The Bible

The Holy Bible is the most incredible book ever written. It has been read by more people and translated into more languages than any other book. Yet, it is also the most controversial and neglected book. It has been praised, cherished, and also hated. It has also been burned, banned and smuggled down throughout the ages. Why is that? Probably because of its unique author—God.

The Bible is the inspiration of God in a compilation of 66 books, written by over 40 different persons from many different backgrounds, written in three languages over a period of 1500 years. More fascinating facts can be found by going online, but this is not what this article is really about.

From its conception, the Bible is a divine romance. From cover to cover (Genesis to The Revelation) it portrays God's love for his creation (his family). It also shows the ups and downs of the relationship between God and man, and the emotions of both parties involved. But most of all the Bible is about forgiveness.

The Bible is about communication. It was and is one of God's most basic ways to relay his heart, his ways and his desires to those who choose to love and follow him. It also shows the consequences for those who choose not to. God is not forcing anyone to obey him; He's just stating the facts—life without Him will be meaningless and harmful because of the corruption and selfish behavior of humanity. It's better for people to talk and listen to him, than to ignore him. It's the only book that contains the whole Truth, showing that God is faithful to his promises. We will also be judged by this book.

The Bible is the book of Faith. On the surface it can be read just like any other book. But if you take a step of faith—which the author requires of you—you can enter into another dimension, the spiritual one in which Almighty God lives, the one we are meant to live in. From that realm we are able to see things from a different perspective than the carnal realm, and we can have access to His power. By his Spirit, which lives in us, we can hear and operate through the mind of God as to fulfill his plans for us, and also to help others. There is so much more that can be learned from this level of faith. No other book can or will offer such power to the reader, and it is available to everyone who believes in it.

The Bible also tells us about heaven and the Kingdom where God dwells. It also reveals the dimension in which we, one in which we share eternity without time and space and without pain and suffering or even death; a place of eternal peace and joy. In this realm we see the angelic beings that God created to serve Him and help mankind. The beauty of this realm is beyond description.

The Bible contains the words of Life, it is the revelation of Jesus Christ, The New Jerusalem, the Truth and the Promise of God. The Word, Jesus himself, became flesh and blood, and he dwelt with us and died for us. Jesus Christ (Yahweh) is the underlying theme, connection and foundation of the Bible—from Genesis to Revelation. He is the Alpha and the Omega. Without him it is impossible to know or understand that He is the Eternal Father.

The Bible is about life and the information needed for living the life God intends for everyone and for every generation. It's not just a history book, but is relevant for the present and the future as well. The names and the acts of every man and woman are recorded within the multi-leveled and spiritual dimensions of the Word of God, and will extend for a thousand generations. Along with every mathematical and science equation to create, heal and destroy. We will continue to find more information in it that is relevant for thousands of years to come. Many great men in the past have believed that there were hidden secrets waiting to be revealed in the Bible. More of these of those secrets have and will become known with the help of computers. More of this is written about in two books: The Bible Code, by Michael Drosnin, and The Original Bible Code, by Dr. Rips. However—more importantly—God prefers to revel himself to those who diligently seek him with all the heart. The Bible says, if any one lacks wisdom let him ask of Me, anyone who searches for me as hidden treasure. We need to be honest and sincere in our efforts, for God is no fool. Even the best of Bible scholars have just begun to scratch the surface of the Knowledge of God.

If you don't know God, you can. This can happen by either praying and/or reading the Bible. Begin reading The New Testament, starting with the book of Matthew and continue on until you have found Him. He's just a step and a breath away; He's waiting for you.

A Time for War

Give me the money that has been spent in war and I will clothe every man, woman, and child in an attire of which kings and queens will be proud. I will build a schoolhouse in every valley over the whole earth. I will crown every hillside with a place of worship consecrated to peace. ~Charles Sumner

War does not determine who is right - only who is left. ~Bertrand Russell

It'll be a great day when education gets all the money it wants and the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy bombers. ~Author unknown, quoted in You Said a Mouthful edited by Ronald D. Fuchs

I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, "Mother, what was war?" ~Eve Merriam

The release of atom power has changed everything except our way of thinking... the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind. If only I had known, I should have become a watchmaker. ~Albert Einstein

What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world. ~Robert E. Lee, letter to his wife, 1864

Everyone has their own opinion about war because of what they've seen, heard or experienced as a result of them. However the Bible states in Ecclesiastes Chp. 3:1-8:

"There is an appointed time for everything."

