exodus was complete. God had delivered His people, and kept His promise.
There are a number of examples in God’s word of God fighting for man. See Joshua 10:14; 23:3; and 2 Chronicles 20:29.
Something I’ve been thinking about lately is the parallel between the physical deliverance from Egypt, and the spiritual/physical deliverance of the children of God from this world.
There are a number of opinions regarding what some refer to as “the Rapture” or catching away, and I’m not about to try to explain everything about a pre, mid, or post tribulation rapture.I WILL go so far as to say I’m convinced when the time comes, whenever that is, it will be a time when, once again, God fights for His people. A time just like before, when God displayed the greatness of His power against each and every one of mankind’s “gods”.
I believe there will be a witness of God’s glory and THEN we (those who are actively walking with and listening to the Lord God) will be translated to be with the Lord forever.
I don’t believe we’ll just sneak off into the sunset. Those left behind are going to know what they’ve done, Who they’ve fought, and what they’ve missed.
In closing, I’ll leave you with this passage from Revelation. In it you’ll notice that the entire earth’s population: kings, princes, rich, important, everyone right down to and including the poorest of the poor, will try and hide from the wrath of the Lamb.
You may ask why I believe such stuff. God seems to always work in types and shadows. That’s one reason. The second is, God will eventually settle the score for His children.He can only tolerate the murdering of His kids for so long.
He is patient, but eventually His patience must give way to justice.
I’d love to read your thoughts, so I hope you comment. One thing is for sure, none of us have ever experienced what’s up ahead. So that means the number of end time experts is fairly small. Like zero.
Here’s the passage, and thanks for commenting.
“When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”(Revelation 6:12-17 ESV)
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Is Government Our God?
Have we, the citizens of the United States, transferred the trust we once had in God over to our president and government?To hear the politicians’ spiels, and the comments of many people throughout social media land, I’d have to say yes. I’m just wondering when the national motto will be altered to reflect the change. It should read, “In Government We Trust”.
It’s really a shame; and an indicator of the true character of our nation.
The truth once known by many, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’…”(2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT), has been replaced with, “All the presidential candidates’ promises are fulfilled in their party, with a resounding, ‘You’ve got my vote’, by us.”
“Jan, aren’t you being a little judgmental?” No, because whenever I hear men and women name the Name of Christ in one breath, but carry on for their candidate as if they were God incarnate with the next, I’d say we have a problem.
And why is it easier for people to believe the promises their candidate makes, than believing God’s inherent word?
Like I said, it’s a shame.
In the eyes of many, the role of the president is that of God. “Provide for me, give me what I want, make me comfortable, solve all my problems without it costing me any time, money, or sweat equity.”
We’ve taken the Oval Office and turned it into the throne room of God, and relegated our religious activity to nothing more than an ancient talisman. When problems come, such as 9/11, we dig out our sacred amulet from its dusty footlocker which had been buried in the attic under boxes packed with mothballs and old clothes we haven’t worn in thirty years, and wave it back and forth while we lift the appropriate incantations heavenward. Once the crisis is over, it’s business as usual.
Back to the attic.
A crying shame.
I know I’ve shared part of this message before, but I believe it bears repeating. Our president, cabinet, politicians, and ALL those running FOR public office (whether for the presidency or a local school board) are not omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent. They are mere human beings who want to be elected. They want our vote. So they say what we want to hear.
I’ll even go so far as to say I think every candidate sincerely believes they know what’s best for our country. Perhaps they do. But mark it down lest you forget, they are only human.
They may deserve our vote, but they are NOT worthy of our faith, dedication, or total allegiance. They are NOT God.
Think about some of the promises these folks are making; especially those running for POTUS. Listening to them makes me wish I had a little dog named Toto, and could send him back behind the curtain during a campaign speech.
“Pay no attention to the man (or woman) behind the curtain”, the imposter would instruct us. “Listen to the voice of your leader.”
But the majority would blame the dog, and the dog’s owner for not playing fair, and for being judgmental.
“Don’t interrupt our savior! Their voice isn’t the voice of a man or woman; it’s the very voice of God!”
Someone please ask Herod how well that turned out for him.
Would you like some interesting reading? Go to this link and read what the Constitution says are the duties of our President.
Note, there isn’t one word about making sure the people are fat and happy. Nor will you find a smorgasbord of freebies listed. Sorry.
Nothing about free lunches, free college, or free healthcare.
Not a word about policing the world, either.
One of these days every one of us will stand face to face with God Almighty. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The One Who gave His Son so that every person on this planet; Jews, Arabs, Communists, Socialists, Democrats, Republicans, Atheists, Buddhists, and anyone else could have eternal life.
We will stand before Him as He looks into the Lamb’s Book of Life; looking to see if our name is listed. Those who’s name has been entered will be ushered into the glories of Heaven, where they’ll forever be with the Lord. Those who’s name is absent from the Book will be escorted to the lake of fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. (Note-John 1:12; Romans 10:9-10, and 1 John 5:11-13 will point you in the right direction for making sure your name is listed)
God has proven, by the resurrection of Christ Jesus, that He alone is God and can be trusted.
How about you and I remembering that, while the politicians may be wonderful, they aren’t God.
Okay?
It will help us AND our nation.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 