Are current events aligning with Biblical prediction, are they disjunctive or do you have to plead ignorance to inquiry?  Do you know what the Bible says about Syria, Egypt, Iran and other nations like Libya that are currently reported upon daily in national news?  Are you aware what it means to see, as we did two days ago, the Likud and the Nationalist parties of Israel joining as one?  Contrary to reports by our administrative leaders, what military assets are currently residing in the Middle East area of operations?  If I were to demonstrate to you that prophecy is unfolding before our eyes as evidenced by these events would you feel the need to become educated, get right with Jesus and prepare for His imminent return?  Or perhaps would fear and denial force you back to a position with your head below the sand?

The old Testament with its predictions of God’s visit to Earth was translated into Greek in roughly 270B.C.  Why is this important?  Because the enemy will always try to deny the truth of the Bible.  The Lord had the predictions of the prophets translated into common language of the world in that day so that no one could deny that those predictions existed prior to day when the Lord walked the Earth.  Greek also has the unique characteristic of being a highly specific language.  When a word appears in the Greek it can only be translated one way unlike other languages of that time that may have had several meanings for each term.  The Lord’s plan accounts for all occurrences.  Let us remember that the Lord created hell for the fallen angels.  Man was never meant to go there, but the Lord knows that many will because of their rebellious nature and unwillingness to confess, repent and accept the truth of God’s sovereignty.

Lord don’t let me be an ostrich Christian.  Give to me a hunger for Your Word, discernment and understanding of the preparations which must be made and actions that may be taken for the completion of Your Glory.  Let me be true and free me from the deception of my own errant thoughts.  Let me look for You in all things.  Let me see Your plan in all that takes shape around us and act accordingly.  Give my Brothers and Sisters a clear view of the Truth of the Holy Spirits word given by the prophets.  Call them to preparation for Your arrival.  Make us battle ready for the peace to come.  In the Mighty Name of Jesus the King.  Amen.

Teach me to reign in my enthusiasm.  Show me the power of silence in preparation of uttering appropriate words.  Give me the consistent control, focus and comprehension as the Spirit uses me as vessel.  Loose my tongue upon Your timing and for Your purpose.  I pray that you will forgive my idle phrases and flippant banter spent for my own account.  Give me peace at night reflecting upon my own kindness and compassion.

I don’t like melancholy Lord, but I know that these moments come upon us for great reason.  Time of meditation, review and redirection always seem to be well spent.  The part I dislike about it is the dampening of spirit.  The moments when my energy is spent, feeling emptied of my own internal courage and comedic nature.  These are the moments when I know You most.  When I’ve put away my own folly, ambition and disinformation seeing that when all that I have is gone, you are still there to provide and protect.  It is a lesson in surrender this grey mourning of my soul.  Let me keep this calm, humility even when my batteries are bursting.  Self control and moderation are often my best companions.  Keep us safe Lord as we go about your business.  Let us be forever mindful of Your Glory.

You save me every day reminding me I’m free at last.  Praise You Jesus My Salvation and Hope.  Amen.

God is our refuge and our strength, and ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, thought its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  Psalm 46 1-3

Why do I need to know this Lord?  And will that knowledge somehow make me personally stronger?  Am I to expect these occurrences that will shatter my resolve?  Why do I fear when things fall apart, is that where my feet find solace, in the solidity of this world?  How does it change me as a man, this confidence in the fact that you will always be there as shelter, strength and succor?  Do you know anyone like this and how does that person’s behavior effect your own level of stability or shame?  Is it true that men and women who follow Christ are noticeably different or is this simply, unobservable hypothesis?

You are what makes me different Lord.  I am a house that claims You as Tenant, Lord and Master.  Shall I fear loss of this life, never, for it is You who breathed it into me.  A life not measured by length, ownership or earnings but by substance is what I have been shown.  Revelation of unfailing love, protection and yes jealous discipline.  I am thankful that you care enough for me to check my foolish behavior with a stern hand of direction, hope and education.  Let me not be shaken, not so that I may not be fearful or to limit my loss but so that others may see that steadfast resolve and such unmistakeable fellowship and fealty.  Yes tremors will come and seas will rage but they only serve purpose for clarification that at the end of all we count “stable” You remain unchanged, just as loving, protecting and encouraging as you were before the storms began.

