Category: Politics and Society today

As we look at trends and present circumstances in politics and society, we prepare ourselves for prayer: As we recognise GOD’s hand and His message we can engage and intervene more effectively.

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Politics and Society today

An Immediate Call for Prayer: Gaza, Hostages, Israel

Psalm 122 asks for the peace of Jerusalem.

Psalm 123 cries to GOD for mercy.

Psalm 140 prays for deliverance.

The hostages have been held in the tunnels in Gaza for nearly 40 days. I write today because today the IDF is getting closer to rescuing them.

Praise the LORD for His peace, His mercy, His deliverance.

But only GOD

Only GOD can rescue. Only GOD can bring peace. Only GOD can show powerful mercy. Only GOD offers deliverance.

Gazans

Those in Gaza who are truly innocent, truly loving toward their enemies, be they Israel or Hamas… only those who love are innocent. I pray for their deliverance.

Father GOD

I pray for those who are cursed by Your Covenant with Abraham, cursed because they despise Your people, will recognise their curse and be changed. (See Genesis 12; Exodus 3:6)

I pray that soldiers in the IDF will love their enemies, will rescue the hostages successfully, and none will turn to hatred or revenge.

I pray that Hamas members will experience Your transforming love and power. For those who are demonised, I pray for their deliverance. I pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and for peace in the region.

I pray for these miracles, in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

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Politics and Society today

Earth is Groaning

The turmoil around the world today gives me the sense that the earth is groaning.

There is war and there are rumours of wars. Holy war seems to be burning within some Muslims bringing fear across the globe. 

Nature has been groaning for years — evidenced by an increase in earthquakes, flooding, and other natural disasters.

As climate protest accelerates, it has recently  been reported that a part of the South Pole ice shelf is now damaged beyond any hope of restoration.

I could go on. But the message is clear: the earth and the people in it are being pushed beyond the limit of peace. 

How close is the End?

In Matthew 24:6-8 Jesus says,

“And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

So is this just the beginning?; is it the beginning of the End?! When Yeshua does come again, this will spark a shift in the earth like no other.

We must not fear

The enemy of love is fear. We must not fear, not give in to fear, not worry, not be anxious. We must overcome any temptation to collapse emotionally or spiritually in these times of “groaning”. We must endure until the end. (Revelation 2 and 3)

How do we do this? Only through the power of Holy Spirit. If the earth groans, so too can we groan,

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

Endurance

The word endurance can be read two ways: 

  1. to keep going until the end of the race and 
  2. to tolerate, put up with pain and suffering.

We may need to endure in both ways as turbulence rises in the earth. But this promise is sure,

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7)

Hallelujah! We always have the opportunity to pray… and perhaps more than ever, we need to do just that.

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Politics and Society today

Is War ever Justified?

With Western democracy at war, raging now in Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Gaza, the question must arise, “Is war ever justified?”

For the better part of two years a war has been going on in Ukraine against Russia because of the Russian invasion into the sovereign land of Ukraine. It is not suggested in the West that there be a cease-fire because Ukraine is defending itself against invasion. BUT if they began to win, would the rhetoric change? 

This is what has happened in the Middle East. Israel was invaded and it was horrendous, barbaric by any standards, and the West was sympathetic: Israel must have the right to defend itself. UNTIL they, the stronger force, needed to go into the enemy state to root out the evil that attacked them to ensure they don’t kill and kidnap again, and further to rid the West of those who hate all of us: Hamas. Hamas’ charter states the elimination of Israel and the Jews. And their overarching ideology states the Muslims must kill all infidels — that’s anyone who is not or does not convert to Muslim.

Cry for Cease-fire

What has happened now is a cry for cease-fire on the basis that the civilians in Gaza must escape. Israel is at fault for not complying, according to many journalists and politicians.

Israel has one choice: to fight or to die. If they stop fighting, they will die and the invasion of their land on 7 October demonstrates that.

There is no complication. There is no confusion in the mind of the Jew. The proof is plain as the nose on any face. But in the West, fewer and fewer seem able to see it.

Protestors march in the streets of London, Paris and around the world: “Free Palestine” but free Palestine from what? From themselves.

History lesson

Once upon a time centuries ago, back in Biblical times, there was a nation called Israel. It lay within and beyond the borders of what is now the nation of Israel and including the areas where Palestinians live, namely the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

That history is not why the Muslims and Jews are fighting now, but it is a piece of the puzzle as to why there is a war now…

  1. There has never been a state of Palestine except in the imagination of some.
  2. When Britain oversaw the area called “Palestine” in what was politically called The British Mandate, Jews and Arabs lived in relative harmony but there was no state per se. Before WW1 the land had been ruled by the Ottoman Empire, which fell during the war. The Brits ruled instead until after WW2, the purpose to gradually release the land to its inhabitants. Although the land was promised to the Jews (Balfour Declaration 1917) it was gradually decided by politicians to split the land between Jews and Arabs.
  3. After the Holocaust, after WW2, the United Nations decided it was essential to give land to Jews and to call it Israel. This was done formally but the Arabs were angry. Each had been given land but the Arabs wanted the Jews to have none. They went to war, the Arabs lost and Israel won all the land. They gave some back but this did not satisfy the Arabs.
  4. Although there have been intervening wars and attempts at peace talks for a 2-state solution, certain of the Arabs don’t want the Jews to have any of the land. 4 near-solutions have been offered, the Jews accepting each time and the Arabs declining. 
  5. There are Arabs in Israel, equal citizens to the Jews, who have been there for the generations since 1948 when Israel had all the land. All Arabs were invited to co-exist. But those called Palestinians refused and have put themselves in the terrible enclaves they are in now. 
  6. To prevent destruction by the Muslims who call themselves Palestinians, the Jews have high security against those in the enclaves. That is why there was a fence between Israel and Gaza. Nevertheless, some Palestinians carefully vetted, have been allowed to work in Israel and to travel back and forth. 
  7. Why is it that Israel spends huge amounts of effort and money on self defence? Because they have to or else they would be annihilated by those among the Palestinians who hate them.
  8. The leadership of Gaza and the West Bank sow much of their money into military structures and armaments to attack Israel. Even now, amidst a siege by Israel, the Hamas are taking oil supply from hospitals to sustain their rocket fire against Israel. 
  9. The leadership of Gaza and the West Bank educate the children to hate Jews and to look forward to the opportunity to be suicide bombers who can wear a vest and blow up in order to kill Jews. Mothers support this. Children’s textbooks are readily available for all to see what is being taught in the schools in what is so called Palestine.
  10. Is that enough information to enable you to understand why Israel is fighting?

Is there ever justification for war?

Yes. When a nation state’s existence is at threat and the only way for survival is to fight, then the nation must fight.

This is not a holy war or a war of religion between Jew and Muslim. This is a war waged against a free nation, Israel, against a group of terrorists, Hamas, which if lost, will mean the end of Israel.

What about the Arabs

The Arabs have always been welcome in Israel, if they will agree to co-exist. Those who have, have been healthy, happy, successful civilians within the State of Israel. Today some Arabs are in the IDF fighting for the nation of Israel, their homeland. Those who have not, have been rejected by surrounding Arab nations (Egyptians and Jordanians even today have said they won’t accept refugees) and have entrenched themselves in pieces of land they won’t develop and demand the land which the Jews have developed.

Free Palestine

By their actions and by their words, the Palestinians don’t want to be free. They want all the land of Israel for themselves — which is what “from the river to the sea” means, and to send the Jews into the sea to drown. That is the intent behind the historic chant that the West does not recognise.

Pie in the Sky

The notion that some Western protestors with non-Arab backgrounds imagine a 1-state solution where there is harmony, or others that a 2-state solution will bring peace, is a dream. 75 years of existence in the Middle East has shown that there is no desire amongst the ruling folk in Gaza or the West Bank to share, to co-exist or to live in harmony.

The Jews must fight for survival. It may sound dramatic, and war is dramatic. But after 1400 unarmed Jews were slaughtered — some burnt alive and babies beheaded — and another 240 kidnapped including young children and babies — what choice does Israel have?

If there is international support or even if everyone else crumbles and no one will help them, in the end, they need to fight or else they will no longer exist. That isn’t my opinion.

Spiritual battle

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

This war is necessary to save a people group and a nation state from extinction. But although Hamas is the target, and although it is human beings who are in battle, the war against the Jew is not in the main physical. It keeps coming back because it is spiritual. 

There are human enemies of the Jewish state and its people, but that is because there is a far greater enemy behind all of this, which is Satan. The Jewish people are “after GOD’s own heart” and Satan knows this. That is why he is so determined to destroy them. That is why his demons are active in Hamas. That is why his demons inhabited the Nazis in Germany. That is why there have been pograms and inquisitions and racial hatred of the Jews since as far back as Haman as revealed in the Book of Esther and echoed in the secular history books about Ancient Times. 

Prayer

We must pray against WW3. We must pray against barbarism and war. We must pray that the Jewish hostages will be rescued or released. We must pray that the anti-Hamas Gazans can escape. 

But we must also pray for the survival of Israel as GOD’s first born. And unfortunately, in human terms, the only way for that to happen is for Israel to fight for itself.

Pray for the Miraculous

I have been praying for all of the above. But above all, I have been praying for salvation for Hamas, for Jews, for Muslims: To see Jesus and to discover and receive His saving grace. 

The only real solution in Israel and the surrounding area is Jesus.

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Politics and Society today

Israel

Opinion piece or balanced commentary? I hope I’ve struck a balance but warning: This might challenge some who are unfamiliar with GOD’s perspective of Israel…

GOD’s opinion of Isreal

The people of this land are the apple of our Father’s eye (Deuteronomy 32:10).

