The Negotiation Table

“You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, Who is Lord of all.”
Acts 10:36

“’Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.’ For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 1:18-20

We are at enmity with God. That is a fact no one can dispute if he’d take a moment and consider it. Our sinful and fallen state causes us to be God’s enemies and we have been waging war against Him since Satan’s first attempt to overthrow God’s will and sovereignty by enlisting Adam’s disobedience. We have gathered together armies of “self”, built bulwarks of idols, and have shot arrows laced with the poison of our souls at the heart of God Almighty.

At the time of Christ’s appearance on earth, Israel was wearying of war, was under subjection to Rome, and had assimilated into the Roman culture, adopting and accepting their practices and idols. But there was always within their ranks a minority of zealots who would revolt and upset the balance the Jewish leaders tried to maintain with Rome. These zealots threatened the comfortable existence the Jews of higher rank enjoyed with their oppressor, and they didn’t like it. When trouble would erupt, the leaders would go to their Roman overseers and negotiate peace with them, reassuring them the “problem” would be taken care of.

The Jews knew and believed the Torah’s prophecy of a Messiah that would come and deliver them, one who would bring “peace” to their nation. However, they interpreted prophecy incorrectly, assuming this Messiah would gather together a great army, driving their oppressor back to Rome and establish himself as a King in the manner of David. So, when Christ came with His message of peace, they expected something and someone completely different. Although Jesus fulfilled every word of prophecy that was foretold of Him, this “Lamb of God” was not what they wanted and their enmity to God was carried out on the Cross of Calvary. But, before this was fulfilled, Jesus established ambassadors, negotiators of peace, who would carry His treaty to the entire world.

The Apostles were the true “negotiators” of peace, the true Ambassadors of God’s love for Israel and for all who would listen and accept it, for they carried with them His “peace treaty” to end all peace treaties. God had wearied of Israel’s halfhearted sacrifices and their rivers of blood coursing down His altar. He would provide one final sacrifice, His perfect and spotless Lamb, as the last peace offering, one whose blood would cover the sins of all mankind and end the war between Him and His people. He would place His Son on the tables of negotiation, would offer Him to both sides, and redeem the world to Himself. This would be the message His Ambassadors would carry to the world.

All men have yet to accept this treaty of peace that God still offers. Wars still rage, men still hate, and idols are still being built. Treaties are proffered between nations, and always within their ranks are those who are ready to break them. Truces are made, then hatred is rekindled, and what they have attempted to erect is once again torn down. Today’s Israel is still trying to negotiate a “peace treaty” with her enemies, choosing to ignore the one God has given them - Jesus Christ.

But until the day comes that God withdraws His final offer of peace, a day He has ordained to end all wars and bring true peace, there will be Ambassadors who will continue to carry the Good News to a dying world. Faithful men and women who believe and trust the God Who has sent them, who will join together both sides of the rebellion and lay upon the table of negotiation their Champion, their Savior Jesus Christ, whose gleaming white banner of peace is made scarlet by His blood.

Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “God’s sovereignty is not threatened by mere man’s opposition to Him.” He Who is Lord of All could have ended all rebellion centuries ago with the breath of one word. But “He is slow to anger and abounding in love,” and He desires you meet Him at the negotiation table where the “good news of peace” that is written upon the heart of God is graciously offered.

How Sure Is Your Foundation?

Several years ago, my oldest son, Chris, gave me a 10-volume set of Charles H. Spurgeon's sermons. It took me a little over a year to read and study them and they have enriched my spiritual life in more ways than I can count. Along the way, I picked up a book by Spurgeon entitled, "Evening By Evening", which consists of evening devotions. This is the book I have been using to post a few of his devotions.

Today's message (or I should say "tonight's") is no exception. It is a timeless and telling message, in that it speaks of a problem within our church and Christian community that is escalating in a disturbing way. The enemy has not ceased his work, rather he is feverishly attacking and attempting to undermine the church foundation because he knows his time is short. I hope you read it and that it blesses you to examine and shore up the Foundation on which you stand.

