there is nothing like first hand evidence

I spent some time the other day with an old friend.  We had met in sixth grade, and I lost touch with him over the years.  But last Sunday, resting from our Saturday ride, I encountered him once again.  You may know him also, or at least the name, as he is very famous.  Even showed up in a few movies over the years, before we met.  But I remember him mostly from articles about him,his name Sherlock Holmes.  And  his room mate, Dr. John Watson.  It was as an avid reader, I first discovered Holmes, and fell in love with his stories, as told by Watson.  Watson and he met after Watson was stationed in Afghanistan, and was wounded, living on a pension.  A mutual friend introduced them, both needed to share rent, and the rest is history, or fiction, starting at 221B Baker Street, London.  Both were completely different men, and Holmes once confided in Watson that Watson was his only friend.  “Counting you, I have one.”   Both highly educated, it was Holmes who was the ardent student of the two, and would review the facts with Watson, often quizzing him, amazed at what Watson didn’t see or hear.  Watson, for instance, knew they lived on the second floor, Holmes knew there were 13 steps, and the fourth from the top creaked, but only going down.   He could tell a man’s trade by his hands, and even if left handed by his watch, lefties wear them on the right, just the opposite.  He could tell by a man’s dress if he was poor or rich, and even if working.  So many details that Watson overlooked, or didn’t look for, Holmes saw.  And over 100 years before forensics played a part in solving crimes, he was CSI.  He knew chemistry, in fact in the opening story, we find he invents a chemical to detect how old blood is, dried blood that is.  Want to know how tall a man is?  They usually right on walls above their eye level, useful in seeking a description.  And when at a scene, the letters RACHE were written on the wall, while the police look for a Rachel, he knows rache is German for revenge, and narrows down the perpetrator.  All to his amusement while watching the men of Scotland Yard chase their tails.  And so I spent s few hours rereading about Mr. Holmes, and his adventures.  What continued to get my attention was how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle put all the facts out there, nothing hidden, unlike TV shows where in the last 5 minutes a clue is exposed, and they go to commercial, with Sir ACD, you get to help solve the crime, getting into the mind of Holmes, but more often into the mind of Watson.  For it is the details that mysteries are solved, and few were more adept at details than Holmes.  “Elementary, my dear Watson,” he would remind the good doctor, and Watson would again find humor in his flat mate’s power of observation.  Watson saw it all, but only Holmes knew what he was looking for.

Ever heard the term “the devil is in the details?” I never understood it, if you can explain it to me.  I see God in the details, with each detail raising a question, and each answer proving there is a creator.  For instance, hold your hand in front of your face, and wiggle your fingers.  How did you do that?  From the concept, to the idea in the brain, to the request to wiggle, to the action, how did that happen?  How did that happen to a hand that can grip a throttle, shake with another, make fist, or be nailed to a cross?  So many details have had to happen, just to wave it, coincidence?  Or preplanned?  While many would seek out the physical reasons, I would like to concentrate on the spiritual ones.  The why we do things, as opposed to what makes them happen.  Holmes saw the physical, and even the metaphysical, but not the spiritual.  While man looks at the outer man for evidence, God reveals the heart.  And it is not always good.

It is trendy to be told to trust our heart, to go with our feelings, but have your feelings ever let you down?  Have you ever made a decision when in a bad mood or angry?  Or fallen in love with a pretty face, that soon turned on you?  Experience tells us no to look a gift horse in the mouth, or buy a car at night, yet many do and regret it later.  Looks good, feels good, the price is right, so do it.  Without counting the cost.  Theresa tells me of a couple we know who has always lived way beyond their means.  Gotta have a huge house, or new cars, bigger each year.  Their religion tells them they are a good witness if prosperous, really they are just more in debt.  But now with all the kids gone, and given a $500,000 line of credit/mortgage, do you need to spend it all?  Do you really need 3700 square feet for two people?  Is that prosperity as God sees it?  Is your FICO score more important than your relationship with God?  Do we go to Him, do we even give Him any credit?