We are mandated to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122).

Whatever our politics, we must read the Bible to educate ourselves on GOD’s relationship with Israel.

Jewish people

The unfolding situation: the war in and against Israel has reunited that nation for its own protection.

The undisputed murders of innocents by the terror group Hamas, including babies, has been well-documented and is neither fabricated nor exaggerated. 

Pray for this land, its people, its history, its right to exist.

GOD adores Israel, and we are held accountable to pray for the land and the people.

Motives

I’m going to address the issue of motive: GOD looks at our hearts rather than our behaviour when He looks at us and deals with our humanity. I aim to do likewise when it comes to this war… I feel compelled to do so.

Hamas has stated it wants to eliminate the Jewish nation. On 7th October it began to act out its fantasy. Its motive is total annihilation of the Jewish people.

Israel wants to survive. It has responded to the Hamas attack in order to protect itself from extermination. Its motive is to endure and to survive.

One group’s motive is to destroy the other. The other group’s motive is to survive destruction and their only means to do so is to destroy the attacker. This contrast must be held in mind whenever we contemplate the situation in Israel.

It has been said by western governments around the world that Israel has the right to defend itself. But will these governments continue to do so when Hamas is attacked and Gaza’s people suffer the fallout? Will Israel have to defend its right to defend itself?

Is Israel perfect?

No nation is perfect, just as no person except Jesus is perfect. But the nation of Israel has its right to exist. I believe it shouldn’t have to continue to justify its self defence just as it shouldn’t need continually to self defend against terrorist attack. That’s my key point.

Why the Conflict?

One accusation and explanation for the conflict, from the Arab point of view, is that Israel has left those in Gaza and the West Bank in prison-like conditions. But this does not take into account various aspects:

Gaza was handed over to its Arab citizens in 2005, unconditionally. It then voted in a government that denies them prosperity and shot rockets into Israel.

The Arab citizens who live and work in Israel (one innocent Arab Israeli died today as I write, a construction worker hit by a Hamas attack).

Many people from Gaza and the West Bank work in Israel and co-exist comfortably.

The reason those in the Palestinian Authority and Gaza live under poor conditions is because the leaders keep them in poverty. Israel would far rather live in harmony. Its the terrorists and their supporters who will not share with their own people.

Israel has always responded to attack and for one reason only: to preserve its existence. That has always been its motive, just at the violence from the other side has always been to illuminate Israel. (Tragically, there are those who do want a 2-state solution but they do not hold the political power.) 

Yes, Israel is the greater force. But that has always been out of necessity — to protect itself from the attacks from the Palestinian terrorists in the areas of the Palestinian Authority. Had Israel not developed a cracking defence force, they’d be long gone as a nation state.

Remedy

We need Jesus to return. Just as He has promised (Matthew 24) je will return, but only when the Father sends Him. In the meantime, we must prepare, share, pray and wait for His coming. And bless Israel, pray for peace and comfort for the people.

And we pray for the people in Gaza and the West Bank as well. All need rescue; all need Jesus.

Of Israel, Exodus 12 says

I will make you a great nation;

I will bless you

And make your name great;

And you shall be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,

And I will curse him who curses you;

And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Exodus 12:2-3) 

Part of our preparation for Jesus is to support Israel, the “older brother”, the one who has strayed and for whom the gentiles were saved in order to make the other jealous.

Pray

Let us pray for Israel: the land and the people. Let us be held accountable for our attitude and our ministry to them. Let us show our support and love at this time. They have been the most persecuted people group in history and throughout history. Nazi Germany was not the first time antisemitism reared its ugly head, nor was it the last as we have seen so clearly this October.

Pray — Love — Learn

This situation in the Middle East is a clarion call to pray for Isreal, to love Israel and the people, to learn how GOD values the land and its people. Pray, love and learn, so that we can give as the LORD would have us give support….. that the world will know us by our love.

Prayer for the land

Isaiah 60:18 says,

“Violence shall no longer be heard in your land,
Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders;
But you shall call your walls Salvation,
And your gates Praise.”

Father, please rescue, please deliver, please bring peace to the hearts, minds and bodies of those in Israel and Gaza, Lebanon and Syria,

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Politics and Society today

You call me a Nazi?

I’ve just visited Auschwitz and Burkenau

Auschwitz in Poland represents the largest network of concentration camps used by the Nazi’s during WWII to incarcerate and incinerate Jews and others whom they did not accept as fellow human beings.

Has it struck anyone else how the term Nazi is being thrown about rather casually and frequently today as an attack phrase by some leftist politicians and Social Marxists toward anyone who objects to their socially liberal view? “Anyone” includes socially conservative types like me, who believe that we are meant to be free to think for ourselves, that common sense should reign over what is trendy, and that allowing freedom of speech is fundamental to our existence in the West as part of humanity.

You who disagree with me, do you call me a Nazi?

If anyone wants to call me a Nazi to my face, because I believe in Jesus Christ, or I believe in the family unit as prescribed by GOD, or objective biology over subjective transgender feeling, then they haven’t visited Auschwitz… or if they have they explode my mind as to how they could call anyone a Nazi lightly.

Evidence of the evil that was done in the name of the Third Reich in Germany in the 1920’s to 1945, the murderous genocide (note: genocide, tragically, has also occurred in other nations and people groups in other periods of history) which sought to exterminate 11 million European Jews from the planet (and managed to achieve the destruction of some 6 million) is vivid when you visit. Thousands of shoes, plaits of hair, prayer shawls, lists of names, are just some of the evidence of death and the degree of mass extermination. But to bandy about this term Nazi today is to make frivolous the death camps under Hitler’s rule and labels people who disagree with Woke ideology and Cultural Marxism with the most heinous name imaginable.

Learn your history, Mr Trudeau. Learn your facts, university professors and indoctrinated students. Recognise what you are saying and reconsider. Otherwise, you sound as blind and stupefied by propaganda as the people of Germany in the 1920’s. Destroy history at your peril. Indoctrinate to your own destruction. Sadly, history has a way of repeating itself. 

The truth about the Christian voice

Learn instead to love your neighbour as yourself, even when you disagree with his politics. Whether it’s LGBTQ or Covid lockdowns, Global warming issues or anything else, everyone has the right to his or her opinion, however annoying or stupid it might seem to you. 

Those who seek freedom by stifling someone else’s, are sure to destroy the very fabric of the society which has enabled them to insult and verbally abuse others, and insist on their own rights, while attempting to destroy that of others.

To the Accusers

Discover the background to the vocabulary you use, you who label others, or you are very likely to look into the mirror one day and see the evil you accuse others of staring right back at you.

Rather, ponder these words from the Bible:

“In all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Solomon

“I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” Jesus

“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but you do not consider the log in your own eye?” Jesus

The Power of Words

To consider the long term outcome of our words is crucially important to the health and well-being of society. 

James wrote that it is hardest to bridle our tongues (James 3). Words do hurt, regardless of the adage, “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” Words do harm: they condemn, the cut, they have the power to destroy.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” 

To everyone

Let us acknowledge the power of our words and speak wisely and kindly. The alternative is to speak like the ultimate accuser, Satan, who prowls around “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We don’t want to be the bringer of accusation and become the very thing we accuse others of: full of spite, hate, bigotry and venom.

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Politics and Society today

A Message to the World regarding Climate Change

Where is our focus as regards Climate Change? 

No solution is possible unless we focus in the right place.

Today, I offer a message to the world regarding climate change.

By focusing on ourselves rather than on GOD….

It is as if we are responsible for Climate Change and we can and must fix it. 

However, the reality is that Climate Change, while in part is due to carbon fuels in the air, it is also part of a cycle of nature; for example in England during the Tudor times, climate was unusually warm like it has been recently. 

By focusing on GOD….

GOD is the ultimate authority over the planet, the nations, and Climate Change. I believe if we want change against the climate trajectory, we need to implore Him to alter the direction we think He is going. 

I believe it is not going to be possible to correct climate according to our version of what should be. We cannot manage it technologically nor economically in the time frame we think is necessary. Rather, we need to be good stewards and we need to pray, acknowledging the reality of GOD and of His authority and creativity.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

The LORD will make His adjustments either to help us or we will suffer the consequences of our greed, sin and selfishness. We cannot defy His plans through combat or denial of His power and authority over that which He created and rules.

May I encourage Believers to pray so that society will recognise its true responsibility to acknowledge GOD? Renewal and revival will draw us back to GOD and the rest will follow.

In Jesus’ name, I pray for change: a change of heart, a change of focus. Then, if climate needs to change, the actions of mankind will be aimed in the correct direction and GOD’s ultimate will for mankind will be achieved. He does not desire that mankind should perish, and yet we suffer the consequences of our poor choices. What will be our end depends upon our relationship — as society as well as individuals — with GOD the Creator of the universe.

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Politics and Society today

The Effects of Social Media on my Attention

This is an opinion piece about the affects of social media on my attention. Borne out of my experience, it is an expression of my opinion and concern, rather than being based on statistical facts, but based upon what I’ve observed in myself. I wonder if it might be relevant to others who have got distracted, as I have, by social media. If it is, I think it is important to talk about it.

What is Social Media? 

Social Media is a collection of the various internet platforms that seek to offer advice, opinion, news and views. It is designed to grab and keep our attention. It is a proven effective, powerful tool for communication, but separately, it is also powerful in and of itself, regardless of what the subject matter might be.

My experience has been that it distracts me. Although it educates and informs me, it somehow pushes past my thinking to engage my audio visual senses… to the exclusion of the Spiritual. And so… it distances me from my relationship with GOD. 

