A Total ‘Nother World

The coming of the year 2016 had also begun a new era for me along my life journey; America was heading down the better road, under our new executive administration. Yet the politically radical left continually worked through those four years plus, trying to remove that administration from office, but to no avail. Yet they continued at their shammed scheme, harboring wrong motives for America.

But then they did it, in cheating ways, and had stolen the 2020 election, intent as I’ve heard with ideas to move us toward socialism, Marxism, communism; so wrong for any nation. May it not happen; may we return to our founding—on biblical principles and conservative values, that we may know what it’s truly like to be “one nation under God”. 

Other nations, having gone through socialism, so warns America not to let it happen to us; such only destroys the freedom and individual rights of the people. I feel America has climbed a slippery slope overlooking the edge of a cliff. Never having been a world traveler, nor having taken an exotic ocean voyage—never having the wealth, hence or any desire to do so—my heart cries for America these days, my mortal native homeland.

And then the worse yet comes, the worldwide CCP Covid pandemic. And, too, the wearing of masks (not so essential in my thinking), the “planet of the apes” had become a reality.

Recalling it all, perhaps in human’s eyes it’s a time when good went bad: Lockdowns, shutdowns happened worldwide; stay at home became the norm; “social distancing” a new term; businesses closed; churches emptied. Yet, in gradually coming back churches still spaced in attendance and seating.

Through all the happenings, since then, particularly since 2016, this world has become a total 'nother[1] world, daily worsening with the ever “breaking news.” And I more realizing the two worlds as predicted I would realize someday—the temporal (mortal) world of humanity and the eternal (immortal) world of the Kingdom of God. 

Since then as well, a strange (maybe weird) sense had been harboring in my mind. More and more these days, hearing/viewing stories of the making up news media, I can’t help but think that this temporal (mortal) world is nearing its end—being “stored up for fire”[2].

The things of this mortal world—other than the ideas of the immortal—do indeed have little or no meaning to me now. And such in particular TV, movies, and sports; I was into such I’m sure too much of my growing-up years.  Even long-distance travel does not appeal to me so much anymore. (The one trip I most desire and look forward to now is my upper taking—individually or corporately—when I will meet Jesus (Yeshua) in the air[3]. What a glorious day that will be!)

Although such stuff—TV, movies, sports, big tech, wealth, possessions, careers, etc—is of man’s initiative it has come about through humanity’s understanding of our omniscient[4] God—the true scientist and the bringer in of all “science” and technology, to be used and enjoyed for our pleasure and God’s glory.

Hence, these days it’s indeed as living in two worlds as if I’m trekking down two roads running parallel to one another. And one lane shows off its wares making it more attractive than the other. Commandeered by the evil one, much of it promotes his schemes and distracts viewers and participants from the truer meaning for our purpose in this mortal time on planet Earth. But what’s the sense of it all, if it’s just to ease one’s manner of living, primarily through his/her later years until their passing, and a making of the way better for the next generation as if there's no end to the physical mortal timeline? (See Proverbs 27:1; Luke 12:18-21; James 4:13-15.)

Having trusted in Jesus, He assures me that I’m the better off traveling down the other road, the everlasting highway, the way to “better living” for all generations—see 2 Corinthians 5:19-21.

A “total ‘nother world”? But it’s of the temporal realm; with eternity’s values in view, how can I think only temporally anymore? Now, until the Lord’s return, may it be my one ambition laboring in prayer and speaking the Truth (John 14:6), that we (and all nations) get back to our founding and be a light bearer and salt spreader of God’s love, grace, and peace, sharing the Good News, anticipating our expectant Hope: Come, Lord Jesus[5] (Adonai Yeshua).

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[1] Nonstandard spelling of another (determiner), used to represent speech.

“nother thing just occurred to me”

[2] Consider 2 Peter 3:6-8

[3] 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17

[4] All-knowing; knowing everything

[5] Revelation 22:7-21

Compassionately Struck

A rare Friday morning

It was one of those rare mornings when I desired to go downtown for breakfast at one of those places sprouting those famed golden arches. I worked in the city anyway, and I figured the trek wouldn't be too much out of my way. And it was a Friday! That also meant that I didn't have a lot of cash in my pocket. But, then, ah, I realized it was also a payday, that meaning too that more money was on the way.

