The significance of current events

We traverse through points of history generally oblivious to the significance of the events around us. But there are clear warnings from Scripture. Like this: A river in China has "mysteriously" turned blood red.

Rev 8:8 "...and a third part of the sea became blood." That word "sea" is thalassa it's Greek for sea, pool, lake, etc. Generally, Americans tend to ignore things like this- a "Red Tide" is just you know, that "stuff" in the water. Just because it makes the seafood in it inedible that's no big deal. Right? The Chinese river turning red is just from "stuff"- pollution- in the water.

The ocean now has "dead zones" in it where oxygen is absent. Fish, crustaceans, other creatures die there.

"...And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died..." Rev 8:9

We need to start paying attention to the signs around us. The wonders in the sky from the Hubble Space Telescope, for example.

When you add these things to the horrific deaths of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East; when you see Israel having to fight to defend itself against terrorists who want them wiped from the earth; when you see our own nation run far away from God and become enveloped in the "gross darkness" of Isaiah 60, then you must realize that things are rolling towards a massive Divine culmination.

It's time we got our collective heads out of the sand, folks. Time is short. "You will be made to care" is a statement that rings true across all demographics. You can wait for rescue, or you can prepare yourself for whatever comes. Don't wait- prepare. Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves. Get ready for the Bridegroom, keep your lamps lit with His anointing oil and don't let it go out by complacency, laziness, or sheer boredom. Know Him. Know him personally. Walk in His power and grace. Will you be willing to commit to Him with everything you are? Or will you sit on the couch and ignore the situation around you?

"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt with flatteries; but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits." Daniel 11:32

No Turning Back

Photo by Tom Michalski, Brennan, Washington

There comes a time in the lives of all leaders, when turning back is not a viable option.It's a moment when the mountain is too high, the attacks too strong, the pain to deep to continue...and yet we must.

Let me use an example from my own life: My husband, his best friend, his daughter and I were headed out for a hike around a lake in the High Sierras of California. The day was warm and comfortable at 7am. We walked for about 5 miles, enjoying the exercise and chit-chatting about nonsensical things.We stopped by a rushing glacial stream to eat lunch and turn around to head back to camp.

The path of no return

Suddenly, as we turned to go back, we saw that the path we had taken was under water! Unbeknownst to us, a small dam at the other end of the lake had been released, and our way back to camp was completely blocked. We had no choice but to go forward...up steep rocks in the blistering sun, with no supplies left.

What started out to be an easy hike by the lake had turned into a matter of survival for me, the blond sunlight-sensitive person.I drank from pools of water that had bear tracks in the mud beside them. The heat stroke started to set in. As I climbed the bare rocks before me, my vision started to cloud and I knew I was in serious trouble. I also foolishly looked down at the spear-like treetops below me. I froze.

My husband saw that I was growing sicker, so he threw the buckle end of his belt to me, and literally hauled me off that rock. Ahead he saw a fallen tree, and shoved it down the steep shale-covered hillside into the lake. We slid down the embankment and he dragged me into the water. The cool drenching saved my life, as we floated back to camp on the log.I started to feel better before we got to the other side. The others had no ill effects and simply hiked back to camp around the rest of the lake. My husband smiled and told me I had passed my "survival training." I felt oddly victorious, and the view from that part of the lake was spectacular. We had trekked 12 miles in 98 degree heat, with not enough water or food. And we could not turn back.

Never Give Up

When it feels like you want to give up, when you just can't go on another minute, don't give up. Fight through the pain, the sorrow, the heartaches, the attacks, the steep climb, and keep going. You can't go back now, you've come too far. Even though you are tired, victory is coming. That feeling when you have won, when you have overcome all the odds against you, is unfathomable. And God is with you, even when it feels like He is not.

Faithfulness and Truth

Trust, faithfulness, honor, truth...these are words that the Bible is quite clear about. Jesus is ALWAYS there for us, no matter what we go through in our lives. He is faithful, He honors us, He speaks truth, and we can trust Him. That pattern, that pathway, is the one we are to follow.

