A MEDIATION ON CHRISTMAS

When I meditate on this time of the year and what we call the Christmas (word not found in the KJV of the Bible) season I must conclude this is the most divisive time of the year just ahead of Easter. I wonder why these two holidays divide so many people in the world. Now I will tell you from the start Karen and I do not celebrate Christmas how can we the word is not in the KJV Bible, but we do celebrate the birth of our precious LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. As Christianity began to spread many were alarmed by the continuing celebration of pagan customs among their converts. We even see this throughout the New Testament Church as Paul constantly battled against pagan and cultural traditions from taking root in the young Church. At first the Church forbade this kind of celebration. But it was to no avail. Bible historians claim that the Christmas celebration was invented to compete against the pagan celebrations of December. The 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also to the Persians (Babylonian Chaldeans) whose religion Mithraism was one of Christianity's main rivals at that time. Oddly enough it was during this period the three Wise Men (also Magi) (Matthew 2:1) learned of the Star of Bethlehem by reading the prophecies of Daniel the Great Magi (Daniel 1:1-7). Sadly this religious deception continues today, even though the faces and names has been changed the spirit and intent has not. We Christians seem to be good at making up things to satisfy our flesh for fulfillment. Now as I said Karen and I do celebrate the birth of Christ, there is a huge difference. As we watch the news we cannot believe all of the fighting to keep Christ in Christmas. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask us to remember His birth? Now I can find plenty of Scriptures in the Bible where Jesus has asked us to remember His death, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-26) Who wants to remember Jesus’ death when we can remember His birth? Yet few Christians really remember His death (Romans 6:3) while they go crazy in remembering His birth. I wonder why? Yes there is a wonderful story about the birth of Jesus in the Bible, but where are we commanded to make His birth an annual holiday like we in American have made: Independence, Veterans, or Valentine Day even Halloween? And when you merge religious with traditions and customs you have an unbeatable national money maker. Is not Jesus’ birth much more? Yes my friend I am afraid we have gotten off track and the merchants of the day (and for 100s of years) have capitalized on our selfish greed (maybe only in America, but I think not) and great presumption. The same way Hollywood has recently discovered the untapped market for Christian movies. I find it really strange how many Christians today would rather go to a movie then to Church to hear about Jesus. I wonder why? It is not about fighting to keep Christ in Christmas or even about a baby in the manger. You know we really like seeing baby Jesus in the manger, but you know my friend Jesus is not a baby any more, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34) Today Jesus is not a defenseless baby in the manger He is our victorious King of kings, Lord of lords, and someday soon He is coming back to earth not as a baby, but as a judge (to kick butt) and rule (to set righteousness in order) in the earth. Something else we are puzzled about is why Christians want to beat up on the Atheist in Washington State who put a sign beside a manger display in the Capitol building. I thought we were to witness to them and tell them about Jesus? There is not much of a Christian witness when we shake our fist and gnash our teeth at someone over a wooden display. How can this sign destroy the eternal timeless message of our precious savior Jesus Christ? It cannot and will not. Has the love of God been displaced by Christians wanting their traditional religious symbols? I too can speak for God and sadly I must say yes. Jesus did not come so that we could decorate our trees and yard with gold and silver balls or blinking lights. Jesus did not come so Christians could deck the halls with a blow up Santa Claus and reindeer on their roofs and lawn. What do we do with these verses? “Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not.” (Jeremiah 10:2-4) Maybe we should ignore them or maybe the Holy Spirit made a mistake? I think God is very clear in what He is saying, but we continue in the lie with Christmas trees (a German custom) out from our American tradition (now transported to the world) and because we do not want to offend family members. Just look at the Christmas trees in churches today? What do we do with these verses? The answer will be what we do with Jesus. Never forget the Gospel message of Christ is very offensive and at times even divisive to the non-believers, but truth is truth. Either we will stand for truth or compromise for the lie for the sake of peace on earth. The truth is Jesus did not come so we could have songs to sing at our annual Christmas musicals. It is amazing how old Christmas recordings from people long ago come back to life every Christmas. Jesus did not come so we could run ourselves to death, buying presents for people, while going further into debt. It is no wonder support in America for missionaries and humanitarian programs dwindle to almost to nothing this season of the year. I am afraid the true character and nature of man comes out during Christmas. We even plug in a written list to a jolly fat man in a red suit that drives a sleigh of reindeer around the world in one night to make sure we get want we what for Christmas. Why do we think we should get a present on someone else’s birthday? Our selfishness and self-centered nature really comes shining through. Oh Lord please forgive us for the indulgence of our wrong attitudes, greed, and lust. Jesus did not come to give us a Christmas season to feed our passions. The Bible is very clear why Jesus came. Jesus tells us in His own words, “The thief (not the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came so that we “might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” not to get a bunch of Christmas presents to satisfy our flesh. Jesus came so that we might (our choice not His) have the life of God dwelling within our heart and lives. The creative eternal life of God moving in us and out from us to the world. Also in John Jesus tells us, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Jesus came so that we might have life eternal (one part of salvation) which is knowing His Father (and ours), so that we too could “know the only true God” as Jesus did. So we too could know the sublime unity of knowing God as Jesus did. I would think that would be worth far more than anything we can buy each other. Did you know, Jesus (even though the Prince of Peace) did not come into the world to bring peace as many of the major denominations and religions of the world tell us. Religious deception always leads us away from Christ into the traditional religious worship of the customs of man (like Christmas and Easter) and into a good works salvation thinking. Oh no Jesus Himself said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance (Strong’s #1639 to cut into two parts, cleave asunder, sever) against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39) Jesus has come to cut our hearts out of the world with His word, the sword. Jesus has “come to set man at variance against” or sever every relationship where we love someone or something more than Him. Jesus came so that we could take up our cross (not Jesus’) and follow Him. Jesus came so we could lose our life so that we could then find our life in Him. We know and are persuaded if we lose our life for His sake we shall find it. We also know many of our friends will disagree (we hope and pray this is not the case) with this article, but that is okay getting the truth of the Gospel message out is more important than our friends getting offended at us. If they get offended at us over this article we know they probably are not our friends anyway. We have learned this truth the hard way. Please do not allow yourself to be deceived (your choice) by any pastor or person that says, “it is not a Heaven or Hell issue or it does not really matter” oh really? This thinking my friend is just spiritually wrong and a very subtle form of deception that has been carried on for 100s maybe 1,000s of years by the religious denominations and merchants both working hand-n-hand to get customers. Sadly at the heart of why we focus on the Christmas story and baby Jesus in the manger is so we do not have to deal with a risen Savior. How much more religious can we (like the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17)) who could not totally sell out be than to bow down and worship the Christmas story and the sweet little baby Jesus in the manger? This satisfies our religious flesh and helps to ease our guilt and feeling of disobedience from rejecting God’s word to us. Who wants to allow God to deal and judge in their hearts exposing areas where we must allow Him to work? It is much easier singing another song about Christmas as we buy presents for our family or even as we buy a present for some poor people who live down the street who we neglect the rest of the year. It is far less painful to go to every church musical and spend all we have than for God to be able to show us who we really are. Who wants to allow God free rein in our heart and lives to conform us into the image (icon) and character of Jesus Christ? Very few people do and the rest continue in this traditional religious lie year after year. I think I will end with a very sobering word; if you need a traditional religious holiday to know God sadly my friend your heart is very far from Him and you will never come to know Him. Let us turn our hearts away from the religious traditions of Christmas and allow God to bring the truth of His character and nature to us. It is our choice whether we desire presents on Christmas morning or the knowledge of God, we cannot have both. Written by David Stahl   

