Deception

Hell, a subject nobody really likes to talk about; yet the reality of it is too terrible NOT to talk about. More than just an uncomfortable place, it is a place of endless torture. Jesus makes it quite plain that it is a place of endless suffering and death. Sounds really scary to me, yet in the Sermon on the mount Jesus describes the way to it as a broad path, where most people are headed. Again; really, really scary. So, if its so bad, why are most people headed in that direction? I can't know the reasons why most people do things and I suppose that like so many other things in this life, there is not just a single answer. However, I will try. Deception is my answer. Deception so cleaver, so maniacal, so intuitive that the unbelievable becomes reality. The accuser of mankind is the source of this and make no mistake, he is one dangerous adversary. Dangerous because he is a spiritual being who was at the side of God and even led a rebellion against the almighty. One tough opponent! His weapons vary from the most gentle insinuations to the most course, violent things we can imagine and more. Face it, he hates us; and the hate that is within his bosom is beyond all human description. Look at the way he even tried to tempt Jesus.

Mat 4:1-10
(1) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
(2) When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
(3) The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
(4) But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' "
(5) Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
(6) and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He will put his angels in charge of you.' and, 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don't dash your foot against a stone.' "
(7) Jesus said to him, "Again, it is written, 'You shall not test the Lord, your God.' "
(8) Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory.
(9) He said to him, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me."
(10) Then Jesus said to him, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.' "

I know, I have used these verses before, but they JUST FIT. The Devil's deceptions are blown away by the correct use of the WORD OF GOD, but I wonder if you and I could do as well as Jesus did? I think the answer to that is found in another question: Do we immerse ourselves in God's Holy Word on a daily basis? If the answer is "yes", then our chances are pretty good; if not, well, danger awaits. As far as the picture goes, it is very clever, so I just had to use it. But I just wish they had not told me (in the fine print) that there was free bratwurst in hell; I have a hard time resisting food. But, relax, I am not in any danger, I don't like my bratwurst cooked over an open flame;I hope you don't like it that way!!

Contentment

This is the largest block of gold in the world. Worth an estimated 8.7 million dollars, it is on display in Taiwan. I have a hard time thinking in terms of millions of dollars, but it doesn't take a genius to know that amount is a lot of money. I wonder what I would do with it? Perhaps, I would buy a fancy car, like the Excalibur I have always wanted (kits start at about $80,000), or maybe a 20 room mansion or a 5 carat yellow diamond. A few dozen expensive suits would be nice! But why think small; why not buy a tropical island and a 60 foot yacht as well. Perhaps I would go into politics and buy a senate seat or a cabinet post; maybe even bribe my way into the white house. Of course, I couldn't stop there, I would have to aspire to be America's first dictator. (as opposed to a president, who doesn't have much power??) Humm, there seems to be a pattern here and it made me think of this passage from Paul's letter to Timothy.

1 Timothy 6:1-11 WEB (R)
(1) Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
(2) Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
(3) If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
(4) he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
(5) constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
(6) But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(7) For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out.
(8) But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
(9) But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
(10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(11) But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

Bottom line is that focusing on things leads to focusing on SELF and you just get more and more and more greedy. The pattern to follow is found in verses 6 to 8 and 11, but I have only known a very few people in my entire life who lived up to that standard. Unlike most posts, this one is directed at myself because I am thinking of buying a new camera which I can't really afford. Even though I may want it right now, I will wait until I have the money in my hand or God just mails me one; whichever comes first. Until then, I guess I will just have to stay away from "Abe's of Maine"; their prices are just too tempting.

The old paths

These barges remind me of a bygone year; one that saw a holiday party aboard a vessel much like this in Pennsylvania. It was quite an experience; one that I will never forget. Oh, it wasn't fast-paced or wild in any stretch of the imagination, just co-workers getting together to enjoy one an other's company and to celebrate the passage of another year. Yet, there was something about it that was intriguing, something that spoke of another way of life, one without the need to rush, without the constant pressure of society to succeed, to make more and more money with each passing year. Something like a visit to the Amish country, a view into another life and another way of doing things. Long ago, God spoke to his chosen people and wanted them to return to the old paths, according to the life-style that he had set down. Their response is at the end of the verse.

Jeremiah 6:16 WEB (R)
(16) Thus says Yahweh, Stand you in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein.

