David probably said it best;
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." (Psalm 23) kjv
We complain a lot about everything. Face it, it's true. Money, family, health, opportunity, looks or home, we've all wished for something to be different. Most of these wishes likely fall into the classification of "covet," as in "Thou shalt not..."
Everything we are (and have) is a gift from God. What counts is what we do with these things we were given, not how much we complain about feeling we've been short-changed. Give God credit for His endless blessings, He didn't have to give it to you.
Father, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
Amen!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Beast - What Beast?
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil." (Gen 3:1-5)asv
The serpent here is Satan. "Any beast of the field" means animals, but it is interesting that the term "beast" will have a completely different meaning in Revelation.
"And they said one to another, Behold, there comes that dreamer! And now come and let us kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast has devoured him; and we will see what becomes of his dreams." (Gen 37:19-20)dar
In this reference, the term beast is conjectural, as Joseph's brothers plan to murder him, and try to pin the blame on wild animals.
There are many Old Testament references to "beast," but they still mean animals. Later we will see possible inferences of what is yet to come.
"And when Paul had gathered together a bundle of sticks, and had laid them on the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his hand, they said one to another: Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, who though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance doth not suffer him to live. And he indeed shaking off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm. But they supposed that he would begin to swell up, and that he would suddenly fall down and die. But expecting long, and seeing that there came no harm to him, changing their minds, they said, that he was a god."
(Acts 28:3-6)drv
The word "beast" here continues to mean animal, but note that merely the presence of this "beast" causes people to begin expecting a false god. The forces of Satan are already looking toward the future! Worse is yet to come.
"It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom his father doesn't discipline? But if you are without discipline, whereof all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby. Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, as Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, tempest, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, for they could not stand that which was enjoined, 'If even a animal touch the mountain, it will be stoned;' and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, 'I am terrified and trembling.' But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. See that you don't refuse him who speaks. For if they didn't escape when they refused him who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, whose voice shook the earth, then, but now he has promised, saying, 'Yet once more will I shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.' " (Heb 12:7-26)web
Who needs a mediator? Only one charged with a crime. Is there any one among us who is without blame? Please notice that God says it is important for us to be disciplined as His children because those without discipline are illegitimate, and are NOT His children! Being punished for our misdeeds does NOT give Him joy, but returning to His way does!
We are warned; Do not be bitter, immoral or profane.
Today's world does not seem to pay heed to this warning at all! Look around you. Outside of Christian society, foulness, wanton sexuality and general meanness of spirit prevail everywhere.
So, who is the "animal" (or beast) who will attempt to touch and conquer Mount Zion?
"But the court, which is without the temple, cast out, and measure it not: because it is given unto the Gentiles, and the holy city they shall tread under foot two and forty months: And I will give unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks, that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come out of their mouths, and shall devour their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, in this manner must he be slain. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and they have power over waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast, that ascendeth out of the abyss, shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Rev 11:2-7)drv
Okay, there will be two "preachers" who will give testimony and prophecy for forty-two months. They cannot be harmed until that time has passed, the "beast" will kill them. But, who is this "beast" who comes up out of the abyss?
"Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. They worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to continue for forty-two months was given to him. He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tent, those who dwell in heaven. It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. If anyone has an ear, let him hear." (Rev 13:1-9)web
It seems this "beast" will be killed mid-way through the Tribulation, but will be restored to life. Then, for the next forty-two months, he will declare war upon all who follow Christ. He will be in charge of everyone who is not Christian. We are reminded to pay attention to what God has spoken.
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Rev 13:11-17)kjv
This "second beast" is the dead beast, currently indwelt by Satan! He will fool many into thinking he is divine. All will be made to suffer.
"A mysterious caption was written on her forehead: 'Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and Idol Worship Everywhere around the World.' I could see that she was drunk - drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus she had killed. I stared at her in horror. 'Why are you so surprised?' the angel asked. 'I'll tell you who she is and what the animal she is riding represents. He was alive but isn't now. And yet, soon he will come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction; and the people of the earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life before the world began, will be dumbfounded at his reappearance after being dead.' " (Rev 17:5-8)tlb
Babylon the Great is the home, and center of government for, the "beast." Have you figured out just who he is, yet?
