"God is Patient and Kind!"

 "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set to them to do evil." (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV)

  "You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing such things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things? Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (Romans 2:1-4 NLT)

 For the moment, let's pretend that this portion of Scripture has a positive message; one that will bring us back to the cross, where we once believed God's heart was that everyone would be saved, and no one would be going to hell, if that could even happen! Besides, we are all guilty of this, so called judging people, forgetting that we ourselves are guilty of the same sinfulness. 

 Here is what we are looking at, just in case you don't see what is being said. Say you are doing something that you know you shouldn't do, oh, say we are talking about surfing the web and looking at things which you know God does not like you to do; but you really don't feel He is going to punish you, since there is nothing happening to you so far; so you continually do it, even with greater desire and intent. 

 You have got to understand, God's mercy does have a limit, because He wants us to be faithful and good children; so, He will, as someone has said, "Get up off the couch and give you a spanking!" However, that is usually the reaction for those that are His children; those that do not want anything to do with Him, He will attempt to get them to listen, but they must make that choice.

 Because He loves us so much, He will not allow us to continue in a life of sin; sooner or later, He will make a move and cause us to be totally depending on Him! Besides, we that have been born again, and do not any longer belong to "the sons of men," we are now, the children of God...

"If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is you your benefit. Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:13-17 NLT)

"The Abuse of Power" - 2

 "And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity." (Ecclesiastes 8:10 KJV)

  "God presides over heaven's court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: "How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked? Interlude "Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and the helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is shaken to the core. I say, 'You are gods; you are all children of the Most High. But you will die like mere mortals and fall like every other ruler.'" Rise up, O God, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you." (PSALM 82 NLT)

 Actually, it is rather sad to watch, as those who think they have control, realize that they really don't. But that isn't anything new! I am praying that those who are given the power to perform the right things, as great a task as that might be, will always remember that they are only servants, doing only that which is needed and never doing their own will and agenda.

 There are a couple of things about the things which Solomon had taken notice of; most of which was the fate of the wicked and how there was so great of a waste of opportunity to do right, but they choose to do what was wrong. The greatest example of this would be the devil himself as he was given such glory and great opportunities, being in the presence of God and in charge of the worship. 

 The spirit of envy is that which sees someone greater, and that wants what is not theirs for the taking! This goes way beyond that which is part of the church; this is something that started long ago at the very beginning, which was when Adam began naming the animals. God put that spirit within him, to see the thing that he was missing, giving him the desire for a mate of his own.

 It was not anything that Adam could make happen, which caused to have a great desire. Something that God responded to, saying, "It is not good for the man to be along. I will make a helper who is just right for him" (Genesis 2:18 NLT) I can only imagine what was not good; but I know that God needed for Adam to desire there to be a mate himself. 

 Moving on, as Adam became familiar with his mate, he also became more and more accustomed to the idea and feel of power; having the responsibility to rule over the garden and all that was in it, it caused him to want more power. You can see by this message, where this is going! 

 The one thing that he had not, but so desperately wanted, was the one and only thing God said he couldn't have! What is vanity? In the context of what Solomon is sharing, it is emptiness and become unsatisfactory. In other words, that which you thought would satisfy your craving, has taken from you that which would have done you good, making you empty and worthless...

"Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their own foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do then anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too." (Romans 1:28-32 NLT)  

"The Abuse of Power"

 "And I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this also is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 8:10 KJV)

  ""For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away."" (Hebrews 10:37-38 NLT)

 Bottomline, those that do wickedness and love evil, will have their day; those who are wanting to follow Jesus, will have their way! I really don't know how else to explain it, because the Lord really doesn't make it complicated to understand: we just need to need Him, knowing that without Him we are lost and don't have a chance! 

 What was it like when you first accepted Christ into your heart? Were you desperate to be saved, knowing that you needed to be saved, because you were lost and dead, and needed new life? It is that humility and that acceptance of your great need, your chance to be redeemed and forgiven of sin, that freed you; nothing to do with your abilities and talents, but only Jesus and the wonderful work that He did! 