Many years ago, there was a man who came to our church from Texas. He began to contact people individually, wooing them with promises of money and a plan to make everything wonderful in their lives. He never once talked to me, because he knew my loyalty to my pastoral leadership was solid and unwavering. The spirit within him targeted the weak, the ones with personal desires. A few days after he showed up, I went to the church and found my pastor and his family huddled on the bed. Some of them had been crying. The parking lot was empty, only one car in sight. The man managed to drag all but three of us to Texas. Those who left created an impossible financial situation for my pastor- he had to go back to secular work. Those next few years were hell for him and his family, all because of a wolf in sheep's clothing, and a personal agenda that was completely unlike that of Christ.

The Word tells us that we should become like Jesus. Too often, people turn that into a religious idea. They choose to talk a lot about God, or babble on about His ways, but they never really apply those words to their lives in real works. James 2:17 says that faith without works is dead. Being like Christ means being LIKE Him - always faithful, always standing true to who you are and what God wants you to do.

It also happens that people who call themselves Christians have personal agendas that have nothing whatever to do with God's heart for them. It's called "selfish ambition" in the Bible. And people often follow that, thinking they are following God, when they are a long way from the truth.

I have encountered too many people who tell me they are Christians, but friendships, true friendships elude them.Why? because they are flighty and do not fight for those friends in prayer or in person. I want to be LIKE Jesus. He has been my friend through feast, famine, flood, fire, and every moment in between. He has even stood with me in my own failings and sin. Let's be like that for the people in our lives. Let's really be like Jesus. As new friends of mine would say:

"Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas: Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever."

The Remnant

The following entry into a contest won an award- I hope you will all enjoy it

THE REMNANT

by Faye Higbee

Amidst the broken walls of allowable love of country stands the tattered remnant of America’s patriots. Reviled as evil, their hearts for a nation once free are now stamped as dangerous and incapable of compassion. Where once a bright future reigned, now dark clouds of fear…or is it anger…shroud the hearts of The Remnant.

Yet they stand, their fingers intertwined with those of their children. They face the future with hope, knowing that the seasons of nations can transform from Light to Dark, or Dark to Light, in an instant.

The sight of “Old Glory” still causes their hearts to cry out. Her unfurled majesty is a moment of wonder for the privilege of citizenship in a land where belief in Freedom lives on in spite of the circumstances. A land where giving up or giving in is not an option. It’s a land where the flag’s symbols drive passion and love of values, a love of life. The patriot is caught in a moment of reflection, a moment of quiet remembrance.

Lest they forget that the flag is not just a flag, her colors call out to them. “My red stripes, my blood, shed to protect your sacred vow. The white of purity is a state of the heart which struggles for release within your human condition. The blue of Heaven, your final hope, the favor of the Almighty sought by the forefathers of America’s Constitution. Do you remember? Will you stand firm? Will you defend me?” The Remnant stands silently, inwardly weeping for the foundations destroyed by human disregard for her meaning.

Benjamin Franklin’s words from the day of the signing of the Declaration of Independence ring through the ages in stark testimony to the plight of the land once called “the colonies.” “We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” The Remnant cannot forget. They know that foundations are built on unity of purpose.

Descendants of the Revolutionary War know well the sacrifices of their ancestors. Frigid nights when inhospitable conditions threaten to destroy the men who call themselves “patriots.” Wearing tattered rags and threadbare shoes, they forge ahead because to give up would mean certain death. With few weapons and even fewer troops, their courage and determination to create a land of liberty pushes them far into the mouth of the English Lion.

Captured, murdered, tortured, but not crushed, a tiny armed militia finally breaks free of the yoke of tyranny. Their hope of freedom is won by sheer inner strength, the heart of The Remnant. It is the heart, after all, that drives mankind.

Through the conflicts of the ages, in battles both foreign and domestic, the fledgling nation grows. The Remnant flourishes, bent upon breathing life into their land. They make mistakes. They falter. Then in a rage that rivals the war in Heaven, brother fights against brother during the pursuit of freedom for all in the Civil War. Differences threaten to rip apart the nation that has been so desperately won.