WTFMT 85 9FROM HGM ON 8 DEC 20)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-85

TEXT: "So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba."    (Genesis 21:19)

I.   ENLARGEMENT

      A.  The adjustment is made; the dwelling place is found, after severe testings.  Abraham underwent a severe test in offering Isaac to God.  After this he "returns to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba."

      B.  Enlargement always comes to those who are to be used of God.  Abraham takes up residence in Beersheba after the test, the trial.  It is also after the provision of the ram caught in the ticket (Genesis 22:13).  In the case of Ishmael it is after the provision of the well (Genesis 21:19).

      C.  So, this is the pattern; AFTER testings and trials, AFTER the discovery of provision, AFTER adjustment, contentment, and satisfaction Beersheba is found to be a good dwelling place.  It is not so good at first sight that everybody gas flocked there.  It's crowded.  Those in Beersheba find that they have a lot of elbow room.

       D.  We saw a few weeks ago, Isaac had trouble finding elbow room in other places.

             "And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. ²³ And he went up from thence to Beersheba."  (Genesis 26:22-23)

Rehoboth (strong #7337-7344) means to enlargement or make broad open places.

      E.  The further removed we are from the striving masses, the roomier life becomes.  Isaac moved from Gerar to Beersheba, which becomes his dwelling place.  Beersheba as well as Rehoboth, is a roomy place.  There's nobody there who is going to give him a rough time, nobody to say, "Hey! That well is mine!"  The strivers don't even know the well is there.   

       F.  Maybe he dug this well in secret, where the striver could not see him at work.  

            "But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret."  (John7:10)

There are some things we must keep between us and God.  There are some works that must be secretly done.  Away from the eyes of the strivers, away from the hands of the those who would take advantage and waste our effort.  Like digging a well. 

      G.  We need to be learn by example of Jesus how to shut our mouth.  Be taught when and where to share. A word spoke at the wrong time does nothing, but one word spoken at the right time has changed history.

      H.  Away from eyes even things from the beginning of time was done away from man eyes, all done in secret, but always come into the light.

                 "That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."  (Matthew 13:35)

It is amazing how God can keep a secret.  And us? 

      I.  God's real work is done in secret where no man can see.  The changing of or not changing of our hearts is done in secret.  The changing of motives, intentions, and attitudes is first done in secret, then openly manifested to the world to see.

           "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad."  (Luke 8:17)

Whatever we are the world will see.  God will make sure of that.

 II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

      A.  There is a lot of room in God.  And there is a relationship between roominess and our life with God.   

      B.  Enlargement is what Israel sought and was promised from the time of their deliverance from Egypt.  And Beersheba relates to this enlargement, the inheritance of Israel: "From Dan even to Beersheba,"

           "Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person."                     (II Samuel 17:11)

The was the extent of the Promised Land, as far as Israel possessed.

      C.  In God through Christ Jesus is where our inheritance is found.  Through our relationship, our commune what we have made with God, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of the Old Testament.  Then we can inherit the promised land: from earth even to heaven.