In Christ,

Karen

"Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho." Joshua 6:26

"Since the man who rebuilt Jericho was cursed, much more damned are those who labor to restore false religions among us. In our fathers' days, the gigantic walls of unrighteousness fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets. Now there are some who want to rebuild accursed, so-called religious systems on their old foundations. O Lord, be pleased to thwart these unrighteous endeavors and pull down every stone upon which they build.

It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error that may have a tendency to foster an ungodly spirit. Then, when we have made a clean sweep at home, we should seek in every way to oppose sin's all-to-rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret through fervent prayer and in public through giving a strong testimony. With judicious boldness, we must warn those who are inclined to believe false teachings. We must instruct the young in Gospel truth and alert them to the sinful practices of religion in past times. We must aid in spreading the light more thoroughly through the land, for false teachers, like owls, hate daylight.

Are we doing all we can for Jesus and the Gospel? If not, our negligence plays into the hands of the enemy. What are we doing to distribute the Bible? Are we spreading abroad good, sound Gospel writings? Luther once said, 'The devil hates goose quills,' and, undoubtedly, he has good reason: ready writers, by the Holy Spirit's blessing, have done the devil's kingdom much damage. If the thousands who read this brief word tonight will do all they can to hinder the rebuilding of this accursed Jericho, the Lord's glory will speed among the sons of men.

Reader, what can you do? What will you do?"

Is This The United States of America?

Recently, a San Diego Pastor held a regular Bible Study in his home for fifteen people. According to the news story from WorldNet Daily, they have been issued a citation for holding an "illegal religious assembly" by the County and threatened with further fines and sanctions if they do not cease their activity and secure a "permit". This is a clear violation of our First and Second Amendment rights in regard to religious assembly. The Pastor and his wife are being represented by the Western Center For Law and Policy. Please read the article at http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=98895

I will be closely following this story and will let you know of further developments. We should also be in prayer over this!

In Christ,

Karen

Perseverance

"Continue in the faith." Acts 14:22

Once again, I would like to share Spurgeon's devotion with all of you. It is meant to encourage each of us, to persevere as we await our precious Savior. I hope it blesses you.

"Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is more than a beginning in the ways of God. It is also a continuance in the faith as long as life lasts. It is the same for a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon. He said, 'Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me.' So, under God, dear friend in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, 'Excelsior' (still higher). A true conqueror, who will be crowned at the last, is the one who continues until war's trumpet is blown no more. Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies.

The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if it can tempt you to cease your pilgrimage and settle down to buy and sell in Vanity Fair. The flesh will seek to ensnare you and to prevent your pressing on to glory. The flesh says, 'It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a vacation from this constant warfare.' Satan will make many fierce attacks on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service. He will insinuate that you are doing no good and that you need to rest. He will endeavor to make you weary of suffering. He will whisper, 'Curse God, and die' (Job 2:9). Or he will attack your steadfastness by asking, 'What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as the others are, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do.' Or he will attack your doctrinal sentiments by asking, 'Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible people are becoming more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks. Get with the times.'

Therefore, Christian, wear your shield close to your armor, and cry mightily to God so that by His Spirit you may endure to the end."

Please Remember Them....

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. While you are celebrating in your own way, please remember the veterans this day is set aside for, who gave their lives to insure our freedom.

See you next week!

Karen

Was Obama Ever Told "No"?

Barack Obama reminds me of a spoiled child who, while growing up, always got his way and was never told "No!" by those raising him. His life was void of a father to properly instruct him and a mother to gently nurture him, and his grandparents were thrust into the position of parenting. My feeling is that they did a very poor job of it and we are seeing the results of their attempt today.