Scrounging about I managed to scrape together a little change. I desirously hoped it was enough to satisfy my craving. I then set out on my journey.

In a little while, I reached my destination. Upon entering the restaurant, I pleasantly discovered I did have enough money in my "cash pocket" to purchase a good breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, and hash browns. Soon – as what perhaps "fast food" implies – there before me on a tray was my order, ready for me to devour. Ah, but not so fast as I received the food, but to patiently enjoy my meal.

Handing the clerk my nearly last bit of cash, I then sought a table where I could begin dining. Seating myself then, yet before "digging" in, I thanked the Lord Jesus for this bit of nourishment to enable me to do my job well for His glory.

Something out of the ordinary

As I dined, I scanned the interior of the building. In my presence it was all adorned in pink; artificial plants and flowers arranged neatly throughout. Turning about, behind me there appeared another room of a little different décor than what was before me. That place was of red-colored brick and entered through a series of simulated brick archways.

Chattering voices throughout the restaurant reminded me that I was not alone in that place. Others too were there enjoying their breakfast before the start of their day of business or study, that restaurant located near the university campus. Some were reading the morning newspaper as well. Some were well dressed, some casually so. Hence, I assumed some were business and professional people; some were students.

Continuing to look around, I enjoying my meal, suddenly something out of the ordinary caught my eye entering that McDonald's restaurant. Somewhat different from what was already inside, a tall, slim figure of a man—gray-haired and gray-bearded. His hair was uncombed, probably windblown. He wore a light-colored topcoat, dirty and wrinkled. He held a dollar bill in his fingers at chest level, perhaps having been given him by someone on the street.

The man approached the counter and waited in line, still holding that dollar bill before him. A nervous gesture slightly twitched his head. Shortly it was his turn. He placed his order and handed the girl behind the counter that bill. She took it and turned away. She soon returned, however, giving that man a regular cup of coffee with a package of cream and sugar.

With one hand he grasped the cup of coffee; with the other, he dropped the change from that dollar into his coat pocket, after examining it a bit. He turned about and returned to the direction of his entrance. Vanishing out of my sight, he seated himself on the other side of a wall—the last I could see of him.

 

Finished with a sigh

Hm-m, I sighed, finishing up the last bit of my meal that morning at that breakfast table in McDonald's. Suddenly I was struck with compassion for that man with the dollar bill in his hand.

If I had the money would I buy that man a breakfast such as I had bought for myself? Would Jesus? (I believe He would.)

How many other people in that restaurant could have afforded to buy that man a decent breakfast such as they bought for themselves? How many would?

I finished my dining. Disposing of the trash in the proper, provided receptacle, I headed toward the exit. As I left the restaurant, I glanced at that man fondling the now empty coffee cup.

"Oh, Lord Jesus, compel me more with compassion like Yours that would reach out to others as that man that would touch their lives with Your love," I prayed as I left that McDonald's restaurant with my satisfied appetite.

This can also be read on Hub Pages

The Blessing of Blessing

Attack! In the dark of the night, Abram’s 318 men attack in all directions, pursuing Kedorlaomer’s army as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. Abram is victorious, rescuing his nephew Lot and his possessions, and all the other captives. (See Genesis 14:15-24.)

In the valley of Shaveh (the king’s valley), Abram meets the king of Sodom.  (This is also where Melchizedek meets Abram, and blesses him by God Most High. Abram returns the blessing by giving Melchizedek a tenth of everything.)

So the king of Sodom is approaching Abram. “Give me the people,” he says to Abram, “and you keep all the goods for yourself.”

Sounds like a deal Abram for sure won’t resist.  But what’s this? What is Abram saying to that king of Sodom? Listen: “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High,” Abram says, "and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, O, King, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich,’" (Genesis 14:22-24).

Before the king of Sodom, Abram acknowledges his God, Creator of heaven and earth, as the true Victor, and his King of righteousness and peace.

Fast-forwarding now to the New Testament/New Covenant era, we see Jesus (Yeshua). A babe in a manger, born of a virgin on that first "Christmas day"--so widely known as to what most people of the world considers that day, reflecting on the time when God (Elohim) became one of us (see Luke 2:1-7; John 1:1-5, 14; Matthew 1:18-25.) Yet he was born to die (see 1 Corinthians 15:5-8). And rising again from the dead, he is our Victor over death and hell, and “priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (See Hebrews 7.)