The Remnant once again emerges, a breed whose hope for healing of their land shines brightly in the darkness of war. Abraham Lincoln speaks their hearts: “If we do not make common cause to save the good ship of the Union on this voyage, nobody will have a chance to pilot her on another voyage.” 1861 through 1865 mark years of savage bloodshed, as America splits itself apart over many issues, not the least of which is freedom for the slaves.

And yet, in the battle for liberty and justice for all, The Remnant triumphs.

As the fight for freedom moves to the world stage, The Remnant’s heart begins to break under the barrage of sorrow. A sense of sadness begins to pervade the nation. The hardships of two World Wars, the Great Depression, broken lives and dreams overwhelm the senses. Victories bring celebration, but by the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War, a jaded and cynical nation emerges. The Remnant watches as men and women no longer fight to win. Now they have learned to give up and give in.

Only brief respites during the years to come gives hope to The Remnant once again. But afterwards, the tide turns, and what was once an honor becomes something to disregard. What was once good is now spoken of as evil. Instead of unity, division now reigns supreme over the land. The definitions of a patriot and the very history of a nation are now subject to the whims of those who do not understand the hearts of The Remnant.

Yet, in the face of ever growing hostility, The Remnant persists. Freedom burns deep in their psyche. The land of the free may be weakened in the reality of current politics, but that hope, that desire for liberty still pervades the hearts of those who love America.

I am part of The Remnant. My family’s forefathers fought and died against overwhelming odds in battles for the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The sight of Old Glory fluttering in the breeze builds a lump in my throat. It is as if her stars have been ripped from the field of blue, and her red stripes swept from the flag. My heart breaks to see angst and division slashing the fabric of what was once a proud nation.

As I reflect on the sacrifices of my ancestors, I grieve for my country’s failure to recognize its own foundations. Whether it’s debt that crushes the hopes and dreams of the citizens, the loss of freedoms once granted under the Constitution, or the lack of vision for the future, this country is on a collision course. And I wonder. Will we, The Remnant, rise once again to right this Ship of State before it runs aground on the shoals of history? Or are we doomed to the tyranny of government that fails to understand the consequences of its actions? Only The Remnant knows its own heart. And the questions? Only The Almighty can answer.

Operation Eternal Light- Duty, Honor, Country

Duty, Honor, Country. Those are not mere words, but ideals that encourage men and women to the highest standard of service. Duty, to obey and follow those who have gone before them into the very belly of hell when necessary...it is also a call to save lives even when it costs them their own. Honor involves respect, integrity of heart, virtue that comes from facing the fires with honesty and truth. Country is about our Faith, our Republic, our America... our way of life. All of those things are engaged in a battle today that will determine whether we fall both as individuals and as a nation. I will not give up, and I will answer that call -we must all stand together.

Individuals in my world are battling, not the forces of evil, but each other. I love you all. God loves you all. I have grown more fond of each and every one of you than you can possibly imagine. Hardened hearts are causing a ripple effect of upheaval and warfare across the board. I'm asking you all as your friend, and as a pastor called to these last days, to stand down from this fight. You are not just hurting your "enemy," you are destroying yourselves. A house divided against itself cannot stand. We cannot win this country back without all of you- no group can do the task alone. You are not just hurting your enemy and yourselves, you are creating collateral damage among those who desperately want to be a part of what you are about.You are leaving a trail of broken hearts and minds that God will inevitably judge. And He will judge the division by leaving us to the tryanny of a government that hates us.

For those who profess to be Christians, I ask you this question: if Christ forgave you, how can you not forgive others? (Matthew 6:14, Luke 17:3) The "Lord's Prayer" states that God will "forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trepass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." How do you suppose we are to be saved from evil if we have not forgiven? You who started this conflagration know exactly who I'm talking to. You backed a man into a corner so of course then, from the defensive position, he came out swinging. God is deeply grieved. The Word says that if we have something against a person, we must go and be reconciled THEN bring our gifts to the Lord. You cannot hate your brother and still be a Christian.(1 John 4:20). We cannot just spout Jesus' words, we must LIVE them.You do not have to like someone, you do have to love them. We "wrestle not against flesh and blood." Period. Man up and walk as Christ commands you to walk.

