The Hope Is There If You Look For It

     It is getting difficult to write about anything that doesn't pertain to my hope in Christ.  The accumulation of wealth, or status, or social benefits that we in the West so desire, will amount to nothing in the end.  Only our faith can provide protection from this hostile world, and events are certainly showing us that Evil is launching an offensive against those who dare to stand up to it.  Whether it is people who espouse the principle of free expression; or followers of Jesus Christ who dare to proclaim their faith, we must all face the fact that darkness is upon us.

     The recent attacks in France and the persecution of Christians across the Middle East and Africa are enough to make us all uneasy.  An organization called Open Doors, reports that each month, there are 322 Christians killed for their faith, 214 Christian churches and properties are destroyed, and 772 forms of violence are committed against Christians (including beatings, abductions, rapes, arrests, and forced marriages).  Just because they occur in far-off places like India, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, or Nigeria does not mean we can dismiss them.  If one part of the Body of Christ is suffering, then the whole body is affected.
     And, yes, it is both frightening and depressing to dwell on these statistics.  It may seem as if God is distant and no longer making His presence known to His children.  But if we pay attention, He is there in the smallest of details, and in the seemingly insignificant moments.  This happened to me, just in the last 24 hours.  Last evening, PLW and I decided to watch a movie; something to take our focus off ourselves.  We decided on The Good Lie, a movie that intrigued us because of its story about some Lost Boys from Sudan, who were relocated to America.  If you are unfamiliar with who these boys are, the official description of them is "the groups of over 20,000 boys of the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups who were displaced and/or orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005); about 2.5 million were killed and millions were displaced."
     The movie showed not only the horrific marches these children made across a thousand miles of Sudanese deserts to reach, first Ethiopia (but the soldiers were there) and then the refugee camps in Kenya, only to survive amid abysmal conditions.  The movie also touched on the reality that many were forced to become child soldiers and take part in the genocide of their own countrymen.  You're probably asking, "So, where is the hope in this tragedy?"
     The first surprise and hint of promise came in the names of the primary characters.  The characters are fictional, but their names have meaning.  Theo and his brother Mamere, were accompanied by Daniel, Jeremiah, Paul, and their "sister", Abital.  Mind you, they were not all related, but they became a family through the shared experience of their flight from genocide, the thirteen years of near hopeless existence in the refugee camps, and their ultimate relocation to America.
      Several of the actors in the movie had been former Sudanese refugees; some having been forcibly recruited as child soldiers; this lent credibility and emotion to the movie.  But I was most moved by the characters' knowledge of the Bible and their familiarity with Scripture.  There is even a scene where they are shown struggling during the hundreds of miles they walked to reach the refugee camp; with one of the children clutching what looks like a Gideon Bible.  Their understanding and comprehension of the Scripture they quoted made my heart sing!  Mind you, these were children who had lived in primitive villages, were cattle herders with no modern conveniences; yet, they had heard God's Word and it had pierced their hearts.
      I was intrigued by the fact that three of the "brothers" were named after three of God's mightiest prophets, and this actually brought tears to my eyes.  The story of their love for each other, and the sister they become separated from in America, is at the heart of the movie.  And so is their simple, child-like faith and obedience to the life God has called them to.
     I received an extra bonus this morning during my time of Bible study.  As I studied the early years of King David, I noted the names of his sons, born to his various wives.  The name of the wife who bore him his fifth son, was Abital, the same name given to the sister in the movie, and just one more connection to God from this inspirational film.
      I know it may seem "worldly" to put so much emphasis on a movie, but God speaks into this earthly realm in a variety of ways to remind us that He is around us, and in us, and with us. The plight of the Lost Boys of Sudan was real, and so is the faith that has carried so many Christians in that part of the world.  Unfortunately, Open Doors reports on their website that "the year 2014 will go down in history for having the highest level of global persecution of Christians in the modern era ... and current conditions suggest the worst is yet to come.  Africa saw the most rapid growth of persecution, while the Middle East saw targeted attacks, resulting in a mass exodus of Christians."
       But we must cling to the hope that comes to us in the news that 13 kidnapped Coptic Christians were released in Libya this week, and that between 30-40% of recent Indian converts to Christianity have signed their names to a petition to re-affirm their decision for Christ, and to seek police protection from intimidation by fundamentalist Hindu groups.  While Boko Haram increases their assaults on Christian villages in Nigeria, the faithful in that ravaged country refuse to deny their Savior.  These are very real examples of God fortifying the faith of the Body of Christ.  Their example should fortify us and give us hope; that when it comes our turn, we will be able to stand as courageously and faithfully as our Christian brethren.  Pray earnestly for them and praise God for the gifts of His presence in our lives!

Psalm 27:3    "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident."

Psalm 82: Why All the Foundations Of The World Are Unstable

     I am writing this post today because I have received more and more comments from readers expressing that family members, or close friends, continue to remain blind to the Truth and simply refuse to see the deception being perpetrated upon the world.  Why do some people seem to see the signs and the reality of this world so clearly, while others (often living in the same house, or raised in the same environment) can't -- or refuse -- to see a darn thing?  I think I can explain why.

     For some time now, I have been wanting to bring this concept to you.  It will most likely be viewed as radical, but I feel it must be examined as we approach what I am convinced are the End Times, spoken of in the Bible.  I think a possible answer to the question could lie in Psalm 82 and its verifying Scripture.  Actually, my wise and perceptive husband deserves all the credit for bringing this topic to you.  He received this insight first, and then, together, we have examined the Bible, being good "Bereans"; namely, we approached Psalm 82 with an open mind and were amazed as we willingly received the Word of God from the Holy Spirit.  Then we checked out what was revealed by comparing it with the Scriptures.  And we are seeing something that we have never seen before.  So here goes ....
     Psalm 82 is eight short verses, but it is packed with a powerful image of our relationship with our Creator, and just who we are in His sight.  It also, upon deep reflection and study, explains our role here on earth.  Let's read it:

God stands in the congregation of the mighty;

He judges among the gods.