During his time on earth, Jesus (Yeshua) related a story of a certain rich man (see Luke 12:16-21.).  That man was so rich in material goods that he didn’t know what to do with it all, other than building bigger barns to store it.

Jesus (Yeshua) told his disciples, “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions,” (Luke 12:15). He continued, “This is what the pagans do. They run after all such earthly things.  But you, child of God, run after God’s Kingdom first, and His righteousness [for the sake of the peoples of the world], and He will provide all your earthly needs.” (See Luke 12:22-31; Matthew 6:25-33.)

Journeying on through history to the late 1800s, we meet Henry M. Stanley, the man who uttered the popular quote, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.” He is a most unlikely candidate for missionary service.

Henry Stanley, illegitimately born in Britain, has fled the cruelty of a workhouse master and gone to America, settling in New Orleans. There, a wealthy merchant adopts him.

But, Stanley, a troublesome teenager, is sent away to work on a plantation. During the American Civil War, he serves in both the Confederate and Union armies. Later, he joins the Navy only to desert. He becomes a freelance journalist. This career takes him to Asia and then to Africa, where he finds David Livingstone, through whom he also finds Jesus (Yeshua), the Christ (Messiah).

Livingstone becomes Stanley’s hero. With a determined passion, he pleads for missionary volunteers through his writings.

At the hearing of Livingstone’s death, Stanley writes, “May I be selected to succeed him in opening up Africa to the shining light of Christianity!

And God continues His search today for other "Henry Stanleys", who will likewise consider their gifts and abilities as from God to be used for the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom to all peoples of the world.

Consider the book How I Found Livingstone.

Coming next month In God We Trust

Realizing Eternity

Disenchanted with the Perishing Vision of Mortality 

“Two worlds crossed my path,” so states my testimony. Reflecting on it further, having come to realize the more important immortal reality, I charted the illustration that appears below; I call it “Eternity,” depicting our journey through this time: the temporal and the permanent. Jesus (Yeshua) defines the two ways in His teaching as “the broad and the narrow.[1]” As well, consider John Bunyan in his writing (some 300 years ago) The Pilgrim’s Progress; he defines the two ways as Passion and Patience[i]. And as believers in the Messiah (the Christ) our purpose is so defined, as we trek along the narrow way, as light-bearers and salt-spreaders sharing God’s eternal truth[2].

Eternity is a never-ending journey, through life and death. Depending on the route—the narrow way or the broad way (the way of patience or passion)—a person chooses to travel through this temporal time will determine his/her experience: joy or devastation[ii]

Only one road to begin with[3]—the man and the woman enjoying fellowship with their Creator, the Almighty Three-in-One God, not as robots, but with the freedom to choose[4].

We are all creatures of eternity, more than this mortal time, as God so formed us in our mother’s womb. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you…”, Jeremiah 1:5 ESV[iii]  As well, “…Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them,” Psalm 139:16 ESV.

But then as we read in the Bible, God’s holy life-giving Word, at Genesis chapter three[iv] the man and the woman are tempted by the devil (the evil one—that “fallen angel,”[5]) to choose his way—the “I did it my way” choice of pride, self-will, lustful pleasures, and passions.[6] Disobedience to God (sin) then becomes the addiction of their lives and all humanity throughout the world, going the way of the unholy trinity—me, myself, and I.

Realizing the immortal, how disenchanting is the perishing vision of mortality, and how so meaningless. Ah, but I, too, was once caught up in its meaninglessness.  Going along with the crowd so to speak, enjoying life as if trekking this mortality was the forever road, only until “death do us part.” Then what?

 

Familiar with the Bible stories of Jesus all my life (for which I’m grateful), perhaps I’d considered then that church-going was just another one of those joyful Sunday gatherings people would do. Other such doings included my TV viewing, enjoying an occasional movie, sports, dining out, and vacations with the family. Even perhaps some would consider as essential, saving financially to enjoy life through those so-called “golden years” of retirement. But, realizing the immortal, the truer golden years come when this mortal time is finished—“It will happen in a moment”.[7]

Except for having gone through wars, nine eleven, stolen elections, pandemics, fires, earthquakes, famines, and such, then the times were so much pleasanter. Happenings happened throughout history (since Genesis chapter three) but people got over it, or even enjoyed their life going through it all, believing better days are ahead. But not so as the Bible declares, worse days are yet to come, and even now—in this lateness of time—are here so it seems.

