One Muslim's View of Christianity

   

     A rather minor story blipped across the media radar screen last week, but it caught my attention.  I have not been able to ignore its implications; it has caused me to do some serious thinking.  So I thought I would share my thoughts with you .... The Environment and Urbanism Minister of Turkey, Mr. Erdogan Bayraktar made the following statement:  "Christianity is no longer a religion. It’s a culture now."
     He made the statement in the context of a warning to his fellow countrymen.  He cautioned them that Islam must not follow the path of decline that has seen Christianity watered down to philosophical clichés and ineffectiveness, and countries like ours turn away from faith and towards secularism.  Presumably, he is championing a more robust form of Islam; one that would not restrict the "key aspects of Islam" (like Sharia law and Jihad?).
    But my focus today is not on Turkey and their struggle, but on ours.  Is he correct?  The Turkish Minister backed up his opinion with this statement:  "There are 2.5 billion Christians in the world ... The biggest three countries in the world are not Muslim countries. China, India – only the U.S. believes in a single God. Spirituality and religious feelings are weakening."  He went on to say that a Religion "teaches", and implied that Christianity no longer does that... it has simply become part of our culture; it no longer trains, illuminates or enlightens our existence.
     That bothered me a lot because it was a pretty strong indictment.  And I wanted to resolve the accusation in my own mind.  First of all, what do I consider a Religion to be?  The dictionary defines "Religion" as:  the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods; a particular system of faith and worship; or a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance.  "Culture" is defined as: the attitudes and behavior characteristic of a particular social group; the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively [of a particular nation, people, or other social group].
     I have never believed that God commanded us to form a Religion; in fact so much damage has been done in the world (and the Church) because of Religion.  The problem with Religion is that it does become "a system"; and oftentimes is at the whim of men.  That being said, Christianity is so much more than a Religion or a belief system ... to me it is the foundational hope that I have through my relationship with the Son of God and all that He has done for me.  It is the way I live my life; it is a hunger that I have to know more of Him; it is how I treat other people.  His teachings guide my speech, my thoughts, my actions.  He is who I want to share with everyone.  Do I live my Christianity perfectly? No. I will admit I am a work-in-progress.
     So, in the West, or in this country in particular, has Christianity become just part of the culture; another aspect of our secular society?  Is it just an "attitude" or viewpoint of a particular subset of our social fabric?  Is it just an "intellectual act" that we flaunt in public, especially on Sundays?  If Mr. Bayraktar is right, and a Religion should teach something, what is our Christianity teaching about us?  Mind you, none of us would like to see our faith mimic the harsher and more authoritarian versions of Islam.  But I must ask myself if I "teach" or "demonstrate" the true message of Christianity when I declare my faith.  Do others see Jesus Christ, my Savior, in me?
     In the end, I do not disagree with this Muslim that Christianity is undergoing a change in its perception of itself.  It is what the Bible calls "the falling away" or apostasy.  But there will always be a true remnant of the faithful who hear the Lord's voice and set themselves apart from the temptations of this life.  They remain constant and unwavering in their loyalty.  Their faith is genuine, heartfelt and a light unto the lost of the world.  Let His light shine in and through you!

1 Peter 2:9    "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
   
   

This September 11th ... What's Different?

   

     For some reason, this anniversary of 9-11 finds me being more cautious and alert.  Is it that overt threats against our homeland have been made by an Islamic terrorist army that makes Osama bin Laden look like Mr. Rogers?  Is it the missing Libyan jetliners?  Is it that there are credible reports that terrorists from the Middle East and Africa have easily entered the country through the porous southern border?  Or is it that I'm just more "edgy" because the enemy is no longer keeping its plans to attack us under wraps, but boldly proclaiming it from every online social networking service available?
     How about "all of the above"?  Plus, there is the book by the security contractors in Benghazi, who write they were told to "stand down" from rescuing their teammates.  How does that appear to those who wish to destroy us?  All these scenarios point to the likelihood that we are seen as a viable target.  These are the "facts on the ground", so to speak; what I can point to in support of my clear, sound reasoning.
     But then there is what my spirit senses.  There's no physical proof, no material witness, no concrete evidence.  I am simply unsettled in my soul, and aware that danger is in the air.  I also know that this particular day has become a symbol of victory over us, and the September 11th, 2012 attacks on the compound of the American consulate in Benghazi have emboldened our enemies.  And that enemy has coalesced into a murderous, barbarous horde that my spirit recognizes as pure Evil.  It is more than a religious ideology gone bad; it is dark, fiendish and diabolical.
     What's more, we are not the same country we were on September 11, 2001.  I'm sorry to say, but I think we are weaker, less secure, and less determined to defend our might as we were on that fall morning, thirteen years ago today.  Our military is exhausted and stretched too thin as they fight multiple battles on foreign fronts.   Add that to the lack of defense on our borders, and the growing division among the American people on issues such as immigration, racism, and social/moral values, and we are a country disunited and vulnerable.  In short, we are weary of our struggles, and perhaps have even become anesthetized; worn down to a state of desensitization.
     Also, our Western culture is practically incapable of sustaining a long-term state of readiness.  We are ingrained with a desire and demand for instant gratification ... we pay attention to the news for a period of time; gather our buckets of rice and beans; take a few self-defense classes; buy some ammo and extra food and supplies .... and go back to sleep.   "There, I've taken care of my emergency essentials; I'm prepared," we tell ourselves.  "Now, I want to go back to my fun, and my sports, and planning my next vacation."
     But our enemy doesn't think that way.  They've succeeded in attacking us on September 11th -- not once, but twice in the last thirteen years.  And each time they're thinking "bigger and better."  Not only that, but they have the patience to wait until the time is right and they can execute their plan, just the way they want it.  They don't get weary and they don't go back to sleep.
     But, this is the important factor that Americans don't understand --- September 11th is more than just the day planes flew into the World Trade Towers, or the day that America was attacked on foreign soil.  Radical Muslims look upon the attacks in 2001 as it pertains to their history over the last 330 years or so.  September 11th is a significant date to them because it represents the beginning of the defeat of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, (the last great Caliphate), at the battle of Vienna on September 11, 1683.  It represents the beginning of the decline of their Islamic culture and the rise of the Western culture.  Therefore, to the radical jihadists, September 11th has become symbolic of reversing that trend and re-establishing the superiority of Islam.  It only makes sense that with the rise of ISIS, and a new Caliphate, that they want to be able to create a new September 11th to celebrate victory, rather than the bitter taste of a centuries-old defeat.  They are on a roll right now, and this is why I am praying that with God's help, this day will be uneventful.
     And if He decides to bless us and protect us, my prayer is also that we would awaken to the growing peril that we face.  We cannot win this battle alone; we must ask God to go before us and protect our individual lives, our nation, and our way of life.  Keep on your knees, people!  And may there be a hedge of protection around you and your family today.