 Again, we can see this example illustrated in Elijah, after he defeated and killed the prophets of Baal, and then prays for rain. At the words of Jezebel, which were given to Elijah in a message, he was afraid and fled for his life. This is not about Elijah being afraid, but about Elijah assuming he had power, which is that same thing that happens to almost everyone, from time to time. 

 If we get to a point where we assume that we have the power to be good, righteous, or love as we should, then we are setting ourselves up for a fall and a great disappointment. Hopefully, we will recover from it by repenting and gaining back our humility.

 So, what next...

"What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy? But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." (James 4:5-8 NLT) 

"Throwing Down the Gauntlet" - Too

 "All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt." (Ecclesiastes 8:9 KJV)

  "Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought back to him. "Are you the king of the Jews?" he asked him. Jesus replied, "Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?" "Am I a Jew?" Pilate retorted. "Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?" Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world." Pilate said, "So you are a king?" Jesus responded, "You say I am king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true."" (John 18:33-37 NLT)

 To be perfectly clear, things will be changed, but only for a very short season; much to the shame of man's will to love evil more than goodness and righteousness. However, the whole world needs to see clearly the difference between right and wrong. Those that love what is right, will see the vast difference; those that hate what is right, will pursue wickedness and evil. Unfortunately, wickedness and evil will temporarily win, once the church is taken up to be with the Lord! 

 That is not a prophecy, it is an observation. God has given us a chance to see what wickedness does and what it clearly looks like; now we get to see what mankind might try to do in order to fix it. We should be on the side that looks to defeat the wrongs and put forth the rights that have been taken, because it is the thing to do. After all, we are to be salt and light!

 Anywho, that's my thoughts, and I am sticking to it! This is a very pivotal moment in history, we should make every effort to pay attention, while at the same time, tell everyone we know that Jesus is coming very soon. We must be ready, and one sure way of being ready is to make sure we know He is coming! 

 During the Passover in Egypt, when God caused to first-born to die, those who survived did so because they not only marked their doorposts with blood, but they were dressed, had their shoes on, and were ready to go somewhere. They were prepared to go! 

 Hopefully we are ready to go, having our belief in His coming sure, believing it is true...

""Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don't wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief."" (Revelation 3:2-3 NLT)   

 

"Throwing Down the Gauntlet"

 "All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt." (Ecclesiastes 8:9 KJV)

  "And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear." (Philippians 1:12-14 NLT)

 Okay, sorry for the late post, but I slept in today. Just call me a sinner, I can take it! This morning, I am going to try and express something that has been heavy upon my heart. There are some in the church that want to put down what is happening in our country, but it is actually happing everywhere, across this entire world. You can call it a spiritual awakening, if you like; but I would like to refer it to something that is more about 'eye-opening'; where people are starting to wake up and pay attention to what is going on in this world.

 To start with, this county here called, the United States of America, was founded upon something that was not based upon kings and rulers, but upon the rule of law! Not just any laws, but upon the Commandments of God; using the Bible as the guide to establish how our country should be governed. 

 Secondly, they made another very unique and new proclamation, wherein, the people were to control the government, not the government controlling the people. The government was to be there to protect and carry out the laws, based upon the laws as they had been written. So, first and foremost, this nation was built to be a republic, governed by the rule of law, and based upon the laws, the people were to choose their leaders to carry out what the laws required, which made up our democracy.

 I am not any sort of expert in history, so don't judge my observations. But just as it was in the last verse of Judges: "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." (Judges 21:25 NLT) So it is and was here, having the rule of law less of a priority, they put the democracy first and foremost, which made the law less important, and the choices of the people what mattered the most.

 If you know your Bible, then you should know that the people's choices don't usually agree with what God wants, but is established based upon what they want, as the majority get to choose how things should be done. What that looks like, was what we saw happening these last 4 years! 

 I don't know if you saw Sulvester Stallone's announcement, calling President Trump the "Second George Washington," because it was pretty awesome. But what he was saying had to do with what had happened and what was happening. This is bigger than Trump; because God is doing a work, to get things to hurry along! 

 Get ready church, and pay attention...

