Take No Offense

If Jesus were to walk into many of today's churches, I wonder what his comments would be if he spoke to our spiritual leaders and flocks? Would they be happy or would they be shocked, horrified and offended by what he said? Would Jesus point out our idolatry, pride, greed, lust, religious laws and traditions, etc.? Or would He just ignore the problems?

Throughout Jesus ministry there were times that he said things that shocked and offended people. Sometimes he called them hypocrites. Other times He told them that if they were not willing to leave family, possessions or longings for the past, that they were not worthy of the Kingdom of God. He also taught that if you did not eat his flesh or drink his blood, you had no part of him. With statements like that many people took offense and quit following Jesus, but not his disciples, except for one. But even the disciples received their share of rebukes, because of their unbelief or attitudes. Yet, they also knew he loved them and spoke the words of life. Jesus was their friend.

After Jesus had pointed out some false traditions to the Pharisees, Jesus' disciples later came to him later and said, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended by what you said?" (Mt. 15:12 PAR) Jesus wasn't trying to be mean to the Pharisees, his desire was to help them by telling them the truth.

The enemy, satan, wants to hurt and to makes people offended in order to break up relationships. If we allow satan or religious people to divide us by chastisements we have given into their plan and lost the good that God had intended for us. Yet a rebuke from the Lord is meant for good, to bring correction and reconciliation into our life and thinking. If we don't, we will be living a lie and could end up being a hypocrite just like the Pharisees, even though we may not think so. I have seen this happen many times and I have also experienced it from both ends.

We've lived with a lot of grace throughout the Church Age. And yet we are about to see the greatest move of God's grace and mercy ever seen. However, it's no reason to allow mistakes and offenses to continue and live in disobedience; which only separate us from the Heaven Father and our spiritual family.

—Recently, I received a strong rebuke from a friend. A few weeks before that God had asked me to do something that wasn't my "first choice," yet I said, "yes." But over the weeks I had grumbled, complained and blamed. And in the process I allowed the spirit of contention to settle upon me. My friend exposed my heart and the spirit and that I needed to deal with. And so I did. I repented and cast the foul spirit off me.

My friend also told me I had some wrong precepts about my old profession. Again I asked God to forgive me. I didn't want anything to come between my relationship with God, my wife or my friends. The next morning I shared some of those things with my wife that my friend and I had discuss. She said, "I don't know what all you talked about, but I like the change in you." So did I, and God also told me he was proud of me. I also dealt with a few more spirits a few days later. We must remember that our battle is not with flesh and blood, but against evil principalities that try to rule over the hearts and minds of people. And the only way to free others is to be free ourselves. I am very thankful for my friend and to God.

Better a slap or wound (rebuke) from a friend than kisses from an enemy. (Prov. 27:6 PAR)

Sticks and Stones

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me." Have you ever heard children saying this? Or did you say it yourself when you were a kid? Many children have; I know I did when I was a child. It was a catch phrase we would often say when someone would call us a mean or ugly name we didn't like. Or we would call them another name, and this bantering would go back and forth, often escalating until someone got really hurt or some adult broke things up.

Things haven't changed much since we were kids. Children still say mean and cruel things to one another in order to establish who is right or better. Bullying today in school has become a big issue, because students often prey upon the smaller, younger or weaker students to the point of terrorizing them. Last month a small group of teenage bullies were responsible for a young girl committing suicide, because she was tormented by name calling. They are now being charged with second degree murder because of the death. (It's a sad world when this kind of stuff is still allowed to happen.)

When we become adults these childish actions should be gone, but not necessarily so; it's just that we become more sophisticated, or so we think; but is it really? The arguments between adults, friends, enemies, employees, bosses and spouses are really not that much different. And how about road rage? Some of the meanest words, gestures and accusations are still spoken. Most often the words are not true or at least to the degree spoken. But, they are meant to hurt, because someone was offended. Sometimes these situations occurred because one or more of satan's little buddies are putting thoughts, which are lies, in people's minds. And people usually believe them; such as, they don't appreciate you, or they're just taking you for granted, or they don't really care about or love you. All these evil thoughts come from the pit of hell through the spirits of bitterness, jealousy and hatred. These evil spirits, along with the spirit of contention, need to cast off and out of the room, house or wherever they gather. We must not allow them to get a stronghold in our hearts or minds. Satan wants to create division. God desires to see unity through LOVE and FORGIVENESS.