"These have one design: and their strength and power they shall deliver to the beast. These shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, because he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and elect, and faithful. And he said to me: The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest in the beast: these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her with fire. For God hath given into their hearts to do that which pleaseth him: that they give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest, is the great city, which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth."
(Rev 17:13-18)drv
A lot of Revelation is confusing, at least it is to us now. Basically, what is said here is that the forces of evil (Satan's armies) will array themselves against the Lamb of God (Jesus), and lose everything. What is incredible is that these satanic armies are doing God's will, to fulfill all that has be foretold.
Final score - God wins, Satan loses!
So, who is this "beast," anyway? We call him the Antichrist. The probability is very large that he is alive today, working to establish himself into a position of power. From that point, he will be ready to jump into action for his master, Satan, when the opportunity arises.
Where's the beast?
He's out there, waiting, watching, planning...
Stay alert and be ready!
The serpent here is Satan. "Any beast of the field" means animals, but it is interesting that the term "beast" will have a completely different meaning in Revelation.
"And they said one to another, Behold, there comes that dreamer! And now come and let us kill him, and cast him into one of the pits, and we will say, An evil beast has devoured him; and we will see what becomes of his dreams." (Gen 37:19-20)dar
In this reference, the term beast is conjectural, as Joseph's brothers plan to murder him, and try to pin the blame on wild animals.
There are many Old Testament references to "beast," but they still mean animals. Later we will see possible inferences of what is yet to come.
"And when Paul had gathered together a bundle of sticks, and had laid them on the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his hand, they said one to another: Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, who though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance doth not suffer him to live. And he indeed shaking off the beast into the fire, suffered no harm. But they supposed that he would begin to swell up, and that he would suddenly fall down and die. But expecting long, and seeing that there came no harm to him, changing their minds, they said, that he was a god."
(Acts 28:3-6)drv
The word "beast" here continues to mean animal, but note that merely the presence of this "beast" causes people to begin expecting a false god. The forces of Satan are already looking toward the future! Worse is yet to come.
"It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom his father doesn't discipline? But if you are without discipline, whereof all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby. Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man will see the Lord, looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby the many be defiled; lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, as Esau, who sold his birthright for one meal. For you know that even when he afterward desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for a change of mind though he sought it diligently with tears. For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, tempest, the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them, for they could not stand that which was enjoined, 'If even a animal touch the mountain, it will be stoned;' and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, 'I am terrified and trembling.' But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable hosts of angels, to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel. See that you don't refuse him who speaks. For if they didn't escape when they refused him who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, whose voice shook the earth, then, but now he has promised, saying, 'Yet once more will I shake not only the earth, but also the heavens.' " (Heb 12:7-26)web
Who needs a mediator? Only one charged with a crime. Is there any one among us who is without blame? Please notice that God says it is important for us to be disciplined as His children because those without discipline are illegitimate, and are NOT His children! Being punished for our misdeeds does NOT give Him joy, but returning to His way does!
We are warned; Do not be bitter, immoral or profane.
Today's world does not seem to pay heed to this warning at all! Look around you. Outside of Christian society, foulness, wanton sexuality and general meanness of spirit prevail everywhere.
So, who is the "animal" (or beast) who will attempt to touch and conquer Mount Zion?
"But the court, which is without the temple, cast out, and measure it not: because it is given unto the Gentiles, and the holy city they shall tread under foot two and forty months: And I will give unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks, that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire shall come out of their mouths, and shall devour their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, in this manner must he be slain. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and they have power over waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast, that ascendeth out of the abyss, shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Rev 11:2-7)drv
Okay, there will be two "preachers" who will give testimony and prophecy for forty-two months. They cannot be harmed until that time has passed, the "beast" will kill them. But, who is this "beast" who comes up out of the abyss?
"Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads, blasphemous names. The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. One of his heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. His fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast. They worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?' A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to continue for forty-two months was given to him. He opened his mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tent, those who dwell in heaven. It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed. If anyone has an ear, let him hear." (Rev 13:1-9)web
It seems this "beast" will be killed mid-way through the Tribulation, but will be restored to life. Then, for the next forty-two months, he will declare war upon all who follow Christ. He will be in charge of everyone who is not Christian. We are reminded to pay attention to what God has spoken.
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." (Rev 13:11-17)kjv
This "second beast" is the dead beast, currently indwelt by Satan! He will fool many into thinking he is divine. All will be made to suffer.
"A mysterious caption was written on her forehead: 'Babylon the Great, Mother of Prostitutes and Idol Worship Everywhere around the World.' I could see that she was drunk - drunk with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus she had killed. I stared at her in horror. 'Why are you so surprised?' the angel asked. 'I'll tell you who she is and what the animal she is riding represents. He was alive but isn't now. And yet, soon he will come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction; and the people of the earth, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life before the world began, will be dumbfounded at his reappearance after being dead.' " (Rev 17:5-8)tlb
Babylon the Great is the home, and center of government for, the "beast." Have you figured out just who he is, yet?
"These have one design: and their strength and power they shall deliver to the beast. These shall fight with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, because he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and elect, and faithful. And he said to me: The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest in the beast: these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and shall burn her with fire. For God hath given into their hearts to do that which pleaseth him: that they give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest, is the great city, which hath kingdom over the kings of the earth."
(Rev 17:13-18)drv
A lot of Revelation is confusing, at least it is to us now. Basically, what is said here is that the forces of evil (Satan's armies) will array themselves against the Lamb of God (Jesus), and lose everything. What is incredible is that these satanic armies are doing God's will, to fulfill all that has be foretold.
Final score - God wins, Satan loses!
So, who is this "beast," anyway? We call him the Antichrist. The probability is very large that he is alive today, working to establish himself into a position of power. From that point, he will be ready to jump into action for his master, Satan, when the opportunity arises.
Where's the beast?
He's out there, waiting, watching, planning...
Stay alert and be ready!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Dictators - Precursors to the Antichrist
I read a lot, but I'm interested in most subjects. I guess I'm just about as eclectic in what I read as in the music I listen to. I have been reading two different books at the same time. One is "Caribbean" by James Michener. The other is "Talk of the Devil" by Riccardo Orizio. The first is a fictionalized retelling of historical events in the Caribbean Sea, the second is a collection of interviews with deposed dictators and/or their spouses.
At first glance you would not think they had too much in common. Michener has a tendency to focus too much on the "bawdy" details that help him sell his books, but detract somewhat from recognizing their historical accuracy. Orizio's book is mostly a "first-person" telling of his encounters with various despicable individuals.
Additionally, "Talk of the Devil" is fairly quick reading, but "Caribbean" is HUGE, more than 650 pages! In all honesty, were Michener to have written it simply as a history, it still would have been about half as long.
Both of these books cover the topic of dictatorships. Both somewhat humanize these individuals in such a manner that you can see that they thought what they were doing was needed at that time.
Does that make them right?
Throughout history there have been many more dictatorships than all other forms of government combined. Some few were relatively benign. Very few resulted in an improvement in the human condition.
As you might expect, most dictators were egotistical scoundrels of the first order.
Does the Bible speak of dictators?
"Woe to them that make wicked laws: and when they write, write injustice: To oppress the poor in judgment, and do violence to the cause of the humble of my people: that widows might be their prey, and that they might rob the fatherless." (Isa 10:1-2)drv
-and-
"So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun."
(Ecc 4:1-3)kjv
But, haven't dictators always been around?