2 How long will you judge unjustly,

And show partiality to the wicked?

3 Defend the poor and fatherless;

Do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4 Deliver the poor and needy;

Free them from the hand of the wicked.

5 They do not know, nor do they understand;

They walk about in darkness;

All the foundations of the earth are unstable.

6 I said, “You are gods,

And all of you are children of the Most High.

7 But you shall die like men,

And fall like one of the princes.”

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth;

For You shall inherit all nations.

     I'm going to give you a short synopsis of my understanding of this important Psalm, and then ask you to consider the Scripture that supports my discernment.  Yahweh, the God of Israel, is standing in the midst of a congregation -- a group, or council -- in heaven.  It says that He is judging among the gods.  Notice that Scripture refers to little "g" gods.  Who are these gods? Most interpreters surmise that God is talking to a group of humans in heaven; humans who have showed partiality to the wicked, failed to defend the poor and fatherless, were unsuccessful in dispensing justice to the afflicted and needy, and did not deliver the poor and needy from their circumstances, nor freed them from the hand of the wicked.  

     I think we can all agree that the answer lies in determining who the little "g" gods are.  The Hebrew word for "gods" is Elohim, and it can refer to five different entities, other than Yahweh, the God of Israel: 

1)  The Elohim (or "gods") of Yahweh's heavenly council, as here in Psalm 82; both loyal and disloyal (including angels and fallen angels);  

2)  The gods of foreign nations (pagan gods);  

3)  Demons (They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they did not know, to new gods, new arrivals that your fathers did not fear -- Deuteronomy 32:17);  

4)  The disembodied human dead (The king said to her, Be not afraid; what do you see? The woman said to Saul, I see a god [terrifying superhuman being] coming up out of the earth! -- 1 Samuel 28:13);  

5)  Angels 

     As you will notice, each of these interpretations of "Elohim" or "gods" all have one thing in common -- they all inhabit the non-human realm, or sphere.  None of them appear in a fully human body; they are not "human beings".  In other words, they can all be described as "spirit beings".  They all live in a spiritual world and do not inhabit the earth.  The domain, or home, of human beings is completely separate from that of spirit beings.  Can we agree on that?

     If these "gods" are in the presence of Yahweh's Divine Council, as verse one tells us they are, then they must logically be "Divine beings" or "spirit beings", since the domain of human beings is on earth.  And God gives us another clue as to their identity and nature in verses six and seven.  He says "you are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High".  So, here comes the heart of my discussion, and why I think I can explain the reason some people see clearly, and others do not ... 

     If "gods" cannot be human beings, but are spirit beings; and these particular spirit beings are the children of the Most High, can you conceive that God knew us as spirit beings, before we became human beings?  In Psalm 82, Yahweh is standing in the Council in Heaven, among the "gods" (spirit beings) and announces that they are His sons (children of the Most High; verse 6).  But because of their corruption -- He knows which ones will "show partiality to the wicked", or who will "Defend the Poor and Fatherless", etc. (verses 2-5) -- He tells these "gods", or spirit beings that they will lose their immortality and will "die like men" (verse 7) ... in other words in a human, fleshly, host body.  

     Doesn't this make sense when you consider that God tells Jeremiah (in Chapter 1, verse 5), "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."  Might Jeremiah have been a spirit being in Heaven, and God knew him in Heaven and called him (or elected him) to be a prophet? 

     Could this explain why we intuitively say we are "going home" when we die?  And could this interpretation give a fuller understanding of Paul's statement in Romans 8:29:  For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.  Kind of gives new meaning to "The Elect" doesn't it?  