Deuteronomy 31:8      "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
   

The Southern Border: What You're Not Hearing

     This post comes to you courtesy of an organization called Oath Keepers.  I cannot imagine that you are unaware of them, but if so, here is their mission statement:  Oath Keepers is a non-partisan association of current and formerly serving military, police, and first responders  who pledge to fulfill the oath all military and police take to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”  Furthermore, Oath Keepers reaches out to both current and veteran military personnel, to remind them of their oaths, to teach them more about the Constitution they swore to defend, and to inspire them to defend it.  Their motto is "Not on our watch!"
     They go even further on their website in describing their loyalty to Article VI of the Constitution, rather than to politicians, but I will let you do your own research on what that may entail.  Today, I want to make you aware of what they are doing to help defend our Southern border.
     Under an article, titled Texas Ranchers Fear For Their Lives And Families -- Ask Veterans For Help, we get an up-close and personal view of just how bad it is on the Texas border.  Never mind what you hear the talking heads or the White House Press Corps say ... listen to the first-hand account of someone who is living the reality:  Rusty is a lifelong rancher along the border of Texas and Mexico.  He describes how the Mexican drug cartels are using death threats, assault, and attempted murder to drive ranchers and their families off of their land. He tells how some of his neighbors are fleeing their ranches, while others are standing firm with the help of volunteer patriot security patrols.

     In an audio interview on the Oath Keepers website, Rusty describes the Border Patrol intercepting Muslim men from Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and says “when they [Border Patrol] take them in, they’ll disappear – they’ll take them somewhere – and even the records will disappear. And I asked one of them ‘what’s the deal on the records’ and he said ‘that’s an order from way up the line, up in DC – they don’t want anybody to know how many are coming through’…they [the local Border Patrol agents] keep records but the records disappear, out of the mainframe – out of the computer – and the paper records too.”
     Rob, an out-of-state Oath Keepers member who has been serving as a volunteer guard on Rusty’s ranch corroborates Rusty's narrative, and adds his own opinion:  "The only thing we [the American public] hear about is women and kids… and when they make huge drug busts, that’s what we hear about.  We don’t hear about the gang-bangers coming across, we don’t hear about the terrorists coming across.  We don’t hear about the violence going down on the border.  I had a rancher call me last week, and begging for help on 15,000 acres.  He had been moved off his ranch because he doesn’t feel safe with his family there.  He’s been shot at and threatened.  We don’t hear that [on the news]."
     Perhaps the most frightening information coming from this interview was Rusty's account of the child abductions, sex-slave, and prostitution threats:  "They steal kids. Literally, they steal kids. Depending on how good looking they are, they’re gonna start at $35,00.00 to $45,000.00 dollars per kid. Blond haired, blue eyed little boy, little girl, is anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000.00 dollars, depending on how old they are. The older they are, particularly for girls, the more the price goes up. There’s been some girls that have been missing here, for five years from Brownsville, they were stolen when they were thirteen. One of them was found in a whorehouse in Mexico City. Her parents bought her out [from the cartels]– they bought her out for a million-five."
     Apparently Governor Rick Perry's call-up of the Texas National Guard is having little effect.  According to Rusty, "The Texas State Guard are in the flimsy, cheap, probably Chinese-made watch-towers.  They’re not bullet proof, they’ve got glass on four sides and they posted them from McAllen, which is the North end of the Valley, to Laredo, which is about 200 miles.  They’re not down here south."  And Rob is saying that the BLM land, owned by the Government, is a very large, wide open “free pass” zone for the cartels, terrorists, and gangs coming across the border.  "Border Patrol is not even allowed to chase people on it... There’s a joke in the community here that the only people allowed on Fish and Wildlife land are the illegal immigrants."
     And now these brave Texas ranchers (and Americans!) are left to their last resort ... asking Texas veterans to live up to their Constitutional oaths and come help defend the border.  That is a poor reflection upon this nation's sovereignty ... oh, but I forgot ... we are no longer sovereign or independent. There is an agenda here and it's not a pretty one.  Rusty's story makes it very clear that Americans and their lives, liberty, property, and pursuit of happiness are sacrifices worthy to achieve an ill-gotten goal.  May God protect these families and those who come to their aid!