"Now it happened on it certain day, that Joseph went into the house, and was doing some business without any man with him: And she catching the skirt of his garment, said: Lie with me. But he leaving the garment in her hand, fled, and went out. And when the woman saw the garment in her hands, and herself disregarded, She called to her the men of her house, and said to them: See, he hath brought in a Hebrew, to abuse us: he came in to me, to lie with me: and when I cried out, And he heard my voice, he left the garment that I held, and got him out. For a proof therefore of her fidelity, she kept the garment, and shewed it to her husband when he returned home: And said: The Hebrew servant, whom thou best brought, came to me to abuse me. And when he heard me cry, he left the garment which I held, and fled out. His master hearing these things, and giving too much credit to his wife's words, was very angry. And cast Joseph into the prison, where the king's prisoners were kept, and he was there shut up." (Gen 39:11-20)drv
Obviously, they have been here for quite some time.
"And the king hath done according to his will, and exalteth himself, and magnifieth himself against every god, and against the God of gods he speaketh wonderful things, and hath prospered till the indignation hath been completed, for that which is determined hath been done. And unto the God of his fathers he doth not attend, nor to the desire of women, yea, to any god he doth not attend, for against all he magnifieth himself." (Dan 11:36-37)ylt
There will never be a "good dictator," of that there cannot be any doubt. But, why have we had so many? Possibly more important, why would a nation, like ours, be gradually turning from a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" to one that is increasingly dictatorial? Just overcoming the ingrained prejudices inherited from past despotism has taken hundreds of years!
Why give these advances up now? What foul influence is contaminating so many people?
Actually, I think a lot of it is to establish precedence for evil. That way, when the ultimate dictator, the Antichrist, takes over, there will be a massive majority that believe, "We've always had dictators. What's wrong with that?"
Look around you, today. How many times have you heard... "We've always had crime," or murder, or floods, or infidelity, or tornadoes, or disease, or wars, or inflation, or dishonest politicians (choose any). Dictators? Big deal! That's what they will say. We've always had dictators.
But, why? What is it about repetition that calms peoples' worries? Could this continuing tendency toward despotism have a satanic origin?
Please remember that Satan does know Scripture, and he does know people, as well. We like to feel we are comfortable with events as they transpire. We look at the weather, and say, "I expect rain." Cold, wind, heat, hurricanes, it doesn't really matter, we like to feel like WE are in charge. The devil plays us all for fools in these matters. Why else would people keep consulting fortune tellers or horoscopes?
So we say, "Hey, but I believe in God! I'm a Christian!"
God's Word says, "You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder." (Jas 2:19)web
You must constantly be aware that there are evil plans afoot. You must prepare for them, and assist others to reach an understanding of what God has said, and what the future holds. Above all, do not fall into the trap of trying to "pin God down" as to dates and times. Remember, "But of that day and hour no one knoweth, not the angels of heaven, but the Father alone." (Mat 24:36)drv
Salvation is NOT an insurance policy!
God does not want you to live an evil lifestyle, and then get saved "just in the nick of time." He wants your all!
Consider these words of Peter's. "Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you; as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they do also to the other scriptures, to their own destruction." (2Pet 3:15-16)web
It isn't just the ignorant and unsettled who "twist" God's Word. One is coming who has made it his top priority to keep as many as possible from God's kingdom
.
Don't let Satan be your dictator!
At first glance you would not think they had too much in common. Michener has a tendency to focus too much on the "bawdy" details that help him sell his books, but detract somewhat from recognizing their historical accuracy. Orizio's book is mostly a "first-person" telling of his encounters with various despicable individuals.
Additionally, "Talk of the Devil" is fairly quick reading, but "Caribbean" is HUGE, more than 650 pages! In all honesty, were Michener to have written it simply as a history, it still would have been about half as long.
Both of these books cover the topic of dictatorships. Both somewhat humanize these individuals in such a manner that you can see that they thought what they were doing was needed at that time.
Does that make them right?
Throughout history there have been many more dictatorships than all other forms of government combined. Some few were relatively benign. Very few resulted in an improvement in the human condition.
As you might expect, most dictators were egotistical scoundrels of the first order.
Does the Bible speak of dictators?
"Woe to them that make wicked laws: and when they write, write injustice: To oppress the poor in judgment, and do violence to the cause of the humble of my people: that widows might be their prey, and that they might rob the fatherless." (Isa 10:1-2)drv
-and-
"So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun."