     God knows who will choose Him because He knew us in Heaven!  And because He is All-Knowing, He foresaw which human beings would, of their own choice, obey Him and His Son; that they would be Saved by receiving the invitation of the Gospel because they had obeyed and chosen His Son when they were spirit beings in Heaven.
     He also knows who chose to side with Lucifer, and who sided with the Archangel Michael.  And He knows who remained undecided and must make their decision of their own free will, while in this host body.  That's why we are called to preach the Gospel!  Those of us who decided in Heaven are called to present the Word of God to the undecided here on earth, so that they might escape the temptations of Lucifer and his minions.  This would explain why there are those of us who see world events so clearly, those who remain confused, and those who have obviously chosen to follow evil.
     Our fellow human beings who remain undecided about their salvation, are the "gods" spoken of in verse 5 ... They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness.  And that indecision means "All the foundations of the world are unstable."
      As I continue to study my Bible, I am amazed at how many familiar stories take on a bigger meaning, if we consider the possibility that God knew us as spirit beings in Heaven.  The Book of Romans is one of the most celebrated treatises on our Christian doctrine.  There is so much of this Scripture that I have read and struggled to understand.  If the concept I have presented regarding Psalm 82 has some plausibility, then perhaps it can explain some of the reasoning behind Paul's discourse.
     In Chapter 9, (and in full debate mode), Paul asks if there might be some injustice in how God treats people.  In other words, it's natural to ask, "Isn't it unfair for God to choose one person and reject another?"  Paul's answer is an emphatic "NO!"  Take this for example .... how was it that Isaac was chosen over Ishmael?  Jacob over Esau?  Yes, we are not to question God's choices; As He tells Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and compassion upon whom I will have compassion."
     But what if God foreknew these men as spirit beings in Heaven, and their purpose on this earth was designed by God while they were still in Heaven?  Could it be that God chose Isaac because Isaac had already chosen God when he was a spirit being in Heaven, while Ishmael did not?  Likewise, Jacob chose God, and Esau did not ... so God did not choose him here on earth.  In essence, their purpose here on earth had already been established in Heaven.
    And in my favorite Chapter of the entire Bible (Romans Chapter 11), the apostle Paul adamantly proclaims that, "God has not rejected and disowned His people (the Jews), whose destiny He had marked out and appointed and foreknown from the beginning."  If one's destiny is "marked out", "Appointed", and "Foreknown from the beginning", can you see that God would know who would glorify Him from the beginning of time, and would separate out those beings and appoint them for a special purpose here on earth?
     I do not claim that this theory is above reproach or question.  There will be people who suggest that it is an extenuation of "Mormon doctrine", but I am unfamiliar with the theology of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and I do not give the writings of Brigham Young the same credibility as God's Holy Word.  Others will say that Yahweh is asking these beings "how long will they judge unjustly", seeming to point to the human Israelite judges throughout the Ages.  But to me, it seems clear that God is speaking to a council of divine beings in Heaven, who have been given some kind of authority to interact with the disinherited nations of the earth.  I can find no text in the Old Testament that gives the human judges of Israel that authority.  They are only authorized to judge Israel, and Israel only.
     I would simply say that I find the idea of God's foreknowledge of man as a "spirit being" to be a plausible explanation for many questions I have had about man's free will to choose salvation, or not.  I cannot explain Psalm 82 in any other way.  2 Timothy 1:9 finds the apostle Paul stating that he is not ashamed of the Gospel message, and understands that we must all suffer "according to the power of God, who has saved us and divinely summoned us in the sphere of a holy summons, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began".  (Greek translation).
     I do not expect everyone to agree with my interpretation, and fully expect that the idea will be rejected on its own basis, regardless of what Scripture might suggest.  I simply choose to allow the Bible to say what it says.  There is nothing in my interpretation that subverts the Gospel message or denies the Sovereignty of God.  I would ask that you reread this post to discern what I am really saying, and not react from your first impression.  And, in the end, I think we can all agree with what the final verse has to tell us.
     In verse 8, the identity of the "big g" God is clearly the Messiah, who will return to judge the earth, and will inherit the children of the Most High; all the nations who have accepted Yeshua as their Lord and Savior.  It is our responsibility, if we call ourselves His children, to try to bring as many into His kingdom as we can, and keep them from being disinherited.  This is the most important verse in all of Psalm 82.  Whether we can agree on the identity of the "gods" as "spirit beings", is far less important than agreeing on the return of Jesus, as the Son of God, who will judge all mankind.  It is important to know to whom you have given your allegiance to, and who you will obey.  I know that my God knows me .... every hair on my head; every thought I've ever had; every decision I will make in the future.  He made me, and delights in me, because I have chosen to put my trust and faith in His Son.  That is a comfort that will sustain me in this life and the next.

For those who wish to explore Psalm 82 in further detail, I would suggest this article by Dr. Michael S. Heiser, a noted scholar of Hebrew and Semitic Studies.  Among his many accomplishments, he wrote his PhD dissertation on “The Divine Council in Late Canonical and Non-Canonical Second Temple Jewish Literature.”

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5    "For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that He has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction;"

The Canary in the Coal Mine

     The history of Europe has been long and storied.  It includes classic antiquity and the influence of ancient Greece and ancient Rome.  During the Middle Ages, the Eastern Roman Empire spawned the Byzantine Empire, while the Western portion of Roman lands would emerge as their own kingdoms in the form of nations such as France, Germany, and the British Isles. 

     As history progressed through the Viking Age and what historians call the High Middle Ages, you can see the emergence of nations like Poland, Hungary, and Croatia; along with the rise and fall of the Mongol and Ottoman Empires.  The Renaissance saw unprecedented growth in science, theology, religious wars, and political revolutions.  One can see the changing landscape of national boundaries through the era of "World Wars" in the 20th century, as well as the rise, fall, and resurrection of the economic/political system called communism.  (You can see a fascinating recreation of 6013 years of changing European boundaries in this 3-minute video).  Currently Europe is attempting to remain united under a faltering compact called the European Union.  But there are cracks in the cement of this coalition.  

Supporters of the newspaper staff who were murdered in Paris.
Sign reads "I am Charlie".

     Two primary fractures are apparent in the form of anti-semitism and radical Islam.  Just yesterday, the world witnessed the outrageous murder of a French newspaper's staff because they dared to ridicule a religion, which claims to be one of peace.  For the editor, Stephane Charbonnier (of the satirical newspaper, Charlie Hebdo), who had been threatened before about cartoons critical of the faith, it was a question of free speech.  Even though his name was among those on an al-Queda "hit list", he remained adamant to the end, declaring "I prefer to die standing than to live on my knees."

     France is not the only European nation to find itself engulfed in a battle for a free civilization.  The growing Muslim populations in European countries have led to a rising conflict between cultures and vocal protests against the increasingly radicalized Islamic citizens in Sweden, Denmark, Greece, and now Germany.  Ultra-Nationalism is becoming a greater influence, which has resulted in the rise of nazism and the ugly threat of anti-semitism.

     Only 70 years since the most horrific murder of 6,000,000 Jews in the Holocaust, the world once again is seeing the evidence of prejudice and persecution of Jews in Europe.  But this time, the hatred of Jews is not only coming from ultra-nationalist factions in the political arena, but from the growing Muslim population in Europe.  That's what makes this new antisemitism even more dangerous, if that were possible.  