The expression people often say that is takes two to argue is not always true. In the Bible we see arguing, contention and blame from the beginning of time. Even Jesus had to deal with it. The Pharisees called Jesus a glutton, a drunkard, a devil, and a friend of sinners throughout his ministry. Jesus called them hypocrites and told his disciples that the Pharisees were nothing less than blind guides. And at the end of Jesus' ministry, he had a few more choice names: serpents, brood of vipers, whitewashed tombs, robbers, sons of satan and more. But only one man spoke the truth; the others lied.

As children and sons of God we need to be cautious of how we speak to others, also that our motives are pure. We should defend God's honor, the name of Jesus, the Body of Christ and the Holy Bible, and be less offended of names we are called. Just as Jesus overlooked them, we should overlook them. "And He was counted among the sinners." (Mark 15:28)

A number of years ago, someone called me "selfish." In fact they even added that I was the most selfish person they ever knew, because I wouldn't give to a certain person. I couldn't believe their accusation. I let it slide for the time being and said nothing more to them. But later that day I was still brooding over the accusation. That same year I had given away my car, a dozen of my paintings to different individuals, plus I had given my time and plenty of money. This person knew most of this, yet because I wouldn't give to a certain individual, I was called, "Selfish!"

That night I had a dream. In the dream I was sitting a few feet to the side of Jesus as he was speaking to a room filled with people. Then Jesus turned, looked at me and said, "How do you think I felt when I was counted among the sinners?" — end of the dream. I woke up pondering his words, and realized that he was referring to me being called selfish. Jesus had said, "How do you think I felt..." My situation wasn't any different than his. I was familiar with the passage and I got up and read it in my Bible. I realized that Jesus didn't try to defend himself, even though the words of the people and the Pharisees hurt him, he still loved and forgave them. I, too, needed to do the same. Today, I still forgive others just as Jesus did, saying, "Father forgive them for they don't know what they are doing [or saying]."

I still remember Jesus' face in my dream as he said those words to me. His face was full of love and compassion. This should be our attitude, even though it can be a challenge to forgive those who have hurt us. Yet it is absolutely necessary. We may have to do it again and again until we have his peace over the whole situation.

Note: Unlike the phrase, "sticks and stones...but names will never hurt me." The truth is, ugly and mean names do hurt and often can effect our emotions throughout our lifetime if we let them. Many adults and children have suffered verbal abuse, being repeatedly called—fat, ugly, stupid, lazy, good for nothing, jerk, whore, bitch and a whole lot of other offensive names. The names often come from loved ones, such as parents and spouses. Some have even shut themselves off from society because of such abuse.

If this has happened to you in the past or recently, you need to ask God to heal your wounds. Despite what people have said or done to you, you still need to forgive from your heart those who have hurt you. (In any disagreement a person should never attack another person's character, especially a child. Stay with the real issues or walk away from the confrontation and ask God what to do. Seek to restore through love.)

When I was a teenager, I was called "ugly" many times by a certain person, because I said some mean names to him when I was hurt. And other times certain remarks were said by others that reinforced the idea that I was ugly, to the point that I believed it. It wasn't until I was in my second year of college that I actually started to date because I didn't think any girl would want to go out with me. And the fear of being rejected was something I didn't want to hear. Finally one day I spoke this to my girlfriend and she laughed. She said, "You're not ugly at all, you're very handsome." That was nice to finally hear.