The detail here being do we seek God first, and like Jesus told us, let Him add all other things unto us.  Like Holmes, we are given the details, but do we see them?  Do we even look, or do we even want to?  Yet we can always find the evidence after we foolishly act, why didn’t we see it before?  Some are like Holmes, and study the situation.  I have a friend who studies the Bible for answers to all his questions.  Exhaustingly he knows the Bible, but still makes bad decisions.  They are based on facts, that without the spirit mean nothing.  He can quote scripture, and has become legalistic, a rule for every situation. But without the spirit, that reveals all mysteries of Christ, they are words, still Holy  words, still God’s word, but lose their full impact.  It is the spirit that gives direction, and without it we miss the details.  And Jesus is that detail that brings us together, only told to us by the spirit.  Tonight when you do your devotional, ask God first to guide you by His spirit.  Ask Him to reveal Himself more fully to you, to make the scriptures come alive.  Before, then thank Him after.  Maybe one verse, or one word will be all He intends for you, don’t restrict Him in how much He wants to show you.  Look at things through His eyes, the spirit, and see the evidence of Him everywhere.  And soon that evidence will be evident in your life. 

Terrence Aloysious Young once asked me why you go to college?  His answer after stumbling through the “to get a better job, to make more money, or to not grow up for another seven years,” amazed me.  You go to find out how to solve the problem.  Some do, some don’t, some never will.  Just like Jesus, some get Him, some don’t, some never will.  But He still remains available to us 24/7, never leaves, and the spirit is constantly telling us “you need Jesus.”  You see, some read the book, some saw the movie, Watson knew the man.  Just like Jesus, some read the book and know all about Him.  Some are in church, Bible studies, and ministry, but miss Him.  I rather know the man, who reveals all mysteries, and who is the mystery to come.  And He knows me, on a first name basis.  And I have evidence in my life of Him.  Some have degrees after their name, to what degree is He important in your life?  Your walk?  And do we have to be Holmes to see it, or would Watson notice it?

Jesus is in the details, He is everywhere.  God’s creation screams of it, and when we don’t, even the rocks will cry out and confirm it.  Holmes’ criminal equal, Professor Moriarity wrestled with Holmes until he died.  And Holmes survived, only to return in a miraculous way.  After a period of years, Sir ACD brought him back due to public demand.  Be that public of one today, He died and rose again even if you were the only sinner on earth.  He loves you, a detail we need to remember.  Today we can speak freely, act freely, and love freely, based on the freedom won on the cross.  Evidence that He lives, and that demands a verdict.  Elementary, my dear Watson, just look at the facts.  Read the book, and talk to the man who wrote it, and see why Holmes tells us “the world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.”  “Eliminate all other facts and the one that remains must be the truth.”  Holmes might have become quite a theologian, except he lived for “brainwork, what else was there?”  We know the truth, and are set free.  Reunite with an old friend today, and let Him set you free.  Share Jesus today, for as Holmes says, “ nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person.”  Witnessed by Sherlock Holmes, are you listening Watson?  “There is nothing like first hand evidence.”

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

the liquidation of Castle Greyskull

We have always had pets, usually a dog and cat or two.  We had Hannah our huge Irish Setter through three houses and two states, a bit high strung and a good protector.  We got her from a sheriff’s deputy in Durango who couldn’t keep her, and she was still a pup.  But even then, she was aggressive, when feeding her, sometimes she would grab your hand, and hold it in her mouth.  Her food-you were just the feeder.  She would play with our other dogs, and often get carried away, more than once I had to choke her until she went limp to get her to let go of another dog.  She was an outdoor dog, and when we lived at Vallecito Lake, loved to go ice fishing with Sam, our elderly neighbor, coming back reeking of fish.  He would throw her the small ones instead of throwing them back.  So when we moved into suburbia, she was restricted to a fenced in back yard, and couldn’t run free any more.  And one of her last territorial aggressions was when she was tied to our apple tree out front so we could work in the back yard.  We heard a blood curdling scream, followed by barking, and went to investigate.  She had met the mail lady, who went out of her way to cross Hannah’s path.  And got bit for it.  And after complaining that Hanna bit her, I felt sympathy, but stood by Hanna, telling her “if you aren’t smart enough to avoid a barking dog tied to a tree, that is what you get.”  No one messed with Hannah.  The one ingredient missing from the Postal  creed, no rain, no snow wills top them from their appointed duty.  Best to let sleeping dogs lie, barking ones too.