His Will Be Done

In America today we are in the final stages of an election for the Presidency of the United States where much is at stake not only for America, but the entire world. At this point one candidate has declared himself the victor and the other candidate has declared he has been cheated. I hear Christians on both sides say God's will be done. But wait a moment God did not cast a ballot in this election or did He? Often we wrongfully think God is in charge of every little thing in our lives. I remember hearing people say God tells them the color of pants and shirt to wear, really? I will be honest I do not believe God really cares what color pants I wear, the color of my shirt, or even if my favorite college football team Navy wins. Now God does love us very much (He sent His Son to earth to die for the remission of our sins) and I know God is very concerned about us greatly especially with our character and integrity. After all how can we represent a holy and righteous God if our character does not speak of God's character and we lie, cheat, and steal (sounds like I am talking about the Democratic Party in this election), if we support evil and those who shed innocent blood, those that support a lifestyle that is contrary to what the word of God says. Those who are in direct rebellion to God and His word. I will be honest I pity the church in America. I cannot believe how many so called Christians voted for a democratic party that is 180 degrees out from what God wants to see on this earth. My friend for those who voted for the democratic party, your day is coming. Oh you may have won this election (by stealing and cheating), but please know to do it you have sold your soul to the devil and I promise you he will come and collect on earth and then on judgment day standing before God you will have to give account for every vote you made against God and His word while the aborted babies will be screaming guilty, guilty, guilty. Now to be honest the biggest issue here is not really the election for the presidency, oh no the biggest issue here is your soul (blacks, whites, sinners and Saints alike) and its final outcome if not confessed and repented of. So now here is the 64 million dollar question; does God pick winners and losers? Does God put someone in authority over another person so His plan on earth can be accomplished? Well yes and no. One of most important capabilities God gave man (let me say that again) God gave man is man's ability to have free will. Now if I was God I would make everyone love me and do what I want them to do, but we all know our God would cease to be a loving God who is concerned and wants us to come to Him in love in our heart willfully choosing Him over the world, the flesh, and the devil. The angels I believe do not have this ability and is why they can never be saved by grace. And can never have that intimate relationship with God. You know the more we choose God the more we will love Him and the more He will chose and love us. Now again God loves everyone. Yes I love children, but there is something more special in the way of love Karen and I hold in our heart for our kids than we do the kids of other parents. God is no different. God wants all men to saved, but God gave man free will to be lost if they desire. Peter tells us, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) Yes God loves everyone and is "not willing that any should perish," but we know they will. The Bible tells us Hell and some day the Lake of Fire will be full of people (also so called Christians) who have rejected God. John tells us in Revelation, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8) Wow God puts "liars" in this group and we think little white lies are okay? So God wants all to be saved, but He does not force them. As a matter of fact in almost all issues of our lives we decide by what we really want to do. God does not even force me to love the best woman in the world (Karen my wife), but I do it because she loves me and has given herself for me. How can I not love her? Yet in all of man's free will God is still in charge. God gives man a free will to choose everything even their earthly government leaders. God gives us His word and we are to pick the leaders that best supports Him and His word. Our will is held in check by our heart condition before God. In past elections in America the choice of our leaders were made by people who have a fear of God, but today in America that is not the case. God has been removed from the streets and avenues, from minds and hearts of America so the will of the people is easily seen in the lifestyles they keep, what the people do and say, what they say they believe, what they watch on TV and at the movies, habits, and what they think is important in their everyday life. All of this is based not on God's will, but the will of the people. God will not pick our next president, oh no the people will based upon their heart condition. Yet God does have influence in the peoples decision not by making them pull the lever for one over the other, but He will let us see what they say and believe, what their governing platform will be. And if a Believer God gives us a spiritual wherewithal to know the difference between holy and unholy, Godley and ungodly, righteous and unrighteous, and we choose between the candidates and if we choose wrong we and the nation will suffer. We and the nation who chooses unrighteousness like: abortion, homosexuality, LGBGT lifestyle, Black Lives Matter, and socialism will suffer, God's word promises it. In Proverbs we read, "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:33-34) God expects, He is counting on us to choose between life and death, righteousness and unrighteousness, it is our choice (our free will) what we want to have. God tells us in His word, "righteousness exalts a nation" so do we want to be "sin" or "righteousness" well, just look at the platforms of the two parties and choose. In 1 Samuel we find a wonderful story to support my thoughts. When we choose wrong we get a leader like Samuel tried to stop in King Saul. The people wanted a king, but God did not want Israel to have a king, especially Saul, but the people wanted what they wanted and God gave it to them. God did not force their will. We read, "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. 7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee.9 Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them." (1 Samuel 4:4-9) God did not want the people to have a king, especially King Saul, but the people wanted what they wanted based on their evil heart condition towards God and His Prophet. So too in America today. If you read the end of the chapter you will discover it does not end well for Israel and my friend the same may go for America. God did not stop them from their desires and He does not stop us from our desires, but He does give us choices, He lets us know if we do this then we will get that and if we do that we will get this. He gives us our will, but notice my friend the end of the chapter four, "And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.? (1 Samuel 4:18) Sadly the same for America. Written by David Stahl

