Tag: war

Signs . . . Pt 2

Wars and Rumors of War

War is messy and destructive. It has also been around nearly, since time began. What we look for in the fulfillment of prophecy is frequency and magnitude. WWI, the war to end all wars was thought to be it. Then just a few years later WWII followed by localized boarder skirmishes. Now if it hasn’t already started technically, certainly, we are on the doorstep of WWIII. So given history, why are so many pointing to what is going on now and saying that this time it is prophecy fulfilled? Another point that we need to address is our western understanding. We have a sense of entitlement, everything must run through us.

Yet, the Word of Elohim is clear. The center of the world, the time piece of history, is Israel. Therefore, any and all prophecy needs to run through and around Israel. With that understanding, until Israel was back on the map in 1948 there couldn’t have been birth pains as described in Matthew 24. Perhaps what we could call all of the previous wars are Braxton Hicks type of labor pains. i think we can safely say that WWII was Braxton Hicks contractions as it prepared the way for the reformation of Israel. It was getting things ready for the real labor pains to come. You see all of end times prophecy involves Israel, period. Now does it effect the rest of the world? Of course. So, lets take a look at what is going on globally.

Here is a partial list of wars, rumors of wars, nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom conflicts around the world. Russia and Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Serbia, China and Taiwan, North Korea and South Korea, Upheaval of French Africa, Russia and USA (in proxy wars in Ukraine, and Syria). China and USA (if China does invade Taiwan, this will be a major point of conflict). Now lets add to the partial list, activity directly related to Israel. Iran through proxy groups in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, verse Israel. Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians. Israel and Iran. In support of Israel a western coalition directly engaging the Yemeni Houthis.

i just saw a news article out of Yemen, in which it appears hundreds of thousands, if not a million, protesters in the streets. Not opposing the Houthis, but in support of the Houthis leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi. Condemning the attack by the United States and its allies, referring to the USA as “the Devil.” Again the Houthis are aligned with Iran in support of Hamas against Israel. Add to this the protests against Israel and in support of the Palestinians in its global reach and it numbers in the millions. And don’t forget the involvement of the United Nations, who are supposedly neutral, but full of condemnation for Israel.

So, is what we are seeing a sign? To answer this lets look at Zechariah 12:2-3 — “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. Judah will be besieged, as well as Jerusalem. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.” This is just one passage of many, that gives us an understanding that what we see happening now could very well be part of the actual birth pains Yahoshua described to His disciples. Certainly, if we were just looking at this it would be fair to conclude that this present age of wars, rumors of wars, etc is indeed a sign and part of the birth pains described by Yahoshua.

The Word tells us not to fear, although, fear is a natural response to war. Yet, we know that those that endure will be saved, that is the great hope we have in Messiah. Yahoshua, says, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom . . .” If we are in the last days, buckle up because, the ride only gets wilder from here.

You are loved,
cj

Signs . . . pt1

“. . . His disciples came to Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal Your return and the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3

i have covered this before but feel given the times we are in and the events happening around the world it would be good to revisit. Yahoshua in the Olivet discourse, sets out a pattern of things to come, signs to look for, prior to His return. With the world on the cusp of WWIII, eschatology, or the study of end times, is off the charts. Speculation, is running rampant, so what are the signs and what do they mean? And why is it important?

First, i do believe it is vitally important that every believer have some clue as to His return. The warnings alone should spark a desire within the very heart of every single believer to look up! But also, it is Yahoshua, Paul, Peter, and many others that say, “do not be fooled.” There is coming a great deception and it will fool many. Even the elect if possible. So what are we to look for according to Yahoshua in Matthew 24? He likens the signs to birth pains. i haven’t given birth but i was very present for the birth of all three of my boys. One thing that happened with all three of them was something known as Braxton Hicks contractions.

Braxton Hicks contractions according to the Mayo Clinic are: “‘false’ labor pains. If you’re pregnant, you might have these before true labor. They’re your body’s way of getting ready for the real thing. But they don’t mean labor has started or is about to begin.” Do not be fooled by folks who try to make everything that happens some sort of sign of the imminent return of Messiah Yahoshua. Don’t get swept away by predictions, for “no man knows the day or the hour.” With that said, know what to look for so you will not be deceived.