     Since the year 2000, there has been a steady increase of physical assaults against Jews including beatings, stabbings and other violence.  Pro-Palestinian rallies across Europe have resulted in shouts of "Death to the Jews" and "Gas the Jews", as well as graffiti expressing similar threats.  People have been killed at the Jewish Museum in Brussels, Belgium; and Jewish businesses and synagogues in Paris, Italy, and Germany have been destroyed.  The truth is that Jews are not feeling safe in Europe, and while these circumstances may eerily resemble the climate of Europe before Hitler's "Final Solution"; in reality, it is much worse.  The Jews find themselves a target of the confluence of political rhetoric, socialist ideology, and religious fanaticism.  And it is all fueled by the immediacy and emotional impact of social media. 

     But, if you are a Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ, you should not be surprised or caught unawares of this firestorm.  We see the world's rising hatred against God's chosen people, and we know why.  We see the increasing forces of evil coming against civilized man, and we know why.  We see the wars, and rumors of wars; we see the battle over the holy city of Jerusalem; we see the earthquake swarms (11 in Texas in the last 24 hours!), weather anomalies, martyred Christians, diseases and plagues .... and we know why.

      And in the midst of it all, we see what Jesus called "the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity".  But what are we to do?  It's simple.  We endure and we preach the Gospel.  The rest is up to God; and believe me, He will take care of it.  He says He will.  Until then, we have been given the warnings and we should not be unprepared for what is coming. 

      You know, I find myself not so much fearing those final days of spiritual trouble, as much as I feel apprehensive about the "worldly" issues -- the uncertainties of income, the wondering when the economic collapse is coming, or how to deal with rising prices and lack of resources.  I know the ways of this world are temporary and meaningless; and I want nothing more than to be out of this worldly system.  At the same time, I strive to count it all joy, and willingly suffer as Christ did.  I know my spiritual strength and that God abides in me; I know my eternal life is secure.  

     But I worry about friends and family, and how this coming storm will effect them.  Most of all, I am concerned for my Jewish friend, Ophir, who lives in the heart of Jerusalem.  She is a believer in Jesus as the Messiah, and is a single mother with four small children, all under the age of nine.  The oldest, beautiful Liya, has Down's syndrome, and her youngest son is only 18 months old.  I pray for their safety and that it will not be wintertime when they are forced to flee Jerusalem.

     So, I see clearly what is on the horizon.  It cannot be avoided as we look at the headlines coming out of Europe.  It is ugly, and it is a warning of the tribulation to come.  But, as it is written in Scripture: ... "When you see these signs, all taken together, coming to pass, you may know of a surety that He is near, at the very doors."  As disturbing as the signs are, they are both a warning of the evil to come, and a beacon of hope for our deliverance from this wicked world.  Maranatha!  

Revelation 22:20    "He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

Are We Living In A Supernatural World?

     Each morning my husband (Peace-Loving Warrior) and I devote the first hour of our day to an encounter with God ... that's before we eat breakfast, before turning on the TV for the daily news, or before attending to the day's work or chores.  It always involves an open Bible, but at times we add various topics or supplements to our regimen, such as a study on spiritual warfare; or the Lord's Feasts --- all using Scripture for edification and confirmation.  We are usually studying different areas of Biblical interests, and often share the fascinating and new revelations that come from a love of gaining Scriptural knowledge.
     Currently, PLW is reading a book by Cris Putnam, noted Christian apologist and expert in the areas of technology, the occult and biblical prophecy.  If you are a reader of this blog, then you know that I like to expound upon my Biblical worldview.  So, I was naturally interested when PLW told me the name of Putnam's book was The Supernatural Worldview.  This view looks beyond the natural laws of nature and the physical existence of matter and energy.  It presumes that there is an order of existence beyond or outside or above the natural realm, as we know it.  And, by the way, it fits nicely with a Biblical worldview that views God as the Creator of all things, both natural and supernatural.
     Have you ever experienced something that could not be explained by the laws of physics or of this world?  Both PLW and myself, along with a handful of friends have all experienced what could be described as "supernatural" or "demonic forces" that have come against us.  Therefore, I was fascinated with the various Chapter headings that examined the author's opinions on such subsets of the Supernatural as the Paranormal; Near-Death-Experiences; Apparitions, Hauntings, Ghosts and other "unexplainable phenomena".  I was also drawn to the seven basic questions that all world views must answer:  1)  What is really real?  2) What is the nature of the world around us (external reality)?  3) What is a human being?  4) What happens to a person after death?  5) Why is it possible to know anything at all?  6)  How do we know what is right and wrong?  7)  What is the meaning of human history?
     But I felt it was the answer to Question #3 that might help explain all the chaos and violence we are seeing in the world today.  If you are like me, it is hard to coincide the truth of a loving God who made man in His image, with the headlines that scream of the brutality, genocide, and pernicious activities of one man against another.  So, does how we answer this question of "What is a human being?"  shape not only our worldview, but how we treat our fellow man?
     According to Cris Putnam, the varying worldviews in existence today offer conflicting and profoundly different answers to Question #3 and what constitutes a human being.  Let's consider what Putnam defines as some of the different viewpoints.
1.  The Worldview of Western Science.   This view sees a human being as "a highly evolved biological robot".  In other words, a human being is a product of perhaps millions of years of evolution without any contribution from an outside Source of Power.  This view is often at the foundation of the atheistic worldview.
2.  The Worldview of New-Agers, Transhumanists, and non-traditional Faiths.  Although, separate from each other in theology and doctrine (or lack thereof, in the case of Transhumanists), each of these views sees a human being as a "little g" god, or as a potential god.  It is the individual and his fate that is of primary importance.
3.  Reincarnation, Hinduism, Buddhism.  This worldview sees a human being as Energy that changes forms; and since human beings possess this power as a resource, they are part of god.
4.  Biblical Worldview.  This view sees a human being as a spiritual being housed in a material body.  "Human beings bear the image of God in a body created by God."
     Can you see that these different worldviews could shape how we live this life, and how we treat others?  For instance, why would you care what happens to a person after death if this earthly existence is all there is?  If we are just a product of biological evolution, then one day we will just cease to exist.  That's the end of our story; no consequences, no rewards -- it's just over.  The treatment of our fellow man will simply fade from history, just as we do.  As a result, what is the incentive to live a moral life?  If we don't subscribe to the Biblical worldview, then morals are simply whatever society dictates, or are defined by our personal preferences.
     Or we could simply reincarnate into other people or new lives in a never-ending search for more knowledge of ourselves.  Whatever we do in this life is left behind, and how we treated others is of little consequence as we seek to develop an elevated state of being in the natural world.  Better yet, what if everybody returns to their original spirit state and gets a free pass into heaven where we live in our own state of ethereal consciousness; so man's inhumanity to man is what happens down here on earth.  There's no repercussions once we're in heaven.
     BUT, what if the God of the Bible is who He says He is in His Holy Book?  What if He is a Righteous Judge who meets His creations face to face, and assesses if we were successful in imitating Him? How we view our fellow human beings and how we treated them will have far-reaching consequences!
     What's more, I consider the Bible a supernatural Book.  When you have received a new heart by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you can receive an understanding of the Bible that can only be described as supernatural.  No man, on his own, could discern God's Truth from reading the 66 Books of the Bible.  It is the supernatural source, provided through the Holy Spirit, that opens one's mind and demonstrates the veracity of God's eternal Plan for the salvation of man.  None of the other worldviews offers such hope or evidence of a comparable redemption.  So, I guess I would have to say that my Biblical worldview is influenced by the supernatural characteristics of my God.
     Today, I have considered just one small concept from Cris Putnam's heady book.  "What is a human being" seems such a superfluous and insignificant question, but how we answer it dictates our worldview and our eternal destiny.  Putnam explores how our own pride and "religious" views can prescribe what we think "reality" is and limit us from experiencing the supernatural.  I daresay that "lukewarm" Christians will find no need to examine his theories of the supernatural through the Biblical lens.  I expect that skepticism will run high among this group of Christians. But Putnam's deep, scholarly, and investigative approach to the subject of his supernatural worldview is worth the effort.  After all, we Christians claim one of the most extraordinary examples of supernatural phenomena when we declare the Resurrection, do we not?  Who knows the mind or the secrets of God?  Who can comprehend His authority or His power?  I join Cris Putnam in challenging you to consider the supernatural events occurring in the world today, as well as to see the supernatural aspects of the historic Biblical God in Christ's virgin birth, His deity, His atonement for our sins, His bodily resurrection, and His imminent return.  It is all for His glory!