"It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice." (Philippians 1:15-18 NLT)   

   

"The Wicked and the Righteous"

  "I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other. I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This too, is meaningless. When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. But even though a person sins a hundred times, I know that those who fear God will be better off. The wicked will not prosper, for they do not fear God. Their days will never grow long like the evening shadows.

 "And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless! 

 "So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. 

 "In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people's burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim." (Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 NLT)

"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalms 19:7-11 KJV)

 After thinking about this, somewhat controversial topic, I have decided it is a topic that needs to be put in the right perspective and settled into the side it belongs to be placed upon. Without giving too much of it away, it is the topic of the election which took place last week, and the results of what happened, based upon the difference between the wicked and the righteous! Enough said for now...

"So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."" (Mark 10:42-45 NLT)    

"No Cheating Death" - 2

 "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it." (Ecclesiastes 8:8 KJV)

  "Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?"" (John 11:25-26 NLT)

 You can go ahead and put your own name at the end of that question, asking yourself, "Is this what I truly believe?" It is most likely that most important link to the reason that Jesus was manifested here in the flesh, because we that live in the flesh cannot be holy, because there is a constant battle between the flesh, which wants to be taken care of, and the Spirit within us, that wants us to manifest holiness.  

 As for those five foolish virgins, there has always been a debate within the church as to the oil; was it the Holy Spirit, that they lacked; which they seemingly had some of it, but not enough: or was it belief in the power of God, in which that had been given, but used to little of? Something to think about, but also something that we can assume it to be one of the same! 

 As Paul says, (back to Romans, a book about 'The Normal Christian life'), "When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:10-11 NLT)

 We will not have the ability to remain sinless in the fleshly body; it is just a fact that we must understand is not going to go away; but that doesn't mean we cannot be sinless and holy by walking in the Spirit, for those who abide in Christ, are freed from the power of sin, because sin has no power over their lives. 

 Do we still sin? Yes! Unfortunately, we sin sometimes without even being aware of what we do; but the Holy Spirit will show us and teach us a much better way to live, by loving one another! Brother to brother, we need to understand how much we can be unloving at times to one another. Pastor Bryan has mentioned something several times within the past couple of weeks, say, "Women are more sensitive to the spiritual matters than men," which is obviously true, based upon Eve's deception in the garden. 

 There is a reason that the men must be the head, because judgment and order is determined in the mind, while the heart is governed and motivated by feelings and sensitivity. But why I am making these things part of this message? Well...

"Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away be terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

 "Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant - I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I on heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do." (PSALM 73:13-28 NLT) 

"No Cheating Death"

 "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain it; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it." (Ecclesiastes 8:8 KJV)

  "They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind." (PSALM 49:6-10 NLT)

 It might seem as though we are somehow changing the subject; as if the topic of death is not somehow associated with the point of what it actually takes to be ready when the Lord returns, to take up His bride? What, pray tell, could that association be, if there was one indeed? 

 To start with, our spirit belongs to God; no matter how hard you can try to work something into your body, to try to keep your spirit in; or have something that tries to keep your spirit inside you, you will never succeed, because that spirit belongs to God! Sorry if that is something you might not have known, but it needs to be something you can except and can understand that you cannot charge facts, no matter how much money you might have. 

 Additionally, before we can be filled with God's Spirit, (totally different Spirit than the one just talked about,) we must first be willing and able to die to ourselves. The Holy Spirit is willing to come into us, who have been cleansed from our sins, because we have been reborn and made new by the power of Jesus' death and resurrection. 

 Paul confronts this mysterious topic in his letter to Rome, saying, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in sin? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." (Romans 6:1-4 NLT)

 I find it rather interesting that Jesus shared about the 10 virgins after talking about the evil servant that thought his master would not be back for quite a while. There were five virgins that had oil in their lamps. and five that didn't have enough oil in their lamps. Those that had their lamps filled with oil were able to go with the Lord; yet those that did not have enough, were left behind. 

 Does anything here make sense? Is there actually something that can be put inside us, that will allow us to cheat death? Something to think about...