The Soc Med Experience

I might start off watching in bits and bites, thinking I’ll only look up something specific. Then I might stick with it, thinking I’ll find information that is useful for prayer. It’s good to know what’s going on in the world right? … But it can drag me into the world, not by content necessarily but by its own pull power to keep me engaged… and thus I drift away from prayer. An hour or more later, I’ve not opened my Bible yet nor turned to prayer.

That’s what has happened to me on several occasions. 

Have you ever looked up something on YouTube and got stuck into Shorts from some of your favourite channels? I have. Has it moved us toward or away from GOD?

GOD’s Way

GOD says, “Be still.” 

But YouTube videos, news channel broadcasts, and video clips make if very difficult to stay still in my mind. I pray in tongues sometimes for 20 minutes, just to get back to stillness. That’s okay, but what have I missed in the Spirit for those minutes I’ve been exploring — or being led by —  social media, and in those minutes it has taken to back to the Spirit?

If time is short, in these Last Days — and personally, I think it is — isn’t it important to use our time wisely. He redeems the time! (Ephesians 5:15-16)

1 Corinthians 2:

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 2, when Paul wrote to the Greeks, to see how Paul related to the “media” in his time… The battle of the spirit over the mind is not a new one. Paul was speaking at the Philosophical epicentre and yet he didn’t want to compete.

Please note: The capitalised words in brackets are my notes, attempting to draw attention to what Paul wasn’t saying and yet was comparing.

“1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. (UNLIKE GREEK PHILOSOPHERS) 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (SIMPLICITY) 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, (SPIRIT Vs INTELLECT) 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (POWER SOURCE IS GOD NOT THE HUMAN MIND)….

Then continuing from verse 10, 

“10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? (YOUR OWN CONSCIENCE WILL SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT IF/HOW THIS APPLIES TO YOU) Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.” (Q: GET OUR INFO FROM GOD? A: HE IS THE PRIMARY SOURCE)

“13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; (LETS NOT THROW AWAY WHAT GOD HAS PROVIDED) nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” (OUR INSTRUCTION COMES FROM GOD, WHEN WE ALLOW IT.)

What do I conclude from this?

That I/we do not have to be drawn into matters of news, views, politics etc in order to engage on a spiritual level. GOD will reveal what we need to know in our spirit in order to pray. 

We can view, engage on social media. But let me not kid myself it is for the Kingdom for prayer. Rather, it is because I’m interested, attracted to, motivated by my own interest. That in itself isn’t wrong. However, I admit to myself — and perhaps this applies to someone else also — I need to gauge when my social media searches are to feed my earthly curiosity aka flesh and when it is for the Kingdom.

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Politics and Society today

Reparations: Jewish history and unrealistic expectations today

Recently in the UK, the Archbishop of the Church of England, Right Honourable Justin Welby, declared a commitment to give £100 million pounds of Church of England money in an attempt to repair the damage to those who suffered as a result of the slave trade some 200+ years ago. This piece is not to discuss the matter specifically; there are plenty of commentaries both written and in video, if you search for them. However, this does raise the subject in general of reparations – a financial return for historic wrong-doing as perceived by some.

George Osborne, a former UK Chancellor and now a British Museum official, has offered a long-term loan of marbles that were once in the Parthenon in Greece but historically purchased by British Lord Elgin, to the Greeks once again.

This piece is about pondering: how far back does one go for reparations and is forgiveness enough?

Rather than post an opinion piece, I will draw attention to two scriptures which will raise the issue, if one is inclined to think about it.

In Genesis 47, the Egyptians during the great seven year famine, sold their land to the Pharaoh (v20) in order to receive food which he had stored. Thanks to the Hebrew Joseph, who understood Pharaoh’s dream warning of the famine, this right hand man to the Pharaoh saved and stored grain during the previous seven years of plenty so that it would be available in the famine. Fast forward to Exodus 1, and we see the descendants of Joseph, becoming enslaved by the then current Pharaoh (v13-14).

The pyramids were built by slave labour. Should reparations be made by the Egyptians now to the Jews?

Why do people seek reparation? And why do leaders or nations offer it? How much does revenge, greed or guilt play a part in these situations? We cannot undo history. How is the best way to move forward?

What is the better way? “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on…” (Philippians 3:12)

Taking responsibility for our wrongs is the right thing to do. Forgiveness is equally crucial to relationship and peace. Opening up history to change what cannot be changed is a human choice but is it fruitful? It seems rather to divide. Vicars and parishioners are cross with the archbishop as so many parishes have dilapidated churches and shrinking congregants, desperate for an injection of finance. The British public are divided over the issue of the Elgin marbles. It seems ‘cans of worms’ have been opened without the the authority figures recognising the consequences of their choices. Those being offered the reparations may or may not appreciate the gesture, rather instead becoming embittered all-the-more.

Whether descendants of slaves are offered reparations, or works of art are restored to their origins, such is the nature of man to try to “do the right thing” yet open historical wounds and debates which divide rather than repair relationship. We need to tread carefully when dealing with history, and consider our motive.

Motive is at the heart of every deed, be it right or wrong. Apology and forgiveness are the wisdom of GOD. I pray for more of that in society today.

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Politics and Society today

Winding down 2022

As this year draws to a close, what do I think of the worldwide events over the past twelves months and where we seem to be going next? I don’t really know. I’m winding down 2022. How about you?

I was hoping Jesus would have returned. 

Someone asked me today, “Do you think there is going to be World War III?” Now, soon, ever?

I replied, “I don’t know — but it looks like we will burn up ourselves, somehow, sometime.”


I forgot to ask the other person’s thoughts. Why? I suppose because it really doesn’t matter what we think. I long ago learned: to offer an opinion is fruitless and even pointless. I attempt to put that into practice as a lifestyle (albeit with some lapses). What is better than opinion? The Truth that sets us free: Jesus!

As we close the curtains on 2022, we are on the brink of nuclear war and worldwide famine. Violence is on the streets across this nation and most others it seems, people are poorer than a year ago or ten, and disease (real or manufactured) is a constant threat. How can we live “as normal”?

I focus on Jesus, not the storm

There are facts and there are conspiracy theories. I recall hearing a flip comment about psychosis many years ago that went something like this: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you!”

Conspiracy theories do seem to surround us. But just because there is a claim of conspiracy doesn’t mean there isn’t an actual threat, does it? I ask because there are two sides to every story, and this seems to include whether or not to lock down, whether or not to wear a mask, and whether to or not to take the vaccine. 

Whether the topic is the pandemic, global warming, war, or cancel culture, the war in the West is not so much between the Ukraine and Russia as it is between conservative values and wokism. Our culture, values, freedom of speech seems to be debated or simply cancelled based largely (in the UK at least) on the basis of a document called The Equalities Act, 2010 which deliberately or inadvertently has fostered a despising of anything white, male and/or middle class: past, present and future. Everyone is equal except those who are in the majority.

When will Jesus return?

Romans chapter 1 focuses upon the erosion of society when GOD is forgotten. Certainly in the West, we are now reaping what we have been sowing for a long time: A world without GOD.

Jesus says in Matthew 24 that he will return before total calamity, which is also destined to take place.  Our children are being targeted in various ways, to be brainwashed into thinking against Judea-Christian values through indoctrination of extremes of one kind or another; our humanity is being tempted toward a uniting with Artificial Intelligence… I for one hope things don’t deteriorate much more. 

But eventually, things will deteriorate even more. The Restrainer: the Holy Spirit, will be lifted, will be removed from the earth one day. And at that time, I hope I am no longer here. Jesus left after his resurrection to allow the Comforter — Holy Spirit — to come (John 14). So, I seems as the Holy Spirit leaves, Jesus will return. In between, we hope — we even expect that Jesus will come for His bride and we will be extracted to Heaven. Meanwhile, as we experience our society implode through its own self-centred expression, as people’s thinking becomes confused and nonsensical, I pray for revelation and release from the Enemy — now.

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.

Categories
Politics and Society today

To Ponder the Atheist Mindset

What is the atheist mindset?

I’d like to try to ponder the mindset of the atheist — how do they think what they think? Of course I’m generalising for the sake of the simplicity of a short post. But my interest is sparked by some You Tube videos I have watched and posts I have read recently, which made me keen to discover what is at the heart of his or her motivation. What makes an atheist “tick”? I don’t have a definitive answer (I’m sure there is a unique answer for each atheist) but here is what I’ve considered so far…

Why does an atheist deny GOD? 

Is it hatred, anger, disappointment, or disbelief? I wonder, how can one say, “I don’t believe in GOD and I’m angry with Him”?

Denying the existence of GOD is a bit like unforgiveness. With unforgiveness, the injured party believes that by refusing to forgive he protects himself and rejects the one who hurt him; but in actual fact, the one holding onto his pain is living in the past and is therefore causing himself far more suffering than any degree of pain that his resentment or rejection of the other could cause the other party.

Of the atheist I wonder, has he/she attempted to communicate with GOD or not? Is the experience of loss blamed on GOD when in actual fact, he/she didn’t pray or seek GOD’s help on the matter? Is it not GOD but rather the enemy Satan who has caused the loss?

The unforgiving person is forever trapped in the past, holding onto resentment, fury or pain. The target may suffer from a lack of relationship… or he may simply move on. But certainty it is the one holding the unforgiveness who is stuck. And if angry at GOD and refusing His existence, the atheist is blocking comfort, consolation and hope, punishing himself as he punishes GOD.