Giving up their lives, providing for Obama, and his grandmother working hard to see him advance his education are all admirable things. No one can deny that. But just because he was coddled by them does not mean they instilled within him any meaningful values. All one has to do is examine with whom he aligned himself throughout his life and how they influenced him, and his philosophies and ideologies that malign and denigrate every aspect of God's moral law. By doing so, we are able to see the real man who holds the highest office in our nation. If his grandparents did try to guide him in the right direction, they failed him by not closely guarding against his wanderings and his associations. The end result was the creation of a bully on the playground.

Yesterday, the Congress chose to resoundingly vote "NO" to Obama's request for $80 million to close the Guantanamo prison in Cuba until he gave them a clear and distinct plan on how he was to handle 240 detainees that want to wipe every American from the map. Today, Obama responded with a speech before the only audience left who are still feeding his twisted ego: civil rights groups and bleeding hearts who are incapable of seeing beyond their own altruistic eyeballs. He knows he has no support from the average sensible American. Even the ones who supported him in the election are beginning to have second thoughts, as was evident in the number of their votes against his proposal. Obama was told "NO" in no uncertain terms, and he does not like it.

What we saw from Obama today was the return of a spoiled child who throws a hissy fit when he does not get his own way. Because it is impossible for a megalomaniac to ever accept responsibility, or to admit when he is wrong, his only reaction is to point the finger of blame at every one else. He stomped his feet and wailed for 25 of the 30-minute speech on how all of this was the Bush Administration's fault and that it had been thrown in his lap and he was only trying to fix it. He accused the previous Administration of having a knee-jerk reaction to 9/11 and that "fear rather than foresight" drove them to do the inhumane, causing America to go "off course". Instead of lauding the Bush Administration for effectively protecting and defending America from other attacks, Obama continued his rhetorical tirade against their success. After all, it was theirs, not his, and he does not like that, either.

The immaturity, ignorance, and unholy pride of this President deeply disturbs me. It should disturb every American that values his or her freedom from tyranny. Obama is moving this once-glorious nation to ruin, leading her as a child would lead a bunch of misfits into bad behavior and trouble. No matter how many times this child is told "NO", he will do as he pleases until he either brings himself down, or takes everyone along with him.

Father Knows Best

Television was much different while I was growing up. The media was relatively new to households but it didn't take long for it to become a sweeping sensation. Funny little black and white television sets with tubes that would burn out and need replacing filled the living rooms of homes all across the nation. Families would gather around them and watch wholesome programming such as "Red Skelton", "Leave It To Beaver", "Bonanza", and for a supernatural thrill, "The Twilight Zone", to name just a few. Variety shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" brought The Beatles to American television. After school, my sister and I would rush home to watch "The Mickey Mouse Club". Children sang, danced, and entertained with skits and there was always a moral message at the end of the program.

But one sitcom that sticks out in my mind the most was called "Father Knows Best."  Perhaps it is just the title of the show that prods memories to the surface, but the show portrayed the average American family; a hard-working father, a stay-at-home mother whose job it was to care for the household and children, and a son and two daughters who were respectful and obedient to their parents. There were values and morals written into the scripts of programming in the 1950's, much different than what we see on today's television screens. I find myself being very cautious over what I will allow my grandchildren to watch while they are visiting. Their parents made a choice not to have regular television in the house. Instead, they purchase DVD's of shows and movies they know will not subject their children to controversial issues that are contrary to God's values. The outcome has been pleasing because the kids spend more time outside letting their healthy imaginations dictate their play, much like it was for my sister and me.

Just as the father in the above-mentioned program was kept aware of his childrens' antics and responded accordingly, our Father is also aware of our comings and goings.

"From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth - He who forms the hearts of all, Who considers everything they do."

Psalm 33:13-15 

Nothing we do escapes His notice. Our Father in heaven sits in front of His big "TV screen" and observes our lives. And when we do misbehave, He is sure to know about it and dole out the necessary correction to bring us back into line.

