Can You Read the Future?

No, this isn't a trick question.

If you eat a certain restaurants, you are presented with a "fortune cookie" as you leave. Most newspapers have a horoscope section (though I've often wondered if it should be called the horror-scope). As you drive around, you'll see fortune teller's shops, here and there, and also palm-readers. Sometimes even practitioners of black-magic advertise their services.

Sometimes, many of us get tempted.

But what's worse, it seems that every young person in the world today believes (or wants to believe) in voodoo, reincarnation, ghosts and spirit inhabitation. As much as it horrifies the rest of us, there is a possible explanation in the Bible.

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call." Joel 2:28-32) kjv

Does this mean that all this horror-film stuff is for real? Thank heavens this is not generally the case. We know, however, that Satan will stop at nothing to discredit the Word of God. The prince of darkness has our world by the nose, and is leading us all astray. He is constantly perverting the reality that God has decreed. If enough of us fall for the devil's lies and deceptions, we will ignore the warnings of those inspired by God.

So, what is the answer?

Study God's Word. Prepare yourself for the coming tribulation, for it is a sure and certain thing. Listen to those who seem to spouting nonsense, some of them may be divinely inspired. Obviously, quite a few are not, but even those are God's children, and they will need to understand what is happening, and what to prepare for. You may be their one chance to hear of God's love for them.

Don't waste that chance.

Our Father is counting on you. Make Him proud!

See you soon, in Paradise!

God's Choice - Love!

So, where does "love" actually begin?

What causes us to start loving?

Must "love" always fade with time, and if so, why?

What does this have to do with our relationship with God?

Every one who has ever had children, and loved them, has experienced the heartache that goes with seeing them begin to change, losing their child-like innocence and trust. Something has started an alteration that scares parents badly. Growing up ALWAYS brings about changes in our kids. I know I've spent a lot of time in prayer, begging and pleading with God that some way be found to keep these characteristics in the kids I love, and let them grow up without losing these traits. Please, God! Oh, please!

The bible tells us, "Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (2 Cor 12:14) drv

"Parents for the children." Hmmm... We also know that the Bible tells us to raise up our kids in the way we want them to go, and they will not depart from it.

But, we are also aware that children always change... always.

There are many kids I care a lot about. Some of them have "adopted" me as uncle or grandfather, one as a "best friend." I love each of them quite a lot. I worry about every one, and pray a lot for all of them.

They cannot just "stay kids." God never intended it to be that way. He has given them freedom of choice, just as He gave it to all of us. In the same manner that you and I have veered from God's chosen path, so also will our kids as they grow older, and it will always hurt us because of our love for them.

But, what started this love that we share with our children? Why does it hurt so much when these inevitable changes start to happen?

What is "love," anyway? Where does it start, and why?

A lot of men will find this to be disquieting, but a child's love begins with its trust in its mother. Knowing that mom will take care of them, no matter what, makes the infant learn to love. It takes a little longer with dad, but the process of developing a love for him starts in much the same way.

Our love for God is also based on trust. "As for God, his way is perfect; The word of Jehovah is tried: He is a shield to all that trust in him." (2 Sam 22:31) dar

"But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you." (Psalm 5:11) web

Kids can only love those whom they trust. As the world erodes their trust, they begin to change. It is inevitable, and it is extremely heart-wrenching...

God feels about us in much the same way. His love for us is boundless. Good or bad, old or young, it makes no difference. He loves us all. He has proven, over and over again, that He is worthy of our trust, and our love. He hurts because of each and every one who has ever rejected Him. But, still He loves us, and always will... eternally.

"But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour." (1 Tim 6:11) bev

God doesn't want us to change, any more than we want our kids to do so. Trust Him, and love Him as your little child loves you. When worries seem overpowering, when life seems to be handing you more than you can deal with, when it all feels hopeless, turn to the only One who truly can make it all right again.

Oh, and make sure your children know beyond all doubt that they can ALWAYS trust you. You exemplify God's love to them.

Until we all meet again, in paradise.

Every One a Child of God

If you have, or have had, children, I ask you to think back to the time when you first held your precious baby in your hands. Do you remember the lumps in your throat, the tears in your eyes, or even the amazement you experienced that God had entrusted such a precious child to you?

I am a father, and I remember these feelings well. When I held my first born, I was terrified that I might drop him. I was afraid to do more than support him with my hands, so sure was I that hands, like mine, toughened by years of hard work, might just accidentally cause bruises, in one so tender.

Love for your children, and joy in their existence, go hand in hand. It is natural, and it is an amazing gift from God.

I have always loved kids, all of them. Some are easier to love, some require getting past obstacles they've inherited. Some have learned to not trust others, and this makes getting to know them very difficult. But, all of them, every one, is a child of God.

It isn't just the kids, either. We are all children of God's. Every one, no matter the age, is still a child of God. Look around you... Can you see the baby that an older person was? God can! That is one of the reasons we are supposed to continually remind others of God's love. He wants those who've strayed from His flock to find their way back to His love!

I have been very blessed. God has arranged things so that I seem to be able to reach most kids at whatever level they operate on. I listen to what they have to say, try to explain things in a way they can understand, and do not expect them to always be perfect. As a result, I have been "adopted" by a number of kids. I have been an (adopted) uncle, a grandpa, and very recently, a best friend (to a 4-year old!). There is an emotional overload to this "adoption" that cannot be described accurately. I am constantly in awe that God has given this gift to me.

You see, I am not perfect, either. I am very aware of my faults, and know that there is not one thing I could ever do to pay Him back adequately for this incredible gift, so I just end up loving kids all the more, and thanking God constantly.

Thank-you so much, God!

Please remember that God loves all kids; those who are just born, those who've entered their "terrible twos," teenagers, the elderly, and those not yet born. All are God's children. He loves everyone. He sent His Son to die for every single one. He want them all to come to His arms of love.

You...

me...

the unborn...

mobsters...

terrorists...

the handicapped...

Yes, even politicians!

Everybody is God's child! Some just need to be told or reminded.

Spread the love!