Nehemiah 4:14     And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

You Need To Ask Yourself: Am I Prepared?

     We are living in a time many of us are not ready for.  After all, every generation is supposed to surpass the quality of life of the previous one, right?  Weren't we supposed to be the generation that prospered above and beyond what anyone expected?  We're Americans, and nothing can stop our progress; at least that's been our arrogant mindset up until now.
      I am blessed that I have lived during the greatest explosion of American ingenuity, inventiveness, and entrepreneurship.  None have equaled us.  I have enjoyed more creature comforts than my parents or grandparents.  I have known the heights of working for a great company, and the even more valuable benefits of working with my husband in our own business.  Yes, life in America has been all that anyone in the free world could hope for.  But there are storm clouds threatening to rain on our parade, and some of us will be caught without an umbrella.

     Lately, my focus has been on spiritual preparation, and I still believe that should be our priority.  But I also believe that those of us who are spiritually equipped should also be physically ready, so that we can assist others who are not prepared spiritually OR physically.  I believe we will still need to fulfill our commission of serving God and others, even during societal collapse, and therefore it is incumbent upon us to be prepared to survive the aftermath of whatever is coming.
     The latest whispers of impending upheaval and disorder center on the vulnerability of our national grid system; or a possible terrorist attack upsetting the normal balance of everyday life.  Last week, SHTFPlan had a great article asking the question, "What If You Had A Week To Prepare For the End of the World?"   I highly recommend that you read this article -- it asks some pretty serious questions that I think you need to answer for yourself, if you have not done so already. Whether massive mayhem and pandemonium are the result of an extended power outage, or something more devastating and destructive, I want you to ask yourself these basic questions:
     How would I get food if the grocery stores are closed?  First of all, a grid-down scenario means food in the stores will start spoiling, cash registers won't work, and every shelf will be emptied within hours.  You don't know how long you'll be without power.   Are you prepared for days or weeks, or even months, without a source for buying food?  The food in your own refrigerator will only last so long, and how much do you have on your own shelves?  Right now, I have a freezer full of meat, but I'm prepared if we lose power for any length of time.  My American Canner will get a good work-out canning all that thawed-out beef, and I'll have quarts of savory meat to last for months.  If you don't know how to can food, or bake bread from ground wheat (which I hope you've considered storing), then I suggest you learn those skills soon.
     How will you cook food, even if you've got it?  Do you know how to start a cook fire?  Do you have the necessary tools and cast iron cookware you will need?  What about a solar oven or a rocket stove?  You will get real tired of eating cold beans out of a can; I promise you that.
     Are you prepared for extreme heat and cold if there is no power for months?  I know that our grandparents and great-grandparents managed to survive without central air and heat, but this generation of Americans will suffer without their conveniences.  You will need to adjust your activities and have a plan for coping with the debilitating effects of extreme temperatures.
     Can you cope with no lights?  Your scented candles won't last long and won't provide much light when there is no electricity.  How is your provision of flashlights and batteries; matches, kerosene for lanterns, etc.?  You will be surprised how important a little light can be in the darkness of calamity.
     No transportation?  How fit are you?  If there is no power due to an EMP, your car's computers will be destroyed and the gas pumps won't be working.  Do you have a good pair of shoes (think several pairs)?  How far can you walk?  Our sedentary population will suffer greatly if they are not prepared for physical activity.
     What will you do for water?  If you live in the city, municipal water facilities will no longer be able to provide you water.  And if you live in the country, your water well is run by electricity, so you'll be out of luck.  Water, food and shelter are necessary for life, so without water you are in serious trouble.  The old-fashioned hand pump is the way to go in the country, and city dwellers will have to find a way to store water, both for cooking and sanitation.
    Speaking of sanitation ... Human waste will become a huge problem and a recipe for disease.  In the country, an old-fashioned outhouse would be an option; or a product like the Luggable Loo, a portable 5-gallon toilet.  Either way, sanitation will be an important issue that must be addressed.
     There is so much more that you should have a plan for ... medical needs, self-defense, and how you plan on serving others, yet not putting the health and safety of your own family in jeopardy.   I think we all have a sense that something is coming ... and sooner, rather than later.  If you have been avoiding taking the necessary steps that will give your family a chance to survive a variety of crises, then I would ask you to first pray ... ask God to give you a sense of peace and calm as He directs you on how to prepare.  Ask Him for spiritual strength and knowledge to teach you what you need to do in this physical world.  I don't want to unduly scare you, but I urge you to make haste ... I sincerely believe that time is short.  You can do this, and you can accomplish it in the shelter of His protective presence.

Psalm 91:1-2     He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

State Department and Scripture: It Just Doesn't Work!