Matthew 24:38-39 (NLT), “In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. ³⁹ People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away...”[8]

“Signs of the times,” so to speak. And in this lateness of time, my having come to realize the greater reality I’m tired of it all, as I trek through this mortal time hearing the news of the disruption and criminal activity of mortal humanity’s seemingly breaking the law moreso than ever before. And seeing the filth even of mortal humanity’s seeming unconcern as to where they throw their trash—viewing it all scattered along the highways.

 

Hence, I’m tired of seeing the living of life simply for the mortal timeline as if it was the forever time. Seemingly, when all the troubles get settled down (but only for a time), all humanity goes back to that “normal” way of living (like the way it’s been since Genesis chapter three) as if nothing tragic had happened. (Hmm, another sense perhaps, as some may see it, that the broad road—the way of passion—is the way to go.) But I pray when the troubling times of 2020/21 clear up it will not be a return to that “normal” way of living as it once was, but a re-awakening revival to our truer purpose for our being as God ordained it to be.

 

Now there are enjoyable times even amidst the difficulties, nevertheless. But, imagining, what would living be like these days if there was no Genesis chapter three? Hmm. Would life be as it is, continuing the way it has been yet without wars and rumors of wars, storms, earthquakes, famines, pestilences, diseases, and such? Would there be high school days with students trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up—should they go to college and train for some profitable profession perhaps, to continue at it the rest of their days, or should they just continue in the working world to find their niche in life that way?

 

“Que, sera, sera,” so goes that popular song of yesteryear, “whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see…” Perhaps the future is not for us to see (only one day at a time). But following Jesus (Yeshua) along the narrow way we are as His lights[9] sharing the greater reality with the lost dark world until Jesus' return. The broad road will then be no more; the evil one banished[10].

 

 

At some point, along the way of any person’s journey, as happened with me, he/she will come to a crossroad where they will have to decide for his/herself as to which way is truly the better way to go, determining their everlasting destiny.

 

For myself, I have realized the better way of living is for the immortal, trusting in Jesus, my Savior and Lord. And sensing these tiring days, as mentioned above, I’m ready to see the brilliance of the new day of Christ’s return and the entrance of the Father’s eternal immortal Kingdom, where tiredness will be no more.

 

 

Two roads (realities) there are along one’s path. Choosing the one less traveled by makes all the difference for all time and eternity, so realizing the greater reality. Nothing else should matter in traveling through these tumultuous times, except investing our time, talent, and treasure for the Kingdom of God[v] (truly the greater investment than playing the stock market or the lottery)[11] while watching for the Lord’s return.[12] But until then, it is my one prayer and expectant hope, “Come, Lord Jesus.” So was the apostle John’s in closing the book of Revelation[13]. Jesus (Yeshua) Himself shared three times, “I am coming soon”[14]. Until then, yet nearer than ever before[15], may my (and my fellow Christ-followers) primary responsibility and ever-present mindset be to speak the name of Jesus at every opportunity afforded us by the Holy Spirit, so wishing everyone a blessed day.

Journeying through this dark evil world, Eternity in view, realizing the greater reality as if seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, how can we go on living now as if those MANufractured artifices—those “towers of Babel” (costly high-rises: offices and apartments, TV,  the Hollywood craves, careers, desired possessions, passions, wealth, etc.) of this mortal time was all that mattered (see Matthew 6:19-21[vi])?

Considering Colossians 3:1-3[vii], the words of a familiar hymn may come to mind: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus  Look full in His wonderful face  And the things of earth will grow strangely dim  In the light of His glory and grace”

 

Hence, all that's happening in the world today, particularly my mortal native homeland, I see the world as a whole different world than I had known it in my pleasurable youth years and before all the current happenings had happened. My driving about, the freeways and surface streets, about my errands, etc., viewing the structures of humanity’s doings, my mind considers, “it’s a perishing world, all being stored up for fire.”[16]

Construction, destruction, re-construction has been happening throughout history according to the advancement of technology. Shopping centers, malls, stores, businesses, etc, so looking forward to the “grand opening,” but who knows when/if that grand closing will come. Structures and highways wear out as time passes and in need of repair, updated, or torn down to keep up with the current time. (Yet, “Jesus Christ is the same [and most essential] yesterday, today, and forever. ⁹ So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas…” Hebrews 13:8-9, NLT [brackets mine]) Ah, nothing else indeed matters except the works of God—consider 2 Peter 3:9-13[viii].