Love One Another

In July 1967 the Beatles (that revolutionary band in the 60s from England) wrote a song that went something like this, "all you need is love." Now I will admit love is important, but to be honest spiritually it takes more than love to make it to Heaven. Now the Beatles made a lot of money with this song and I would say the denominational and the non denominational churches in America and around the world are making even more on this concept. In a statement to Melody Maker magazine, Brian Epstein, the band's manager said of "All You Need Is Love," "It was an inspired song and they really wanted to give the world a message. The nice thing about it is that it cannot be misinterpreted. It is a clear message saying that love is everything." Without a doubt love is always an inspirational message after all who does not want love? We all want to be loved. The desire to be loved is one thing we all have in common. We all want to be pulled to someone's chest and have someone whisper in our ear I love you, but my friend love is not enough to get us to heaven. There is more we need. The Beatles were wrong then and are still wrong over 53 years later. Okay here is my point. Did you know little choices make a big difference in who we become? In 1 John we read, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) Did you get that? John said, "let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” How easy it is to love in word and tongue? Now please do not misunderstand what I am saying, love is important, after all God is love (1 John 4:7), but if "love" is misapplied (as it was with the Beatles) then it can override those things that draw us to God in ways where there will be NO spiritual growth and development. We see it every day of our lives. How easy is it to say I love you, a car, a job, God, our children, but rather step back and take a look at my wife of 41 years. Who gave me: years of service, commitment, and devotion, four wonderful children, cooked countless meals, cleaned my clothing, keeps the household books, rubbed my legs almost every day, comforted me in times of distress and pain, traveled around the world at my request, and so much more. What more could I ask for? Is I love you enough? Is love all she needs? I think not. This list is more than a few words, I love you. But it is not enough to have love one for another and not stand in the doctrines of the truth found in the word of God. The Christians (cannot really call them Believers) in Sardis did this, yet they remained spiritually dead. The LORD requires us to act upon that which we know to be true and the truth was Jesus most certainly was alive, but they were dead. And why? Those in the Church in Sardis had the right emotions and feelings, but they did not have the right doctrines of truth. Therefore, the LORD said they were “dead” not that they did not love each other. They were content to pride themselves in their religious beliefs, rather than seeking the outworking of the truth, in their beliefs, in their daily lives. They loved even themselves, but did not know the truth of the word of God so their experience and knowledge of God was little to none. John demonstrates this point quite well when he says, "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." (1 John 2:3-5) Did you get that? If we keep His commandments, those truths found in the word of God, then we can say we know Him not we love Him. Loving someone will never get them to heaven, but if we tell them the truth in love found in the word of God then they will have a chance of living a victorious life on earth now and going to heaven. You know we do not realize that each time we make a decision we are being either hardened or we are developing a sensitivity of spirit towards the LORD. As we strive to know His commandments and keep them there is an inner transformation that begins to take place. Just loving someone even with our whole heart can never make this transformation happen. The Church in Philadelphia speaks of “phileo” a friendship type of love which is a love that responds to love. Do not miss that point. In other words I will be your friend if you are my friend. This love is so much different than the love my wife holds in her heart (and I hold in my heart for her) for me. We see this friendship love that Peter had for Jesus until he came to know the truth. In John we read of an encounter between Jesus and Peter. Here Jesus was showing Peter the type of love he really had for Him and was trying to restore Peter back to the flock. We read, "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas (old man of the flesh) , lovest (agape or dedication) thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo or fond of; friendship) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (agape or dedication) thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (phileo or fond of; friendship) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (are you only phileo or fond; friendship) thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (phileo or fond of; friendship) thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17) Peter said, "Lord, thou knowest all things" Peter was grieved in his heart because he realized Jesus knew he was only fond of Him, only His friend. Make no mistake my friend like Peter, God knows our heart, and He knows all things about us. Love never covers a heart that is in rebellion to God. The Church of Laodicea had love they thought that was all they needed like the Beatles and as the so called church of today, but they did not know the truth. John writes, "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (Revelation 3:14-19) The Laodicean Church did not know it, but they were losers, yet they thought they were winners. Just like the biggest losers in the 2020 elections was not America, but the so called "church" in America especially the black church. How could the church come out in great numbers and vote for a party who believes it is okay to kill babies in the mother's womb, support homosexuality, the LGBQT lifestyle, Antifa, and Black Lives Matters (BLM) who wants to destroy the family unit as God has designed in His word and make transgenderism normal (just look at their website) all of which God and His word (the Bible) says is sin and an abomination. Oh no my friend the church in America is deceived and know not the truth of the word of God. Vote if you wish for a party that believes it is okay to kill babies and spit in the face of God, but for the sake of God and all He stands for in the heart of God fearing men and women, do not call yourself a Christians and think you are going to heaven. Oh no my friend you are deceived and since you know not the truth of the word of God you are not saved and will find yourself in hell as the Bible clearly states. You know the Bible is crystal clear as to how we are to deal with people who call themselves a Christian, but the fruit in their lives and the deeds of their hand speak volumes of them really being of their father the devil. The truth of God's word always stands head and shoulders over love, family peace, or just going along to get along. John helps us here when dealing with such folks. John writes, "Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:8-11) Now John says "whosoever" that means white, black brown, purple, green people who "transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God." That means people who voted for a party that does not support God and His word, "hath not God" and are doomed unless they truly repent. But take heed my friend, willful sin is dealt with differently by God than unwilful sin. John is really strong here maybe the strongest wording in all five of His Books. In verse 10 John says, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:" Today we would say God bless you. This is clear to me according to the word of God. I cannot associate or be friends with people who voted in support of President elect John Biden and the democratic party; who supports killing babies, homosexuality, BLM, and etc. and if I do, now here is the kicker, "For he that biddeth him God speed (supports them or even says "God bless you") I am a "partaker of his evil deeds." Or I am just as guilty before God as they are for their murder and evil deeds. If I hang around such people I am just as evil and ungodly and just as deceived as they are. And evil and ungodly people are not going to heaven my friend. Now I know this is a hard message to hear in your spirit and most Christians and some Believers will reject it. Peace and love at all cost, but what will the peace and love over truth cost in your life? We went to a local little church today and of course the crowd was much smaller than before when we went in the past, but it was pointed out to us all of the money they spent on technology to get their service out to the people who once came. I thought, I wonder what they could have done for the folks in the community, the evangelism they could have done with all of the money they spent on the cameras, large TVs, sound systems, software, and more to air a "Face Book Live" production. They were only reaching the folks who USE to come. It seems they were more interested in keeping their members in the flock instead of reaching out into the community. I am sure this church is no different than the 100s of 1,000s in NC and around the world. And Face Book Live? How long will Christians stay on Face Book, Twitter, Goggle, Instagram, and all of the other social media platforms? I mean after all of the manipulation, deception, and control Face Book, Twitter, Goggle, Instagram, and all of the other social media platforms used to deceive the America public and even steal an election and Christians are still on Face Book, Twitter, Goggle, Instagram, and all of the other social media platforms, what are they thinking? Oh I know why their lives are so entwined with social media platforms, so addicted to checking their Face Book, etc. they do not have the spiritual wherewithal to see the danger and know the truth. They are drugged, addicted just as bad as being on heroin or cocaine. I am not on Face Book, Twitter, Goggle, Instagram, or any all of the other social media platforms. Now listen my friend this is from the LORD, "you better get off of social media platforms before it is too late." Today you chose. There is no way around it. Narrow is the way that leads to life. I have said it before and can see it even clearer today after the 2020 election, not a lot of people will be in heaven. You can choose who you want to hang around with and vote for, but in the end on judgment day your choices (even in the 2020 election) will end you in either heaven or hell where all liars and people who know not God will eternally dwell. Now there is hope they can confess of their evil deeds and repent from their evil way, but the forgiveness will be granted by God based upon their sincerity and truthfulness of heart like all forms of forgiveness. And why? Such people are double minded and unstable (James 1:7-8) in all their ways. Separating yourself from such people takes great inward strength from God, but is a must if we are going to follow Him in the things He wants for our lives. Not separate ourselves from those in the world who are lost and need a Savior, but separate ourselves from those who we know are willfully walking in darkness and have no desire to turn from their evil ways. By all means pray for them, be there for them if they come to you with a heart of repentance, but be not partakers of their evil by having a relationship or fellowship with them. You know light never can have fellowship with darkness. I hear calls from President elect Joe Biden say to put things of the past behind and forgive and make up, well maybe so in the world's economy of things, but not so in God's economy. God expects His children to walk in the light, in the truth as He is in the light, not in the warm glow of fuzzy feelings of just loving everyone and forgetting the past so we can go along to get along. This cannot happen in God. One side is of the darkness and the other side is of the light. Paul in 2 Corinthians writes, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (2 Corinthians 6:14-16) Fives time in these three verses, God says separate yourself from the wicked so that "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Pretty crystal clear to me. In order to have a vital relationship and fellowship with the LORD, we must have right actions toward God, His word, and others. Yes the LORD loves people so much that what we do for others will be the same as if we had done it unto Him. But in the end it is the way we handle truth and not love which will determine our eternal home. Paul speaks of this priority in his life and of his desire for inner transformation. Paul says, “if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Paul is not expressing concern about his salvation here. The Greek translation causes us to understand that Paul is desiring an “out-resurrection from among the living dead.” Paul was seeking to go beyond his present situation of emotional feelings and his desire for love (1 John 2:15) for this world while living with the walking dead who love, but know not the truth of the word of God. Paul's desire more than the world was for spiritual growth and development in his life to know truth and God. Lastly, we should always stay open and desirous of all God has for us as the LORD draws us into an ever closer relationship with Himself that we might be lifted up into a fuller participation with Him in that which He is doing today. I have found that, in time, difficulties do become “as nothing” in light of the inner working of God in my life. As I determine to maintain mercy, truth, and even love towards one to the other my heart stays soft toward the LORD enabling Him to change me as He also lifts me into His higher purposes. Thus, there is always hope for “more” if we will not settle just for love, which is good to strive for, but to pursue the outworking of those truths in our daily lives! Written by David Stahl

