Redeem The Time

Do you have one of those friends who you can talk to about anything? Maybe it's your spouse or someone at work or church. We all need someone to talk with, especially these days.

This entire story is based off a single text from one of those special friends. The conversation went like this.

"Did you watch the latest Behold Israel?"

"No. What's it about?"

"Important movement by Iran."

That was enough to get me out of my recliner and open up YouTube. I watched the show (see link at bottom) which features Amir Tsarfati, a Jewish-born Christian. He reports on current events happening in the Middle East in addition to spreading the Gospel.

While our U.S. news coverage is all about the election and Coronavirus, Amir and Behold Israel brings a Middle-Eastern perspective to the news.

Amir is reporting that something is brewing in Iran and it's not good. I won't go into all the details but let me just say that Biblical end time events seem to be happening with increasing intensity these days.

At the end of Amir's talk he told his audience about a passage from Ephesians that kept going through his mind. Here it is.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

15See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:8-16

We can all agree that the days we are living in are quite dark in nature. The west coast is on fire, the protests and riots, wars and rumors of wars. In the passage above the Apostle Paul describes a dark time such as the one we are going through right now.

You and I used to "walk in darkness" before we knew Jesus. Now, as Paul says, we are "children of the light." Fast forward to verse 16. What are we, the children of the light, supposed to be doing in this dark time?

"Walk circumspectly" (careful to consider all circumstances), "not as fools but as wise," and we should be "redeeming the time." What does redeeming the time mean for a Christian? Basically it means we only have so much time on this earth. We need to be about God's business, not ours. The time is short. Make the most of it for God's glory and not our own.

Are we doing that? Are we redeeming the time? Are we talking to others about Christ? We should be. We need to be found doing God's work when He returns. Which may be any time. So, let's get busy!

Behold Israel - Amir Tsarfati

The Choice

We all make choices in life. We ourselves were the result a choice made before we were even born. Our mom and dad chose to have us, whether they knew it or not. They also then chose to keep us or abandon us. Tough choices.

Eventually we grow up and begin to make our own choices. College? Trade school? Some of our choices however have not been so good. You know what your bad choices have been. Do you regret them?

Life is filled with choices. Our choices determine our future and the future of generations to come. So why do we take life's choices so casually? Good question.

Sometimes our lives can be changed for ever by the choices that others make. Someone drinks too much and gets behind the wheel of a car. Suddenly there is a collision and someone is dead. A poor choice just became all to real.

The most important choice we can make in this life has to do with Jesus. Maybe He's not important in your life right now. He will be one day though, whether you want Him to be or not. The chance to make a choice for Jesus expires when we do. After that it's too late.

Take the example of an airplane. You can be on an airplane that suddenly develops engine trouble and is going to crash. You heard the stewardess tell everyone about available parachutes. You know that the parachute can save your life but at some point you are going to have to make the choice to put the parachute on. Just knowing that "Jesus saves" is not enough. You must put Him on. You must be IN Christ. The Bible says we must "put of our old self" (Ephesians 4:22) and put on Christ.

Have you made that choice about Jesus yet? It's easy to do. All those bad choices you've made? Ask God to forgive you for them. Seek God's forgiveness with humility and sincerity. If you do that He has promised to forgive and forget ALL of your sins, as far as the east is from the west. Then ask Him to become the Lord of your life. Learn from Him. Follow Him. Put Him on.

The choice is up to you. It's all yours. There are two roads you can go down. One leads to eternal life. The other leads to death. Like I said, your choice. Your consequences.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

The choice . . . is yours.

Camouflage

My wife and I were heading home from vacation yesterday when I glanced to the side at an automobile dealership. That's when I saw this guy parked right on the end of a line of new cars.

Clever. VERY clever. I never even saw him until I was right there. Lucky for me I was going the speed limit. He was in full view yet, because he was in with a bunch of other cars, I could barely detect the difference.

There is a lesson to be learned here. He is using something most hunter's use during hunting season - camouflage. Camouflage is defined as using painted, clothing or some other covering to make you bland in with your surroundings.