   

     Last week Secretary of State John Kerry announced the appointment of Texas lawyer Shaarik Zafar as the State Department's special envoy to the Muslims of the world.  Then he went on to give a rambling discourse on the U.S. strategy on "religious leader and faith community engagement."  He also claimed that "religion matters", and this motto had become "the mantra in the State Department on foreign policy."  (Unfortunately, it appears that only one religion matters, and Christianity didn't make the list).
     He then went on to make some disconnected claims that the fate of Muslim countries and the U.S. are linked together; that it is "laid out in Scripture" that our fates are joined together in a shared sense of stewardship of the earth... to protect God's green earth, and to confront climate change.  All this came together in a disjointed policy statement that we have a "responsibility from God" to protect vulnerable Muslim countries.
     Is he really serious?  Especially, in the wake of Muslim atrocities in the Middle East?  And what the heck does climate change and global warming have to do with Muslim outreach?  I'm sorry, but I am really confused as to the purpose of the State Department ... who exactly are they working for?  According to their official website, their mission seems to be multi-layered:  1)  The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. The Foreign Service is a corps of some 13,000 employees dedicated to representing America abroad and responding to the needs of American citizens living and traveling around the world.  2)  Since 1789, their mission has been to provide for the safekeeping of the Acts, Records, and Seal of the United States and other domestic duties, such as the U.S. census and the management of the U.S. Mint.  3)  Today, the primary responsibility of the U.S. Department of State and its employees is to fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives while building a freer, prosperous and secure world.
     Seems to me, that the focus has shifted more to foreign initiatives, rather than protecting our interests abroad, or fighting terrorism (since our government seems to think that the ISIS situation is "manageable").  In that light, just what is Mr. Zafar concentrating his efforts on?  According to the Washington Post, "America's Ambassador to the Muslims" has spent the last few years zeroing in on the civil rights violations, police surveillance and TSA screening of fellow Muslims.  Now he will be in a position to possibly influence America's Muslim-related policies.
     But that may not be enough for many Muslims around the world.  Many feel that the current administration is not doing enough in making Muslim outreach a high priority in government policy.  Apparently, celebrating Ramadan in the White House does not go far enough.  So, now Zafar will be focusing his energy on faith outreach.  Does the State Department really think this is the best policy for dealing with a faith that has become radicalized; with an extremist group that doesn't recognize any religion but their own perverted version of Islam?  Do they think that declaring a new faith-based position will somehow change the course of events and put the Caliphate back in its box?
     To be fair to Shaarik Zafar, he has a daunting task before him.  According to the Washington Post article, "His goals chart for the office includes developing a plan to combat Shia-Sunni sectarian violence and trying to discourage American foreign fighters from traveling to conflict areas."  I'm sorry, but that ship has already sailed!  No "ambassador" from America (whether Muslim or not) is ever going to be able to solve the Shia-Sunni conflict, and how does he plan on stopping American foreign fighters, when we can't even establish a policy to profile such people?
     Then there is this ridiculous mission statement:  Zafar says he will focus primarily on “pushing open doors” — on matters where cooperation is likely. Two of the State faith office’s top priorities are climate change and entrepreneurship. Another priority is promoting “the creative economy” in Muslim communities overseas, helping them powerfully tell stories through film or art that may help further U.S. foreign policy goals. 
     Zafar is actually going to Hollywood to try to jumpstart that last brilliant idea. And apparently he thinks he can find common ground through the area of sports, too.  Now there's a high priority issue for Muslims around the world!  Can he really be serious?  Don't they get it?  Those who hate us in the Middle East hate us because of who we are ... period.  They don't care about solving global warming, or building "creative businesses"; and they don't need our help telling their story ... they just want to kill us.
     Yet, somehow the State Department thinks that because our President's popularity is exorbitantly high in the U.S. Muslim population (72% approval rating according to Gallup), that they are on the right track.  Zafar admits that his position will not be popular with Muslim-dominated countries such as Pakistan, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt, where he must admit to their leadership that he has no influence on policies of war.  Yet somehow the State Department thinks they can reach out to these anti-American regimes through faith and film and football.  I just find it extremely ironic that the State Department, whose primary responsibility is to protect our interests abroad, is more concerned about appearing conciliatory, and promoting Muslim interests here at home.  Their thinly disguised attempt to use Scripture to bolster their strategy is offensive.

Matthew 22:29     "But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God."

Deuteronomy 28:15

"But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of 

the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, 

that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:"

     I love Deuteronomy!  Unlike many uninformed Christians who view it as the Law of the Old Testament, to be discarded and ignored in this Age of Grace, I understand that God ordained these parting words of Moses.  Jehovah instructed Moses to review His covenant blessings and curses with the new generation that was about to enter the Promised Land, so that they will endure to all generations ... that includes us!  

     It is among the many wonders and mysteries of the Bible that it speaks Truth into each generation that reads it.  Chapter 28 of Deuteronomy is a treasure trove of both blessings and curses upon those who hear God's Word.  And although many modern Christians only want to concentrate on the blessing part of the message, the noted 17th Century theologian Matthew Henry admonishes that "Ministers must preach the terrors of the law as well as the comforts of the gospel."  Sadly, I do not think this has been done in the Modern Church, and the people are perishing for lack of knowledge.