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21    "Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast."


   
   

How Long Will This Unbelieving and Perverted Generation Continue?

     I'm sure by week's end that all the Gossip Rags at your local grocery store counter will be boasting covers of the latest scandal involving Prince Andrew of the British Blue Bloods.  Allegedly, Andrew has been tied to Wall Street financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.  There are any number of websites that are willing to give readers an inside look at the twisted and perverted appetites of such wicked men.  And apparently they are part of a large and growing list of well known politicians, successful businessmen, and heads of state.  But why should we be surprised in these days in which evil grows and morality diminishes?  And sadly, this story is just a symptom of the growing depravity  in the world.
     From the beginning of time, man's inherent and sinful nature has led him to pervert the ways of God.  In general terms, perversion means to "turn something away from, or to use something in ways other than its intended purpose".  Since everything God creates is good, and is meant for good, Satan loves to tempt us to use God's perfect creations for evil.
      Our speech can become perverted when our tongues speak lies or vile words, instead of the language of love that comes from a clean heart.  The Bible says God hates the sins that come from pride, arrogance, evil ways, and perverted and twisted speech.  Justice can be perverted when it is used to oppress people through the unjust exercise of authority.  We see that through the countless warnings to avoid bribery, false witness, abusing the poor, and following the crowd in doing evil things.  And certainly, sexual perversion involving children goes against the intended purpose of God; it is distorting what God intended for good and using it to fulfill man's lustful and unnatural desires.

     As further evidence of this generation's moral decay, the public only seems to be appalled at the use of children as sex objects and slaves when it is revealed that the Elite are involved.  Could it be that it is the celebrity status that interests us, rather than the obscene exploitation of children?  And how is it possible to turn a blind eye to the child prostitution and child pornography industries, which are driven by sexual perversion?
     Did you know that there are an estimated 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today, with approximately 80% of the trafficking involving sexual exploitation?  Furthermore, did you know that according to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, and between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year?  (I suspect that this number is much higher than reported).  More than 70% are female and half are children.  Human trafficking is the third largest international crime industry (behind illegal drugs and arms trafficking). It reportedly generates a profit of $32 billion every year. Of that number, $15.5 billion is made in industrialized countries.
      So should it really be surprising that the wealthy and elite feel so comfortable and safe in their secret sins?  Doesn't it seem like the love of money and lustful desires are the perfect combination in which Satan can tempt man?  Remember, Satan cannot create -- that power belongs only to God.  So the Devil finds victory in perverting what God has created, namely us.  And what better satisfaction could Lucifer gain than to convince what God has created in His own image to follow him [the Devil] in his twisted and perverted ways?  Satan has managed to take what is beautiful and pure, and subject innocent children to ugly and deviant behavior.  When taken into consideration with the over 1.3 Billion innocent babies murdered through abortion, I cannot imagine that God is going to tolerate this additional abuse of His children much longer.
     The unveiling of Prince Andrew's allegedly lurid past is only the tip of the iceberg, and his royal stature makes him easily conspicuous.  But make no mistake, if the allegations are true, his nobility does not exclude him from joining the ranks of beastly and loathsome men who belong in the filthy gutters of humanity.  These sinful men should comprehend that there is a time limit for how long God will tolerate their warped and perverse appetites.  They should heed Jesus's words:  "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."  Now, I cannot say for certain that each and every child who is seduced into the sex slave trade believes in Christ, but we know that innocent children are precious in His sight, and we are called to humble ourselves like children -- so they matter to Him.
     As the days go by, we are seeing the increasing influence of immoral and godless men.  But the Bible tells us this will happen.  The wicked will abuse God's patience, and the righteous will long for heavenly justice.  But we know that His justice will come!  Until then we must trust in His Sovereignty and in the hope and certainty of His deliverance for those who suffer.  I do not think it will be much longer ...