Being stuck in a mindset blocks blessing

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29) Whether we follow GOD or not, the LORD gifts each of us in unique ways. Denying him puts limits on our access to the gifts He’s given to us. If we do not embrace the LORD, but rather ignore Him in our lives, it stands to reason that we therefore cannot hear from Him nor receive fully the benefits that He offers.

Those of us who follow GOD not only have eternal life after the life on this earth is finished; we also have access to total freedom in this present life. Those who deny GOD miss these blessings both today and at the end of life on earth.

Freedom modelled by Jesus

The mindset of the atheist can be much better explained by the likes of Jordan Peterson than by me, not because he is an atheist (in fact he personally testifies he is no longer an atheist) but because he is an excellent speaker and clinical psychologist, who has analysed the mindset of — well, just about every group! I invite you to contemplate, research the atheist.

What I wish to convey is that the atheist is stuck in a perspective that does not allow personal growth. Ironically, even some religious people are similar to the atheist: trapped, stuck in a box. Above both religion and atheism, is the path which follows Jesus, who sets believers free from assumptions and conditions that restrict and limit our own thinking and experience, both of our lives and of GOD.

To the inexperienced or unread atheist

Some atheists may not have deliberately rejected GOD but have neither learned, experienced, nor heard the message of Jesus. Well, the Bible says in Romans chapter 1 that we are all born knowing GOD. So, to those who have never contemplated GOD I suggest: choose now to have a look at the Bible personally (beginning with Matthew or John) to begin to discover Jesus — Yeshua (his Hebrew name, for Jesus the man, was Jewish). Even the staunchest rejector of Christianity who has done some historical research will agree that Jesus was a wonderful man and one to be emulated….

There is a moral code of conduct that Jesus endorses. But this is not a moral of rules but rather of love. This love, His love, is self-sacrificing rather than self-seeking or self-indulgent. And the moral code sows peace into the follower first, and then into the relationships the follower develops through the mindset of Christ.

When we model ourselves upon Jesus’ teaching, we are better human beings (if you believe qualities such as love, joy, peace goodness, kindness, gentleness, patience, faith and self control are good character qualities). The more we walk in the grace of GOD, the more love and personal peace we experience and can transfer to others. Goodness produces a freedom that neither the religious nor the atheist can recreate. This is the core of true social justice, with the powerful backing of the Spirit of the man who died and rose again for the sake of others’ freedom and everlasting life.

Why not just copy Jesus’ mindset then?

We can’t truly copy Jesus’ behaviour and expect “results” without actually accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and becoming born again. The difference between the atheist and the follower of Jesus Christ is the indwelling of his Holy Spirit — the power and presence of Jesus within the believer. When we accept Jesus, His Spirit awakens our Spirit and we are revived! Whereas the believer has the company of the Holy Sprit to encourage, comfort, convict, teach and help from within, the atheist is on his own, his mindset fixed against the existence of GOD.

Inconclusive

I haven’t consolidated a true understanding of the mindset of the atheist. But I do pray for him/her. The human mind — which humanity tends to relish and revere — is limited. The atheist reveres the mind but can go no further. The person who looks beyond himself, to the One who created the mind, discovers that his own mind can be realised fully only when he recognises the Creator who designed it.

Categories
Politics and Society today

Destabilised Nation

I have this overwhelming sense that things are only going to get worse, not better. 

How then can I keep going forward in what seems like a destabilised nation? Here is the solution: a call to prayer!

Politics today in the UK

A nation destabilised is not a healthy nation at all… Unity is needed to bring stability to the UK. Back-biting, infighting, squabbling, self righteous indignation: these are the stumbling blocks of the only party with the experience and expertise to navigate this time in the nation when we are being overrun with lies, disputes, and hatred. The enemy looks to be winning. What shall we the people do?

Intercession

We pray. We humble ourselves. We seek GOD’s face, because man is failing, failing badly. What have we done but bring this upon ourselves by ignoring the ways of our heritage, the truth in all its light and love: the Gospel of Jesus. We need You Lord, oh how we need You!

Barbarism: Around the world, led by California, New Zealand and soon Canada, babies can be aborted up to the day of their birth.

Hedonism: Self has become GOD as what we feel trumps reason, biology and moral decency.

Gluttony: We waste more in unfinished take aways than some nations have to eat.

Fear: Rules our decisions, opinions and choices, led by the politicians and — especially — the media.

Despair, Decay, Decadence….. Dig in!

Yes the world around us seems to be imploding upon itself. But we have a choice: we can give in the the hopelessness, or we can dig in and pray.

While “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12)

we also know that “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Categories
Politics and Society today Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Youth today without a shepherd

Jesus, the Good Shepherd

I was in church not too long ago and the pastor was looking at John 10, all about Jesus the good shepherd.  There re so many youth today without a shepherd. Then a thought struck me…

“Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:7-18)

No shepherd!

I suddenly had an insight — a key to the struggles of our youth today: youth today without a shepherd when they leave home. They become lost: following some phoney uni professor, some on-line celebrity or guru, or losing themselves with no one at all except their peers who are equally confused or utterly lost.

What is to be done to protect our youth?

A key to helping them before they leave home: ensure they have the Shepherd — their own relationship with Jesus.


This is not an easy thing to do. I don’t have all the answers, in fact perhaps I have none. I am a parent and I am downloading all I can into my child before he goes off on his own, so that he can make informed choices. And yet, ultimately, I have to let him go…

But I have given him keys

I have not taken for granted that he is saved, though I do think he is; he’s certainly prayed the prayer. I have not forced him to make godly choices but have taught him how to read scripture, and have told him from a young age that we are a product of our choices… He’s had a lot of exposure to Proverbs! I have loved him… this is the most important thing… unconditionally and have told him GOD does too. And I have helped him to understand the Bible — not only Bible stories from childhood, but actual theology, what is actually in the book so he can refute attack. I have helped him to know the Father GOD, creator of the universe. I have introduced him to Jesus GOD’s son. And I have explained how the Holy Spirit operates as GOD too.

And perhaps the most important key of all is that I have tried to leave him alone to relate to GOD his own way. This is the hardest piece as a parent, but absolutely essential, I think, as a shepherd. Jesus came to folk and he allowed them to come to him. But he didn’t always ask them literally to follow… sometimes they had to go to their village, or to their leaders instead. Sometimes he trusted them to “go and sin no more”.

Hireling v Shepherd

Our young people are innocent, but they don’t know it. They are fodder for fools and we the shepherds must enable them to be in the world but not of the fodder. And most of all, we must pray that they will develop their own relationship so that they will be carried by Him when they need him most.

Prayer

Oh Father, help us to entrust our children to You and to Jesus the good shepherd, and to develop an ear for your Holy Spirit voice: the comforter and the convictor, when they venture out into the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Categories
Character Development Politics and Society today Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ Reflections and Poetry

Equality Issue between men and women in the Church

“Neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female.”

Why then is the equality issue between men and women still an issue in the church, even today?

Historically and Scripturally

Eve was deceived by Adam and so women are more easily deceived than are men. Therefore, women should not teach in the church in case they are deceived and lead others astray.  So goes one argument for holding women from leading or preaching.

Although I don’t fully acknowledge the logic, it’s the most valid I think and warrants that women have a covering and particularly when they are leaders; but so must men be accountable, for all are vulnerable to stumbling.

When Corinthians were being instructed by Paul in 1 Corinthians, a significant part of the church was being “told off” for carnal behaviour. This included the telling-off of the women for blabbing too much in services. ‘Talk to your husbands at home’ he said, for it is ‘shameful for women to speak in church.’ So goes the second argument… women must not teach or preach.

Ever since, we’ve had women suppressed in some congregations.

But Paul also wrote, there is no distinction in the Spirit between men and women. (Galatians 3:28) So logically, the two references cancel one another out. That would be logical wouldn’t it?

Women’s chatter

In matters of behaviour, women need to exercise self control. But in matters of the Spirit, we are equal to men and ought to be heard. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, comforter, protector, convict-or. Do we not all have access to the Holy Spirit in equal measure?

That’s my stand. In a nutshell, that’s my position. One of my callings is to convey this message, in grace, humility, boldness and steadfast faith.

Stocks of grain, a matt, and the Sabbath

When Jesus allowed his disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12), the leaders asked him why? And when the man whom Jesus healed was carrying his matt on the Sabbath (John 5), the leaders were very cross. Was Jesus tempting others to break the Sabbath? According to Jesus, he was not. He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the law of the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17)

Men and Women are not the same… but they are equal

There are two keys to my believing what the Father wants me to do: to warn as a watchman and to stand in faith for righteousness, sometimes with words. It is not that I seek it nor do I “want” to do it. Sometimes it terrifies me; sometimes it is combative. If I get it wrong, I could cause someone to stumble and that would be on my watch. This is not my will, but to speak what I discern is my character and is my calling — or rather to say it is His calling for me. 

Reason 1: My entire personality and experience confirms I am a watchman and as such, according to Ezekiel 3 and 33, if I do not warn as I’m called to do, if a person stumbles, their “blood” is on my head.

And Reason 2: The Holy Spirit is not confined to our understanding of law. By holding the view that women must not lead based upon Paul’s reference for women to keep silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:34), Jesus’ wander in the wheat fields on the Sabbath and allowing his disciples to eat grain, or his encouraging the cripple to collect up his matt on the Sabbath, Deborah the Judge and Priscilla at teacher to Apollos (Acts 18:26) and other examples are each a contradiction to this RULE.

Did GOD make a mistake?

I am not perfect. But GOD is perfecting me as He perfects each of us who seek to surrender to His will. “Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” said Jesus. 

Whilst I do not wish to cause anyone else to stumble, I don’t wish to remain silent on this issue. And for even raising it, I am blocked from ministry by those who disagree. This is sad.