Although it did not take long for sin to assume controlling interest in television and movies, I am thankful for the brief childhood moment of sanity and wholesomeness we experienced. We were made better people by the lessons we learned both from our parents and the shows we watched. Like the characters in our childhood television shows, if we had been left to ourselves without necessary discipline, we most certainly would have made a bigger mess out of things than we already have.

So, if there is ever any question as to whether or not we are doing the right thing, or which life path we should take, just remember... our Father knows best!

Reaction To Hope In Turbulent Times

I have been sitting here this morning wondering what to post on the blog. Sometimes it is easy. Sometimes it is difficult. As the weather gets warmer, people are drawn away from their computers and outside into the sunshine. It is a good thing. We spend far too much time on these contraptions. And most of the time is spent frivolously on games and past-times that bear little fruit, if any, and I am just as guilty of this as the next. But having a blog presents an opportunity for voices to be heard, for prayer to be asked, for information to be spread to those who otherwise may not know of circumstances occurring in our troubled world, or encouragement for those who do. And as I sit staring at the screen, I am praying that others find a desire to read our voices that speak of issues so crucial to Christ's church.

There are times when the posts on the blog are not things some people want to read. They may be stories of trials, stories of persecution and requests for prayer, or an attempt to cause our readers to consider the implications of choices. Most readers want to read about the warm and fuzzy part of Christianity instead of the more serious side of the matter. But the blog's intended purpose is to exhort our readers and to encourage them to take part in God's battle over sin. Rather than quarterback from their armchair and sigh over the condition of the church, Christian behavior, or the plight of those we only consider when we read about them, we want our readers to rise to the challenge and join us.

We have been tremendously blessed to live in a time such as this. One might not think so by the turmoil and hopelessness that seems to be rising to a fever pitch around the world. In spite of the fact we live in a nation that God has blessed from its foundation, each of us can probably tell a story of someone they know who is struggling financially, who has lost a job, possibly facing foreclosure on a home, or as one brother in Christ revealed, making a choice to go home rather than be hospitalized for an illness because of a lack of insurance. However, there is no generation that can claim more hope than ours for I, along with many others, believe that ours is the generation that will see the return of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ. This is not the time to discuss why I believe this. Perhaps in another post, and in a combined effort, we can point out Scriptural truths that support this belief. But there is one event that occurred more than sixty years ago that gives us a firm and indisputable defense of our position. Israel once again became a nation on May 14, 1948. And if we remember our Scripture, God promised that once He restored her, He would never disperse His people again (Jeremiah 30 and 31). It is what occurs after this event that should awaken awareness. And once aware, the prophecied events should move everyone to action to help the Lord draw as many sheep into His pen as possible.

Before Jesus was crucified, He warned His disciples of what to expect during the time of the end. In Luke 21, Jesus spoke of signs that would point to His return: earthquakes, nations rising against nations, plagues, famines, pestilence, heavenly events, fear and dread, and persecution. All of these things must take place and prophecy clearly reveals to us they are. As much as we wish He would just simply catch us up, or Rapture us as Christians call it, to be with Him forever, there is a nagging thought in the back of my mind. It is the question of how much Christians will have to see, or perhaps suffer through, before the seven years of Tribulation begins. This is not a comforting thought. As we watch our nation and the world crumble beneath our feet, as we watch every effort being made to remove God from every aspect of society, we often dread what may lie ahead of us. But there is Hope! There is a comforting peace that overrides any dread I may experience. It is the promise God made to Israel and to His church that if we lean on and trust Him during these times, regardless of what the world may bring, eternal salvation is ours.

In the meantime, as you go about your daily chores and play, I hope you will take a moment to hear God's voice speak through this blog and share it with your loved ones. Although the way we perceive time is of no importance to God, there is little time left to remind our friends and family members that eternal salvation can also be theirs if they choose to believe. That is the main purpose behind this internet sensation. We are rapidly approaching the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our desire is that all who stop by here will respond to what they read and react.

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.