There are many things camouflage can be used for. Politicians use it, for example, to get themselves elected. They will tell you what you want to hear and then, if elected, they will do whatever they want to do. Political camouflage.

Have you ever heard the term Camouflage Christians? What would you think those area? It's someone who goes to church, pretends to pray, acts very religious and even says all the right words. But in actuality, they are anything but. Jesus spoke about them in His day and how to recognize them.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." - Matthew 7:15-20

We can recognize the police officer is we examine his car closely enough or, if we are speeding, he will recognize us! The camouflaged Christian will not bear good fruit. Many "Christians will vote for someone who supports abortion and/or gay marriage. Even though these things are clearly against God's will.

Beware of camouflaged Christians. They are everywhere. Even in the pulpit. They will use any means to deceive you. For example, politicians like to kiss babies prior to elections. Some politicians; however, support the killing babies. We need to pay attention to their fruit. Jesus says this:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but (only) the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23

Take off the camouflage, repent, believe, do God's will, and you will be saved. It's really rather clear.

Examine The Cost

My wife and are on vacation. The other day we went downstairs from our motel room to get our "complimentary breakfast," which I am sure we somehow actually paid for. Breakfasts like this are different in these Covid times. Six foot spacing stickers on the floors, everyone wearing masks, people encouraged to eat in their rooms and disposable everything.

You can no longer go down the breakfast buffet line. You have to tell someone what you want. They plate it up for you. So I told the lady I wanted three sausages and some scrambled eggs which she promptly dished up for me. I smiled back. Which brings me to observation #1.

No one can see you smile while you are wearing a mask. That's too bad. I love smiling at people. That's one of the ways we tell people we love them. The wearing of masks basically removes smiling, and a little bit of love, from out society I fear.

The next observation I made was while my wife and I were eating breakfast. There was a "ding" and the elevator doors opened up. It was a father and his young daughter. As they stepped off the elevator they put on their masks. Observation #2.

The little girl looked almost frightened to me. She was walking out into a sea of unknown people. Did any of them have the virus that was making her wear the mask? Unknown. We humans have a fear of the unknown. I was saddened that this little kid had to go through this virus, something she had no part in creating.

When did we get to the point and a people that we felt the need to create killer viruses? I mean, who decided that was good thing to do? Yet it seems to be something we have deemed necessary for some reason. America, Russia, China, Germany, all have created biological weapons. China's just managed to escape.

Jesus spoke about a "counting the cost" as He talked to His disciples. Obviously, we have not done that with regard to creating things that kill.

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it." - Luke 14:28

The world is filled with many thangs that can harm us. Most of them are man-made. Have we totally counter the cost in our creating them?

Jesus telling us to count the cost was a grim warning for his disciples, all but one of who met with a terrible death resulting from their faith and belief in Him. Each of us must count the cost for proclaiming Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Our faith will come at a cost. Family, friends, jobs - our faith DOES come at a cost. The question we must answer, as with anything we decide to do as a people, is, is it worth it? Is it worth the cost?

Jesus IS worth it. He counted the cross and found us worth the cost. That's something we need to always remember.

Take a Vacation!

My wife and I are on vacation this week and I have been reminded of a few things that could make your life more enjoyable.

First of all, we've been so busy doing things that we have had zero time to watch television. My wife will tell you that she is more addicted to TV than her husband. It's good to unplug, especially during this political season. We haven't seen a political ad in days!

Another thing is the food. We have been eating out more which is always a dangerous thing to do. We try to make good choices. Yesterday, for example, we sat at a picnic table looking over the harbor as we ate a salad. That was relaxing and it tasted pretty good too!

I have still had the time I needed to read my Bible but I DO miss worship and my church family. But at least I can listen to my pastor remotely which is nice. The peaceful moments also lead to appreciative prayers of thanks which is also a blessing.

Missing friends and family can also be a reason to long for home but think about the reunions to come! Hugs and kisses from grandkids, children and friends are always something we can use more of. Soon!

But the thing I think I have enjoyed the most about this particular vacation is spending time alone with my wife. We have no family reunion this year, the kids are all working and our grandkids are either in school or in daycare.