Did I make a mistake?

And yet, those who fear GOD, respect and keep His word. Those who turn a deaf ear to the equality of women at least in their conscious mind, do so out of reverence for GOD. Although I may see they are wrong, they are doing it for the right reasons.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

And so, I know that I am correct in believing GOD gave me a calling I did not ask for, and for which He created me just as He willed. He placed me in contact with those who would disagree and would block my message. He did not make a mistake. So long as I am doing what I know to be right in His eyes, in love for my bothers and sisters, the rest is His responsibility and not mine.

Side-bar

For two reasons at least, there is an undeniable imbalance of men in ministry over women, both in the Bible and in our world today. Why is this? For one reason, women have children and bear the greatest portion of raising them. That is both cultural and (I believe) biological. Therefore, they’ve less time and perhaps their anointing/ministry is first and foremost for their children. Another reason why there are fewer women leaders, including in the Bible, is cultural. The rule is that men lead, but Biblically and historically, there are exceptions. 

I don’t mind being an exception. I do mind, however, being blocked and ignored on the basis there are no exceptions.

Peace and Joy

But never mind. GOD is sovereign and in His sovereignty, I have gifts which some will not accept. But I accept the gifts, and I accept those who don’t accept me.

Hallelujah and Amen. The truth does set us free! How we respond to the truth brings a consequence that can only draw us closer to our Father, Jehovah GOD, if we choose to allow it to do so. I leave others’ journey with the LORD. 

Shalom and GOD bless.

Categories
Politics and Society today

Meeting with GOD on our knees

On our knees!

We need to go to a meeting with GOD on our knees in every circumstance.

We who have been blessed to know the LORD personally know this. But how real is this option to those who do not know Jesus as their personal saviour?

This is a political opinion piece but bear with me please as I bring it into the realm of our walk of faith.

Boris Johnson

Those of you who are sitting in the UK while reading this, will be very aware of the pressure the Prime Minister has been under to resign, which he has just done today. Leading the charge against him has been the main stream media, with many in his own party pushing too. Some of the reason is of BJ’s own doing: through thoughtless decisions and a lack of integrity. Some other politicians are moving to rise above the pack. My personal sentiment is that it is very much connected to Brexit; the politicians and media people who hate the fact that the British public voted for Brexit and hate BJ for delivering it have pursued BJ to destroy his premiership right from the start. 

But all this is politics. How does getting on our knees relate?

I have been praying

For months I have been praying for Boris. Yes, I’ve prayed for salvation, for wise decisions, for good government. But most of all, I’ve been praying that he seek GOD in his decisions and actions, that he repent and be saved ie be restored to GOD.

When we meet GOD on our knees, no matter who we are or what we hope to achieve, we are humbled. This is a good place to be — a safe place to be. And when we pray for others who need to discover GOD for themselves, we are asking Yehovah, Father, GOD of heaven, to come to earth by His Holy Spirit.

What can save Boris?

GOD is sovereign. He loves nations. He wants that none should perish. Only He can rescue Boris. And that is my immediate prayer.

When any of us meet GOD on our knees, we are forgiven, healed, restored. When we pray for others, that they be repentant, comforted, restored to GOD, GOD can move mountains.

I’m hoping the stubborn, immovable Boris will encounter the One True GOD in an undeniable way. I pray he will get onto his knees and discover a loving, merciful, just GOD. That would be worth all the drama and angst that has been stirring in this country, as one man’s life will be changed forever. Maybe then — and only then — the sovereign LORD can become the leader of this nation which will be a step toward the nation being forgiven, healed, restored.

We are called to pray for our leaders

Whether you believe faith and politics mix or not, we are called to pray for our leaders.

Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

There must be more respect for our leaders than the media affords them. There must be more hope for our leaders than the circumstances project.

Father I pray

You are king of kings and lord of lords. I pray you will have freedom to use Your sovereignty, and make “all things work together for good…” And in this prayer, I ask you to free the Prime Minister (in power until a new leader is chosen) from the yoke of slavery, deliver him to your truth and righteousness, and bring this nation together for good.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Resignation speech

* Many would say the LORD is leader through the queen and I would agree. But the LORD can be sovereign in many ways, and through politics too, I think this is possible.

Categories
Politics and Society today

Reaching out – Looking in: part 7 Church: stay or go?

Do I stay or do I go?

I’m going to say that church is a family… How so?

We are living stones (2 Peter 2) and together, built upon the chief cornerstone who is Jesus, and the foundation stones who are the New Testament Apostles and Old Testament Prophets, we make up the church. The church is not a building and in fact, churches initially met in homes as home groups. Today, it is usual for congregations to have small groups, often called cells or home groups or connect groups, which are small subsets of any particular congregation. These small groups are designed to bring together portions of the congregation in friendship and personal intimacy where it isn’t practicable to do so en masse.

We are the bride of Christ, that’s true. And before the wedding day, the day when he returns to fetch us (Matthew 25), he is fashioning us as his bride. 

But as a church, we are family. And as an individual congregation, we are family. 

Leaving a congregation then, is like a family member abdicating its membership. And if you’ve ever been in a natural family where one leaves or others disown, that is heart-breaking. Instead, reconciliation is much better; it’s healthier and more loving. So too, ought it to be within the church. 

Stay 

Therefore, I would suggest we stay in the congregation we are in wherever possible. If we move homestead to a new town, and it isn’t practicable to remain, of course we must move on. Paul repeatedly says, “I long to see you” when it isn’t feasible. 

If there are deep convictions within you, that the leadership is not teaching sound doctrine, that may be a reason to leave, particularly if it is infecting your live of faith and growth. You may however, be called to remain, in order to “be the grit” to offer words of chastening to leadership. Of course if that’s the case, then it will be done in a spirit of humility and with grace under the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

The time of church hopping and random selection is passed

If we are convicted that we can’t just hop around, hoping to find a good sermon here and there, or make a few new friends, we may choose more cautiously, with a view for the long term, the church in which we will worship. It is a family, and so we must consider others whom we will meet, and recognise they will view us (consciously or unconsciously we do not know, but they will!) as family. And to them, each addition is important.

So let us not run here and there, and let us not leave in a huff. Rather let us recognise the living stones that we are, and that we are meant to be cemented into a family and to stay put, in order for us to grow, blossom and effect others to do the same.

Iron sharpens iron

Let us embrace our church family like we embrace any family: wholeheartedly, with acceptance, conviction, determination and love, to make our church life healthy, whole and all it is intended by Jesus to be. His church began with 12 men, woman such as his mother, Mary Magdalene and others, and revolutionised a world through faith and love. 

“Let us, as a church, grow in the same way. Let us hold fast and be the church that Jesus intended, one brick at a time.

“In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Categories
Politics and Society today

Reaching out – Looking in: 7 choosing grace over sensationalism

Reaching Out – Looking In

Reaching Out – Looking In is a new diary journal which speaks my inner thoughts as I walk my walk in a society that is rapidly imploding. Will the church: the body of believers — will it implode or move through to where Jesus prescribes we are to be as part of His Church?

Some years ago (@2012 link), I began and wrote a weekly journal An Examined Life based on Socrates’ adage, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I continued for a few years, and a few years after I’d stopped, I had the idea to revive it (@2020 link), but failed. 

Now in a new frame, I’m beginning again, this time not to copy the original idea but to take it and suit it to today in my walk with Jesus.

Reaching Out weekly

I’ll aim to have an insert every week, which I also plan to share in my weekly newsletter, Preparing the Bride for what better preparation than to walk together, with Jesus, through these times until this walk on earth is finished…

Hallelujah! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! And in the meanwhile, come one and all to the place of the heart, where Jesus abides with us and we abide with Him (John 15).

What’s on my mind this week: Sensationalism

COMMENTARY: Choosing grace over sensationalism

“My grace is sufficient for you” (1 Corinthians 12:9a)

I long for His grace to permeate my soul and the soul of every Believer.

Concern about sensationalism

The more I see negative information plastered all over social media and the more I watch tv news (msn and alternative), the more I’m aware of the sensationalism rife over the audio/visual waves.

As though war was not extreme enough, it seems some people cannot resist stating opinions as fact (Am I doing that now?), and raising the fear game to such a degree that families and dear friends are arguing over what is true and what is not.

Whew! I just want peace, don’t you? Shalom. Yes, worldwide literal peace of course. But the peace within, which passes all understanding: GOD’s peace.

Some caught up in innuendo and false accusation

There are some in this world who seek to control, to diminish freedom, and take life itself. Are we praying for them?

What concerns me about people who watch and study the evil that some dark areas of humanity are engaged in: to terminate our freedoms and even our lives, to control-control-control, is that those focusing on this evil may actually be enamoured with the strategies and movements of the enemy, or worse, are hating man rather than the principalities and powers behind the thoughts and actions of man. This I determine, is not the way to walk. In fact, it seems to be a distraction from our call to minister the Gospel and the truth of Yeshua.

How much time is spent in looking at the dark web or main stream media and condemning in our hearts the possible motives or actions of others?

Some watchmen will have a call to sound the alarm against such evil. But are all sharing these things actually posting the alarm to the lost, or only watching? Are some in fact savouring? For in the end, this is gossip: true or false, it is still gossip.

“A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)

Fight the good fight

So I am saddened that many believers seem to be diverted. Some may have a call to warn and protect, but are mixed up in with the world’s counter-agenda: to fight against flesh and blood, to expose the evil of the elite, to hearken to the fleshly attacks, and to get embroiled in a fight that is not theirs to fight. Are we praying against the evil one and are we praying for those under him? I hope more prayer is happening than what I surmise.

