THE GREAT DECEPTION DOES NOT HAVE TO BE

A big question for each of us, “How do I choose to live?”  We must face that amazing power.

Here is a history we do well to understand:  God called a certain family to be “His chosen people.” Their story fills the Old Testament.  As Eric and I read through the Bible together every day, this has become frightfully clear:  the chosen did not see the privileged place and blessings they were freely given.  Their downward spiral is sadder and sadder to my soul every time we read through their history.  Who rejected who? God’s chosen people rejected Him over and over … and over!

Why didn’t they see what they had?  Their hearts were not faithful.  Their minds were not true!

There is a “still, small Voice” speaking in my ear, in your ear: “This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left.” You and I make decisions every day, sometimes every minute.  That Voice in your ear is the LORD, who affirms choices, or gives you pause, when you are purposefully following Him.  “This is the way…” Isaiah 30:21.

There is another powerful, driving, force in this world: the prince of the power of the air, “Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience.” Ephesians_2:2

One call is from the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Jesus.  He says his love is never ending, always there, always listening for your call to Him.  The other is a deceit unlike anything other.

So, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour… Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers that are in the world.”   “But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”  1Peter 5:8-10.

Friends and neighbors are going through crises today.  Even in this world wide agony every one of us is privileged to call for Him.  God knows.  The Lord Jesus cares. “Call to me, and I will answer you, and shew you great and mighty things which you know not.” Jeremiah 33:3.

What a thought!

WHO, ME?

You never know what God has “up His sleeve” for you…Follow God through the pages of the Bible. Pray to him through Jesus Christ our Lord, then learn to listen to the “still, small voice” that you have within you. When you believe in the Redemption from your sins through Christ Jesus. You are a Believer. He promises that the Holy Spirit of God dwells in you.

A few months back, I picked up a ukulele hanging in my husband’s office. I cannot remember where this instrument came from. I think it is Eric’s, but I confiscated it. There was a “still, small” desire to sing and play one afternoon so I took it down from the wall, sat on the couch and began playing, “Is Your All on The Altar?” Growing up, when our family of ten traveled the lower Forty-eight States, Canada and some in Mexico, my sister and I played and sang this together in the Churches we visited. Could I remember how? My ability was basic. You may have heard the Country Music, “Three Chords and a Rhyme” critique. I remembered two keys with three chords.

Skip a few months. On the way to our Publix Grocery Store, I watched as a beautiful Assisted Living Complex was built and became home to privileged residents. I walked into the Reception area one day and asked if they would like to have a hymn sing on Sundays. Later, the Activities Manager called and asked how much I would charge. I told her, “Nothing.” She told me that this was the right price. And we decided on a date.

A surprising thing happened: my husband, Eric, and our son Zach offered to go with me and play. Our daughter in law, Roxy and their daughter, Lilly would come and support us, hand out music and greet. I was excited and affirmed. But then something more surprising happened. My husband and son told me that I am the leader of the group. Who me? It is true that I “felt led” to walk into the beautiful new home. It is true that morning after morning new songs and hymns were on my mind as I woke. It is true that the uke was somehow familiar still. It is true that the idea was planted in my head.

Being appointed “leader” by Eric and Zach (who are both amazing musicians), stunned me. I had always followed growing up. With Choleric, gifted siblings, I, a middle child, had always considered myself nonessential. How literally unkind I had been to myself! How insulting to my Creator! Girls, you never know fully what He will ask of you until you are standing face to face with your Creator.

Currently, since the beginning of this year everything is at a standstill. The worldwide pandemic has “us all taking a breath,” but we are more than Conquerors through Him that loved us. We are unique and special because we are the Creation in the image of God. Never, never say, “Never.”

YOU ARE NOT STUCK...GOD IS ALIVE

There is every earthly reason to feel it: that “black looking future” and powerlessness. It is only earthly deductions. Remember: You are Spirit, Soul and Body, created in the image of God. A favorite thought of mine.

The quarantine from a Pandemic only gives you another open door:  you have time to think, look inside, look around and develop this amazing creation that you are. Come out of this quarantine with a new vision of yourself, of your innate gifts (you have more than you know, more than you currently think you have).

“If” "Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth;" that is, if you are not sure of this, then here is a powerful opportunity: go make sure of your foundation.  He did say that “all power is His” and It is for your benefit. Believe Him then tell Him and speak to yourself, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” If you are a Believer in Jesus, then you have access to “all power”.

This means that you can look for vision “a picture in your mind” from your Creator, Jesus. He will lift you up from your quaking spirit and he will show you how to use this quarantine time to become strong in faith, discover your gifts, learn something new and especially see hope ahead: He will strengthen you.

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me and heard my cry.”  “All power” is His! Look up!

He will enter your mind and heart and soul and give you vision and give you clearance to become that strengthened, new and amazing person: He will fulfil His purpose for you!

I will do this with you. We are together in this challenge. Neither you nor I must be downcast. Look up! He is waiting to hear your cry for help, for encouragement and for Comfort!

(Matthew 28:18; Philippians 4:13; Psalm 40:1)

LET'S NOT MISS IT!

There is something we could miss:  A division of our culture has become “smart ass” and are trying to enforce their opinions on our whole Country.  We are barraged by secular people and philosophies who “know more than God.” We are traditionally Christian. Those who are determined to be “right” are heading to a dark spiritual tunnel.  This is a powerful reaction to our Creator’s truth.  This current force for hating what Scripture has written to mankind has an obstinate determination to make their thinking the final word.  They think they know it all.

 

Our Creator, Jesus Christ, has written the Bible to give us a Guide to success … every time, in every way.  But seculars think God is a fantasy.  These loud voices in the world today will not listen for the “still, small voice” of our Creator God. If God is a fantasy, why worry about him and strive against him?

We are in danger of missing out.  There is a divide between good and evil in America today that is clear and sharp.  Let’s go back to The Ten Commandments for starters.

I promise on the authority of God’s Word, which is eternal, that we will find a healing in our land, a coming together, a peace and calm that will be a mysterious and beautiful “turn about.”  It’s called Light.  He is called, Jesus.  “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Let us, my fellow Believer, bring healing and hope and: “be ready always to give an answer to every person that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

I Peter 3:15.