So what are the true birth pains? Well, there are two things to consider, first, what specifically did Yahoshua point out to His disciples? Second, is there an uptick in frequency? We will begin with what Yahoshua said, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they will lead many astray.” Matthew 24:4-5 Again, this can not be stated enough, do not be lead astray!

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these things are the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8

So what do we have here, wars, rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, famines, and earthquakes. Well, can we check the box on any or all of these? Over the next several posts we will look at each of these more in-depth. This and the next set of warning signs, “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:9-12

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13
Enduring to the end is another ther theme of end times prophecy that gets over looked maybe even more so than the warning to not be led astray. The big sign, however, in all of this is; “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” Matthew 24:15-16

So are we in the birth pains? Or are the things happening now just Braxton Hicks type pains? Again, this is what we will explore over the next several posts. Regardless of what we find, we are in for a wild ride. So buckle up!

You are loved,

cj

Doomsday with cj

First, let me set the record straight, “But concerning that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Matthew 24:36. i am in no way setting a date, predicting a time, pointing to an individual as the anti-christ, or calling anything out as the ‘mark of the beast.’ Okay, with that said, i do want to talk about some exciting things, and at no point in history (although many throughout history have believed they were the generation) have all these things come to pass together. What are all these things, you ask?

Well, first off, up until 1948, Israel wasn’t in their homeland, and much of the prophecy concerning the return of Christ is centered on Israel. So before 1948, the likelihood of Christ’s return would have been, prophetically speaking, zero. Many will argue that Israel was regathered 500 years before the time of Christ’s earthly ministry. However, that gathering was from Babylon, one place, here is mentioned a second gathering, and that from the ends of the earth.

“In that day, the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. In that day, the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea. He will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” Isaiah 11:10-12

Now let me point our attention to the headlines of today.
1. China, Russia, and Iran, all aggressively making moves with an emboldened war footing.
2. Global technology burst with the ability to RFID chip, continual Surveillance, and transhumanism.
3. Pandemic, plagues, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
4. Unveiling of confirmed UFO sightings.
Never in the history of the world have we seen a convergence of all these things at once. And don’t forget that from the moment Jesus ascended to heaven, the Apostles pointed to His return. Yet, as Jesus taught, “these things are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Ask any woman who has given birth; the closer she is to giving birth, the more frequent and the more severe the pain becomes. Without a doubt, all of these things are on the uptick, and again i will point to the convergence of all of them simultaneously.

Jesus said, “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:32-35

Now concerning the time before Jesus returns, He also laid out this warning, which is one reason, among several, that i am not a proponent of the rapture. Don’t get me wrong, if there ever was an area of prophecy that i would love to get wrong its this one! my fear, however, in teaching with 100% certainty, that the pre-tribulation rapture is a correct interpretation, is that many will not be ready to endure what Jesus Himself warns us about.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14

Paul writes to the Thessalonians, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12

i do not write to stir fear or anxiety, but i write that we might be sober-minded, looking up, and ready “. . . but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the DAY drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25b)

You are loved,

cj

Prayer and Fasting

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hyporcrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you; they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18

There is a lot of information on Fasting and dieting available with a simple internet search. Endless information, really. Most of it will be related to dieting with intermittent fasting and mostly positive regarding its health benefits. You will also find information on Biblical fasting and its health benefits. So i will not bore us with more information regarding this topic along these lines. However, i will focus on what one should expect while fasting.

If the purpose of fasting is to draw near to God, and that indeed is your focus. Whether to get direction or refocus your life and attention on God, you can, without doubt, expect a spiritual attack. As fasting is a fantastic tool to approach God in the way of humility, it also awakens the demons around you, and they will do all they can to distract, disrupt, mislead, and discourage you.

As Jesus is our perfect example, when He was in the wilderness before the start of His ministry, He was fasting and praying and tempted. We need to expect the same. We need to be aware of our weaknesses and prepare ourselves with Scripture to do spiritual warfare.