(Ecc 4:1-3)kjv
But, haven't dictators always been around?
"Now it happened on it certain day, that Joseph went into the house, and was doing some business without any man with him: And she catching the skirt of his garment, said: Lie with me. But he leaving the garment in her hand, fled, and went out. And when the woman saw the garment in her hands, and herself disregarded, She called to her the men of her house, and said to them: See, he hath brought in a Hebrew, to abuse us: he came in to me, to lie with me: and when I cried out, And he heard my voice, he left the garment that I held, and got him out. For a proof therefore of her fidelity, she kept the garment, and shewed it to her husband when he returned home: And said: The Hebrew servant, whom thou best brought, came to me to abuse me. And when he heard me cry, he left the garment which I held, and fled out. His master hearing these things, and giving too much credit to his wife's words, was very angry. And cast Joseph into the prison, where the king's prisoners were kept, and he was there shut up." (Gen 39:11-20)drv
Obviously, they have been here for quite some time.
"And the king hath done according to his will, and exalteth himself, and magnifieth himself against every god, and against the God of gods he speaketh wonderful things, and hath prospered till the indignation hath been completed, for that which is determined hath been done. And unto the God of his fathers he doth not attend, nor to the desire of women, yea, to any god he doth not attend, for against all he magnifieth himself." (Dan 11:36-37)ylt
There will never be a "good dictator," of that there cannot be any doubt. But, why have we had so many? Possibly more important, why would a nation, like ours, be gradually turning from a "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" to one that is increasingly dictatorial? Just overcoming the ingrained prejudices inherited from past despotism has taken hundreds of years!
Why give these advances up now? What foul influence is contaminating so many people?
Actually, I think a lot of it is to establish precedence for evil. That way, when the ultimate dictator, the Antichrist, takes over, there will be a massive majority that believe, "We've always had dictators. What's wrong with that?"
Look around you, today. How many times have you heard... "We've always had crime," or murder, or floods, or infidelity, or tornadoes, or disease, or wars, or inflation, or dishonest politicians (choose any). Dictators? Big deal! That's what they will say. We've always had dictators.
But, why? What is it about repetition that calms peoples' worries? Could this continuing tendency toward despotism have a satanic origin?
Please remember that Satan does know Scripture, and he does know people, as well. We like to feel we are comfortable with events as they transpire. We look at the weather, and say, "I expect rain." Cold, wind, heat, hurricanes, it doesn't really matter, we like to feel like WE are in charge. The devil plays us all for fools in these matters. Why else would people keep consulting fortune tellers or horoscopes?
So we say, "Hey, but I believe in God! I'm a Christian!"
God's Word says, "You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder." (Jas 2:19)web
You must constantly be aware that there are evil plans afoot. You must prepare for them, and assist others to reach an understanding of what God has said, and what the future holds. Above all, do not fall into the trap of trying to "pin God down" as to dates and times. Remember, "But of that day and hour no one knoweth, not the angels of heaven, but the Father alone." (Mat 24:36)drv
Salvation is NOT an insurance policy!
God does not want you to live an evil lifestyle, and then get saved "just in the nick of time." He wants your all!
Consider these words of Peter's. "Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you; as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they do also to the other scriptures, to their own destruction." (2Pet 3:15-16)web
It isn't just the ignorant and unsettled who "twist" God's Word. One is coming who has made it his top priority to keep as many as possible from God's kingdom
.
Don't let Satan be your dictator!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Scoffers
I wish we could just call them "doubting Thomases" but, unfortunately, they represent something far worse than that. These are people who are so influenced by satanic forces that they actively oppose God's Word.
Mind you, I do not mean to include those who are uncertain, nor those who are merely trying to figure out what it is they want to believe. I want you to know that there are many who aggressively fight against God. This group includes (but is not limited to) proponents of: witchcraft, naturalism, mysticism, evolution, and brain-damaged politicians who maintain that Christians "cling bitterly" to their religion.
We find warnings in the Bible about these individuals.