Jesus, I think, is missing time spent with His wife too. That's us, His Church. I know a family reunion is getting closer each day. But I still think it that anytime is a good time to spend with God. He looks forward to our conversations together.

Do we spend enough time with Him? Do we talk with Him as we walk through the woods? Or along the boardwalk by the harbor? Probably not. But that is something we can easily change, if we want to.

"But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33

In An Instant

Do you remember a time when your life changed suddenly? Perhaps it was a fatal car crash that took the life of a loved one. Or the news that you had cancer. The terrorist attack on 9/11 changed an entire nation in an instant. There is coming an event that will change the entire world. It will happen in an instant as well - the sudden return of Jesus.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - 52 in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

Today is Rosh Hashanah. It began yesterday actually. It ends Sunday. Rosh Hashanah is the Festival of Trumpets. Did you see the word "trumpet" in the passage above? It is written twice because it is doubly important.

Many Bible scholars agree that Jesus will return for His church (that's us) during the Festival of Trumpets. It could be today or tomorrow or a hundred years from now. But the time sure seems right, given all of the unrest in the world today.

No one has any idea when the rapture will occur but I confess I find myself praying more during this time than ever before. I am more mindful of the possibility of His coming. I am trying to be more obedient and more attentive to the Holy Spirit. Those are all good things no matter when we do them.

Do you smile when you think of seeing Jesus? Or are you fearful? His return is going to happen one day, that's His promise. I am more than ready these days. Longing for it actually. Yet I haven't always been this way. You see, I was changed in an instant once before. The moment . . . I came . . . to believe.

Believe - Staind

Whispers

During this time of shouting in our world, it is often difficult to hear God's whispers. They ARE there. We're just too busy yelling at each other to hear them.

Consider the reactions to shouting verses whispering though. Which one you you think is more receptive? When someone shouts their message we often recoil. "Could you turn it down a notch?" We withdraw from that person AND their message.

But consider the whisper. "What did you say?" or "I didn't hear that" are the more likely responses. There is a desire to understand what the person is saying. We are desiring to hear.

When God spoke to Elijah, did God yell at Elijah with a loud, thunderous voice? No. He spoke in a whisper.

"The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here?" - 1 Kings 19:11-13

Has God been whispering in YOUR life? Have you heard it? Or is Satan yelling so loudly that you can't hear anything else?

There is plenty of noise in the world these days. In my opinion, it is all driven by Satan. We must instead listen for the whispers. The expressions of love we show to one another. The tiny nudges we receive from God's Holy Spirit.

It is up to us to hear. After all, God gave us two ears and one mouth. Why do you think God did that?

Nuance Perfume Commercial

Ruth's Prophetic Wedding

The story of Ruth is a wonderful love story. But it is more than that. It is a foreshadowing of things to come.

For many years I have always thought of the story about Ruth and Boaz to be a representation of Jesus and His church, and that is true. But, for me anyway, that is where the story always ended. A good reminder of how we must pursue Christ and His "redeeming" us.

Yesterday, however, I saw a Facebook post that changed the way I look at this wonderfully romantic story in the Bible. Could the story of Ruth also be about Israel and the coming rapture of the church?

When did Ruth and Naomi return to Israel, the land of Naomi's birth? It was during the barley harvest. And when did the Jewish people return to the newly-created land of Israel? In 1948 Israel was created as a country again. During the barley harvest.

Think about it.. When does the "romantic" part of the Book of Ruth take place? During the barley harvest. Hmm. A harvest. And where was Boaz from? Chapter two tells us that Boaz "came from Bethlehem." Hmm.

Boaz had some barley fields that were ready for harvesting. In fact the harvest was underway when our loving couple met. Boaz was actually "living" on the threshing floor at that time - where the grain is separated from the chaff. Search for threshing floor sometime in your Bible studies. Speaking of the end times, Jesus said this:

"His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” - Matthew 3:12

Trust me, you will want to be a piece of grain when you are on the threshing floor or Jesus. DO NOT be the chaff.

Boaz goes on in chapter four to redeem Ruth and they are married.

"Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, I have acquired as my wife" - Ruth 4:10

They most likely got married a few months later during the late summer/fall harvest. Know one knows the day or the hour. Sound familiar?

The Book of Ephesians describes the roles of husbands and wives. Paul ends his Ephesians 5 description of the perfect marriage this way:

"This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church." - Ephesians 5:32

As a side note, the descendants of Ruth and Boaz are rather impressive. David, Solomon, and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

While the date of Ruth’s wedding and the Church’s wedding with Jesus are unknowable, the late summer/early fall seems a likely season for both.

We are in that season right now. Are you ready to be redeemed?

"Look up, for your redemption draws near." - Luke 21:28

The Day After

Those who were alive and breathing on September 11, 2001 remember the events of that day. The devastation. The disbelief. As horrific and life-altering as that day was, what I remember most about 9/11 was what happened the day after.

People searching through the rubble, looking for signs of life . . . of hope. America became united in a common cause and promised to always remember. Church attendance soared, enlistment in our armed services increased dramatically, and a country came together as one.

But then it happened. It always does. Church attendance dwindled, the debris got cleaned up. We always seem to forget what's happened in the past. It's always been that way.

"At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. 20They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. 21They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, 22miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. 23So he said he would destroy them - had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them." - Psalm 106:19-23

This is a foreshadowing of what is going to happen to us one day. If we forget God, and it looks more and more like that every day, God's anger will be aroused. He WILL destroy mankind again.

But . . .

Jesus, just like Moses will intervene on behalf of those who have chosen to follow Him. And just like what always happened in the Bible, God will save a remnant of His people - 144,000 of them. And He will save those who have chosen to follow Jesus.

“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4 Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel." - Revelation 7:3

The good news for all believers who came to faith in Christ before the tribulation is that before God unleashes His wrath on the earth, He will remove His church (those who believe in Jesus).

All of the evil that is happening in the world these days MUST happen. God has said so in His Word. The question is are you going to go through the worst of it yet to come? Or are you leaving this place with Jesus before it happens?

The choice is yours. It's up to you. Will you remember the Old Testament stories and prophesies of what is to come? Or will you remember those lessons and choose Christ today. The choice must be made before that day. The day after Jesus returns for His people . . . well, you won't want to be here.

God has always provided a deliverer for His people. In the Old Testament is was Moses who stood in the breach. God always provided a way out when hope seemed lost (the parting of the Red Sea). In the New Testament our deliverer is Jesus. We can either follow Him or deny Him. The choice is ours. Have you made your choice?

The Rapture of the church is our Red Sea moment. Do you have the faith it takes to believe and walk through the waters? I hope you do.

The following is a 30-minute video. Yes, that's long. Watch the first few minutes then and hear about what has been promised from long ago. It WILL come to pass because it is the will of God to save those who believe before He unloads His fury on the earth. Are we ready for that day?

The Day of Wrath is Coming - John MacArthur

I, Robot

An interesting string of events has led me to write this morning's story. First, the local channels feature on our DirecTV have stopped working. And lastly, I prayed, sang worship songs in my head, and quoted Bibles verses until I fell back asleep early this morning.

I'll keep this as brief as I can. I spent most of the day yesterday trying to get our local channels back. They disappeared on Friday. I don't really miss them but my wife sure does. I was on the phone with tech support, staring at "the guide" for our satellite dish, and trying all sorts of things to get those channels back. Checking connections, cutting limbs off trees to make sure we had "a clear view f the southern sky."

While staring longingly at "the guide" I kept noticing the movie I, Robot. Hence the title of today's post. Perhaps I should have called this story I, Idolater instead. Let me explain.

I spent hours trying to figure the missing channel thing out. HOURS. Do I spend that much time reading my Bible? In prayer? At worship? No. Why not? That's just "too much time." But I have enough time to devote to an electronic device?

Isn't that idolatry? Worshipping something more than God?

So I started an investigation, just like I, Robot's Will Smith, and guess what? I AM an idolater! Actually, we probably ALL are.

Time spent on our phones, on the computer, in front of the television set, that all adds up to hours of screen time. In fact, my wife and I got a data usage warning from the phone company yesterday. Too much time!!