"And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:27-28 NLT)  

"Be Ready for Changes" - Too

 "For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?" (Ecclesiastes 8:7 KJV)

  "Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don't really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NLT)

 As many of you should know, we really don't know the day or the hour; but we can discern the season! A little-known fact is that seasons come and go; so, even though the season feels right, doesn't mean that it is yet that time for the Lord's return. Jesus clearly said, "However, no one knows the day or the hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." (Matthew 24:36 NLT)

 My understanding in this, "Only the Father knows," is based upon something that Jesus has said regarding the Father's role in a person's ability to come to Christ: "For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up." (John 6:44 NLT) Adding to that, what Paul states, saying, "I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ." (Romans 11:25 NLT)

 Basically, what that means, in the easiest way to say it: The Father is waiting for the bride to be, to be ready, which only He knows. And when she is ready, the Father will say to the Son, "It is time for you to go get your bride!" And immediately, the Church will be snatch up off of this earth, without any warning! You can only imagine what the world will think, and how the powers to be will react; it will cause the whole world to go into a panic. If you thought Covid was bad, this will be overwhelming...

"But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to the darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8 NLT) 

"Be Ready for Changes"

 "For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?" (Ecclesiastes 8:7 KJV)

  ""So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."" (Matthew 24:42-44 NLT)

 Forgetting what just happened, there are several reasons we need to stay watchful for the Lord's coming. First and foremost, the reason it will be least expected, will be because there will seem to be peace and good things happening, which will cause many to feel comfortable and secure. Secondly, there will be a time of cleansing in and about the church: cleansing being that which causes division, but at the same time, it will cause unity among those that are faithful and really love one another. 

 This is not me thinking this, because I have heard many others say these things; but most importantly, it is written in the Scriptures for us to read and ponder what is being said. If two people are walking together, and one is taken and the other one left, then there must have been something wrong with the one that was left. I pray that I and not one that is left! 

 Why do I say that, if I believe that I am saved and will be taken? Because we change! Not so much because we want to change, but because we allow ourselves to be changed, by the world all around us! Nobody sets out to plan for a fall; a fall happens by us talking our eyes off the Lord and focusing on the world's ability to provide and give us the things we desire. 

 It doesn't have to be riches and fame; it could simply be an acquaintance or a new lover; something that will distract us from being ready, instead we settle down and get comfortable in a new way, and new day, of living. It could be a new job, a new habit, and new house; whatever it is, there is likely to be some kind of change, unless we can stay focused on the Lord. 

 So, it's not that I think I won't be ready, because I really hope and pray that I will; but if there is any kind of change happening in me, I hope it is the kind of change that draws me closer to Jesus! That is to be our number one desire, to be closer to Jesus, each and every day. Unfortunately, every day is a new day, and we are still bound by the laws of gravity, being secured to this earth...

""A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."" (Matthew 24:45-51 NLT) 

"Time and Judgment" - Again

 "Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him." Ecclesiastes 8:6 KJV)

  ""But have you not heard? I decided this long ago. Long ago I planned it, and now I am making it happen. I planned for you to crush fortified cities into heaps of rubble. That is why their people have so little power and are so frightened and confused. They are weak as grass, as easily trampled as tender green shoots. They are like grass sprouting on a housetop, scorched before it can grow lush and tall. But I know you well - where you stay and when you come and go. I know the way you have raged against me. And because of your raging against me and your arrogance, which I have heard for myself. I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth. I will make you return by the same road on which you came."" (2 Kings 19:25-28 NLT)

 Obviously, there is more to this than just the things we have heard or have understood them to be. The whole point of this passage of Scripture that Solomon is putting forth, is about how little we do now; in that state of mind, we are miserable trying to think what might happen, hoping for the best, but planning for the worst. 

 This message from the LORD to King Sennacherib of Assyria, is given because of his arrogance and pride; as he has sent a letter to King Hezekiah of Judah, warning him that he doesn't stand a chance trying to defend his country, as he has destroyed even country he has come against; saying, "Don't let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you with promises that Jerusalem will not be captured by the king of Assyria." 