We should always try to speak kind and positive words of encouragement, because that is how God sees us and speaks to us. Yet we shouldn't look to others for our esteem or affirmation, but look only to God. We are what He says we are and we need to hold on to that despite what satan or others say. We should forgive other people and speak kindly of them and to pray for them, even blessing our enemies. Most of all we must remember that God loves us. Our strength, righteousness and our integrity comes from him. Don't let appearances or abilities or others be the standards to live life by. A faithful friend of God is far more important than anything else.

Love the Lord with all your heart and do (and say) unto others as you would have them do unto you. And you will be called sons of God.

Loneliness

There are many people today who feel lonely. It affects both genders, all nationalities and all ages. Some of these people are single and others are not, but they still feel lonely. They go to work, malls and taverns and they're still lonely. Many are seeking companionship, intimate relationships or Internet contacts; they often come away from those temporary experiences feeling empty, unsatisfied and alone. Others sit in bars or at home trying to drown the lonely feelings in alcohol or food or watching hours of TV or sometimes even using drugs to escape the empty feeling. Some go to parties, others go to churches or some other community activities, and some become work addicts; but when they leave they still feel alone.

A man and a women or a husband and wife can be sitting together watching TV, playing games or laying in bed together yet still feel alone. They may be talking over a cup of coffee about the weather, work, politics, the kids, or sports, and they can still feel empty and alone. How about you? Do you feel alone? Be honest here. Sure you may talk with others, laugh, cry, smile, nod your head or even have intimate times, but it doesn't change that feeling deep down inside you.

Maybe what you're looking for is someone you've never met, who really understands you. The real you, not the one you try to be. What makes you the way you are? Someone who would make you feel alive and wanted.

Some people try to make you something you were never meant to be. They want you to be just like them. Men and women are different, not just physically, but mentally as well—they just think differently! Some don't understand that or their own needs. You are a unique individual, not a cookie cut-out.

Just because some people are popular doesn't make them immune to loneliness. Many celebrities and religious leaders (and others) are putting on an act when they're out in the public view, maybe you are doing this too. But they still have the same feeling of loneliness. Many overweight people or those who think they're unattractive, or those who are handicapped, feel lonely. All these people share the common problem of loneliness. Something is missing and they can't find it. That something is someone.

There is someone who can fill that void and need of in people, including you. He knows your every thought, your feelings, your emotions, and your needs; all you will ever have. He even knows the feelings you're experiencing right now as you read this article. And he is the only one who can satisfy. I know that's true because I felt that way years ago when I was younger; and he changed my life.

Two thousand years ago this man made life possible by walking down a lonely path. At the end of his journey, he was placed on a cross and died for our sins so we could meet him. His name is Jesus, the Son of God, and he will never leave you alone. I'm not talking about a man-made religion, but a personal relationship with Jesus. He loves you with an unfailing love, and he has made great plans just for you. (Jer. 29:11)

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for good and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'" Now, that's a promise!

Jesus wants to able to share His life with you forever so you'll never again be alone. He will be your best friend, your lover, your healer, your provider and your protector; the best you will ever know. And he's waiting just for you. You can meet him today if you want too. Jesus is very patient and he doesn't hold your mistakes against you; they are forgiven if you believe. There's no need to wait, you won't be sorry to choose him. And don't think Jesus is just for women, weaklings or old people. He's not! God is raising up an army of people from every nation, every gender and age group to be used mightily by Him. You can join that relationship by just bowing your head and believing. When you call upon Jesus then talk to Him; He will listen to you. "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for me with all you heart. I will be found by you." (Jer.29:12,13) Again, another promise. Just tell Jesus in your own words or repeat this simple prayer:

Jesus, I really need you; I can't go on in life without you. Forgive me, show me the way, and I will obey. Come into my heart and let me know the joy of serving and loving you. I give you my life and my all, because my life is empty and meaningless without you. Thank you for forgiving me and hearing my prayer. Amen

If you really meant that prayer, you're on a journey you will never regret. I close by saying, welcome to the family of God, also God bless you and your household. Feel free to talk to Jesus (pray) any time. You can also get to know Him better by reading the Holy Bible, starting with the Gospels. You are welcome to read my other blog sites too, also Cloak of Zeal. But most of all, Jesus loves you more than you'll ever know and he will never leave you alone. And that's a promise and a fact!