     The preceding verses in Chapter 28 identify the many blessings that befall a people who hearken diligently to the Lord's voice and observe all His commandments:  the fertility of your body, your crops and your animals will abound; your enemies will be defeated; the Lord will open His Heavenly storehouse and shower the land with rain and bountiful harvests; you will be able to lend to many nations, and have no need to borrow; you will earn the respect of other nations, holding a position of leadership at the top; and lastly all these blessings will be yours as long as you continue to obey His Word and do not follow after other gods and serve them.

     Then come the verses that are the promised curses for disobedience to God's Word.  No one wants to read them or hear them, because they do not fit the comfortable and convenient image of God that we have made for ourselves.  But who can deny the plain-spoken truth of our Scripture today?  The following curses will come upon the people who do not carefully observe God's commandments and statutes:  First, the fruit of our fields and our bodies will be cursed.  No one can deny that our crop production is declining, and infertility is a growing problem among American women.  The Lord promises curses of "terrible and untreatable sicknesses", and He declares that He will make the rain from heaven like dust.  He promises that "the immigrants who live among you will be promoted over you, higher and higher! But you will be demoted, lower and lower!" (Verse 43).  There are promises of a "distant nation [coming against you]—one from the far ends of the earth—against you as fast as the eagle flies: a nation that speaks a language you can’t understand, and who is "a stern nation that doesn’t go easy on the very old or show pity to the very young." (Verses 49-50)  

     All these curses are promised  "If you don’t carefully keep all the words of this Instruction that are written in this scroll, by fearing the awesome and glorious name of the Lord your God."  These are the words that Moses spoke to the generation about to enter their inheritance in the Promised Land; and they were the words from God, spoken to those ancient Israelites and every generation since then.  

     I know there will be those who say if we are Saved, we don't need to fear these curses; we have the hope of a promised deliverance.  Yes, we do, but our Salvation applies to us as individuals.  We are part of a nation who has turned away from God's statutes and instructions, and we, as a nation, are reaping the consequences of our disobedience.  These curses will effect us, too.  We are a nation who is suffering the repercussions of too much borrowing, and too many strangers in our land; we are no longer respected as a "top" nation, and are threatened by distant enemies and incurable diseases.  We can no longer escape the results of following after the gods of greed, money and power; nor will we avoid the judgment from serving the gods of abortion and immorality.  

     I pray that this nation will experience a great revival of love for our Lord -- that we will return to His ways and forego our selfish natures.  I believe He has turned us over to our own desires, and you can see what a mess we've wrought.  But we have no one to blame but ourselves.  God, in His Word, has given us clear instructions and made His desires known.  It is we who have erased the memory of His enduring promises from our land.  Now we are receiving His righteous curses.   

I'm Weary .... But Determined!

     I can honestly say that today I feel like "turtle-ing up" ... just pulling myself into my shell and waiting for all this worldly mess to either fix itself, or come to its prophecied conclusion, so we can kick off the Millennium Kingdom.
     There is so much going on that we cannot (and are not meant to) understand.  Who really knows what is going on in the Russian/Ukraine War ... or the European Union ... or with the World Bankers ... or with the illegal immigrants and our Southern border ... or any number of other complicated world scenarios that threaten to upset our daily existence?
     About the only thing I do know is that what we see or what we are being told is likely not the truth.  Who's backing and funding ISIS?  You don't produce top-rate videos and publications while on the march to decapitate Christians and innocent Iraqis.  What is Homeland Security doing to protect us from the threats of terrorists?  In case anyone has noticed, the anniversary of September 11th is around the corner, and that never bodes well for Americans.

     But rather than focus on all these uncertainties, my spirit is telling me to concentrate on what I can impact; what I can do to positively influence my small territory on this earth.  I do not want to let this impending sense of Judgment keep me from making a difference.  Most of all, I want to make an unparalleled try to reach those in my life who have grown distant; those I have tended to let slide from my gaze for one reason or another.... distance, contrasting lifestyles or dissimilar personalities can no longer be viable excuses.
     I must figure out a way to reach my brother, a man I have always been at odds with since childhood.  Furthering that incompatibility is the fact that he is a genetic cancer doctor, with more degrees than I can count on one hand; is as far Left as I am Right; finds nothing interesting about my life; and is an avowed atheist.  Not much to work with, is there?  But I keep hearing that whisper in my soul to not give up on him.  So, I have written him a heart-felt letter and sent it along with a book by an eminent and distinguished geneticist, who wrote a book to explain how his brilliant scientific mind led him to the conclusion that God does exist.
     In the letter I told him that it is important to me that he read the book, give it some serious thought, and then invite Jesus to show him He is real.  It is my fear that time is running out for him to realize that he needs a Savior. I know he won't hear it from me, but maybe if he reads it from someone he respects, he will answer the call.  I'm determined to reach him in his own language.
     I also must make an effort with an old friend, a woman who has been a friend since our days in college and who has been the one to keep our friendship alive.  Like my brother, she is a doctor, and she needs proof that the Gospel message is true.  At times, I wonder how we have stayed friends, because God has taken me down such a different path than hers.  Our household incomes, our values, our marriages, and what we worship are poles apart.  She worships anything that fills the emptiness in her soul, and I think she secretly believes that Jesus will limit her ability to seek all those "adventures".
      During her visit last year, there were words bordering on anger, and she removed herself to our porch, where PLW told her, "You know, she just cares about you and your soul."  When I asked her one time, "What do you think happens the moment after you die?", she just looked at me with the saddest expression, and said "That, I can't answer."  I'm determined that she will discover the joy and the grace of knowing her Lord and Savior.
     I also want to reach all my friends who have languished in a lukewarm Christian environment, and I want to share just how big our God is!  I want them to know that recognizing His Power and His Sovereignty and His Plan and His Mercy and His Judgment .... all of His mighty attributes ... will directly affect how they get through the difficult times ahead.  Instead of worrying about all the negative things that might befall us, let us come closer to God and revel in the understanding of just how much He loves us.  Let us understand that His judgment is coming on the earth, and let us present ourselves in repentance and humble servitude.  Let us instead focus on how we can lead others to the refuge that we will have from the approaching storms.
     While I don't want to look upon the world anymore, I realize that this is not feasible.  I have to live in this broken world, and I have a job to do while I'm here.  I'm tired of the misery I see, but I can look beyond it.  And I want to take as many people to the throne of God as I can.  So, join me... don't give up; but reach out and show someone else how to look up.  Let's deny the Enemy any further gain!