The Lord Almighty is with us: the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Psalm 46:7

Words created, words will condemn, confessional words set you free.  Actions confirm or deny the spoken words.  Sponsored thought signifies the health of the heart, mind and spirit.  In harmony they are righteous, in discord hypocrisy.  How in my resemblance to the Lord do I demonstrate this discerned understanding?  Do my works follow pure intent and declaration or do they dissemble, minimize or obfuscate the things I’ve stated that I believe?  For true belief is action upon the truth of that faith by putting to practice the philosophies to which I subscribe.

I cannot both say that falsehood is wrong, or that taking an unborn life or homosexuality are abomination, then go and tell lies or abort a child for personal convenience or condone sexual relations between the same gender.  I cannot support, and by support I also include, “not condemn”, wicked practices while remaining fully aware that Christ hated these acts.  American cultural practices of tolerance to the things which the Lord speaks directly against are in themselves disobedience.  Sin is sin is sin, whether is it mine, yours, politically correct or socially acceptable.  When you “do as the Roman’s do” you assert your ethical policies above that of the Lord’s Word and find yourself again in direct conflict with the Maker of the Universe.  A position I do not envy anyone.

Recently I have seen and heard many prominent members of leadership and the national press who declare themselves of the Catholic faith refuse to condemn or actually ally themselves with these practices.  For example, the Vice President’s refusal to align himself with the published views of the Catholic Church’s view on abortion in direct conflict with the Lord’s Word on this abominable act.  Additionally, Bill O’Reilly declared his support for “civil unions” again in direct conflict with the Word of God and the Catholic Church to which he claims allegiance.  These statements demonstrate a moral decay of our national purity and erode the foundation of America while promoting the ethical relativistic tendencies of our youth.  This lack of adherence to the norms of our faith foster a leniency toward the desire to be obedient to the Word of God subsequently germinating an environment where man may be turned over to his own will.  “There is a way that appears right to a man but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 14:12  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6  

To be a Christian means to contemplate, understand and acknowledge the acts of the Christ, our Savior.  Do I demonstrate my Christian belief or merely state that it exists.  Reality requires concrete action to convert theory to law/truth.  That is why the theory of evolution is so dangerous because it lacks such confirmation yet its supporters claim it as substantiated truth.  One can only assume that they want it to be true as that will free them from culpability to the Truth that is God’s Word.  The only truth is found in God’s Word and any departure from that “Rock Solid”, unshakeable truth tempts calamity.  I do not wish to be turned over to my own decadent mind for I have seen the corruption in my own leanings.  Depend on the Lord, not on men, but follow me as I follow Him.

Yes, my mistakes, sins and falsehoods will be forgiven as I repent (confess and turn away from) those sins acknowledging the price that was paid for this received grace.  My subsequent thoughts, words and actions following my sin demonstrate presence of the Holy Spirit in my life and confirm the honesty in my relationship to Christ.  They must be in accord for reality to be any measure of personal salvation.  Do my words match my thoughts and my actions?  This is available for all to see.  Lord Jesus You see my heart, only You alone know the truth of my answer.  Please let me be found righteously believing in the power of Your redemption and let my works be demonstration of my love for You and belief in Your Truth.  Praise God in Jesus’ Mighty Name

I want to sing with tears of joy, knowing for a moment that my sound has reached the ears of God.  He sees me now, adoring eyes capturing my thought and all I can do is avoid His gaze.  To think that He might love me breaks my reason, shatters my argument and reduces me to mud from which man came.  I am His breath, living life that He ordained for a time and purpose that He designed.  Take from me this shroud the world bids me borrow.  I want to sing of the mercy, grace and peace of God.