A real biblical fast should have at least one of three goals, focused worship, gaining wisdom, or as part of a repentant heart. If your reasons for fasting are not based on at least one of these three, there will be no spiritual benefits. If one or more of these is your focus, you should, without doubt, expect temptation and demonic distraction. This spiritual warfare can only be waged in the Spirit with The Word and with prayer.

If i can be transparent here, i always hesitate to go into a season of fasting because not only do i come under spiritual attack but so do those around me. i take the passage above to heart and try to keep my fasting between God and myself. However, this can be a problem if those around you don’t understand why there is an increase in spiritual warfare that if they are sensitive to the spirit, they will sense but without having an understanding as to the “why.” i say this not to discourage you but to encourage you to communicate with those close to you in regards to fasting because those in your home or if in ministry, those with whom you closely associate need to also prepare for increased spiritual influences.

Satan can absolutely use those around you, even Christians, to be a distraction to you. Look at how Peter was used to distract Jesus, “But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Matthew 16:23

Let me wrap this up with this if your motive is on the “things of man,” your fast will most likely go off without a hitch. You might even feel spiritually empty but physically healthier because there are health benefits to fasting. However, the spiritual emptiness will be the result of your focus. If your focus is on the things of God, your fast might leave you feeling hungry but spiritually strong. “And after fasting . . . He was hungry.” “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’ Then the devil left Him, angels came and were ministering to Him.” Matthew 3:2, 10, 11

You are loved,

cj

All Creation Longs for Redemption

i have written recently, twice actually, on what i see as troubled waters ahead. As i was doing my reading today in God’s Word, i was reminded of how creation longs for redemption as those in Christ. There is an uptick in global earthquakes, just yesterday a 7.0 quake hit off the coast of Turkey, leaving hundreds dead, buildings in ruin, and lives devastated. Volcanic activity is also increasing with magma on the move under the surface. Not to mention the sporadic wild weather being experienced, along with devastating fires.

After creation, “God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” He created everything to work in concert. Like a synergetic masterpiece, everything working together for good and creating humans to be the caretakers. When man sinned, falling from God’s perfect plan, creation suffered along with us. The plan of redemption that God mapped out isn’t just for us humans, but the whole of creation and creation is longing for it!

Here is the part in Romans that got me thinking about this:

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8)

As we get closer to the Lord’s return, creation will become more volatile and unpredictable. Even humanity as the war around us in the Heavenly’s begins to manifest itself among us. Like a woman in labor about to give birth so will the pains be for all of creation. However, for us with Christ our hope isn’t in what we see around us but in what we know is coming. This is not a time to cower but to pray and live as saints, the sons and daughters of the Most High! So fear not and look up for our redemption draws near.

“Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28

You are loved,

cj

Although everyone is talking, no one is listening.

Although everyone is talking, no one is listening.

Hello, is this thing on? This week we have seen the “Global Climate Strike,” the “UN Climate Summit,” and countless celebrities mumbling; the President had a “Religious Freedom Summit” as well. The conservatives and the liberals are yelling back and forth at each other, pointing fingers of blame and guilt, no trial, no evidence, no reason, no understanding, no . . . Anything. With all this back and forth without discourse, discernment, or simple plain old listening, we are only a divided people that at a distance appear dysfunctional and confused.

It is happening in the church also, constant bickering without understanding. We are being tossed by every wind of change, discontentment, and interpretation, and the devil can’t be any more satisfied. We have been talking about putting on the “new self” the past few weeks, and although this is somewhat in line with that series, this is also a stand-alone topic. Let me share with you the words of Paul to the church in Ephesus.

“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:11-17

We need to heed Pauls words here, as teachers, pastors, evangelists, and the like our responsibility is to equip the saints, the church, for the work of ministry. Sadly i see less and less equipping and more and more dividing, even with talks on unity. Because the unity that is being pushed is a false unity. There is no choice in the matter it is, for the most part, forced and therefore misleading in every way, and temporal at best.