Galatians 6:9     "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."


   

Opening The Door To Satan: This Generation's Obsession With Tattoos

     This post is outside my normal realm of attention, but I think it is nonetheless important for us to consider.  For those of us who are spiritually aware of the evil that is cascading upon the earth, we see our culture a little differently than most.  We recognize all the ways that Satanic influence is creeping into our consciousness: through violent video games; through our music and entertainment; through the rapid integration of humans and computers in the quest for "eternal" existence.  Just 20-40 years ago, what might have been viewed with suspicion by a generation more "tuned in" to God, is now easily accepted and adopted by a more "humanistic" society ... everything is allowable when it comes to expressing yourself.

     No practice is more pervasive these days than tattooing oneself.  Tattoos have existed throughout time, and even The Greatest Generation came home from the last World War with souvenirs of their battles inked on their forearms.  But this generation has taken "the art" of tattooing to new levels.  It is no longer enough to display a small heart or butterfly on your shoulder or ankle; or, if you are a guy, to tattoo some bad-ass image on your deltoid muscle.  Now, tattoo "sleeves" are sported by everyone from celebrities to the hamburger flipper at McDonalds.  The wearer displays a collage of tattoos that covers most, or all, of his/her arm; usually from shoulder to wrist.  But it is not uncommon to find that chest, back, both arms, the neck, and even parts of the face are covered with tattooed images.  

     So what do you think?  Is this just the unique method with which this generation is expressing itself?  Or could it lead to something more sinister?  I contend the latter.  But I want to make it clear that I do not believe that everyone who makes the decision to get a tattoo is doing it to pay homage to the devil or some malevolent spirit.  On the contrary -- most do not even know the implications of what they are doing in the name of "fashion".  So let me give you something to think about.

     Most Christians are aware of the Leviticus 19:28 verse in the Bible:  “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.”  But do you understand why God gave this commandment?  As always, it is important to know the full context of any Scripture quoted.  One of the primary reasons that the litany of rules and commandments that abound in Leviticus were instituted was to keep God's Chosen People from imitating the pagan societies that surrounded them.  There were rites and ceremonies that the pagans observed at the death of loved ones and at the time of a funeral.  They would cut themselves and tattoo themselves on behalf of the dead, in order to pacify the gods of the underworld that they worshipped, and thereby gain a favorable position for their dead friends or relatives.  The ritual of tattooing began as a means to placate and appease the demonic spirits of Satan.  (See commentary by noted theologian Matthew Henry).

     Now, I have read blogs by Christian Pastors who have chosen to approve tattoos, especially those that express symbols of our faith and Christianity.  They will say, "The tattoo of today is much different than it was for those who originally received the Pentateuch. Today, a tattoo is a decorative means of self expression and personal decoration... but in our cultural context they do not denote a connection with evil or false faith. In the same way tattoos today do not link the wearer to cultic worship practices and is not generally practiced for ancient religious purposes, tattoos today are for ornamentation."  

     These blogs will then go on to rationalize that the Christian is free to tattoo themselves because we are no longer under the Old Testament Law.  They will explain that tattoos can give glory to God and be a tool for evangelizing.  But they just don't go far enough in their understanding!  And when they say tattoos don't mean the same "in our cultural context", what about what it means to the demonic spirits?  Do you think they play the game according to our "cultural context"?

     At the root of my opinion about tattooing is the fact that the Bible clearly states, "For the soul of the flesh is in the blood, and I myself have put it upon the altar for you to make atonement for your souls, because it is the blood that makes atonement by the soul in it." (Leviticus 17:11).  Throughout the Bible, God makes it plain: Blood is important to Him; He regards Life and Blood as sacred.  Blood is Life, and God claims it as sacred to Himself -- so Sacred that it is the instrument of our atonement.  We can only find forgiveness through Blood.... and only Christ's Blood!