Ecclesiastes 12:14     "For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."  

Are You Worthy To Be A Citizen?

   

     I heard an ingenious idea the other day on talk radio.  The host was informing his audience that a Tennessee State Legislator has proposed a bill that would require all high school seniors in his state to pass a test proving that they know and understand U.S. history and the Constitution before they can graduate.  The test would be similar to the one that legal immigrants must pass to be granted citizenship, and the students would have to answer 60 out of 100 questions correctly to receive their diploma.
     Why not?  Don't you think it would bode well for our country if the next generation understood, not only the basics of how our government is to function, but the history of what we've done right and what we've done wrong to get to our present state?
     I have been shocked at the lack of knowledge of the American citizenry when it comes to our government and our history.  In fact, over the holidays, I engaged with several college students who all say that History is their least favorite subject.  Since it was my favorite, and I loved studying about the Middle Ages, the various world explorers, and our own American Revolution, I struggled to figure out what makes them uninterested in our historical events or the past.
     I think I have discovered the culprit --- it's our modern technology.  The advent of the cell phone and social media has captivated their interest in the "here and now".  They are only curious about discovering what is happening at this moment; or over the last 24-hour period at the longest.  Just look at the various apps they subscribe to .... InstaChat, Snap Chat .... they aren't called instant messaging applications for nothing.
     Technology has convinced people that the only important thing in their lives is what is happening now.  Anything that happened in the past has no relevance to them; it doesn't affect their self-absorbed lives, and they aren't interested in anything that breaks their preoccupation with their own emotions, interests, or situations.
     So, if I have correctly identified the reason why today's student isn't interested in History or Civics courses, would making them take this test before advancing towards their life goals make any difference?  I don't know, but I think it's worth a shot.  Because if a nation's native citizens cannot identify why they are governed the way they are; or they are unable to relate to the historical events that have shaped their present state, then they don't really know who they are.  And once a nation loses its identity, they are subject to becoming divided and disengaged; open to deception, exploitation, and subjugation.
      That's why newly naturalized citizens often make the best Americans.  They know how our government is to perform, and they understand (through our history) what has made this nation so appealing to immigrants for the past two and half centuries.  They are here because they know what this country stands for, what our history is, and they want to be a part of conserving the principles, ideals and dreams of what it means to be an American.
     So maybe it's time that the rest of us who claim the title of American (by the grace of God), be required to prove that we are worthy of the benefits of living in this great nation.  And maybe ... just maybe ... it would make us see where, and how far, off course we've come.
     Ready to answer some sample questions?  I've picked some random questions from among the 100 that are included in the Naturalization Test for U.S. Citizenship.  See how much you, your children and your grandchildren truly know about the United States of America.

1.    What is the Supreme Law of the Land?  
2.    The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
3.    What is an amendment?
4.    What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
5.    What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
6.    What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
7.    What is the “rule of law”?
       •  Everyone must follow the law.
       •  Leaders must obey the law.
       •  Government must obey the law.
       •  No one is above the law.
8.    What is the economic system in the United States?
       •  Capitalist economy
       •  Market economy
9.    How many U.S. Senators are there?
10.  We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
11.  Name your U.S. Representative.
12.  If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?
13.  What is the highest court in the United States?
14.  How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
15.  Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?
16.  There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
17.  What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
18.  What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
19.  What is one reason colonists came to America? 
20.  Why did the colonists fight the British?
21.  There were 13 original states. Name three. 
22.  When was the Constitution written? 
23.  The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. 
24.  Who is "the Father of our Country"?
25.  What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
26.  Name one problem that led to the Civil War. 
27.  What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
28.  Who was President during World War I?
29.  Who did the United States fight in World War II?
30.  During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States? 
31.  What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
32.  Name one American Indian tribe.
33.  Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
34.  Name one U.S. territory.
35.  Name one state that borders Canada.
36.  Name one state that borders Mexico.
37.  Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
38.  What is the capital of the United States?
39.  When do we celebrate Independence Day?
40.   Name one branch of the government. 

     So, how did you do?  Try taking this sample test and then comparing your answers with those of your children or grandchildren.  Is there a discrepancy in knowledge?  If so, are they interested in knowing more about their country?  And, if not, does this concern you?
     I just can't help feeling that we have been so blessed to have been born in this nation; a country that hundreds of thousands have yearned to get to because they sensed that it was special and separate from any other land that has existed in history.  God had a purpose in establishing this nation, it is incumbent upon us to understand its exceptionalism, and to teach it to all our generations.  However, I'm afraid that we are losing that sense of extraordinary purpose and blessed opportunity that was our identifiable attribute.
     Like the old saying goes ... "Those who don't know history, are doomed to repeat it."  Even the Bible warns us that "As it was in the days of Noah...", and to "Remember Lot's wife."  We cannot afford to become indifferent or unmotivated in these times that carry great risk.  We must be knowledgable about who we are; because when we no longer aware of our past, or why we exist in God's eternal plan, then we are in danger of making destructive and devastating mistakes that could see us fade from history altogether.  And with no knowledge of our unique history, or how we are to govern ourselves, we'll never see it coming. 