Thank you, God, for getting me to realize the more important reality. I’m so looking forward to meeting Jesus in the air. What will that be like? Until then, realizing the absolute for the relative, may I never again get so wrapped up in the things of this temporal time. “The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death,” Proverbs 12:28, NLT.

Serving until the Lord's return in the cause so stated in Matthew 6:33[ix], we serve in His care. “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?... Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:26, 33 NLT

What is (Real) Life?

(Real) Life Is (faithful) Followers of Elohim—God, the Almighty three-in-one Creator, who brought everything into being by His spoken command. Real L I F E, is proper living through repentance and faith, in the Lord Jesus (Adonai Yeshua), the Christ (Messiah); living to the praise and glory of God, trusting for His provision as we journey through this temporal time, as light-bearers and salt-spreaders sharing the Good News, that the (other) world, too, may realize the real L I F E = Living In Fellowship with Elohim. (Real) life is more than the often frivolous fascinations of this mortal time.

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[1] See Matthew 7:13-14

[2] See Matthew 5:13-16

[3] See Genesis 1-2

[4] See Genesis 2:15-17

[5] See Isaiah 14:12-15

[6] See Genesis 11:1-9; cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-9

[7] See 1 Corinthians 15:52-57

[8] Cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

[9] See Matthew 5:13-16

[10] See Revelation 20:7-10

[11] See Luke 12:20-22 12:18-21

[12] See Matthew 24:36-51; Mark 13:31-37

[13] See Revelation 22:20

[14] See Revelation 22:7, 12, 20

[15] “nearer than ever before” = no prediction, just a weird sense. Praise God that there’s more to life than this mortal time; if mortality was all there was to life there would be no real meaning to living.

[16] See 2 Peter 3

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[i] From The Pilgrim’s Progress, “…that the highway up which Christian was to go, was fenced on either side with a wall and that wall was called Salvation. (Isaiah 26:1) Up this way, therefore, did burden Christian run, but not without great difficulty, because of the load on his back…” Consider viewing Revelation Media’s animated film of The Pilgrim's Progress.

 

[ii] The Life Application Study Bible (LASB), notes on Genesis 2:7, [brackets mine], “…[Our earthly] body is a lifeless shell until God brings it alive with the ‘breath of life.’ When God removes his ‘life-giving’ breath our bodies once again return to dust. Our life and worth, therefore, come from God’s Spirit. Many boast of their achievements and abilities as though they were the originator of their own strengths. Others feel worthless because their abilities do not stand out. In reality, our worth comes not from our achievements but from the God of the universe, who chooses to give us the mysterious and miraculous gift of life…”

[iii] Note on Jeremiah 1:5, “God knew you, as he knew Jeremiah, long before you were born or even conceived. He thought about you and planned for you. When you feel discouraged or inadequate, remember that God has always thought of you as valuable and that he has a purpose in mind for you,” LASB.”

[iv] Note on Genesis 3:1, “Disguised as a shrewd serpent Satan came to tempt Eve. At one time, Satan had been a glorious angel. But in pride, he rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. As a created being, Satan has definite limitations. Although he trying to tempt everyone away from God, he will not be the final victor. In 3:14,15, God promises that Satan will be crushed by one of the woman’s offspring, the Messiah,” LASB.

[v] Note on Matthew 25:24-30, “…We must not make excuses to avoid doing what God calls us to do. If God is our Master, we must obey willingly. Our time, abilities, and money aren’t ours in the first place—we are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore, squander, or abuse what we are given, we are rebellious and deserve to be punished,” LASB.

[vi] Note on Matthew 6:21, “Jesus made it clear that having wrong treasures leads to our hearts being in the wrong place. What we treasure the most controls us, whether we admit it or not. If possessions or money become too important to us, we must reestablish control or get rid of the items. Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen eternal values over temporary, earthly treasures,” LASB.