Other Voices

My friend if you listen closely in your life you will hear voices. Now I am not talking about the voices that psychotic or demon possessed people say they hear, but voices that tell us it is okay to do what we want to do. These voices are probably not God 's voice. The last thing we need in our lives is to be able to do whatsoever we want to do. A neighbour gave me some advice, to "follow my heart" well I replied no thanks, Jeremiah tells us our heart is desperately wicked and evil. Usually this voice is from our soul, our flesh maybe inspired by Satan maybe not. Make no mistake my friend our flesh needs no help from Satan to get us in trouble with God. But the voices I am talking about are the voices that come from the world. Those subtle voices that tell us it is okay to do something we know is NOT right or wrong before God, oh no the Bible does a great job of telling us this, but things that are ungodly, unholy, unrighteousness those things that will get us over in areas that will separate us from fellowship with God and man. Now my friend this is a big big deal (please pay attention here) today many many "would be" (if they did not listen to other voices) Christians have been deceived and maybe have lost their salvation and do not even know it. If you pull the lever for someone who supports abortion, homosexuality, LBGQT, Black Lives Matters, Antifa, and all of the rest of the trash and foolishness in the world I challenge your very salvation. Someone who loves Jesus and is really born again (or birthed from above) would never support such ungodly, unholy, unrighteousness people and issues. They know not God and the love of the Father (the truth) is not in them. John tell us, "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:14-17) Did you get that? "The love of the Father is not in him." In other words you are not saved. You may have been saved (and yes you can lose your salvation), but because, "the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." This is serious business my friend. Now what is amazing to me is the "fathers" and "young men" have already overcome the wicked one yet John is warning them (and all who read his letter) not to get involved with the world and the things in the world or you will lose your victory over the wicked one and lose your salvation. Not the wicked one will deceive you, but it is the deception that comes from the world and its things. Oh we like to beat up and blame Satan for everything we do that displeases God, but the truth is it is our love for our flesh and our love for the world and the things in the world (and not Satan) that causes our deception and waywardness from God. We have a choice to say no! Right? The question is do we love God or the world and the things in the world more? Now the world (not the earth which is a planet) is a system, an ungodly way to do things that are outside the frame work of God's way of doing things. The world is anti-Christ or another (anti) way or a Christ less way of doing things. So the world itself is bad (just look at the governmental systems, politics, global financial and banking, all ungodly), but it is not really the world that gets us into trouble with God, but "the things that are in the world" that we hold close to our heart above God. We are not to do things, as Christians, in this world as the world does them nor are we to love the things in the world. We are not to do things the way the world does things. We are to be strangers (not at home) in this world, called out of this world. We are not to look or act like the world. Yet in most Christian lives and in most churches today you cannot tell the difference between the world and someone who has been set apart by God to do the things He wants to be done in us first and out to the world. You know the things I see going on in Christian lives and the churches today would have never happened 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, or even 5 years ago. Growing up in the Assembly of God Church (in 1967-68), in WV, I can remember the Pastor Howard Reckley sounding the alarm against TV. They had six kids, but would not own a TV because of the evil programming (even then) that would warp your thinking, your heart, and corrupt the godliness and morals in you. His members railed and railed on him (even his family rebelled), but he stuck to his guns and never gave in. We need more Pastors like Howard Reckley today. But what happened? What happened to the church? Most churches look like some sad night club on steroids (even have coffee houses like Starbucks and McDonalds in some) putting on a show to entertain their members because they do not have the light of the Gospel. Light and laser shows, spotlights, fog and wind machines used as the crowd sings to a hopped (like on drugs) up contemporary version of amazing grace and other traditional hymns of the church. What happened? Christians saying they love God, but have tattoos from head to foot (your body is NOT yours), drunks, folks who smoke like a chimney, no integrity, no honor, and their language would make a sailor blush. Where is the evidence of holiness and righteousness in their lives? NOT legalism, but common everyday Christian spirituality, integrity, honesty, and godliness. Remember what Jesus said, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit." (Matthew 12:33) We are known by what we say and do and what we profess. Okay again what happened? I will tell you what happened the church over the last 50 or so years have started listening to other voices. Just like the children of Israel in the wilderness. All throughout the wilderness experience "God said" to the children of Israel. But they never heard Him speak. Either we hear God's or the voice of the world! Never forget this my friend. For 40 years God was speaking and speaking, but no one except Moses, Joshua, and Caleb to a certain degree heard His voice. My friend God has not changed. Did you know 582 times in the Bible, "God said?" He is still speaking to man. His message has not changed, it rings loud and clear in our ears and heart if we have ears to hear it. For us to hear God's voice we must not be listening for other voices. Many today are listening for other voices. Voices that lead them away from God and the purposes and plan for their lives. For 40 years, "God said" and the children of Israel said, "so what." They did not walk in the words of God. When God speaks we need to listen. There is grave consequences usually ending in death or separation for being disobedient. This truth is eternal and cannot change. The other edge of this truth is at the same measure of death and separation for disobedience there is life and fellowship for obedience. God offered life, but the children of Israel refused His offer and received death for their efforts. Did you know rewards both blessings and curses are based on our actions out from the motives, thoughts, and intentions of our heart? Moving in the truth knowingly or unknowingly does not change the truth, but changes the reward. Many people refuse to believe that Jesus died for their sins and arose on the third day from the grave. Whether they believe or not does not change the truth nor the truthfulness of the Bible. Without belief in the Bible one cannot walk in truth! But their believing or not believing changes the reward they receive after this life. Either death or life. This reward too is based on whether or not they believe in the truthfulness of the Bible and that happens in our heart. Never forget at the heart of every issue is an issue of our heart. It is always an issue of the heart. Did you know the word "heart" is mentioned 762 times in the KJV of the Bible. It is always a choice of our heart. What happened? Christians especially in the mainstream denominational churches in their heart have left God and His way. Ah the world's music and lifestyle (we can preach a hip Jesus and sell t-shirts and sandals) will draw more people so we can get more money and have more power in the world. They have listened to other voices. Voices that offer more so called fun, freedom, and liberty. They have listened to voices that tell them there is a better way to do things than what the Bible says. Today the world calls this humanism, social justice, seeking the virtues of man and mankind to enable man to be able to become all he can be, outside of God. And inside the Christian world we have worldly teachings like the purpose driven life, seeker sensitive, and word of faith where you name it and claim it, blab it and grab it, fake it till you make it all are an open sore in the Body of Christ and a stench in God's nostrils. Well where did these voices come from? Ah now we are getting to the heart of what I feel the LORD wants me to say. Maybe from Satan? No! They came from man. They came from the heart of man. It is no wonder they are so addictive. Inventions and progress, means to make man's life much better and wholesome are the home of "the things that are in the world," these voices. One and the biggest I would like to touch on in this article and that is technology. The closer man goes toward technology the less of God will be in his life. I cannot believe how the Christians and the nominal church have been taken over by technology. We are NOT to be of this world, yet we Christians have our I phone falling out of our right back pocket. I wonder who told us to put it there? Nobody! We have been conformed to the world by observation and "monkey see money do." Far too many Christian people's lives revolve around their smart phone, computers, social media (technology in this word) than the word of God and time spent in prayer. How many churches are on Facebook one of the most ungodly social media platforms on the internet. What is Facebook doing with all of your information? How about all of those Zoom services during the Chinese virus lockdowns? What are they doing with your information? Waiting till the time is right and then will come and arrest the pastor and close you all down. Are all of the churches that vain and power hungry to think the internet will be a better tool of invitation and information sharing than the Holy Spirit and God's people? Or has God's people just gotten lazy that they have to be (like the world or when Israel wanted a king) on Facebook, Twitter, Tick Tock, Instagram, and all of the other time wasters. Oh my friend get off social media now before it is too late. For some it may be far too late. Turn your back on the world and the things that are in the world, now. By not doing so it will cost you your spiritual life and maybe your physically life. If we think we are controlled and manipulated by "big tech" today my friend we have not seen anything yet. What voices are you listening too? It is easy to see my friend just be honest and look at the fruit hanging off your life. Written by David Stahl