We have a President who has actively split this nation in pieces. That spirit is having a ball. The ONLY hope we have is to "resist the devil and he will flee."(James 4:7). So resist, gentleman. Resist the temptation to hate, to return evil for evil, resist the war of words. Plant the flag of forgiveness and peace, and the fire will go out. Let it be Operation Eternal Light.

For my friends who are on this internal list- I am sorry you had to hear this. But perhaps you will pray for us all. This has become literally a life and death battle for many. Thanks. Faye- aka "Colonel"

Division- a recipe for failure

Conservatives are deeply divided at this juncture on almost every level. One refuses to vote for whoever, another refuses to vote period, the whole arena is filled with blame and accusations. Everybody is refusing blah blah blah... the whole thing sickens me. We are handing our country over to the enemy on a blood-stained platter.

Groups within America don't fight the enemy, they fight each other. I have been accused of some crazy things by Christians lately. So let me state this in terms everyone can understand:

The enemy we need to fight FIRST is the demonic. Satan's tactics have not changed: he strikes the shepherd and the sheep scatter. How does he do that? 1) By lies. He whispers in people's ears and they listen to him. Witness Chris Christie claiming that the more serious right wing people are "dangerous." It's the division, the name-calling, that is "dangerous."

2)By assumptions. He sets up circumstances so that we can't see the truth through the garbage. Then everyone is at each other's throats without truth in the middle. And by then pride sets in and nobody wants to back down. We MUST learn to know when it's time to heal the rifts or break from them. Just remember- breaking from those may create an election that cannot be won. People will become tired of the fracas and just stay home.

3)By sickness. He loves to set the saints up for illness- he'll wreck your blood pressure, make your head bleed, use anything you're doing against you, and especially if you have an attitude problem--he'll wreak havoc with that one. If you have something against someone else, dump it before the throne fast, or you could be struck with cancer or something else. Bitterness WILL kill you, guaranteed.

The battle is raging for the hearts and minds of America. If we play ball with the demonic forces we will lose. We must stop the bickering, the hate-filled rhetoric, the prideful attitudes that stand in the way of victory. The enemy cannot win this battle IF we follow the principles of the Lord. But that requires us to take the high road, not fall into the trap. The picture posted on this website is from a Facebook post, so I have no clue who took it. But it does reflect the battle we face between the promises of God and the enemy's darkness. Stop the fights. Let's save America.

Weak Kings

Let's discuss Joan of Arc. Her high intelligence and prowess led to her becoming the first and only woman to ever be the Supreme Commander of the armies of a nation at the young age of seventeen. She fought long and hard against their enemies and was fiercely loyal to a weak king. She gave him her all. Never once deciding that Dauphin was unfit for the office of king, she fought on with courage and strength. She fought heavily behind enemy lines. But in the end, she was captured. It was ultimately the king's failure to ransom her from the enemy that caused her to be burned at the stake. She was a courageous young woman with gifts beyond her years. Her life was cut short while fighting for her nation, a nation that was run by a fool who didn't care about much of anyone but himself.

America was born in rebellion. Our first leaders had foresight and wisdom, based upon Judeo-Christian values and thoughts. They cared about their armies, and their people. They were decidedly NOT weak. They knew the stakes, they fought the fight. And they won.

Over the centuries, American leaders have run the gamut between strong and powerful, and weak. But at no time have we had a leadership as weak as the one we have today. They rule by subterfuge, intimidation, and deception. Their minions follow them blindly without forethought. If you think they are strong, you are mistaken, because evil is foolish. They not only make scandals, they are personally so wrapped up in themselves that they could care less about the people. They do not serve us, they serve themselves. When leadership does that, people die.

We can chose to blindly follow these leaders, or we can stand up and and say NO. We can chose to let America be destroyed by their actions, or we can ask for Divine Guidance and believe that we can prevail. I have seen many people on some of the social networks either stick their heads in the sand and pretend all is well, or they sound like they will give up. Personally, I will not give up. This is MY country.Is it yours? Will you jump of the cliff for these leaders who do not care about you? Or will you say no way?