A Blessing In Disguise

Did you ever have a bad day, week or year and wonder why it happened? It seems that nothing went right and everything you did seemed to backfire. Someone might have wrecked a car, lost a job or a house. Someone might have broke a fingernail or missed seeing the Super Bowl game. I'm sure you have had such days, maybe many times. We all have.

Twenty two years ago this month I lost my two story 4,500 sq. ft. dream house that I had built with cash from a sale of a previous house. I had designed it with a beautiful 15' x 15' garden in the middle with a waterfall, trees and a skylight 20' above. Most of the rooms looked in on the garden, and the windows of the house looked out onto four man-made lakes that surrounded the house and property. It was a beautiful setting and the envy of many who came to visit us. This place was my pride and joy, but at the same time my marriage was gradually going downhill. And I wasn't happy on the inside even with all the appearances of success.

Like many other men, I started doing foolish things. One was to try to make more money, thinking that money would make us happier. My dad had learned about a high-risk investment with great tax right-offs and great profits. So I borrowed from the bank on the equity of our house. Two years had gone by and nothing happened with that investment. We both lost a big chunk of change. Then we heard of another company that offered a great product. The owner needed money to tide him over until some big Arab investors helped him finance a factory so he could manufacture his products. I believed this investment would make up for the first blunder, so I borrowed from a "legal" loan shark a bigger chunk, $30,000, because the banks wouldn't loan me the money. I was determined that nobody was going to stop me or tell me what I could or could not do. My wife was very upset with me and I made some foolish promises to her. She agreed to sign the papers, but told me she hoped it would all come crashing down on me.

The owner of the company told me he would need our money for only a few months at the most, then I would get our money back. He even signed a "personal note" stating that we would still get the full benefit as if we had left it in. I thought, "How could I lose?" But the big investors kept toying with the owner and eventually they walked away and he couldn't find anyone to fill in the gap.

It was getting harder for us to keep up with the bank loan and the private loan along with a new van we had just purchased. I had just come back to the Lord. Many men have more problems than they realize. However using borrowed money as my provider was not something God wanted me to continue to do. He wanted me to learn to trust him. But, somehow I thought God would just help me sell more paintings like he had the week I came back to Him. I had made almost $5000 that week and I thought he could do it again. I thought things had changed and God would continue to bless me, because I now loved him and told him that I was sorry for neglecting him. But, that was just a couple of mistakes, there were many others. He also wanted my trust and obedience.

It was the best time of the year for art shows, just before Christmas. I had three art shows in a row and I bombed with all three. I didn't make a single sale; I couldn't believe it; such a thing had never happened to me before. My prayers for help seemed to be falling on deaf ears. I didn't really comprehend God's word, and certain financial principles within it. However, I knew what the Bible said about PRIDE. Well, I was heading for a fall, big time. My house of cards was coming down and nothing was going to stop it, not even my prayers. God wasn't going to just slap my hand. It wasn't until we went to a seminar, and we heard and saw in the Bible how God felt about borrowing and the dangers attached to it. We heard that God honored those who put their faith and trust in him. Then we understood and truly repented. God still loved us, but he also wanted us to trust him.

That night after the seminar I told my wife I felt God wanted us to return the new van we had just purchased two months before; she agreed. When we arrived at the car dealership, they had never seen or heard of anyone doing that before. They told us, usually customers wait until the vehicle is repossessed. I felt God wanted me to give it back, and we would accept the loss of our down payment and other costs that we might have incurred. But, I told the dealership that we needed to obey God.

Next, I sold my new Apple computer that I had placed on a credit card; I sold it to a printing company who had just placed an order. Mine was less because I absorbed the loss of the down payment in order to eliminate the credit debt. We continued to live in the house for another year, unable to make any more payments because it had gone into foreclosure. During that time we were unable to sell the house no matter how we tried. Everyone loved it, but still no buyers.