Listen church, our focus needs to be Christ. He is sufficient for all things. Literally, we will lack nothing if we find ourselves in Jesus only. The devil wants us divided on everything so that we hold nothing as truthful. The tone of the discourse in the world is full of hate. Even when it screams peace. The stage is being set for a peacemaker. Hear me now church, the peacemaker the world is about to receive isn’t about peace. It will be a false peace, and it will fool many, even if possible, the elect. Do not be deceived, be watchful, in prayer, and seek Jesus above all else that you might stand against the schemes of the devil.

Putting on the new self requires an open heart and listening ears. It also requires a singular focus on Jesus-Christ, period. Once we take our focus off of the author and perfector of our faith, we begin to lose all perspective. We must be singularly minded in order to be successful in life, ministry, and attaining to true peace. But the world hates us! Jesus said, “as the world hates me, it will also hate you.” Those who are being puppeted by the king of this world cannot stand us, and we do not win by conceding. We love, but we speak the truth, we do for others without expectation, and we live in unity as a body of Christ because in that unity is where the world will recognize Jesus.

You are loved,

cj

From the beginning of time. . .

From the beginning of time. . .

“Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.”

From Genesis, all the way to Revelation, there is one story that is being unfolded, God and His relationship with mankind. It was present at creation, in the garden, painfully at the flood, frustratingly through Exodus, whispering in the silence, and victorious at the cross! Even in the midst of increasing corruption on the earth, God generously found one that was faithful, Noah.

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him to His heart. So the Lord said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:5-8 ESV

We read here of God’s grieving heart for His creation and that even though He was sorry He created man, and in that was resolved to “blot out man” He, however, being the very essence of love, had mercy on one, Noah, who found favor with God. We are told that the days before Christ’s return will be like the days of Noah. It is no wonder that Jesus said, “I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8 ESV). i say, if He could find it in one Noah, He would find it again. Yet, in His forbearance, He set in motion the greatest redemption story of all time, Jesus.

As we look around our world today, i think it would be very easy to say that wickedness abounds and that it is increasingly true that the thoughts and intentions of the heart of man are on evil, and that continually. Will the Lord find one with faith on earth? Jesus is the Ark of our day, He is our redemption, as many scoffed at Noah building the Ark, so many scoff at the name of Jesus and all who would, and have, called on His name. The persecution will only increase as the days grow ever more wicked. We must remain vigilant.

The song, “Jesus Paid it All,” is one of my all-time favorite Hymns. i find myself singing the refrain often when i need a reminder that Jesus is all i need. He is the one who washed away all my sins; He paid it all, and for those who put their faith, and trust in Jesus . . . will ride the Ark of the Lord’s return.

i am putting a link here to Celtic Worship’s rendition of “Jesus Paid it All,” i hope you enjoy it as much as i do!

You are loved,

cj

Advent (week 2) Peace

Advent (week 2) Peace

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joesph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy Him.” 14 And he rose and took the child and His mother by night and departed to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophets, “Out of Egypt I called my Son.” Matthew 2:13-15 ESV

Peace, each Christmas we look at the Advent, and we talk about peace. We know Jesus as Prince of Peace, yet, as we look at the story of His birth, peace is not the first thing that comes to mind. Joseph and Mary in order to comply with the senses travel to Bethlehem for the census. Mary is well into her pregnancy, and as they arrive, inevitably delayed by slow travel of a pregnant woman on foot or even a donkey, there is no room for them in the inn.  The Inn Keeper not being without heart things of the best he can do, a stable will have to do. Giving birth in a stable is probably far from what some would say is peaceful. Shepherds approach after being surprised in the field by angels. Certainly, brought some trepidation to the new parents. This scene does not have the earmarks of peace.

In the passage at the top, we read that Herod wanted to have the baby of this poor couple killed. So, in a flight for their lives, they head to Egypt in the dark of night. Hardly, peaceful! In fact, it wasn’t peaceful at all for the boys left behind. Many children were killed. Matthew 2:16-18 tells the story: “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted because they are no more.‘” i do not see peace here either.