What I've Been Training For

(Cross-linked to Everyday Becky)

From the Word

Click and read >Hebrews 12:1-12

Key Verse:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. -Hebrews 12:1

Bright and early Saturday morning, I ran a 5K to help raise money for the YMCA. It was a special moment for me. The weather was absolutely perfect. The greenbelt was beautiful. And I was surprised by how easily I was able to run the three miles.

I have been training for this race for the last 10 weeks, following a plan called 'From Your Couch to a 5K" Ten weeks ago, I was only running for 60 second spurts followed by 90 seconds of walking for a total of about 15 minutes. Saturday, I ran 30 minutes straight without a need to stop and rest. My training paid off.

Friday night before the race, I went to pick up my number, timing chip and course map. While I was there I was so impressed by the people I considered the real runners, those who planned to run the 1/2 marathon and marathon races.

Marathon runners train for something called "Hitting the Wall." It is common to run out of glycogen stores in your muscles and liver somewhere around the 20 mile mark. They have to train to persevere through that crash of energy, when the race feels unbearable. I saw some runners this weekend that must have hit that point in their race when I passed them. One lady was sobbing, others looked in physical pain.

It made me think of the spiritual implications of running the marathon race of this life. Walking faithfully with Christ, remaining faithful to him through persecution, heartache, and overwhelming trials of this fallen world, is the ultimate endurance run. Thankfully, we do not have to rely on our own strength. When our "glycogen" stores run out, we rely on His strength and energy to keep us going, and we put our faith into practice. When burdens feel unbearable and our strength is gone, we must remind ourselves that "this is what I have been training for," this test of my faith will make me stronger. Press on! Don't quit! Run with perseverance that race marked out for you.

At the end of my race on Saturday, I hit a point where I wondered how far I had already run and how much farther I had to go. Then all of a sudden, on my left through the trees, and over the river, I caught glimpses of the finish line. There were hundreds of people celebrating with loud music, cheering on the runners as they came in. My speed picked up, my hope increased, and I ran faster than I knew I could just to get to that party! As I ran across the finish line I was huffing and puffing but I felt so much joy and victory. I did it! I was "home free."

I was surprised by how much it helped to know the end was near, to get those little glimpses of the finish line through the trees, and to know what was waiting for me. That's what the hope of Heaven is intended to do for us. As that day draws ever nearer, as we look up in anticipation, we can run faster toward the prize waiting for us. We can remember that our faith is strong enough to carry us home because we've been training for this. Don't lose hope! Just like the crowd was cheering for me during the race, I'm cheering for you, "Keep going! You are doing awesome! You're almost there!"

Personal Application:

Are there areas of your life where you can see your faith being tested? Have you "hit the wall" in the race of life? Pray for God to strengthen you to push on, to persevere, and to remember that you are almost there.

Father,

Thank you for training my faith, making it grow and increase. Thank you for equipping me with the strength I need to endure this marathon of life. Please keep reminding me of the prize that awaits. My very great reward on the other side of the finish line is You! During this time of trial and struggle, please give me your grace and help to persevere.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen

More of God's Word:

1. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. 2 Thessalonians 1:4

2. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything -James 1:4

3. Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. -James 5:7

4. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:14

When We All Get to Heaven

Eliza E. Hewitt, 1898

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain:
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.

Pressing on with you!

Christian Attorney Gao Zhisheng

Please go to the following link to view a video produced by ChinaAid and The Voice of the Martyrs and sign the petition to free Chinese Christian attorney, Gao Zhisheng, who is being held by the PSB in an unknown location and possibly being subjected to severe torture. He was kidnapped for the second time by the PSB on February 4, 2009 and his wife and two children are desparate to know of his well-being.

Please continue to pray for Gao and other faithful Christians who face persecution for their faith and their boldness in presenting the Gospel to their dark nations.

In Christ,

Karen

http://www.freegao.com/index.html?refnum=