Acts 4:18-20 – “So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  NKJV

In today’s world, as predicted by Scripture, Christians are being assaulted politically and legally by government agencies, groups, and individuals.  Prayer has been banned from public schools and many public institutions, buildings and activities.  The Bible is taboo in many places within our society.  We are told we cannot ‘name the name of Jesus’ lest we offend others of different faiths although they are not banned from proselytizing in the name of their religion or god.  We seem to have come to a time when there is an open attempt to ‘silence’ Christians, ‘censor’ the Christian message, and ‘control’ what preachers can or cannot preach from their pulpits.  The Bible describes these conditions as part of the ‘last days’ and it will only intensify as we near the time of the Lord’s return.

I have people tell me biblically I am forbidden to ‘speak against’ what government does and suggest that I am to ‘obey’ apparently blindly to whatever edict is issued for the ruling authorities.  I question that and if I used no other scripture to reject it the above passage would be sufficient.   There is a time to ‘disobey’ authority and that is when what they are instructing or demanding violates the Word of God or the Spirit of God.  The disciples were not rebels in the sense they went out looking for trouble but were so completely committed to God they were willing to put their lives on the line to obey God and considered any disobedience to man’s edicts as an expected occurrence when forced to choose.

I do not intend this devotional to be political but warn than those in politics when used as tools of the devil will pass laws and issue edicts that violate God’s Word and when they do we have to make a choice.  They may take my physical freedom and incarcerate me. They may take my possessions and render me a pauper.  They may take my physical life but they cannot take away my eternal destiny nor will they ever ascend above God’s authority.  If in the course of events, God so chooses to allow them to do that I will still trust Him and seek to obey Him.  I have made my choice to ‘follow Jesus’ wherever and into whatever He may lead.

I like Peter’s response. It was not disrespectful but to the point and factual.  He made no pretense or showed no hesitation in advising the powers that he stood before making them decide if they should have more power and authority than God.  He then informed them that all he and the others could do was ‘speak’ the things they had seen and heard.  They purposed in their hearts to obey God and so should we. If that means we violate legislation, edicts, and laws that violate God’s Word, Precepts, and Principles then so be it.  My heart cries to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” in all things and at all times.

            May God be with you as you face this day and all your tomorrows!

Luke 17:1-4 – “Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!  2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.  3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.  4 And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” NKJV

Jesus makes a powerful statement regarding ‘offenses’ from which each of us can and should benefit.  He said it is IMPOSSIBLE that no offenses come.  The opportunity for offense is ever present and most of us, at some time, TAKE OFFENSE at something the human psyche and ego almost guarantee it.  It is not TAKING NO OFFENSE that we should hear but how we respond to an offense.  I do suggest that we have to choose to be offended for offense to take root but let’s look at the situation when an offense is present.

Jesus warned that although ‘offenses’ will come we are not to be the ‘offender’.  He presents it in such a graphic picture that we should all carefully weigh our words, deeds, and actions.  He especially conveys how damaging it is to offend a child but does not leave it there and applies it to everyone.  We know from scripture that we are to be careful in damaging a ‘weaker brother’ but biblically dealing with ‘offense’ is a lost art in most of the church today.  Sadly, too often we are like the world in how we respond.

I want you to notice that Jesus instructed us that if a brother sins against us (does us wrong) we should ‘rebuke’ him not harbor it and talk of it to everyone who will listen.  We are not to divide brothers and sisters with our tale bearing but take it to the individual directly and personally.  No a text message is not the way to handle it.  If that person ‘repents’ we are to ‘forgive’.  If they repeatedly do it and repeatedly come saying ‘I repent’ we are to repeatedly ‘forgive’.  That is a very difficult task for most of us. 

I have had people say to me, “But I can’t forget.”  No, forgiveness does not mean you have ‘divine amnesia’ it means you make the choice to release them from the offense or wrong.  You make the choice to place it in God’s hands.  Separating ‘sin’ from ‘sinner’ is not always easy and enduring relationships require ‘trust’.  If I repeatedly wrong you and repeatedly say ‘I repent’ biblically you are to ‘forgive’ me but my actions will severely damage the ‘trust factor’.  I have found that I can ‘love’ someone biblically and yet find it not conducive to associate with them.  I heard a very godly older lady when challenged that she was directed by Scripture to ‘like someone’ say, “NO!  The Bible says I have to love you it did not say I had to like you.”  I thought there are many layers to that statement and the heart of it goes to separating the ‘sin’ from the ‘sinner’ and ‘compatibility’.  I have observed that some personalities are not compatible and while there can be mutual respect and Christian love it might be in the best interest of both parties to be in different circles.