 As we can see, God had planned for the kings of Assyria to have conquest and victories wherever they went; they were all part of God's plans. These are the things we don't understand, because we have no way of knowing the complete picture of the way God's purposes are carried out. They could happen in a short amount of time, or they could take centuries to all fall into order. 

 No king or president could ever know what will happen, they can only plan according to what they think should be done, hoping it will happen as they planned, but expecting there will be opposition and difficulties along the way. That is why prayer is needed, which is exactly what Hezekiah did when he had read the letter from the king of Assyria; He went to the Temple, spread the letter out before the LORD and prayed! 

 I do believe that President Trump has a purpose that is directed by God; and I absolutely believe that it is the time for that purpose to be put forth. The judgment part of that purpose will depend upon God's perfect plans, as He opens and closes doors, those who are planning need to pray and ask Him for the proper guidance.

 You might have read my illustration of the difference between God's will and His perfect will; well, His will is always perfect, we just don't know the complete purpose...

"Look here, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what your life is like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it's here for a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." (James 4:13-17 NLT) 

"Time and Judgment" - To

 "Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him." (Ecclesiastes 8:6 KJV)

  "Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned! But the wicked are doomed, for they will get exactly what they deserve. Childish leaders oppress my people, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road. The LORD takes his place in court and presents his case against his people! The LORD comes forward to pronounce judgment on the elders and rulers of his people: "You have ruined Israel, my vineyard. Your houses are filled with things stolen from the poor. How dare you crush my people, grinding the faces of the poor into the dust?" demands the Lord, the LORD of Heaven's Armies." (Isaiah 3:10-15 NLT)

 There is something else we should be looking for, besides the Lord's return; we need to be watching out for those that are trying to disrupt our church's and those who will pretend to be godly but are only trying to cause division and misleading those who are weak in the faith. This is not just a time to pay attention to everything going on, but a time to discern and judge what you see, as if you are looking for knowledge! 

 Yesterday I heard a message that was rather interesting, which had to do with the difference between a portion of Scripture about the man's role in the knowledge of his wife. I didn't get to hear the whole message, not even the actual Scripture's address, but none the less, I got the point. The message was regarding the King James interpretation, versus the NIV interpretation; because KJV make this a matter of knowing, as in the manner of being one, while the NIV makes it a matter of just paying attention.

 If you don't really get that meaning, it is really not that hard to figure out. We can pay attention to all that is going on, but if we don't have the right heart and the proper perspective, knowing God's ways verses man's way, then we are only paying attention, but not actually trying to figure it out.

 The same is with the husband who knows his wife, because he not only pays attention, but there is a bond that makes him figure out what she needs, paying attention to her wants and desires, making her cares and concerns, his cares and concerns, also. 

 It really shouldn't be a big surprise; because it is sometimes referred to as the Nearly Inspired Version; however, it is also the most popular Bible for those who lean in the world's direction. (That's all I will say about that!) 

 Whether you can accept it or not, the role of the husband is very similar to Christ and the church. Jesus doesn't just pay attention to the church; the church is His body; which He cares for, giving her all that she needs, knowing her wants and providing for what is best for her. 

 As for this recent election and the turnout of what actually happened. I truly believe that President Trump was chosen by God for several things he did in his last four years, and because of the constant battles and trials he faced during that four-year period, God took him out, just to show all who are paying attention what the opposite of his role was: basically, waking up the people. 

 Hopefully now he might be able to get more down, but maybe that doesn't matter much to the church! Aren't we just supposed to focus on the Scripture and on the cares of the church? Really? Doesn't it matter to the church what happens in our communities, our families, and our schools? Aren't we called to be light and salt of the earth, which actually means that we do something? 

 Abraham is a pretty good example of what I am talking about, as he didn't need to go to war and rescue Lot, but he felt obligated to do so. And because he was faithful, Melchizedek shows up to bless him...

"But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." (Jude 20-23 NLT) 

 

"Time and Judgment"

 "Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him." (Ecclesiastes 8:6 KJV)

  "Then one night the LORD appeared to Solomon and said, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices. At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy - a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart."" (2 Chronicles 7:12-16 NLT)

 It seems pretty clear that there are some who didn't receive the message; or if they did receive it, they are just shaking it off and figuring that it was a foolish message, put forth by uneducated people, who don't really have the right to disrupt their way of doing things. Well, if this becomes what I think it is shaping up to be, this ride will become quite interesting, to say the least! 