"First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will come scoffers who will do every wrong they can think of, and laugh at the truth. This will be their line of argument: 'So Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He? He'll never come! Why, as far back as anyone can remember everything has remained exactly as it was since the first day of creation.' They deliberately forget this fact: that God did destroy the world with a mighty flood, long after He had made the heavens by the Word of His command, and had used the waters to form the earth and surround it. And God has commanded that the earth and the heavens be stored away for a great bonfire at the judgement day, when all ungodly men will perish. But don't forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn't really being slow about His promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But He is waiting, for the good reason that He is unwilling that any should perish, and He is giving more time for sinners to repent." (2Pet3:3-9)tlb
Remember, God's time is His own. It is not up to us to decide when predicted events will happen, and it never has been so. Do you remember when Mount St. Helens blew up? There was an old man living up there, with more than a dozen cats. Many pointed out to him that the mountain was unsafe, due to the near-continuous shaking, and all the steam escaping from the ground. The old guy told one reporter, "Nobody knows this mountain like me." He stayed. The mountain blew up, and took him and his cats with it.
You see, it is easy to scoff, but you might not be right. Without God, you cannot be. Never doubt that which God has said will come to pass. He gave us His Word on it.
Peter did have a few more things to say on this subject.
"Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for Him to come, try hard to live without sinning: and be at peace with everyone so that He will be pleased with you when He returns. And remember why He is waiting. He is giving us time to get His message of salvation out to others. Our wise and beloved brother Paul has talked about these things in many of his letters. Some of his comments are not easy to understand, and there are people who are deliberately stupid, and always demand some unusual interpretation - they have twisted his letters around to mean something quite different from what he meant, just as they do the other parts of the Scripture - and the result is disaster for them. I am warning you ahead of time, dear brothers, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the mistakes of these wicked men, lest you yourselves become mixed up too. But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be all glory and splendid honor, both now and forevermore. Good-bye." (2Pet3:14-18)tlb
Once again, we are reminded to spread the Word. It is why we are still here. Our Lord is not willing that anyone should lose the battle against evil, and his soul. While you are busy spreading the Good News, pray for everyone, even those who have doubts, and especially for the scoffers!
Remember this! Paul actively fought against Christianity! Jesus reached him, and turned him into an evangelist, probably the greatest of all time. How many more may there be?
Do right by God. He is counting on YOU!
Mind you, I do not mean to include those who are uncertain, nor those who are merely trying to figure out what it is they want to believe. I want you to know that there are many who aggressively fight against God. This group includes (but is not limited to) proponents of: witchcraft, naturalism, mysticism, evolution, and brain-damaged politicians who maintain that Christians "cling bitterly" to their religion.
We find warnings in the Bible about these individuals.
"First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will come scoffers who will do every wrong they can think of, and laugh at the truth. This will be their line of argument: 'So Jesus promised to come back, did He? Then where is He? He'll never come! Why, as far back as anyone can remember everything has remained exactly as it was since the first day of creation.' They deliberately forget this fact: that God did destroy the world with a mighty flood, long after He had made the heavens by the Word of His command, and had used the waters to form the earth and surround it. And God has commanded that the earth and the heavens be stored away for a great bonfire at the judgement day, when all ungodly men will perish. But don't forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn't really being slow about His promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But He is waiting, for the good reason that He is unwilling that any should perish, and He is giving more time for sinners to repent." (2Pet3:3-9)tlb
Remember, God's time is His own. It is not up to us to decide when predicted events will happen, and it never has been so. Do you remember when Mount St. Helens blew up? There was an old man living up there, with more than a dozen cats. Many pointed out to him that the mountain was unsafe, due to the near-continuous shaking, and all the steam escaping from the ground. The old guy told one reporter, "Nobody knows this mountain like me." He stayed. The mountain blew up, and took him and his cats with it.
You see, it is easy to scoff, but you might not be right. Without God, you cannot be. Never doubt that which God has said will come to pass. He gave us His Word on it.
Peter did have a few more things to say on this subject.
"Dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen and for Him to come, try hard to live without sinning: and be at peace with everyone so that He will be pleased with you when He returns. And remember why He is waiting. He is giving us time to get His message of salvation out to others. Our wise and beloved brother Paul has talked about these things in many of his letters. Some of his comments are not easy to understand, and there are people who are deliberately stupid, and always demand some unusual interpretation - they have twisted his letters around to mean something quite different from what he meant, just as they do the other parts of the Scripture - and the result is disaster for them. I am warning you ahead of time, dear brothers, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the mistakes of these wicked men, lest you yourselves become mixed up too. But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be all glory and splendid honor, both now and forevermore. Good-bye." (2Pet3:14-18)tlb
Once again, we are reminded to spread the Word. It is why we are still here. Our Lord is not willing that anyone should lose the battle against evil, and his soul. While you are busy spreading the Good News, pray for everyone, even those who have doubts, and especially for the scoffers!
Remember this! Paul actively fought against Christianity! Jesus reached him, and turned him into an evangelist, probably the greatest of all time. How many more may there be?
Do right by God. He is counting on YOU!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Promises - Kept or Broken?
Do you ALWAYS tell the truth?
Most of us generally mean to do so, but...
You see, part of the problem is that we are surrounded by liars. We have grown accustomed to their lack of veracity, and we've come to expect it. In our society, liars prosper in every field, and in every endeavor. Almost all politicians lie, whether it involves his having had sex with an individual to whom he is NOT married, or to his ability to bring about hope and change in America. The hyper-wealthy lie about their income, so as to avoid taxes. Those at the other end of the economic spectrum lie in order to continue to receive free handouts from the government.
People who crave the limelight lie in order to promote their current favorite "inconvenient truth" (otherwise known as a lie). In general, people will lie about almost anything, so long as it makes them appear more important.
People promise to "forsake all others" when they marry, but that gets tossed by the side of the road as soon as it can be arranged. Everyone seems to believe that this type of lying is normal, and that we should all just accept it.
God doesn't feel this way. His Word is His promise, and He stands by it. Always. Even when those to whom He's made His promises do not keep their own. He does something when He makes a promise that we should all learn from; He backs up His promises with Himself! Not with a document notarized by some fallible individual... not with some corrupt politician's OK... not with some high court's ruling... God's promises are backed by God!
"Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto the land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
(Gen 12:1-3)kjv
To this day, God has kept this promise. Even though His people often did not deserve His blessing or protection, He's kept His promise!
"And Jehovah said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art, northward and southward and eastward and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: So that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered." (Gen 13:14-16)kjv
How many descendents does Abraham have today? Remember, all of us who are Christian have been "adopted" into this family. Care to count particles of dust?
We will ALL fail, from time to time. We, every one of us, will sin. In doing so, we turn away from God! But, He does not turn away from us! Remember what He said; "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20)kjv
David failed God more than once. He repented of his sin and changed his ways, and was a "man after God's own heart."
Can we strive to be any less?
Most of us generally mean to do so, but...
You see, part of the problem is that we are surrounded by liars. We have grown accustomed to their lack of veracity, and we've come to expect it. In our society, liars prosper in every field, and in every endeavor. Almost all politicians lie, whether it involves his having had sex with an individual to whom he is NOT married, or to his ability to bring about hope and change in America. The hyper-wealthy lie about their income, so as to avoid taxes. Those at the other end of the economic spectrum lie in order to continue to receive free handouts from the government.
People who crave the limelight lie in order to promote their current favorite "inconvenient truth" (otherwise known as a lie). In general, people will lie about almost anything, so long as it makes them appear more important.
People promise to "forsake all others" when they marry, but that gets tossed by the side of the road as soon as it can be arranged. Everyone seems to believe that this type of lying is normal, and that we should all just accept it.
God doesn't feel this way. His Word is His promise, and He stands by it. Always. Even when those to whom He's made His promises do not keep their own. He does something when He makes a promise that we should all learn from; He backs up His promises with Himself! Not with a document notarized by some fallible individual... not with some corrupt politician's OK... not with some high court's ruling... God's promises are backed by God!
"Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto the land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
(Gen 12:1-3)kjv
To this day, God has kept this promise. Even though His people often did not deserve His blessing or protection, He's kept His promise!
"And Jehovah said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art, northward and southward and eastward and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: So that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then may thy seed also be numbered." (Gen 13:14-16)kjv
How many descendents does Abraham have today? Remember, all of us who are Christian have been "adopted" into this family. Care to count particles of dust?
We will ALL fail, from time to time. We, every one of us, will sin. In doing so, we turn away from God! But, He does not turn away from us! Remember what He said; "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Rev 3:20)kjv
David failed God more than once. He repented of his sin and changed his ways, and was a "man after God's own heart."
Can we strive to be any less?
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Have you ever read a book that hit you so hard you actually hurt when you finished it? I've just read such a book! Its called; "Forfeiting All Sanity," by Jenifer Poss Taylor.
She, and her husband, David, finding themselves unable to have children of their own, turned to adoption. One of the three kids they adopted was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, though they were unaware of this fact at the time of the adoption.
FAS can occur during any pregnancy wherein the expectant mother consumes ANY amount of alcohol. You see, it has no bearing on how much the pregnant woman drinks, but rather on how well the fetus metabolizes the alcohol that goes into its bloodstream, via the umbilical cord. One sip, or a weekend of intoxication... there seems to be absolutely no correlation between the amount she drinks and the intensity of the damage done to the unborn baby.
And, what damage! The physical aberrations include damage that resembles Down's Syndrome, muscle and nerve control, optical damage and severe lack of coordination. The brain damage makes these things seem minor, by comparison. Children affected by FAS are unable to be disciplined. Cause and effect have no meaning to them. Self-awareness runs from non-existent to total, depending on circumstances. They can be anxious and panicky about events that others find normal. They cannot control their anger, and steal whenever they wish to do so. They are far more prone to using drugs and being promiscuous at a very early age.
Can you imagine the terror that a parent of such a child must live with on a day-to-day basis? How can you protect a child with FAS?
A little research online leads to the possibility that the increase in convicted felons may be due to the ever increasing numbers of those who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome due to their mom's drinking.
Read the book. If you have sympathy in your heart, it WILL bring tears to your eyes. By the time you've finished reading it, you might (like me) start thinking that drinking while pregnant is the worst form of torture of a child that there has ever been, and just may be even more satanic than abortion. Please visit jenniferposstaylor.com for more info.
Kids are for loving. God says so.
Please...
She, and her husband, David, finding themselves unable to have children of their own, turned to adoption. One of the three kids they adopted was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, though they were unaware of this fact at the time of the adoption.
FAS can occur during any pregnancy wherein the expectant mother consumes ANY amount of alcohol. You see, it has no bearing on how much the pregnant woman drinks, but rather on how well the fetus metabolizes the alcohol that goes into its bloodstream, via the umbilical cord. One sip, or a weekend of intoxication... there seems to be absolutely no correlation between the amount she drinks and the intensity of the damage done to the unborn baby.
And, what damage! The physical aberrations include damage that resembles Down's Syndrome, muscle and nerve control, optical damage and severe lack of coordination. The brain damage makes these things seem minor, by comparison. Children affected by FAS are unable to be disciplined. Cause and effect have no meaning to them. Self-awareness runs from non-existent to total, depending on circumstances. They can be anxious and panicky about events that others find normal. They cannot control their anger, and steal whenever they wish to do so. They are far more prone to using drugs and being promiscuous at a very early age.
Can you imagine the terror that a parent of such a child must live with on a day-to-day basis? How can you protect a child with FAS?
A little research online leads to the possibility that the increase in convicted felons may be due to the ever increasing numbers of those who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome due to their mom's drinking.
Read the book. If you have sympathy in your heart, it WILL bring tears to your eyes. By the time you've finished reading it, you might (like me) start thinking that drinking while pregnant is the worst form of torture of a child that there has ever been, and just may be even more satanic than abortion. Please visit jenniferposstaylor.com for more info.
Kids are for loving. God says so.
Please...
Friday, August 12, 2011
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!
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!
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