We trusted God to provide a way and actually had an incredible amount of peace, despite our situation. We went looking a couple of times for a cheap place to rent. Most were boarded-up ex drug houses. However, with no income or money our looking was futile. Two days before the house was to be auctioned off, a man called and made us an offer. I prayed about it and the next day I accepted it. We got $10,000, a half up front, and he would pay the mortgage debts and penalties plus he gave us two more months to live in the house rent free. We would receive the rest of the money when we moved out from my dream house, from the house our daughter was raised in. We had lived there 7 years and it was built with cash.

Now the house was gone and we still owed $15,000 in other credit card debts, and we didn't know where we were going to live. We paid half the credit card debt, and lived on the rest. As desperate as our situation appeared we even tithed on the $10,000. And another thousand on a step of faith toward some mountain acreage we would eventually build a house next to, two and a half years later. Everything was in God's hands. And I trusted him 100%. We learned a number of important lessons through this situation, including, "In all things give thanks, for this is the perfect will of God." So the day we lost the house we got on our knees as a family and thanked God for his love and faithfulness.

I also wrote a letter to owner of the company we invested in and informed him we had no hard feelings toward him. We prayed God would bless him, and forgave him, then we tore up the personal contract that he had signed. I also told him it was our mistake, because we should have never borrowed in the first place. It is important to own up to your own mistakes instead of blaming others. Some people wonder how we could have done that, or believed that God was faithful to us despite losing the house.

Material things aren't as important to God as some people think. But a relationship based on trust is important, and we were now totally dependent on him. He would supply all our needs from now on. We didn't even know where we were going to live at the end of the month, and my wife's daycare had to end.

With neither of us having a regular job, God provided a house to rent for half the asking price just two weeks before we had to be out. (We felt lead to call my cousin.) It was a nice house that belonged to my uncle, he recently died, and his daughter had just chosen to rent it out instead of selling it.

While moving our belongings I felt God wanted me to take three big unused picture windows that a contractor had left at our house. God indicated that I would put them in a new house someday. That would be a real surprise considering, my wife and I had agreed, we would never borrow again. So I took them.

After three years and two more moves, God's words were fulfilled. I finally installed those three picture windows in the living room of a large but modest house we physically built with cash and the help of some friends God provided. We bought a 28' trailer, and the three of us lived in it next to the house while we built it. This took 2 years to the day. God also provided a truck to pull the trailer and to help with construction. It was a challenge, but all things are possible to them who love the Lord. The house overlooks a small lake on 4 1/2 acres. Thanks to God—and an small inheritance from another uncle's unexpected death—we had a new home.

Even where the house was built was a miracle of God's leading, because I had already drawn by faith the house plans not knowing where it was to be built. The property wasn't even for sale, but I called the owner and she said she had just called a Realtor to get an appraisal on her property. The house was designed to be built on a slope for a daylight basement. Her property was perfect, And the price I was hoping to pay was exactly what she wanted when I called her a couple days later. God provided everything—truck, trailer, the perfect place, all for the right price, to build our new house. God met all our needs and desires for our family. Which requires our obedience. When we got the inheritance, I asked God how I was to get a house? He told me to build it. That was not my first preference, but I obeyed and he helped.

Losing our previous dream house was a blessing in disguise, not because God gave us a new house but because we got to know first hand His awesome love and faithfulness when we put our complete trust in him. We would have never known this had he prevented us from loosing it. I probably would have thought somehow I had accomplished it on my own. In this way there was no doubt that God's word is true, when we really trusted and obeyed him. He has been our provider, and you can count on him too. He will be with you all the way.

Whatever your circumstances or problems, there is a lesson that God wants you to learn. He can turn any problem around and make something beautiful out of it, if you give him the chance. We just need to be patient and trust him. There have been other situations in our lives where God turned losses into gains. God allows trials and tests, even the ones of our own making, so that his glory will be revealed. I just gave you my example as to show you that nothing is impossible to them who love and obey the Lord. And we will all praise Him for it. Amen.

Hallelujah

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!