 For those who do not know, Israel is still God's chosen people! Yes, I know that there are many people who might call themselves Christian's, but if you think the God has somehow abandoned His people and replaced them with the church, you really don't know the heart of God! When God makes a promise, He will always keep it, right up to the very end...

"I ask, then, has God rejected his own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. No, God has not rejected his own people, whom he chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, "LORD, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too," And do you remember God's reply? He said, "I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!" It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace - his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is - free and undeserved." (Romans 11:1-6 NLT) 

"Suffering for Doing Good" - Too

 "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment." (Ecclesiastes 8:5 KJV)

   "[Aleph] Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me!" (PSALM 119:1-8 NLT)

 Before you judge what is being spoken of, you need to know why this in important, whoever you think is right, or whatever you think is wrong; God has chosen this man for such a time as this! I am not just saying that because I want to see him become President again; although, it is pretty amazing that he won, and pretty decisively! There was no doubt, "too big to rig," was what we witnessed the other night. 

 This man has no need to for the financial gains for being in office; his purpose is all that he is about: to make America great again, is his ambition! Is this something that is wrong? I have been overwhelmed by the difference between my generation going to school, and the current school systems today. We had Wood Shop, Metal Shop, and Auto Shop, in Jr. High School! Where are the trades being taught today? 

 Growing up, I knew what it was like to earn a living, by the time I was 10 years old. My stepdad lost his job, so we went around the neighborhood pulling weeds and mowing lawns. When I turned 11, I had a paper route, which consisted of 150 customers. Every morning before school, I delivered my newspapers, starting by folding papers and stuffing my bags when they were delivered at 5:30 in the morning. On Wednesday and Sunday, they were delivered by 5:00, at the latest; because on those days I had to add inserts, which meant that I would pack 3 sets of bags, just so I could load all 150 newspapers all at once. 

 When Christmas time came around, I would collect Mistletoe from trees around the neighborhood; then bag it up in sandwich bags, tied with a red ribbon. Then I had my sister and brothers sell them outside the local grocery store; they sold them for a quarter, and I gave them a nickel for every quarter they earned. 

 I am only saying this because we need to raise up our children to provide for themselves; not to be people that count on others to hand out money to them! That is what President Trump is all about! He is about making people count for something, not just count as constituents, but actual people that make a difference in this life! You make people's lives better with purpose and ability to do something good!

 Now you know how I feel, regardless of his flaws, his goal is what matters most of all! By the way, you might not agree with everything that he says, but most of everything he has planned for is what needs to be done to fix this crazy and broken mess we have been living in. Is there something wrong with that...

"If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind." (James 3:13-16 NLT)  

"Suffering for Doing Good"

 "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment." (Ecclesiastes 8:5 KJV)

  "Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats." (1 Peter 3"13-14 NLT)

 Well, hopefully this will at least make some things be corrected in this crazy messed up world; but even then, there will always be wicked and evil, because there is no way that the enemy will surrender. If you don't know what I mean, it is because he knows first-hand that he will be defeated and that there is not any chance in hell that he will win; but he doesn't care, because he wants to take as many of us as he can with him, just to prove a point! 

 If you don't know what it is that the devil is trying to do, it all comes down to making man unworthy in God's sight. What a stupid and undoable plan! God already knew of man's unworthiness, long before He decided to create him, He already had a plan to make that which was unholy, Holy! We are justified in Christ, just as if we had never sinned; Ever! 

 And yes, the next President of these United States has suffered quite a lot, suffering being impeached, having his home raided, trial after trial, being arrested and charged as a felon; and for what? For trying to make this country a better place; a place where people can live safer, live free from oppression; actually, have a right to share their faith, without being told to shut their mouth! 

 We will have a President that is for life, love, peace, hope, and God! What is so terrible about that...

"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first." (1 John 4:16-19 NLT)