It saddens me. It angers me at Satan, and saddens me for my fellow Believers. This fight against the machinations of the darker side of humanity is not my fight.

Ephesians 6:10-18 states, 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—“

What is my call?

Where do each of us fit into this scenario? Where do you? Where to I? Let us ensure we are watchmen on the walls GOD has given us to watch, without judging (myself included) the walls over which others are called to watch.

Categories
Politics and Society today

Reaching out – Looking in: pt5 Helplessness

Reaching Out – Looking In

Reaching Out – Looking In is a new diary journal which speaks my inner thoughts as I walk my walk in a society that is rapidly imploding. Will the church: the body of believers — will it implode or move through to where Jesus prescribes we are to be as part of His Church?

Some years ago (@2012 link), I began and wrote a weekly journal An Examined Life based on Socrates’ adage, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I continued for a few years, and a few years after I’d stopped, I had the idea to revive it (@2020 link), but failed. 

Now in a new frame, I’m beginning again, this time not to copy the original idea but to take it and suit it to today in my walk with Jesus.

Reaching Out weekly

I’ll aim to have an insert every week, which I also plan to share in my weekly newsletter, Preparing the Bride for what better preparation than to walk together, with Jesus, through these times until this walk on earth is finished…

Hallelujah! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! And in the meanwhile, come one and all to the place of the heart, where Jesus abides with us and we abide with Him (John 15).

What’s on my mind this week: a feeling of helplessness

COMMENTARY: Identifying Helplessness

Wars and Rumours of Wars (Matthew 24): War is the season humanity seems to be in. When you look at war in the Ukraine — and all the media is focused upon it — you might overlook that Iran and Isreal continue to have altercations in Syria which are mounting, and there is a lot of sabre-rattling and backing-off between Russia and the USA. Of course wars continue to rage across the globe as well, both between nations (eg Saudi Arabia v Yemen) and within nations. Physical struggles rage. And there are the “warring” factions across the internet: rumours and attacks, where companies and individuals go at one another with accusations and threats, insults and blame.

It is no wonder I felt a bit of a squeamish unidentified feeling last evening of … what? I realised this morning it was helplessness.

I don’t often feel helpless. Perhaps it is knowing the LORD’s protection and trusting him. perhaps it is the relative safety of my personal environment, perhaps it is simply a gift; but rarely do I lose my sense of inner security, my groundedness. Why? Mostly because I’ve given up the illusion of control to Him. But then last night….

I realise my vulnerability

As I pondered whether to take in a refugee family from Ukraine, I realised reasons why it might not be a good idea. 

When I sent my son back to school for the week, I realised I can’t control his life (nor do I want to!) and he’ll soon be finished school and on his own. 

When I realised all the research in the world and scrutiny and prayer cannot change the direction the people of the earth are traveling: towards one form of destruction or another. There’s military war, there is moral disagreement, there is so much unresolved tension. 

So, I manifested through a sense of nervous energy that I am physically and emotionally vulnerable. 

Now that I’ve identified the feeling, the feeling doesn’t have a grip on me. But I hold onto the idea and the awareness that life is tenuous, the future is unpredictable on a global scale, and it can make me a bit light-headed or worried if I’m not conscious of it and attend to it.

Now what?

So, now that I know I’m feeling a bit helpless, I go to GOD and tell Him. I get His perspective, through dialogue, through His word, and through reflection. 

What really matters most is the salvation of others and especially of those near and dear to me, and that I am ready for Jesus whenever he might call me: to work, to give, to follow his lead, or even to go to him. 

The rest is acceptance: 1. accepting that I cannot rule the world nor change it. 2. other than through the prayers or actions I might take, I have little influence. 3. I am not responsible nor can I escape what I know and am accountable for. 4. “Trust in the LORD with all my heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6)… and Love GOD and love others.

Folks, the world is collapsing all around us. It may take some time yet, or it may be over very quickly. But either way, all we can do really is to prepare and pray. And that’s what I’m attempting to do. And when or if we feel unsettled, don’t stop there… keep pressing into your Father for how to apply the queazy impression to make a difference!

Maranatha! Jesus come! About 18 months ago, GOD spoke into my spirit and was clear and strong, “Jesus is coming soon.” Well, I don’t know GOD’s time table. Not even Jesus was aware of GOD’s time table (Matthew 24) when the disciples asked him. We don’t know GOD’s “soon”. But let’s assume it’s right round the corner. We can’t lose then, or waste time, or have regrets. Let’s press into GOD and be ready for whenever He might come. 

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

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Politics and Society today

The Gospel Message: Church needs to change – part 15

War!

If there’s any good thing about a war it is this: It puts everything into perspective.

When you see refugees fleeing for their lives from war-torn Ukraine, or previously from Afghanistan or Syria before that, you see they have nothing but the clothes on their backs or perhaps a small backpack or suitcase. Possessions lose their importance.

What is the most important thing about our walk with the LORD?

That’s easy: What did Jesus say we are called to do? 

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

In this final piece for “the Church needs to Change” series, I’d like to encourage those who are saved by GOD’s grace through His son Yeshua / Jesus. What matters most to those of us who are saved? It is that Jesus, the son of GOD, died for our sins and sets those of us who believe in him free for eternity, to be spent with him rather than in the pit of hell without him.


If that isn’t what’s most important, perhaps you the reader need to consider again.

Today’s message from the Church must be…

… the true Gospel of Jesus.

How much does the church preach this? How much does it need to preach it? How much does the fellowship need to emulate the love and forgiveness of Jesus before he returns as judge?

And yes, according to the word of GOD, we know that Jesus came as saviour and when he returns it will be as judge.

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (2Timothy 4:1)

If you personally comb through the book of Revelation as I have, you will see that Jesus separates the sheep from the goats; it is Jesus who judges the earth.

Therefore, while we have time and opportunity…

So in season and out of season, we must listen to GOD’s heart within us, and to others around us, to see what seeds we can drop into their hearts. Time is short, and while GOD’s “quickly” may be much slower than ours, we do not know the day nor the hour. We can assume the time for judgement is only getting closer….

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)

There are a lot of end-time signs that we best not ignore. Read Ezekiel 38/39, Matthew 24, Revelation to begin to acquaint yourself with how the Bible reveals to those who search, what is to precede his coming. A lot has already occurred or is occurring even as I write. The prophecies are not all fulfilled and there is more to come. 

Nevertheless, Jesus said,

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:7)

And we know we can trust his word.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us be as family. Let us uphold the word, and let us be loving and bold in preaching GOD’s word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Politics and Society today

Reaching Out – Looking in: p4 Our Attitude is a Decision

Reaching Out – Looking In

Reaching Out – Looking In is a new diary journal which speaks my inner thoughts as I walk my walk in a society that is rapidly imploding. Will the church: the body of believers — will it implode or move through to where Jesus prescribes we are to be as part of His Church?

Some years ago (@2012 link), I began and wrote a weekly journal An Examined Life based on Socrates’ adage, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I continued for a few years, and a few years after I’d stopped, I had the idea to revive it, but failed. 

Now in a new frame, I’m beginning again, this time not to copy the original idea but to take it and suit it to today in my walk with Jesus.

Reaching Out weekly

I’ll aim to have an insert every week, which I also plan to share in my weekly newsletter, Preparing the Bride for what better preparation than to walk together, with Jesus, through these times until this walk on earth is finished…

Hallelujah! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! And in the meanwhile, come one and all to the place of the heart, where Jesus abides with us and we abide with Him (John 15).

What’s on my mind this week – Attitude

COMMENTARY: Our Attitude really Matters!

“We know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

If you believe that, you have the choice also to walk in it. An attitude is a choice, a decision.

Today, we are experiencing war in Europe. This is very dangerous. But we have a choice as to how we respond. We can be afraid, or we can choose not to be afraid. We are not a victim of our circumstances, but a result of our choices.

Today marks one year since my husband’s passing. I have a choice: I can grieve or I can be thankful. I choose to be thankful for all that the LORD has done in our lives while Alan was with us, and since… the goodness of GOD is overflowing and I am a living testament to that.

I choose not to fear and not to be full of sorrow. The Word, others’ and my own prayers, and GOD have enabled me to come through strong. The result is also because of the choices I have made along the way: to trust GOD’s sovereignty and goodness, and to believe that, “all things work together for good to those who love GOD, tho those who are called according to His purpose.” Hallelujah, Jesus reigns. His goodness is overflowing and I am living proof of this.

On the news last night a Ukrainian woman was interviewed and she said, “We will win.” The broadcaster was incredulous and asked, “You think you will win. Why?” And she said,”Because we are living the Truth. The Truth will win.” Given what she said and that there is a large majority in Ukraine of Christians, she was very likely either a practicing Christian or had heard and been influenced by the Gospel.

Jesus is the Truth and he already has won. Bless those who testify. The Truth sets us free.

I am free because I believe the Word and it has proven itself to be true.

All glory and blessings to GOD, and Amen.

Hallelujah!

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Politics and Society today

Reaching Out – Looking in: p3 Interceding for a Nation – stuck on Canada

Reaching Out – Looking In

Reaching Out – Looking In is a new diary journal which speaks my inner thoughts as I walk my walk in a society that is rapidly imploding. Will the church: the body of believers — will it implode or move through to where Jesus prescribes we are to be as part of His Church?

Some years ago (@2012 link), I began and wrote a weekly journal An Examined Life based on Socrates’ adage, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I continued for a few years, and a few years after I’d stopped, I had the idea to revive it, but failed. 

Now in a new frame, I’m beginning again, this time not to copy the original idea but to take it and suit it to today in my walk with Jesus.