WTFMT 84 (FROM HGM ON 27 OCT 20)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-84

TEXT:  "And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer."  (Genesis 21:20)

 

 I.   A DWELLING PLACE

 

     A.  Ishmael and his mother Hagar found a dwelling place in the Wilderness of Beersheba and later in the Wilderness of Paran.  Away from their earthly help and provisions away from Abraham.

 

     B.  Why not live in the Wilderness of Beersheba?  Where God can meet you there.  There is a well of water there that never runs dry.  Do you want to leave go elsewhere?  If so, there is a great risk you take to leave the well on your own initiative, to take your own direction.

 

     C.  You can only take with you what you can bear or carry.  What you have been strengthened with while you were drinking at the well.  You have only this bottle of strength.  If you go out from this well you most certainly will come into far worse predicaments. 

 

     D.  But here in this place, you have the Well (God).  You cannot take the well (earthly water) with you.  (Some try)  But you can stay with the well.  Don't insist that the Shepherd follow you; follow the Shepherd.

 

     E.  Beersheba became for Ishmael a dwelling place.  He was brought there.  He made the necessary adjustments to that situations which was quite different from the conditions in Abraham's tents. 

 

     F.  After his experience (the need, the meager supply, the revelation, the provisions), he made an adjustment.  And in this place, a new, strange and desolate place, Ishmael lived under the blessings of God.  The second key was used, that is, adjustment was made and further discoveries followed.

   

     G.  We too are able to live in the wilderness.  God is there; revelation is there; provision is there.  What else do we need?  Must we insist upon having a rose garden without thorns?  Do we want to set up some other type of situation which is more to our liking?  

 

     H.  Rather than attempting to change our situation, we change.  All that we NEED is now existing, where we are.

           "Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"  (Matthew 6:26)

God knows what we NEED to grow physically and spiritually.  He has a plan for our nourishment and growth. 

 

     I.  If He personally feeds birds, whom His Son did not die for, how much the more does He care for us.  How much the more, He knows what we need to take into our body, mind, and spirit to be able to soar like an eagle in the heavenly with him.

         "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

 

     J.  He knows those things that we NEED in our lives that will make us to become a runner that can run and not become weary.  Those things that we NEED to strengthen us to be able to walk mile after mile down life's many roads without fainting.  Receiving strength to mount up, to run, and to walk comes out of waiting on God where you are.

 

     K.  All too often we want to mount up and run off to some other place on earth, and even in God, without receiving the strength and vision to move, the direction/focus, and even the purpose/plan. 

 

     L.  Wait upon Him to feed you, to strengthen you, so that you will be strongest enough to move when He give you the command to move.

 

 II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

      A.  Do not press forward with your desires to alter your circumstances, believing that your NEEDS will be met through such means.  Adjust to what God is feeding you.   Enjoy the banquet table He has spread before you in the wilderness.

            

       "Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? ²⁰ Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?"  (Palms 78:19-20)

Yes, and more God can provide to His children in the wilderness.  More than a bottle of water and bread.

 

      B.  Let this place, where ever you are right now, not another place, become for you a dwelling place.  Live there until the Shepherd takes you elsewhere.