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace."

As much as many of us dislike war, they do serve a purpose in God's greater design. Whether it is for judgment, blessing or discipline (correction and purification), God is in control and He loves all His children.

There are many of things that can be learned from war. Here are some of them:

- Trust in the wisdom of God.
- Evil must be confronted.
- Realize our own weaknesses and limitations versus God's strength and protection.
- The outcome of obedience is more important than our personal feelings or needs.
- Sacrifice is the foundation and the principle requirement for seeing others set free.
- The future and eternity have a greater reward than the present.

Wars are caused by people who chose to deviate from the will and plan of God. Satan looks for victims who show signs of weakness, of pride and greed and lust, using them to breed discontent and fuel hatred toward another person, a race, a religion or a nation. These fleshly traits are used by the enemy, satan, as his way of stealing, killing and hurting people. When men aspire to leadership they often have wrong motives. Some choose to set themselves up by force as superior to their neighbors and brothers, forcing their opinion and beliefs on others, insisting they submit or be destroyed. Regardless of their motive and actions, God is still in control. He is even the authority over satan, as to fulfill his greater plan.

Jesus' desire for us is to love God first and then our neighbors. Even if there are some losses or sacrifices, we must trust God for the full benefit of such battles.

God allows wars to be a tool to bring purification into the hearts of mankind. Wars often help us realize our own pride and depravity. Just as God did with the children of Israel; they were judged for their sins, but they were also taught how to conquer their enemies. But, in the New Testament Jesus taught people to fight the enemy with the power of love — to pray for and bless people that spitefully use us. We need to forgive, even from our greatest depths of pain (the cross). Anytime there is a war, it should be a time of prayer, intercession, an examination of the heart. People should expect to see sacrifices, even personal ones. Most wars often take longer than anticipated.

Wars are really fought on several fronts, not only where the action is but also on the home front and in the heart. Conflicts always heighten emotions, but we must not let them rule us. There are always differences of opinions from leaders, from neighbors, and even within the family. Questions and doubts about war, all the rights and wrongs, and thoughts and sides that can be taken. It grieves me to see the hate and division between people, races and nations as a result of war. Not only the current wars, but all wars.

The loss of life and human suffering not only grieves me but also our Heavenly Father. He is like a good parent and does not take pleasure in disciplining his children or seeing them suffer, but knows it is necessary at times for the good. He knows the benefits we may not see at the time; including the possibility of some of his children rebelling or dying. All of us need to understand this.

There is also "the fallout" or consequences of wars on individuals and families. Whether they have to deal with a death or a capture of a friend or loved one, wounded and/or disabled, there's a lot of emotion, pain and suffering. Often the emotional or mental pain is the worst. Bitterness and resentment can creep in and fester (poison) the mind. Many veterans and soldiers' minds are tormented by nightmares, being driven to despair and hopelessness because of what they have seen and experienced. As a result many marriages and families have suffered, and many have been destroyed.

Recently, I learned that an average of 18 American soldiers and vets, after coming home from war, are committing suicide each day. I think that is horrible and unacceptable. What that does to families is devastating and unimaginable. We must pray for our soldiers and their families wherever they are. We have to give them HOPE, letting them know that not all is lost or in vain. We must let them know that there is a reason to live; that their sacrifice is appreciated.

All these service men and women have paid far too great a price to be ignored. God wants to honor them also, those who have been willing to sacrifice for their families, their country and were willing to stop evil from spreading in other parts of the world. But, most importantly that they come to know Jesus , the one who loves them and spared them for a reason. They need to know that not all is lost, and be encouraged to see the glory of God and the wonderful future he has in store for them.