     BUT HERE'S THE DEAL!  In their book, Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult, authors George Mathers and Larry Nichols give us this description of Blood:  The vitalizing or life-giving agent used in the sacrament of the BLACK MASS. Blood is believed to provide power and life and therefore plays a central part in ritualistic sacrifices.  Blood is the "power source" in the spiritual realm of the occult!  

     So what does all this have to do with getting that beautiful work of art inked on your skin?  None other than Rolling Stone Magazine, gave this description of the process of getting a tattoo:  ""Evan Seinfeld, the bassist for Biohazrd, sits in the chair, offers his hand and waits for the bleeding to begin. . . The instrument whirs to life, humming across Seinfeld's hand, creating a vibrating pool of blood and ink."  (Rolling Stone, March 28, 2002, p. 40).

     Then there are these details from The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications by Jean-Chris Miller:  "You’ll see little drops of blood emerge from the freshly tattooed spot. . . Once that dries and little blood bubbles have ceased rising to the surface, the artist may want to snap a few photos of your piece." Nice!

     But this commentary is the one that I want you to really pay attention to ... it is based on one of the most extensive works ever published on tattoos; Dr. W.D. Hambly’s, The History of Tattooing And It's Significance.  In it, Hambly concluded that, historically, tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next.  (PERSONAL NOTE:  A very dear friend of mine is a surgical nurse, and also a Christian.  She was greatly disturbed to enter a surgical suite and find an anesthetized patient with a tattoo around his neck that read, The gates of hell will welcome me.  Seems to back up Dr. Hambly's hypothesis, doesn't it?)

     Tattooing has obviously been a historic method through which humans sought to mix, or blend, or harmonize with "supernatural forces".  I can guarantee that the forces that responded were not from God!  And just because people in this age will tell you that these rituals are not their intention when they tattoo (they are just expressing themselves through body art), there is nevertheless a long and authentic association between this body modification and connecting with satanic forces.  And do you really think those "forces" won't take advantage of this generation's ignorance of what they are opening themselves up to? 

      Before I leave this subject, I must hint at one other concern I have about tattooing.  We must not forget that Satan has always been obsessed with changing the DNA of those of us made in the image of God.  That's what he tried to do in the Garden of Eden to keep Jesus's pure bloodline from existing.  In his excellent book, Exogenesis: Changing Men Into Monsters, author Steve Quayle introduces the first-hand knowledge of "Matthew", a former tattoo artist, who became a Christian opponent of body modification.  

     Here, in Matthew's own words, are a warning to those who applaud the art of tattooing:  "Most people don't know it, but tattooing is the perfect delivery system for introducing materials into the human body.  From this standpoint, tattooing is very much a DNA vaccine... the changes are "mutagenic", meaning the DNA is altered in some way..."

     I don't have room here to do an extensive essay on what I think are the dangers of tattooing.  But suffice it to say that the comparisons to ancient blood rituals, the possibility of connecting and associating with "Supernatural Forces", and the ability to incrementally alter one's DNA through repetitive tattoos, is enough to make me take God's warning seriously!  If my soul is in my blood, why would I want to imitate ancient rituals that sought to commune with demonic spirits, and expose my soul/blood to their influence?  And could this be the reason we see such drastic changes in personality and actions from celebrities who have embraced this latest "fashion trend" of heavily tattooing their bodies?  (Think Justin Bieber, for instance).  Regardless of whether you agree with me, or think that tattoos are just a harmless mode of self-expression, we must all be on guard against the "harmless" ways the Enemy infiltrates our culture and our personal lives.  Remember: he is "like a roaring lion who walks about seeking whom he may devour."

If you would like to read more about "Matthew's" Christian opinion on tattoos, visit his website www.themodifiedbody.com.

Colossians 2:8     "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

"Come Out Of Her, My People!"

     I have made it no secret that I am among a growing number of Christians who are reviewing the message we are receiving from the Modern-day Church, and are finding it lacking in many ways.  If you proclaim to be a Bible-believing Christian, do you hold your church and your pastor to the high standards that God sets for His people in that Holy Book?  Do you even know what He commands or desires?  Because you have to read the Book to get the Truth; God holds you responsible to do your own research.  Listening to the message from the pulpit is not enough these days; especially if you receive a message like the one I'm going to tell you about.
     Victoria Osteen, the wife of one of the most successful televangelists, Joel Osteen, delivered these words from the stage of their megachurch in Houston, Texas:  “I just want to encourage everyone of us to realize when we obey God, we’re not doing it for God – I mean, that’s one way to look at it – we’re doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we’re happy... So I want you to know this morning: Just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy. Amen?"
     I nearly choked when I heard her words!  Where in the Bible does it say we are to put ourselves first?  And nowhere do I read that to "be happy" is God's priority for us.  I seem to recall that He wants us to be holy, which means to separate ourselves from the sins of this world, which also coincidentally, usually arise from attempts to make ourselves ... you guessed it ... happy!
     Now, I'm not saying that He desires us to be somber, depressed, and gloomy.  But to tell people that worshipping and glorifying God is about focusing on ourselves is not only irreverent, it is a lie!  And at the origin of that lie, is the same falsehood that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden.  "Don't worry about God.  Make yourself happy first!  Concentrate on your needs and desires."
     Do you see the subtlety with which Satan and, yes, even Victoria Osteen introduce doubt into the Believer's mind?  For those in her congregation who truly do worship God for His glory, she tells them, "That's one way to look at it."  But then she introduces a much more enticing and motivating reason to follow God's precepts ... it's all about us.  In effect, she introduces the beguiling notion that we are our own gods; that our worship -- why stop there -- our very existence is about fulfilling ourselves, rather than glorifying our Creator.
     I actually did a search on the word "happy" in the Bible, and every time it was a byproduct of living a life dedicated to Him; not about "doing good for your own self."  But those are the exact words that Victoria Osteen spoke to the 45,000 people in attendance at her church, and the message that many Christians today hear from their pulpits.
     It's not only the Osteens who have inverted Christ's admonition to deny ourselves and take up His cross.  Many pastors and preachers are teaching a message of self-elevation.  They are not guiding their congregations to live a life that puts others first.  Instead of helping Believers to live a life that glorifies God, and in return, enjoys Him; they are told that God's main interest is that they enjoy themselves and this life.  It saddens me to think that American Christians are so comfortable in their so-called "faith" that they do not see the lie.  Ask our fellow Christians in Iraq and Africa and China and India if they are worshipping on behalf of God, or themselves.  Ask them if they understand that our mission is to be happy, or to be holy.
     Too many of the shepherds of Jesus's Church are leading His sheep through the wide gate and broad path towards destruction.  They speak the Devil's language, which entices the weak to gratify themselves before they glorify the Lord.  No wonder Jesus told the rich and comfortable Church of Laodicea that they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.  Oh, that those being led astray would search for the Truth themselves, instead of following blindly.  Pray that the Church will awaken to its folly!