As Jesus grew up, under the radar for most of His life, we see relative peace. However, from the start of His earthly ministry, we don’t see peace. We see great things, don’t misunderstand me, but we do not see true, lasting peace. Here is why, Jesus, Himself said, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword.” This statement seems to go against His nature until you dive into it and see what is meant. True and lasting peace is from the Father and will not be present until Jesus’ earthly Kingdom is set. If we read in Revelation, we will see that even after the Millenial Reign of Jesus there is a time that Satan is loosed again and will deceive many, before being ultimately and forever defeated.  (See Revelation 20:7-10)

So, again, this peace is a peace of mind and heart in a world that is fraught with sin and deception from the chief liar, Satan. We find peace in Christ when we give our lives over to Him. He is the author and perfector of our faith. He is the Everlasting, the Alpha and Omega, He is the only One, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Although, the world decay around us, we have hope and we have peace that Jesus has overcome already, and our victory is in Him, Jesus our Lord!

You are loved,

cj

Christian (part seven)

Christian (part seven)

Life in the trenches. Ask any war vet and if they were in the trenches they will tell you some stories. True stories. They will be full of heroism, fear, the unknown, blood, guts, death, and life. They will say that they feared for their life but they pressed on for those they love and for those around them. Those fellow soldiers who were depending on them to keep pressing forward. It is a real thing, to both fear the unknown and run to it at the same time. It takes bravery and it takes faith, faith in those around you, faith in those back home, and they say even atheists pray in foxholes. For the past several weeks we have looked at this idea of “Christian” and i would submit to you that it is much like living in the trenches, a foxhole.

Life in the trenches as a Christian should not be marked with plush comfort, we are in a battle for the very souls that are around us, including our family. We need to be war ready. Now we do not fight this spiritual battle with human weapons, but with prayer, with love, with faith, with the Word. 

10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

This passage in Ephesians is our battle prep, our war-room message from the commander. We are to be ready. It isn’t always easy the enemy is powerful or it wouldn’t be a battle. We have victory, yes, but it takes us fighting the battle! It takes sacrifice. It takes us laying down our lives daily, for the cause of Christ. Being ready, aware, listening for that direction to get up, to go, to do! Here is our final passage in this series, Romans 12:1-2

12 “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Many of us are not prepared for a battle. We are not allowing the Lord to transform us, by renewing our minds. We are not discerning what is the will of God, or we are and choosing to say, “that is too hard for me!” But, it is good and acceptable and perfect! Therefore we must know that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) and “But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57) These are the facts. This is the mission. The trenches and foxholes are before us. Let us together, go to battle!

You are loved,

cj

Christian (part six)

Christian (part six)

We have been looking at this idea of “Christian” for weeks now and we could go on for weeks to come. However, i will be wrapping this up next week with part seven. Until then we have part six which you are reading now. Let’s start by looking at today’s passage, which is a look back at the verses just before (Romans 12:9-21) where we have been the last five weeks. Romans 12:3-8.

“For by the grace given to me, I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (9 Let love be genuine).

In all the devastation of the fires in California, especially the one that destroyed the town of Paradise there has been some hope. The surrounding towns and cities have jumped to attention and the outpouring of support and help has been unbelievable! The Churches in Chico and Oroville have come together as one body and are meeting the needs as best they can. People are bringing donations of goods and services as well as financial as they show the love and care of Jesus, the head of the Body, the Church. It is a remarkable thing. Each person giving where they are most gifted.

It is sad, in tragedy, when the church doesn’t come together and i have seen that too. Or those of influence not stepping up and leading or partaking in the work as a whole. We need to be about the quest, the task, the journey, of coming together and serving! It is vitally important that the Church not be on the sideline or in the stands as so often many are. The sign of a Christian is that they “get up” and spring into action! Many non-believers or folks that are not of the Way are giving selflessly. The Church should never be outdone! If we can’t meet a need it is important to have other services! Yes, we should be partnering together in crises. Doing all that we can, in the Love and Care, of Jesus!

Get out of the bleachers, get off vacation, get off the sideline, get out of your house and do something based on your gifts. And don’t wait for a crisis, we should always be about the work of the Kingdom, but in crises, we should be all the more attentive. As God has blessed you, so go and bless others, using those abilities, talents, resources, experiences,  gifts, etc.

You are loved,

cj