If you would like to see the full list of questions on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services test for citizenship, click here.  

Job 8:8-10   "For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers have searched out. For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding?"

Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example],
 as well-beloved children [imitate their father].

And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] 
as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us,
 a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] 

a sweet fragrance. -- Amplified Bible

     On Friday, PLW and I said good-bye to a dear friend who was truly a righteous man.  Do you know what that term means?  Do you know what it means to God?  It is more than "desiring to do the right thing".  In God's terminology, I believe that it means His standard of purity; the perfect consistency between His nature and His actions.  God is Holy, therefore He cannot tolerate sin, and His Righteousness (His standard of purity) demands Judgment. Only through Jesus can we obtain righteousness that is acceptable to God. It is Jesus’s purity that God sees in us.

     Because we are not holy and pure in God's sight, our righteousness comes through Jesus; it is the only way we can be found acceptable in His sight.  And Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us that by being imitators of God and His righteous Son, we, too, can offer a sweet fragrance to our Father in Heaven.

    My friend, Butch Keath, fits that description of being righteous.  That's not a term that I believe can be truthfully applied to very many people.  Sure, we all know "good" people, or "kind" people, or men who live exemplary lives.  But Butch truly lived out this Scripture.  He walked in love, esteeming and delighting in every person he met.  He was an imitator of God; a doer of the Word, not just a hearer.  

     The number of people who attended his funeral was a testament of how many people he had loved, and who loved him in return.  There were so many stories told of Butch's generosity in times of need; he selflessly gave of his time, energy and money -- if he heard that someone needed help, he quietly and without fanfare, worked behind the scenes to get it done.  He simply served, without asking for notice or anything in return.

     And, for many of those attending his funeral, it came as a surprise that he had quietly served his country as a Green Beret in Vietnam, and was the recipient of several medals; again offering a sweet fragrance of personal sacrifice, imitating His Lord.  He was an honorable man; seeking to see the good in people, and all the while mindful of living a life that pleased his God.  

     Often, when planning the funeral of a loved one, family will go to that person's Bible to see what was important to them, and what influenced their spiritual life.  Found in Butch's Bible, was a bookmark that read:  "Although people work very hard for money and fame, God views success as having a good reputation, moral character, and the spiritual devotion to obey Him."  Butch certainly lived out those qualities.  And I cannot help but think how much better this world would be if we all followed this recipe for success.  What a sweet fragrance would rise to God!

     

      

And The Light Shines In the Darkness ...

     Today's post is going to seem in start contrast to yesterday's, but it is actually the reason that I wrote about blessings yesterday.  The thoughts for this post actually came first, and I had to fight to overcome the pessimism that was engulfing me.  I'm going to be honest ... Ive been having a hard time writing lately.  I find myself questioning if I am still serving my Lord, or you, with this blog.  I want you to know that I listen for God's whisper as to what to write about; what is it that He wants us to hear at this time and this place in world history.  There are days it is disturbingly quiet; I can't seem to connect with Him and I can't hear His voice.
       Don't get me wrong; I still look for the blessings that I wrote about yesterday.  In fact, I need to consider them more than ever, because I am finding myself feeling uncharacteristically pessimistic at the beginning of this new year.  It doesn't seem like a time for false words of celebratory cheer, or for proclaiming the benefits of a fresh start and new beginnings.  Rather, from my Biblical worldview, this new year feels as if new gates and doors are being opened to a darker future.  And it feels as if a nefarious force is coming at us faster than we can comprehend.  Do you feel it, too?

     In just the past week, the stories from across our country threatened to overshadow the joy of Christmas celebrations; from a call to assassinate police officers, to the strange and exceedingly powerful weather conditions, to the looming flu epidemic that has seen children dying at an unprecedented rate.  The stories from around the globe are even more depressing: plunging oil prices threaten to destroy the world's economy and hasten a World War; the growing concern that ISIS will begin systematically attacking Europe and the U.S.; the open and horrific persecution of Christians; and the escalating hostility towards Israel are just a few concerns that keep me from thinking that 2015 will see any significant improvement over 2014.  (And why it is all the more important to refer to yesterday's post!)
     I know I shouldn't be surprised.  I know that I am to watch for the signs and times of my Lord's return.  And I know that I'm not the only one who thinks the clues that God has given us in His holy book are occurring before our very eyes.  My mind can contend with the societal adversities, the abrupt weather changes, and the diseases.  But when they are all combined with undisguised Evil, hatred of Christians, and a growing threat against Israel, then my soul informs me that these are extraordinary times.
     There is a growing collaboration among nations, and it is fueling a unified hatred of Israel.  After the UN Security Council failed this past week to approve a Palestinian resolution that would have called for Israel to withdraw from Palestinian territories by late 2017, the leader of Hamas was the keynote speaker at an annual government meeting in Turkey.  When Turkey, a member of NATO, and a once-important (and moderate) US ally, invites and embraces a terrorist organization leader's call to "liberate Jerusalem together", then it could represent an important "clue" in the Bible's prophecies.
     Consider these facts:  Prime Minister Erdogan has been steering Turkey away from Western influences, and towards stricter Islamic values.  With the help of the West, primarily the U.S., Turkey has built one of the largest armies in the Middle East.  The Prime Minister of Turkey joined in the Hamas-led shouts of ‘Allahu Akbar’ and their call for an invasion of Israel and the capture of Jerusalem.  Taken all together, could these events be the precursor that gives rise to Satan's drive for the control of the Temple Mount?  And does the fact that Harper Collins excluded Israel from an atlas scheduled to be delivered to Middle Eastern schools seem calculated and deliberate?  Apparently it was, as a company spokesman released this statement:  Including Israel would have been “unacceptable” to their customers in the Gulf and the amendment incorporated “local preferences”. It is obvious that the "preference" is for Israel to be non-existent!
     Then there is the fact that immigration rates in Israel are hitting all time records.  The numbers of Jews from France and the Ukraine have tripled; they are escaping growing anti-semitism and wars.  At the same time, emigration from Israel is on the decline.  The prophets of old predicted that God's people would be gathered from all the countries and brought to their homeland.
     Perhaps you do not see things as I do; that these events do not announce a move towards darker times.  I have honestly tried to disregard what my heart feels, because I know it can be deceitful and untrustworthy.  But this sense of coming trials and troubles refuses to be dismissed.  I find myself praying to be delivered from these dark thoughts and asking how I am to respond, and requesting words of encouragement to give you.  I wish I could tell you that the weight has been lifted from my  heart, mind, and soul; and that my mood is brighter and God spoke comforting words in my ear.  I wish I could ...