Caesar was Hannah’s dog mate when we moved to Farmington.  He was a 120 pound Alaskan Malamute who had once been a sled dog, and had the size and shoulders to prove it.  I brought him home when we moved to New Mexico and a freeze plug blew out in the 1949 F-3 Ford.  My friend Dave fixed it, he was a mechanic, and Caesar was tied up at his shop, too big for any apartment.  And it was love at first sight, and he leaned against me while riding in the cab for 50 miles.  He was mellow, his blue eyes always smiling, and rarely growled, it was serious if he did.  He was content to find shade from the heat, and Hannah ruled the yard.  They even had to be fed separately because she would eat his food.  We felt confident that no one would enter our back yard with those two present, and even when I would be out back, Caesar would circle me and protect me, guarding me from even our friends, but yet gentle to my two sons.  But Caesar had a secret weapon, one that disabled his opponent.  Painlessly, yet effectively.  We first saw him in action one afternoon when we let him in the house.  He never came in, but today was different. Christopher was playing with Castle Greyskull of He-Man fame, and got up to hug Caesar.  After a hug, Caesar ambled over to Castle Greyskull, sniffed, then lifted his leg and liquidated the Castle!  Then ran out through the back door, I mean through the door-it was closed, never to come inside again.  Christopher was heartbroken, “he peed on Castle Greyskull!” he cried for days, and after a thorough cleaning, it was back to normal, but the stench of battle still remained, just not urine.  But Caesar’s legacy had just begun, as I was to find out.

I was home sick one day, when a knock came on the door.  The man wanted to read the gas meter, could I put the dogs in the garage for him.  I got Hannah in OK, and left Caesar sleeping under his bush.  Soon another knock came at the door, “could you please put that other dog inside, too?”  I explained Caesar never bit anyone, and might not even come out from under his bush.  Again the man pleaded, asking me, “please can you put him in, last time I was here here wet on me!”  Caesar and his silent weapon, the same one used to liquidate Castel Greyskull was also effective on meter readers too.  And his legend lives on, even today, some 27 years later. 

It has been said that the devil seeks to destroy us, prowling around like a roaring lion.  Yet many times the battle is like Caesar, we just get wet on, and infuriated.  No real damage done, but our pride and ego are damaged, and soon we don’t look at things as we should.  We have given the devil a foothold, and he will take advantage of any leverage he can get.  We need to remind ourselves that as children of God, nothing can happen to us that God doesn’t know about or allow.  Sometimes the bad times are tests, sometimes God wants to brag on us, and allows a Job like situation to occur.  But in all things, the battle we face is not flesh and blood, but of a spiritual nature.  And we must recognize that.  It is easy to turn on friends and loved ones, allowing Satan that foothold, but it can be easily won victory over by forgiveness.  Jesus sets the example, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Too much time is spent being hurt seeking revenge, when we could be using it to love instead.  By the way, the only command Jesus gave us, to love Him and our neighbor as ourselves.  And our neighbors are anyone one we met, Lazarus’s laid before us by God to bless, or be blessed by.  How we handle them is up to us, but too often we take the Caesar approach, while a bite from Hannah would not have been as painful.  We are told to be gentle as lambs, but wise as serpents, often we are gentle as serpents, and as wise as sheep.  Sheep who are the dumbest animals around, they make cows look smart.  Maybe God had something there when He made the comparison.  But do we get it?