Love and forgiveness are choices!  I know that sometimes I offend although I never want to.  I know that sometimes my objective, intent, and purpose is misunderstood no matter how I try to convey my true heart in the matter.  I am passionate about many things and in that passion there is the possibility of taking a stance that someone can and does take offense.  While I may continue to believe that which resulted in the ‘offense’ I do not want to be ‘offensive’.  I do not compromise my convictions nor do I expect anyone else to but I will readily ask forgiveness for being offensive.  I would rather be the one potentially ‘offended’ than to be the ‘offender.’  Know this; if I say or do something to ‘offend’ you I am open to your rebuke.  If your offense is that you do not believe what I have said is true I will attempt to explain. If it is based on ideology I will regret having offended but do not ask me to change my personal convictions nor will I ask you.  It is important to know the difference between ‘disagreement’ in philosophy and belief and ‘offense’ or ‘wrong’.  Failure on that front will result in expecting people to complete vacate their beliefs and conviction in the interest of political correctness and that is not what the Bible is talking about.    If you are ‘wronged’ or you perceive you have been ‘wronged’ go to that person and lay out what you perceive allowing them opportunity to clear the air and if necessary repent.

May God be with you as you go through your day!

Luke 21:7-19 – “So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” 

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.  9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”  

10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.  12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.  13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.  14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.  16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.  17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake.  18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost.  19 By your patience possess your souls.” NKJV

It appears from scripture that the last days will be earmarked by broad deception, geological upheaval, commercial calamities such as famine, and disease running rampant and unchecked in ‘pestilence’.

pes·ti·lence – noun archaic – –  fatal epidemic disease, especially bubonic plague.

I recall David Wilkerson predicting the disease part, years ago and while many somewhat believed him most could not truly envision it happening here, after all this is America and we would somehow be immune, at least in our minds.  It is still difficult to wrap our heads around the outbreak of diseases that could turn our world so dark with the ravages that millions die.  Yet, when I think about almost 17 years ago with standing in my back yard in Euless, Texas I saw an open vision in the middle of the day.  Without going into the full details which I did in my book and have in church numerous times, I saw incredible destruction in our land and it looked like European cities during WWII.  I saw troops (not American) in the streets and the feebleness of many churches and ministers in the face of the disaster.  I also saw the Body of Christ rising in a new form and becoming incredibly powerful and effective.  I saw destruction and victory side by side.

Today we have diseases coming across our southern borders that are killing children, infecting families, and causing us to fight diseases we long though conquered.  With the international influx of people including those with or who have been exposed to EBOLA and the threat of terrorism America is trembling as the darkness looms.  The Bible talked about the last days as ‘perilous times’ and while we may not have envisioned how bad that might be we are likely about to experience it firsthand.

THE ANSWER – – Is not a political one although right politics would enhance what we try to do, it is a spiritual one.  GOD is our source of strength, our source of wisdom, our source of guidance, our source of protection, our source of power, and our source of peace.  In Him we live and move and have our being.  Through Christ we can do all things!  The hour is darkening but the light is becoming brighter for those who will LOOK UP, LIFT UP their hearts, and SEEK FIRST the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

            God bless you as you go through your day.  Do not go in fear but faith!  Do not go in despair but hope!  God bless you richly is may pray and guide your thoughts, deeds, words, and lives!   BLESSINGS!

Genesis 49:1 – “Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, “Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what will befall you in the days to come.”  NASU

These words are spoken again in Isaiah 2:2 – “Now it will come about that In the last days…”    The prophet Micah uttered in 4:1 – “And it will come about in the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains.”   Paul declared in 2 Timothy 3:1 – “…in the last days difficult times will come.”  Then we find in 2 Peter 3:3-4 – “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, ” Where is the promise of His coming?” NASU

That is just a small sampling of passages about THE LAST DAYS and frankly I am troubled!  Anyone listening to Christian radio, watching Christian television, and reading Christian literature could easily become confused.  If I were not solid in my beliefs having studied for 40 years I would not know whether to run and hide in a cave with my tribulation supplies fearing the antichrist or stand tall in the LIVING CHRIST! One could reach the point where they were so confused they would not know whether they can believe the Bible or not because of the vastly conflicting messages and signals being sent.  No wonder Paul admonished church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:10 to ‘speak the same thing without divisions’.  That is not a reality in today’s church world nor will it likely be in the foreseeable future.