Reaching Out weekly

I’ll aim to have an insert every week, which I also plan to share in my weekly newsletter, Preparing the Bride for what better preparation than to walk together, with Jesus, through these times until this walk on earth is finished…

Hallelujah! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! And in the meanwhile, come one and all to the place of the heart, where Jesus abides with us and we abide with Him (John 15).

What’s on my mind this week

COMMENTARY: Intercession

Ezekiel 33.

The LORD said read Ezekiel 38/39 again first but I dove into 33…. Filled with His spirit and walking in His word, I was safe. But I was struck hard… for He was showing me that at this time, what is Egypt in Ezekiel 33 is now Canada and its fate.

Oh, how hard the word can be. Oh, LORD my homeland, glorious and free. 

“GOD keep our land, glorious and free” the truckers sang in the capital city Ottawa, on the roadblocks at international boarders with the US. “Glorious and free.” The truckers also prayed, “Our Father in heaven…” And they did pray, arm in arm, heads bowed. I’ve seen the genuine — non-doctored videos. 

I cry internally for my homeland. Britain too is my nation now. And I love Britain. But my roots are Canadian, land of my birthplace, glorious beauty and free. Friendly, until Covid and laws swept people up and divided them: those for the vaccine and those against. As for the truckers, 90% of them are vaccinated, a higher average than the national average. But they fought for the right to movement, with or without a vaccine. They won the international community but they lost to the hardline Emergency law that PM Trudeau invoked, contrary to the opposition.

The LORD has a long memory, thankfully. I intercede. Canada has been pro-Israel, GOD’s precious first-born child. Canada has loved Jesus. Canada has erred against the indigenous people, tearing up their families to destroy the native culture. It has allowed many laws to pass: abortion, gay marriage. It has broken my heart, and GOD’s too, I suppose.

And now, like Egypt, GOD will destroy it. Unless we intercede.

“Father, how do I pray for this land? How to I ask you to go against Your will? Save those who love you. Save the land. Spare those who have been victimised by bad laws. Help the widow and orphan. Heal the land. Oh, I simply do not know how to pray in words…. Words fail me. Buy my heart is for the land of my birth.”

As for the world at large, we are in utter chaos. Some nations appear calm, but likely it is the calm before the storm. Ukraine expected peace. They did not prepare for annihilation. Now the people are scattered, broken. Raise up Your standard, LORD, amongst those people, the vast majority of whom profess Jesus. Rescue, preserve, save, heal.

Oh man. What have you done to bring us to this? The point of World War III. Why does man not learn? How can the evil one gain his foothold yet again? How is this possible? Because man wants to achieve on his own. Because man is lustful for himself. Because man has turned from GOD.

“Oh Father, save, heal, restore.” I know “it is finished” Jesus said. But those to whom there is life, must turn to the One who finished it. Jesus points to GOD the Father, the father whom the Jews have been waiting for, for centuries. Turn to face Him, oh you stubborn peoples!

Psalm 122:  says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 33 goes on after Egypt, more devastation. Then Ezekiel 38 turns to Israel, land restored but land destroyed in part, as His plan for ultimate restoration of humanity to Himself.

“Oh LORD, give us strength to see that day.”

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Politics and Society today

Reaching Out – Looking In: 2. on surrender

Reaching Out – Looking In

Preamble:

Reaching Out – Looking In is a new diary journal which speaks my inner thoughts as I walk my walk in a society that is rapidly imploding. Will the church: the body of believers — will it implode or move through to where Jesus prescribes we are to be as part of His Church?

Some years ago (@2012 link), I began and wrote a weekly journal An Examined Life based on Socrates’ adage, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I continued for a few years, and a few years after I’d stopped, I had the idea to revive it, but failed. 

Now in a new frame, I’m beginning again, this time not to copy the original idea but to take it and suit it to today in my walk with Jesus.

Reaching Out weekly

I’ll aim to have an insert every week, which I also plan to share in my weekly newsletter, Preparing the Bride for what better preparation than to walk together, with Jesus, through these times until this walk on earth is finished…

Hallelujah! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! And in the meanwhile, come one and all to the place of the heart, where Jesus abides with us and we abide with Him (John 15).

What’s on my mind this week: Surrender!

COMMENTARY:

My personal thoughts about this war at this time

There are two sides (at least) to every story, so whilst it looks like Putin has caused this war out of his own fancy, he did warn the West for years of his discomfort with NATO in his backyard. I don’t know what got him riled specifically in 2022 but here we are and the Ukrainians are not to blame, nor are the Russians. Politics and godlessness are two of the main culprits here, though Putin didn’t have to do this!

I’m not scared. But I am aware that we are on the brink… well, past the brink of war but now on the brink of WWIII. What to do? Not to panic but to pray. What to pray? GOD’s will and intervention, that truth will be exposed, that goodness will overcome evil.

And yet, being entirely honest, if we want Maranatha, how much of this must come to pass to make way for Jesus’ return? Surely, the bride must be ready, more lives must come to him, and I suppose this adversity prompts both. So, do I want this war? No. But do we need this war? Maybe.

Well, I guess I pray, I wait, I abide, I am still, I watch and I pray lots more.

Hallelujah! Ultimately, GOD wins. In the meantime, I’m holding fast to the winning side.

Surrender thoughts

Perhaps it is because the world is at war, which has recently manifested physically in the country of the Ukraine, that I’m contemplating the concept of ‘Surrender’… Or perhaps it is that I grapple daily with surrendering myself to the LORD’s will because I love His will to be done in my life, yet sometimes I push Him out! In either case, the concept of surrender is on my mind a lot this week.

What if Putin just gave up his mission to protect his motherland (his perspective) or what if Zalenskyy gave up his country to the Russian military who have invaded his (literally)? White flags — that quintessential symbol of surrender — aren’t appearing and don’t look to be coming any time soon. 

How similar is each man, woman and child in the natural. We are born wanting and strive to satisfy our wants and needs. Our wants in large measure, are unfulfilled. Death may bring ultimate surrender, but that’s a bit bleak. Faith may bring with it a surrender into life, which is a far brighter prospect. But while death is inevitable, faith is not. Faith comes from GOD, though we are free to ask for it. Isn’t it odd that we ask for something that will ultimately bring is to our knees and to give up all that we thought we wanted? But that is surrender, isn’t it?

When I was a little girl, I believed in the reality of Jesus and never doubted his word or his goodness. Although it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I began that process of I surrender which is brought on by one’s sincere search for and discovery of the Creator, our heavenly Father. What brought me to this surrender to Him was my revelation of how dire my own life was and of His revelation to me that He was real, He did love me, and He was looking out for me. I simply prayed, “If you’re really there, show me and I’ll follow you.”

He showed me, and some three and a half decades on, I’m still following Him, and still working toward full and consistent surrender.

So here comes the bullet point (pun intended): If with the help of the Holy Spirit and me actively keen on surrendering to GOD, it’s taken me over thirty years to manage to achieve it somewhat, how can we possibly expect Putin or Zalenskyy to surrender their national security? 

We cannot. But GOD… there! through prayer, is the power of surrender.

Prayer for Surrender

So I pray for both leaders, I pray for the people in both nations, I pray those who know GOD surrender their lives to Him fully so that they can be His hands and feet at this time (there has been a lot of evidence of this already….. such as Ukraines feeding Russian convoys when the latter have literally run out of petrol). I pray, I encourage others to pray, and I meet with others to pray. And I get very excited about marvellous and miraculous testimonies which do seem to be coming out, from reliable sources.

And then I praise GOD and pray some more.

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Politics and Society today

Reaching Out: Looking In – 1. new journal

Reaching Out – Looking In

Reaching Out – Looking In is a new diary journal which speaks my inner thoughts as I walk my walk in a society that is rapidly imploding. Will the church: the body of believers — will it implode or move through to where Jesus prescribes we are to be as part of His Church?

Some years ago (@2012) 

https://sarahtunexaminelife.blogspot.com/2012/05/sarah-tuns-examined-life-freedom-is.html

 I began and wrote a weekly journal An Examined Life based on Socrates’ adage, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I continued for a few years; then after I’d stopped, I had the idea to revive it but apart from a post or three, I failed.

Now in a new frame, I’m beginning again, this time not to copy the original idea but to take it and suit it to today in my walk with Jesus.

Reaching Out weekly

I’ll aim to have an insert every week, which I also plan to share in my weekly newsletter, Preparing the Bride for what better preparation than to walk together, with Jesus, through these times until this walk on earth is finished…

Hallelujah! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! And in the meanwhile, come one and all to the place of the heart, where Jesus abides with us and we abide with Him (John 15). Let’s be Reaching Out to one another as we are Looking In to our hearts and our thoughts.

What’s on my mind this week

COMMENTARY:

“My country ’tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty, of Thee I sing…”

Isn’t this from the lesser sung second verse of GOD SAVE THE QUEEN, the British national anthem? But I’m actually reflecting on my own homeland of Canada, which is the middle of a crisis, brought on by a Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who won’t talk to his fellow Canadians about a grievance they have. There is no threat, but there is a peaceful protest, and protesters just want their PM to talk to them.

Is this man up to govern? He was voted in because of a pretty face, and, I think, because people were bored with security, stability and a robust economy. Some too, may have been sentimental or having regarding his father’s legacy as PM as excellent, expected the same from the son. My own view of Trudeau Senior: PM Pierre Elliot Trudeau during the 1970’s whilst I was growing up, is mixed. He did some good to hold the country together in a time of a very forceful separatist movement. But he wrecked the economy. But this is an aside…

For the last few weeks, Canadian truckers have been peacefully protesting government mandates which insist all truckers must have a government pass (hinged to the vaccines) to go over the American/Canadian border. While most truckers have the vaccine, they object to being forced to agree to paperwork which prohibits freedom of movement. Protests from all sectors: police, educationalists, medics, spectators, have been peaceful. But MSM is onboard to decry the movement, government has blocked and confiscated crowdfunding for it, and are now in the process of blocking protesters’ bank accounts in order to get them to disperse.