Forgiveness starts with you.  Forgive yourself as Jesus has forgiven you, then pass it on to others.  Repent, and try to go a new direction, only possible with God’s help.  Our old sin nature is ever ready to attack, just waiting for he perfect moment.  But we are more than overcomers, scripture tells us. So be forgiven, forgive others, and go on with your life.  Don’t look back, set your sights on things on high.  For where you eyes go, the body will follow.  Works while riding too.

We still laugh about the day Caesar liquidated Castle Greyskull, and about the wet meter reader.  But those two dogs weren’t the tough ones.  It was Maestas, our 8 pound cat, who ruled over both dogs.  And ruled the neighborhood.  She wasn’t afraid to take on someone 15 times her size, she knew her power.  We have that same power in Christ, so don’t be intimidated by the devil.  Resist him and he will flee.  Go and love someone and make his aim even more useless.  A lesson learned at Castle Greyskull, and its liquidation.  From Caesar, the liquidator! A sleeping dog best left lying.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

are you what you drive?

Have you ever noticed that among  your friends, assuming you have any, you tend to have the same ideas and beliefs?  Take meeting people at an old car meet, Chevy men like Chevies, make fun of Fords, and make up jokes about what MOPAR stands for-Move Over Parts Are Rusting.  Ford makes fun of Chevrolet, Can Hear Every Valve Rattling Over Lousy Engineering Techniques.  Ford guys get it from everyone, Found On Road Dead, Fords Only Run Downhill, and many others.  But Pontiac, RIP gets their’s too, Poor Old Nitwit Thinks It’s A Cadillac.  BMW-Bring Money With You.  Now that FIAT, Fix It Again Tony owns Chrysler, many wounds from 40 years ago will be reopened.  But what of Volvo-Very Odd Looking Vehicular Object, or Porsche, Proof Of Rich Spoiled Children Having Everything, who probably go to USC, University of Spoiled Children.  Dodges Drip Oil, Drip Grease Everywhere.  Subaru, Screwed Up Beyond Any Recognition Usually.  Honda people will argue but many have Had One, Never Did Again.  Acura parents beware, All Children Understand Real Autos, maybe Plymouth went away, RIP, too many had to Please Leave Your Money Out Under The Hood.  My precious MG’s, Mostly Garaged.  Mazda lovers beware, Made At Zoo by Demented Apes.  Owned one once, may be some truth there.  GMC owners know they Got Mechanic Coming, while Audi owners are Another Uninformed Driver Ignorance.  AMC owners have come to say “Ain’t My Car.”  And Saabs are Sad Autos, Always Broken.  Yah, sure, doncha know?  And the list goes on forever...much longer than the cars.

But sooner or later, all truths are exposed, as Volvo brags about one of their cars going over 500,000 miles.  Must have been a mistake.  Ford brags First On Race Day, while Chevrolet used to tell us to see the USA in a Chevrolet, of course they have dealers everywhere.  Was that just an ad for service?  Jeeps are now Chryslers, Chryslers are now FIAT’s, and Plymouth is no more.  You can only remember your Father’s Oldsmobile because production was aborted over 12 years ago.  Same with other orphans such as Saturn, Pontiac, and Mercury.  Once all popular and recognized brand names, no longer around to be made sport of.  Gone but not forgotten.  But in the motorcycle world, both Triumph and Indian have been resurrected, thankfully not like their previously deceased ancestors.  But many still honor the name, and the reputation, memories jaundiced by too many nights spent on the side of the road, daring to ride after dark.  And when all is said and done, or towed home, we stick to brands that we feel familiar with.  And will endure the problems, poor dealers, jokes, and abuse from other brand owners.  Just wait though, their time is coming....just not soon enough.