We're reaching out to all of you now. Jesus wants to take your burden, whether you are a veteran or not, and give you a reason to continue to live a life full of hope and joy. In the days ahead God is going to demonstrate his love and mercy in a greater way than ever seen before. And you will even see it on the news (and reporters will be speechless). We are about to see the greatest move of God, where minds, lives and limbs will be restored—including body parts that were missing. There will be no question as to whether there is a God, and who he is. He will display his awesome and miraculous power through his sons and daughters (the army of God). The enemy will not prevail over this army, whose commander and chief is Jesus Christ the Lord. And the children will sing His praises. There will be signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. You and I will see the revelation of the Heavenly Father's love that will take away the pain and sorrow that have been in lives because of wars. (Even the ones we created by our own mistakes, including our personal and emotional wars.)

As a nation and as individuals we need to learn how and when to fight the physical and the spiritual battles. By reading the Bible, we gain wisdom by the examples given and knowledge by applying it to our lives. Unfortunately, many of us are slow learners; but God is very patient. Rather than seeking to be independent, we as children of God need to become totally dependent on him, understanding that he knows best.

Jesus told us that in the last days there would be wars and rumors of wars. But don't be afraid, for those things must happen. For nation shall rise against nation, brother against brother, and kingdom against kingdom. (Mt. 24: 6-7) He tells us this so we can have peace and not fear, for Jesus has overcome the world. (John 16:33) Don't fear Him who can kill the body, but fear him who can kill both the body and the soul. (Mat. 10:28)

God promises that the future will be better for the righteous. "Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Mt. 24:34) There is coming the time when the lion or wolf will lie down with the lamb. (Is. 11:6 and Is. 65:35) And a time when there will be no more tears, sorrow or pain. And no more wars. Swords will be hammered into plowshares, and the wicked will be no more. We will live in peace and harmony in the presence of Jesus Christ for eternity. Now that's Heaven on earth, don't you think? Hope to see you there!

New Year's Resolutions

So what's you're goal for this new year of 2014? Many people are making New Year's resolutions, a secular tradition, to improve ones life style— such as; lose weight, eat healthy, drink less alcohol, exercise more, get out of debt, spend more time with family, get organized or quit smoking. But, after a few days, a few weeks or months many people are back, to square one, right where they started. (The reason has more to do with trying verses commitment.)

So why not do something different this year. Start thinking about God, maybe even talking to him. I'm not suggesting going to church or getting religious, just commit some serious time, five or ten minutes (once or twice a day), and think about and meditate on him. If you miss a day or two once in awhile, no big deal, just continue. However you may say, I don't believe in God. But, why don't you? What's wrong in believing there is a God, other than it would mean you would have some kind of responsibility, right? Did somebody or something happen to disappoint you, and you blame him? Or have you done something that you feel guilty about and God wouldn't be interested or care enough to help you? Do you really believe human beings came from monkeys and when were dead that it? If that's the case, we don't need to worry about our conscience; right? Just do as you please, like almost everyone else. But wouldn't it be awesome to know that someone really designed you with a purpose in mind; and that you and this world, were not just "an accident."

There are a lot of excuses and doubts someone could give. But the most important thing I can share with you today, is that there really is a God and he desire to have a relationship with you. All religions and many people have given God a bad rap. But you need to decide for yourself.

God does care, more than you could ever imagine. So I'm suggesting that while you're thinking about him, you might just ask him a few questions. What's the harm, he won't bite you. In fact, he love you very much. He's always there, waiting and desiring, for you to take the next step.

Why not make a New Year's resolution to meet and/or know God a little better. You could even read his words written to you, by starting with the Gospel of John, in the Bible; if you have one. If not, find or buy one, you won't be sorry you did. You just might be surprised what can happen. When you give your life and time to him, you begin to change from the inside, then outside—like a new person with a clean heart and a right spirit, and then experience a peace and joy you never knew before. As you get to know him better you will want to talk and listen more, to him. He has already forgiven you of all your mistakes in life, so why hesitate. Now, is the time to make that New Year's resolution that will be worth keeping.