But why, as I’m living 3000 miles away in England, am I writing about this in my first Reaching Out journal entry? Because as British as I’ve become by the grace of this nation, I am still (also) very much a Canadian. And Canadians are behaving as themselves: polite, strong, committed, ‘the true north, strong and free’, in spite of government mandates which according to some legal minds, boarder on illegal.

I’m proud (in the righteous sense) of my fellow Canadians, who are united and seeking to unite under a banner of freedoms based on the Canadian Bill of Rights. I’m hopeful that more will rally round them physically, as they’ve asked, because they have enough food even though the money has been blocked. I’m proud and hopeful that this stand will bring Canadians to GOD and to an awareness that their long-held freedoms are now in jeopardy and need to be stood upon. And I’m hopeful that somehow, this will enable this nation of Canada: an international peace-keeping force for decades and sincere and earnest forever, to be a GOD-following “sheep nation” (*ref) in these Last Days. I recently saw a clip showing protesters “bowing the knee… in prayer” which is reassuring.

International Influence

I’m not panicked. But I am concerned. What happens in Canada will either motivate others for freedom, or not. The French appear to be starved of their liberties. In Australia, it has been very tough, with imposed mandates and vigorous protests against. But in Canada, the people are organised and peaceful as they resist the move to greater authoritarianism.

It does my heart good, to see the character of Canada revealing itself, though it is sad to learn of the necessity for protest. I understand that over the last couple of years, the non-vaccinated were regarded by many as pariahs in Canadian society by their fellow-Canadians, which made me very sad. By nature, Canadians are pleasant and friendly, not nasty or vindictive or exclusive. 

Now that there are truckers standing for freedom and retired military watching their backs, I hope, pray and earnestly seek GOD’s intervention in the situation. May truth prevail. May the “true north strong and free” (a line from the Canadian National Anthem) prevail. May GOD’s will that none should perish prevail upon Canada. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As for me, I am grateful to be both Canadian and British. I am most grateful to be a citizen of heaven. One day I’ll be there, as I hold fast to that which I believe. In the meantime, I pray for the lost of the earth, for the lost of the nations, and for the nations themselves… right now especially for Canada and the United Kingdom. Forever may Jesus reign, Amen.

Hallelujah!

Categories
Politics and Society today

War: Know your Calling – we’re no longer on the brink of war

Know your role

Last night President Vladimir Putin of Russia went into Ukraine — a sovereign territory. There is much out there on mainstream news and alternatives. Some is hype, some is true; all have a certain angle view. No one perspective has all the information (that’s why there are 4 Gospels for example, and not 1). But what is important is to ensure we each: i. are aware of what is going on internationally, and yet ii. stay focused on our particular purpose. 

In my case, I am to make folks aware of Jesus and His call upon each of our lives. I am to help to prepare His bride. I am aware of the lead-up and details of war, because I am interested (I am made that way) and because I need to know in order to prepare others. I am also aware there are claims to conspiracies in the West so Putin is not the only bad guy. But conspiracy is not my fight. 

You need to know what is your fight and undertake it. That is where your authority in prayer will be, that is where your anointing in action will be.

Know your role and stick to it! That’s my message.

The International situation: No longer on the brink of War

War is here… or at least it is there, in the Ukraine. And on the doorstep of Europe. War is manifesting, all because the West rejected Russia and Putin into NATO when it had the chance of keeping close the incompatible brother, the “odd one out”. Isn’t that why Germany went to war against Europe in 1914? One cousin, the Kaiser, felt out of favour with the others: the King of England and the Tsar of Russia. All were cousins, but Edward and Nicholas were kissing cousins, whilst William was the one who was mocked. And what a price we paid for that!

Now, Putin is attacking because NATO nations are on the increase in Eastern Europe, and he’s fed up with being ignored.


But how different things might have been had his request to join NATO after 1990 been accepted. But no, President Bill Clinton didn’t want another big player in NATO. So instead of at least keeping a perceived enemy close, the historic “enemy” was shunned. And now, we pay.

We pay in the threat and manifestation of War. We pay because Western Europe is dependent on Russian fuel. We pay because our warmth and heat may take precedence now where our convenience took precedence in 1991. 

As war looms on the horizon in Europe, Russia is allied with China economically and with Iran and its proxy connection, Syria. Iran has its chosen allies, all who have terrorist factions, all who hate Israel. And China has, well, a lot! Wealth, economy, numbers of men — a generation without wives in fact, because of the 1 child policy over years and the cultural preference for boys and the godless abortion culture. 

Conclusion and Prayer for today

So, we are at war… President Putin of Russia has invaded the sovereign nation of the Ukraine. The West can no longer try to evade war. Diplomacy and sanctions have failed. Now we hold our breath (amidst our prayers), and wait for what is next. 

“Rivers of tears run down from my eyes because men do not keep your law.” (Psalm 119: 136)

Father, comfort, guide, teach our people, our leaders, and forgive us our stupidity, greed, short-sightedness, arrogance and ignorance. Have mercy particularly on the innocent and deliver us from evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Politics and Society today

Call to Prayer for Government

Dear All,

I live in the UK and so I pray for my PM Boris Johnson. The Word says to pray for those in authority; we don’t have a choice. As to whether we like our leaders or not, it is compulsory to pray for our leaders.

I was listening to this song, The Blessing (starts 1 minute in).

And I had just finished a time of prayer. I was praying for family and for government.

And so I pass on this blessing from Numbers 6:24 – 26 and pour it out upon loved ones and also upon leaders. 

Will you also, please, pray for our leaders? Whether you live in a democracy or a dictatorship, whether you are in war or in peace time, whether you like your leader or despise him or her, pray for them.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, …”

If Paul can urge others to pray for leaders, even those who have incarcerated him, then why cannot we pray for our leaders, fallen men and women who need the truth of the Gospel, the love of GOD and the hope of salvation, for themselves and for the nations they lead. In Jesus’ name, let us be humble, not arrogant, and let us pray.

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Politics and Society today Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

The Mind of GOD: on Suffering & Covid?

Wikipedia

The Mind of GOD

We speak of seeking the heart of GOD or of being like David, after GOD’s own heart; we talk of the mind of Christ. But what of the mind of GOD? Is that the same?

I came across Jesus’ words to Pilate recently in the weekly Torah portion for Believers (ie the Torah portion with a new testament reference also offered) and find this in John 19:11, “Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.””

I dwell upon unless it had been give you from above. Whether our theology puts Satan in the heavenliness with the LORD or not, the LORD is above all; in GOD’s sovereignty, like Pilate, Satan can no nothing at all without the Father’s ascent.

People say GOD does not allow illness, suffering, death

That the LORD’s will was that His son Jesus should die is irrefutable amongst any Believer. Gethsemane was a heart cry from Jesus to the Father and total surrender to the Father’s will. And so, Jesus was put on the cross and (mercifully) died relatively quickly, within a few hours. He died that we might be saved from eternal death through faith in him. But does that mean we are spared all suffering, all illness, any mortal death? Clearly not for we experience these things.  It is part of live, and struggles are part of our spiritual growth and our humanity.

Historic suffering

Before Jesus, the Hebrews and then the Jews suffered at the hand of GOD. But Numbers 18:22 tells us, “Hereafter the children of Israel shall not come near the tabernacle of meeting, lest they bear sin and die.” Instead, only the priestly Levites could approach. GOD made a way even for the sinning, because He loved His chosen people.

And Yeshua — Jesus — is our way, whether Jew or Gentile, to live to the full both now and forever. This was the mind of GOD from the beginning. Throughout scripture, quoted by Jesus, this was the plan. Isaiah 53 is only one of many reports of how things would come to pass.

And before Jesus was, the Word of GOD was. John 1 tells us, “In the beginning was the word and the word was with GOD and the word was GOD.” And so, united, they speak and live and move. And Jesus, giving up his GOD-head to come to earth, surrendered his will to the Father GOD: Yehovah, I AM.

A Pandemic

As we discuss about Covid, many say it cannot be GOD’s will. And yet He is sovereign. The principalities and powers are subject to Jesus. Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.” And later Paul writes, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)

There is no question, just as we know in Ephesians 6 that principalities and powers are from the demonic realm, that sickness, witchcraft, all powers are subject to GOD.

So, what of this Covid Pandemic? Under whose authority is it? Ultimately it is under the sovereign will of GOD. 

What then, is His purpose in permitting it? 

I have seen increased opportunity for us to take time to spend with GOD. I have seen suffering and even death, yet the option is to allow even these things to draw us closer to Him. For Believers, it is no question to allow this. And we pray for those not yet following GOD through Jesus, that their circumstance will draw their attention to Him. It is His will that all would be saved.

Conclusion

The mind of GOD then, is surely to allow whatever comes to us — even a pandemic, even the threat of sickness and death — to draw us nearer to Him. The details are not to be a battle ground between us, but rather, as we fully surrender to the LORD and in our choosing, we choose His will for our lives: one person by one person at a time, and one crisis by one crisis at at time. That does not mean we do not war against the sickness, but we do so under the leadership of our Messiah and Saviour, and that makes all the difference.

And when things feel tough, I remember and draw upon the truth that the joy of the LORD is my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)