It is never mentioned what the Apostle Paul drove.  But he must have driven a hard bargain when it came to buying.  Can you imagine some salesman asking Paul, “what will it take to put you into this car today?”  Or “how much can you afford per month?”  He was more of a win on Sunday, and continue to win on Monday type of guy.  Sharing the gospel wherever he went, to whoever would listen.  And many times to those who didn’t want to.  One man was Felix, not the cat, but a Roman governor.  Confronted with a conversation with Paul, and hearing the truth, he found it rather unsettling.  Like taking your car in for service for a noise that only you can hear, and that magically disappears once you cross over into the dealer’s lot.  What seemed to upset old Felix was Paul was telling him about the upcoming judgment, and Felix didn’t like it.  When he was told that all things would be revealed, spoken secrets shouted from housetops, and secret actions revealed, he asked Paul to leave.  But come back again, maybe after he had composed himself, or Paul had changed his tone.  Paul had talked to him about sin, repentance, and self control, three things those caught in sin don’t want to hear, and was asked to leave.  In prison, Felix was hoping Paul would offer him a bribe, after all he was the governor and Paul the prisoner, yet Paul’s words made him feel like the prisoner, and Paul’s telling of Jesus the only escape.  So he told Paul, “go away, come back at a more convenient time.”  Imagine anyone saying that to Paul, now imagine anyone saying that to Jesus.  Doesn’t take much imagination-we have all been there.  But Jesus never gave up on us, and hasn’t on you either.

But sadly many are like Felix, who had many other conversations with Paul, but was never afraid again.  His heart was so hard, it didn’t fear what the gospel told him, and he didn’t do anything about it.  Fear will do that to you, and when confronted with Jesus and when confronted with the truth and do nothing about it, their hearts are  hardened.  And like many old car enthusiasts, tend to congregate together , and make fun of what they don’t understand or don’t agree with.  Good thing we are never like that, right?  I mean, who besides a Ford owner would want to be Found On Road Dead?  When you can be riding with Jesus?  Only Jesus can promise what Dodge can’t, Dead On Delivery, Guarantee Expired.  And how many have found that  you cannot work or buy your way into heaven, it is like BMW-Big Money Wasted.

What you drive tells us a lot about you.  Only God sees your heart and the hidden sin in it.  Someday to be revealed, but to those who choose Jesus now, the slate is clean.  No warranty claims, the ride may have been rough, but we make it.  And with careful regular maintenance in Christ, we will.  Felix wanted to intimidate Paul, he had the title and the power.  Yet as a prisoner of the gospel he had more power and authority than Felix could hope for, even though it was offered.  Extend your warranty to heaven today, only available in Christ.  Today is the day of salvation, Paul knew it, Felix blew it.  That more convenient time you have put off is now...don’t be around to remember the saddest words ever heard, “not now Jesus, maybe later, I’ll get back to you.”  Don’t be  like a Jaguar, Jerks Are Giving Unasked Advice Regularly.  Don’t act like a Jeep, Just Expect Excessive Problems if you do.  The spirit is calling, don’t wait.  Today’s Chrysler could be tomorrow’s FIAT.  Why Fix It Again Tony, when Jesus can fix it today?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

Tom Sawyer revisited or gardening tips from New Jersey

The old Italian man lived alone in Hoboken.  His yard had fallen into disrepair, and the weeds were winning the battle since his son Vinny was doing time.  He wrote to his son weekly, and this time it was as follows:

“Dear Son, The weeds have overtaken the yard, and the ground is too hard to plant.  I am going to hire someone to come and rototill it so I can reseed the back yard.  Miss you, wish you were here to help. Love, Dad”  A week later, a quick, but short reply came from Rahway State Prison from Vinny.  “Dear Dad, Please don’t dig up the yard, that is where the bodies are buried. Love , Vinny”  And the next morning after Vinny’s letter arrived, a knock came at the old man’s door.  It was the FBI with a search warrant, and the crew of 12 were there to excavate the back yard to look for the bodies.  A few days later, the old man again wrote to his son, “Dear Vinny,  The FBI was here and dug up the entire yard.  They found nothing, but now the yard is ready to plant, thanks for all your help.  Love, Dad.”   I cannot tell you if it is true, almost sounds like a Soprano’s episode, but more like a Tom Sawyer story revisited.  Remember Tom was given the chore of painting the fence, which went against his work ethic, he hated to work.  But forced to do it, when his friends came by, made it sound like fun, and so appealing that they wanted to paint too.  And soon the fence was painted, Tom had been relieved from all painting duties, and got credit for a job well done.  At least until his Aunt found out the truth....I wonder if he had an Uncle in Jersey?  Ahh, Jersey, the Garden State.

Some years ago I was a chaplain in a national motorcycle ministry.  I gave it up for a higher position, but missed teaching.  I was approached, “we need someone to teach at a rally, are you interested?”  Of course, sounds like an answer to prayer, but before I could answer, I was given advice.  “Pray about it, you can do it, but keep in mind another Mike Mohn might be out there just waiting for the chance.”  I did, and reluctantly turned down the offer a few days later.  The man who did it, had been praying for that chance, did a great job, and went on to be a chaplain for a few years.  We were all blessed, by my just listening to God.  I was going to be blessed either way, in trusting Him many others were blessed also.  A lesson learned, worth repeating.

Tuesday I had decided to go riding.  The Street Triple tank was full, it was 85 degrees with a tail wind, and I was more than ready.  Hungry, I set off for Temecula, and ate at Flame Broiler.  Not sure which way to ride, I kept asking God which road I should take.  Three times He told me “ride to Gabriel.”  But that was 70 miles the other way, by freeway, and I would be in San Diego that night to teach.  And it was too late to start back.  But after three times, I did as He asked.  Riding 70 miles in 54 minutes, and surprising Gabe who was overwhelmed at the Pantry.  He was overjoyed to see me, and kept telling me “I guess God does hear my prayers after all.”  And I am glad again that I heard the voice of God, and trusted and obeyed.  Both of us were blessed, I again had listened to God, putting Him and others before me, and was doubly blessed.  Another lesson worth repeating.

God often reminds me “just do what I ask,”  and He’ll handle the rest.  But all too often I think I have to be busy doing God’s work, when really I am stealing a blessing from what God wants me to do.  Or worse yet, missing a blessing by my selfish duty.  Life isn’t all about me.  Jesus tells us to rest, which doesn’t mean be lazy, it means rest.  We get too busy trying to be about God’s work, when we are really just trying to please Him by saying “look what I’m doing Lord.”  As if Jesus didn’t notice anyway.  And a quick way to get your eyes off of Him, and onto you.  We are told that obedience is better than sacrifice, where do we find the time to do it over, when we didn’t have time to do it right in the first place?  Plus how do you know God doesn’t have other things for you to do, that He can help you with?  Or that maybe He just wants to spend the day with you riding?  And you think I have to do such and such?  This week for me it was riding 30 miles in the wrong direction, then having to double back, and go to San Diego twice in one day.  I got my ride in, but freeways and riding-yuk.  But I was blessed, Gabe was blessed, and God again showed me how important it is to listen, obey, and trust Him.  He knows what is best, so why don’t I always trust Him?  Or at least ask, even if I don’t obey?
In the above example, the old man needed help, and knew where to turn.  Tom wanted to ditch work, and knew where to turn.  The old man was blessed, Tom was happy until it was discovered it wasn’t him who painted the fence.  His aunt was cheesed off, so were his friends, and any enjoyment he might have had was short lived.  And the fence will need painting again someday-sooner than he thinks!  Although it may be true many hands make light work, why not put your life in the hands that took the nails on the cross?  That prove they can do the job, and died so you can be blessed, and a blessing.  So you can look to Christ, who has a great plan for your life, if only you ask.  But asking isn’t enough, it is the answer that chooses you to make a decision.  And that is where knowing Him personally comes in.  The more you know someone, the more you can trust them.  Get to know Jesus, trust Him because He is trustworthy.  Life is tough, don’t make it any tougher.  Stupid hurts for a reason, and self inflicted wounds seem to hurt the most.  I wish I could say I trust God all the time, but fortunately He is merciful and forgiving when I don’t.  But I’m getting better, and He is patient to me.  I wonder how patient Tom’s friends were with him?