Strip all from me that seeks confusion.  Reduce me Lord to essential idea, nothing concealed, nothing delayed, no potential misdirected.  Give me the force of a needle to penetrate all Your enemy cohesion.  Let me reflect my definition.  Give me the exact opportunities and prepare me to demonstrate Your Glory in my adequacy as a precise tool for Your intention.  At my last breath give me the fulfilling thought of exhausting that final breath in accomplishment of my life prescribed tasking.  Let me hear those glorious words for which we await Your Glory, “well done my good and faithful servant”.  Let me sing to You for eternity.  Jesus be praised.

Look over there.  Someone said that there is something mystical, something spectacular something new and amazing.  They say to us, don’t tout your tired old principals of morality and clean living as something good when we have the supernaturally spectacular to amaze and entertain.  Can’t you see that your position is unpopular and therefore lacking substance and little chance of support?  Wouldn’t you rather see something that man’s hands have crafted, certainly this rivals anything that you ascribe to the divine?

This is all we’ve got so you better soak it up, drink it in, delight in the pleasure of the moment and if you cannot be at peace at least be imbibed by the intoxicating texture and fragrance of pleasure.  Live it now, breathe it in, dance until the spasms leave you unprotected against the overwhelming force of collective consciousness.  There is no reason, no wisdom only pursuit and satisfaction.  Can’t you see it?  Unfortunately I can, clearly.

Abundance and joy have nothing to do with boredom, decay and demise.  Death has no friends, but those who live in the light know laughter, kindness, care and freedom.  Yes freedom, you look at me amazed.  Oh I see you thought that I was trapped by some legalistic doctrine of piety and paralysis.  See, I get that I cannot earn my way to heaven, I do this out of love for what I have been given.

I do not wish to hurt you because I love you, but I see no joy in momentary glory or instant gratification.  Sure I see the appeal.  But that is short term thinking and I am an eternal believer.  The people I am surrounded by make me laugh, share my cares, sharpen my thoughts and show me repeatedly the wonderment of God’s creativity.  I see beauty as a reflection of the hand which made it.  I don’t worship the thing but rather the Spirit that brought it about by thought and speech.  I am no pauper, having given up all that glitters for empty promise and a bag of hope.  This life thrills me to overflowing, I just don’t see this as the final act, but rather as preparatory scenes gathering our attentions for the main event.  The price of entry paid for by my loving Father in exchange for my belief, trust and faith in His ability to deliver, not my own.  That is probably the greatest thing about eternity is that it doesn’t depend on me whatsoever.  For if it did my hope would be lost.

I have put my life, my hope, my faith and my will in the hand’s of someone I imminently trust.  In return I have learned the definition of love, the meaning of joy and the treasure of wisdom.  I am a winner, headed for a seat at the table prepared for His glory and by this I am overwhelmed.  Won’t you join us.  In Jesus I live.  God be praised.

The relationship between a man and his Father can never be fully understood by onlooker’s.  Sure there are those with worldly knowledge that may make educated speculation upon the inner mechanisms or chemical interactions.  Only a man and his Dad can completely comprehend that special bond of creation that they share.  There are even those men who have never taken time to investigate, fathom and expand their own relationship with their Father.  This provides a quandary, being the sole individual with the capacity to fully understand and cultivate such relationship then not employing that unique ability seems foolhardy.  Why wouldn’t a man engage his own gifts and entitlements as a son when that process is the only path to maturity, security and deeper understanding in this lifetime?  Do we wish to know or don’t we?  Which side is the real face of the coin?  How else but through investigation, practice and retention do we gather the Father’s wisdom?

How does a man get to know his Father?  Isn’t time spent with your Dad the only way to really know Him?  Sure we are related but that is entirely different then having a deep understanding of what that relationship means.  Raw materials possess the potential for riches but it is the refinement which defines and emancipates their true value.  Sure you are loved by your Father when you come into this world, but when and how do you actually love Him?  It is through the process of passing through this life that we become close to our Father.  Seeing that he never leaves, never avoids, always forgives while continuing to guide us to maturity through a firm disciplinary hand and counsel.  Isn’t that something that we should want and pursue?  Don’t you want the best that this life can produce?  Can you imagine something better than having an entirely honest fellowship with your Father?  I can’t.