New is not ALWAYS BETTER!!! Think of all the chemicals in our food supply and the genetic engineering that is changing the very nature of the food we consume. Consider all the broken homes in this country because spouses are too selfish to compromise. What about all the political wrangling behind closed doors that has been going on lately? How long can this country endure if it continues spending more than it takes in? The founding fathers believed in one nation under God and somehow God is being excluded from every public institution? The answer to our problems is not in science or political solutions, it is in God; his ways, the old paths, tried and true. Hopefully, America will be different from the Israel of Jeremiah's time and seek God before it is too late. If that happened there would be rejoicing throughout our land like never before!! Now that would be one party I would LOVE TO ATTEND! (the barge is optional!!)

Fast or slow...

Normally, we would never see this happen; its just too fast for the human eye to take in. We "see" it happen, but not in high speed photography like this. However, we do know this is happening and that is what really matters. Whether something is fast or slow, is irrelevant when it comes to the eyes of faith. Here are a couple of passages that seem to work well together to show what I mean.

Acts 1:4-11 WEB (R)
(4) Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me.
(5) For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
(6) Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?"
(7) He said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority.
(8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."
(9) When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.
(10) While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing,
(11) who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky."

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 WEB (R)
(13) But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
(14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
(15) For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.
(16) For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,
(17) then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.
(18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Luke tells what happened and Paul says what's going to happen; both compliment one another. The "angels" said Jesus is coming back and so did Paul. We have the Biblical witness to provide testimony and our belief in the facts to provide the confidence we call faith. Whether it happens today, tomorrow, next year or whenever; it will happen. Remember, the God of heaven views things a little differently than we do, for with HIM a thousand years is as one day and a day is as a thousand years. God does things in HIS own time, whether it be in the blink of an eye like the picture or thousands of years; Jesus will come again;it will happen...believe it!

Nothing more, nothing less.

Want to know the future; don't read this paper. There is not going to be a flood...right! We humans are always fascinated by "inside knowledge" because it is a form of power. But when it comes to matters of religion, we already have everything we need to know. Yet the religious leaders came to Jesus asking for a sign; Why?


Matthew 16:1-4 WEB (R)
(1) The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven.
(2) But he answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.'
(3) In the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times!
(4) An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed.

If there is a lot of water, there may be a flood; daa! Still, some people will say there is no flood, even when the waters are up to their knees. Jesus had told the religious leaders who he was and performed many miracles before chapter sixteen, but that wasn't enough. So, why were they asking again? Because they wanted to find fault with him; to discredit him because they really did not WANT TO BELIEVE. This was a sign of their evil heart and lack of spiritual perception. Truth is, we believe exactly what we want to, nothing more, nothing less.

Perspective in truth

I imagine most people have never heard of three player chess, but it has perked my curiosity over the years. It seems to me that it would be more like war than the standard chess I have played over the years; more true to what war is really like. It also occurred to me that this board could also represent truth as well; my truth, your truth and God's truth. Having this thought I thought about Pilate's response to Jesus....

John 18:33-38 WEB (R)
(33) Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
(34) Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"
(35) Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"
(36) Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."
(37) Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."
(38) Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against him.

If even Pilate could see Jesus was innocent, what does this say about the Jews? To me, the term "narrow minded" comes to mind. But, that is from my perspective; I might have thought differently about them if I lived in A.D. 33. The point is that we should be open to the views of others and consider truth in the three fold perspective of mine, yours and God's. Hint, the more you focus on the last one in the list, the better you will be able to understand the other two. Now, having said all this, I wonder if alliances are allowed in three player chess; if so, I pick God.

Someday

The contrast of the desolation below and the beautiful golden hue caught my eye. How harsh the Earthly terrain and yet how beautiful the sky above! How could this NOT REMIND ME OF HEAVEN?

Revelation 21:9-27 WEB (R)
(9) One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb's bride."
(10) He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
(11) having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, as if it was a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
(12) having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.
(13) On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
(14) The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.
(15) He who spoke with me had for a measure, a golden reed, to measure the city, its gates, and its walls.
(16) The city lies foursquare, and its length is as great as its breadth. He measured the city with the reed, Twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.
(17) Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
(18) The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.
(19) The foundations of the city's wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;
(20) the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.
(21) The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
(22) I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple.
(23) The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.
(24) The nations will walk in its light. The kings of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.
(25) Its gates will in no way be shut by day (for there will be no night there),
(26) and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it so that they may enter.
(27) There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Jesus, through the Apostle John paints a word-picture of the preciousness of heaven; gold, precious gems, pearls and most of all the presence of God. Oh, to walk through the pearly gates and stroll the golden streets! Communion with the saints and full fellowship with God, at last, at last. The beauty of the scene is beyond description, but the cold hard reality of this world makes us long for something better, something wonderful!! Someday, it will happen; just wait!!!