To some this may just be Tom Sawyer revisited, or gardening tips form New Jersey.  For you I hope you consider Jesus this morning before you go about your day.  Which leaves me only one question unanswered. Did the old man ever thank the FBI for the free work they did?  Gives the saying “Hi I’m from the government and here to help” a whole new meaning.  Jesus is easier, and no warrant needed.  Trust on today.  And Ballerini, how does your garden grow?

love with compassion,

MIke

matthew25biker.com 

and now for the news-"I have told you all things beforehand"

The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age

³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

⁵ And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁶ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. ⁷ But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. ⁸ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles.^[a] These are the beginnings of sorrows.

⁹ “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought^[b] before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. ¹⁰ And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.¹¹ But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate^[c] what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. ¹² Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. ¹³ And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

The Great Tribulation

¹⁴ “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’^[d] spoken of by Daniel the prophet,^[e] standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. ¹⁵ Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. ¹⁶ And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. ¹⁷ But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! ¹⁸ And pray that your flight may not be in winter.¹⁹ For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be. ²⁰ And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

²¹ “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. ²² For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²³ But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.

The Coming of the Son of Man

²⁴ “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; ²⁵ the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. ²⁶ Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

The Parable of the Fig Tree

²⁸ “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. ²⁹ So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it^[f] is near—at the doors! ³⁰ Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

No One Knows the Day or Hour

³² “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.

When The Beatles sang of “I read the news today oh boy, about a lucky man who made the grade,” their thoughts and lyrics were far from today’s news and fulfillment of prophecy.  But as we watch the news unfold, and hear of Christian persecution around the world, we sit and wonder, why is God allowing this to happen?  Why is He waiting?  We even see in scripture where it says “come Lord Jesus,” so why is He waiting?  Is this what patience is really all about?

For me I am glad He didn’t come He didn’t return 40 years ago, as I was still not saved.  Maybe there is something about patience leading to salvation that is valuable to me.  But as we see the prophetic time clock ticking, we realize we may be that final generation, and we may be caught up in the clouds at any time.  And as Satan sees his time growing short, he too doesn’t know the time or hour, he is stepping up his plan, but God is still in control.  As ISIS warns Christians to leave Iraq, or be killed, they leave all possessions behind, and many flee to Israel, again prophetic.  Read the above, sound like the news today? Except it was spoken over 2000 years ago by Jesus himself.  So it is fair if asked “what time is it?” to answer “soon and very soon,” for we don’t know the time, but it could be today.  The scoffers will continue to scoff, again prophesied, given another chance to repent.  But for those of us saved, our commission grows even more important, as every day could be the last.  And we all have family, friends, co-workers, or people we ride with who still aren’t saved.  Sorry, Sir Paul, but it isn’t the lucky man who made the grade, but the repentant sinner who came to Christ.  And the news today still cries out to us.

But Jesus also warns that these things are only the beginning of trouble, it will be real bad without Christians.  So if you blame us for all the world’s ills, without us who will you blame?  Who will you turn to?  Turn now, there is still time, today is truly the day of salvation for many, why not you?  Take heed....kings and kingdoms will all pass away, only Jesus will remain.  And all those whom He calls His own.  You have been warned by God, and told about it in His word and by His ambassadors on earth-Christians.  Be the gospel to someone today, share Jesus.  Use words when needed, but share His love.  He is coming soon, sooner than the heathen would like.  Not new news to us who believe.  Come to Christ today.  And now for the news.....the gospel.  Good news.  Maranatha.

love with compassion,

Mike

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