     And so I must rely on my faith.  For I know that I cannot succumb to this melancholy or these gloomy reflections.  I know that God has not given me a spirit of fear; that He who is in me, is greater than he who influences world affairs.  I know that I cannot stop the wars, the disease, and the cruelness of man against his brother.  But I do know that I, along with you, can reflect God's light into the darkest corners of this depraved world.  I am aware that each day is an opportunity to do something for someone else and lighten their load.  I can ask God to strengthen my faith, and I can exercise the power and authority given to me through the Holy Spirit to remove the whispers of the father of lies.
     The only sovereignty I will accept is the Divine Love of the One who created me for His good purpose.  And I will concentrate on fulfilling that goal for His glory.  I may not be able to look upon a new year in this decaying world with any sense of joy and jubilation, but with every breath I can do this ... I can cling to the Hope and Promise for the new beginning that will be my Lord's Kingdom on earth.  That will be a day worth celebrating!

Isaiah 60:1-2   "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you."
   

 

   
   

Count The Blessings

   

     At this time, it's customary to take a look back at the preceding year and note the highs and lows.  So what about 2014 do I find remarkable?  To be honest, there's not much nationally or globally to applaud.  We saw the emergence of more technology, a deadly epidemic, and the convergence of religious fanaticism and evil.  We saw the breakdown of society, moral values, and our system of law.  None of it signaled positive news for the good of mankind.
     No, I'd have to say that any "good will toward men" has come on the individual, personal level.  From that perspective, I have witnessed a growing hunger among (a remnant of) faithful people to know God more nearly and dearly.  It's like there is truly an "awakening" that the things of this world are fleeting; that what is important is to seek and know God more deeply -- to truly "get right" with Him.
     In 2014, I saw a lightbulb go on with regards to preparing for a more difficult future; again among a small, dedicated group of people.  More time was dedicated to getting into shape, self-defense training, and thinking how to survive any number of possible threats.  This last year was a time of "facing reality" and "getting in the game".
     In that sense, I find that all of 2014's problems and difficulties were really a blessing in disguise.  Here's why: we in America have lived in a bubble for so long, that we haven't had to face the realities that the majority of the rest of the world comes up against.  Safe and warm, snuggled up next to our latest technology companion, we haven't known the fear, hunger or turmoil of disrupted lives.  We find comfort and security in our money and our things, and perceive ourselves as indestructible.  America has yet to be subjected to an enemy that could invade our land, persecute us for our faith, or take our life at their will.  We have lived comfortable, prosperous, easy and secure lives.
     But in 2014 -- if we were smart -- we were shaken out of our fog of protected privilege by Ebola, beheadings, and the perversion of the rule of law.  You're probably thinking, "That's a good thing???"  Yes!  If it shakes us to our core and wipes the scales from our eyes, in order that we see what is coming upon the world, then it is a blessing, an advantage.  "But", you ask, "Would anyone really choose to remain clueless and oblivious to possible threats against them or their families?"  Sadly, the answer is yes.  Ignorance means you can continue to live a secluded, delusional life of perceived safety and prosperity.  But, if you are one of the fortunate ones who "woke up" in 2014, count your blessings.  Now make the most of it, and don't waste another minute.  Strengthen yourselves physically, morally and spiritually, and you will have a good foundation to weather 2015 and beyond.
     And you may find this strange, but PLW has a unique outlook on some of the sadness that we experienced in 2014.  It seems that we unexpectedly lost really good, kind, loving people this last year; either to a sudden illness, tragic accident, or through unforeseen circumstances.  The world seems an emptier and colder place without them.  But he strongly feels that God may be taking them out early, because they would not be able to withstand the ugliness that is coming.  This is not to say that they are weak; it is His grace that is sparing their gentle souls.  And for that, I can count my loss as their great blessing.
     For the rest of us who must live our lives in this confounding and bewildering world, our blessings will become more precious.  Moving from 2014 into 2015, we must look for them in relationships -- those we build and those we mend.  The blessings will come when we take our eyes off ourselves and gaze upon the sovereignty of a God who rules the universe.  Blessings will be found in efforts to serve God by serving others and making another's burden just a little lighter.  By encouraging each other, teaching each other, ministering to each other's needs, and most of all, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, we can reap the most out of this fallen world.  I wish you many blessings in the coming year; one filled with the Divine favor and protection of our Lord and Savior!

Numbers 6:24-26    "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."