WTFMT 83 (FROM HGM ON 13 OCT 20)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-83

TEXT:  "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."  (Psalms 23:2-3)

 

 I.   A PLACE OF REST

 

     A.  Isaac came to Beersheba after living in Gerar a distance of about 22 miles.  Gerar was the capital of Abimelech King of the Philistines.  Isaac's experience in Gerar was one of strife over wells.

           "And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him."  (Genesis 26:20)

 

    B.  When Isaac moved far enough away from Gerar the strife ceased.  He found enlargement in Rehoboth (meaning "room or space").  He had comfort, a large household, and great holding of cattle. 

          "And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."  (Genesis 26:22)

 

     C.  Yet he left this land of room and fruitfulness for the wilderness of Beersheba.  

           "And he went up from thence to Beersheba. ²⁴ And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake."  (Genesis 26:23-24)

 

     D.  A walk with God will entails the leaving comfort and the making on one's way toward uncertainty.  The Hebrew verb ("nahal"  #5095 translated "leadeth") indicates more than "to lead."  "Nahal" is saying that the Shepherd brings a person from one place of water to another place of water.

    

     E.   In the wilderness a place of water is also a place of rest.  The strife over wells which Isaac experienced in Gerar is over.  This rest is reflected in the name "Sheba" which means "seven."  From the word comes the Hebrew word "shabat"  (sabbath) or the day of rest.

 

     F.  Rest is a renewing.  This relates to the wilderness of Beersheba as a place of new beginnings.  The New Covenant is in the picture here.  This enfolded in the name "Sheba," also meaning "oath" (strong's #7650-7652), having to do with repeating an agreement seven times.  Abimelech comes to Isaac at Beersheba to make a covenant (Genesis 26:26-31), or to renew the covenant which he had made earlier with Abraham (Genesis 21:32).

 

    G.  Abraham, Isaac, and Hagar discovered water (rest) in the wilderness of Beersheba that led to a covenant.  We too are brought into the wilderness to discover water and rest.  We too are brought into the wilderness to discover God's adequacies that will lead to a covenant between God and us.

 

   H.  Unlike Hagar the children of Israel never found rest they never saw their inadequacy.  This replaces Hagar's spent bottle of water which represents her inadequacy.  The truth moving in this story are reflected in the Gospel of John,  Chapter 4.

 

 II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

      A.  Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well.  Jesus said to her,

            "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:¹⁴ But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."  (John 4:13-14)   In the New Covenant this "well of water springing up into everlasting life." is provided for the "whosoever" in John 3:16.  The well in you is provided for your own sake and the sake of others.

     

      B.  The well replaces Hagar's little bottle of water.  It replaces as it did in the life of the Samaritan woman the coming again and again to those things which temporarily satisfy.

 

      C.  The meager supply, the dissatisfying supply the insufficient supply, is inundated by the Well.  The focus is changed from the supply to the Supplier.

 

LORD Forgive Me

Without a doubt these are the most important words we can speak in our lives when we come before a Holy God, but they will only be important and life changing if we mean it from our heart. I am afraid there are millions of people who call themselves a Christian because they have spoken these words out from the movement of the piano (music in general is very dangerous to our spirit) swaying their emotions or the enticing and persuading words of the evangelist or preacher, but in reality there is no real intention in their heart for repentance and forgiveness. Sadly this scenario plays out day after day, Sunday after Sunday, or whenever the opportunity to make things right before a Holy God. Saying it and not doing it (meaning it) in our heart and life is very dangerous indeed and could cost us our eternal salvation. Now I cannot judge the heart nor can I say someone is or is not a Christian, but I do by the authority based in the word of God judge the fruits (words and actions) in the lives of people who call them self a Christian. In these politically heated days I wonder how a person who calls them self a Christian, who pulls the lever for supporting the Democratic Party (which support abortion, homosexually, Black Lives Matter (BLM), LGBTQ, Antifa, and justifies rioting, looting, arson, and murder yet will NOT allow the word God (even taking God out of the Pledge of Allegiance during the DNC Convention) to be mentioned in their political platform, oh no they lie and the truth is not in them. Here are some key things to look out for so you will not be caught down the rabbit trail of deception (it does matter my friend) calling someone saved and them really not. Do they enjoy assembling with like believers? Paul tells the Christians who are straddling the fence (what the Book of Hebrews encounters and discusses, Jesus Christ being a better sacrifice, etc.) of either going back into Judaism or continuing on into Christianity, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25) Now notice he did not use the word Christian (some were some probably not) and notice he did not say assemble at a church (which was established then), but he was saying that we are to assemble "as the manner of some is" with the folks that are of the same spirit, the same desires, the same passion, and love for Christ. Do they support the spiritual concepts and beliefs of the Bible. If not they lie. Do you see them praying, reading the Bible, or investing time and resources into "good works" for the LORD? Here we must be careful because it is easy to give money and time working for God, but never ever becoming the work of God. Do you hear them saying they enjoy reading the Bible, praying for people, sacrificing to see people come to Christ? Do you hear them say they love Jesus Christ? How can you say you love someone and never read about them or talk to them? I love Karen (my wonderful wife), but if I never talk with her or tell her I love her where is the truthfulness of my heart and intention? If these examples are not present in someone's life then I am afraid you can sadly say they are not a Christian and if they say they are then they lie and the truth is not in them. Now here is the real dangerous and scary part. I guess they do not believe God knows all things. My friend God knows all things. He knows if we are telling the truth and He knows we know we are not telling the truth when we say we are asking for forgiveness. Oh my friend this is serious business. For the last three weeks I have been sharing a message from the LORD on WJCV radio on how can you call yourself a Christian and vote for darkness? How can you say you are of the light, but vote and support people when all they speak about is darkness and the destruction of people and our nation. Again they lie and the truth is not in them. John teaches us this truth very well, "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him (calls them self a Christian) , and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:5-8) This is the true spiritual state of a person who calls themselves a Christian and votes for the Democratic party. They have been deceived by the demonic gods of this world. Okay so why is this such a bad thing to do? I can vote for democrat candidates who support abortion (willful murder) homosexuality, LGBTQ, (both willful perversion) BLM, etc. to get my beliefs in power then later ask God to forgive me. Ah now we get to the heart of the article. Paul in Hebrews addresses this question and believe me my friend the answer is very sobering if you have spiritual discernment and the understanding to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying. Paul in Hebrews writes to the same Jews who were straddling the fence; Judaism or Christ, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26-27) Did you get that? "If we sin wilfully after we received the knowledge of the truth" (or become a Christian understanding the truth), "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." I do not know about you my friend this scares the bejeebies out of me. Maybe this is what happened to Judas "after" he went back and returned the blood money he kind of repented, without asking Jesus to forgive him, but it says, "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Maybe Judas crossed the line in his heart. Of course Paul was talking about animal sacrifice for that was the way sin was covered for people in Judaism and Paul was making an analogy if they sin "after" they come to be a Christian there will be no animal that could be sacrificed that could cover their sin. But this thought goes much deeper in the Spirit realm (since we do not do animal sacrifice) for us today. Please take it from one (me) who has sinned, I believe not all sins are the same. Now the act maybe so: to know right, but do wrong or to miss the mark, but the heart of the sin now that is a different animal. Yes all sin can be forgiven and that is up to God, but I believe God does not forgive "willful" usually a repetitive or continual sin like He forgives unwilling or accidental sin. And of course if we unknowingly sin (mentally challenged) then God does not hold that sin against our charge. As the price to know God's power is different than to know His person, all sin can be forgiven, but the price we will pay and the consequence God will require for us is also different. It is more than just asking, it must be from a heart of brokenness and devastation. "Oh blessed devastation!" We must see what sin has wrought in every relationship we have and everything we do in our lives. "Oh blessed devastation!" Anyone who ever was forgiven of sin in the Bible there was a dealing and judging of God in their lives and then there was a turning away (repenting) (both must happen dealing and repenting) if not then the sin was NOT forgiven and the person continued on in their sin and finally walked away from God. This is why the "once saved always saved" doctrine of most main stream Baptist denominations (and others) is so ungodly. Now you may say how can you say that, well Paul said it better than I in Romans, "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." (Romans 1:28, 32) Did you get that? They did not allow God to deal in their heart and mind, so God gave them over to a "reprobate mind" or a mind that does not know right from wrong, who has no desire to a sk for forgiveness or come into the things of Christ. And verse 32, "Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death." They knew, they had the truth, but walked away from it. So God not man "gave them over to a reprobate mind" where they CANNOT be saved no matter how much money they give the church, how often they cut the grass of the church yard, or even give themselves to be burned. God is no joke as Karen always says. He is serious business and we must get serious if we want to deal with Him. Well, how could this happen? They never in their heart truly asked God to forgive them and they continued in their religion and rebellion. Their confession did not stick. Their words were mouthed, but in their heart it was far far from the LORD. This was the case in the Prophet Isaiah's day, "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:" (Isaiah 29:13) Oh LORD forgive me from my heart. Written by David Stahl