That brings me to the time spent quietly singing hymns, praying and going through Bible verses in my head this morning. Do you know what that's called? That's called repentance. And this morning I am changed. But will it stick?

Last night already I had dismantled my phone. I even took the battery out!

I am reading the Book of Psalms right now. Perhaps that is where all the verses, prayers and praise came from. Those things don't usually get a prominent place in my daily life. That must change.

I don't want to be an idolater. Nobody should. So how do we change that? Verse 11 below has the answer.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

We were washed, sanctified and justified! By whom? Jesus! And by The Holy Spirit! God is worthy of our praise. Let's not forget to do that today. And let us devote more time to doing that. More so than anything else. Amen.

Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday, set aside to honor the American worker. That's nice. But that's not what I remember it for. 26 years ago today 12-year old Cora Jones went for a bike ride and never came home.

26 years is a long time. The hurting subsides a bit but it's still there.

I remember walking through corn fields with hundreds of others as we searched for anything in hopes of finding her. I remember the ladies at the Parferyville Methodist Church with their Nescos, making food for all of the volunteers.

But the thing I remember most about that hopeless day was riding my bike on the road near our house, still looking, still hoping, but then stopping to yelling at God like it was all His fault.

I am reminded of Joseph. His siblings all hated him so they sold him into slavery in Egypt. That sounds bad on the surface but ultimately Joseph became the second most powerful man in Egypt and saved his brothers despite what they had done.
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"But as for you, you meant evil against me (Joseph); but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." - Genesis 50:20

Years later, after becoming a born-again believer in Jesus, I remember reading a book that suggested the biggest hurt in my heart would become my best ministry. What was the source of my biggest pain? Cora's death.

Cora loved Jesus. What better way to honor her, I thought, than by becoming a youth leader at the very church that Cora attended. So I did. And what a blessing that was!

God had taken the pain in my heart and replaced it with joy. That's what God does. He heals the brokenhearted. He takes away the pain and offers love and peace in its place.

So, today I remember Cora. Yes. But mostly I remember God and His endless supply of grace and mercy. He took this man's damaged heart and not only healed it but enlarged it.

He can do the same for you if you let Him. Ask God to heal your heart today.

Into Your Hands

As we read the Old Testament, there are times we read a verse and say, "Where have I heard THAT before?" Jesus and the disciples often quoted scripture. I was reminded of that fact this week as I read through the Book of Psalms.

How about this verse for example. Jesus said this while hanging on the cross.

"About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"). - Matthew 27:46

Those were the words of David in Psalm 22.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?" - Psalm 22:1

Here's another one:

"Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last." - Luke 23:46

"Into Your hands I commit my spirit," was something originally written by King David. Read Psalm 31:5

"Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God." - Psalm 31:5

Jesus was always about His Father's business. Even at the end of His earthly life, Jesus was quoting scripture. Impressive. Jesus wasn't thinking about Himself when He died. He was thinking about His Father. Will we have that kind of devotion when it is our time to commit our spirit into God's hands?

Restore Our Souls

I had no idea what I was going to write about when I started up the old laptop this morning. While I waited for all of the electrons to get themselves organized I picked up my Bible and began reading where I had left off reading last night. Psalm 22 and 23.

Psalm 22 is all about the crucifixion of Jesus. Yet it was written centuries before said crucifixion actually took place. It begins with these words which Jesus spoke on the cross. "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).

The Psalm continues . . .

"They pierced My hands and My feet; 17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. 18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots." - Psalm 22:16-18

The crucifixion of Jesus was a gruesome, horrible thing. Perhaps that's why Psalm 23 follows it.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake." - Psalm 23:1-3

Calming words after an agonizing trial.

The words of Psalm 23 have a tremendously calming effect for those who are struggling or in anguish. Just knowing that "the Lord is my shepherd" and that He watches over my "restores my soul".

Put down the phone. Turn off the television. Read Psalm 23 and meditate on its words. Perhaps the whole world should read its words. A restored soul is what exactly what we need right now.

Psalm 23 - People and Songs