[vii]  Colossians 3:1-3 NLT, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ² Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. ³ For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”

[viii] Note on 2 Peter 3:13, “God’s purpose for people is not destruction but re-creation (see Isaiah 66:22; Revelation 21-22). God will purify the heavens and earth with fire; then he will create them anew. We can joyously look forward to the restoration of God’s good world” LASB.

[ix] Note on Matthew 6:33 [brackets mine], “To ‘seek the Kingdom of God above all else’ means to put God first in [lives], to fill [our] thoughts with his desires, to take his character for [our] pattern, and to serve and obey him in everything. What is really important…? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important to [us] if [we] don’t actively choose to give God first place in every area of [our lives],” LASB

Consider the Steps to Peace with God; see how to cross over to the narrow road.

 

 

In the World But Not of It

 War breaks out in Canaan! (See Genesis 14:1-14) Alliances form—five kings against four other kings. Subjected by Kedorlaomer, king of the Elamites, for 12 years, nations rebel in this 13th year.

Abram is caught right in the middle, encamped near those great trees belonging to Mamre, the Amorite. Mamre, with his brothers Eschol and Aner, ally with Abram.

Abram learns of the sacking of Sodom and Gomorrah, (his nephew Lot lives in Sodom). That city of the plain that once looked so good to Lot lies in ruins.

Distressed at the capture of Lot and all his goods, Abram takes 318 men and pursues Kedorlaomer's army as far as Dan. In the dark of the night Abram divides his men, positioning them, ready to attack from all directions... (Continued next time, or discover for yourself by reading Genesis chapter 14.)

Zooming centuries ahead now to the New Testament era, we hear Jesus declaring, "You will hear of wars and rumors of war... Nation rising against nation... But the end is not yet... The Good News of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to all nations..."  (Matthew 24:6-14)

The Bible speaks of yet another war that has been raging since times immemorial—a spiritual war, and we're all caught up in it no matter who we are or where we are. Having been deceived by the evil one in the Garden of Eden long ago, we have been alienated from God since, the nature of the evil one enslaving us. (Genesis 3:14-15.)

However, "...God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Thus, we have the means for a new alliance with the Creator of the universe, and the message to be carried to all 'nations' (peoples).

And we read, as Jesus' time for departure draws near—for Him to return to the Father—He prays for His disciples (and for us), "They are not of this world, as I am not of it, yet they remain in the world laboring for the Kingdom until Your time, Father, for My return. Until then, protect them from the evil one and his deceptive ways." (See John 17:12-23.)

The apostle Paul admonishes us, as he writes to the Ephesians (Eph. 6:10-18), to put on the full armor of God, and pray always, that we may thwart all those fiery darts the evil one throws at us. 

For more on the spiritual war consider The Invisible War by Donald Grey Barnhouse.

Moving on further through time, to the 1800s, we meet one Mary Slessor of Scotland, faithfully laboring for the Kingdom of God among the peoples of Africa. 

From rags to spiritual riches, Mary Slessor was subject to poverty and family strife as a child. But finding her true wealth in Jesus, the Christ (Messiah) empowers her to do exploits for God's glory. 

After the death of her alcoholic earthly father, Mary Slessor works in home missions, yet with foreign missions deeply on her heart. Then, at the age of 27, in 1876, she sails for Calabar on the African continent (present-day Nigeria).

There she discovers her heart's desire in supervising schools, caring for the sick, helping in settling disputes, and mothering unwanted children. On Sundays, she travels from village to village sharing the riches of the Kingdom, which is "Christ ... the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27-28). Despite evil forces abounding on every front, including witchcraft, spiritism, and cruel tribal customs, Mary Slessor relentlessly pursues the task God has entrusted to her.

And God continues His search today for other "Mary Slessors" who will give up their smaller ambitions, realizing their citizenship in Christ, to labor faithfully for Christ's cause in this world below. 



Coming next month The Blessing of Blessing

Dare to be a Daniel

 Stepping into our time machine once again—the annals of history—we zoom back to the year 605 B.C. Nebuchadnazzar, King of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem and takes Jehoiakim, king of Judah, captive. Ravaging the city, he carries into exile to Babylon the remnant, those who escaped the devastation. In Babylon they are forced to be servants of Nebuchadnazzar, then of his sons, then of the kingdoms of the Medes and Persians—70 long years.