Job 5:17    "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty."
   
     

Needed: Unwavering Hope and Steadfast Courage

   

     These days are difficult.  In the wake of a reported second beheading of an American journalist, how can we live our lives in a normal fashion?  A monstrous terror group holds the free world in a grip of horror and alarm, and the political machine in Washington wants to talk semantics.  Are we at war with the Islamic State, or not?  Because they sure appear to be at war with us!  But we have to play it smart!
     We can no longer avoid the taunting images of Americans in orange jumpsuits, with knives at their throats.  It all plays into the 20-year plan initiated by Al-Queda.  It all began with what radical Islamists called "the Awakening" in 2000.  That included the 9/11 attacks and the successful drawing of American troops into Afghanistan and Iraq, thereby "awakening" the Muslim world against the West.
     This was followed by the second stage of the Plan's timeframe, called "Opening Eyes."  The years between 2003-2006 saw an increase in the training of jihadists and a growing awareness among Western governments that radical Islam was busy at recruiting an army.  Our eyes were opening to the growing threat.
     Stage Three, from 2007-2010, was known as "Arising and Standing Up".  Radicalism spread to Syria and Turkey, with increased attacks on Israel and neighboring countries.  They were making their move.  Next, the focus was on governments that stood in their way.  Stage Four is called "Destroy Hated Arab Governments", and we saw this happening from 2010-2013.  The so-called Arab Spring saw Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Syria experience tremendous upheaval in their governments, and radicalism took control.
     We are now in full-blown Stage Five:  "Declare the Caliphate".  ISIS has surpassed Al-Queda in striving towards the 20-year goal, and they have achieved Stage Five in a rapid and terrifying fashion.  And they have made it clear they do not plan on backing down or away from achieving their plan.  They no longer fear Western intervention and truly believe that the new Islamic State will eventually bring about a new world order.
     If we are going to stop this march of evil, it needs to be now because Stage Six is on the horizon!  In this stage, which radical Islam calls "Total Confrontation", they are relying on the undeniable establishment of the Caliphate.  Once achieved, their plan is to instigate "the Great Battle" between their believers and the Infidels.  This aligns with their Armageddon, which they predict will happen between 2016-2020.  And it will not be limited to fighting in the Middle East.  Surely, you have heard reports of the slick YouTube videos in which ISIS boasts that they are in our states and our cities, and predict blood in our streets.  If not, you need to get in the game!
     The final stage, Stage Seven, is known as "Total Victory".  ISIS smells that victory in the air, and they do not intend to stop until it has been achieved.  What can we do to prevent this?  Obviously, get on our knees, ask for forgiveness and pray to Jehovah for protection.  ISIS may be a physical army from hell, but the power behind them is spiritual and Satanic.  That is the real battle, and it is in the spiritual realm.
     But there is still an earthly component to this reign of terror, and like I said at the beginning of this post, we have to "play it smart."  There is no time to ruminate over what to call this conflict, or how to approach the enemy.  We must not re-play Stages One and Two, by re-invading their homeland with infidel "boots on the ground".  That will only result in inspiring more radicalism and more recruitment material.  We must not allow the "Total Confrontation" to happen on earth.  We must do whatever it takes to stop the evil in its tracks, and completely defeat the advancing hordes.  Then we must let God and His heavenly army fight the battle in the Spiritual realm.  Let Him go before us and conquer the Enemy.  It is His battle to win!
     Until then, we must not waver; we must fight the enemy to win; and we must not denounce our Faith or our way of life.  We must return to a Godly form of living and turn from our destructive paths.  We can do it if we will embrace an unwavering Hope and a steadfast Courage.  We know to Whom we belong, and it is time to live like it!
     
Philippians 1:28:    "That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God."