Some tell us that the devil is destroying everything and his antichrist is coming and it will be much worse.  Their message brings incredible gloom and despair to the heart.  Another declares that God is ‘restoring’, we have ‘authority’ and should be exercising our dominion in this present world.  They all sound so convincing! 

Some are more concerned about “The Man of Sin” than they are about ‘The Sin of Man’.  To some, it seems, we do it all and to others we do nothing.  Some declare that if I confess and declare it I have it and others say that is presumption and trials, tribulations and difficulties are required to bring us to maturity so bring on the suffering.  They all sound so convincing!

Some seem more concerned about their brand of doctrine than they are about God’s Kingdom.  Others are so concerned about the Kingdom of God they are willing to receive almost any doctrine.  Some see the church as parenthetical (keeping God occupied until Israel is ready to resume her role), and others see it as the focus of God in these last days.  They all sound so convincing!

WHAT is the answer?  Let me be overly simplistic, there is no answer other than JESUS!  If the Holy Spirit does not bring revelation, illumination, and enlightenment we will continue to grope around in human blindness framing our own ‘Doctrines of Men’ elevating them to a position higher than God as did the Pharisees.  We will call it ‘doctrinal purity’ and out of that will spring forth ‘pride’ and even a ‘spirit of rebellion’ which produces spiritual death.

Matthew 13:29 – – “Jesus said:  ‘The harvest is the end of the age…’”

Jesus said enough about the Harvest and the Last Days to easily conclude that the Harvest is an important dimension of the Eternal Purpose of God especially as it relates to the LAST DAYS!   Let me suggest that based on my understanding of Scripture one of the things we can expect in the LAST DAYS is a ‘Massive Ingathering of Souls’ into the Kingdom or Harvest!  So while things are dark and will grow darker I encourage you to look to the author and finisher of our faith and be encouraged that GOD IS GOD and ALWAYS WILL BE GOD!  He’s not finished yet!

I have more I want to say but will hit the pause button here and wait until next time.  Blessings as you go through your day!  May you be fruitful in all that you do!

Psalms 119:15-16 – “I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.”  NKJV

I told someone a few years ago that I liked to mediate on God’s Word and you would have thought I had just confessed to being a mass murder or something the way they reacted to the word meditate.  All they could conceive in their mind was ‘Transcendental Meditation’ and were appalled that I would practice any form of meditation.  Never mind that the Word of God encouraged what I was talking about.

The word, ‘meditate’ in the Hebrew means ‘to muse’ which is simply to think about something carefully and thoroughly.  It is to become absorbed in thought and to turn that thought over and over in the mind.  It would be akin to ‘unpicking’ a knitted sweater until it falls apart or opens up and becomes clear.  I have, at times, spent hours thinking about a few words used in a passage as I focused on the potential and possible meanings.  I have found that, at times, I could not shake a particular passage from my mind for weeks as I thought about it.  In so doing I have found that, often a passage will become such a part of me that it transformed some aspect of my life.  It is to ‘ponder’ and the implication is that you will carry on a conversation with yourself although it may be completely silent and in your mind.  You talk with yourself about it as you examine it deeply and carefully.

Then he said, ‘contemplate’ God’s ways which is again to ‘think deeply’ or ‘carefully’ about something.  It is to ‘regard’ or look at in detail.  The Psalmist is thinking deeply on the precepts and ways of God.  It is to look at the ways or paths of God intently.  I have found that many grasp the ‘Acts of God’ but many fail to understand the ‘Ways of God’.  Psalms 103 declares that God made His ‘ways’ known to Moses and His ‘acts’ to the sons of Israel.  Moses had a deeper level of understanding of the precepts and paths of the Lord than did the children of Israel.  God help us to seek to know His Ways not just His Acts!

The result of meditation and contemplation is DELIGHT in God’s statutes.  Some almost grudgingly follow the directives and commandments of God’s Word but the Psalmist engaged in deep thought on God’s precepts and ways and found that the Statutes or Laws of God brought delight to his heart and mind.  He understood that it was not just a rule but a principle with purpose.

Then the declaration I will not ‘forget’ Your Word.  The Hebrew usage means “I will not mislay Your Word”.  I will not fail to remember.  I have found that the Word hidden in my heart is not hidden but filed away for future reference and guidance.  It becomes an anchor in my life that motivates and leads me in right paths.  It becomes a pillar and anchor in my life.  I have mediated upon it until I understood the precept, grasped the purpose in the ways or paths, delighted in the statutes and therefore it is virtually impossible for me to forget the Word.

That is what I’m talking about when I say I MEDITATE on the Word of God!  May God be with you as you go through your day!