(This removal of God’s people from the Promised Land happened with God's permission. By their idolatrous worship and disobedience to God's commands, scoffing at His prophets, they only heaped upon themselves God's wrath and their pending doom.)

Among those taken captive is a youth named Daniel, who, because of his aptitude for learning and handsome appearance, serves in the king's palace all the days of captivity— through the reigns of Nebuchadnazzar, Belshazzar, Darius the Mede, and Cyrus the Persian. And Daniel loves his God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and faithfully serves Him, too, all his life. He is thus a faithful witness before the governing powers that be, never compromising his faith in any way.

Yet, some administrators and other officials criticize Daniel's stance and seek grounds for accusation against him. Finding none, they devise their own. They convince Darius the Mede, then king in Babylon, to issue a decree, "that anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions' den" (Daniel 6:7)

Undaunted by the decree, Daniel continues as he has always done—in his upstairs room, facing toward Jerusalem, praying three times a day to his God, and giving thanks.

A-ha! Finding Daniel in his praying ways and asking God for help, his accusers take him before Darius. And, "in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed," Daniel is thrown into the lions' den.

Unable to sleep all night, however, and without eating or any palace entertainment, at daybreak, Darius rushes to the lions' den. He is pleasantly surprised finding Daniel unscathed and safe, the angels of God had shut the lions' mouths. Consequently, Darius has Daniel's accusers along with their families thrown into that den of lions. The lions overpowering them crush their bones.

Darius then writes to all the "people, nations, and men of every language" about Daniel's God, "...He is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed..." (Daniel 6:26)

Our time machine now sweeps us home back to the 21st Century, and we realize that the spiritual warfare continues throughout the world, as in the days of Daniel, even worsening, and will continue to the end of time.

God continues His search today for faithful "Daniels" and "Danielle’s," uncompromising in their faith. Those who will bravely stand before the nations and the governing powers that be, perhaps in the face of intimidation and ridicule (perhaps in the face of actual persecution), and proclaim that our God is the living God, the one true God, enduring forever, whose kingdom will not be destroyed. (See Matthew 16:18.)

Through these dark days, today let us pray as Peter prayed in the first century, "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus" (Acts 4:29-30).

The LORD says,  

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).


For further study and/or group discussion: Daniel 1, 6; 2 Chronicles 12; 36:15-23.

Coming next month Recovering Eternal Values

 

A Sight of Wondrous Beauty I See

 A sight of wondrous beauty I see: no ordinary baby

Lying in a manger, more than a prodigy. Born of a virgin,

Conceived of the Holy Spirit, the Christ (Messiah),

Born to me Savior and Lord!

(See Matthew 1:18; Luke1:27-28; Galatians 4:4.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: no ordinary man walking the earth,

More than a “miracle worker.” Existing with God since before the beginning of time,

He’s all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present.

He created all things and through Him, all things hold together.

He heals the blind, the deaf, the crippled, the diseased, and the sin-sick.

He aroused the crowd. He turned the world upside down – nay, upside right!

(See Colossians 1:15-17.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: a rugged cross on a hill called “Calvary,”

Blood-stained, where He suffered and died for me –

Paying the penalty for my sin.

(See Matthew 27:35-38; Mark 15:25-32; Luke 23:32-43; John 19:18-27.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: the tomb

Where He was buried, the entrance, sealed with a stone.

My sins, too, are buried there – forgiven, as far as the east is from the west.

(See Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: the stone rolled away.

He is raised from the dead – raised to eternally secure

The future of all who receive Him in repentance and faith;

Now seated at the Father’s right hand in Heaven,

He prays for His own. He prays for me.

(See Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10;

Luke 24:50-53; Mark 16:19-20; Acts 1:6-11.)

A sight of wondrous beauty I see: Jesus –

God’s love gift to the entire world!

(See John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 8:32; 1 John 4:9-10; 5:13.)

Thank You, Father, for first loving me, that I may love others likewise.

Thank You also for all the “cloudy days” that are sure to come my way.

Your grace is all-sufficient for this earthly life with my sight daily fixed on Jesus,

Working and watching for His return.

(See Exodus 4:12; John 17:18; 20:21; Matthew 28:19; Luke 19:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9)

Coming next month Dare To Be a Daniel