WTFMT 82 (FROM HGM ON 22 SEP 20)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-82 TEXT: "Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation." (Genesis 21:18)

I. A PLACE OF BEGINNINGS

A. The nation of Ishmael began in the wilderness of Beersheba. That situation did not look like the beginning of a little nation, did it? It did not look like the beginning of a family. There's the mother. There's the lad. No water! No water in the wilderness is death. It looked like the end. But God said, "Oh no, that's not the end, it's just the beginning. I will make him a great nation.

B. All throughout the wilderness experience "God said" to the children of Israel. But they never heard Him speak. For 40 years God was speaking and speaking, but no one except Moses, Joshua and Caleb to a certain degree heard His voice.

C. God has not changed. 582 times in the Bible, "God said."He is still speaking to man. His message has not changed, it rings loud and clear in our ears and heart if we have ears to hear it. For us to hear God's voice we must not be listening for other voices. Many today are listening for other voices. Voices that lead them away from God and the purposes and plan for their lives.

D. For 40 years, "God said" and the children of Israel said, "so what." They did not walk in the words of God. When God speaks we need to listen. There is grave consequences usually ending in death or separation for being disobedient. This truth is eternal and can not change.

E. The other edge of this truth is, at the same measure of death and separation for disobedience there is life and fellowship for obedience. God offered life, but the children of Israel refused His offer and receive death for there efforts.

F. Rewards, both blessings and curses are based on our actions out from the motives, thoughts, and intentions of our heart. We can not have bad motives, thoughts, and intentions toward somebody and do good things for and until them. An the opposite of this truth is true.

G. Moving in the truth knowingly or unknowingly does not change the truth, but changes the reward. Many people refuse to believe that Jesus died for their sins and arose on the third day from the grave. Whether they believe or not does not change the truth nor the truthfulness of the Bible. Without belief in the Bible, one can not walk in truth!

H. But their believing or not believing changes the reward they receive after this life. This reward too, is based on whether or not they believe in the truthfulness of the Bible. Whether they believe in their heart that Jesus died for their sins and arose on the third day. It is always an issue of the heart. The word "heart" is mentioned 762 times in the Bible.

I. This was a choice of their hearts. I really believe God was hurt each time their hearts desired past pleasures of things found in Egypt. "And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? 5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes." (Numbers 11:4-6)

J. For 40 years God offered them life and they choose death. Beginning and life are the characteristics of the Wilderness of Beersheba. Unlike Hagar they had come to an ending and not a beginning when God said something. "So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." (Hebrews 3:11-12) Unbelief always leads man to wrath and his end of death.

K. Unlike Hagar the children of Israel made no new discoveries. "And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink." (Genesis 21:19) What a discovery she made. God opened her eyes to life in the wilderness. Life for her and the lad. Discovery in God can mean life for millions. Paul, Peter, and the rest of the apostles discovered the life in Jesus, and how many are saved today?

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

A. Faith and belief always leads to discovery and life. In the wilderness a well of water is life. It meant life to Hagar. Life! It is one of man's greatest treasure. Each finds their own well of life in the wilderness.

B. A well of water can become quite a discovery for one who is dying of thirst in a wilderness of sand. Life can become quite a discovery for one dying in the wilderness of God. A new beginning! Jesus Christ (our life), the Fountain of life, the Giver of eternal water can be discovered. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)